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TUESDAY 29th December, 2020

GuySuCo gets $4B

No.106227

–– close to 1,000 persons gain employment at shuttered estates, says Minister Mustapha

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Part payment for Bell 412 helicopter approved

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Cuban man arrested for allegedly murdering reputed wife, child

Virtual ‘container courts’ launched

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Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, point to a monitor in one of the virtual courtrooms, which shows the interiors of the other rooms. The second photo shows the container with the 14 courtrooms, which will allow for virtual hearings at the Lusignan Prison (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Year ends on high note with about US$200M in oil revenue

The Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA having received payment of US$49.3 million for its fourth oil lift, has ended the year on a high note with approximately US$200 million being generated so far from the countryâ€™s nascent oil and gas sector. The nation, new to the oil-

and-gas sector, sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million. In its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million and US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude. Along with those deposits and the US$12.9 million in royalties and interest, Guyana

has close to US$200 million in its Natural Resources Fund (NRF), at the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. Under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Guyana receives two per cent royalty and 50 per cent profit oil, which is what remains after the producer recovers their production cost. TURN TO PAGE

GuySuCo gets $4B GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

––close to 1,000 persons gain employment at shuttered estates, Min. Mustapha informs House

The Skeldon Sugar Estate

By Navendra Seoraj REPAIRING Guyana’s ‘damaged’ and ‘neglected’ sugar industry will be a tall task, but it is one which the government has shown it is ready to take on and accomplish successfully, said Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, as he made his case to the Committee of Supply for an additional $4 billion for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). This and other supplementary funds, which were requested by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, were subsequently approved by the National Assembly on Monday, but this did not come without scrutiny from Parliamentarians on the opposing side of the House. Questions from the Opposition Parliamentarians were focused specifically on the need for supplementary finance, since the National Assembly, in September this year, had approved $3 billion for GuySuCo. It was reported that of the $3 billion, $800 million will support the operating factories and $2.2 billion will go towards the shuttered Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon sugar estates. Considering this allocation, Opposition Parliamentarian, Khemraj Ramjattan, enquired why the government needs supplementary funds as he requested a breakdown of how the money would be spent. Minister Mustapha, in response to Ramjattan’s question, said: “This

money is budgeted for critical capital works in GuySuCo, which was neglected for five years. I could go through the items and I could lay it to the Honourable Member, some of the works are already earmarked to be done with this $4 billion.” In presenting a disaggregation of the requested supplementary allocation ($4 billion), the minister said $2.1 billion will go towards Albion Estate; $518 million to the Blairmont Estate; $60 million to Uitvlugt Estate; $10 million to Skeldon Estate; $746 million to Rose Hall Estate; $533 million to Enmore Estate and $60 million for the head office. In further defending the need for those supplementary allocations, Minister Mustapha said: “If you go around the three operating estates, you will see that they are at 60 per cent capacity. So you have to recapitalise, put in critical parts… the entire roadway at Albion needs upgrading. All these things were neglected because the intention of APNU+AFC was to close the sugar industry. And, we were saying that we want to ensure that we recapitalise and mechanise back to where it was.” This prompted Ramjattan to enquire about how the initial $3 billion allocation was spent, to which the minister responded: “We have started to expend in the closed estates and we will continue to spend from this fund. We had to do a lot of activities and I could lay over all the work.” In 2017, the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government had announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country. The move saw four sugar estates being closed, and 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs. But, it was reported that plans were afoot to not just rehire persons, but to return the industry to viability through coordinated and prudent management, which is expected to come from both private and public stakeholders. Minister Mustapha reiterated, on Monday, that work was ongoing at the shuttered estates, and close to 1,000 persons had already been rehired. “We have already employed 1,000 persons who they [APNU+AFC] dismissed. And, in the New Year, we will employ another 3,000 workers and I am optimistic

that, in the first crop of 2022, we will produce sugar once again at those estates. “They [APNU+AFC] have brought the estates to their knees, so we have to capitalise and bring the estates to a break-even point… there are opportunities in the Caribbean and it will also create more employment for the people,” said the Agriculture Minister. It was reported that the Rose Hall Estate will be the first of the three estates to be reopened and is expected to begin grinding in 2022. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh, was reported as saying that the government has received 10 Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from foreign companies, and one proposal from a local investor. Information on the investors’ identities remain confidential at this time, but Singh, during a recent press briefing, said the proposals will soon be reviewed. Singh, while not divulging details of the actual proposals, said interests have been expressed in sugar refinery, ethanol production, agro-energy, a distillery and packaged sugar, among other things. “GuySuCo is on a change plan; we have refashioned the way we are doing things. We have re-engineered the way we are thinking at GuySuCo; the whole vision at GuySuCo right now is to move up the value chain as fast as we can within the constraints of finances, and, in addition to that, we are opening three estates. So it’s going up, and it’s going broader,” said the CEO in

a previous report. GuySuCo has since restarted the production of packaged sugar, and will be focusing heavily on this aspect of production, instead of the traditional bulk production. “GuySuCo started production of packaged sugar; we are moving away from the dump market to go into packaged sugar, and this is the reality. We get double the value per tonne when we sell packet sugar, versus what we dump on the world market,” Singh said. Considering the substantial benefits of value-added production, the CEO believes it is a “no-brainer” situation when assessing which segments of the market to supply with Guyana’s sugar. The vision of GuySuCo, as outlined by the company’s management, is to focus on expanding the sale of packaged sugar in CARICOM, North America and the local markets. GuySuCo’s overarching plan for 2021 is to produce 97,000 tonnes of sugar, a high percentage of which is expected to be packaged. “We have to diversify, we cannot produce raw, brown sugar and survive… we have to produce value-added products like refined sugar, ethanol, improve on molasses, improve on the co-gen facility at Skeldon… those are the things we have to do and we have to bring down the cost of production,” said the Agriculture Minister. The aim is to bring the industry to a break-even point, and, further, to a level of profitability through prudent investments and management.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Court action being mulled against two school contractors

By Tamica Garnett

THE Ministry of Legal Affairs is considering legal action against the contractors and consultancy firms that were paid millions of dollars for the construction of the Yarrowkabra and St Rose’s High secondary schools, but never completed their work. The ministry is also examining ways in which it can recover millions of dollars from the Trinidadian company which was overpaid for works on the St Rose’s High School, given the fact that certain aspects of the contract were never executed. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the Ministry of Education (MOE) is currently assessing how much

and what type of work still remains to be done on the schools, so that the contracts could be re-tendered. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said that he is currently in the process of gathering the necessary information to put together the cases. “We are currently in the process of receiving instructions from the staff of the Ministry of Education to prepare a case. Once we receive the instructions and we are clear on who are implicated in the breaches, all those persons would be placed before the court,” Nandlall said. He further added: “The intention is to take the contractor to court. Courtney

The state of the St Rose’s High School as at September 10, 2020

Benn for St Rose’s High School, and we are also examining the Yarrowkabra School with a view of instituting legal proceedings for a breach of contract and for monies received and works not done.” It was early last month that the Attorney-General Chambers terminated the multimillion-dollar contracts for the construction of the Yarrowkabra Secondary School and the reconstruction of the St. Rose’s High School. And the recently released 2019 Auditor General (AG) Annual Report revealed that the contractors for both of the schools were already paid significant amounts of money, in some cases far exceeding the works done. TURN TO PAGE

Year ends on high note with about ... The country’s most recent payment was delayed because ExxonMobil- the company

producing oil offshore Guyana- had taken a decision to limit oil production after

encountering challenges with the gas handling system on the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) earlier this year. This resulted in production hovering below the peak 120,000 barrels per day mark for several months. Guyana’s next payment is anticipated in February 2021. A special

evaluation team of local and foreign experts, appointed by the government, are examining tenders to ensure that Guyana has the best-suited company to market the country’s oil. Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo had said no money from the fund will be used until the government amends

Tuesday December 29, 2020 –– 3:30HRS

or repeals the existing NRF Act. The government had committed to addressing important issues of transparency and ensuring systems and institutions are in place before those funds are utilised. Sections of the media also reported President Irfaan Ali as saying Guyana’s oil revenue will remain untouched until a series of reforms are enacted to strengthen the Government’s regulatory infrastructure for the oil and gas sector. “My government is fo-

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cused heavily on transparency and accountability. As you know, we have demonstrated this after the negotiations of the licence for the Payara. Not only did we make the agreement public, but we also made the environmental permit public, so nothing is done in secrecy. “I’ve said before, there’ll be an arm’s length relationship with the politicians. We had international experts leading those negotiations and discussions,” the Head of State said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Part payment for Bell 412 helicopter approved

–– Over $130M approved for maintenance, operationalisation of GDF’s Beechcraft, training of engineers By Navendra Seoraj AS part of strengthening the capacity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to conduct aerial operations, the Government of Guyana has moved ahead with plans to purchase a Bell 412 helicopter and maintain and operationalise the King Air 350 Beechcraft. Those initiatives were not catered for in the 2020 Budget, so the government approached the National Assembly on Monday for supplementary financing of more than $543 million, which was approved after intense scrutiny by opposition Members of Parliament. Based on a breakdown of the supplementary funds, $412 million will be used to facilitate advance payments on the acquisition of a Bel 412 helicopter, but it was not stated whether it will be sourced from the U.S. Either way, it is expected to supplement the GDF’s aerial capacity, as is also the case with the King 350 Beechcraft. Of the $543 million, $108 million will go towards the maintenance and operationalisation of the Beechcraft, while $23 million will be expended on overseas training for four GDF engineers. Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance at the Office of the President,

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance at the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh

Dr. Ashni Singh told the Committee of Supply that the engineers, who were identified by the leadership of the GDF’s air corps, will be trained on material related to the maintenance and operation of the King 350 Beechcraft. There are also provisions for pilots. In responding to questions from opposition parliamentarians, Dr. Singh said both initiatives are viewed as important to strengthening the operational capacity of the GDF for aerial activities. When asked why the 2020 Budget did not cater for this, Dr. Singh said: “The budget for 2020 approved a number specific activities…

in this specific instance, the bringing into operation of these aircraft were identified to be activities that were not anticipated at the time the budget was enacted, but were deemed critical for aerial capacity.” It was reported that the U.S. State Department approved the possible foreign military sale of two Bell 412Epi and two Bell 429

A bell 412 helicopter

helicopters to the Government of Guyana which will be used to conduct maritime surveillance and patrol, search and rescue, interdiction; counter narcotic trafficking and transnational criminal organisations. The Bell 412Epi specifically has a range of 672km and is a modernised, four-bladed version of the UH-1 Huey utility heli-

copter. It is often used for police roles, as well as offshore oil rig worker and military troop transportation. According to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, the principal contractor will be Bell Helicopter Textron Incorporated (BHTI), Piney Flats, TN. The defence agency approved

the sale with a future acquisition option of up to US$256M. The four light helicopters will have unspecified customer-unique modifications. The sales package also includes two WESCAM MX-10 cameras, mission equipment, contractor-provided pilot and maintainer training, ground support equipment and spares.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Amerindian Development THE Amerindian Village at the Sophia Exhibition Site is transformed annually in September into a microcosm of the wider national network of Guyana’s indigenous peoples. This calendar event represents a melting pot of the Indigenous tribes of Guyana, whose cultural performances are traditionally done in several Amerindian languages by representatives of the various Amerindian communities. September was designated Amerindian Heritage Month by the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Formerly relegated to the periphery of existential dynamics within mainstream national demographics, with little or no access to the amenities and facilities coastal dwellers take for granted, and little hope for advancement or development for their children, Amerindians have come into their own since the PPP/Civic assumed governance of the nation in 1992. Their achievements today are phenomenal, with Amerindian women being powerful members of the Cabinet, and a host of other Amerindian professionals serving in various capacities across the nation. Many have opted to return and serve

in their home villages upon completion of their formal education. They are allowed choices within their development paradigms and, second to government, they are the largest landowners in this nation. Once treated without respect as a backward people, allowed the dregs from the nation’s coffers, the indigenous people of Guyana are today fully integrated in the wider society, while yet maintaining and sustaining their traditional cultural and social identity. In his address during an Amerindian celebratory event, then President His Excellency Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said: “Every year we set aside a month specifically to focus on the richness and diversity of the culture of our indigenous people, and since the month of September was dedicated to such a celebration by our late Presiden Dr. Cheddi Jagan, there has been growth, not only in terms of the number of people who participate, but in terms of the knowledge of this rich, wonderful culture of the nine tribes of our indigenous people. “So we are extremely grateful to our Amerindian people for broadening and deepening our culture and our cultural

identity. “I have been privy to the many debates that have characterised our most recent history, particularly the conclusion that indigenous peoples need to preserve their culture and that any intrusion of modernity could lead to a reversal, or an erosion of this culture. “In many parts of the world there is this view that our indigenous people and population must become museum pieces; that they must be kept in a historically intact state, but…I have said this for a very long time, and the government and the party I come from share the view that we can balance the two – we can ensure that our indigenous people progress materially, and that they can also dream big dreams while, at the same time, we can create and sustain the conditions for the preservation of this wonderful culture. “My government will never impose on you any development model, or theory, or idea that is aiming to undermine your culture. “Whatever model or initiative we choose to institute at the village level will have to be done carefully and with the consent of the people who live in those

areas, because we respect the right of our Amerindian people to have choices. We have worked for a very long time to give them choices, not only at the local level, but at the national level. Their children can go to school and further their studies after primary school. Now they can get secondary education through dormitories built in their communities, and they can come to Georgetown, and go even further [sic] afield, on scholarships. They have choices to become young doctors and nurses and, at the same time, maintain their cultural identity.” Since the former President made the foregoing speech, Amerindian development had escalated by leaps and bounds, with dormitories for students being among other initiatives that are aimed at providing relief to Amerindian communities and enhancing the lives and lifestyles to the first peoples of Guyana. Stymied for the five preceding years until the PPP/C administration returned to office, the Amerindian communities have once again been equalised in the national developmental dynamic and for the years to come, there will be many brighter days ahead.

Hard work of first- generation indentured led to their economic progress Dear Editor,

THE first generation of indentured labuorers from India made immense sacrifices to provide for their Guyana-born children and other descendants while contributing significantly to the colonial economy; they laid the groundwork for economic progress. The indentured helped each other, especially members of extended families and neighbours, to overcome travails of the indentureship experience. They lived and worked co-operatively as illustrated by the experience of my extended kinship. My father’s (Baldat) paternal grandfather (his aja) was Ghurbatore (had one name as was normal for many Indians) and paternal grandmother (Aji) was Amru Rai. He was from Kusmi Village of sub-district Nundgunj of district Ghazipur in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP); and she was from Siarha Village in sub-district Raunapur in district Azamgarh of UP. They were housed in a holding station (pen) at Port Calcutta (Kolkata) for some three weeks before departing for British Guiana in August 1891 to work on sugar plantations as indentured labourers. The journey lasted some three months at sea. On arrival, the couple was bounded to Plantation Port Mourant, the largest sugar estate in Guiana and perhaps in the entire British Empire. Ghurbatore left his father Abilakh and

sister Atwaria behind, while Amru left her father Dukhi behind. It is not known how and why they were recruited (kidnapped or came willingly or were deceived) in becoming indentured. There is no record of other family members left behind other than what was told orally to their children born in Guiana and then handed down to grandchildren and other generations; I tried to learn about other siblings from tracing their roots in their respective villages in UP. I visited the villages several times and interacted with dwellers, including some thought to be ancestral relatives. In Port Mourant, Amru and Ghurbatore were housed in a small cottage at Boundyard, so named because that is where the indentured labourers were kept to carry out bounded labour, which was hardly different from slave labour. (Each ethnic group lived in a separate community to prevent ethnic solidarity. Port Mourant also had a Portuguese Quarter and a “N Yard,” pejoratively labelled by the colonial plantation owners. Notice that the Portuguese indentured area was not called a yard, whereas ‘coolie’ and ‘negro’ had an appendage). Ghurbatore and Amru lived in a cottage just a few minutes walk from where my mother’s (Gladys) maternal grandparents (Amar Singh and Bhuri Singh from Bharatpur, Rajasthan) were bounded in 1903. The indentured were given a few cents for their daily task, almost 12 hours a day and six

days a week. They saved their measly earnings while using some to upgrade their crumbling cottage that once housed slaves. After completing their indenture, my great grandparents settled down rather than returned to India. It is not known if they remained voluntarily, or if they were refused the return trip to India; a return trip was stated in the contract. The plantation owners wanted the indentured to stay on to continue their almost free labour on the estates. Thus, a variety of measures were undertaken to coerce or encourage them to stay. They were supposed to be given the return passage of some $50 if they chose to remain on the estate. But there is no record if they were given the money. Clauses in the contract were not always enforced by the colonial authorities, and the labourers were routinely cheated of their paltry earnings. It was widely recorded that the indentured were badly exploited and ill-treated. Some of them were promised a small plot of land in exchange for the return passage. Not all of them received land. Some of them received useless marsh or forested land and some bought land. They cleared the land to make it cultivable. They built small houses on a land grant or purchased land; the houses may be a far distance from the farmland as was the case of my ancestors in Ankerville. The farmlans and the cattle-grazing lands were dozens of miles away from home.

After completing their indenture (not sure if for five or 10 years), Ghurbatore and Amru acquired a cottage for their family just outside of Boundyard, across the Sideline in Ankerville, where the (now famous) Jagans would live after completing their indenture. The indentured labourers must leave the estate cottage after completion of their indenture. Ankerville was cleared of the forests in the early 1900s and the indentured were parcelled house lots. (Haswell, Babu Jahan, Trainline, Miss Phoebe, Tain, Clifton, Jones, and other sub sections of Port Mourant were created much later; Portuguese Quarter was also extended for settlement of the indentured who had completed their bonded labour). My great grandparents (par aja and par aji) had five children – three sons and two daughters. Naurangya (mother of the wellknown Muneshwer, Georgetown businessman) was the older beti (daughter) followed by Sancharee (mother of well-known business folk Lilmatee Hilton of Rose Hall and Hindu Ramjee of Tain, among others). The betas or sons were Mahadeo, my aja or paternal grandfather, followed by Rajaram and Mahase. Mahadeo was well known as Barkha Bhai (eldest brother) among the siblings and was so respectably referred to by family and neighbours. Muneshwer was the oldest grandchild TURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

The downside of Guyana in the leap year 2020 Dear Editor, IN retrospect, the dreaded leap year 2020, globally projected many points of view which can be pictured in multiple perspectives, particularly positive for a limited few and negative for most who portend not to pretend. In many countries, it has been a year when the practice of broken principles replaced the value of honour and dignity and many politicians savoured dirty politics and dishonesty. Throughout the world, parallel with or aloof from politics is the deadly attack of the COVID-19 pandemic which poisoned people and places. Researchers were successful in providing the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, hoping to prevent the spread of this virus as participants continue to be inoculated. Guyana was in no way different from the rest of the world and also suffered from the disease of politics and the deadliness of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, Guyana General and Regional Elections held on March 2nd, took precedence over the pandemic, caused by a virus killing some 164 Guyanese to date with over 6,200 confirmed cases registered. Some 5,200 people have recovered and over 32,000 have been tested. Making headlines was the refusal of the callous APNU+AFC government, lead by then President David Granger, to acknowledge the victory of the PPP/C party, led by current President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. The numerous daring but feeble attempts to rig the election was glaring to the entire world, when GECOM officers valiantly tried unsuccessfully to hinder the smooth operation of the electoral process, hindering a declaration until after five months. Highlighting resistance to the APNU+AFC undermining democracy, was the commendable input of the diplomats from the ABCE countries, all heads from the Caribbean and

Commonwealth countries, regional and local stakeholders and the Guyanese people. This fearless defiance to a heartless President Granger and his reckless party members, underscored the demise of the APNU+AFC. America’s final boot in the butt, finally saw Granger demitting office when Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo instituting visa restrictions as a sanction and Granger was instructed to “step aside”, after receiving a potently effective phone call from a powerful resource! terrible year of 2020 will always be remembered for the shame and disgrace Guyana and Guyanese suffered as a result of the devious actions perpetrated upon a nation and her people by the infamous Granger and his rogue band of senseless men and women. Granger dragged the country through dirt from the inception of the year by illegitimately appointing James Patterson as GECOM Chairman. A house-to-house registration exercise further denied the calling of an early election. The many frivolous and vexatious litigations petitioned in the Guyana courts and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) exposed the fallacies Granger and his battery of legal advisers, led by former Attorney General Basil Williams. The former AG felt the wrath of the law by losing three times consecutively at the CCJ. Of paramount importance for this year and for Guyana is the infamous fact that not a single Caribbean Head of Government nor a Head of State from the rest of the international community supported Granger and his deceptive group with their villainous behaviour. In fact, it was a CARICOM recount election result and all heads from CARICOM and the AOL condemning Granger and the APNU+AFC, that further hammered the last nail in the party’s coffin. This despicable act has caused the APNU+AFC to feel unwelcome and uncom-

fortable in the presence of any foreign dignitary and they will never be able to see “eye to eye” again with any decency and dignity. Enough was enough and they cannot blame this leap year, but their greed and lust for illegitimate power and financial control. With damaging and devastating effect, are the startling revelations by the PPP/C since assuming office, of all of the corruption and collusions perpetrated by the Granger-led APNU+AFC during their delirious reign for the past five years. New Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh has revealed that the former government spent $1.2 trillion in the last five years and left the economy in disaster, an abused Contingency Fund and US$400 million in new external debt. The country was taxed with the collection of $992 billion in revenues and then the former government squandered $1.2 trillion in a wasteful and unproductive manner. The aggregate fiscal deficit of the central government amounted to $130 billion, after accounting for grants received. It is noteworthy to pinpoint that the PPP/C government when they demitted office in 2015, left a net deposit at the Central Bank of $16 billion, which was confirmed by the IMF. Also, government is currently saddled with the $30 billion NICIL bond of which $17 billion has been drawn down, and a humongous $12 billion owed to GPL by government entities, including $7 billion owed to the utility by GWI. The frenzied and debilitating crime wave is another sore area dominating this year’s occurrences, with the alarming escalation of treacherous road deaths and accidents. The brutal deaths of the Henry cousins and Haresh Singh remain an unsolved mystery. The increase of violence against women resulted in many deaths as another focal point. Racial insinuations instigated by APNU+AFC leaders and servants, at home and abroad, clouded dark

Hard work of first- generation ... of Ghurbatore and Amru, bringing much joy to the family and as such was showered with lots of gifts. Muneshwer was fondly called Bhaiya by cousins and neighbours. Sancharee died in 1946 from appendicitis and Naurangya had a natural death in 1961. Ghurbatore and Amru laboured very hard on the estate and used their savings to acquire land and cattle. (They tied their bellies to save for their children as my aja had related). It was thickly forested land. They had to clear the land of the jungle to make it cultivable for rice and kitchen crops. They also had to clear the land where they had built their cottage. My memory of the 1960s was the area around the cottage of Ghurbatore and Amru had large towering tamarind trees and all kinds of thick bushes with needles (plimplas). The indentured couple, like other indentured, were very industrious. They cleared the many acres of land had purchased from the estate, transforming them into productive paddy fields. They also leased hundreds of acres of land that they transformed into a savannah for cattle-grazing. They purchased hundreds of cattle for milk production. Milk was sold to the public and or used to produce ghee. The cows were milked in the backdam and placed in dozens of milk cans and transported by the train at Trainline or on bicycles to the main road where it was collected by Ghurbatore’s two daughters and daughters- in-law and sold in bulk or retail. The cow dung was used as manure on the rice fields. Ghurbatore and Amru were a generous couple, allowing others to graze their cattle on their leased land as well as on their rice land after the harvest. The two daughters moved on after marriage, while the three sons remained at home with their spouses and children for some time before moving out in their own homes built by Amru and Ghurbatore. As was the tradition,

Ghurbatore and Amru gave his daughters’ husbands dowry (land grant, cattle, cash, jewellery). The custom was brought from India and was practised for a few generations to this day. Ghurbatore also set up the daughters for success with housing and support to help raise their families. The two girls were successful going into business. Naurangya got assistance for her son in business, while Sancharee received assistance as a vendor in the market and inherited rice land (that was distributed) and few cattle. Naurangya also received funds to build a house in Ankerville on a large plot of land with many fruit frees behind the Port Mourant hospital. Sancharee and her husband were accommodated in a cottage, a few houses away from where Ghurbatore and Amru lived. (Sancharee was wedded to Ramjee Singh, who was given the respected title of Babu. He was an indentured labourer from India who came to Guiana in 1912. Sancharee and Ramjee had several children – Phulmatee, Lilmatee, Inderjeet or Hindu, Golin, Baljeet, Bethlyn, Boodoo, and Sugrim). Naurangya had only one child – Muneshwer. As the oldest grandson, Muneshwer was the favourite and was funded by Ghurbatore and Amru in business, opening a clothing shop next to Roop Mahal in Haswell; his Mamu or mother’s brother, Mahadeo, my aja, also loaned him funds to assist with the business. It was the expectation of Ghurbatore that Muneshwer would help his cousins, the grandchildren of Amru and Ghurbatore. After his success at Haswell, Port Mourant, Muneshwer moved to Georgetown where he established the largest hardware at the time and that remained so for decades. Other grandkids also received gifts. When Golin got married, Ghurbatore and Amru gifted a cow and a calf to the dulahin and her husband, Pandit Bangat). It was the custom among the older generations to gift

cows in marriage; my aja also gifted a cow to my eldest sister in marriage. Females were gifted less than the sons who inherited the bulk of the property of hundreds of acres of productive rice land. But the land and cattle were still communally owned and planted for the extended clan as the indentured wanted to hold on to their properties. Ghurbatore was the boss, reluctant to part from his land and cows till his death when his wife took charge of family affairs. Ghurbatore assisted two of his sons to go into small businesses – Mahase in tailoring and running a general clothing-related shop, while mentoring Muneshwer; Rajaram managed a plowing enterprise using ox and a team of workers. My Aja did not pursue business, preferring instead to tend to the rice land and cattle to continue the father’s ancestral tradition. Aja had lost his wife who died young before any of his five children (Ramrattan, Baldat who was my day, Baleraj, Eva, and Simbhudas had wed; my father ran a shop in Ankerville and Simbhudas had a shop in Bloomfield after their marriage). He lent his savings to his siblings and nephews and nieces, and they transformed it into wealth for themselves. Aja lacked skills to transform his assets into greater wealth. Not surprisingly, he was not as wealthy as his siblings. It is also the tradition in Indian families for the oldest son to imitate the father and continue his occupation. Thus, Mahadeo, aka, Bharka Bhai spent his entire life in rice cultivation and cattle-rearing. Mahase and his three children (Beta Bhai, Buddy, and Betty) had no interest in farming. Rajaram’s 10 children assisted with farming. Aja partnered with Rajaram to purchase a tractor in late 1940s or early 1950s. They were among the earliest farmers to acquire a tractor for plowing of the large acreage of

days of this year. As a result, the Berbice fiasco became a reality due to lawless, provocative and unethical behaviour. The year 2020 will be remembered as one when the APNU+AFC was party to the traumatising of Guyana, driven to a higher poverty line and contributing to the pain and suffering of Guyanese. The ambitious Granger’s penchant for maintaining illegitimate power at any cost signalled the defection of sanity to madness, heralding the disrespect of law and order and castigating the innocence of Guyanese. Another year when the Constitution was trampled upon by APNU+AFC party, the rights of Guyanese and rules and regulations were ignored, even the police force and the army were in default. This is a year when many intellectuals, professionals, and social and religious leaders kept in abeyance, remained silent and refused to speak up and against the wrongdoings committed on the Guyanese people. The now producing oil industry brought more headaches with astonishing and unbelieving disclosures to fathom a seat of aspersions, controversies and speculations by both the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C, leaving Guyanese with doubts and uncertainties. This leap year 2020, will be remembered for all its blasphemy, challenges, hypocrisy, dishonesty, lies, deceit, financial misappropriations, unveiled corruption, exposure of the APNU+AFC’s inefficiency and deficiency and the deterioration of many political parties, denouncing the downside of Guyana’s infamous achievements. If time, space and opportunity permit, an attempt will be made to glance at the other side of the coin. Respectfully, Jai Lall TURN FROM PAGE 6 paddy fields. The tractor was also used to assist non-family members with plowing. Rajaram was the driver of the tractor; my aja showed no inclination to drive a tractor, preferring to stay in the backlands, while Rajaram and later his children drove the tractor back and forth from Ankerville to the fields. Ghurbatore died during mid 1940s and Amru late 1940s. The property, rice lands and cattle they acquired during their four decades in Guiana would be split up among the three sons after their parents’ death. Mahase lost interest in tending to cattle and rice cultivation and was compensated for his share of inheritance. The other two brothers attended to the land as partners with demarcated sections. The cattle remained undivided, hundreds belonging equally to both. Mahadeo and Rajaram cooperated, rearing their cattle and cultivating rice. Before his death, Mahadeo divided up his rice land and cattle among his four sons. Rajaram also divided up his land and cattle among his children. My father teamed up with Rajaram in herding his cattle. After the death of Mahadeo and Rajaram in late 1960s and 1970 respectively, the flock had been depleted. Many were stolen or eaten by leopards or tigers at Canje back or the savannah, and some were sold. My father kept a few cattle and some died from a severe drought with the rest sold before we migrated to America in 1977. The hard work and industriousness of the first generation led to their economic progress. Their financial assistance laid the groundwork for the economic progress of their children and grandchildren and other descendants. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Lack of material, funding delaying city works

–– City Engineer tells M&CC meeting THE lack of funds and materials is hindering the City Engineer’s Department from executing a number of critical works in Georgetown, City Engineer, Colvern Venture, said on Monday. Venture made this revelation after the issue of a broken valve at the Stabroek Market, which has caused flooding, and some unfinished infrastructural work in Albouystown were brought to light during the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) statutory meeting. Venture told the gathering that the Council’s Finance Department has not provided any funds and this has resulted in the stalling of critical works.

He informed that he made three attempts to procure the valve but his requisitions went unanswered. One of the requests were made to the Finance Department in December 2019. Venture explained that an amount of $88,000 would have remedied the situation with the valve if his requisition was acted upon. He stated that in 2020 he made two other requisitions concerning the valve but to date there has been no response and the suppliers’ price has since increased to over $100,000. Meanwhile, City Mayor, Ubraj Narine, in response to the City Engineer, expressed belief that the delay was caused by a breakdown

in communication and the failure of the internal administration. The Mayor indicated to Venture that his responses/ excuses are not acceptable as he should have reported the delays to the City Council or called an administrative meeting with the relevant departments to get the issues that were raised resolved. However, Venture said that while it is his task to inform the responsible department of the materials needed, it is the Finance Department’s duty to purchase and supply the necessities to the varying departments to facilitate the works. Venture also disclosed that the materials requisi-

Court action being mulled... The $827.756 million contract for the Yarrowkabra Secondary, which is located just off the Linden Highway, was awarded in December 2019 to BK International Inc., and in January 2020, a mobilisation advance of $26.041 million was paid over. The work was scheduled for completion on March 12, 2021. However, when the contract was terminated last month, in the letter issued, the Attorney-General noted that only five per cent of the work had been completed so far. In the letter, Nandlall had noted that the government would activate the provisions in the con-

tract regarding the enforcement of ten per cent of the contract sum as liquidated damages, and the surrendering of the performance security as a result of the company’s fundamental breach of the contract. In the case of St Rose’s High, the $352.71 million construction contract for that school was awarded to Courtney Benn Contracting Services Ltd. in 2018, with the contract signed in August of that year. However, this was preceded by Trinidadian (TT) company- Bynoe, Rowe & Wiltshirebeing awarded a US$134,790 (G$28M) consultancy contract for the design and supervision

of construction of the school. The design phase was scheduled to conclude in July, 2018, while the supervision was dependent on a contract being awarded for construction. Notwithstanding the construction never commencing, according to the AG Report, the company has already been paid in full for both aspects. Additionally, though the contract with Bynoe, Rowe & Wiltshire covered the soil investigations and design of the foundation for the school, the ministry is said to have deemed the foundation design done by the company as inadequate and paid two additional companies to provide services for redesigning the foundation for the school. A second consultancy company was awarded a $6.575M contract, in January 2019, “to determine whether a deep foundation was required for the construction of the building”, while a third consultant was paid $432, 000 “for the calculation of loads of the building for redesigning the foundation”. As it pertains to the possibility of recovering monies from the TT Company, Nandlall noted that “the process would be a little more protracted and technical but the possibility is there to recover from the TT Company.” “First of all, we would have to enquire whether they have assets in Guyana. We can also serve the proceedings in Trinidad, and they would be bound by that legal process to attend the court in Guyana. If and when we obtain judgement we can execute the judgement against their assets in Guyana and TT,” he explained. Meanwhile, the construction company has since been paid at least $95.434 million dollars, though from assessments, only nine per cent of the work is said to have been completed as of last month. Among the monies received

Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine

tioned have not been forthcoming from the Finance Department and he reminded the Mayor that he had indeed brought the issue to the Council on numerous occasions in writing and FROM PAGE

by the contractor included an initial advance of $59.906 million and another advance in January, 2020 of $28.963M, with both Advance Payment Bonds having expired since March 2020 and none of the advance payments having been recovered. However, according to the Auditor General’s report, despite the contract stipulating that the contractor used the advance payments exclusively to pay for plant, machinery, and equipment, materials and other expenses required directly for the execution of the contract, “it is unclear what this first advance payment was used for” as there has been no evidence of scope of works covering that amount. “The ministry went ahead and paid the contractor a second advance. No evidence was seen whereby the contractor used the advance payments exclusively to pay for plant, machinery, and equipment, materials and other expenses required directly for the execution of the contract, as required under clause 34.2 of the General Conditions of contract,” the AG report noted. In addition to the advances, the AG report also noted that: “the contractor was further paid the sums of $5.186M and $1.379M... followed by several small payments for security charges.” As it pertains to the way forward now to have the construction of the schools completed, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand noted that the situation is being assessed. “We are in the process of measuring where we are because that’s a very technical process that has to be done. Where you measure what had been done and what remains to be done and that way you could go out to tender to do a public bid,” she told this newspaper.

City Engineer, Colvern Venture

during statutory meetings. Venture told those present at the meeting that the Engineer’s Department can only execute work when it is given the materials, tools, requested items

and the relevant funds. He said in the absence of such, there is not much he or his department can do to address the issues raised by the Council or the citizens of Georgetown.

Town Clerk urged to write vendors over late-night noise nuisance

City councillor Ivelaw Henry

CITY Councillor Ivelaw Henry on Monday called on Town Clerk Julian Orgista to pen a letter of warning to city vendors, especially those in the Bourda Market, following complaints of loud and vulgar music being played late at night. Henry, who reportedly witnessed the situation firsthand, said in recent weeks he has observed a number of vendors loitering around the market after closing hours and playing music, which is a nuisance to other citizens. The councillor raised the issue during a statutory meeting at City Hall where he said, “I need the clarification of the market clerk whether a fish stall is given permission to have music played during the night...During the night they have business going on and it is a noise nuisance in Bourda.” He stressed, “These mar-

ket stalls or these fish stalls on Bourda and Regent Street they have their business in the night, and the stall was given [permission] to do business in the day.” The councillor described the situation as a “cultural shock” as many persons, especially older citizens, are forced to listen to the vulgar music. “It is traumatic. I call it a cultural shock because people have to listen to that noise,” he said. As such, he called on the market clerk and town clerk to intervene and remedy the situation as quickly as possible. “So Mr. Mayor, I want the market clerk to handle this and, two, I want the town clerk to write these people and tell them they must desist [from such action],” he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

31 children attempted 52 more recover from COVID-19 suicide in 2020 –– five new cases from 114 tests

By Rehana Ahamad IT is no secret that Guyana has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, and, even more disturbing, is the fact that the recorded global figures also account for children, more accurately, persons below the age of 18. As at October last, some 31 children had attempted to end their lives by various means. These figures, provided by the Childcare Protection Agency (CPA), specify that 25 females and six males attempted suicide for the period January 2020 to October 2020. This represents a significant decrease in the number of cases reaching the agency when compared to 2019. Last year, a staggering 79 children comprising 55 girls and 24 boys, attempted to take their lives. Global studies show that young children and teenagers attempt suicide mainly due to depression caused by the stress and anxiety attached to academic pressure, alcohol consumption, the loss of a valued relationship, frequent change of residency, poor family patterns and abuse. Director of the CPA, Ann Greene, explained, during a recent staff conference, that the agency is working aggressively towards improving and expanding its psychosocial services to children and families throughout Guyana, especially within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We definitely will be concentrating on providing assistance to the family by increase services and social network supports at the community level,” Green said. She indicated that the agency’s long-term goal is the development of the family as a safety net for children. “The family is regarded as an agent of the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG) and it is said that through the essential roles of the family that the SDG is achievable. Consequently, the plan is to use a family-centred and strength-based approach, which involves building positive partnerships with the family and identifying its strength and build on it,” Green elaborated. She informed that the reduction of the agency’s caseloads is critical to it being able to deliver on its mandate to ensure that Guyana’s children are raised in loving, healthy environments that are conducive to their overall wellbeing. As a result, the appointment of key personnel is expected to be pursued in the coming year. “Accordingly, we will be using new approaches to combat same in the new budget year,” Green said. For the aforementioned period, a total of 775 boys and 991 girls were afforded counselling through various CPA interventions. There were also 3,547 cases where parental counselling and capacity building were also

provided. Nonetheless, even though CPA data for the past two years show more girls attempting suicide as compared to boys, the overall figures for Guyana indicate the opposite. In fact, the United Nations Human Development Report for 2020 specifies that female suicides in Guyana occur at a rate of 14.2 per 100,000 persons, while suicides among males recorded a rate of 46.6 per 100,000 persons. According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, Guyana has made several notable steps forward with regard to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A latest update on Guyana’s progress specifies that the country’s suicide rate was reduced by some 35 per cent. In September 2019, Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, confirmed the reduction, specifying that Region Two had the highest rate of suicides in the country, followed by Region Six. Examination of the Ministry of Health’s data showed that persons of East Indian origin were more prone to suicides, accounting for 68 per cent of suicides recorded in Guyana. This was followed by the African-Guyanese community with a 17 per cent rate, as of 2018.

AS the fight against the virus, COVID-19, continues, an additional 52 persons have recovered, after being infected, while five new persons have tested positive, according to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard for December 28. Following the recovery of the 52 additional persons, the total number of persons who have recovered since March is now 5,680. Meanwhile, the five new cases were recorded from a total of 114 tests. The country has now recorded a total of 6,298 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. Two of the latest confirmed cases were recorded in Region Four while the other three were recorded in Region 10. Out of the five new cases recorded, two were females and the remaining three were males. There are currently 413 active cases, seven of which are being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. There are eight persons in institutional isolation; 387 are in home isolation and 11 are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, exhibiting no symptoms. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Nine) are in force from December 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew is 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Virtual ‘container courts’ to reduce backlog, cut costs –– 14 courtrooms ready for immediate use at Lusignan prison

By Vishani Ragobeer AIMING to restore and increase access to fair court hearings, within a reasonable time, containers at the Lusignan Prison barracks at the Cecil Kilkenny Training College on the East Coast of Demerara were retrofitted into 14 courtrooms that will enable virtual hearings of cases. By now, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are well-ventilated and the judicial system was not spared from these disruptions. At the launch of the virtual courts at the Lusignan prison on Monday, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, however said, “Article 144 of the constitution provides for a fair hearing within a reasonable time but the pandemic is no exception to that fair hearing in a reasonable time and therefore, as members of the administration of justice, we were mindful of duty and mindful of our constitutional imperatives.” She related that a task force was put together to determine how summary and criminal cases continued despite the pandemic; consideration was given to how this might exacerbate the backlog of cases in the judicial system. Remote hearings were done for persons in custody while the Magistrates’ Courts kept hearing cases, though in-person hearings were limited. WhatsApp, telephones, Skype and Zoom were all platforms used to connect individuals- defendants, witnesses and investigators- to the courtrooms, to ensure that the hearings and access to justice continued. Through the use of a statistical audit detailing prison statistics, the judiciary was able to revisit policies of imprisonment and in some cases reduced bail and prioritise hearing those cases where the defendants were in custody for long periods. Beyond those measures, though, efforts were made to streamline these virtual judicial processes, mitigating challenges to access to technology. That led to the creation of the virtual ‘con-

tainer courts’, which were pioneered in Trinidad and Tobago. These courts, the Chancellor emphasised, can make a difference in the criminal justice system. They are not able to allow for hearings during the pandemic, but they will allow for a safer and more efficient hearing

of cases since it reduces the need for persons to travel far distances and can readily connect police investigators, witnesses, litigants and defendants.

“The virtual courtrooms are intended to accelerate hearings and trials,” Justice Cummings-Edwards emphasised, adding, “these container courts now provide

hope. It is a source of hope in difficult times.”

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards look on at a monitor in one of the courtrooms which shows the interiors of the other rooms (Delano Williams photo)

INCREASED ACCESS “The use of technology will definitely bring justice

A host of stakeholders pose for a photograph in front of the ‘container courts’ that will allow for virtual court hearings at the Lusignan Prison barracks at the Cecil Kilkenny Training College. In photo are: Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards (eighth from left); Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George (seventh from right); Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall (sixth from right); and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn (extreme right) (Delano Williams photo)

closer to the people, allowing access to justice to be more readily available throughout our small yet large nation,” Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George also said at the launch. She indicated that after discussions among several stakeholders, including the relevant ministries, the Judiciary and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), 33 additional courts were slated for prison facilities throughout the country. In addition to the 14 at Lusignan, four are at the Camp Street Prison, eight at the New Amsterdam prison, three at the Mazaruni prison and another four at the Timehri prison. She, however, suggested that this initiative should be expanded and devolved into community hubs where defendants can attend court and witnesses can testify virtually. This, she said, would reduce the costs of internet connectivity and accessibility. This community initiative has already begun in some police stations. Such a system, she reasoned, allows for a reduction in the cost of security and can also provide greater leeway for civil and family matters to be dealt with. This initiative was fully funded by the government, according to Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall. He said that this virtual court system will be replicated across the country; it is already in Georgetown and will be installed next at the Mazaruni and New Amsterdam prisons. He said that such container courts may be retained even after the pandemic is over to service interior locations, where the state incurs great costs to transport persons by air. Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn also reminded that efforts were being made to expand the prison facilities across the country, in order to provide better conditions for the prison population. He touted the approach of restorative and rehabilitative justice and contended that initiatives such as the virtual court system have the scope to assist with such an approach.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

PS says no continuing ‘fuel scam’ at Education Min.

By Tamica Garnett PERMANENT Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Education (MoE)), Alfred King, says that instances of the ministry being flagged for unauthorised vehicles obtaining fuel in 2019, was due to a mix up of licence plate numbers recorded, and there is no continuing fuel scam at the ministry. He further explained that previous cases of fuel scams at MoE have already been dealt with; the culprit was held accountable, and has since agreed to repay for the fuel. In the 2019 Auditor General’s Report, which was laid in the National Assembly last week, vehicles, which were not owned by the ministry, were flagged for uplifting over $40,000 in fuel from the GuyOil, Camp Street location. For 2019, the MoE had procured $23.385 million in fuel and lubricants from GuyOil, the report revealed. “Audit examination, carried out on a sample of three months fuel slips from GUYOIL, revealed that on three instances, three vehicles that were not on the list of vehicles owned and operated by

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Alfred King

the ministry, uplifted 213 litres of fuel to the value of $46,161 from the GUYOIL Camp Street location,” the report informed. The AG report also flagged the agency for lack of proper maintenance of required log books to monitor the vehicles owned by the ministry, which is used to track the purchase of fuel for the respective vehicles. “Section 29 of the Stores Regulations requires that log books be maintained for all motor vehicles, plant, machinery and equipment. Of the 45 vehicles owned and operated by the ministry

that were required to maintain log book, only 22 Log Books were presented for audit examination. Of the log books presented, only seven were properly written up to reflect the purchase of fuel and authorised journeys,” the report noted. However, on the issue of unauthorised vehicles obtaining fuel in 2019, King said it was a matter of a mix up. “The analysis that we did showed clearly that it was a mistake. The 2019 case was a mistake by vehicle, when we checked back the slip, the vehicle was the authorised vehicle… the [licence plate] digits were right but the letter was wrong,” King said of the situation during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday. The issue of the MoE being flagged for fuel obtained by unauthorised vehicles was particularly troubling, as the ministry was flagged in the past for similar occurrences in 2017 and 2018. In the 2017 AG report, it was highlighted that 4,351 litres of diesel, totalling $788,773, was obtained under the MoE by six vehicles not registered to the ministry. The incident reportedly

occurred in December 2017, with the fuel being uplifted from the GuyOil Regent Street station. Further, in the 2018 AG report, it was revealed that three vehicles not registered as property of the ministry had also uplifted 1,430 litres of diesel valued at $272,054 from GUYOIL Regent Street location. The ministry had noted

that it wrote the Police in January 2018 to investigate the matter. As such, King said the case has since been dealt with and an agreement was made for the perpetrator to pay for the fuel. Mark Samuels, a former driver of the ministry, had been charged in 2018 in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court with obtaining $1,054,789 in diesel from

GuyOil service station, Regent Street, in the name of Clyde Fowler knowing same to be forged. “He was taken before the court and the court found him guilty of the malpractice and he was mandated to pay back for the fuel. He developed an agreement to pay back the ministry for the fuel,” King explained.

Culprit who deleted images of ‘cocaine containers’ known –– GRA, CANU investigating involvement THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) were able to pinpoint the culprit who deleted images of the containers which contained some 11.5 tonnes of cocaine among scrap metal, that were intercepted in Belgium. Four containers reportedly left Guyana on September 25, 2020, and were shipped by local shipper Marlon Primo’s MA Trading of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, to the consignee Lotraco Recycling BV in the Netherlands. The cocaine, which was neatly packed into a safe inside the container and then covered with scrap metal, was “busted” in Belgium. Primo is considered the main suspect in this massive drug bust, which was reported as the largest overseas bust in the world with an estimated street value of €900 million. On Monday, while providing an update on the investigations into the drug “bust,” Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, said, “I think there is some difficulty because over 50,000 images were provided to CANU;

The container with the drugs (Belgian Police photo)

they are trying, nevertheless, to examine them, but for sure it is known who removed the images, the dates and the times.” These images were retrieved by the GRA, using specialised equipment which ensured that there was no damage during the data recovery. It was revealed that thousands of other deleted images were also recovered in the process.

Though he did not disclose whether it was more than one person responsible for deleting the images, Minister Benn noted, “They’re the subject of investigations both at the GRA and CANU.” He also indicated that the Belgians are proceeding with their investigations. “There was a former Head of the Belgium Narcotics Division who is being sought and some examinations were recently made in other parts of the country, with respect to trafficking routes,” he related. Since the “bust,” the government has put a halt to the scrap-metal trade here until there is policy reform to properly monitor the sector. It was reported that a number of exporters are suffering as investigators continue the search for Primo. The CANU has intensified the hunt for Primo as investigations continue into how the 11.5 tonnes of cocaine left the ports of Guyana undetected and made it all the way to Belgium. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Belgian police and CANU are working closely to find Primo. He is, howev-

er, suspected to have fled to neighbouring Suriname. The CANU will be offering Primo protection and security, since

he has expressed fear for his safety. His last known addresses are 701, Cummings

Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and 69 Atlantic Ville, ECD.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

President Ali hoping to provide free Cuban man arrested for allegedly murdering reputed wife, child education at UG by end of 2024 PRESIDENT IRFAAN ALI, on Sunday, announced that his government is working to provide free education at the University of Guyana (UG) by the end of 2024. The Head of State was, at the time, delivering a virtual address at the Guyana’s 50th Republic Awards Ceremony and Cultural Presentation organised by the Guyana Consulate in Canada. President Ali told his audience that his government is working on creating a 21st century education system in the country. “We are providing 20,000 scholarships. We hope to provide free education at the University of Guyana by the end of 2024. In our Emergency Budget for 2020, we made provisions for doubling the uniform allowance and increasing, by 50%, the cash grant per student from

President Irfaan Ali

$10,000 to $15,000. We are committed to increasing this by almost 300% in the coming years,” the President was quoted as saying by the Office of the President. According to the press release, despite the difficulties faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the President has prioritised education since entering office in August. “Last week he told residents of the mountainous

community of Kato in Region Eight (Potaro–Siparuni), that they will soon receive an Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub in their community, which will provide internet access,” the release stated. According to the release, President Ali said that the next decade in Guyana would be transformational in all aspects of development and that all Guyanese will benefit. He told the audience about the improvements earmarked in health care, infrastructure and agriculture, among other areas. “This is just a snapshot of the plans which are unfolding in our country. We are accelerating the pace at which we do things because we recognise that we need to ensure that the present generation benefits from development.”

Arrested: Joel Rodriguez

Dead: Tara Krishnaran

Dead: 11-year-old Larissa Singh

JOEL Rodriguez, the Cuban, who allegedly murdered his reputed wife and her 11-year-old daughter, was arrested Sunday night at Amelia’s Ward, Linden. Police Headquarters in a statement noted that the suspect is also known as Yoel Rodriguez Barientos. He was reportedly on the run after allegedly hammering Tara Krishnaran, 34, to death and slitting the throat of her daughter, sometime between 20:00 hours on Christmas Day and 21:00 hours on Boxing Day. After receiving the report of the murders on Saturday night, investigators visited the scene and discovered the mother and daughter in a bedroom at their Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown residence.

The police said that the woman was discovered with a wound to the back of the head, left side temple and left side of the face. Her daughter, however, had a wound, about six inches in length, to her neck and what appeared to be blood on her private parts. The suspected murder weapons – a blood stained hammer and knife – were also retrieved. The bodies were taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home. According to the police report, the woman’s father said that the couple had an argument on Christmas Day and since such arguments were common, he went to bed. However, on Boxing Day, he did not check on them as he thought the woman went to work and took her daughter along with her.

Later that night, however, the elderly man realised that he was locked inside the house and went into the room of the victims when he made the gruesome discovery; his granddaughter was lying on the ground and his daughter was lying on the bed. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the woman, her daughter and the alleged killer lived in the house, which belongs to the woman’s father, for about eight months. The woman met the Cuban at the store where she worked and they were in a relationship for more than a year. Reports indicate that the man would accompany Krishnaran to family functions but relatives noted that he appeared to be a jealous individual.

Argentine expert can see autopsy reports of slain Berbice boys

Dead: Joel Henry, Isaiah Henry and Haresh Singh

By Vishani Ragobeer THE autopsy reports on the murdered Berbice boys Joel and Isaiah Henry and Haresh Singh can be viewed by Argentine Forensic Anthropologist, Dr. Luis Fondebrider, according to Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. Dr. Fondebrider, who is the Director of the Argentine Team of Forensic Anthropology (EAAF), came to Guyana recently on a fact-finding mission, to determine whether the EAAF can provide assistance to the local authorities as they investigate these murders. Before his departure, he requested key documents from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), including the autopsy reports, reports from the crime scene,

the complementary analysis, inter alia. These would enable him to offer his opinion and advice. On Monday, at the sidelines of an event, Minister Benn noted that Dr. Fondebrider could examine the autopsy reports either virtually or ‘in-person’ in the presence of government forensic pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh. The Minister also posited that police are “diligently working” to investigate the murders, and said, “When the time is appropriate and opportune, action will be taken.” Recently, President Irfaan Ali said that he was aware that the police force reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some assistance. The government had also engaged the Ca-

ribbean Regional Security System (RSS). “I have told the police that whatever additional help they need and we can facilitate, we will,” the President had said. The mutilated bodies of the Henry Boys were discovered on September 6 in Cotton Tree backdam, West Coast Berbice (WCB). Three days later, Singh was found in a bloodied state as well in the Number Three Village backlands, hours after he left home on his motorcycle to transport water for his relatives who were working on their farm. The gruesome deaths sent shockwaves throughout the country and resulted in widespread public outrage and mass protests.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Budding int’l lawyer admitted to the bar –– after losing parents but finding faith to persevere By Vishani Ragobeer AFTER years of pushing through trying times, Kiswana Jefford was finally able to achieve her dream of becoming an attorney-at-law on December 23, when she was admitted to the local bar. Her petition was presented by attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes to Justice Brassington Reynolds. She completed her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) earlier this year, at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and Tobago.

Jefford to apply to UG; there, the young woman pursued an undergraduate degree in International Relations (IR). She related that she was not entirely focussed on her studies since, understandably, she was still processing her grief. She was also working at the Hughes, Fields and Stoby law firm. First, as a legal secretary, and then later, as an Intellectual Property Assistant. Both of these jobs allowed her some exposure to several areas of the legal profession. And her IR degree, an exposure to diplomacy.

she had with her parents, Jefford said that her parents would have been overjoyed at her achievements thus far

New attorney-at-law, Kiswana Jefford

Attorney-at-law Kiswana Jefford (centre) with Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes (left), and Justice Brassington Reynolds, after she was admitted to the bar

The newly-minted attorney attended the North Georgetown Secondary School, and, during her formative years, she was enthusiastic about becoming a lawyer or diplomat. She recalled that her parents would always emphasise the importance of education to her, and, her mother, knowing what her dream was, encouraged her to pursue the requisite ‘arts’ subjects in high school. But, tragedy struck in 2007 when Jefford’s mother passed away just before the then teenager sat her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects. Then, the year after, in 2008, she lost her dad. “Attending the University of Guyana (UG), following a career path or pursuing my goals…none of those things crossed my mind,” Jefford told the Guyana Chronicle in a recent interview. “I was so heartbroken, it was like I lost a sense of direction…I thought, `what sense does it make pursuing a degree when they’re not there to see me?’” It was a family friend who encouraged the young

Then in 2015, after she was finished with her IR degree and able to cope a bit better, she finally began her law degree - pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at UG. It was the values of working hard and striving to achieve her goals which were embedded by her parents that helped her along her new journey. Additionally, she said that she was surrounded by a strong support system- her family and friends, her boss, Nigel Hughes and her colleagues from Hughes, Fields and Stoby. That support, along with her faith in God and her parents’ values, were enough to get her through the LLB journey. During that time, she also became very active in student governance, after being elected twice to the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), and volunteering her time for a greater cause. Yes, she had her hands filled but she kept going. By the time she finished the three years of law at the UG, and went on to complete her LEC at the HWLS, she was already an independent woman. The shift to a new environment, having to live

on her own, was not something she was unfamiliar with. She was ready to take on the LEC adventure. And so she did, again, while engaging in extracurricular activities. Since she was not working, also, she had even more time to dedicate to her studies over the two-year period. Now that she has been admitted to the bar, she continues to work with the Hughes, Fields and Stoby firm practising in various fields, including civil and commercial litigation, criminal law and intellectual property. Her next goal (after a deserved break from years of studying) is to pursue her Master degree in International Law. “I like international law, particularly international litigation and alternative dispute resolution and I have a vested interest in human rights particularly those vulnerable groups in society like women, children, refugees and the elderly,” Jefford highlighted. This, she explained, is a marriage of her aspirations to become a diplomat and lawyer- combining both her degree in IR and her legal studies. Reminiscing on the time

and they would have supported her on her journey ahead. She even joked that her father would have let the ‘whole world’ know that she is an attorney. Though they aren’t here, she is content knowing that she has made

them proud. “It always seems impossible until it is done,” she said, quoting Nelson Mandela. And she is a testament to ‘holding the faith’ in order to make dreams a reality.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

NIS 2019 Annual Report reveals disturbing statistics -less than 30% of registered employers contributing -less than 25% of registered employees contributing -only 8,467 of 35,626 registered self-employed persons active

By Tamica Garnett EVEN as the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) paid out an increase number of pensions and benefits, and increased its staff complement during 2019, employers, employees and self-employed persons have recorded low contributions rates. This is according to the

NIS 2019 Annual Report which was laid in Parliament last Wednesday. According to the report, only 26.6 per cent, or 8,320 of the 31,203 employers registered with the Scheme as of the end of 2019 are actively paying their contributions while 22.7 per cent or 168, 847 of the 741, 419 employees/registrants were active.

Additionally, of the 35,626 self-employed persons that were registered with the Scheme, just 8,467 were active. The report did not expand on the reason/s behind the large number of inactive cases. Established in 1969, NIS is a social security organisation which provides social insurance coverage on a compulso-

ry basis, to all persons between the ages of sixteen and sixty years who are engaged in insurable employment. Coverage is also extended on a voluntary basis, to persons who cease such employment before reaching the age of sixty years, until the attainment thereof. The Scheme is managed by a government-appointed Board. The current General

NIS General Manager, Holly Greaves

Manager is Holly Greaves. By the end of 2019, the Scheme was paying a total of 38,175 old age pensions at an average of $31,642 per claimant, with 2,856 new old age pensions being awarded and 1,650 awards having been terminated during the year. The new pensioners qualified with an average of 1,188 to their credit. This new pension number, marked an increase of the 2,627 that were awarded in 2018. Aside from old age pensions, NIS paid out a total of 1,170 old age grants at an average of $84,773. For 2019, the Scheme registered another 640 new employers, and 9,502 new registrants. The new employers marked a 40 per cent increase on the previous year; 458 new employers registered with the scheme in 2018. Meanwhile, the 9,502 new registrants represented a 22 per cent decrease from the 12,713 new registrants recorded in 2018. Speaking about the new employers that registered with the Scheme, the report said: “590 were small scale suppliers, each employing no more than 10 persons… only three employers or one pre cent employed in excess of 100 persons… the services sector accounted for 225 or approximately 35 per cent.” Of the 9,502 new registrants, 4,913 were female and 4,589 were male, while 9,454 were between the ages of 16 to 59 years old. Eight of the registrants were under 16 years old, and 40 were 60 years and over. The average age of the registrants was 23 years old. Another 492 self-employed persons were registered during the year, of which 297 were males and 195 were females, and this marked a 33 per cent decrease on the 739 self-employed persons that were registered in 2018. MORE BENEFITS PAID OUT In the case of sickness benefits, the scheme processed 53,251 claims for 2019 of which 34,320 were disallowed. The 18,931 that were paid represented a 25 per cent increase over the 15,140 benefits paid in 2018.

Classifying the claims that were disallowed, the report noted that 8,534 claims were for spells of less than four days duration, 12,872 of the claimants were paid full wages by their employers, 1,670 claimants provided insufficient information for the processing of their claims and three were non-priority claimants. Other reasons for disallowed claims were that 948 claimants were over the age for receipt of the benefit, 300 had reached the maximum period for the benefit, that is, 26 weeks of payment; 4,172 did not satisfy the contribution requirements; 519 submitted duplicate claims; 243 claims were in error; 2,784 were disqualified for late submission; 42 were disallowed for late paid contributions and 727 were transferred. Additionally, 897 were as a result of claimants’ non-incapacity for work, 285 were as a result on non-insurability and 20 claimants submitted duplicate medical certificates. Of the remaining claims that were disallowed, a number of claims were being investigated, several others were deemed not entitled, some submitted invalid medical certificates and in some cases the contributions were being investigated. Another 18,439 claims were submitted for the reimbursement of medical expense incurred through sickness were also paid out, comparatively 19,954 were paid out in 2018. A total of 6,286 maternity claims were paid out in 2019, an increase of the 4,388 paid in 2018. A total of 2,232 maternity grants, 885 injury benefits, 11 disablement pensions, 10 disablement grants, and two industrial death pensions were also paid. For invalidity benefits, another 64 persons became eligible and were paid an average of $46,196 monthly, while 79 were removed from the facility. Overall at the end of the year, a total of 553 persons were receiving this benefit. Five invalidity grants were paid during 2019. For survivor’s pension, for the year 2019, 634 new recipients were awarded in this category, while 205 pensions were terminated, leaving a net total of 14,836 benefits in payments at the end of the year. There were 46 awards for survivor’s grants in 2019, at an average of $274,850. The number of new recipients represented a 16 per cent decrease from the 55 awards in 2018. The organisation also increased its staff complement during 2019, starting the year with 607 staff members and ending with 636, of which 615 were permanent and 21 were temporary.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Man convicted of ex-girlfriend’s murder appeals ‘severe’ sentence

Dead: Carlisa Matthews

Jermaine Maynard

JERMAINE Maynard, 46, who was convicted of the gruesome killing of his 20-year-old ex-girlfriend, has moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to have his conviction and sentence overturned. In 2016, Maynard was found guilty of the capital offence, which read that between December 31, 2013, and January 1, 2014, at Croal Street, Georgetown, he murdered Carlisa Matthews. Trial judge, Navindra Singh, subsequently sentenced Maynard to 88 years in prison. Dissatisfied, Maynard, through his attorney, Nigel Hughes, moved to the appeal court seeking to have the conviction and sentence overturned or set aside. He claimed that Justice Singh erred on several pertinent issues leading up to the verdict in the High Court. As it relates to the severity of sentence, Maynard

claimed that the trial judge erred in law by failing to apply case law principles that promote fairness in sentencing. The appeal comes up for hearing at the Guyana Court of Appeal on February 1. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Matthews and Maynard had shared a relationship, which ended a few months prior to the murder. On December 31, 2013, about 21:00 hrs, Matthews, along with her mother and stepfather, were standing outside KFC in the Stabroek Market area. Maynard then approached her, drew a gun, and shot her to the head, causing her to fall to the ground. Matthews was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPH), where she succumbed to her injuries around 02:15 hrs on January 1, 2014.

Convicted murderer appeals 80-year sentence

Balram Singh

A man, who is currently serving 80 years behind bars for the brutal murder of taxi driver, Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo, has moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to have his conviction and sentence overturned. In 2015, Balram Singh was found guilty by a 12-member jury for the murder of Sukhdeo, who was killed between January 19 and January 27, 2010. Singh was sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court. Dissatisfied, Singh, through his attorney, Nigel Hughes, has appealed the

Dead: Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo

conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial was unfair, and that the judge erred in law. The case is expected to be heard on January 25. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the taxi driver was last seen alive on January 19, 2010. Subsequently, a search was launched for him and his car. On January 27, 2010, his car was found at a vehicle body workshop in Herstelling New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, and later, his burnt body was discovered at Mocha Arcadia Access Road, EBD.

GRA takes Atlantic Fuels Inc. to court for making false declaration

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has commenced legal proceedings against Atlantic Fuels Inc for allegedly making a false customs declaration back in November. The Georgetown Magistrates’ Court has issued a summons for the fuel company and a representative is expected to appear before the court on January 4 to answer to the charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that Atlantic Fuels Inc., on November 12, at Camp Street, Georgetown,

Director of Atlantic Fuels Inc. Richard Van West Charles

Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia

caused to be made and subscribed a false declaration to the Revenue Authority, to wit, invoice number 100 for

Customs Declaration reference number GY 410 C was falsely declared, contrary to Section 217 (1) (a) of the

Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. The complainant in the case which was filed on December 15 is GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. Atlantic Fuels was granted a licence in late 2015, months after the coalition government took office. Two of its directors are former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van West Charles and the water company’s former Debt Recovery Manager, Lear Goring.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Arthur keen for ICC to discuss injury subs after Sri Lanka’s absentee list grows

SRI Lanka’s coach, Mickey Arthur, is set to raise the issue of injury substitutions with the ICC after seeing two more of his players go down on day three of the first Test against South Africa in Centurion. Sri Lanka had already lost the services of Dhananjaya de Silva and Kasun Rajitha, and were left further depleted when Lahiru Kumara and Wanindu Hasaranga were forced off the field during the afternoon session. Arthur could be seen with furrowed brow on the Sri Lanka balcony, and he confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he would be bringing up the topic of replacements for discussion by the ICC’s cricket committee, of which he is a member. The double blow, which for a period left Sri Lanka with just two fit bowlers from their initial six-man attack, took place after lunch. Kumara walked off the field a ball into his 22nd over with a hand on his groin, although he took relatively easy strides to the dressing-room staircase. Sri Lanka’s captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, finished his over. Six overs later, Hasaranga, who had just taken his second wicket of the match, slid to field on the cover boundary and appeared to land on the ball. He got up and attempted to walk off the pain but found could not stand for too long

and soon sat down for relief. He was helped into the emergency buggy and driven out of the ground. Kusal Mendis had to take over bowling from Hasaranga’s end.

return and bowled a couple of overs before tea, by which point South Africa’s lead was above the 150-mark. Things could have got even worse when, in between

Lahiru Kumara was the latest Sri Lanka bowler to suffer an injury (AFP via Getty Images)

That left Sri Lanka with only Vishwa Fernando and Dasun Shanaka, who has only taken up as much bowling as he has in this match because of the absence of Rajitha and de Silva, and part-timers to bowl at South Africa. Rajitha bowled 13 deliveries with the new ball on day two before leaving the field with a groin injury and is not expected to take any further part in the match; neither is de Silva, who has been ruled out of the series entirely with a quadricep tear sustained on the first day while batting. There was some respite for Sri Lanka as Hasaranga was deemed fit enough to

the two latest injuries, Niroshan Dickwella required treatment onfield for what appeared to be a bee sting. Dickwella touched the back of his neck in discomfort, was attended to by the team physiotherapist and was able to resume wicketkeeping duties. Meanwhile, as Sri Lanka dealt with an expanding injury list, South Africa announced the return of Kagiso Rabada to their squad for the second Test, and had him at the ground running laps at lunch. Rabada has recovered from a groin injury sustained during last month’s T20s against England.

Leicester move up to second in Premier League after 1-1 draw at Palace (REUTERS) - Leicester City moved up to second in the Premier League after a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace when Harvey Barnes cancelled a Wilfried Zaha goal at Selhurst Park on Monday.

a first half penalty while striker Jamie Vardy only came on as a second half substitute. “We’re disappointed not to get three points and we weren’t as clinical as we have been, but it’s onto the next game,” Barnes told

Part of the action between Leicester City and Crystal Palace

Leicester will remain second overnight with Everton, level on points with them, not playing later on Monday after their home match against Manchester City was postponed following more positive COVID-19 cases at City. Leicester dominated the bulk of the game but failed to take their chances and missed

Amazon Prime. “It has been a very busy schedule with some great results so we’re happy with where we are in the table.” Leicester could have taken an early lead after Luke Thomas was fouled in the box by James Tomkins but Kelechi Iheanacho’s weak effort from the spot after a stuttering run-up was swatted

away by goalkeeper Vicente Guaita. “Guaita is a good keeper, he’s been brilliant ever since he came here and he saved me today. Hopefully I can repay him one day,” a relieved Tomkins said. Palace made it 1-0 just before the hour mark when Andros Townsend floated a cross to the far post for Zaha to volley home from an acute angle. However, Barnes equalised when he scored his second goal in as many games, driving a low effort from the edge of the box past the outstretched arm of Guaita in the 83rd minute. Palace’s winless run in the league has now extended to five games but Zaha was glad to take a point. “We’ll take a point today, the last few games have been hard on us,” Zaha said after scoring his eighth league goal this season. “The way we worked today I’m definitely happy and we’ll take that going into the new year.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

GFF/K&S/MCYS Bounce- Back Football kicks off tonight WITH two days of action-packed football in store for fans, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and veteran organizing team, Kashif and Shanghai, disclosed that all aspects are in place for the Bounce- Back tournament. Peering deeper into the knockout format competition, which commences tonight at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, the four star-studded teams will be battling for the top prize, yet to be announced by the organisers. The teams lined up to battle are East Coast, Linden, Georgetown and West Demerara. According to the Federation, the teams consist of current and potential Guyana Jaguars players. Kicking off the doubleheader will be the Linden versus East Coast match, which is scheduled to begin at 17:00hrs (5:00pm), while the feature match between Georgetown and West Demerara gets underway at 19.00hrs. The event will conclude

on the first day of 2021, with the two victorious teams from the opening night clashing from 18.00hrs. No third-place match will be contested. On Sunday, the organising committee met with representatives of each team and briefed them on this inaugural run and what is expected of them to stay safe while engaged in the event strickened by the pandemic. The drawing for the fixtures was also conducted. What is of greater importance is that this tournament will be used as a yard stick to select the local contingent of players for the Golden Jaguars squad that is slated for action in less than 90 days. In November, CONCACAF confirmed the schedule for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with the first round of matches commencing in March 2021. The hosting of this tournament will also give the federation a chance to test the UEFA pandemic guidelines which have been implemented

to allow the return of the sport during the outbreak. Meanwhile, no spectator would be allowed to attend the matches since large gatherings are not permitted, in keeping with the pandemic guidelines. However, the final will be broadcasted live on New Year’s night, January 1st, 2021, via NCN Ch. 11, E-networks and the MCYS’s Facebook page. <<WEATHER>> The extremely wet season is still upon us with Accuweather forecast on both competition dates predicting scattered clouds and thunderstorms with a 50 per cent chance of rain. Even though the event is to be contested on one of the fastest drying venues in the Caribbean, rain cannot affect the staging of a match unless the lightning factor arises. Only then a referee can suspend a match in his/ her discretion, but only tournament organizers have the right to cancel or postpone matches.

India’s Kohli, Australia’s Perry dominate ICC decade honours DUBAI (Reuters) - India captain Virat Kohli topped two men’s categories and Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry swept the women’s honours in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) “Awards of the Decade” announced on Monday. Kohli was declared the best male player of the decade, as well as the top ODI player. Prolific Australia batsman Steve Smith bagged the test award to deny Kohli a clean sweep. Perry, 30, was adjudged the best woman player as well as the premier ODI and Twenty20 player. “It’s a great honour for me to receive this award,” Kohli, who returned from India’s ongoing tour of Australia to attend the birth of his first child, said in a video. Kohli listed India’s triumphs in the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy as well as the team’s

maiden test series victory in Australia under his captaincy two years ago as special moments. “I have relished all the battles in the last decade,” Kohli said. “I played against some great bowlers in the past and continued to play some quality bowlers even today.” “I take a lot of pride in competing against the best, testing myself out against the best in tough conditions.” A f gh a n is tan s p in n er Rashid Khan was named the best male Twenty20 cricketer of the decade and former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni bagged the spirit of cricket award. A nomination panel shortlisted the candidates based on their performances between January, 2011 and October, 2020. and the winners were decided by votes from fans and experts.

List of ICC awards: Male Cricketer of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India) Female Cricketer of the Decade: Ellyse Perry (Australia) Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade: Steve Smith (Australia) Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India) Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade: Ellyse Perry (Australia) Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade: Ellyse Perry (Australia) Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade: Kyle Coetzer (Scotland) Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade: Kathryn Bryce (Scotland) Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India)

Neymar to hold New Year party for 150 people

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A New Year party for 150 people thrown by Brazilian footballer Neymar will be subject to strict health rules to try to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, organisers said. The Paris St Germain forward has come under heavy criticism since details of the event were revealed in a Rio de Janeiro newspaper over the weekend. But the agency organ-

ising the party said reports that 500 friends and celebrities were due to attend were not true and that only 150 people would be at the multi-day celebration in Mangaratiba, around 105km down the coast from Rio. “The event will take place in compliance with all the sanitary norms as determined by public bodies,” the Fabrica agency said in a statement. The event is private and all relevant permissions

have been obtained, it added. Local authorities at Mangaratiba were unavailable for comment. Neymar ’s press office did not immediately respond to text messages. Brazil has had nearly 7.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, the third highest in the world, and 191,139 deaths, the second highest after the United States, according to health ministry figures.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Australia on the ropes as India close in on Melbourne victory By Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - A depleted Indian attack shrugged off an injury to paceman Umesh Yadav to rout Australia’s batsmen and give themselves a platform for a series-levelling victory on day three of the second Test on Monday. With Umesh lost to a calf strain after lunch, spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja chipped in two wickets and seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj took one apiece to leave Australia 133 for six at stumps, clinging to a lead of two runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Raw all-rounder Cameron Green, 17 not out, and tailender Pat Cummins, on 15, dug in to ensure India will bat again but Australia face a massive task to set them a proper chase. Rejuvenated after the three-day humiliation in the series-opener, India’s batsmen are highly unlikely to produce another Adelaide-style horror show where they dismissed for 36, their lowest ever Test innings total. Australia chased 90 for victory to win that Test in three days, but their batsmen have failed to surpass 200 in their other three innings of the series. Alarmingly for the hosts,

star batsman Steve Smith’s form woes have been starkly exposed, with Bumrah bowling him around his legs for eight on Monday shortly after the teabreak. Smith, who nursed a back injury in the leadup to Adelaide, is yet to reach double-figures, with scores of one and one not out in Adelaide, and a duck in the first innings in Melbourne, his worst run of test scores. Replacement opener Matthew Wade, who managed a 137-ball 40, had no complaints about the MCG pitch. “It did more, probably, in the first innings,” the lefthander told reporters. “Disappointing outs, myself included.” India, anchored by stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane’s inspirational century on day two, were bowled out for 326 before lunch in reply to Australia’s first innings 195. With Smith and Wade at the crease, Australia had resumed at 65 for two after tea, still hopeful of mowing down a 66-run deficit and setting India a task for victory. Yet Bumrah nipped their 29-run partnership in the bud by bowling Smith, and Wade was soon out lbw by Jadeja. His wicket triggered a collapse with Travis Head (17) and Tim Paine (1) falling in

Bowlers put NZ in control of first Test against Pakistan WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand’s bowlers took a couple of rain and hail shower delays in their stride and slowly broke down Pakistan’s stubborn resistance to help the hosts take control of the first Test on Monday. Faheem Ashraf was dismissed for 91, his highest test score, just before the close of the third day’s play at Bay Oval as Pakistan were bowled out for 239, still 192 runs behind New Zealand’s 431. The tourists had been facing the prospect of being asked to bat again after captain Mohammad Rizwan was sensationally run out by Mitchell Santner for 71 to end a 107-run partnership with Faheem that left them 187-7 with about an hour to play. Faheem, however, saw them past the follow-on and surpassed his previous highest score of 83 against Ireland before he was dismissed with five minutes left in the day’s play. The tourists had resumed on 30-1 on Monday and then lost four wickets for 13 runs before Rizwan and Fawad Alam stopped the rot with a cautious partnership of just 28 runs in 17 overs. Rizwan and Faheem continued that resistance with their partnership across the middle and final sessions, which were disrupted twice by showers that forced players off the field. The final delay sapped some of the momentum from New Zealand’s bowlers, who had been as good as their Pakistan counterparts on a pitch that required batsmen to wait until they got a bad ball to put away. At one point Kyle Jamieson had figures of 2-9 from 17 overs, 12 of which were maidens, before he finished the day with 3-35 from 23.2 overs. Neil Wagner, despite nursing a broken toe and having to pass a fitness test before play began, managed to dismiss Fawad after lunch and Shaheen Afridi just before the close.

successive overs, the former nicking Siraj to the slips and the latter caught behind. Captain Paine’s dismissal after a review by India was contentious, with no nick detected by the “Hot Spot” technology and faint evidence of a sound picked up by “Snicko”.

the paceman dropped on 11 by recalled wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant after nicking spinner Ravichandran Ashwin behind the wicket. Australia have a litany of problems to confront. After a first innings duck, Joe Burns’ place is in jeopardy

Play of the day: Jasprit Bumrah beauty bowls Steve Smith behind his legs

Number three batsman Cheteshwar Pujara had survived a similar review during India’s innings. ‘GUT FEELINGS’ Rahane paid tribute to his bowlers but said there was work still to be done. “The bowlers bowled really well and bowled in the right areas,” he told broadcasters. “We still got four wickets to go, the game is not over yet.” Cummins and Green were lucky to bat out the day, with

after another cheap dismissal, the opener caught behind for four off Umesh and then burning a review before departing. Marnus Labuschagne (28), who made 48 in the first innings, made another bright start but was outpointed by Ashwin. Earlier, Rahane’s captain’s knock ended when Jadeja ran him out for 112 on a risky single. It was a deflating end to an inspired innings but Rahane is unlikely to hold a grudge given Jadeja’s wickets exposed Australia’s tail.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 195 India 1st innings Mayank Agarwal lbw Mitchell Starc 0 Shubman Gill c Tim Paine b Pat Cummins 45 Cheteshwar Pujara c Tim Paine b Pat Cummins 17 Ajinkya Rahane Run Out Marnus Labuschagne 112 Hanuma Vihari c Steven Smith b Nathan Lyon 21 Rishabh Pant c Tim Paine b Mitchell Starc 29 Ravindra Jadeja c Pat Cummins b Mitchell Starc 57 Ravichandran Ashwin c Nathan Lyon b Josh Hazlewood 14 Umesh Yadav c Steven Smith b Nathan Lyon 9 Jasprit Bumrah c Travis Head b Nathan Lyon 0 Mohammed Siraj Not Out 0 EXTRAS: 12b 6lb 2nb 0pen 2w 22 TOTAL: (115.1 overs) 326 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-0 Agarwal, 2-61 Gill, 3-64 Pujara, 4-116 Vihari, 5-173 Pant, 6-294 Rahane, 7-306 Jadeja, 8-325 Yadav, 9-325 Ashwin, 10-326 Bumrah Bowling: Mitchell Starc 26 - 5 - 78 - 3, Pat Cummins 27 - 9 - 80 – 2, Josh Hazlewood 23 - 6 - 47 - 1 (1w 2nb), Nathan Lyon 27.1 - 4 - 72 3, Cameron Green 12 - 1 - 31 - 0 (1w). ................................................................. AUSTRALIA 2nd innings Matthew Wade lbw Ravindra Jadeja 40 Joe Burns c Rishabh Pant b Umesh Yadav 4 Marnus Labuschagne c Ajinkya Rahane b Ravichandran Ashwin 28 Steven Smith b Jasprit Bumrah 8 Travis Head c Mayank Agarwal b Mohammed Siraj 17 Cameron Green Not Out 17 Tim Paine c Rishabh Pant b Ravindra Jadeja 1 Pat Cummins Not Out 15 EXTRAS: 0b 0lb 3nb 0pen 0w 3 TOTAL: (66.0 overs) 133-6 Fall of Wickets : 1-4 Burns, 2-42 Labuschagne, 3-71 Smith, 4-98 Wade, 5-98 Head, 6-99 Paine To Bat : Starc, Lyon, Hazlewood Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 17 - 4 - 34 - 1 (2nb), Umesh Yadav 3.3 - 0 - 5 - 1, Mohammed Siraj 12.3 - 1 - 23 - 1 Ravichandran Ashwin 23-4-46–1, Ravindra Jadeja 10- 3- 25 - 2 (1nb).

Faf du Plessis makes 199 as Proteas dominate By Nick Said

P R E TO R I A ( R e u t e r s ) -Faf du Plessis made a career-best 199 as South Africa prospered in the first test against injury-hit Sri Lanka with a massive first-innings score of 621 and a lead of 160 on day three on Monday. Sri Lanka closed on 65 for two in their second innings with Kusal Mendis (33 not out) and Dinesh Chandimal (21 not out) at the crease, but are effectively five wickets down with team officials revealing that injured Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara and and Dhananjaya de Silva will not bat. There is also concern for Chandimal, who needed treatment on his thigh and looked in some discomfort. Home seamer Lungi Ngidi (2-28) picked up both wickets to fall, bowling captain Dimuth Karunaratne (6) with a delivery that kept low, before Kusal Mendis (0)

edged to slip. Du Plessis fell short of a major milestone with a poor selection of shot as he attempted to lift leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (4-171) over mid-on, but instead offered a simple catch to Karunaratne. He faced 276 balls and hit 24 fours, a masterful display of batting on a

wicket that was not easy for batsmen with pace and variable bounce. Sri Lanka had toiled in the field as injuries severely hampered their bowling attack, with seamer Rajitha managing only 2.1 overs, fellow quick Kumara forced off early and Hasaranga limping along after a sliding save on the boundary.

Faf du Plessis reached his 10th Test century on day three at SuperSport Park but fell just short of a maiden double

They had started the innings without spinner De Silva, who suffered a thigh injury while batting and has been ruled out for two weeks. South Africa had resumed on 317 for four, with Du Plessis and Temba Bavuma (71) sharing a record fifth-wicket stand for the team against Sri Lanka of 179. It was broken in bizarre circumstances when Bavuma walked from the field following an appeal for caught behind. He was not given out by the umpire, and replays suggested he had missed the ball by a good inch. Du Plessis also put on a record seventh wicket stand against Sri Lanka of 133 with Keshav Maharaj (73), who went to his highest Test score before he was the last batsman out. South Africa have added fit-again fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to their squad for the second and final Test starting in Johannesburg on Jan. 3.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Ambassadors Sports Club steals spotlight at SCA ‘Virtual Recognition Night” By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Ambassadors Sports Club stole the spotlight when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) held its 40th annual presentation via Zoom recently. Dubbed the “Virtual Recognition Night,” when teams and players were rewarded for their outstanding performances during a truncated 2020 season, Ambassadors A were crowned Group A Elite League champions while their B side captured Group B in the Third Division League, which saw them being crowned “double” winners.The sterling efforts earned Ambassadors the Trophy Stall of Toronto silverware for winning the Elite crown and the Roy Lalkissoon Trophy for Third Division title. Not to be outdone, Ajax/ Scarbo Kingz A proved unstoppable in Group B of the Elite League to walk away with the Shiv Persaud of Primerica Trophy, while Highland Creek B topped

Group A of the Premiere League to claim the Trophy Stall of Toronto Trophy. Group B winners were Palace Panthers and their prize was the Shiv Persaud of Primerica Trophy. Toronto Rhinos held off a late challenge from Durham to claim the First Division title, defeating the same opponents in the final game of the division while Maple/Skanda CC took top honours in Second Division. Four winners were crowned in the T20 League: Star CC won Group A and received the Deo Samaroo sponsored trophy; Elevens Kerala claimed Group B, winning the Bisham Singh trophy; The Kayi Wolves took care of Group C and with it the Vish Jadunauth-sponsored trophy, while the Group D champions were Island Warriors, who took home the Mathew Francis-sponsored trophy. Among the prominent individual awardees were seventeen-year-old Matthew Nandu, the son of former

Guyana and West Indies Under-19 leg-spinner, Arjune Nandu, who finished the First Division season with the most runs; his 318 being 43 more than Toronto Rhino’s Aamir Khan, who totalled 275 from eight matches.

struck two half-centuries for an average of 106 and a strike rate of 91.38. Left-arm spinner. Raqib Shamsudeen, whose parents are Guyanese, captured the most wickets in the Elite Division; his 21 wickets coming at the miserly average of

the Elite batting with 360 runs while Isham Sharma of Janbaaz was second with 300. Amerish Deoraj, the successful Ambassadors A skipper, took 16 wickets to place second behind Shamsudeen in the

The victorious Ambassadors A side after winning Group A of the Elite League

Significantly, Nandu, who represented Kaieteur International Sports Club ‘B’, only played four games. Nandu’s 146 in the first match of the season was also the highest in the division while he also

11.43. Shamsudeen was also part of the Canadian Under-19 team at the last World Cup, held in South Africa earlier this year. Ajax/Scarboro Kingz’s Sachin Kumar Asokan led

bowling department. Imtyiaz Hanslod (Scarborough X1) was superb in the batting and bowling in the Premiere League, topping the batting with 484 runs and also claimed

22 wickets, the same as Yateesh Ramdhani (Kaieteur International A) to take top honours in the bowling department. Imran Patel of Bawa took 19. The top bowler in the First Division was Jake Nash with 18 wickets while his teammate, Fareed Mohamed, was second with 14. Maple/Skanda players dominated the First Division with Andrew Georgerugixshan tallying 371 runs to top the batting and his teammate, Rakhulan Ratnam, taking 17 wickets to lead the bowling. The Third Division saw Josmy Manuel of Phoenix Kerala leading the way in the batting with 382 runs while Akash Ahir of Toronto Seawolves took top honours in the bowling with 19 wickets.The top performers in the T20 were Taushif Intwala and Fahad Motara, both of Youngstars B, the former scoring 297 runs and the latter bagging 16 wickets.

Shallow leads well wishers for Theophile recovery GGA president says 2020 was a good year despite hurdles ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – Windward Islands Cricket Board president, Dr Kishore Shallow, said the cricket fraternity was hopeful about a full recovery for Volcanoes stroke-maker Tyrone Theophile who remained in a coma following a motorcycle accident on Christmas Day. The 31-year-old Theophile reportedly suffered a fractured skull and has since been airlifted to neighbouring Martinique for further medical attention. “The cricket community across the region stands by Tyrone in this extremely difficult period,” said Shallow, also the vice-president of

Cricket West Indies. “There has been an outpouring of support for him and his family, and we all remain optimistic that his inner strength will see him through this to a full recovery.”

Windwards Volcanoes batsman stroke-maker Tyrone Theophile

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Tuesday, December 29, 2020

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

Robert Christiani-107 (vs IND, Delhi, 1948-49) John Trim (vs ENG, Bourda, 1948)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Rohan Kanhai played 79 Tests. How many runs he scored? (2) Lance Gibbs played 79 Tests. How many wickets he took?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

West Indies players union, WIPA, also conveyed its best wishes to Theophile and his family. “Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. We wish you a speedy and full recovery,” said WIPA president, Wavell Hinds. Two government ministers said the prayers of the nation were with Theophile, a Dominican who has captained Windward Islands Volcanoes in the CWI domestic tournaments in recent seasons. “Tyrone has been a very good cricketer, a national cricketer and we pray that he can get better and get back on his feet,” Sports Minister, Roslyn Paul said. Health Minister, Irving McIntyre added: “He’s in a critical condition but we’re hopeful and we have to keep him in our prayers. He has made a significant contribution to sport in Dominica. He’s been a good friend and a well-loved person and we really wish him all the best.” Theophile has played 68 first class games and scored 3 055 along with three hundreds. He last featured for Volcanoes in the 2019 first class championship.

‒ Believes Maraiko Bay Golf Club could lift Guyana to international levels

THE Guyana Golf Association (GGA) endured a tough year but managed to tick their boxes with plans to tip the scale even further, despite not knowing what 2021 will bring forth. It was a Covid-19 riddled year for sports but, somehow, sports managed to regain its grip on the wheel. Coupled with measures, guidelines and eventual permission by the Covid-19 Task Force, Guyana managed to carefully re-enter live action sports on a carefully monitored scale. Capitalising on this brief passage of normalcy, GGA president, Aleem Hussain, described 2020 as a phenomenal year, one in which they successfully managed to roll with the punches. “Despite the challenges faced in 2020, we were able to do things that were planned and exceeded our goals set for the year. And it will only get better in 2021.Guyana will be home to no less than five golf courses in the next few years and will become a Golf Tourism destination, one of the highest sports tourism revenue generators”. Regarding the development of the internationally designed

sociation (PGA) modeled course with Greens spanning some 7,800 yards across the course, Guyana could focus on possibly hosting its first PGA game in history. NexGen Golf Academy, which falls under the GGA, also recently signed a big deal with Copa Airlines, one of the premier airlines in the region, who are equally keen on the development of golf among women and children. Meanwhile, Hussain thanked GGA president Aleem Hussain the long list of sponsors, players and staff who had worked aggressively during the pandemic to ensure that mandates were met. “The attention that the sport attracts worldwide allows us to plan for events and tournaments that, if televised, can help to market Guyana, its opportunities and re s o u rc e s to an audience that spends the most in terms of travel, so it will boost tourism in ways beyond our imagination,” he ended. (Clifton Ross)

Maraiko Bay Golf & Country Club, which will be located in Mahaica, Hussain believes that when the project is completed, it will totally reshape Guyana’s image to the international world with regard to golf. With a full course 18hole Professional Golf As-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Tributes pour in for TV host and sports enthusiast Reyaz Husein By Rajiv Bisnauth Reyaz Husein, the host of ‘NTN This Morning Show’ for almost 22 years will be laid to rest today at the Windsor Forest burial ground. Husein, who leaves to mourn his wife, two children, colleagues at NTN and a number of fans passed away on Christmas Eve Day upon arrival at the Blawant Singh Hospital on Thursday night after complaining of feeling unwell. He was 50. Husein, a father of two was the administrator of Reyaz Business Institute and proprietor of Inac Vitamins, was loved not only in the entertainment industry where he became one of the most popular television personality, but was also an passionate cricket enthusiast who served as part of the executive of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA). His intelligence was demonstrated in whatever capacity he functioned throughout his career, and he was always craving for knowledge. Husein served as vice-president of the GFSCA, and was also a member of the Covid-19 Task Force in Region Three, where hw was loved by all and as news of his death spread around much like his captivating personality, tributes began to pour in from persons whose lives has touched. President of the GFSCA Ramchand Ragbeer said, Husein had a wonderful personality, he was always warm and encouraging, and as such, he and members of the GFSCA are saddened by the shocking passing. “On behalf of the GFSCA, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Reyaz Husein as well as everyone connected with him,” Ragbeer said.

Ramchand Ragbeer

Anil Beharry

Inderjeet Persaud

Braham Prasad

A n i l B e h a r r y, t h e former Berbice Cricket Board president and current secretary of the GFSCA said Husein was a man of impeccable character. “He was a gem of an individual, full of love and patience, smart and caring, a principle fella, Beharry reckoned. Cricket commentator Inderjeet Persaud said he is flattened and hurt by the news since he shared the mic on several occasions with Husein. Meanwhile, upon learning of his passing, both the Georgetown Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club recognised Husein for his friendly, cohesive, passionate and professional personality. At the Georgetown Cricket Club, he performed the roles of second division captain and coach-mentor for young players; while at the Everest Cricket Club, he was an executive member, club captain, as well as coach-mentor. Husein was also was a public announcer at regional and international cricket matches held in Guyana. Further, Chief Executive Officer of NTN, Braham Prasad said Husein was an amazing human being, humble and well respected. “He has touch so many lives. I am still to bring myself to the reality of his passing especially since it was just on Christmas Eve that he sat with myself and staff and chatted and made jokes. From his appearance and movements he looked normal as he would come to work,” Prasad said. His body will be at the Muslim Youth Organisation Complex, Woolford Avenue for viewing from 13:00hrs to 15:00hrs. All Covid 19 guidelines must be observed as part of the funeral etiquette.

Guyana Jaguars Head Coach, Mauricio Máximo, and his charges will commence training following the conclusion of this tournament

GFF/K&S/MCYS Bounce-Back Football kicks off tonight

SEE PAGE 24

India’s Kohli, Australia’s Perry dominate ICC decade honours SEE PAGE 24

Neymar to hold New Year party for 150 people SEE PAGE 24 Brazilian footballer Neymar

Virat Kohli was declared the best male player of the decade, as well as the top ODI player

Ellyse Perry was adjudged the best woman player as well as the premier ODI and Twenty20 player

SEE PAGE 27

Tributes pour in for TV host and sports enthusiast Reyaz Husein

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2020