Issuu

MONDAY 30th November, 2020

Over 3,000 jobs

No.106199

–– as more than US$640M rolls out in hotel investments next year Investment in people, sustainable enterprises, infrastructural development vital for transforming Guyana –– PSC Chairman See Business Supplement inside

Six-day-old baby is 150th COVID-19 death

SEE STORY ON PAGE 09

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Over 700 farmers interested in industrial hemp –– have registered with the Guyana Industrial Hemp Association

By Richard Bhainie MORE than 700 farmers from across Guyana have signed up with the Guyana Industrial Hemp Association, signaling their interest in cultivating hemp for industrial use. The Association, formerly known as the Region 10 Industrial Hemp and Farmers Association, was formed in 2016. Earlier this year, the name was changed to cater for inclusivity, and in keeping with the outcomes of several nationwide consultations. The association’s President, Aaron Prince, told the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday that the organisation has conducted vigorous research, and would like to make contributions towards the establishment of a hemp industry in Guyana. Prince, who was present at Attorney-General (AG) Anil Nandlall’s weekly outreach at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, explained that he had travelled to China, where he spent five months conducting research on industrial hemp. Richard Shew, the asso-

ciation’s Secretary, has spent time in Canada on a similar mission, while Keyon Rhobe, an executive member, has perused the creases and crevices of Guyana doing groundwork with local farmers. “What we have done is that we would have researched a lot of laws, rules and regulations [of the industry] and [tried] to formulate a plan which includes the laws, the processes involved, the formulation, the guiding, the monitoring, the evaluation, testing, distribution, sale, by products, everything,” Prince said. He also explained that the association has been involved in discussions with international companies such as the Australian firm, Textile & Composite Pty Ltd, which wants to invest in the domestic market here. The investors have expressed their desire to import machinery such as decorticators, an important piece of equipment into Guyana to separate the tough, woody interior of the hemp plant from the soft, fibrous exterior. They plan to work along-

GIHA representatives are, from left, Executive Member, Keyon Rhobe; Secretary, Richard Shew; and President, Aaron Prince

side the local farmers, and pay market price for the locally grown hemp, Prince explained. He added that such an occurrence will create a magnitude of jobs, not just in the farming sector, but for Guyanese from all walks of life. The hemp fiber has great tensile strength and durability, and is used to produce more than 5,000 textile products, ranging from rope to fine laces. The wood ‘hurds’ remaining after the fiber has been removed contains more than 77% cellulose, and can

be used to produce more than 25,000 products. DIFFERENT FROM ‘GANJA’ Industrial hemp has evolved to produce products such as medicine, healthy foods, organic body-care products, clothing, construction materials, biofuels, plastic composites, just to name a few, Prince stated. There is a common misconception amongst Guyanese that hemp is marijuana (‘ganja’). However, while they are from the same family, they are different. Cannabis is a taxonomic term referring to a genus of flowering plants that are members of the Cannabaceae family. Hemp is a specific type of cannabis scientifically classified as Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana is the intoxicating cousin of hemp. “The difference in hemp and marijuana is that hemp is used to describe cannabis that

contains 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content by dry weight, comparatively. THC levels in marijuana flowers are generally between three and 15 per cent or more, depending on the strain,” Prince explained. He added: “THC is the chemical compound that gives you euphoria when you smoke marijuana; the 0.3% THC in hemp cannot get you high.” In the United States of America (USA), this distinction was used in the legal definition of hemp, as specified in the Agricultural Act of 2018 and other laws. Prince informed this publication that the Association has “been disseminating information through various means to educate people on the distinction of hemp and marijuana”. Guyana’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 1988 provides for the criminalisation and possession of, and trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and cultivation of certain plants, to which Cannabis is included by virtue of Section 3 of the First Schedule. This legislation prevents the cultivation of hemp in Guyana. The Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General, Mr. Anil Nandlall, on November 18, 2020 had informed this publication that as part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s Manifesto promise, the government is currently conduct-

ing research on the topic, and Cabinet will be briefed on the way forward, once the said research has been completed. “A convenient point to start is to recognise that we, in our Manifesto, and during our campaign, promised that we will explore the possibility of hemp cultivation in Guyana,” Minister Nandlall explained. He added: “I have been tasked with the ministerial responsibility of doing that, specifically, to inquire and advise Cabinet on whether hemp is a prohibited substance under our current narcotic legislation. That research has begun; it’s a work in progress, and Cabinet will be updated shortly.” The Association wishes to express its gratitude to the government and the AG for conducting forums such as the ‘Taking Government to the People’ initiative, where they were given an opportunity to express themselves. “We have written the previous administration countless times; we [had] written the former president, the last Legal Affairs Minister, the Minister of Agriculture, everyone [and] we got negative responses,” Prince informed. The Association’s representatives were pleased to meet the AG, who informed them of the status of deliberations and research currently being undertaken. The AG, during Saturday’s interaction, assured the organization that they will be included in the consultation process.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Focus on gender inequality, gender discrimination … to curb surge in domestic violence, says women’s rights activist By Vishani Ragobeer

GENDER inequality and gender discrimination, which are some of the root causes of domestic violence and gender-based violence should be addressed in order to stymie their occurrence, according to women’s rights activist, Danuta Radzik. In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Radzik, who is a member of the NGO Help and Shelter, emphasised that domestic violence and gender-based violence are not just a man getting drunk and beating his wife, or him beating his wife because she is not a good housewife. While these are issues which should be addressed with much alacrity, she clarified that those Women’s rights activist Danuta Radzik occurrences are symptoms of a system potential, human rights and dignity, which oppresses women and women’s and for contributing to (and benefitting rights. from) economic, social, cultural and “Domestic violence and gen- political development.” der-based violence have been around So far, for this year alone, a total like forever and unless the root caus- of 17 women have been killed by their es and the structural causes of gen- spouses, leaving 43 children motherder-based violence are not tackled, it less, according to Minister of Human will continue,” Radzik said. Services and Social Security, Dr VindShe subsequently explained that hya Persaud. these root causes include gender inIn a recent statement, Dr Persaud equality, gender discrimination and the highlighted, “Domestic violence social system of patriarchy. remains a taboo, shuttered behind The activist further posited, “These closed doors and only emerging as persons who are abusers of women, bloody faces, bruised limbs, broken [who are] domestic violence abusers, spirits and dead bodies. Fear of sothey didn’t drop from the sky. They cietal judgement, insecurities about were created by our society here and children and finances, family presevery single country of the world be- sure and manipulation keeps this a cause of the way persons are socialised hushed conversation or results in an from birth.” overwhelming silence.” She also lamented that there is little progress being made on transforming COVID-19 PANDEMIC gender relations, which results in the Radzik explained that for this perpetuation of gender stereotypes and year, there were a number of chalthe policing of women’s bodies- ex- lenges stemming from the COVID-19 tending to their sexual and reproductive which led to an increase in domestic health. violence cases. According to the United Nation’s She stated that the stay-at-home Convention on the elimination of all guidelines constrict women and chilforms of discrimination against women, dren to homes where there abusers are; gender discrimination is, “Any distinc- here, there may be increased tension tion, exclusion or restriction made on due to a loss or reduction of livelithe basis of sex which has the effect hoods, for example. or purpose of impairing or nullifying Also, social services offered by the recognition, enjoyment or exercise non-governmental organisations by women, irrespective of their mar- (NGOs) such as Help and Shelter, the ital status, on the basis of equality of Ministry of Human Services and other men and women, of human rights and agencies may not be operating at full fundamental freedoms in the political, capacity. This reduced the amount of economic, social, cultural, civil or any help that can be offered to vulnerable other field.” groups. Gender equality is: “The concept And yet another challenge is that that women and men, girls and boys it is more difficult for women to find have equal conditions, treatment and some sanctuary staying with a friend or opportunities for realising their full relative. This could be because persons

are wary of the spread of COVID-19, or simply because they too are financially constrained and are not capable of providing any extra support. “Where would you go? You can’t go back to the abuser’s place and you can’t necessarily go to a friend or even family,” she said. Cognisant of these challenges presented by the pandemic, Radzik stressed that the national COVID-19 planning and management should include persons who are grounded in women’s rights and supporting vulnerable populations. “The [National] COVID-19 Task Force has some representation, but it does not have that kind of representation. From the little I know, it has never been broad-based enough,” she said, adding, “these issues [domestic violence and gender-based violence] come from a position of knowledge and understanding of things like domestic violence and how women are affected by it.” 914 HOTLINE In December, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will launch its 914 emergency hotline in an attempt to link survivors to agencies, advocacy programmes, referral pathways, microenterprise industries, public-private skills employment database matching and offer immediate help to extricate them

from violent situations. Operators of this 24-hour hotline will offer support, referral to victims and survivors, family, friends and professionals via an integration of the services available at both the domestic violence unit and the Childcare and Protection Agency. Minister Persaud highlighted that nine social workers were trained through the Survivors Advocacy Programme, to offer emotional support and crisis counselling to victims of domestic and sexual violence and act on the victim’s behalf when necessary. This is one of the measures being employed to help tackle the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence. Radzik commented that the 911 hotline, which is the national emergency hotline, has received numerous negative reviews, but she is optimistic that this new hotline would function better. “I really hope it works well, so that people can get quicker and better responses, especially in response to domestic violence, gender-based violence issues, and even [human] trafficking,” Radzik said. Beyond this hotline, next year, Minister Persaud highlighted that the ministry will create a centralised database system to facilitate information-sharing and capture reports in a systematic manner to guide intervention and programme and policy development.

Help can be accessed by contacting any of these numbers

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Trump questions whether Supreme Court would hear election challenge (REUTERS) - PRESIDENT Donald Trump questioned on Sunday whether the Supreme Court would ever hear a case airing his unproven allegations of widespread election fraud as more U.S. Republicans said a transition to a Joe Biden presidency looked inevitable. Trump’s comments in a telephone interview with Fox News suggested the Republican president was growing resigned to the results of the Nov. 3 election, which handed the White House to his Democratic opponent. Trump’s team was dealt another blow with the completion on Sunday of recounts in Wisconsin’s two largest counties that confirmed Biden won the hotly contested state by more than

20,000 votes. Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis said the recounts “revealed serious issues regarding the legality of ballots cast,” without elaborating or providing any evidence. “We want every legal vote, and only legal votes, to be counted, and we will continue to uphold our promise to the American people to fight for a free and fair election,” Ellis said in a statement. Biden’s campaign responded that the recount “only served to reaffirm” the Democrat’s victory and praised Wisconsin election workers for their efforts. Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Biden had picked members of his economic team, including

Monday, November 30, 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

Neera Tanden, president of the progressive Center for American Progress think tank, as director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Cecilia Rouse, a labor economist at Princeton University, to chair the Council of Economic Advisers. Biden kept a low profile on Sunday, although he visited an orthopedic doctor as a precautionary measure after twisting his ankle when playing with one of his dogs. Despite the Trump campaign’s pledge to keep fighting, a few Republicans appeared to endorse the notion that Biden had won. Senator Roy Blunt, chairman of the congressional inaugural committee, said the panel expected Biden to be sworn in as president on Jan. 20. “We’re working with the Biden administration, the likely administration, on both the transition and the inauguration as if we’re moving forward,” Blunt told CNN’s “State of the Union,” stopping short of acknowledging

that Trump lost. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, one of a few Republicans to refer to Biden as president-elect, told “Fox News Sunday” that “the transition is what is important. The words of President Trump are not quite as significant.” Trump used his Fox News interview to repeat unsubstantiated allegations about widespread electoral fraud. His campaign and legal team have lost dozens of lawsuits by failing to convince judges of election irregularities in states including Michigan, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. Trump was unclear about what he would do next. “The problem is it’s hard to get it to the Supreme Court,” Trump said. Trump’s legal team has offered conflicting statements on its likely course following a defeat in a federal appeals court on Friday in a case challenging Biden’s win in Pennsylvania. “On to SCOTUS!” Ellis

wrote on Twitter after the ruling, suggesting a plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. Later, however, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani was reported to have told One America News Network that the legal team was still weighing which case might be appropriate to pursue at the top court. The Supreme Court has always been unlikely to tip the election in Trump’s favor, and the president finally seems to be acknowledging that reality, said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Trump’s Pennsylvania challenge was a particularly poor vehicle for getting to the high court because at its core it involves a procedural question about whether Trump’s campaign should have been allowed to expand the case, Levinson said. “There is nothing for the Supreme Court to decide,” she said. Trump said he would continue to fight the results of the election after he is due to leave office, saying: “My mind will not change

Donald Trump in six months.” Aides say Trump has discussed starting a television channel or social media company to keep himself in the spotlight ahead of a potential 2024 White House bid. Biden won the presidential election with 306 Electoral College votes many more than the 270 required - to Trump’s 232. The former vice president also leads Trump by more than 6 million in the popular-vote tally.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Banks DIH exclusive distributor of Morning Glory cereal BANKS DIH Limited will now be the exclusive distributor of the Morning Glory Inc (MGI) locally produced Morning Glory rice cereal, a release from the food and beverage giant said. The decision is anchored in an agreement struck between Banks DIH Limited, Morning Glory Inc. (MGI) and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST). The products are manufactured at a stateof-the-art facility in Anna Regina, Region Two, Essequibo Coast. The project was funded by the Government of Guyana through an initiative led by President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali in 2014, when he was the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. The sod was turned for the facility by then President Donald Ramotar, former Minister Dr. Ali and other members of government in March of 2015. According to a release, the products and manufacturing process were developed by the IAST, which also spearheaded construction of the facility, procured the equipment and operationalised the plant. The plant has been operational since late 2017 and produces two varieties of the popular rice cereal: Original and Jaggy the Jaguar Rice Krunch. Both products are available in 225g and 500g packets. Since late 2017, the Morning Glory products have steadily increased their market share and in the process, Morning Glory has become a household name in Guyana. The nutritious cereals, which are superbly well-packaged, successfully competes against mature brands in a very competitive market segment. LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS “Furthermore, the Morning Glory rice cereals are manufactured using greater than 99.5 per cent locally sourced materials, entirely by local Guyanese workers. The cereals are nutritionally augmented by a vitamin cocktail which is specifically designed for the Caribbean diet. The Morning Glory rice cereal won the 2019 Guyana National Bureau

The Morning Glory plant on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two

of Standards National Quality Award and Green Initiative Award for Agro-Processing. For products that have only been in production since late 2017, this was a remarkable achievement,” the release said. Banks DIH Limited has been a cornerstone of the Guyanese food and beverage services industry for decades. During the company’s annual general meeting in April 2019, long-serving Chairman of Banks DIH Limited, Clifford Reis, reiterated his commitment to local content. In a widely reported address to his shareholders, Reis underscored Banks DIH’s long commitment to developing local people and local resources. Banks DIH has one of the most extensive distribution networks in Guyana, reaching the smallest of retailers

in the farthest reaches of Guyana’s 83, 000 square miles. Its products are ubiquitous across Guyana and the company is deeply embedded in the DNA of Guyana. The partnership between “Banks” and MGI is a mutual one, building on a partnership already established between the IAST and “Banks,” where another of IAST’s products, the Pakaraima Flavours Sundried Tomato Ketchup and Salad Dressings are utilised exclusively by “Banks” in its Food Service business and restaurants across Guyana. VERY IMPRESSED The growing success of Morning Glory Rice Cereals in the Guyanese market caught the attention of Banks Sales and Marketing Executive Carlton Joao. Joao and a senior team from “Banks” toured the Morning

Glory facility in Anna Regina and were very impressed by the plant, its safety and quality protocols and the professionalism of the staff. Given the partnership already enjoyed by the institute and “Banks,” and the desire of MGI to take advantage of “Banks’” distribution reach, it was an easy decision to make for both companies, the release said. Clifford Reis, Chairman of Banks DIH Ltd, commented: “Banks DIH Limited has a deliberate focus on maximising Guyana’s potential by engaging local people, productive capacity and local resources. We are delighted to deepen our partnership with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology by proudly distributing another of the institute’s innovative products: The Morning Glory Brand of Rice Cereals, which are now produced by Morning Glory Inc. The emphasis of adding value to local agricultural commodities through agro-processing aligns well both at a philosophical level and as a commercial focus for Banks DIH Limited. Morning Glory Rice Cereals are superior products, equal to and in many cases superior to the imported cereal on local supermarket shelves.” Marketing Head of Department at IAST, Raveena Mangal, who is also partially seconded to Morning Glory Inc., commented, “Securing Banks DIH Limited as the distributor for Morning Glory Rice Cereals is transformative for our young company. “Banks” is a venerated food and beverage producer in Guyana. To be associated with the “Banks” brand and to pass their strict requirements for quality and competitiveness is a source of deep pride for Morning Glory staff. Morning Glory is more than just a nutritious, high-quality product -- it is a superlative example of Guyanese innovation, Guyanese ability, Guyanese skill and Guyanese pride – IS WE OWN! The success of Morning Glory underscores and showcases the pivotal role our national science and technology institutions can play in our country’s beckoning future.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Towards a professional media industry

GUYANESE inhabit what Marshall McLuhan called a mediated Guyana. Our media landscape forms the structural social context that Guyanese live into, to carry out day-to-day existence. As a thriving democracy, this country houses a plethora of independent, powerful, influential media operations. Along with the radio and TV stations covering the land from coast to coast, the four national newspapers play a crucial role in defining the context of how Guyanese feel about their nation and their lives. Add to this powerful national media voice, this cacophony of multiple voices vying for our attention, there are social media and on-line news sites, which play a powerful role today, even if they piggyback on traditional media -- often rewriting news items to make them look like original reporting. This idea that the country is a mediated social space is an important consideration when we think of directing the path of the nation towards developmental goals, and even to execute the ideal of the Guyana vision. How could leaders construct the media culture and media landscape to galvanise, motivate and encourage Guyanese to tap into that legendary Guyanese character for innovative solutions? How could leaders generate confidence and a unifying oneness as Guyanese tackle the task of designing this resource-rich country into a global success story? The power of the local media showed

its enormous power during the period when the Coalition tried to trample the democratic process. Without a strong media showing immense integrity, the country may not have pulled through to today restoring democracy and the rule of law. The media, government and the justice system form the tripartite pillars of modern society, acting as checks and balances, but the media industry it is that forms the driver, propelling the people forward. History is resplendent with the power and clout of the media’s role in building a society of democratic norms, where the rule of law prevails. In fact, Guyana’s own history shows how devastated society becomes when the media landscape becomes subservient to an autocratic government. In the days when the PNC governed under Forbes Burnham, this country banned private media, and suffered over two decades of socio-economic collapse because of it. Once democracy was restored in 1992, private media proliferated and grew and became an established order in this land. The benefits of this showed up with stark reality during the Coalition’s attempt to stifle Guyanese democracy. All the great nations in the world today built their societies on the back of a solid media establishment. Britain operates the BBC, a national state-owned media platform, which reaches a global audience and in fact played a big role in spreading British values around the world. Canada has the CBC, also a state-

owned media operation. America is the media mecca of the world, with the New York Times, TV networks, national and international radio stations, and a wide array of Internet digital media causing the American ethos to be dominant in the world. The American media entrenches American views into the global consciousness; truly, if America sneezes, the world sits up and takes notice, and the role of its media in this is indisputable. So it is an established fact that the media is an extraordinarily powerful national force in any democratic society. In fact, even in countries suffering forms of autocratic rule, governments take a serious view of media power, and seek to control how the media influence citizens. The Middle East sought to balance Western media power reaching the global village, with their own media operation in Aljazeera. Russia operates RT TV as a global outfit. China, India, and even the United Nations and the Vatican all see this truth, and operate their own media empire. Guyana enjoys a healthy media environment. The state media, in NCN, the Guyana Chronicle, radio stations and Internet sites, play a significant and crucial role to balance the vested owner interests that private media houses practise. What kind of national context should the Guyanese nation cultivate among citizens? This social responsibility is

a job for the media, but private media houses operate first and foremost to make profits, and some even see generating public controversy and buzzing attention as their raison d’etre. Which media organ could objectively cultivate and lead a national context into which citizens live? One would think that the state media is best suited for such a national role. The State media would serve the nation well, were all its arms to cohesively cooperate in a unified, strategic, professional way to shape the Guyana social landscape, to mediate the land, with strong alignment to the government’s vision that emanates from Cabinet. This is not to say that the state media should or would be subservient to political masters, to those who pull the purse strings. Rather, the state media upholds the fundamental values of democracy, justice, and development. But the state media is well positioned to mediate the nation, to shape the social space, to generate in citizens a national context of confidence, trust, unity, and an uplifting feeling of Guyaneseness. The most powerful force over society is the media landscape, in today’s mediated global village. And therefore it is important that Guyana practises and continually refines a professional media industry, where owners, operators and practitioners uphold the noble tenets of professional Journalism. In this, the state media is the pre-eminent voice for the nation.

Promise kept to health care workers Dear Editor, I AM delighted to hear that the government has decided to agree to the terms of protesting health workers with minimum disruption in the process of our lives. It is a step in the right direction when any sitting government can bargain with workers who feel that they are not treated properly by their employers and that they are under appreciated.

Health care workers will now be known as “frontline workers” and priority will be given to this group of citizens. Moreover, Head of State President Mohammed Irfaan Ali has stated that they will no doubt be given two weeks pay or the two weeks bonus this Christmas. If this isn’t showing workers in the health care industry that this government cares for their well-being, then what is? I know the equipment, gloves and masks for the health care officials are

being looked at by the Minister of Health and a team of specialists with the view to making more available to them in the shortest possible time-frame necessary to execute the mandate of saving lives during this period. Just wait and you will see more benefits for health care professionals being rolled out. Salaries and other perks are being looked at now as a team of officials are in discussions with a view to coming to an agreement on the issue, given the current

state of the economy as it is being resuscitated and rebased in order to meet the needs of this country. So, patience is needed because 2021 will bring with it challenges and opportunities. We must practise due diligence and allow the government to work in our interest. Yours Sincerely, Attiya Baksh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Teerat observed among Hindu Guyanese in U.S.

Dear Editor,

the day off from school as is also the custom in Trinidad. This year with Teerat being on a SunGUYANESE Hindus in the USA observed day, no need to take the day off from schools. the annual festival of Kartik Snaan, or At any rate, because of COVID, schools are Teerat as known in Guyana. closed in NY, NJ, Trinidad, and Guyana (except The festival is observed on the full moon for some high school forms). I spent several right after Diwali which is observed on the Teerats in Trinidad where it is a massive fesdarkest moon a month earlier. Teerat was in- tival on the beaches. It is a spectacle to behold troduced in Guyana and in Suriname, Trinidad, with tens of thousands of worshippers and food and other Caribbean societies by the inden- and prasad galore. Devotees offered flowers, tured immigrants who came between 1838 and fruits, clothing, and coins to the goddess of the 1917. The phrase Teerat comes from “Kartik” water. Following the poojas, flowers and fruits and it literally means “to have a bath in the riv- were left on the waterways. Manzanilla Beach er or the sea.” In Guyana, it was traditionally was overflowing with celebrants who partook in observed with rituals at a body of water and sporting activities after pooja. Pooja was carried at home and visit to a temple; they take a dip out at points along the sea-front by Hindus. in the water. Hindus tend to fast and perform Jhandis were then planted throughout the beach, special pooja on the morning of the full moon. creating a colourful spectacle. It became a picAs a child, I recall people attending rituals nic with unlimited food and prasad. Devotees performed on banks, coasts of waterways. partook in vegetarian dishes and sang bhajans The USA observance is almost the same in and this was followed by sporting games. The terms of customs, rituals and practices (where waterways at the Rockaways in past years were feasible) as in Guyana and or as in Trinidad littered with fruits, coconuts, and Jhandis leadand Suriname. Kartik or Teerat is an obser- ing to complaints. vance that marks the culmination of a series of As in Guyana, puja involves the purifisacred purificatory rites, all directing humans cation of the ground and the environment towards the goal of “moksha” or liberation of and offerings to the Goddess, and culminates the soul. It also happens to be the last major with aartee. At the end of the puja, all of the Hindu festival before year-end. offerings were placed on a piece of cloth and Teerat is celebrated on the last day in the released into water, preferably the ocean. The month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar and is significance of the ritual is that the devotee normally celebrated with a bath in the ocean or is feeding back to the earth, everything that river. The month normally falls in November comes from the earth. It is not possible to take in the western calendar. In NY, New Jersey, a bath in the ocean during the cold, wintry and Florida, many Guyanese Hindus and season. So people settle for an alternative of those of other nationalities (from India and praying at home. Fiji) visited the shore of the Atlantic Ocean The holy river “Ganges” or the deity to perform special Ganga puja and made “Ganga Mai” is the main deity worshipped offerings to the Goddess of the environment. at the Teerat festival. It is believed that the Fijian Hindus visited the Pacific Ocean on the Goddess of water, Ganga Mai, came unto the California coast. earth on the day and so Hindus seek her blessEver since Hindu Indian indentured la- ings by performing special prayers devoted to bourers came to the West Indies, Teerat has her and taking a dip in the sea, believing that been observed with puja conducted on any the Ganges water is mixed with the rest of the shoreline, particularly the Atlantic Ocean. bodies of water and as such, by taking a dip at Guyanese, Surinamese, “Trinis,” and Fijians any ocean, their souls become cleansed. Kartik continue that practice in N.Y, Florida, and is a time to cleanse oneself and to ensure that California. At the oceanfront, they prayed and something is given back to the goddess of the chanted special mantras, sang bhajans, and sea. Pandits say that Hinduism is perhaps the made offerings as part of Kartik celebrations. only religion that makes offerings back to They burned incense and other paraphernalia. nature. The offerings included rice, perfume, fruits, The observance of Kartik is important, mohanbhog and clothes. They also offered especially at a time when the sea seems to food. Hindu volunteers helped to clean up the be reclaiming land and storms are destroying beaches. homes. There is so much flooding because In Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad, the of higher sea levels. In the Teerat puja, the Kartik observance is carried out at all sea-fronts. Mother of the Sea is asked to protect people As a youngster growing up in Port Mourant, I and the environment. This is the common remember many people going at the back of the message behind the celebration among Hindus racecourse at the ocean to take a dip and offer in Guyana, NY and elsewhere. prayers. It was a day of fun activities with rubIn Guyana, I recall devotees normally ber tunes to float on the water. Students took shared the puri, lapsey and mohanbhog with

others who came for a bath. But in NY and Florida, not many Hindus make offerings at the shore-front because of the pandemic. Hindus bathe in a mixture of holy Ganges water and made offerings at home. In India, they bathe in the Ganges. In

NY, some pour Ganges water in a bucket of water and took a bath and some immersed their feet in the waterways. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Lethem set for major housing transformation

THE housing sector in Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), is set for major transformation, as the Ministry of Housing and Water kickstarts planning for its 2021 programme with current surveys. Subject Minister, Collin Croal, said the objective in Region Nine is to create a housing plan that suits the regional landscape, while ensuring that it projects the image of a developed region. The Minister made these statements during an outreach in Lethem on Friday last. “Our vision here is that we want to ensure that we provide an opportunity, es-

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, addresses residents in Lethem Friday last pecially for our young people, to go on to own their own homes, to ensure that they will be able to start their family in a different environment,” Minister Croal was quoted by the Department

of Public Information (DPI) as saying. This is important, he added, as the town “is growing because persons are seeking employment in the central location and because of the

expected expansion here in Lethem for a business community and other opportunities.” For this reason, the Surveying Department of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is charting Poke Bridge, Lethem for a new housing area. Also, following recent discussions with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Minister said, consideration is being given to develop Culvert City – Phase Three, according to DPI. “What this means for you here in Region Nine is that by the middle of December, in our planning, we will be made aware where we will be embarking on our next area or project of housing allocations,” Minister Croal said. Since the regional demand is land for construction, this will be the main area of focus. However, there are long-term plans

to construct housing units, although the prospects are unclear at this point, until the surveys are done. Minister Croal said he is hopeful that the land will soon be within the purview of the CH&PA and infrastructure works such as land clearing and road networks, can follow to start allocations. He added that people must have access to basic utility services and Housing will be collaborating with the Guyana Water Incorporated and Guyana Power and Light Company to ensure these services are in place. While housing in Lethem is projected to cost less than that on the coastland, it is still expected to provide some of the same spin-off benefits such as job creation. The Minister noted that the difference in soil type plays a major role in the services needed. “Here (Lethem) is more land clearing and in Lethem

[it] will cost less because some of the lands we have on the coast are more of sugar cane and the soil type will be soft and so a lot of base work has to be done. But here the soil type where we’re looking at is more compact and, in some areas, [it is] rock,” he explained. Further, government incentives in the recent budget, including the removal of value-added tax from construction material is expected to make homeownership easier. There are currently six housing schemes under CH&PA’s purview in Region Nine: Old Culvert City, Old Lethem, Tabatinga, New Culvert City and an area called Physical Development – Phase One and Phase Two. Minister Croal highlighted that Region Nine currently has 557 active land applicants in the CH&PA system and the initiative is also geared at reducing this backlog.

Orealla/Siparuta cases still on the rise – lockdown may be extended if residents don’t adhere to guidelines By Vishani Ragobeer THERE have been 95 cases recorded so far in the indigenous communities of Orealla and Siparuta, in East Berbice, Corentyne, according to the Toshao, Carl Peneux. Of the 95 cases, 62 positive cases were recorded in Siparuta while Orealla recorded 33 positive cases. A surge in the number of cases in the two villages caused a two-week lockdown to be imposed, beginning from Friday last. Earlier this month, an elderly man, who was infected with the coronavirus, died after he reportedly had a stroke. This number, the Toshao said, on Sunday, is expected to rise in the coming days as mass testing was done and the results are being released in clusters. During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Peneux said that most persons are asymptomatic and are allowed to isolate at home. There were two men who showed symptoms, but the Toshao said they are “coming around.” According to Sunday’s national COVID-19 dashboard, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has 230 positive cases

thus far. This means that Orealla and Siparuta account for approximately 41.3 per cent of the cases in the region. On Friday last, the decision was taken to shut down the villages for two weeks and let law enforcement deal with residents who refuse to adhere to the numerous warnings. Even with this measure in place, however, Peneux lamented that some persons are not adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines. “We’re hoping that the police presence here would help us to enforce those restrictions, and apprehend those persons who are violating the restrictions,” the Toshao said, emphasising, “everybody should be staying home and they should only be outside if they have a good reason to come outside.” Peneux warned that if COVID-19 guidelines are not being followed, and residents do not cooperate with the measures, a decision to extend the lockdown by another week will be taken. He also said that travel is restricted between Orealla and Siparuta to Corriverton, and between Orealla and Siparuta. Few persons “with really good reasons” were allowed to travel, but those persons had to take a COVID-19 test.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Six-day-old baby is 150th COVID-19 death –– tested positive after dying A SIX-DAY-OLD baby boy, who was born with complications, died, and tested positive for the COVID-19 virus afterwards, according to a reliable source. On Sunday, the Ministry of Health said the baby boy will be recorded as Guyana’s 150th COVID-19 death. The newborn died while receiving care at a medical facility in Region Three. The Health Ministry classified this as a “COVID-19 related death.” A reliable source told the Guyana Chronicle the baby did not die because of COVID-19 but due to the complications he was born with. As part of the hospital’s protocols, the baby was, however, tested for COVID-19 when it was revealed he was positive. It is currently unclear how the baby got infected, as the parents did not show any of the usual symptoms of the virus. However, they have since been tested and are awaiting their results. Additionally, according to the Health Ministry, 38 new cases have been recorded and 4,346 persons have recovered after being infected with COVID-19. With these 38 new cases from 231 tests,

Guyana has now recorded 5,376 cases in total. These new cases were recorded from 33 men and 55 women. They were distributed across Region One (three cases), Region Four (four cases), Region Six (23 cases), Region Seven (six cases), and Region 10 (two cases). There are now three persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 75 persons are in institutional isolation, 782 in home isolation, 43 in institutional quarantine. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Eight) will expire on Monday, November 30; 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 these current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew is 22:30h to 04:00h. 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 Monday, November 30, 2020

What is GBV?

THE term ‘Gender-Based Violence (GBV)’ conjures up several possible interpretations. Does it mean violence against people of an unknown gender? Could it mean men beating up men, and women beating up women? Although the mind boggles, the definition is straightforward. GBV is any type of violence excessively perpetrated against a particular person or groups of people because of their

gender. Domestic violence is a type of Gender-Based Violence, because the majority of cases involve men being violent to women. The violence is committed against the woman purely because she is physically weaker than her assailant. He is unlikely to instigate the same actions towards an equal opponent, a neighbour or friend; and if he did, he would be punished. But when aggression is directed

at women and girls, it is usually unchallenged, especially within family circles. The violence can be physical, sexual or psychological; including rape, threats, deprivation, oppression and bullying. When young girls are forced to marry grown men; when they are trafficked and sexually exploited, this, too, is Gender-Based Violence. When women and girls are treated less than equals, it is a violation of their hu-

man rights. Yet this is the least recognised violation in the world, and is not defined by religion, culture, race or social standing. Children are negatively impacted by Gender-Based Violence, but girls are more vulnerable. They might grow believing that women are inferior to men, and are meant to be mistreated, bullied, threatened, beaten and forced to do as they are told. Boys may grow to believe they are meant to enforce their will or desires on their wives and daughters, and they must be submissive or forced into submission. When a mother’s well-being is compromised through Gender-Based Violence, it affects the holistic development of her family; her physical and mental health can be affected or neglected as she struggles to maintain some balance in an insecure environment. She may suffer from low self-esteem, chronic pain, high blood pressure, drug or alcohol dependency, depression, unwanted pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections. This will take a toll on how she manages her household, and the type of morals and values her children will embrace. Young women and girls are subjected to harassment as they go about their daily lives by boys and men who feel they have a God-given duty to call after them; to chirrups them, and make sexual remarks as they walk by. This behaviour is totally profane and disrespectful; it can be embarrassing and demeaning for a young woman to be treated like a sexual object by anyone, let alone by strangers. Young men believe that girls enjoy their banter, and they say, “I just troubling she”, as if no harm has occurred. Little do they

know the pain and anguish they cause by their thoughtless behaviour. Harassment is yet another example of Gender-Based Violence. The first national survey in Guyana, based on Gender-Based Violence, was carried out last year (2019); it revealed that more than half of all women experience at least one form of violence. Children who witnessed violence against their mothers in childhood, or who have a partner who did the same, are at a higher risk of continuing the cycle of exposure and passing on the same experiences to their children. Most women or girls who experienced violence did not report it to the police or any other authority. Under the Domestic Violence Act (1966), a person can seek a protective order from a Magistrate against someone who perpetuates violence towards them; it prohibits abuse, and excludes the abusive person from the home or workplace. However, one (1) in three (3) women or girls will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. Violence should never be accepted as normal, and adults need to set good examples for children on how to combat Gender-Based Violence, wherever it occurs; whether in schools or other establishments. Teachers and parents can encourage girls to stand up for themselves in a realistic way, without being rude or confrontational. Empowering them with guidance and support, while ensuring that they understand what is Gender-Based Violence as well as the human rights, to which they are entitled. Boys should be taught to be equally respectful to every-

one they encounter, and to treat girls as partners rather than second-class citizens. This lesson is more effective when men exhibit courteous, respectful behaviour towards their wives, families and others on the whole, as children learn from example. They should learn about Gender-Based Violence, so they can combat rather than embrace the damaging effect it can have on lives if it is left to fester. It makes no sense for a father to say, “Son, you must never knock a woman,” when that father has a reputation for doing just that, after a drink or two. And it’s not just about the physical act of raising one’s hand to strike another person; there are further connotations, such as the feeling of superiority and subordination that go along with the threats, the verbal abuse, the assault, the sexual harassment, the rape, the forced child marriage, the trafficking, the child exploitation, and the blatant inequality entrenched in Gender-Based violence. To root it out, we must educate our children about the severe long-term effects caused by GBV, and work to eliminate it from society. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on: 227-0979, or write to us at: childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Carpenter killed in Berbice accident

AN accident on the Number Five Public Road on the West Coast of Berbice (WCB), on Saturday evening, resulted in the death of 35-year-old Thussan Joe, a carpenter of Number 22 Village, Police Headquarters noted that a car, which was being driven by 28-year-old Devon Sears of Plantation Brahn, WCB, made a U-turn from north to south, into the

path of Joe, who was riding a motorcycle. Joe fell off the motorcycle and received injuries about the body. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the car was tested negative for alcohol. The driver is in police custody pending investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Regular outreaches succeed in cultivating renewed interest in agriculture, Min. Mustapha says MINISTER of Agriculture, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha has said that outreaches to farming communities countrywide have awoken a renewed interest in agriculture. Since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took office in August, Minister Mustapha has led a robust campaign to address the needs of farming communities, augment agriculture and drainage and irrigation services, and revamp programmes and policies to benefit the industries within his purview. “We have seen a renewed interest over the last few months. I know for a fact earlier this year, many persons were only talking about oil-and-gas production, and agriculture was on the back burner,” Minister Mustapha told the Department of Public Information (DPI). Teams from the ministry have visited several communities in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think that because of our outreaches, because of our meeting with farmers, because of the government’s input in the agriculture sector, in terms of reducing the cost of production, in putting more investment, I think we have seen a renewed interest in agriculture, not only rice production, but we have seen an increase in other crops,” Minister Mustapha said. The provisions in the emergency budget have also been a boon to farmers. “The agriculture sector, we are on the verge of taking off, and taking off in a big way…We can have all of

the natural resources in the world, but agriculture is here to stay. We have to develop the sector, and I am very happy to see the interest that people are showing now,” Minister Mustapha said. Apart from local interest, the incentives in the Emergency Budget have also attracted the interest of foreign investors, including from countries like Chile and from as far afield as Israel and the United Arab Emirates. “There are a number of Guyanese who are living overseas who want to come back and invest in agriculture; in rice and other crops

Minister of Agriculture Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha listens to the concerns of farmers at Nabaclis (Photos courtesy DPI)

Farmers from Victoria, Golden Grove and Nabaclis on the East Coast Demerara meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha

in this country,” the minster told the DPI. A group from Israel has expressed an interest in the Wales Development Authority, and is also interested in the production of cocoa, to which Guyana’s climactic conditions are well suited. According to the minister, a Brazilian company has already begun cultivating some 300 acres of

Teen drowns at Linden’s Blue Lake THE police are investigating the drowning of a 15-yearold male student of Wisburg Secondary School, which occurred about 17:30hrs on Saturday at Blue Lake, Wismar, Linden. Police Headquarters noted that the victim left his Prosville, Wismar, Linden home about 16:30hrs with his 17-year-old sister and other relatives to swim at the lake. While in the water, he encountered difficulties and subsequently went under. According to the police, a relative, who observed when

soya here this year, and is expected to do even more shortly. The said that the government is also expect-

the victim went under, made efforts to rescue him but was unsuccessful. The body was subsequently found on Sunday around 11:00hrs, about 15 feet from where the teen drowned. Police said no marks of violence was seen on the exposed parts of the body. The teen was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead. The body was later escorted to the hospital’s mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

ed to provide incentives for corn and soya bean production.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

$23M generators to boost health care in Region One ing strides to provide both facilities with the necessary equipment. “We want to ensure that our health facilities are outfitted with the necessary amenities which will not only provide delivery of service, but the staff are comfortable, especially during this time of COVID-19,” Bisesar was quoted by the DPI as saying. The administration has also improved the public health infrastructure, ensured regulatory compliance, and increased its human resources and emergency medical services, in keeping with the ministry’s vision to provide universal health coverage in the region.

The Mabaruma Hospital provides maternal child health services, in-patient and out-patient services, chronic disease screening and clinics, laboratory services (blood, hormone testing) and tuberculosis screening and treatment. It also offers x- ray services, dental care, malaria screening and treatment and other services. It serves as the main hospital to some 29,000 Region One residents. In 2019, the Mabaruma Hospital was among several identified to be upgraded to a Smart facility under an $835M (US$4.175 million) project, funded by the United Kingdom Department for

International Development (DFID). The Smart Hospital concept refers to a health facility which is both safe and green. It entails employing sustainable technologies to maximise resources and services, and to make the hospitals more efficient. Other facilities to be upgraded to Smart Hospital status are the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital/Diamond Diagnostic Centre (near completion), the Leonora Cottage Hospital, the Lethem Regional Hospital and the Paramakatoi Health Centre.

The Mabaruma Regional Hospital

THE Mabaruma Regional and Kumaka District hospitals, in Barima-Waini (Region One) will soon receive a 250KVA and 150KVA

generators, valued at $15 million and $8 million respectively, to boost the delivery of healthcare. Regional Executive Offi-

cer (REO), Tikaram Bisesar, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that over the years the regional administration has been mak-

The Kumaka District Hospital

Foreign Affairs pressures Panama to pay $1.9B owed rice millers THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday last, dispatched a letter to the Panamanian authorities, urging them to honour their obligations to Guyana and to pay the $1.9 billion owed to rice millers. This measure was taken as the government continues to take urgent steps to retrieve the outstanding sums. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the Spanish-speaking country acknowledged the arrears and has since committed to paying the sum soon. “They wanted the contract to continue in the New Year. Since then to now, they have indicated that they will pay, but they are awaiting the end of this pandemic,” Minister Mustapha was quoted as saying by the DPI. To follow up the letter, the Minister said he will be contacting Panama’s Minister of Agriculture in the new week, to fix a date for the

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, displays a copy of the letter which was dispatched to Panama (DPI photo)

money to be released. Minister Mustapha also said the government remains committed to recouping the sums and will continue to make representation for the rice industry. He said the matter could have been resolved a long time ago, had the previous administration shown “some interest” in the concerns of rice farmers. Minister Mustapha has been engaging the Panama-

nian government to ensure that the sum is paid in a timely manner since the PPP/C Government took office in August. The matter has been a priority for the Guyana Government and has been discussed at several Cabinet meetings. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has also held talks with the Panamanian Government on the issue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

‘Self Care Diary’ growing from strength to strength feel like they are part of a family. “It is important to engage with your customers, since it is the only way you can understand them, and better serve their needs,” she said. The best advice Shorba has received to date is to stay focused on her own goals, believe in her brand, and remember why she started her business in the first place, as well as to never let herself feel discouraged because others have copied

Shorba Renee Rodrigues

THE Self Care Diary, owned by Shorba Renee Rodrigues, is an online-based business established on October 8, 2019 to promote health and wellness here by encouraging self-care. It offers selfcare tips and information to help persons care for their mind, body and soul. As part of the initiative, Self-Care Kits were created, catering to the needs of both men and women. The kits are personalised to suit the individual, and each consists of assorted beauty, health and wellness items which allows the user to feel rejuvenated and pampered. Standard kits cost G$6500 each, and make great gift items for brunches, birthdays and bridal showers. During the business’s startup, Shorba’s biggest challenge was continuously postponing the launch of the business venture, because she was nervous about stepping into the spotlight. Shorba considers herself as being a very introverted person, but at the same time she really wanted to share her idea with everyone. Eventually, she had to force herself out of her shell, and engage with people from all walks of life, and so far, it has all been very rewarding. We asked Shorba what being a business owner meant and why she became an entrepreneur in the first place, and her response was: “Initially, it was never about business, and to some extent it still isn’t; it is about spreading awareness, and helping people by encouraging them to take better care of themselves, she said, adding: “We live in a world where we are all so busy

taking care of the people around us, and busy with work and the hassles of life that we fail to step back and simply take care of our own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.” The persons who have most influenced Shorba into taking up business are her parents, because they are both very hardworking, and she has always admired that trait about them. Her father has been working since he was a teenager, while her mother is extremely multitalented, and also has her own business. Apart from her parents, her own selfcare journey has influenced her business success. GROWING PROFESSIONALLY When asked about her greatest professional accomplishment to date, she noted: “While I don’t think I have a specific professional accomplishment, I have recently attained my Master’s in Business Management, as well as becoming certified in Integrative Therapy, Herbal Medicine and Well-being, all of which are very beneficial to my business, and allows me to better serve my clientele.” She added: “All the positive reviews and remarks I have received so far from my satisfied customers are also a big accomplishment for me, as I have not received a bad review since I have started business.” TREAT LIKE FAMILY In terms of running the Self Care Diary, Shorba believes that business owners should view their clients as human beings just like themselves, and make them

her business model. “Once your business corresponds with your passions, you can never lose,” she told the Guyana Chronicle. Over the next year, her number one goal is mainly to grow and expand her business, since it is still in its infant stages. Shorba has many new projects underway, revolving around her self-care business, all of which she plans to unveil before the end of the year. For fun and relaxation, Shorba loves reading novels,

pampering herself with her very own self-care kits, travelling with her partner, and getting in tune with her artistic side through painting. She also loves learning about ancestral spirituality and cultures, especially her own ancestors. And seeing that her partner is into health and fitness, she also tries her best to exercise, since it really helps with both physical and mental health. As a last word, Shorba states, “Self-care is not selfish; it is a necessity, so

take some time to take care of you. You deserve it; you matter. Your well-being matters.” The best way to access the Self Care Diary is via social media, both on Instagram and Facebook by searching for “The Selfcare Diary”. If you would like to learn more about what “The Self Care Diary” is, or place an order, you can contact Shorba on the mobile number: +592 662 5575.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Step up global action -- UNAIDS urges, as COVID-19 pushes Caribbean AIDS response even further off track

IN a new report, ‘Prevailing against pandemics by putting people at the centre,’ UNAIDS is calling on countries to make far greater investments in global pandemic responses and adopt a new set of bold, ambitious, but achievable HIV targets. If those targets are met, the world will be back on track to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The global AIDS response was off-track before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but the rapid spread of the coronavirus has created additional setbacks. Modelling of the pandemic’s long-term impact on the HIV response shows

that globally, there could be at least 123 000 additional new HIV infections and 69 000 additional AIDS-related deaths between 2020 and 2022. “The collective failure to invest sufficiently in comprehensive, rights-based, people-centred HIV responses has come at a terrible price,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Implementing just the most politically palatable programmes will not turn the tide against COVID-19 or end AIDS. To get the global response back on track will require putting people first and tackling the inequalities on which epidemics thrive.”

High-performing countries have created a path for others to follow. UNAIDS has worked with its partners to distil those lessons into a set of proposed targets for 2025 that take a people-centred approach. The targets focus on a high coverage of HIV and reproductive and sexual health services, together with the removal of punitive laws and policies and on reducing stigma and discrimination. They put people at the centre, especially the people most at risk and the marginalised—young women and girls, adolescents, sex workers, transgender people, people who inject drugs and

gay men and other men who have sex with men. New HIV service-delivery targets aim at achieving 95 per cent coverage for each sub-population of people living with and at increased risk of HIV. By taking a person-centred approach and focusing on the hotspots, countries will be better placed to control their epidemics. The 2025 targets also require ensuring a conducive environment for an effective HIV response and include ambitious anti-discrimination targets so that less than 10 per cent of countries have punitive laws and policies, less than 10 per cent of people living with

and affected by HIV experience stigma and discrimination and less than 10 per cent experience gender inequality and violence. PREVAILING AGAINST PANDEMICS Insufficient investments and action on HIV and other pandemics left the world exposed to COVID-19. Had health systems and social safety nets been even stronger, the world would have been better positioned to slow the spread of COVID-19 and withstand its impact. COVID-19 has shown that investments in health save lives, but also provide a foundation for strong economies. Health and HIV programmes must be fully funded, both in times of plenty and in times of economic crisis. “No country can defeat these pandemics on its own,” said Byanyima. “A challenge of this magnitude can only be defeated by forging global solidarity, accepting a shared responsibility and mobilising a response that leaves no one behind. We can do this by sharing the load and working together.” There are bright spots: the leadership, infrastructure and lessons of the HIV response are being leveraged to fight COVID-19. The HIV response has helped to ensure the continuity of services in the face of extraordinary challenges. The response by communities against COVID-19 has shown what can be achieved by working together. In addition, the world must learn from the mistakes of the HIV response, when millions in developing countries died waiting for treatment. Even today, more than 12 million people still do not have access to HIV treatment and 1.7 million people became infected with HIV in 2019 because they did not have access to essential HIV services. Everyone has a right to

health, which is why UNAIDS has been a leading advocate for a People’s Vaccine against COVID-19. Promising COVID-19 vaccines are emerging, but we must ensure that they are not the privilege of the rich. Therefore, UNAIDS and partners are calling on pharmaceutical companies to openly share their technology and know-how and to waive their intellectual property rights so that the world can produce successful vaccines at the huge scale and speed required to protect everyone. THE CARIBBEAN WILL NOT MEET There were an estimated 330,000 people living with HIV in the Region at the end of 2019. Overall Caribbean adult HIV prevalence was 1.1 per cent last year. In 2019, 77 per cent of people living with HIV in the Caribbean knew their status. This compares to the worldwide average of 81 per cent. Eighty-one per cent (81 per cent) of diagnosed Caribbean people were on treatment last year. Eighty per cent (80 per cent) of those on antiretroviral therapy were virally suppressed. The global average was significantly higher at 88 per cent. Some countries have achieved elements of the 90– 90–90 targets (90 per cent of people living with HIV aware of their HIV status, 90 per cent of diagnosed people on antiretroviral treatment and 90 per cent of those on treatment virally supressed). Barbados has reached the target for testing, while Guyana has exceeded it with 94 per cent of people living with HIV diagnosed. Haiti has gotten 98 per cent of diagnosed people on treatment. Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago have achieved viral suppression among at least 90 per cent of people living with HIV who are on treatment. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Gold miner killed by bandits –– three suspects arrested

POLICE are investigating the murder of 26-year-old Kevin Allam, a gold miner of Turn Basin, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), in Region One, whose throat was slit by bandits on Friday last. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that the robbery/murder occurred at about 17:30hrs at White Water Backdam, NWD, and was committed, allegedly, by three males. It is alleged that Allam’s reputed wife was at their shop when the suspects approached and held her by the hair. Having observed this, Allam went to her assistance when the other two suspects

Dead: Kevin Allam

pounced on him and dealt him several lashes about his body with a piece of wood until he became motionless. He was then dragged a

short distance away, where one of the suspects took out a knife and slit his throat, while another suspect held him down. The bandits then proceeded into the shop and removed some raw gold but did not harm the wife after she pleaded for her life. The victim was subsequently picked up by the police and escorted to the Port Kaituma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. On Saturday, police at Port Kaituma, acting on information received, went to the water front and arrested the three suspects. They remain in custody as the investigation continues.

Step up global ...

FROM PAGE

“This shows that within the Region there is the capacity to deploy the people, policies and programmes to end AIDS,” said UNAIDS Caribbean Sub-regional Office Director, Dr. James Guwani. Last year, there were 6,900 AIDS-related deaths in the Caribbean. Deaths due to AIDS decreased by 37 per cent since 2010. Total antiretroviral treatment coverage for the Region was 63 per cent–71 per cent for women and 56 per cent for men. New HIV infections have

decreased by 29 per cent in the Region since 2010. Onethird of new HIV infections in the Caribbean in 2019 were among young people, ages 15 – 24. While most Caribbean countries have been able to sustain HIV treatment access during COVID-19, there are concerns that other branches of the AIDS response have suffered. “We need innovative strategies to ensure we do not lose ground around HIV testing and prevention because of COVID-19,” said

Dr. Guwani. UNAIDS is collaborating with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/ AIDS (PANCAP), President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Caribbean Med labs Foundation (CMLF) on an advocacy strategy in support of HIV self-testing. The initiative will be launched today, 30 November, the eve of World AIDS Day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Argentine prosecutors investigating Maradona doctor (BBC) - Argentine prosecutors are investigating Diego Maradona’s doctor for possible manslaughter following the footballing legend’s death four days ago. Police in Buenos Aires have searched the house and private clinic of Leopoldo Luque as they try to establish if there was negligence in Maradona’s treatment following surgery. The 60-year-old died of a heart attack at his home

where he was recuperating. His daughters have pressed for details about their father’s medication. Maradona had a successful operation on a brain blood clot earlier in November and had been due to be treated for alcohol dependency. In an emotional press conference on Sunday, Dr Luque - who was the footballer’s personal physician cried, saying he had done all he could to save the life of a friend. He said Maradona had been very sad lately. Dr Luque added that he was co-operating with the authorities. What is the investigation centred on?

Some 30 police officers raided Dr Luque’s house on Sunday morning - with another 30 going into his clinic in the capital Buenos Aires. There are suspicions that the star’s convalescence at home might not have met the conditions of his discharge from the clinic, such as a 24hour team of nurses “specialised in substance abuse”, the on-call presence of doctors and a stand-by ambulance equipped with a defibrillator. Officials want to know how often Dr Luque went to see Maradona at his house. He was captain when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup, scoring the famous “Hand of God” goal against

England in the quarter-finals. Maradona played for Barcelona and Napoli during his club career, winning two Serie A titles with the Italian side. He started his career with Argentinos Juniors, also playing for Sevilla, and Boca Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys in his homeland. He scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina, representing them in four World Cups. Maradona led his country to the 1990 final in Italy, where they were beaten by West Germany, before captaining them again in the United States in 1994, but was sent home after failing a drugs test for ephedrine.

Diego Maradona During the second half of his career, Maradona struggled with cocaine addiction and was banned for 15 months after testing positive for the drug in 1991. He retired from professional football in 1997, on his 37th birthday, during his second stint at Argentine giants Boca Juniors. Having briefly managed two sides in Argentina during his playing career, Maradona was appointed head coach of the national team in 2008 and left after the 2010 World Cup, where his side were beaten by Germany in the quarter-finals. He subsequently managed teams in the United Arab Emirates and Mexico and was in charge of Gimnasia y Esgrima in Argentina’s top flight at the time of his death.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 30, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK, STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 6839500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Courtney Walsh-43 wickets (10 Tests) (2) Richard Hadlee-51 wickets (10 Tests) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings by a WI versus NZ to date? (2) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings by a NZ player against the WI to date? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Phillips record century downs Windies T20 series (REUTERS) - GLENN Phillips smashed the fastest Twenty20 international hundred for New Zealand to help the hosts to a 72-run win against West Indies on Sunday and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The middle-order batsman hit eight sixes and 10 fours in his 108 off 51 balls as the hosts, who won the opening T20 by five wickets, posted a massive 238 for three in their 20 overs after being put in to bat first at Mount Maunganui. West Indies kept losing wickets at regular intervals in their chase and could only reach 166 for nine. Colin Munro had taken 47 balls to reach his century against West Indies at the same ground in 2018 for New Zealand’s fastest hundred in the shortest format of the game, but Phillips bettered the mark by taking a delivery less for his ton.

None of the West Indies bowlers could make an impact, with fast bowler, Keemo Paul, returning the worst figures among them, conceding 64 off his four overs. The 23-year-old Phillips added 184 for the third wicket with Devon Conway, who made an unbeaten 65 off 37 deliveries. ADVERTISEMENT “It was absolutely brilliant,” Phillips told the host broadcaster during the innings break. “Dev is an absolutely amazing player to play with and keeps you calm under pressure. To be a part of a partnership that big is just unbelievable. It was a lot of fun.” The third and final T20 will be played at the same venue on Monday before the sides play a two-test series starting Thursday in Hamilton.

Pollard says poor bowling/ fielding cost Windies T20 series –– Final match set for today

By Clifton Ross AFTER effectively losing the series, being down 2-0 with a match left, a disappointed Kieron Pollard said the series slipping away from the West Indies is due to some shoddy bowling and fielding. The Windies skipper faced the media following the second T20 loss and as expected Pollard, a stand-up character, admitted that the Caribbean Boys second successive loss was due mainly to their poor bowling outing. “Obviously, we are disappointed, we always look to come out and play good cricket and get a win, but we accept defeat and we have to take that and come back stronger”, said the Windies skipper. The 72-run loss came compliments of a record ton by the pocket-rocket Glenn Phillips. Phillips, who is somewhat West Indian by heart, having played in the Hero CPL

tudes and I think it’s our mindset. In terms of the energy and feel and erraticness in the field, that’s not the standard that we want to set for ourselves, and not the standard anyone wants to see in international cricket. There’s certain aspects we need to buck up on; guys are getting good opportunities to see what they have to offer, so hopefully they can understand the magnitude of things going forward.” West Indies captain, Pollard continued, “If Keiron Pollard we had stayed in the confor a number of seasons test a bit longer, try to with the Jamaica Talla- limit the damage to 200, wahs, showed his class 190 or so, we’d have this time on home turf as been for the challenge, his 108 required just 46 but we were behind the balls with 8 sixes and 10 eight ball after that 10th fours; the 10th fastest in over and it just went Twenty20 internationals, pear-shaped from there,” breaking teammate Colin he ended. With the T20 series Munro’s record by a ball. Phillip’s knock put almost fully over with a damper on things for a match to go, attention Pollard and company will then be shifted to who further admitted the highly important that the energy in the Test series with key middle played a big part Windies Test players looking dangerous in as well. “ I t h i n k i t ’ s a t t i - warm-up games.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

Malan helps England seal series (Reuters) - Dawid Malan returned to his home town on Sunday to steer England to a four-wicket win over South Africa in their second Twenty20 international in Paarl as they clinched the threematch series. The 33-year-old Malan, who was born in England but grew up in the Winelands town and made his first-class debut at Boland Park, scored 55 off 40 balls to help England reach the modest target of 147 set by South Africa, beating their hosts for the second time in three days. Captain Eoin Morgan saw England to victory with a ball to spare as they reached their target having lost six wickets, after South Africa, put in to bat, laboured to 146-6

Dawid Malan gets a cut shot away, South Africa vs England, 2nd T20I, Paarl, November 29, 2020 on a slow pitch. Malan and Morgan compiled a 51-run partnership to haul England back into the game after

a career-best 3-19 spell for home spinner Tabraiz Shamsi had South Africa well placed to level the series.

Shamsi claimed the wickets of hard-hitting Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes to offer the home side a chance of

success with England still some 60 runs short of the target with six overs left. Malan, however, had other ideas and together with Morgan cleverly thrashed Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada in the last four overs to turn the tide back their way. “That wicket played so differently to what I was used to but it was so nice to be back home. It was a pity no crowd was allowed and my parents couldn’t come and watch,” said Malan. South Africa captain Quinton de Kock made a promising start for his side but his 30 runs off 18 balls proved to be their top score. The home team found themselves choked by the English bowling, especially spinner Adil Rashid

who took two wickets in successive balls and finished with 2-23 off his four overs. Jofra Archer again proved miserly in the powerplay with tight bowling and Ben Stokes recovered from an initial fumble to run out George Linde for 29, ending a 44-run sixth-wicket partnership with Rassie van der Dussen that had given some respectability to the South African tally. “It was a much improved performance with a lot of positives,” Morgan said. The two countries meet again on Tuesday, back at Newlands where England beat South Africa by five wickets with four balls to spare in the opening T20 international on Friday.

Smith heroics seals series for Australia (Reuters) - Steve Smith was at his imperious best as he scored a second successive 62-ball century to drive Australia to a 51-run victory over India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, sealing the one-day series 2-0 with a match to spare. The clash, almost a carbon copy of Australia’s 66-run win in Friday’s match at the same ground, was soured for the home fans by an injury to David Warner which may rule him out of the test series around the new year. Warner had scored a bright 83 in an opening partnership of 142 with his skipper, Aaron Finch (60), as Australia made light of the stifling afternoon conditions to pile on a massive 389 for four. However, four overs into India’s reply after a southerly wind had brought a dramatic drop in temperatures, Warner injured his adductor while fielding and had to be helped off the field. The 34-year-old opener was taken to

hospital for scans, and Australia will be sweating over the results with the start of the test series 18 days away. His teammates wrapped up the match comfortably enough despite a fine innings of 89 from Virat Kohli and a 72 from wicketkeeper, KL Rahul, as India limped to 338 for nine. “I felt good from ball one and was really able to go hard,” said Man-of-theMatch Smith. “Nice to score some runs for the team and get a good total. Nice performance.” India’s openers were dismissed in successive overs with only 60 runs on the board before skipper Kohli took charge and put together partnerships of 93 with Shreyas Iyer (38) and 72 with Rahul. Once the skipper departed to a flying catch by Moises Henriques off Josh Hazlewood, Rahul took up the mantle to keep alive Indian hopes that they might just pull off their biggest ever successful run chase in one-dayers.

Rahul thumped five sixes in a pugnacious innings before holing out in the deep off of spinner, Adam Zampa. “Completely outplayed,” said Kohli. “With the ball, we were not that effective, we just didn’t hit the areas we wanted to that effectively. The chase always felt a bit too steep.” Earlier, the day had belonged to the batsmen of the Australian top order, who, once again, were given the opportunity to showcase their skills in the face of some lacklustre bowling. Smith needed only 64 balls for his 104 before falling to all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, who, before Sunday, had not bowled in international cricket since September last year due to a lower back injury. Glenn Maxwell’s belligerent unbeaten 63 from 29 balls and a strokefilled 70 from Marnus Labuschagne helped Australia build on the strong platform and finish with a flourish.

Steven Smith coasted to a century in the second ODI against India (Australia v India, 2nd ODI, Sydney, November 29, 2020)

Grosjean escapes fiery crash in Bahrain (BBC) - Romain Grosjean has been taken to hospital with minor burns and injuries after a terrifying, fiery accident at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Frenchman’s Haas pierced the barrier, split in two and burst into flames on the first lap of the race, which was stopped. Grosjean’s car was embedded in the barrier on its side and the driver appears to have been saved by the halo head-protection device. He has suspected broken ribs and minor burns to his feet.

“It’s a miracle that he’s alive,” said 1996 world champion Briton Damon Hill, who was Ayrton Senna’s team-mate at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix when the Brazilian three-time champion was killed. Medical car driver Alan van der Merwe said: “It was a big surprise for us as well, we’ve never seen that much fire in 12 years. “Romain started to get out of the car himself which was pretty amazing after an accident like that. It was a relief to see he was OK. “It just goes to show all the systems

we’ve developed worked hand in hand -- the halos, the barriers, the seatbelts, everything all worked as it should. Without just one of those things, it could have been a very different outcome.” Grosjean lost control of his Haas car after clipping the front left wheel of Daniil Kvyat’s Alpha Tauri at Turn Three on the opening lap. His Haas team boss Guenther Steiner said: “When you see something like this the only thing you think is ‘I hope we get lucky’ you don’t think how it happened or whatever.

“I would like to thank all the marshals. They did a fantastic job to get him away as quick as possible from the fire. It was amazing what they did.” “It was horrible, when I saw the images I was shocked,” said fellow French driver Pierre Gasly. “It was really scary but I had no idea a Formula 1 car could break that way. The halo really proved to be working. I have text him to wish him a good recovery. I think he is fine but a really scary thing.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2020

GFF unveils #WECARE health & football social media campaign THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has launched a social media campaign to encourage healthy behaviour and greater participation in football as part of its UEFA Assist “Bounceback” programme. The #wecare campaign will feature weekly videos of GFF football ambassadors, including national team players and coaches, sharing COVID-19 and other health awareness messages while performing football drills and skills. Golden Jaguars Head Coach, Marcio Maximo, kicked off the campaign on November 28 with a simple trick to get the ball rolling – the flick up – alongside a message for fans to “maintain social distancing and stay safe.” “We want to see football fans having fun by trying to copy these

Golden Jaguars Head Coach, Marcio Maximo, initiated the campaign with a simple trick to get the ball rolling.

skills and drills in their own videos and sharing them with their friends, so that we can all stay connected and active as we work towards the responsible and safe resumption of football competition,” said GFF president, Wayne Forde. “We know that football has a great power to engage, entertain and inspire, but also to make a real impact as a platform for positive messages and change. I want to encourage everyone to share their own videos and to stay safe.” The videos will be broadcasted on the GFF’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok accounts in the coming months: Facebook: @GuyanaFootballFederationInc Instagram: guyana_football_federation_inc TikTok: GFF_Inc_ Twitter: @GFF Inc., “Part of our work under the UEFA

Assist ‘Bounceback’ programme is to make sure we keep the football community engaged while football is still offline,” said GFF Technical Director, Ian Greenwood. “Some of these videos will be focused on having fun and expressing yourself, while others will feature top football drills and exercises designed by GFF Coaching Education Director, Wilson Toledo.” Under the UEFA Assist programme, the GFF is working with European football administrative experts to develop a comprehensive plan to transition to the full resumption of football activities, once conditions allow. Guyana is the second nation in the Concacaf region – after Mexico – to participate in the “Bounceback” initiative.

GCB Tropical Spring Over-40 T20

Imam Bacchus, Reliance secure wins as action heats up

THE GCB Tropical Spring T20 Over 40 Tournament continued yesterday in Essequibo with wins for Imam Bacchus and Reliance teams. Playing at Reliance cricket ground, Invader Masters, batting first, made 112-8 off their allotted 15 overs, a reduction of 5 overs which came due to rainfall. Opening batsmen, Dharmendra Lakhan, quickly contributed 38 runs from 19 balls, and along with captain, Devenand Mahadeo, 27, were the key contributors in their team reaching 112. Despite the challenging total posted by Invader Masters, the Imam Bacchus bowlers returned impressive figures, with Lakeram Persaud collecting 4 off 29 runs, as he gained valuable support from Fazeer Khan and

The teams are ready to go Ghansham Deonarine, both of whom picked up two wickets. For the reply, Imam Bacchus’ batsmen made an admirable run chase, tying the scores closely in the latter overs to secure victory, as they finished the match with 7 wickets in hand off

14.4 overs with a score of 115. Instrumental to their victory was opening batsman, Eishwar Singh, with an unbeaten 58, attractively comprising 7 fours and 1 six. His partner, Fazeer Khan, added 22 before falling to the hands of Bhesham

Seepersaud (2-9). Punraj Singh contributed 15 to see their team to the win. The First match of the day witnessed Reliance securing the win by walk over against the Jaguars. Meanwhile, round 5 continues today-- Monday 30 November 2020-- with

matches in Demerara. The first match, at the Enmore Community Centre, will also begin at 09:30 hrs when Regal Masters will compete against WD Mavericks, while the afternoon will have KV construction versus RP Construction Legend.

At the Everest Cricket Club ground, Everest Masters will battle Bel Air Rubis Ultra Tec in the morning encounter, which begins at 09:30 hours, while at 13:45 hrs, WD Master will compete against Sand Piper Masters.

National Sports Policy being revised ... Minister Ramson stresses on importance of Sports Policy By Rawle Toney A revision of the draft National Sports Policy is currently on-going with the relevant stakeholders, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, told Chronicle Sport recently. Minister Ramson, speaking on the sidelines of his second community outreach in Agricola, was adamant that seeing the implementation of the country’s first

National Sports Policy is of utmost priority for the Dr Irfaan Ali government. Ramson told this publication that he is personally working to ensure that the long-overdue document reflects the mission and the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. According to Ramson, “once that’s done and we amend the Sports Policy to reflect the Ministry’s direc-

tion, then we’re going to share it with the Associations once again, have a working session with them. When we start doing that, we’re going to able to tailor and make whatever modification of the sports policy that is sensible as part of the consultation process. Then that goes up to the Cabinet Sub-Committee, then to the Cabinet for it to be laid over in Parliament at the appropriate time.” During an interaction

Phillips record century downs Windies T20 series

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Kyle Jamieson is thrilled after bowling Brandon King first ball (New Zealand vs West Indies, 2nd T20I, Mount Maunganui, November 29, 2020)

with the Sports Media on August 15, Ramson relayed that the implementation of the National Sports Policy will be part of the critical areas for sports during his tenure as the Minister responsible for sports in Guyana. Ramson has inherited a document that has been in the ‘draft state’ by both the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, prior to 2015 and the former APNU+AFC

Government. Nonetheless, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport said he will ensure the National Sports Policy is passed in the National Assembly, since the document is too important to the future of our country’s athletes and the administering of sports in Guyana, to be on the sidelines. With his Ministry receiving an allocation of $805.3M from this year’s National budget, Ramson said much

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. of what he intends to do will be guided by the policy, further reiterating its importance.

A fire is pictured following the crash of Romain Grosjean of France and Haas F1 during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain.

Grosjean escapes fiery crash in Bahrain

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2020