Issuu

WEDNESDAY 29th DECEMBER, 2021

No. 106589

Winston Jordan granted $3M bail -charged over sale of property to BK

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NRF withdrawals to have ‘pre-, post-’ parliamentary scrutiny SEE PAGE

Pumps deployed to Region Three to mitigate flooding SEE PAGE

95.4 per cent of local COVID-19 patients recover

‘Firm no’ from Harmon to step aside as Opposition Leader SEE PAGE

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Jordan was warned of consequences before sale of prime water-front property

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NRF withdrawals to have ‘pre, post’ parliamentary scrutiny

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

- President Ali says

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (Office of the President photo) By Rehana Ahamad SHOULD the government get its way, spending from the country’s oil revenues would be subject to both pre and post parliamentary scrutiny, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said on Tuesday.

In a virtual presentation, Dr. Ali said that the NRF 2021 Bill, which is before the National Assembly, requires that withdrawals from the fund, along with its intended use, be included as components of the national budget, which has to first

be debated on and approved by the House. Secondly, projects and programmes funded by oil revenues have to also be investigated by the Office of the Auditor General, after which, a comprehensive Audit Report has to be compiled and submitted to the National Assembly. That report then has to face further scrutiny by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is led by the Opposition. “So, you have [the] post-approval debate [and] you have approval; you have an audit and then you have the PAC examining the Auditor General’s report. So, that covers again, added layer of accountability and transparency,” Dr. Ali noted. Further, the proposed Bill specifies that the country’s oil earnings could only be used to

finance developmental projects and/or respond to major natural disasters. President Ali has said on multiple occasions that his government’s development agenda centres on utilising the country’s oil revenues to accelerate a number of critical non-oil industries such as infrastructure, education, health, tourism and a myriad of social services. FATAL FLAWS In order to deliver on these projects, President Ali said that the “fatal flaws” of the existing NRF legislation have to be remedied. To begin with, Dr. Ali said that the 2019 law is “unconstitutional and illegitimate,” since it was passed even after a no-confidence motion had already toppled the then David Granger-led administration. Added to that, the law was passed without any input or involvement from the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) opposition. “And we were not present because the Na-

tional Assembly ceased to exist; the government ceased to exist because the no-confidence motion was passed,” President Ali argued. In pinpointing the specific problem areas of the 2019 legislation, the Head of State lamented that the NRF lacked proper governance, while bestowing excessive powers, roles and responsibility in just one person, the Minister of Finance. Under the 2021 legislation, the government is proposing that the powers of the Finance Minister be drastically reduced. The Bill, which comes up for debate in the National Assembly today, also introduces a Board of Directors, which will include a number of stakeholders including members of the private sector and a person nominated by the National Assembly. President Ali said that once the law is passed, the members of the Board of Directors will be carefully selected in keeping with the qualifications stipulated in the law. “The membership of the board is required to be published in the Gazette, so the composition of the board will be pub-

licly known. And I want to assure Guyanese that in keeping with the law, the Board of Directors will be something you will be proud of,” Dr. Ali posited, as he cautioned against criticising “a board that does not even exist as yet.” Meanwhile, the 2021 Bill seeks to replace a complicated withdrawal formula, with one that “every single Guyanese will be able to understand.” As it is, President Ali and the PPP/C are not the only ones with complaints about the inadequate NRF legislation, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), one of Guyana’s leading financial partners, said that the 2019 Act “departs from good practices” and that its complexity may “conspire against fiscal transparency and public understanding.” To right that particular wrong, the 2021 Bill proposes that withdrawals be capped, so that money from the fund could be saved for future generations, and that a formula be introduced to allow for easy calculation by all Guyanese. To this end, in the first TURN TO PAGE 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Winston Jordan charged over sale of property to BK, granted $3M bail

FORMER Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, on Tuesday, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a misconduct in public office charge and was released on $3M bail by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. The charge was laid following an investigation into his role in the sale of a prime piece of property located at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, to BK Marines Limited, at an undervalued price. Jordan, of South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that while serving as Finance Minister under the APNU+AFC government and being the concerned minister for the governmentowned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), he, between February 26 and July 31, 2020, at Main Street, Georgetown, willfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order, No. 50 of 2020, which was published in the Official Gazette of Guyana, transferring to and vesting to BK Marine Inc. absolutely, all buildings, erec-

tions, stellings, platforms and further appurtenances, at Mudlots 1 & 2, F of Mudlot 3, A, B & D, being over 2.553 acres, by paying $20,260,276, for a property valued over $5,000,000,000 and being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust and without reasonable excuse or justification. The former minister was represented by fellow party members, attorneys-at-law, Roysdale Force S.C, Khemraj Ramjattan, Joseph Harmon and Darren Wade. The case was adjourned until February 10, 2022. This publication had previously reported that, on December 2, 2021, Jordan was arrested by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in relation to two transactions done during his tenure as Finance Minister. “The first transaction… relates to the sale and vesting of the State’s largest wharf facilities located at Kingston, Georgetown … and Minister Jordan issued a vesting order passing Title to the purchaser, without the payment of any further sum of monies,” police had said in a press release. The property was of-

fered for sale to BK Marine Inc. by former Chief Executive Officer of NICIL, Horace James, for the sum of $202,602,759. The police release said that the vesting order noted that the property was sold without encumbrance and liabilities with no further monies owed by the purchaser. “Transport was subsequently issued for this property and the value strangely stated in the Transport was GY$400,000,000 (US$2,000,000).” “Further, the Agreement of Sale stated that Title must only pass upon full payment of purchase price,” the police release added. “The purchaser, BK Marines Limited, paid only 10 per cent of this purchase price, that is GY$20 million (US$100,000) and Minister Jordan issued a vesting order passing title to the purchaser, without the payment of any further sum of monies,” the release added. The law enforcement agency informed that Jordan was also identified as being allegedly involved in a second transaction. “Investigators have evidence to establish that a facility that is a mere fraction of the size of the State property under

investigation, located some seven miles upriver, was sold to a private company for US$17 million,” the release said. The matter that is now before the court was made public in early 2020 when it was reported in the media that the sale of the property had occurred just days before the 2020 General and Regional Elections were held Also of concern was the fact that cabinet had apparently granted approval to NICIL for the sale of the property. By its own admission in an April 2020 statement, NICIL said: “In October 2019, NICIL received approval [for the sale of the land in question], following which the vesting order was prepared, signed and gazetted.” At the time of the approval, the cabinet was defunct, a consequence of the court rulings made following the successful passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018. In February 2019, now Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, who was then the Minister of State, said that cabinet had not been meeting because of the January 2019 ruling by the High Court that the no-confidence mo-

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan tion was successfully passed had contended that Jordan, against the APNU+AFC ad- in collusion and in conspirministration. acy with NICIL, acted in a The State has since com- reckless and negligent manmenced legal proceedings at ner in vesting the property, the High Court to repossess having full knowledge and the property. The proceed- being aware that BK Marine ings, which was initiated by Inc. only paid 10 per cent of Attorney-General and Le- the undervalued purchase gal Affairs Minister, Anil price. Nandlall, S.C., on behalf of He is further contendthe State, listed BK Marine ing that on March 28, 2020, Inc., Jordan, former Chief when the Vesting Order Executive Officer (CEO) was issued, neither Jordan of National Industrial and nor the government of the Commercial Investments day had the legal power Limited (NICIL), Colvin and authority to do so and Heath-London and NICIL as was acting unlawfully, comthe respondents. mitting a misfeasance in The Attorney-General public office.

NRF withdrawals to have ‘pre...

FROM PAGE 2 instance, Guyana will be able to withdraw 100 per cent of the money contained in the fund, after which the cap will take effect at 75 per cent of the second US$500 million deposited into the NRF during the preceding fiscal year of its passage, followed by 50 per cent, then 25 per cent, five per cent, and finally, at three per cent of any amounts in excess of $2.5 billion. “So, as things progress, you will know exactly how much should be saved, or how much will be saved, how much will be invested and how the fund will be utilised,” President Ali said. He reminded too that the passage of the new legislation would see the person holding the position of Minister of Finance facing up to 10 years imprisonment for failing to dis-

close, within three months, receipts of all oil revenues. This provision was specifically inserted to prevent the reoccurrence of a 2016 situation which saw the then coalition government denied receiving US$18 million signing bonus from ExxonMobil. “Not only are we setting out the principles, enhancing transparency, but we are willing to put the harshest of penalties because we do not intend to keep any information in relation to the management of a Natural Resource Fund away from the public,” Dr. Ali said. PROSPERITY He went further to say that the country’s oil revenues would be better spent on improving the livelihood of all Guyanese, while enhancing and positioning Guyana as a global powerhouse.

“This is not the President and a government who would take the money to go and buy five RollsRoyce in the presidential fleet. We have outlined very clearly the type of expenditure; people-centred, people-oriented, to add disposable income and people’s pocket to give them the best possible social services,” President Ali said. He continued: “We have already laid out what those transformative projects are at a national level, at the regional level and at a community level.” Further, to support the development of both the oil and non-oil sector, Dr. Ali said that the PPP/C government intends to invest heavily in the development of Guyana’s human capital. “…to equip them to function at the highest

level and to be able to participate in the new shift in our economy,” Dr. Ali posited. Added to that, the government has plans to use the oil resources to drive its landmark energy mix, which will rely on the use of alternative sources such as hydro, solar, wind and gas, to cut the cost of energy by at least 50 per cent. This, the President noted, will lead to an expansion of the manufacturing and services industry, including agro-processing and transportation and logistics. “So, we are going to invest to support innovation and new areas of structural economic transformation, new areas, new sectors, creating the framework and incentive to drive private sector investment to create new areas of wealth,

new areas of jobs. This is what is going to lead to the sustainable development of our country,” Dr. Ali said. He also touched on the intended investments in the area of housing, especially as it relates to the government delivering on its promise to distribute 50,000 new house lots by the end of 2025. “We are well on our course achieving that, but it requires investment and

it is a promise I made from day one that must be fulfilled and will be fulfilled,” the former Housing Minister said. He is also keen on ensuring that the government is also able to create, whether directly or indirectly, at least 50,000 jobs by 2025. Come today, the repeal of the 2019 NRF Act will be up for debate in the National Assembly.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Delta to cancel over 250 flights due to bad weather, Omicron cases

(Reuters) - Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) expects to cancel more than 250 of 4,133 scheduled flights on Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions and rising cases of the Omicron variant, the airline said. Total cancellations as of 2:00 p.m. ET within, into, or out of the United States stood at 1,034, with 2,694 flights delayed, marking the fifth day of flight cancellations. Delta said it was work-

ing to reroute and substitute some planes. U.S. carriers cancelled more than 1,000 flights on Monday after grounding thousands of planes over the Christmas holiday weekend as airlines struggled with staff shortages from COVID-19 infections and bad weather in parts of the country. Snowy weather in the Pacific Northwest on Monday contributed to the cancellation of more than 110

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for travellers taking domestic flights. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday it was shortening the recommended isolation

Delta Air Lines jets are seen at gates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. December 22, 2021 (REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage) flights scheduled to land at Seattle-Tacoma Airport. With rising infections causing pilots and cabin crew to quarantine, airlines have been forced to cancel many flights. The average number of new COVID-19 cases in the United States has risen 55

per cent to over 205,000 per day over the last seven days, according to a Reuters tally. The spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus prompted the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert to suggest, on Monday, the government consider mandating vaccines

time for infected Americans to five days from 10 days previously, if they are asymptomatic. The move could help airlines and other businesses mitigate staff shortages.

COVID: Europe sees record virus case rise

(BBC) France has reported Europe’s highest ever number of new daily COVID cases as countries across the continent struggle to contain the Omicron variant. But France, with its 179,807 cases on Tuesday, was not alone in breaking records, as Italy, Greece, Portugal and England all reported record highs too. The figures could be due, in part, to reporting delays over Christmas. Countries had been reporting rises running up the festive period, driven by the more contagious Omicron variant. Studies suggest it is milder than Delta, with a 30 per cent to 70 per cent lower chance of infected people ending up in hospital. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that a surge in cases across Europe will push health systems towards the brink of collapse. On Monday, French health minister, Olivier Véran, warned “everything suggests” France could see as many as 250,000 cases a day by the start of January, while the French Hospital Federation has warned that the “most difficult weeks are yet to come”. France’s Prime Minister Jean Castex announced new restrictions earlier this week including at least three days a week mandatory working from home for those who can from early January. The country’s booster rollout has also ramped up, with more than 23 million having received a booster to date. Elsewhere in Europe: * Infections in Italy topped 78,000 cases, hitting a new record since the start of the pandemic. It also recorded 202 deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 136,753 * Portugal also recorded a new total of 17,172 cases on Tuesday, a rise on Monday’s total * Greece’s Health Minister, Thanos Plevris, called for calm after the country reported 21,657 cases * Meanwhile, health authorities in England reported a record 117,093 cases. Full UK-wide COVID data has been unavailable over the Christmas period However, while a number of cities - including Paris, London and Berlin - have cancelled official New Year’s celebrations, some governments have been less willing to bring in nationwide restrictions. People in France and England have been asked to use their common sense, while the Spanish capital Madrid has said it will go ahead with its celebrations with a cap on the number of attendees at Puerta del Sol square. Italy, meanwhile, has banned outdoor events and closed nightclubs but there are no restrictions on private gatherings. Poland is allowing night clubs to reopen on New Year’s Eve. A maximum of 100 people are allowed to enter a club if they are unvaccinated and there is no restriction on those who have received the ‘jab’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Barbadians to elect new government in three weeks

(Barbados Today) BARBADIANS are going to the polls in just over three weeks to elect a new government. The surprise announcement was made this evening by Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, in a national address from Ilaro Court. Mottley revealed January 19, 2022, as the election date, with Nomination Day being January 3. General elections were constitutionally due to be held in 2023. Mottley led the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a historic 30-0 whitewash of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in the May 2018 general elections. It will be the first general elections since Barbados became a Republic on November 30. “I earlier this evening met with her Excellency the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados and advised that she dissolves the current Barbados Parliament with immediate effect. I further advised

Her Excellency that she, not on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, but in her own right as President of the Republic of Barbados issues writs for the holding of the new elections in Barbados,” Mottley declared. The Prime Minister said she made the decision to call the elections because she was “worried” about the divisiveness in the country. She called on Barbadians to “unite around a common cause, a single Government and a single leader.” “My worry going into 2022 revolves around the impact of the silly season on our tone and our tenor as a nation; the impact of the silly season on our actions and our utterances. The impact of the silly season on our ability to think Barbados and what is best for this little paradise in the middle of the sea, what is best for our future as a nation. “I believe that we thrived and succeeded in 2018 and 2019 because

an election was behind us and we united as a force against first, the fiscal and economic threats, and then later the onslaught of COVID. I believe that, as a united Barbados, we will be, and have always been, unbeatable…” Mottley said. “Were it not for the emergence of the silly season, persons in Barbados, in my view, would therefore be calling a spade a spade. They would be saying what is right and what is wrong. They would be supporting policies and programmes designed to protect and safeguard this country, its inhabitants and those who do us the honour of visiting as vacationers or on business. That is why I am concerned that we should not enter 2022 as a divided nation.” The Prime Minister said even though the country was in the midst

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley of the COVID-19 pan- would have meetings demic, she believed a with the Electoral and successful and safe elec- Boundaries Commission tion could be held. and the COVID Cabinet P o i n t i n g o u t t h a t Sub-Committee for advice “Omicron is coming and on how to structure the it is going to impact us”, voting process in the midst Mottley said, “I want us of COVID. to unite as a people and Mottley said she would to work as one.” also ensure that the Leader “It is coming, and I of the Opposition, Bishop need Barbadians to ap- Joseph Atherley, and herproach and fight Omicron self are fully briefed after as one country, as one these meetings. nation, as one people,” She also pledged to she said. update the country “in She disclosed she

a matter of days on any agreed-upon changes with respect to simplifying the conduct of elections in this environment.” Mottley suggested that changes could include an increase in the number of rooms to accommodate polling at facilities. “So, for example, at the St Leonard’s Secondary School we could shorten the alphabetical size of a station so that there are shorter times because there are more rooms within which people can vote,” she explained. The Prime Minister stressed she wanted Barbadians to “recalibrate as a people behind one Government and one leader.” “And let me say, whoever emerges as that leader, I will support … Let us unite to fight the threats to our safety, our development and our prosperity,” Mottley added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Back to Business

NOW that the Christmas holidays are over, it is back to business. It was plenty of fun and merriment for a vast majority of the Guyanese people. The joy and festivity of the Christmas season was evident from the large number of Guyanese who, despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, found time to celebrate and exchange gifts and greetings with relatives and friends. Several overseas-based Guyanese came in the country to spend Christmas at ‘home’. There is also the traditional church service to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour whose teachings of love, humility and forgiveness continue to inspire the lives of millions throughout the world. From all indications, it

was a memorable Christmas. The stores and shopping malls were filled to capacity, and Guyanese from all walks of life found time to celebrate and, in one way or the other, strive to bring cheer to the lives of the less fortunate. This is indeed what Christmas is all about; lifting spirits and making some difference in the lives of the poor and downtrodden. This year’s Christmas was ‘blessed’ with the customary rains, but the spirit of the season remain undaunted. Indeed, the level of water over the past few days in the City and elsewhere had risen significantly due to the heavy downpours, but swift action by the Ministry of Agriculture to drain the affected communities prevented any severe accumulation of water. The Hydro-meteorological

Unit of the Agriculture Ministry had forecast some heavy rainfall, which has placed the existing drainage and irrigation under some pressure, but according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, all systems are in place, and fully activated to deal with the anticipated rainfall. With the unpredictable effects of climate change and fluctuating weather patterns, nothing can be left to chance, and, according to the weather experts, there is a high probability of unusual rainfall all across the 10 regions of Guyana, which could possibly go well into early February. Residents countrywide are advised to remain observant, and take all the necessary precautions during this period. This is why there is no

time for complacency, and even though the festive season of Christmas and the New Year is not yet over, the PPP/C administration is back to work in the interest of the Guyanese people. There is no time for relaxation, and all departments of the government are fully back on course to ensure that the needs of the Guyanese people are met. All national and local government agencies are placed on full alert to respond to any flood situation. The National Flood Taskforce, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Hydro-meteorological Office, City Engineers’ Unit, government ministries and agencies are on high alert, and are closely monitoring the situation. And according to Prime Minister Mark Philips, 90 per cent of the

coastal drainage infrastructure is operational. And, as if the flood waters were not enough to deal with, the Guyana Fire Service has had to respond to several fires on Christmas Day, which, thankfully, was able to mitigate what could have otherwise resulted in loss of property amounting to millions of dollars. The Guyana Fire Service is urging citizens to be extra careful during the holiday season, and to take the necessary precautions to avoid unnecessary tragedies. These are all manifestations of a government in action. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in his Christmas Day Message, drew attention to the several challenges the country is likely to face due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and

climate change, but despite the challenges, he urged us all to resolve to be strong, better and more committed to individual, family, community and the development of our country. As noted by President Ali, Guyanese are a resourceful people, and he exhorted us all to be reflective of the life we have lived versus what elements are missing in making it better, and, more importantly, the commitment to fixing those elements. We have much, much to be thankful for, even as we seek to navigate the challenges of our time. We have a President and an administration that truly care for the good and well-being of the Guyanese people, and who are prepared to go the extra mile for the cause of a better Guyana.

Seems like Mr. Deakin is craving the government’s attention

Dear Editor,

I THINK Mr. Arthur Deakin, AMI’s Co-Director of Energy Practice, has erred as per the article entitled “New law to give Pres. Ali dangerous control over oil money”, which was carried in the December 25, 2021 edition of the Kaieteur News. The article seems to connote that “[Mr] Arthur Deakin is of the firm conviction that the PPP/C Government’s Natural Resource Fund Bill 2021

gives a worrying degree of power to the President”. Further, Mr Deakin is even quoted as saying that “[t]he proposed Natural Resource Fund legislation is concerning. Although the original law gave too much power to the Minister of Finance, the new law simply transfers those powers to the President.” I’m not sure what is Mr. Deakin’s agenda, but I would like to speculate that maybe he would like to get the government’s atten-

tion. Let’s face it, Guyana is ripe for investment, and consultancy services in oil and gas are booming. These so-called experts’ sole intention is to cash in on lofty contracts. Mr. Deakin couldn’t be more wrong in his intuition of the new NRF Bill. First, the President has zero control over the oil money; though the power lies in his hand to appoint members of the Board of Directors, and notwithstanding said Board of Directors will be

responsible for the overall management of the fund, reviewing and approving policies of the fund etc., by virtue of the legislation, all withdrawal will be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny. Meaning, regardless of the withdrawal amount (which is administered by a straightforward formula), every dollar will be closely scrutinised under a strict parliamentary process. Further, based on Mr. Deakin’s contention, the President nor the min-

ister should not be authorised to appoint the Board members. Instead, “members should be selected by non-political institutions. Either the private sector or multilateral organisations, and confirmed by the National Assembly.” While this model seems to insinuate transparency and accountability, in the real world, this mechanism would introduce unnecessary burdens and bureaucratic mayhem. Members would be at a perpetual

loggerhead, hence, a situation that could open the door for corruption. The incongruity would also be extended to the notion of having a 22-member committee to provide oversight of the Fund. Hence, it’s preposterous to think that a 22-member committee would efficiently execute their duty of providing oversight, than nine. Yours sincerely, I. Mike

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Christmas in GT with ‘Anna B’

Dear Editor,

‘ANNA B’ was my mom; she it was who made Christmas ‘happen’. Of course, dad was chief financier, bringing in his teacher’s pay after he had let it warm his pocket for a few days; reluctant to part with it, knowing that he would be left with an empty pocket for the rest of the month. We were, in fact, poor. But we children never knew it, because ‘Anna B’ never missed a beat. At Christmas, the toys were there. The pepperpot was there. The ginger beer and mauby were there. So were the biscuits and sweets! But most of all, what ‘Anna B’ gave to us was anticipation! Anticipation has a magic all its own, not to be distilled by reality. And our reality never disappointed, even though, objectively, it should have! After all, we never did get that beautiful walking, talking doll we saw in the store windows when we went window shopping at night. We never got that beautifully equipped doll’s house! Oh! The magic of that house! Did such things really exist? After all, we never did see one outside of the glass-case. But who cared for those things on Christmas morning when we unwrapped that beautiful flaxen-haired, blueeyed, waxen-faced doll! (Talk about inappropriate images!) Or when we got that little frying pan and teapot adorned with painted daisies! We forgot about those beautiful images or, rather, were not these little shining ‘newbies’ an extension of those very glasswindow unattainables? Look! We had attained -- a new doll, a new teapot, a cap gun for the boys! These spelled Christmas, and Christmas had come to our house! Life could not get better. Or so we thought, as we shared that one doll amongst us four girls. Did the four-way sharing cause us to feel deprived? Not at all. One hundred per cent of this beautiful doll belonged to each of us 100 per cent. It can be likened unto the concept of each child being our Heavenly Father’s favourite child, even while knowing that each of his earthly siblings was also his Father’s favourite child. For real! We were happy. We were content. The impossible had been made possible.

In those ‘prehistoric’ days, Christmas in GT was heralded by the sound of Christmas songs on the radio, or in the stores downtown. It achieved a more clearly defined form when we heard mom making her Christmas Shopping List (How many of those things had had to be left off eventually?). But things really got kicking when the first night of window shopping arrived, after being cancelled a number of times. We children waited patiently, discussed it with the neighbours’ children, knowing that one day it would happen. Those trips around town would start as night began to fall. We would make our way on foot through the streets of Georgetown, alongside scores of other families similarly bent. We would look our fill at the displays in the shining shop windows, drinking in all the possibilities. It was a feast of sights, and we had our eyebellies full, returning home tired and happy. Then would come the Big Day! It was a day of sights, scents, and sounds. First up, as we exited the bedroom door into the hallway, was the sight of a transformed living room; one year it might be billowing all-white curtains covering the open windows. All around our feet would be a carpet of shining, stained mahogany wood. How many times during the run-up had we heard mom admonishing the boys to get the floor polished before Christmas? On that day, the mecca for our hurrying feet would be the Christmas Tree corner. Of course, en route, our peripheral vision could not fail to snag the newly redone furniture: Chairs re-caned, and wooden parts either stained or polished. And, of course, there were the sparkling brass plant pots and brass knick-knacks. All had achieved the mandatory mirror finish. But time to enjoy those would be for later. The Christmas Tree was our number one priority. Adorned in the splendor of glowing bulbs and winking tinsel, that tree never failed to take our breath away. The beloved painted bulbs, carefully kept from year to year, winked at us from beneath the shroud of angel hair, whose waves and sparkle we half-believed belonged to our big brother’s girlfriend. That’s what he told us. How could we be

dumb enough (or mesmerised enough) to believe him? It was as possible as Santa coming through the keyhole. We, in the tropics, with no chimney, had been reliably informed by the older ones that that was how Santa Claus made his way into our homes. We were happy to believe, pushing our doubts aside. At the other end of our little house was the centre of all activities: The kitchen. And mom, ‘Anna B’! It was like Santa’s workshop; spilling out goodness into the rest of the environment. This was where the culinary side of the Christmas magic was being weaved. The pepperpot, garlic pork, baked and stewed chicken, sweet-and-sour pork; they were all here in various stages of ‘done-ness’. This was where all those Christmassy smells were coming from. Then there was the ham; the piece de resistance. The crowning glory; the main reason mom had joined the boxhand (an informal banking arrangement between family and friends). Then there was mom. Dearest mom! There’s not another like her! She had not slept all night. Now she was standing over something, stirring but nodding off. Of course, she would deny it vigorously. But this was mom. While we children slept, she had conjured her Santa tricks, brought out her interior decorating skills, and worked her culinary magic. Mom’s expensive ham had been the source of much joy and distress. It elicited fulsome praise from ‘Mr. E’, the family friend; dad’s friend, actually. It was ‘Mr. E’ who had crowned mom with the sobriquet, ‘Anna B’, or sometimes ‘Anna with the Light Brown hair’, following mom’s brief flirtation with hair makeovers. ‘Mr. E’ had become a fixture at our house. We were never surprised to see him there, whether late at night or early in the morning. I do believe that he even checked in with us first before going home to his family. ‘Mr. E’ and dad would have little discussions long into the night, Christmas Eve being one of those nights. That was when he would generously sample mom’s unfinished ham. I can still hear her distressed voice complaining, sotto voce, that ‘Mr. E’ was eating too much of it. She would have to rearrange

the pattern of cloves with which she usually finished the glazed top of that poor ham. Finally, there would be Christmas Lunch! Drum roll, please! Unlike the rest of the year, the table would be laid with all sorts of impressive stuff. White paper napkins were stuck in the glasses placed at each one’s knife edge. Special crockery would be brought out, and then, to the children’s delight,

there would be splashes of colour; the colour of sweet drinks! Yes! Ginger beer and mauby were nice enough, but colourful fizzy bottles of drink were the treat that capped the lunch. A bottle; red, orange, even green, was placed between every two settings. Who cared that these bottles had to be shared with one’s dining neighbour! The liquid tumbling over the ice cubes into the glass was a

sight that satisfied almost as much as the fizz that went up our noses when we lifted the glass to our lips! Heaven had come to our house; Heaven had come to GT! It’s time to raise a glass to all the Anna Bs of this world! Yours sincerely, Jean Ann Field-Ridley

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Afghan women call for rights, protest alleged Taliban killings

- Protesters say former soldiers and ex-employees of the overthrown government are ‘under direct threat’

(Aljazeera) A CROWD of women has marched through the Afghan capital calling for women’s rights to be respected and accusing Taliban authorities of covertly killing soldiers who served the former United Statesbacked government. About 30 women gathered near a mosque in the centre of Kabul on Tuesday and marched a few hundred metres chanting “justice, justice” before they were stopped by Taliban forces, an AFP correspondent re-

ported. The Taliban also tried to prevent journalists from covering the march, organised against the “mysterious murders of young people, particularly the country’s former soldiers”, according to social media invitations for the march. Taliban fighters briefly detained a group of reporters and confiscated equipment from some photographers, deleting images from their cameras before returning them. Since the Taliban re-

turned to power in August, it has effectively banned unsanctioned protests and frequently intervene to block demonstrations against its rule. The protest comes weeks after separate reports by the United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said there were credible allegations of more than 100 extrajudicial killings by the Taliban since the takeover. “I want to tell the world, tell the Taliban to stop killing. We want freedom, we

Women hold placards during a protest in Kabul to demand an end to alleged extrajudicial killings of former officials (Mohd Rasfan/AFP)

want justice, we want human rights,” protester Nayera Koahistani told the AFP news agency. In a statement read aloud by protester Laila Basam, the demonstrators called on the Taliban “to stop its criminal machine.” The statement said former soldiers and ex-employees of the overthrown government are “under direct threat”, violating a general amnesty announced by the Taliban in August. The protesters also aired objections to the ratcheting restrictions women are facing under the Taliban rule. The government issued new guidelines at the weekend, banning women from travelling long dis-

tances unless escorted by a close male relative. “Women’s rights are human rights. We must defend our rights,” said Koahistani. Speaking from Kabul, Mahbooba Saraj, chair of the Afghan Women’s Network, said the move made it difficult for women to get around as many “do not have a mahram [male guardian]” to accompany them. “This is another way of placing restrictions on women for no apparent reason,” she told Al Jazeera. Taliban leaders have sought to project a more moderate image in recent months, including saying women and girls will be

able to attend school and work in accordance with Islamic Law. School for girls under the Taliban is erratic, and in many provinces, they are not allowed to attend school after grade six, but in more than 10 provinces, schools are open. Video footage posted online on Tuesday showed another women’s protest held elsewhere in the capital that also called for women to be allowed education and work opportunities. Taliban fighters fired into the air bringing an abrupt end to the protest demanding improved food supplies and work opportunities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Stable rules needed to facilitate large-scale investments - says ExxonMobil President

The passage of the Local Content Bill would essentially guarantee more employment for Guyanese such as lab technician, Shiv Outar, to work in the burgeoning petroleum sector AS Guyana inches closer to realising its potential as a global powerhouse, the country will need to institute stable rules that facilitate large-scale investments, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, has said. At a recent gala hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Routledge said that the role of the government is critical, and that a dynamic private sector requires an enabling regulatory and fiscal environment. His comments come even as the government prepares to defend two critical pieces of legislation in the National Assembly today: the landmark Local Content Policy and the 2021 Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Bill. While the proposed NRF law seeks to ensure Guyana’s oil revenues are spent in a transparent and accountable manner, and only on developmental projects, the landmark Local Content Bill looks to secure optimum employment and business opportunities for Guyanese, within the burgeoning oil and gas sector. In an interview aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) on Tuesday, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, emphasised the importance of both the NRF and Local Content legislation. He expressed hope that heading into the House today, both Bills would be supported by the parliamentary

opposition. “I will retain that hope until the very moment that the vote is taken, even if their track record does not suggest that they have been a party interested in development and improving the wellbeing of people,” Dr. Singh said. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil’s Routledge has commended the government for the work it has done within the past 16 months to improve the ease of doing business, reduce bureaucracy, and improve access to finance. He went further to highlight the critical role of education and training of Guyanese, as the government pushes ahead to implement the Local Content Legislation. “The private sector is dependent on the capabilities of the workforce. While we, the private sector, must all continue to invest in our employees, we rely on the education institutions to develop the foundational skills, both professional and vocational,” Routledge said. He continued: “People are our most valuable resource and Guyana needs to invest in its people through education and training.” As it is, the Local Content Bill outlines 40 sub-sectors within which oil companies are legally required to hire a percentage of Guyanese employees or procure a specific quantity of goods and services from Guyanese-owned businesses. For instance, once the Bill is passed in the National Assembly and assented to

by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, it would demand that oil companies procure 100 per cent of their ground transportation needs from Guyanese entities, at least by 2022. The same percentage applies to the provision of immigration support services, customs brokerage services, and visa and work permit services. Similarly, 90 per cent of services relating to the rental of office spaces, the provision of catering services, accommodation services, laundry and janitorial services, and legal services must be procured from local entities. The minimum local content requirements contained in the legislation relate to engineering and machining, which secures five per cent of opportunities for Guyanese workers in that field, followed by metrology and dredging services at 10 per cent and aviation and borehole testing services at 20 per cent. INCREASED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES However, once more and more Guyanese are trained in the latter-mentioned areas, the legislation could be amended to ensure that an increased number of Guyanese are guaranteed increased employment opportunities. This assurance was given by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during his recent address to members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC). At a breakfast ceremony hosted at State House last week, the former President said that over the next year, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government will be working extensively with the business community to build and strengthen the capacity of the local workforce. “There would be a massive training programme that… will radically change the environment for our local people,” Jagdeo said. Additionally, the proposed legislation which was recently tabled by Minister

Singh during the 32nd Sitting of the Twelfth Parliament, also contains specific penalties for foreign companies that fail to adhere to tenets of local content. More specifically, it proposes a penalty of G$50 million for companies that fail to outsource most of their services to entities owned and run by Guyanese. Routledge has since pledged ExxonMobil’s support to drive growth in local content. It was only recently highlighted that local participation in ExxonMobil’s onshore and offshore operations increased by 1,000 persons this year, taking the total number of people serving the

company’s activities to 3,270. The oil giant has said that in addition to that, ExxonMobil Guyana and its prime contractors have also spent more than US$540 million with over 800 unique Guyanese vendors. The company noted that the launch of the $20 billion Greater Guyana Initiative in February 2021 was another tangible expression of its commitment to bringing value to lives of Guyanese. This initiative is a 10-year pledge by the Stabroek Block co-venturers to support capacity building. Work has been ongoing with key Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and the University of Guyana,

while several new projects have been initiated and will be announced in the coming weeks. “We recognise our role in providing sufficient flow of opportunities in order that local companies can recoup their investments. We need to work collaboratively to optimise investments, remove barriers and build capacity,” Routledge noted. The outcome of the Local Content Bill could possibly see ExxonMobil and its partners having to increase the number of Guyanese within its employ. Today, all eyes and ears will be on the arguments presented in the National Assembly, whether in favour of or perhaps against the important piece of legislation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Trinidad: People are getting empty envelopes from postal workers. Why?

(Trinidad Express) IN TRINIDAD some households uphold a tradition of bestowing a bottle of booze to their favourite rubbish collector on either Christmas or Boxing Day but according to Public Utilities Minister, Marvin Gonzales, some postal workers are trying to get in on the action. In a statement Monday, Gonzales said, “It has been brought to my attention that citizens in some postal districts have been receiving in their mailboxes a small brown, empty and unsealed envelope stamped, “Seasons

Greetings from your District Postman.” He added, “presumably, the intention is to solicit a monetary gift from the respective households by the district postman for the provision of postal services, for which they are employed by the Postal Corporation to provide to the population under the Government’s Universal Service Obligation.” “This solicitation is illegal and reprehensible and must cease immediately!” he said. He also called on the public who may have received an envelope to not encourage the

behaviour by handing over any cash and report it to the police. Gonzales described what they were doing as, “grossly unethical.” He said that it is at variance with TTPost’s governing legislation and it also constituted a serious act of misconduct which is tantamount to misbehaviour in public office. “I, therefore, take this opportunity to underscore to all our postal delivery officers that under Section 24 subsection (1) of the Integrity in Public Life Act, Public officials and employees may not

use his public office for his own private gain,” he said. He added that, “The solicitation of a gift or personal benefit that is connected directly or indirectly with the performance of one’s duties of his office is therefore illegal.” Gonzales also called on those engaged in the act to

stop. He added that the reports are going to be investigated and that strong disciplinary action will be taken against those postal workers found culpable. “I have since mandated the Board and management of TTPOST to undertake ur-

gent and immediate measures to protect the national community and to identify and hold responsible those guilty of this practice which will no doubt do irreparable damage to the corporate image of the postal corporation,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

‘Firm no’ from Harmon to step aside as Opposition Leader

NO longer an executive member of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), while losing the recent race to be leader of the party to Aubrey Norton, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon is fighting to keep his seat in Parliament as his support base quickly dwindles outside and inside the party. Harmon, at the recent PNCR Congress, secured 245 votes compared to Norton who scored 967. Outside of the Georgetown Magistrates Court on Tuesday in support of Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who was released on $3M bail for the offence of alleged misconduct in public office, Harmon told reporters that Norton’s landslide victory will not affect his position as Opposition Leader. “The aftermath doesn’t change anything basically, it’s the same decision as we had before is the same situation we have after, the fact of the matter is the Constitution pro-

vides for the position of the Leader of the Opposition and there is a process by which any change of that position can take place, and this is a constitutional process,” he told reporters. He continued: “So the elections in the PNC/R does not change the setting, does not change the arrangement in Parliament itself; you will recall that the Leader of the Opposition is representative of over 280,000 persons who went to the electorate and voted, and so that is my mandate and the mandate of the leader of the PNC is a separate mandate altogether.” This statement by Harmon is false as only 217,000 persons voted for the APNU+AFC in the 2020 General and Regional Elections which comprises several small parties and not the PNC/R alone. Harmon also stressed that the leader of the PNC/R and the Leader of the Opposition is separate and both parties can work together.

However, in November last during the build-up to the PNC/R elections, Harmon had categorically stated that the Leader of the Opposition and leader of the PNC/R should be held by one person. Tracing the history of the PNC/R, Harmon had noted that throughout, the leaders of the party were also always the Opposition Leader. “There is a pattern of these two positions merging,” he had said during the campaign, noting that the two positions being held by the same person offers strength and power in moving the party ahead. Harmon, on Tuesday, also told reporters issues of recalling Member of Parliament is dealt with constitutionally and this also involves representatives of the party’s list, along with a recommendation made to the National Assembly. “I will only support a recall on the basis of performance of the MPs in Parliament. Right now I think the

MPs are doing a great job. I think that they have performed well and they continue to perform and they have my support,” Harmon said The Guyana Chronicle had previously reported that, in accordance with Article 184 of Guyana’s Constitution, there are a number of ways in which a member can be removed from the National Assembly, including a no-confidence provision for removing the Leader of the Opposition. The provision, as reported previously, reads: “Where one-third of the non-governmental members of the Assembly represent to the Speaker that the Leader of the Opposition no longer enjoys their confidence, the Speaker shall call a meeting of all the non-governmental members at which it shall be

Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon decided whether the Leader is a PNC/R parliamentary of the Opposition shall be shake-up, then persons in favour of Norton’s leaderremoved from office.” The provision continues: ship could be positioned to “The removal shall be effect- account for that majority, ed by the votes of a majority which could eventually pave of all the non-governmental the way for him to ascend to the Opposition Leader’s members.” This means that if there chair.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Jordan was warned of consequences before sale of prime water-front property

FORMER Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who was slapped with a misconduct in public office charge on Tuesday for the sale of prime water-front properties to BK Marine Inc, was warned of the possibility of being prosecuted for the offence before completing the transaction.

In a legal opinion, dated January 18, 2019, to the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Attorneyat-Law Ronald BurchSmith highlighted that “public officers should be concerned about whether a decision to sell government land at overly generous prices can result in civil or criminal sanction

to them personally.” The wharf, situated at Mudlots one and two, Lot F of Mudlot three and Lots A, B and D, North Cummingsburg Georgetown, was vested to BK Marine Inc. by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government days after the

March 2, 2020 elections. The property, valued at approximately $8 billion, was offered for sale to BK Marine Inc. by former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Horace James, for the sum of $202,602,759, but only a mere 10 per

Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Attorney-at-Law Ronald Burch-Smith

cent of the purchase price was paid by BK Marine Inc. for the property when it was vested by Jordan. In 2006, NICIL leased the property to Brian Tiwarie, on behalf of BK Marine Inc., for a term of 20 years, with an annual rent of $10 million, plus Value Added Tax (VAT) subject to inflation. The Agreement of Lease allowed BK Marine Inc. the option to purchase the premises for the sum of $110 million, subject to the condition that within four years of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC)’s approval of the construction plans, the scope of works shall be completed. Further, a letter dated October 25, 2011 sent to BK Marine Inc. in respect of the wharf at the premises, stated that NICIL would be willing to transfer the leased property at a sale price of $110,000,000 plus VAT on a conditional offer, however, the agreement was never executed. After the change of government in 2015, on October 23, 2017, former CEO of NICIL Horace James wrote BK Inter-

national Inc. offering to sell the said property for the sum of $202,602,759, despite the breaches to the agreement. Bruch-Smith, in his legal opinion, referenced the offence of Misconduct in Public Office, examining the elements of liability, and, using local case law for comparison, noted that “the sale of water-front property in and around Georgetown for $110,000,000 seems particularly generous in the current economic climate.” He further noted: “A decision to revert to the 2006 rate, where the intended tourism development has been abandoned may be difficult to justify on economic or public interest terms. Ministers or other public officers who consent to these terms will be exposed to criminal prosecution.” Burch-Smith also warned of civil proceedings, in that he noted, “The sale to BK International on what appears to be very favourable terms … may also give rise to civil claims against the decision makers.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

639 active COVID-19 cases being monitored by health authorities

EVEN as the government continues to implement measures to minimise the spread of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health has said that there are 639 active cases which are being monitored. This was recorded following the addition of 32 cases on Tuesday. And with that, the country has now recorded a total of 39,151 confirmed cases, since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. The 32 newly con-

firmed cases were recorded in Regions Four, Five, Six, Nine and 10. Region Four accounted for 25 of the new cases; Region Five recorded three new cases; Regions Six and Nine recorded one new case each, and Region 10 recorded two new cases. Of the active cases, seven persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 31 are in institutional isolation; 598 are in home isolation, and

three are in institutional quarantine. On a more positive side, the ministry reported that there were no new COVID-19 deaths within the past 24 hours. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asympto-

matic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until December 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of

Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and

adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is 12:00hrs to 04:00hrs. 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 Wednesday, December 29, 2021

CDC urges Guyanese to prepare for more rainfall - even as floodwaters continue to recede across Georgetown

One of the city pumps in operation (Carl Croker photo)

AS Guyana continues to experience heavy rainfall, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Tuesday, urged persons in lowlying and flood-prone areas to take precautions in the coming days. In a weather update, the commission related that precautions are necessary because rainfall could reach up to three inches along the coast and inland areas. The CDC said:

“Frequent and continuous rainfall will occur over the coastland and some inland locations. All other areas will see scattered showers throughout the period. One inch of rainfall could be expected in other parts of the country.” Heavy and prolonged downpours on Monday resulted in flooding in several communities across Georgetown, but the heavy water accumulation quickly receded after the authorities took swift action to ensure that all city pumps and sluices were in operation. In what has become a common occurrence, many persons in Georgetown woke up on Monday morning to water in their yards and lower flats, in the streets and on the roads, due to the heavy rains which began in the wee hours of the morning. High levels of water were evident in several city streets and walkways. On Monday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, said that the pumps and sluices across the city were in operation and were being closely monitored to drain the excess water from the city. “We have 13 pumps in the city and all are operable; we had 91.1 mm of rainfall between 8:00am and 2;00pm and it was very highintensity for a short period of time. That is why the water accumulated,” he said. At the time of the interview, the minister assured citizens that the water level in the city was slowly lowering. It was observed on Tuesday that water had receded almost completely in some areas. He said: “The water

in the low-lying areas is draining off because the pumps have been working in the morning. We are monitoring the pumps on a 24hour basis. Operators are at the site to give whatever assistance to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority.” Additionally, the NDIA said that the kokers/sluices were opened from 14:00hrs to 18:30hrs to ensure the speedy drainage of floodwaters. Meanwhile, members of the National Flood Taskforce, including its head, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phil lips, had visited several locations across Georgetown to assess the impact of the water build-up. On Tuesday, the water levels in areas such as Albouystown; West, East, North and South Ruimveldt; Bel Air Park; Wortmanville and downtown Georgetown were receding rapidly. Residents countrywide are advised to remain observant and take all necessary precautions during this time and report incidents of flooding to the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500. The Guyana Chronicle had previously reported that there will be a high chance of wetter than usual (above-normal) conditions across all 10 administrative regions of Guyana for the period of December 2021 until early February 2022. According to a s e a s o n a l f o re c a s t and advisory for the secondary rainfall season issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, rainfall amounts and frequency are expected to increase as the season progresses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Pumps deployed to Region Three to mitigate flooding PERSISTENT rainfall across parts of Guyana’s coast over the last 48 hours has left many houses in several communities across Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) inundated. During an assessment of the situation at Zeelugt and Meten-Meer-Zorg, two of the most affected communities, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, told residents that systems have already been put in place to relieve flooding in the area. While there, Minister Mustapha engaged some of the residents who were affected to get a first-hand understanding of the impact of the flooding. Residents told the minister that there was an urgent need for a large drainage

pump to be sent to the areas to assist with draining the land, as the sluices were only able to operate when the tide was low. Minister Mustapha told the affected residents that after receiving reports that several communities were flooded, systems have since been put in place to have two pumps sent to the affected areas to supplement the sluices. “From the level of the NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority], two pumps will be sent to these areas. One will be placed permanently at the De Kinderen sluice and the other will be placed at Zeelugt temporarily until the water recedes. After that, I’ll be coming back to these areas with our engineers to see what interventions can be made so

that we can avoid or at least minimise future flooding,” the minister said. Further, while discussing how pollution continues to contribute to flooding in many communities, Minister Mustapha pleaded with residents to desist from littering. “These areas are very low areas and water from the high lands will always accumulate in these low-lying areas. Also, the amount of garbage that we’ve seen in the drainage systems is also contributing to the severe flooding that residents are experiencing. “I am therefore pleading with you the residents to desist from throwing garbage into the drains. When these bottles and other things find themselves in the pumps, they cause massive damage to those pumps,” Minister

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha assessing the impact of flooding in Zeelugt, Region Three, on Tuesday (DPI photo) Mustapha said. In addition to the pumps, an excavator is also scheduled to commence works in the areas to clear clogged waterways that continue to impede the flow of water.

Minister Mustapha also reminded residents that, as was previously announced by the ministry’s Hydrometeorological Department, heavy and persistent rainfall is expected over the next few weeks and that they should take the necessary precautions to protect their

homes. He also told residents that at the level of the Flood-Response Task Force, the Civil Defence Commission will be engaged so that cleaning supplies could be distributed to those affected by the flooding. (DPI)

Man accused of ganja trafficking remanded

Ronaldo Chapman called ‘Pappy’ LINDEN resident, Ronaldo Chapman, called ‘Pappy’, on Tuesday, appeared in the Linden Magistrate’s Court charged for trafficking 121 grams of cannabis and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Wonda Fortune. Chapman denied that, on December 25, at Block 22, Wismar, Linden, he had 121.4 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. He was remanded to prison until February 7, 2021. According to reports, Chapman was arrested by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), after a search of a house in Block 22, Wismar, unearthed several ziplock bags and a black plastic bag containing cannabis concealed in a speaker box. He was later taken to CANU headquarters where the cannabis was weighed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Mayor Narine hands swabbed for gun powder residue - firearm sent for ballistic testing

THE firearm, seized from Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine on Monday, after an alleged domestic confrontation at Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara, was dispatched for ballistic testing while his hands were swabbed by police for gun residue on Tuesday, police confirmed. Police said that investigations were ongoing as statements were being taken from residents in the area where the alleged shooting in the air occurred. On Monday, the Mayor was escorted to the Beterverwagting Police Station where his licensed firearm was taken away and lodged, after the police were informed that gunshots were heard coming from the home of the Mayor at Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara. When police arrived,

they encountered a number of relatives of the Mayor’s wife, as they were standing on the street. Police were told that the Mayor and his wife had issues to sort out and they both reportedly admitted that they were indeed having issues. At the scene, police had asked the Mayor if he was the holder of a licensed firearm and he admitted same but denied firing the weapon. His wife who was also questioned separately denied that the Mayor had fired his weapon and that he assaulted or threatened her with the weapon. The Mayor then handed over his firearm with four live rounds to the police. The Mayor and his wife were later invited to the Beterverwagting Police Station and the

Ganja trafficker sentenced to three years, fined $1.8M LINDEN resident Gavin Martin was, on Tuesday, sentenced to three years in jail and fined $1.8 million by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after pleading guilty to a trafficking in narcotics charge. Martin appeared before the Diamond Magistrates’ Court and admitted that on December 24, at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, he had 2.280 kilograms of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. The chief magistrate, before imposing the sentence, cited the fact that the accused used the first opportunity he got to plead guilty. According to reports, on the day in question, Martin was nabbed by ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit

Gavin Martin (CANU) with a salt bag that contained five parcels of cannabis. He identified himself as ‘Emmanuel Martin’ to the ranks and was arrested. A further investigation revealed that his first name is ‘Gavin’ and that he had used his brother’s name. His brother is a serving member of the joint services.

Mayor’s lawyer arrived shortly after. His wife gave a written statement

that her husband never fired his weapon or threatened her.

Mayor Pandit, Ubraj Narine

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

95.4 per cent of local COVID-19 patients recover - as vaccination rates increase

HEALTH Minister, Dr. F r a n k A n t h o n y, h a s said that 95.4 per cent or 37,366 persons of the 39,151 persons who tested positive for COVID-19 since it was first detected in Guyana in March, 2020, have recovered. D r. A n t h o n y m a d e this disclosure during his COVID-19 update with

the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Tuesday. During the programme, the minister said that the latest statistics show that from the 418,178 COVID-19 tests conducted, 9.3 per cent were positive cases. Of the positive cases, 1,050 persons succumbed

to the deadly virus, representing 2.6 per cent of the persons who were infected. Further, 571 or 54.4 per cent of the deaths were males while 479 or 45.6 per cent were females. “Males tend to be more outgoing and they are involved more in practices that can put them at risk, so you would find more

young men in bars, most of the time they are not aware of the person’s vaccination status … they might be in close proximity to others who are unvaccinated or infected,” Dr. Anthony said. He added: “So, because of this high-risk behaviour of not wearing masks, being in close proximity with possibly persons who are infected with COVID, I would want to believe

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony that we would see a higher ceived their second shot, amount of cases among representing 29.5 per cent young men and obviously of that population. if we are getting more “Booster doses are gocases among that group of ing up gradually. We have people then ultimately we had 10,708 persons receivwould see more deaths.” ing their booster dose and The Health Minister again I want to encourage said that based on the cas- persons to take their boostes, most of the persons er doses to get protected who have died were suffer- against Omicron,” Dr. Aning from underlying condi- thony said. tions, with most victims With the exception of from the older population the Johnson and Johnson suffering from diabetes, vaccine, for persons to be hypertension, cardiovas- considered fully vaccinatcular disease and human ed with the available vacimmunodeficiency virus cines, namely, AstraZen(HIV). eca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V “And similarly in the and Pfizer for adolescents, paediatric group, most of they must be administered the patients who have died both components of those again had varying comor- vaccines. bidities… we had a few The Health Minister cases of children that had reminded that COVID-19 different forms of cancer, is spread by people’s beso these children on there haviour, so if persons are on without COVID-19 had not adopting safe practices, very bad prognosis and this there is a high possibility was just compounded by of them being infected, COVID-19 and, therefore, with some suffering mild we would have seen these consequences while others deaths occur,” he said. could die. The latest COVID-19 “Different individuals statistics show that some will have different vulner410,181 adults and 30,214 abilities and we can’t say adolescents have received well this person will get a their first dose of one of mild form and that one will the vaccines the country get a severe form and that has made available to citi- is why everybody needs to zens. really protect themselves,” Those numbers, when Dr. Anthony said. broken down, mean that 80 He added: “If you are per cent of the country’s going to play hide and adult population and 41.4 per seek and have parties cent of its adolescent popula- because you think that’s tion or persons between the the right thing to do, you ages of 12 to 18 years, have might get away with it received their first shot of a because the task force COVID-19 “jab.” cannot monitor everyIn terms of second thing. But think about dose, statistics show that this, you are putting 57.2 per cent of the adult yourself, your friends, population is fully vacci- your family in danger of nated, representing some getting a deadly disease 293,601 persons, while and is that really neces21,527 adolescents re- sary.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Thompson-Herah named Diamond League Most Consistent Athlete in women’s sprints for 2021

JAMAICAN double-double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah was named by Diamond League as the Most Consistent Athlete in the women’s

Elaine Thompson-Herah won four races on the Diamond League circuit

sprints for the 2021 season on Monday. Thompson-Herah won four races on the Diamond League circuit for the year, in addition to her three gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics in July. She ran times of 10.54 and 10.72 to win the 100m at the Eugene and Paris Diamond League meets on August 21 and 28, respectively, before winning the event at the Diamond League Final in Zurich in 10.65 on September 9. The former Manchester High School student also finished second in the 100m, at the Lausanne Diamond League, in 10.64 on August 26. Her only 200m win on the Diamond League circuit this year came in Gateshead where she ran 22.43 on July 13. The honour follows the trend of a trophy-filled festive period for the sprinter as she has already been named World Female Athlete of the Year by World Athletics, Athletics Weekly’s Female Athlete of the Year, and the NACAC Female Athlete of the Year in the month of December. She is also widely favoured to be named the RJR Sportswoman of the Year for 2021. (Sportsmax)

Solozano says he’s on the mend, ready to play again

West Indies batter Jeremy Solozano He is looking forward to they said I needed rest so PORT OF SPAIN, Trinithe regional four-day tour- that is what I did, but I am dad (CMC) – More than nament which is scheduled overcoming that phase and a month after suffering a to bowl off in February they have a programme and concussion when he was ahead of England’s tour of it is just for me to follow it struck on his helmet in the Caribbean, and says he and make my way back to his maiden West Indies will be back “soon”, even 100 per cent fitness soon. I Test tour, left-handed stronger. will be back stronger next opener Jeremy Solozano “I feel I am ready to be year.” says he is ready to get back already but I have been Solozano was struck in back on the field. taking it slow and gradually the helmet near the forehead building my way back up…. while fielding at short leg on I have been doing a lot of day one of the first Test in work with the physio and the two-match series against medical team and they have Sri Lanka – his Test debut been advising me accord- – at the Galle International ingly. I have been listening Stadium on November 21, to them,” he told the Sunday and was taken off the field Express newspaper. on a stretcher. “At the time I got hit, He suffered a concussion

and played no further part in the match and was ruled out of the second and final Test. The 26-year-old Trinidad & Tobago Red Force opening batsman said despite not getting to bat in his first Test for West Indies, training and interacting with members of the squad had benefitted him. “I think I gained a lot of knowledge from those other guys and that was very important because this was my first match, so I just tried to feed off them a bit and try to learn from it…. For sure experience will help me to become better and also to be mentally stronger,” he said. “Just training with those guys, I think I learned a lot,” he said. “I also had a lot of conversations with the head coach Phil Simmons and Monte (Desai), the batting coach, and all the assistant coaches. Those guys really helped me a lot and when they see something, they will come and tell you so that you can improve your game. I think training was also very competitive and you can only learn from it and get better.” Solozano had been a surprise selection for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, averaging only 23 from 40 first-class matches and scoring only two hundreds.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Shami claims his 200th Test wicket ... South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi to keep India on top takes 6-71 as India all out for 327

Mohammed Shami exults after completing a five-for.

MOHAMMED Shami claimed his 200th Test wicket with figures of 5-44 to earn India

a healthy advantage against South Africa on day three at Centurion. The India seamer

bowled consistently for his five-wicket haul and reached both milestones by removing Kagiso Rabada as the home side were bowled out for 197, a first-innings deficit of 130. Shami’s efforts helped his side to regain the initiative following their earlier collapse to 327 all out, with South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi taking 6-71 - a Test performance only bettered by his 6-39 three years ago, also against India at the same venue. Resuming on 272-3 after the second day had been lost to rain, India’s middle order quickly crumbled in the face of a sustained burst by Ngidi

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings

Lokesh Rahul c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada 123 Mayank Agarwal lbw Lungi Ngidi 60 Cheteshwar Pujara c Keegan Petersen b Lungi Ngidi 0 Virat Kohli c Wiaan Mulder b Lungi Ngidi 35 Ajinkya Rahane c Quinton de Kock b Lungi Ngidi 48 Rishabh Pant c Rassie van der Dussen b Lungi Ngidi 8 Ravichandran Ashwin c Keshav Maharaj b Kagiso Rabada 4 Shardul Thakur c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada 4 Mohammed Shami c Quinton de Kock b Lungi Ngidi 8 Jasprit Bumrah c Wiaan Mulder b Marco Jansen 14 Mohammed Siraj not out 4 Extras: (b-4, lb-4, nb-11) 19 Total: (all out, 105.3 overs) 327 Fall of wickets: 1-117, 2-117, 3-199, 4-278l, 5-291, 6-296, 7-29, 8-304, 9-308. Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 26-5-72-3 (nb-11), Lungi Ngidi 24-5-71-6, Marco Jansen 18.3-4-69-1, Wiaan Mulder 19-4-49-0, Keshav Maharaj 18-2-58-0. SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Dean Elgar c Rishabh Pant b Jasprit Bumrah 1 Aiden Markram b Mohammed Shami 13 Keegan Petersen b Mohammed Shami 15 Rassie van der Dussen c Ajinkya Rahane b Mohammed Siraj 3 Temba Bavuma c Rishabh Pant b Mohammed Shami 52 Quinton de Kock b Shardul Thakur 34 Wiaan Mulder c Rishabh Pant b Mohammed Shami 12 Marco Jansen lbw Shardul Thakur 19 Kagiso Rabada c Rishabh Pant b Mohammed Shami 25 Keshav Maharaj c Ajinkya Rahane b Jasprit Bumrah 12 Lungi Ngidi not out 0 Extras: (lb-4, nb-7) 11 Total: (all out, 62.3 overs) 197 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-25 , 3-30, 4-32 , 5-104, 6-133, 7-144, 8-181, 9-193. Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 7.2-2-16-2, Mohammed Siraj 15.1-3-45-1 (nb-1), Mohammed Shami 16-5-44-5, Shardul Thakur 11- 1-51-2 (nb-6), Ravichandran Ashwin 13-2-37-0.

INDIA 2nd innings

Lokesh Rahul not out 5 Mayank Agarwal c Quinton de Kock b Marco Jansen 4 Shardul Thakur not out 4 Extras: (b-1, nb-2) 3 Total: (one wkt, 6.0 overs) 16 Fall of wickets: 1-12 Agarwal Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 3-0-7-0 (nb-2), Lungi Ngidi 2-1- 4-0, Marco Jansen 1-0- 4-1.

and Rabada (3-72), with six wickets going down for just 30. KL Rahul added just one to his overnight score of 122 before he was caught down the leg side, attempting to hook Rabada, and within the next seven overs the tourists slumped to 308-9. Jasprit Bumrah (14) provided brief resistance, clobbering Marco Jansen for two boundaries before becoming the left-armer’s maiden Test victim, courtesy of Wiaan Mulder’s tumbling catch. Bumrah (2-16) then struck a blow by having Dean Elgar caught behind in the first over of the Proteas’ reply and Shami found some movement to bowl both Keegan Petersen and Aidan Markram just after lunch. South Africa were reeling at 32-4 when

Lungi Ngidi returned his second-best Test figures of 6-71

Rassie van der Dussen was caught at gully, but Temba Bavuma (52) and Quinton de Kock (34) applied themselves with a gritty partnership of 72, which ended only when the latter played on to Shardul Thakur. Bavuma marched on to his half-century, bringing up the landmark by pulling Shami to the boundary - only for the next delivery to take his

outside edge and register a 100th Test dismissal for Rishabh Pant. Rabada (25) led a spirited counter-attack by the tail, but Shami angled one across him to complete his fivefor and Bumrah - back on the field after landing awkwardly during his delivery stride wrapped up the innings when Keshav Maharaj holed out.

Memphis Grizzlies beat Phoenix Suns by one point

Ja Morant scored 33 points in the Grizzlies’ win

JA Morant scored with half a second remaining as Memphis Grizzlies held off the Phoenix Suns to win 114113. Morant had 33 points in total, with his final score the most crucial, as Phoenix fought back in the final quarter. Desmond Bane scored a career-high 32 points for the visitors, whose lead reached 18 in the third quarter.

Devin Booker put the Suns 113-112 up with 5.1 seconds left and Mikal Bridges had the chance to seal victory at the buzzer but missed his shot. In Los Angeles, James Harden equalled his season’s best of 39 points and added a season-high 15 assists in the Brooklyn Nets’ 124-108 win against Clippers. Nets were without Kevin Durant because of COVID-19 protocols but

won for the sixth time in seven games. Charlotte Hornets earned a comfortable 12399 win against Houston Rockets, while Chicago Bulls beat Atlanta Hawks 130-118 for their fourth straight win. Jaylen Nowell’s career-high 29 points off the bench helped Minnesota Timberwolves to a 108-103 victory against Boston Celtics. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Boxing Day Test blowout by the numbers

ALL the stats and records from Australia’s thumping innings victory on day three of the third Test, which saw them retain the Ashes urn in front of a joyous, sun-bathed MCG. 6-7: The incredible figures of Johnny Mullagh medallist Scott Boland, who recorded the best innings figures by an Aussie quick on debut since Bob Massie in 1972. 19: The number of balls it took Boland to secure his five-wicket haul, equalling the record set by Stuart Broad and Ernie Toshack. 7.85: Boland’s average after one Test. At this moment, it is the best bowling average (minimum seven wickets) in the game’s longest format.

267: Australia’s first-innings total at the MCG, which was enough to win by an innings and 14 runs. It is the lowest total to win by an innings in Test cricket since 1986. 12: The number of days it took Australia to retain the urn this series. 68: England’s second-innings total in Melbourne, their lowest score in Australia since 1904. 1084: The number of balls bowled in Melbourne, which was the shortest MCG Test match (in terms of balls bowled) since 1932. 76: Runs scored by under-fire Australia opener Marcus Harris in the first innings. He entered this Test under pressure to hold his spot and ended up outscor-

MUMBAI, India (AFP) - Bollywood’s retelling of the 1983 World Cup hit cinemas Friday, recalling a stunning underdog victory that was instrumental in turning India into the cricket-crazy nation it is today. Captained by Kapil Dev, seen now as one of cricket’s best-ever players, India began the tournament in En-

gland as rank outsiders but ended up triumphing over the all-conquering West Indies in the final at a raucous Lord’s. The victory “was the turning point of how we saw ourselves as a cricketing nation, and ... that incredible win fed into the veins of a country that till then had seen itself as also-rans on and off the cricket field,”

From left: Scott Boland, Joe Root and England have recorded in a multi-Test series in 131 years, since the 16.29 runs they scored in the 1890 Ashes series. 4008: The number of

2021, which equals their own record set in 1998. Of that figure, Rory Burns (six) finished with the most. 1708: The number of Test runs Joe Root finished with in 2021, falling just behind Viv Richards in 1976 (1710 runs) and calendar-year record holder Mohammad Yousuf in 2006 (1788 runs). Root achieved his runs in 29 innings, while Yousuf and Richards both had 19 for their runs. 1178: The gap between Root’s tally and the next highest English batter’s tally for 2021 (Rory Burns with 530). This is the largest-ever gulf. 26.4: The percentage of England’s Test runs that Root has scored this year. (cricket.com.au)

ing England’s entire second innings. 18.75: The average runs per wicket for England across the three Tests so far this series. It’s the lowest

Pat Cummins days since England last won a Test match on Australian soil. That came on January 7, 2011, at the SCG. 54: The number of ducks England batters scored in

the Indian Express daily said ahead of the release of the movie, 83. “The next morning, banner headlines screamed ‘The Cup Is Ours’, and nothing was ever the same. It was a blood rush to beat all blood rushes,” the paper said. The first sign that India meant business was in the group stage of the tournament when Dev made 175 not out - with India having been on the ropes at 17 for 5 - against Zimbabwe. A BBC strike on the day meant this extraordinary exploit was not filmed but hallowed cricketing almanac Wisden called it “one of the most spectacular innings played in this form of cricket”. NO EXPECTATIONS An easy semi-final victory over a fancied England side - featuring greats like Ian Botham, David Gower and Bob Willis - then set up the grand final against the West Indies, the defending champions. The West Indies were the best team in the world with fearsome fast bowlers Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding - plus batting battleships Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge and Clive Lloyd. But India cruised to victory, causing pandemonium in the Lord’s stands and back home. Balwinder Sandhu, who scored an important 11 not out as last man - and later

Bollywood film actor Ranveer Singh (second left, bottom) posing with members of India’s victorious 1983 World Cup team during the premiere of the movie 83, which is based on India’s first cricket World Cup victory in the year 1983, directed by Kabir Khan (second right, bottom) in Mumbai, on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. (Photo; AFP) bowled Greenidge for one “But it was the sheer internationally. After that -remembers being hit on unexpectedness of the tri- India became in a sense the the helmet by a Marshall umph. Who had thought epicentre of the cricketing bouncer. that India would beat the world,” Memon said. “It made me more de- world champions? It trigDev is played in 83 by termined ... I didn’t flinch,” gered so much passion Ranveer Singh. The BolSandhu, who helped advise and so much interest in lywood superstar honed the actors and director of 83 the game in India that it his own cricket skills four Kabir Khan, told AFP. was never the same again,” hours a day for six months The West Indies had Memon told AFP. to bowl and bat - and walk, “great fast bowlers who The victory also re- talk and smile - like the had a ‘no mercy’ attitude,” vealed the commercial op- captain. Sandhu said. “It was a great portunities of cricket in InIn an interview with feeling just to get 10 or 15 dia, paving the way for the AFP, Dev said India were runs off them.” money-spinning spectacle helped by being underdogs NEVER THE SAME it is now. and were simply “enjoying AGAIN This was also driven by ourselves”. Veteran journalist Ayaz the opening up of the econ“There were no expecMemon, who covered the omy and the advent of cable tations. All the media’s tournament, said that crick- television in the 1990s. attention was on Austraet was already hugely pop“It (the win) complete- lia, England, West Indies, ular and that India had won ly transformed the future and all the pressure was a Test series in England in not just of Indian cricket on the other teams,” the 1971 for the first time. but also cricket as a sport 62-year-old said.

Bollywood replays India’s seminal 1983 cricket triumph

Renowned hurdles coach John Messam passes away at 61

Hurdles coach John Messam The Jamaican Track & Field community is in collective mourning after the passing of John Messam. Messam passed away at 61 on Sunday after a long illness. The Calabar High School Old Boy was an IT professional, working as an Oracle Database Administrator at the Porth Authority for 22 years. At the same time, Messam was a respected Track & Field coach, specialising in hurdles events. A former Florida International University and Seton Hall University student, Messam was also the founder of Hurdles Crew Jamaica, an organisation, which was created to enhance the lives of at-risk youth by allowing them to engage in voluntary work at Track & Field meets each year. Messam was often the man to whom Track & Field coaches would send their hurdlers when they needed someone to fix their technique. Funeral arrangements will be made at a later date.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

BCA president Conde Riley re-elected to serve a third consecutive term

BCA president Conde Riley Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president Conde Riley was re-elected unopposed and will serve a third consecutive term while former Barbados chairman of selectors, Henderson Wallace, is the new face added to the board after elections took place last night virtually.

While Riley and BCA secretary Gregory Nicholls returned unopposed, there has been a change to the directors as Timothy Boyce who served in that capacity for 14 consecutive years lost his seat on the BCA board of directors having been edged out by Wallace, 23-18. Veteran board member Winston Stafford tallied 27 and Roland Butcher 24 received the most votes for the available three positions. During an interview with Barbados Today on his re-election as president, Riley said, “I was unopposed so that in itself was confidence that we were going in the right direction. We have a lot of work coming up in 2022 with the five ODIs (One Day International), the three regional games

and then the Test match and the possibility of an international team touring later in the year.” The meeting went smoothly based on all accounts and after the results were shared president Riley thanked Boyce for his years of service to the BCA board. He thanked him for his sterling efforts in leading the BCA membership committee and the members themselves expressed their gratitude for his service to the BCA from 2007 until now. The president also congratulated Wallace on his election and welcomed him to the board of directors. Wallace has a wealth of knowledge having served as the chairman of selectors of Barbados cricket for a

while. He is expected to bring some level of expertise to the BCA. Despite having a packed cricket schedule for 2022, Riley stated, “They (CWI) has asked us to host a couple warn up games for the Under-19 World Cup between Ireland, Zimbabwe and those teams that are playing. But our focus is more on the English tour which would bring more benefit to the country in terms of the arrivals.” Given the global pandemic with which we are now faced with Riley give all assurances that the BCA is in constant talks with all stakeholders including the officials from the Ministry of Health and COVID-19 Monitoring Unit. “We have a local organ-

ising committee consisting of myself, BCA chief executive officer Roland Toppin as the chairman, a number of cricket officials in Barbados and Cricket West Indies as well as the COVID-19 Monitoring Union and people from the Ministry of Health. We meet every Tuesday via Zoom to make sure that our check list is running smoothly and it is affiliated with where we should be in preparation for the English arrival in January,” Riley explained. The BCA leader also touched on the Barbados Olympic Association Board of Directors mandate which stated that given the recent restrictions and challenges faced in attending regional and international competitions, BOA has decided

to implement a mandatory Covid-19 vaccine policy as a condition of participation in Games for all accredited persons. In response Riley noted that the BCA, one of the most recent associations to sign on to be part of the Olympic movement does not have to worry because most of their contracted players are vaccinated. As president, Riley has a few New Year’s resolutions when it comes to cricket in Barbados and those would be to retain the Regional Four Day championship but most importantly he hopes that the players and all involved in the operations of Barbados cricket can stay COVID free. (Extracted from Barbados Today)

in the four-over powerplay. Alex Hales, the competition’s leading run-scorer last season, continued his struggles in BBL|11 as he battled his way to 13 with a four off the gloves to fine leg and a top edge pull shot in the same zone for six. It was then Kelly (330) again who put him out of his misery with a gem of a delivery that dropped through the air and clattered into the stumps. That brought Billings and Sangha together who put on 113-run partnership, the Thunder’s highest ever third-wicket stand to take the game away from Scorcher. The Englishman was the aggressor with 10 fours and two sixes on his way to 67 from just 35 balls, including a huge six off Mitch Marsh to bring up his second half-century of the tournament that landed on the roof of the grandstand. He then hit a beautiful six over cover in the next over off Australian T20 World Cup spinner Ashton Agar, who conceded 35 from his four overs without a wicket. Billings was eventually out to Tye on the delivery before all the no-ball commotion. Billings said it was probably the most complete performance the team had

put together this season We’ve probably let ourselves down in one (skill) or the other in the last few games, we’ve either batted well or bowled well and not backed it up with the opposite,” he said on the Fox Cricket broadcast after the game. “It was a really good team performance tonight, that’s the cricket that we can play and against a very, very good team.” Thunder lost three wickets in the power surge in overs 15 and 16, but they also took it for 34 runs to keep the momentum going. Sangha finished unbeaten on 56, his first half-century of the tournament, and was ably supported by Daniel Sams (10), Ben Cutting (10) and Chris Green (14no) at the back end of the innings. If there’s one team you wouldn’t feel comfortable against with 200 on the board it would be Scorchers with the likes of Kurtis Patterson, Marsh, Colin Munro, Turner and Laurie Evans in the line-up. But at 3-17 by the end of the powerplay, with Josh Inglis, Marsh and Patterson back in the sheds, Thunder could quickly breathe a sigh of relief. It was soon 4-44 when Turner departed to Nathan McAndrew, who was the

chief destroyer with 3-40. Munro and English import Evans put some life back into the chase with a partnership of 43 but Saqib Mahmood returned for his third over just after the halfway point and he sent his countryman packing for 12. New Zealand lefthander Munro (64 n.o. from 43) continued on but couldn’t find an ally at the other end as the wickets kept tumbling and as the rate climbed beyond 16 an over it just became too much for one batter to shoulder. Tye vented some frustration with a blistering 44 off 25 balls, his highest score in the BBL, but it came too late to save Scorchers who fell 34 runs short with 166-8 from their 20 overs. Scorchers remain on top of the ladder despite the loss but Sydney Sixers will have a chance to reclaim the number one spot with a win over Brisbane Heat tonight. Thunder now sit fourth after leapfrogging Melbourne Stars and next face the seventh placed Adelaide Strikers on New Year’s Eve. Scorchers will be looking to rebound when they return to Melbourne to take on Stars at Marvel Stadium, their home away from home, tomorrow. (Cricket.com,au)`

Dominant Thunder end Scorchers’ unbeaten streak

Sam Billings crushed Perth Scorchers with a classy half-century

PERTH Scorchers have suffered their first defeat of KFC BBL11 after being comprehensively outplayed by Sydney Thunder in Canberra. Thunder, returning to their alternative home at Manuka Oval where they won their previous match against Brisbane Heat, dominated from start to finish as they piled on 2007 against an uncharacteristically sloppy Perth attack. The moment that summed up the night for the Scorchers was when AJ Tye – the competition’s fourth leading wicket-taker of all-time and BBL11’s top bowler – was booted from the attack when in his

second over he delivered two above-the-waist full tosses that were deemed dangerous. It was a horror three balls for the 35-year-old who delivered a chest-high full toss at Alex Ross the first ball he faced, a wide and then another chest-high full toss that Ross promptly dispatched to the rope. That was when the umpires moved in and removed Tye from the attack after just nine legal deliveries with figures of 1-26. The red-hot Mitch Marsh also had a rare night to forget of late, conceding 50 runs from his four overs before clipping a ball off his pads straight to the fielder

on the boundary to depart for just six with the bat. Leg-spinner Peter Hatzoglou was also subbed out at the 10-over mark of the first innings after conceding just three from his solitary over, before his X-factor replacement Lance Morris went for 12 runs during his first. It was in-form batters Jason Sangha and Sam Billings who did the damage after being asked to bat first by Scorchers’ captain Ashton Turner. Matthew Kelly, back in the side after England speedster Tymal Mills was rested, got the visitors off to a dream start by removing both Thunder openers with-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

ODI cancellation disrupts Ireland ‘prep’ for Windies series

FORT LAUDERDALE, F l o r i d a ( C M C ) – I re land’s preparation for next month’s white-ball series against West Indies hit a major snag yesterday with the cancellation of the OneDay International series against United States, following COVID-19 positives in the touring party. Only hours after pushing back yesterday’s opening ODI to today as a precaution, Cricket Ireland and USA Cricket agreed to scrap the series “over COVID-related concerns”, after two members of Ireland’s support staff tested positive as well as the partners of several players. Two players have also

been categorised as “close contacts” but all players of the playing squad have returned negative COVID results. The latest development comes on the heels of a positive test by a match official which claimed the opening match of the series carded for Boxing Day. With Ireland scheduled to fly out to Jamaica on New Year’s Eve for the West Indies series starting January 8 in Jamaica, Cricket Ireland’s High Performance Director Richard Holdsworth said “difficult decisions” had to be taken. “The decision has been a difficult one to make, but

COVID-19 has disrupted Ireland’s build-up to the West Indies series in Jamaica. clearly the right outcome positive COVID-19 results from a player and staff health amongst the Irish players, we and safety perspective,” have had two support staff Holdsworth said. test positive and a number “ W h i l e t h e r e a r e n o of travelling partners and

family members also testing positive. “This has meant two players within our playing ranks being deemed ‘close contacts’ and have been isolating while they are further tested and monitored.” He continued: “From a broader perspective, consideration had to be given to the current series as well as the second leg of our tour. We need to be mindful of travel requirements for entering Jamaica and meeting Cricket West Indies COVID-19 protocols. “Over the coming days we will prioritise the health and safety of our players and staff, and work with lo-

cal officials in ensuring our people are well looked after – whether preparing to travel onward to Jamaica, or having to remain in Florida a little longer in isolation.” The ODI series against United States, which followed a successful staging of the two-match Twenty20 International series last week, is Ireland’s final match preparation before they take on West Indies in three ODIs and a one-off T20I at Sabina Park. Ironically, West Indies’ three-match ODI series against Pakistan earlier this month in Karachi was also scrapped following a COVID-19 outbreak in the Caribbean side’s camp.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Experienced West Indies Women off-spinner Anisa Mohammed ended 2021 as the highest wicket-taker for the regional side in One Day Internationals (ODIs) but says she will be striving to do even better in 2022. The 33-year-old Trinidadian has 20 wickets in 12 matches at 18 runs per wicket, confirming her position among the best in the game and going into the new year at number 25 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. “It feels good to finish on top with the most wickets in ODIs. It has been a while since I’ve actually picked up

improving as well, to stay on top of the game, so there is always something to work on.” She played a crucial role in the series wins against Pakistan in the Caribbean in the summer and away in November. Her best bowling figures were 4-27 off 9.4 overs against the Pakistanis at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. It was the second best of the year for West Indies – Hayley Matthews had 4-26 in Karachi, while the third best came from Sheneta Grimmond who took 4-33 against the visiting South Africa at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in September. Overall, Mohammed is the most successful bowler

in West Indies history. Since her debut against Japan back in 2003, she has taken 296 wickets at the international level – 171 in 134 ODIs and 125 in 117 T20Is. She is eagerly looking forward to the ICC Women’s World Cup, which will be played in New Zealand in March and April. “It is great we have qualified for the World Cup and everyone in the team is working towards that tournament. It is a big occasion in any sport, in anyone’s career to play in a World Cup and we really want to put in a great performance for the West Indies.”

Foxes meant Wilfred Ndidi returned from a hamstring problem to start at centre-back. He fouled Salah for the penalty which everybody expected to produce the opener. But Schmeichel guessed right as the Reds failed from the spot for the first time in the Premier

League in more than four years. Salah should also have netted the rebound too with Schmeichel on the ground, but his looping header in front of an empty net hit the crossbar. That means he ends 2 0 2 1 o n 2 4 P re m i e r League goals and 11 assists. (BBC Sport)

Mohammed aiming to do better in 2022 even as she ends 2021 on a high

Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed

so many wickets so it’s a really good feeling and I’m hoping that I’m able to continue in 2022. From January to July we did a lot of skills work in the build-up to the matches, so I think that helped,” Mohammed said. “I think I’ve really had a good year this year compared to the last five years. For 2022, hopefully I can have an even better year than in 2021 and that would be icing on the cake.” Mohammed added: “The batters around the world are improving with more improvisation and shot-selection … their skills are getting better, so it is more challenging. As a bowler you have to keep

Liverpool beaten at Leicester as Salah has penalty saved

Ademola Lookman’s opener was Leicester’s first shot on target

Ademola Lookman scored the only goal as Leicester beat Liverpool to leave the Reds six points off the top of the Premier League table. L i v e r p o o l ’s b i g g e s t chances came in the first half when Mohamed Salah had a 15th-minute penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel

and headed the rebound off the bar. Sadio Mane then missed a couple of opportunities for Jurgen Klopp’s side before they were made to pay by the hosts in the 59th minute. Former Everton forward Lookman, with only his fourth touch after coming on, took Kiernan Dews-

bury-Hall’s pass in his stride, beat Joel Matip and rifled a shot past Alisson - Leicester’s only shot on target. Leicester, missing several first-team players, hung on despite relentless late Liverpool pressure - just six days after blowing a 3-1 lead to lose on penalties against the same opposition in the

Carabao Cup quarter-finals. With only their second defeat of the season, Liverpool are now six points behind leaders Manchester City, while Leicester - who have won just two games out of seven - move up to ninth. The Reds could also end 2021 in third place and nine points off top spot if Pep Guardiola’s City beat Brentford, and Chelsea at least draw with Brighton, on Wednesday. Leicester 1-0 Liverpool: Rodgers hails ‘heroic’ performance Goals seemed to be practically guaranteed in this one. Liverpool had scored a club record 50 in their opening 18 league games. Leicester had netted 12 and let in another dozen in their last four games, including the 3-3 cup draw at Anfield and a 6-3 defeat by Manchester City on Boxing Day. Injury problems for the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday December 29, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 481/6 (ENG vs AUST, Nottingham, 2018) 35 (ZIM vs SL, Harare, 2004 & USA vs Nepal, Kirtipur, 2020)

Today’s Quiz: What is the highest T20 International innings total to date? (2) What is the lowest T20 International innings total to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………… (1)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 29, 2021

ICC to make US$3 million bid for cricket’s inclusion in 2028 Olympics

Former ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney was relieved from his duties in July.

AFTER a stalled Olympic push over the last year amid internal politicking, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is hoping to ignite a US$3 million bid with a lobbying and PR blitz ahead of a defining period likely to determine cricket’s fate at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Cricket is already on the

back foot having recently been excluded from the provisional list of 28 sports for the 2028 Games, an apparent blow for inclusion into the Olympics for the first time since 1900. But that’s not yet cause to panic, with a final decision only expected in 2023 when the Los Angeles 2028 Local Organising Committee proposes additional sports – that process, rather than this provisional list is what cricket aims to be a part of. Having publicly announced an Olympic bid only in August, the ICC has had a long-term view on inclusion, but those close to the process have been frustrated by internal political upheaval that has stymied the bid. “It took time to get the ball rolling,” an official with knowledge of the ICC’s bid told ESPNcricinfo. “There hasn’t been enough work done yet. There have been too many sideshows within the ICC.” There have long been

grandiose visions of cricket reappearing in the Olympics and informal discussions between senior figures at ICC and IOC were held as far back as during the Beijing 2008 Games. The IOC had long courted cricket because of its following in South Asia, where the Olympics traditionally has not resonated. Initially, however, reluctance from the BCCI and ECB proved stumbling blocks. But when they finally committed, the ICC’s Olympic dreams were revived. Late last year, a working group was formed by then acting ICC chair Imran Khwaja that included independent director Indra Nooyi, then-ECB chair Ian Watmore, Tavengwa Mukuhlani (Zimbabwe) and Scotland’s Tony Brian who at the time was an Associate director. They were tasked with providing a detailed analysis on how cricket could be an Olympic sport. But they never met, with

Khwaja soon losing a bitter and interminably long ICC chairperson election to Greg Barclay. Khwaja became deputy chair but was replaced as chair of the Olympics working group by Watmore, who had backed Barclay in the election and formed a close working relationship with him. Post-elections focus shifted in the first half of this year on the tumult engulfing the ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney, who was relieved from his duties in July after allegations of bullying following a workplace culture review. As chair of the ICC’s HR committee, Watmore played a key role in Sawhney’s departure and during this period “wasn’t focused on the Olympic stuff”, according to an official. When the Sawhney saga ended, attention finally reverted to the Olympics, with the ICC announcing its bid amid the Tokyo Games fervor in early August.

“We know it won’t be easy to secure our inclusion as there are so many other great sports out there wanting to do the same,” Barclay said at the time. “But we feel now is the time to put our best foot forward and show what a great partnership cricket and the Olympics could be.” The working group finally met for the first time in August and had been tweaked with the inclusion of USA Cricket chair Paraag Marathe and Associate director Mahinda Vallipuram replacing Brian. A $3 million budget was set aside for the Olympic campaign with some of the funds dedicated to travel to encourage working group members to fraternise with relevant stakeholders. Taking the lead, Watmore immersed himself in the role and had meetings with high level officials including LA 2028 LOC boss Casey Wasserman. But Watmore’s own sudden resignation from the

ECB derailed the momentum, as Barclay took the reins. “He (Watmore) was getting a move on and seemed to make more contacts than Greg, who might be busy with all he has going on,” an official said. At the working group’s meeting last month, communications firm Burson Cohn & Wolfe was appointed and tasked with establishing a strong PR campaign. It will identify and help engage the “critical influencers in and around the IOC”, according to officials. Famous former and current cricketers are also expected to be part of the marketing blitz as those close to the project know that no more time can be wasted after such a lethargic start. “The worry is that we need to lift our game to be considered for 2023,” an official with knowledge of the bid said. “Things need to happen now.” (ESPNcricinfo)

Western Tigers, Police set up titanic semi-final showdown today FOOTBALL fans should be in for a treat tonight when the semi-finals of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ Kashif & Shanghai Organisation year-end football tournament is staged at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora. The first semi-final from 18:00hrs is a titanic battle with Western Tigers clashing with Guyana Police Force FC, followed by defending champions Guyana Defence Force and Den Amstel from 20:30hrs. Sticking to pundits’ script, Tigers should overhaul Police but it won’t be so easy. The lawmen have been playing positive football and have reached this stage compliments of a convincing win over Ann’s Grove where usual protagonist Dexroy Adams and Jemine Junior reached the back of the net. Tigers, too, have been in rapid goal-scoring form, and, humbling Bartica at home 4-0 on Christmas night would only build up more confidence to win the favourite title; for playmakers Trayon Bobb, Andrew Murray Jr and Kevon Woodley are in good touch. Meanwhile, the defending champions had to work hard to come from behind and defeat Milerock 3-1 at Mackenzie Sports Club. Certainly (it will be) no easy task but right throughout the tournament, GDF have been

Defending champions, Guyana Defence Force through to the semi-final stage

clinical, given their experience and quality. On form and pedigree, they should be able to

get past their West Demerara opponents. Den Amstel will be look-

ing to slay another giant after booting out Fruta Conquerors, and while GDF are certainly

Nandu steers Windies to ODI series-levelling win

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – Opener Matthew Nandu’s anchored an un-

complicated run chase to earn West Indies Under-19s an eight-wicket win over

Opener Matthew Nandu hit a patient, unbeaten 42 from 42 balls

South Africa Under-19s in yesterday’s second Youth One-Day International. The left-hander struck a patient unbeaten 42 from 75 deliveries as the hosts overhauled a target of 104 in the 24th over at Arnos Vale Stadium to draw level in the four-match series, after a disappointing defeat in Sunday’s opener. Nandu hit four fours, adding 58 for the second wicket with Teddy Bishop (25) before posting a further 42 in an unbroken third-wicket stand with captain Ackeem Auguste who made 28 not out. Bishop struck three fours in a breezy 37-ball knock while Auguste was equally dominant, striking four boundaries in his fluent 24ball innings. Opting to bowl first earlier, West Indies bundled out South Africa for a paltry 103 in the 32nd over, with left-arm spinner Jaden Carmichael

snatching three for 25 and fast bowlers McKenny Clarke (212) and Johann Layne (2-14), along with left-armer Anderson Mahase (2-34) also taking two wickets. Michael Copeland, a right-hander with two firstclass matches under his belt, top-scored with 24 from 52 balls with two fours and a six, batting at number six, but was one of only two top order batsmen to reach double figures and the only one to pass 20. South Africa slumped to 12 for three in the seventh over with Layne making two early strikes, and there was no real recovery as Clarke kept the pressure on with the key wickets of Andile Simelane (14) and Gerhard Maree (9) to hurt the middle order. Copeland’s resistance ended when he perished in the 26th over, bowled by Carmichael who took three of the last five wickets to fall.

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tougher opponents, the team’s management is ready for any test.

The team to lift the trophy on January 1 will also take home G$2 million.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA innings J. Smith c Bishop b Layne 2 V. Kitime run-out 0 A. Simelane c Bishop b Clarke 14 G. Van Heerden c Bishop b Layne 3 G Maree c Parris b Clarke 9 M. Copeland b Carmichael 24 H. Coetzer lbw b Carmichael 7 K. Solomons c Auguste b Mahase 9 J. Stephenson b Carmichael 9 A. Tsaka c Auguste b Mahase 14 A. Mnyanda Not out 1 Extras: (b-4, w-7) 11 Total (all out, 31.3 overs) 103 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-9, 3-12, 4-34, 5-55, 6-67, 7-73, 8-79, 9-101. Bowling: Layne 6-1-14-2, Thorne 6-0-14-0, Clarke 4-0-12-2, Mahase 7-0-34-2, Carmichael 8.3-3-25-3. WEST INDIES innings S. Parris b Mnyanda 0 M. Nandu not out 42 T. Bishop lbw b Tsaka 25 A. Auguste not out 28 Extras: (lb-1, w-7, nb-1) 9 Total: (2 wkts, 23.2 overs) 104 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-62. Bowling: Stephenson 5-0-23-0, Mnyanda 6-0-24-1, Copeland 6-0-21-0, Coetzer 1-0-6-0, Tsaka 3-0-11-1, Simelane 2.2-0-18-0.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021