Issuu

SATURDAY 30 th January, 2021

’ No. 106257

River Walk Hotel & Amusement Park coming to MovieTowne 03 PAGE

–– multimillion-dollar investment part of efforts to bring ‘world class’ family entertainment to Guyana

An artist’s impression of the Georgetown River Walk Hotel and Amusement Park that will be constructed next door to the MovieTowne mall and cinemas, at Turkeyen, Georgetown, once the requisite approval is garnered

Support being organised for detained Guyanese 02 fishermen as groceries ‘run low’ PAGE

Limited indoor 04 dining allowed at bars from Feb.1 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Support being organised for detained Guyanese fishermen as groceries ‘run low’ By Vishani Ragobeer

THE Guyanese fishermen who have been detained in Venezuela are running low on groceries and are worried that they might not have anything to eat come Monday, according to the owner of the Sea Wolf, one of the detained vessels, Kumar Lalbachan. The 12 fishermen, who Fishermen: Detained: (from left) Joel Joseph, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Orland Roberts, Captain of the Lady Nayera, Richard Ramnarine and Shirvin Oneil were operating their trade Garraway was concerned that phasising: “It is our interest along the Waini River in two the food supplies of his crew to take care of them.” groups of six on the Lady were running low and could He also related that the Nayera and Sea Wolf ves- be depleted by Monday. Venezuelan Foreign Affairs sels, were apprehended by Lalbachan noted that he Minister, Jorge Arreaza, asVenezuelan naval troops last would work along with own- sured that the needs of the week. They have since been er of the Lady Nayera, Trevor men would be catered to illegally detained, pending an Daniels in order to find a way while they are detained. On investigation. of providing some support to Wednesday, the delegation of This act of ‘intrusion’ by the crew of the two vessels. Panama to the Organisation Venezuela was condemned This, he indicated, may prove of American States (OAS) by local authorities, which challenging given that the firmly called for the welfare have substantiated claims men are detained aboard the of the detained Guyanese that both vessels, which were vessels, but he is hopeful that to be ensured. Several other operating off the coast of the some assistance may find its OAS members, including Waini Point, within Guyana’s way to the crew. Panama, the United States, Exclusive Economic Zone Minister of Foreign Af- Antigua and Barbuda and (EEZ), were intercepted by fairs and International Coop- Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuelan naval vessel, eration, Hugh Todd, in an in- the OAS General Secretariat Commandante Hugo Chavez vited comment, said that his itself called for the immediGC 24, on Thursday, January ministry would contact the ate release of the Guyanese 21, 2021. owners and the captains to fishermen. On Friday, when the see what assistance could be The crew members of Guyana Chronicle spoke to provided to the 12 Guyanese. the Sea Wolf included GarLalbachan, he said that he “In instances like this, the raway, Errol Gardener, has been in constant contact owner would need to take Orland Roberts, Christowith the Sea Wolf’s Cap- care of some of the expenses, pher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil tain Toney Garraway via but because of the nature of and Randy Henry while the Whatsapp. While the men the matter, we can provide crew members aboard have reported that they are some assistance,” Todd told See page 4 doing well aboard the vessel, the Guyana Chronicle, em-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

River Walk Hotel & Amusement Park coming to MovieTowne –– multimillion-dollar investment part of efforts to bring ‘world class’ family entertainment to Guyana

By Vishani Ragobeer A MASSIVE transformation is expected at Turkeyen, Georgetown, as MovieTowne Guyana eyes providing an all-in-one family, entertainment and relaxation experience by expanding and establishing a multimillion-dollar Georgetown River Walk hotel and amusement park right next-door.

globally. This hotel, once approved, will be named the ‘Georgetown River Walk Hotel’ and it will be constructed just next to the existing Movietowne mall and cinemas, situated right off the Rupert Craig Highway. “We’re in talks with the Government right now to get that on the ball,” General Manager of Movietowne Guyana, Rochelle Parsram told the Guyana Chronicle

hotel and amusement park, Movietowne will be a central hub for family fun, relaxation and entertainment. And, Parsram contended: “Good entertainment is hard to find in Guyana… family-friendly entertainment is hard to find in Guyana and so Guyanese and people who are coming to Guyana are looking for this.” If the thought of a brand new hotel and amusement

An artist’s impression of the Georgetown River Walk Hotel, amusement park and riverwalk area that are expected to be constructed at Turkeyen, Georgetown The Guyana Chronicle understands that discussions are underway for the establishment of a DoubleTree hotel by Hilton, an American hotel chain that has more than 580 hotels and resorts

in an exclusive interview on Friday. The impetus behind this investment is to provide an ‘all-in-one’ experience for patrons, whether local or foreign. With the addition of the

park was not enough, the General Manager highlighted that careful thought and consideration went into designing the hotel so that it could project the beauty of Guyana. Parsram emphasised that

business mogul and Executive Chairman of Movietowne in Guyana and of the original establishment in Trinidad, Derek Chin was keen on adding a “taste of Guyana” to the hotel. As such, The DoubleTree hotel will feature a ‘riverwalk’ where Guyana’s national flower, the Victoria Regia Lily, will be grown. Once the requisite approval is given, construction on this massive investment will begin immediately. $90M FOOD COURT EXPANSION But the hotel and amusement park is not the only investment to be expected from Movietowne Guyana. Rather, it is just another in a string of longterm investments. At the ground floor of the Movietowne mall, a Hollywood-themed food court is expected by May 2021. It will cost about $90M just to build-out and beautify the space. Parsram, however, highlighted that numerous well-known food franchises have already signalled their interest. While she could not provide names as yet, she indicated that these are international franchises which have already set up at the Movietowne locations in Trinidad. And, she mentioned that the food court will boast all the

well-recognisable brands offering coffee, fast food, meats and salads. “We’re looking to add that variety and we know that the brands will do well. We wanna give that world class experience,” she affirmed. But, she did relate that there is also scope for local businesses who are willing to make the investment into offering quality and high standards to join the MovieTowne experience. Parsram also explained that the idea is to create a synergy between the food court and the entertainment ‘fiesta’ plaza, which has already been a major attraction for the mall. The fiesta plaza is also located on the ground floor of the mall and it is the first sight you are greeted with once you enter the building. MovieTowne Guyana opened its doors, started first with the cinemas, in March 2019. The phased opening came after efforts were being made for about a decade to establish this reputable business in Guyana. The eventual opening, however, was constrained by the post No-Confidence motion developments, the protracted elections and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite all of that, Parsram was optimistic that 2021 would be the year of great achievements for the

General Manager of MovieTowne Guyana, Rochelle Parsram business. Moreover, the rapidly developing business landscape of Guyana presents a grand opportunity for the business to meet the emerging needs of the market. Importantly, however, she emphasised that Chin’s vision of Movietowne’s developments in Guyana transcends the burgeoning oil and gas sector and spinoff developments. “Now that we have the market that is more readily available, we’re paying more emphasis on our mall experience to ensure that we create that sort of brand and feel to allow those investors and those people who will now be in Guyana to experience ‘world class’ right here,” the General Manager posited.

Partially decomposed body of young man found in home THE partially decomposed body of a 33-year-old Corentyne man was discovered by a sibling at around 19:00 hours on Friday evening. The deceased was identified as Robby Sukhdeo

of #70 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne. He was found by one of his brothers, who went to check up on him after not hearing from him since Monday last and neighbours complained of a strong odor emanating from

the house. Speaking with this publication, another brother, Teddy Sukhdeo, said Robby lived alone and was last seen alive a little after noon on Monday. The shocked sibling related that his brother’s body was

found on the floor and a cut to the forehead was noticed. He further disclosed that from initial indication it appears his brother may have fallen and hurt himself but he is awaiting the post-mortem report. The police, after being

notified of the death, cordoned off the scene and the body was transported to a funeral home and is awaiting an autopsy. Investigations are ongoing. Robby was a carpenter/ mason.

Robby Sukhdeo

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Limited indoor dining at bars allowed from Feb. 1 –– but no ‘ease up’ on social activities, curfew

By Vishani Ragobeer LIMITED indoor dining will be allowed at bars from February 1, though there has been no ‘ease up’ in a number of other social activities nor the national curfew, according to the gazetted COVID-19 orders which will take effect from February 1 and last until February 28, 2021. On Friday, the Guyana Chronicle was able to see a copy of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (no. 14) which will take effect from Monday. Detailed in these orders were the restrictions to social activities, where it was stated that no person shall host, attend or

visit: a cinema, except for a drive-thru cinema; a private party; a banquet, ball or reception, a public or hotel swimming pool or waterpark; a wake or vigil; a club or discotheque; a meeting of a fraternal society, private or social club or civic association or organisation or any other social activity. Notably, however, bars and rumshops were not on this list of restrictions. In previous gazetted COVID-19 orders, attending or visiting these establishments were strictly prohibited. Paragraph (6) Section (3)(c), however, noted: “Indoor and outdoor dining at a restaurant and bar shall only be permitted between the hours of 04:00 am to 9:30 pm.” It was further noted that indoor dining at a restaurant and bar is restricted to 40 percent capacity of the building, tables must be

spaced six feet apart and no more than four persons are to be seated at one table, and each person must be three feet apart. “Staff at restaurants and bars shall wear a face mask fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin at all times; shall sanitise dining tables, chairs and bar countertops after use by each customer,” the new gazetted orders said. Over the past few weeks, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) ‘shut down’ a number of local restaurants for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines by offering indoor dining, which was previously prohibited. Bars, rumshops and such entertainment spots that were open were also shut down since the measures have stated that these establishments should not be opened. These establishments were warned prior to their being shut down. From February, however, these establishments

will be permitted to operate in a limited capacity. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) will be responsible for monitoring all restaurants and bars to ensure implementation of the measures necessary to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. This newspaper understands that restaurants and bars will have to ensure that their premises are modified to allow for ‘social-distanced’ indoor dining and then apply to the GTA for certification. Following an inspection of the premises from the local tourism authority, only then will the restaurants receive permission to offer indoor dining. The GTA will also be responsible for monitoring these establishments to ensure that they do not breach any of the COVID-19 measures. Meanwhile, the national curfew will still be in effect from 10:30 pm to 04:00 am.

The Hard Rock Café, which boasts an indoor bar, is allowed to operate at 40 per cent capacity

Support being organised ... From page 2

the Lady Nayera were Ramnarine, Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo and Joel Joseph. The Government of Guyana is pursuing all diplomatic avenues to ensure that these men are returned home safely and as soon as possible. THIRD VESSEL Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been apprised of unconfirmed reported indicating that another Guyana-registered fishing vessel, ‘Miss Annie’ – GR972360 – and its seven-member crew were detained by the Venezuelan military on Monday. According to an unconfirmed report published in a Venezuelan newspaper, Miss Annie was allegedly fishing illegally in Venezuelan authorities. This has not been confirmed nor substantiated as yet. To confirm these reports, Minister Todd noted that Guyana’s embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, made contact with the Foreign Ministry in that country. No response has been garnered as yet, however. The Government of Guyana has considered the illegal detention of the Guyanese fishermen as a wanton show of aggression by the Venezuelan armed forces against Guyana and Guyanese citizens. It follows on the heels of a recent unilateral decree by President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, claiming Venezuela’s sovereignty and exclusive sovereign rights in the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River. Currently, Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between the then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela. In December, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy case and the World Court is preparing to hear the arguments in the substantive matter.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

MoE gives assistance to teacher who lost home to fire

A PRIMARY school teacher, Renita Joseph, who lost her home to an early Thursday morning fire, has received a contribution from the Ministry of Education (MoE) to assist with the rebuilding of her life. Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, visited Jo-

The remains of the house after the fire

Hypertensive man found dead on bed A 50-year-old man who suffers from hypertension was found dead on his bed by neighbours after several calls to him at his residence went unanswered. Dead is Khemraj Bhim of Track “A” Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was a patient of the Enterprise Health Centre, ECD. Hypertension is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Research indicates that the most common causes of hypertension include smoking, obesity or being overweight, diabetes, having a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, high salt or alcohol intake levels, insufficient consumption of calcium and potassium or magnesium deficiency among other issues. Reports indicated that Bhim was found lifeless around 07:05hrs on Thursday after last being seen alive by his neighbour on Wednesday afternoon.

The neighbour told investigators that around 16:00h on Wednesday, Bhim asked him for $200 to purchase “pressure tablet(s)” and was never heard from or seen alive again. Police said that, on Thursday, persons were at Bhim’s residence trying to locate him and after their calls went unanswered, they entered his home to ensure that he was alright. However, upon entering the man’s bedroom, they discovered him motionless on his bed. Police were summoned and responded and conducted a check on the body for marks of violence but found none. Bhim was subsequently taken to the Enterprise Health Centre where he was seen by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead. The body was then handed over to Jerrick’s Funeral Home awaiting autopsy as investigations continue.

‘Red Ants’ shot dead at Ogle Seawall A TWENTY-TWO-yearold man, who was wanted in connection with robberies and wounding, was shot dead by police in the wee hours of Friday at the Ogle Seawall, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Dead is Sherwin Filley called “Red Ants” of Plaisance ECD. The unemployed man was also wanted for robbery with violence and three counts of wounding committed on a 50-year-old resident of Vryheid’s Lust, ECD. Reports indicate that about 01:20 hours on Friday, police, acting on information received, visited an abandon wooden shack at the Ogle Seawall, where Sherwin Filley was locked inside. As a result, police decided to force open the door and attempted to apprehend Filley, who was armed with a cutlass. The suspect attacked the police who discharged a round which struck Filley

to his eye; he fell to the ground and was picked up and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on

arrival by a doctor. The body is currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting post-mortem as investigations continue.

seph and her family on Friday at the Good Intent, West Bank Demerara site which the fire ravished. Hutson presented Joseph with a Hewlett-Packard (HP) Laptop along with accessories and monetary assistance, while offering words of comfort and reassuring her of the ministry’s commitment during this time. Hutson said that Friday’s contribution was a testament of how the ministry views and values its teachers. He told Joseph, who is a teacher at the Belle West Primary School that the ministry could not hear of the tragedy and turn a deaf ear. He said that the officers of the ministry are transformational leaders, a hallmark of which is compassion. Joseph, a final year student at the University of Guyana pursuing a degree in education, expressed gratitude for

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson making the presentation to Renita Joseph the contribution by the ministry as the laptop would aid in her studies and would enable her to continue to teach her students while the monetary assistance will help the family to address some of their present needs. The Department of Education Region Three

(Essequibo Islands - West Demerara), on Friday, also handed over several items to Joseph and her family inclusive of food items, clothing and footwear. Persons interested in assisting the family can contact them on 2671554 and 267-1408

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

The great sustainers FARMERS play a crucial role in the well-being of Guyanese, so it is encouraging and satisfying to see Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, and Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, teaming up to solve land issues that concern farmers. This government holds a close bond with people of the land, and farmers historically have looked for justice and fair play within the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), a party that became more of a national socioeconomic movement than only a political entity. Farmers know that they could count on this government to not only solve their issues, but to fuel their livelihood and ensure the small-farmer agriculture industry thrives. Guyanese love going out to the markets around the country, at Stabroek Market and Bourda, and also Mahaica and Mahaicony, New Amsterdam, Bartica, Parika, Linden, Charity and Anna Regina. It is almost a cultural habit for Guyanese to go out browsing markets and checking for deals on fresh fruits and vegetables and chatting with their farmers with much laughter and good cheer. This nation enjoys the enviable position of maintaining a national cadre of homestead farmers and solo entrepreneurs who work the land, rather than handing over the country’s food supply to big industrial concerns and megafarms. Small farmers take care of their farms with loving care, and so today Guyanese enjoy fresh, organic food, with fruits and vegetables fresh off the land. While the rest of the world frets about processed food and seeks hard to find organic and healthy fresh food,

like glutten-free stuff, Guyanese could just trudge over to their local market and pick up organic fresh fruits and vegetables and ground provision with such ease. Given the fine tropical weather of the land, Guyana is blessed with rich, fertile land on its coastline, and much of it is under farming, spreading from Berbice all across Demerara and through Essequibo. Small farmers play a dominant role in the food industry, and this is somewhat unique in the world. In developed countries, there is a big angst among people about processed food that industrialised food processing companies unleash on the society. Even apples and mangoes in these countries are sprayed with preservation chemicals. Tomatoes are picked green and sprayed with carbon dioxide to ripen so they stay longer on the shelf. Many countries that lack tropical weather cannot even grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables for much of the year, and depend on long transport routes to supply needs and bring in food supplies. So a big advocacy and activist health sector exists around the world for people to have access to organic, fresh, chemical-free fresh food. Some countries even ban fresh milk from being sold to the public, demanding that dairy farmers pass their milk through industrial processing. All these issues, Guyana does not face. This land has an abundance of healthy fruits and vegetables and milk and eggs. And so it is good to see government, with these two ministers, taking such an interest in making sure Guyanese farmers are happy and could focus on their farms, rather than worry about land issues and even about drainage and irrigation.

Minister Mustapha is travelling the country personally, and making sure that drainage and irrigation is efficient and functional. The image on social media of him in long boots walking on mud dams to access farming country, talking and interacting with farmers, that is on-the-ground servant-leadership every farmer welcomes. Guyana has always encouraged a robust agriculture industry, with rice, sugar, and cash crops playing a big role in the national economy, in fact since the very formation of the nation under the British. Most Guyanese grew up with a kitchen garden in the backyard, and with open markets all across the country flourishing with affordable fresh food just harvested from sunny farmlands. Many of the country’s doctors and lawyers and achievers would have had farmers in their background, funding them to study and self-develop. The role of farmers in the country’s history and development is indisputable, and the PPP/C Governments always recognised and acknowledged this fact. This is a country that loves its farmers, recognising the value of these hard working men and women who bend their backs in the hot sun and brave rainy days to cultivate the earth, to plow the land and feed the society. Everywhere across Guyana, farmers live and work, humble, quietly planting and reaping and bringing their produce to markets, waking up in the wee hours of the morning to start their day. They are the most beautiful people of the land, full of cheer and good stories and loud laughter and healthy and strong with sun-weathered tough skin and hard-

ened wisdom. It is a great thing that Guyana maintains such a farming community, and does not industrialise its food production and food processing system. Even though there is a growing export sector for fresh food and fish, supplying the local food needs is the tremendous work of local farmers. As the country leaps ahead into massive progress and prosperity, one hopes that the society would always maintain this national army of small land cultivators who mark the earth with the soles of their feet and their planting fingers, toiling the land with a song in their hearts as they feed Guyanese healthy, fresh, alive food. Over the years, Attorney-General Nandlall showed great care and love for farmers, working with many of them to solve issues at the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary (MMA) scheme, and through Region Five. With Minister Mustapha, farmers are now engaged fully with government, with the minister showing deep passion for their welfare. Society tends to take some things that become embedded and normal, and as natural as the sun, for granted. Guyanese farmers play such an embedded, natural role in the nation, that most citizens do not think twice of the daily contribution to the national welfare from them. It is good to see that ministers of the government recognise their value and worth and are committing to make sure their problems are solved with satisfaction and morale-boosting efficiency. In farmers, the nation embodies a wealth of souls taking care of the welfare of Guyanese. Taking care of them is a national duty.

Panday an asset at GuySuCo Dear Editor,

VISHNU Panday is an asset at GuySuCo. The company should do all it can to keep him as a manager of Skeldon Estate or even promote him in management. Everyone I interacted with feels his skills, experience, and expertise in the sugar industry should be exploited for the benefit of the industry. He knows sugar more than others. In fact, it would be better if Mr. Panday were elevated at some high-level position in central management at GuySuCo, perhaps Deputy CEO with specific responsibilities. He is competent and experienced in so many areas of production that he would fit in at virtually any level of the hierarchical chain of the organisation. Sugar or GuySuCo cannot fail. So many jobs depend on it. It contributed significantly

to the growth and development of the country and still play a leading role. I travelled around sugar estate communities. I observe the suffering of the people and how they were impoverished by the Coalition regime. I grieve for the people living in the abandoned sugar estates; they were left to fend for themselves by thousands with no jobs. I would very much like to see sugar succeed in Guyana so that depressed communities can be rehabilitated. I am no sugar expert although I studied the role of sugar in development in several countries. I may very well be the only Guyanese who travelled to and studied sugar production in Trinidad, Fiji, Mauritius, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Durban and how Indian companies produce sugar at high returns of profit in remote parts of Africa. (Guyanese scholar Prof. Paulette Pearce wrote an excellent book on sugar management at

Bookers/GuySuCo about two decades ago. Paulette and I had the same mentor for our doctoral studies. The book should be read by those working in GuySuCo management and ownership). Production costs can be brought down in Guyana well below costs. It requires down-to-earth management all the way at the field level and empowerment of workers as their own land tillers. If given ownership, these labourers would transform the entire sugar industry. GuySuCo is also reeks of theft of all kinds from labour to materials. Guyana sugar production costs is top heavy in management and capital expenditure with smaller expenditures on lower level labour who performed slave like work to actually produce the sugar. Cane does not grow in an office. Too many lives depend on sugar. It can succeed with able, competent, experienced management like Mr. Panday. I visited Skel-

don in November and again earlier this month interacting with sugar workers about his leadership skills. Besides the hundreds currently employed at Skeldon, over a thousand more are seeking employment. Success at Skeldon will result in their employment. The workers love him and are disturbed that he is leaving. They are in the dark why he is leaving. They say he is an effective leader, a people’s person, very hard working, assertive, trustworthy, competent and confident of himself. Regrettably, I could not interact with Mr. Panday on sugar production on his expertise and short term as well as longterm plan for Skeldon. But former colleagues and peers spoke highly of him. I conversed with former personnel of GuySuCo and exboard members on the imminent departure of TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Amerindian villages benefit from special COVID-19 relief fund T W E LV E A m e r i n d i a n leaders were yesterday presented with grants of various amounts to promote job creation, income generation and developmental projects in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a simple ceremony held in the benab at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, toshaos and village council representatives collected grants ranging from $3M to $15M, which were sourced from the $105M that has been allocated by the government for a COVID-19 relief fund for Amerindian villages. The villages benefiting are Santa Mission, Caria Caria, Lower Bonasika and Saxacalli, all located in Region Three; St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Swan, Waikabra and Long Creek (known as Tigerbone Banakari), located in Region Four; Moraikobai, which is the only Amerindian

village in Region Five, and Orealla, Siparuta and Cashew Island (New River Triangle) in Region Six.

ed to create a foundation for communities to be able to live with COVID-19 in the long-term by creating a means through which sustainable livelihood, opportunities for young people and the enhancement of infrastructure can be achieved.

“Our government is making a significant support initiative to ensure that the hinterland and the Amerindian communities are able to place a strong foundation in ensuring that their population remains stable. We hope that the Amerindian leaders, the

will ensure our sustainability will be kept,” she said. Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, said the grant allocation is in keeping with the government’s promise to

COVID-19 relief cash grant currently being disbursed to households throughout Guyana, the relief fund will be used for village and community projects that will positively affect the residents’ livelihood. According to Minister

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai (Delano Williams photo)

Minster of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai noted that this initiative is the beginning of a series of projects aimed at developing the hinterland regions and Amerindian villages. The grants are expect-

Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud and Minster of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai (centre) with toshaos and village leaders (Delano Williams photo)

Panday an asset ...

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Panday as manager of Skeldon. They all are in agreement that he should not be let go; there is no equivalent replacement for him. Mr. Panday is perhaps the most experienced and knowledgeable person about sugar production currently at GuySuCo. He probably has more years in sugar than all the others in management and the board combined. If I am not mistaken, I believe he previously served in management and at a time when sugar was very profitable. I have not had an opportunity to interact with Panday on challenges at Skeldon or working with the new board and GuySuCo management or on his economic model to transform Skeldon. But as his staff attested, he has been an effective manager for the five months he has headed Skeldon although sources tell me his hands have been tied by

the board and central. Those who worked with him in management endorsed his professionalism and skills in the industry. They note he has an eye for detail, is organised, has excellent problem-solving skills, motivates and inspires staff, and is results-oriented. He has skills and competence to prepare a budget for the entire industry. He does not feel threatened by peers and subordinates. He motivates workers and builds trust and relationship with them. GuySuCo must retain Panday utilising his expertise to increase cultivation, productivity, and expansion of markets, and to manufacture new products as well value-added packaging that fetch more money. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Council, and the villagers make use of this financial support to put themselves in full preparation mode, to ensure that we have not only a COVID-free population, but that many of the linkages that

mitigate the negative impact that the pandemic has had on Guyana, with special emphasis being placed on communities and villages in the hinterland. Divergent to the $25,000

Persaud, the establishment of the fund is part of a longstanding effort to buttress hinterland villages against the numerous hindrances caused by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Winners of UNICEF Guyana’s Reimagine Illustration Challenge rewarded

UNICEF Representative, Nicolas Pron, on Friday, presented three of the winners of UNICEF Guyana’s Reimagine Illustration Challenge with Samsung tablet computers and encouraged them to work towards making their vision a reality. For World Children’s Day 2020, the local UNICEF office challenged Guyanese children between the ages of eight and 18 years to draw and submit their vision of a better world for every child.

Over two dozen submissions were received with youth sharing their vision for a greener and more sustainable world, a future without discrimination, a safer world, a more inclusive world, a healthier world, a world of more opportunities, a happier world and the future of mental health and education, among other themes. Twelve submissions were selected to be featured in UNICEF Guyana’s Annual Calendar. At a brief ceremony, three of the 12

UNICEF Representative, Nicolas Pron, with three of the winners of UNICEF’s Guyana’s Reimagine Illustration Challenge, from left to right, Tiffani, Sajid, and Elliana, who were presented with tablet computers on Friday, 29 January 2021

winners; Sajid, eight; Elliana, 10; and Tiffani, 18, were presented with tablet computers. The other winners are from different regions of Guyana and will receive their tablets subsequently. Young people know the future they want, said Pron, as he thanked the youths for sharing their vision for a better world. He observed that their words were wise, positive, hopeful and creative. Many of the submissions focused on the future of education. Giselle, 10, from Region Nine, shared her vision for ‘smart classrooms with unlimited Internet access and computers that will benefit every child, using sustainable energy’. Elliana, 10, from Region Four, wrote that while nothing can truly replace face-to-face interaction in a physical classroom, technology is pivotal for the future of education. Pron highlighted that education is a main priority for UNICEF. “We work very closely with the Government of Guyana to continue to develop innovative approaches to education through comput-

ers, through technology…through the Internet so that everybody in Guyana has access to education,” said the UNICEF Representative. He added: “All of us hope that the day will come soon when you will go back to school… It’s essential that the schools be the first services to reopen when things get better but we will keep working with the Government of Guyana to make sure that everybody has access to education even during the time of the pandemic. It’s very important. All of us must always work in your best interest, in the best interest of the child and we will keep doing so.” The UNICEF Representative commended the young people for rising to the challenge and sharing their vision and expressed hope that the tablets would aid in their schoolwork. He further challenged young people to work towards making their vision a reality. All submissions can be found on UNICEF Guyana and Suriname’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ UNICEFGuyanaSuriname

Upper Corentyne fishery joins call for release of Guyanese fishermen THE Upper Corentyne Fishermen Co-op Society has joined local and international bodies in calling for the release of the Guyanese fishermen who are detained by Venezuelan authorities. Chairman of the Co-op, Pameshwar Jainarine, on Friday, appealed to the Venezuelan authorities to show some compassion and deal with the issue as quickly as possible. “The Upper Corentyne is outraged with the arrest of the fishers by the Venezuela authorities; based on what is out there, the fishers were in Guyana waters and we condemn this act by Venezuela. We are asking that the authorities do all that is possible for the fast release of the fishermen,” he said. “We are hearing that 45 days from now they would be on trial and that’s not fair. The fishers were within their rights, they had the required licences to fish in Guyana waters. If they were charged they should be placed on bail not detained for so long,” he said.

Jainarine explained that there were instances in the past where unlicensed fishers attached to the Co-op were found in Suriname waters, were fined and released within a matter of days after detainment. The same, he said, should obtain with regards to the men held in Venezuela so that they would re-united with their families. Twelve Guyanese fishermen, who were operating their trade along the Waini River in two groups of six on the Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf vessels, were apprehended by Venezuelan naval troops on January 21, 2021. Information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Captain Richard Ramnarine, of the Lady Nayera, and Captain Toney Garraway, of the Sea Wolf, after being apprehended in the Waini area, were instructed to chart a course to Port Güiria in Venezuela, where both vessels, which are registered in Essequibo, and the 12-member crew, who hail from Essequibo, have been detained. The Guyana Chronicle

Pameshwar Jainarine was informed on Sunday that the crew members of the Sea Wolf included Garraway, Errol Gardener, Orland Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil and Randy Henry while the crew members aboard the Lady Nayera were Ramnarine, Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo and Joel Joseph. Since the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation has been making a concerted effort to have the men reunited with their families.

Man gets one year for stealing from food business VISHAUL Jones, who was caught stealing items from a food business, was, on Friday, sentenced to one year in prison by Magistrate Leron Daly when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Jones of West Bank Demerara pleaded guilty to the simple larceny charge when it was read to him. Particulars of the charge are that Jones, on January

25, 2021, at Robb Street, Georgetown, stole one generator valued at $300,000, one green 100 pound gas cylinder valued at $50,000, one blue garbage bin valued at $10,000, one cream ‘foldup’ table valued at $10,000 and one blue and white water cooler valued at $10,000, property of Lucia Desir. According to the facts, Desir and Jones are not known to each other. Desir

is the owner and manager of Stella Diner, located at Lot 73 Robb Street. Desir secured her business on January 23 at 16:30 hours, leaving everything intact. On January 25, 2021, Jones was caught removing the items mentioned in the charge by a security guard. Jones was arrested and escorted to the Brickdam Police Station where the items were also lodged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Alleged cocaine Woman, niece robbed by armed bandits trafficker remanded –– wanted bulletin issued for two others

Pathrina Pilgrim

Chelsea Collins

A 30-year-old woman, was, on Friday remanded to prison for attempting to smuggle cocaine in the false bottom of a box, through the Eugene F. Correia

istrates’ Court and denied that, on January 27, she had 534 grams of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking. She was remanded to

The box used to smuggle the illicit drug. International Airport at Ogle. Pathrina Pilgrim of North Road, Bourda, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Mag-

prison until February 19. Pilgrim was nabbed by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) after ranks at the airport intercepted a box containing suspected co-

Edinho Lewis caine, prior to it being loaded onto a flight destined for Brooklyn, New York. The suspected cocaine was found in two parcels, each wrapped in carbon and concealed in a false bottom of the said box. The box contained a quantity of local snacks: coconut biscuit, mittai, chicken foot, and one packet of uncooked vermicelli. The two parcels were weighed, and amounted to 534 grammes. As Pilgrim was being arraigned in court, CANU issued wanted bulletins for two persons in relation to the cocaine bust. Wanted for questioning are Chelsea Collins of Lot 10 David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Edinho Lewis of Lot 25 Shopping Plaza, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Anyone knowing their whereabouts are asked to contact CANU Headquarters on 227-3507 or 226-0431.

Man charged with cannabis possession granted bail A MAN, who was caught with cannabis in his possession, was, on Friday, placed on $10,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. John Slate of Sheriff Street, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the possession of narcotics charge. It is alleged that Slate, on January 7, 2021, at Lot 11 North Road, had in his possession a narcotic specifically, 3 grams of cannabis. According to information provided,on the day in question, at about 09:30 hours, ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary, acting on information received, went to Lot 11 North

Road. At that address, Slate was contacted and a request was made by the police to conduct a search on his person and his bag in his presence, to which he complied. During the search, two transparent ziplock plastic bags were found consisting of seeds, leaves and stems that were suspected to be cannabis. The bags were shown to Slate and he was told of the offence committed. Slate was then arrested, cautioned and escorted to the CID Headquarters with the suspected cannabis. The cannabis was weighed in Slate’s presence. He was subsequently charged. The matter was adjourned until March 26.

POLICE are investigating an armed robbery at Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, East Berbice Corentyne, on Thursday evening. Parbattie Etwaroo, 53, an overseas-based Guyanese who recently returned to Guyana, said on Thursday evening, at around 20:00 hours, she was in the upper-flat of her two-storey house folding clothes, when she was confronted by a masked intruder armed with a handgun. Etwaroo related that her niece was downstairs doing some work in the kitchen when the men entered and took her inside. She explained her niece, Swarsattie Narain, 33, a vendor, was taken up the stairs and by the step where one of the men placed a knife to her neck while the gunman point-

The house where the robbery occurred ed the weapon to her and demanded she hand over cash and valuables. The distraught woman was taken to the bedroom where she handed over GYD$50, 000, CAD$ 500, one gold bangle valued at GYD$90,000, a gold and diamond necklace valued at CAD$3,500,

a gold necklace valued GYD $60,000 and a Samsung Galaxy A71 valued at CAD$700. She added that during the ordeal, she was gun-butted to the head and is still suffering from pain in the head. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

France wants to be proactive partner in Guyana’s development FRENCH AMBASSADOR to Guyana, Antoine Joly on Friday told Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips that France wants to be a proactive partner in Guyana’s overall development. The non-resident diplomat and his delegation discussed Guyana’s devel-

opment agenda and the increased cooperation between the two governments. High on the programme was also a conversation on the aggression of Venezuela, which recently seized two Guyanese boats with fishermen in Guyana’s water. To this end, the Ambassador reiterated his support

for Guyana. “We totally support the management of Guyana to solve the conflict on the border with Venezuela – that is to say, respect of the international law, the competency of the International Court of Justice and of course we regret the way that Venezuela took your boats and fisher-

Prime Minister Mark Phillips with members of the French delegation men and I wanted to express my solidarity to the fishermen and their families and I’m hoping that they will be freed very quickly.” The ambassador first signalled the support of the French Government earlier this week during a meeting with the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC. The meeting was the second between the Prime Minister and Ambassador Joly. According to the Prime Minister, today’s follow-up was to discuss the progress that has been made from October 2020 to present, with the addition of the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. “The ambassador came to update me on the engagements he had and the progress that has been made so far after our last meeting; we spoke about police cooperation, defence, trade, the health sector and private sector engagement- I think that we are moving in the right direction and I am very appreciative of that.” The PM said that he was also heartened by the French position on the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy and the outpouring of support Guyana has had from other nations. “The OAS [Organisation of American States] and many countries came out in support of Guyana’s position and we’re happy that the French has done the same,”

he added. The Ambassador, who resides in Suriname, told the PM that his Government was interested in developing and improving economic cooperation in the Guiana Shield. “I confirmed to the Prime Minister that we are interested in being partners for the bridge between Guyana and Suriname, not only in the building, but in developing the vision and the need for infrastructure to link Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana. We have a lot to do together on the Guiana Shield and to improve our economic cooperation and we are working on that.” The ambassador added that he and his Government are impressed with the vision of the Guyanese Government. “What I told the Prime Minister is that I really want to strengthen this relationship; we are impressed by the work done by the new administration, and I would come back in March to strengthen things.” The French delegation also consisted of French Defence Attaché to the Republic of Suriname and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Lieutenant – Colonel Philippe Lamouret, French Foreign Trade Advisor and Honourary Counsel of France in Guyana, Jean -Francois Gerin, and several French entrepreneurs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

‘Customer’ sentenced to six months for after-hours theft

MORE than a month after she admitted stealing several electronic devices from Unicomer and damaging the cashier register at another store, Onikca Matthews, was, on Friday, sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by Magistrate Leron Daly. Matthews made her first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on December 11, 2020, and had pleaded guilty to two charges - damage to property and simple larceny. She was then remanded to prison by Magistrate Daly and the case adjourned to Friday for sentencing. She admitted that on October 27, 2020, at Lot 25 - 26 Main Street, Georgetown, she stole one Samsung Galaxy S10 cellphone valued at $192, 999, one Samsung Galaxy A80 cellphone valued at $157,999 and one tablet valued at $17,999, the property of Unicomer. According to the facts, the woman entered Unicomer and after browsing items in the store, she proceeded to the washroom and locked herself inside. At about 20:00 hours, when the store had already closed, Matthews made her way to the front of the store where the items mentioned in the charge were located and removed them. After committing the act, she went to the exit and called out to the security guard. She informed the security that she’s a staff of the store and had gotten locked in. The secu-

rity guard informed a staff member who was inside the building. The door was unlocked and Matthews allowed to leave. The following day, while making checks in the store, the staff observed the items mentioned in the charge missing. Upon viewing the camera footage, Matthews was observed removing the items. As a result, she was arrested. She was found with the Samsung Galaxy S10 cellphone in her possession. Subsequently, on November 7, 2020, Matthews unlawfully and maliciously damaged one cashier register valued at $10,000 at American Home and Beauty Center, property of Essam Ajouri. According to the facts, on the day in question, Matthews entered the store which is located at Lot 72 Robb and Wellington Streets. During her visit, Matthews browsed the items of the store. She then proceeded to the storage bond area and hid herself until the store was closed. At about 19:00 hours, she came out from the storage bond and proceeded to the makeup section of the store. Matthews removed articles and made her way to the cashier register which she damaged. She then proceeded to the wig section and removed more items. Matthews later remove a white T-shirt from a mannequin. She then placed the articles that she took in a black plastic bag and took a receipt from the register table, clipping it onto the bag.

She then positioned herself in an area and began to call out. A watchman from the other store heard her calls and went to see who it was. She informed the watchman that she’s a staff member and had gotten locked in the store while she was in the washroom. After hearing

the information she gave, the watchman made contact with the store manager and relayed the incident. Upon the manager’s arrival he observed that Matthews was not one of his staff. The manager proceeded to ask a female to check Matthews. During the check,

the manager noticed that the articles that were in the plastic bag were not matching the articles on the receipt. As such, the manager took possession of the articles that were in the bag and handed Matthews over to the police. The following day the manager viewed the camera

footage and observed that the items found in Matthews’ possession were taken from the store. Matthews was arrested and told of the allegation to which she admitted. She was placed into custody and charged for the offence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Machinery purchases for flood-hit Pomeroon to be in 2021 budget –– Minister Mustapha tells residents By Indrawattie Natram AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced, on Friday, that money for the purchasing of machinery to help improve the drainage and irrigation system in com-

munities in the Pomeroon River, will be included in the 2021 budget. The pontoon and two excavators are expected to alleviate flooding in those communities, the minister said, adding that, in the coming week, farmers can expect

planting supplies and fertilizer to assist them in replanting their crops. The minister made these disclosures during public meetings held at Jacklow in the Upper Pomeroon and Marlborough in the Lower Pomeroon.

Minister Mustapha told residents that the ministry is putting long-term measures in place to alleviate the flooding that is caused by heavy rainfall. He said the ministry, in collaboration with the NDIA, when crafting its 2021 budget, will include money for the purchase of D&I equipment.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, listens to a resident during the meeting at Jacklow “We can’t continue to do things in the old way. We have to put the new system in place. All officers from the various agencies will be more responsive so that farmers will benefit,” the minister said.

ter said that an assessment team had visited the area, and recommendations were made. He said planting materials, fertilizers and achoushi baits will be dispatched through National Agricul-

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha addressing Marlborough residents Minister Zulfikar assured that field officers attached to various agencies will be more responsive and will ensure that assistance and services offered by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) will be made available in remote communities. Addressing the recent flooding that inundated several acres of farm land in the Pomeroon River, the minis-

tural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to the Pomeroon communities by next week. It was explained that assistance will be given based on the number of losses each farmer incurred. “We will be looking at each farmer’s needs; this cannot be equally divided. See page 13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Machinery purchases for flood-hit ... From page 12

However, based on the amount of losses, consideration will be extended in terms of planting materials, chemicals, and fertilizers to go back on your farm,” Minister Zulfikar added. Additionally, the minister announced that a NDIA team will be conducting further assessment in the Pomeroon communities to determine how many block drainages will be required. He informed that this drainage work will commence after the ministry’s budget

drainages, fertilizers, fuel, and also assistance in apiculture. Calls were also made for the dredging of the Pomeroon River and the cleaning of several canals in Grand Providence and sluices in Jacklow. Farmers made known their desire to see field officers from NARIE more often. Farmers also requested small pumps for the Nile Cozier area, while the cash crop farmers in that area requested that the canal be cleared. The minister’s team in-

Jacklow resident, Coleen Singh, raising her concerns with the minister and his team has been passed. “We will ensure that all the major stakeholders work - the RDC, NDC, NDIA, and the Ministry of Agriculture to represent the farmers in the Pomeroon,” he said. During both meetings, cash crop farmers requested block

cluded MoA Director-General, Madanlall Ramraj; NDIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fredrick Flatts; Chairman of the NDIA board, Lionel Wordsworth; CEO of NARIE, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, and other technical officers from the region.

Some of the residents who attended the meeting at Marlborough

Minister Mustapha greets a resident

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

40 restaurants reopen –– at 40 per cent capacity for indoor dining

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in its capacity to inspect restaurants for adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines as per the current National COVID-19 Emergency Measures, has since approved 40 restaurants to reopen at a 40 per cent capacity for indoor dining. According to a release, Georgetown, being the most populated area with, understandably, the majority of restaurants was prioritised. GTA said patrons are encouraged to only participate in indoor dining at restaurants which it has approved. Approved restaurants

are marked with official signage provided by the GTA indicating that they have reopened safely for indoor dining and the maximum capacity that is permitted to dine. Restaurants that fail to adhere to the stipulated measures as outlined by the Guyana Tourism Authority and the national gazetted safety measures will be subject to immediate closure for a period of one month. Follow-up unannounced inspections will be conducted as part of the monitoring systems established by the GTA.

GTT turns 30, expresses excitement about the future

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) on Thursday commemorated its 30th anniversary of providing telecommunication services to the people of Guyana, keeping Guyanese connected to each other and the world. While reflecting on the integral role GTT has played in supporting the evolution of the country, GTT Public Relations Manager, Jasmin Harris, acknowledged the company’s three decades of expanded service and investment in the national telecommunication infrastructure, the generations of Guyanese served and the multitude of GTT employees who have been part of the company’s journey. “This is a celebration of the pride of being a born

and bred Guyanese entity, and the nostalgia of having grown and achieved together over the years. Significantly also, it is a celebration that envisages a brighter future for Guyanese, through advanced technology, enhanced services and continued investment, managed by a team committed to continuous learning and the pursuit of complete customer satisfaction,” Harris said. The 30th anniversary milestone is being marked just a few months after the full liberalisation of the local telecoms sector, and also comes ahead of imminent Internet service upgrades from GTT. Harris shared that the GTT team is excited about the future, and would continue to give the highest priority to meeting and exceeding the demands of customers. “We acknowledge that service to our customers is of paramount importance. We have been here for the Guyanese people through the years, and service improvements will continue to propel us into the future. Our recently launched ‘Together we Rise” brand campaign is a clear demonstration of our collective and nationalistic focus; we are part of the fabric of this land,” Harris stated. As GTT’s 30th anniversary celebrations continue, there would be tangible rewards and special offers for customers, including double credit and other surprise offers that the company hopes would result in customer delight, a release said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Seawalls and Beyond to soon formalise group –– as it continues major seawall clean-up works

SEAWALLS and Beyond, a local group of about 12 individuals responsible for remarkable changes along the Kingston Seawall, will soon be embarking upon a project to formalise the group into one that fits in with the legal framework of organisations in Guyana. “And we are likely to head in the direction of becoming registered under the Friendly Societies as a charity involved in environmental activities,” Group Coordinator, Dwayne Hackett told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday. In the months since its beginning in July 2020, the group has been making a significant impact so far as cleaning up and beautifying the seawall area is concerned. “I personally am very overwhelmed by what we’ve been able to achieve and the sort of impact we’ve made. Who would have thought that just a small effort in assisting someone in a clean-up

cial media platform to advocate and educate and we have been doing a lot of research in environmental care along the coastland. We found that a lot goes back to the issue of beautification and waste management issues,” Hackett shared.

vironmental, social and corporate responsibilities. Hackett noted that the group is in the process of documenting all of its work and putting it into a format that is required by policy makers and experts in the field of environment. “We’re just a citizen

Ocean trash has been one of the challenges affecting the group Ocean trash has been found to be the biggest problem the group is working with and trying to highlight. “In our country, we have a serious problem

group doing more than we say, but we do understand the importance of advocacy. Tomorrow (January 30), we will have another activity on the Kingston

Dozens of volunteers give of their time and energy to help clean the seawall area would grow into something that has national and international reach?” Hackett expressed. Seawalls and Beyond has moved from being just a cleanup crew to a group of advocates pushing for changes and improvements in existing systems. “We like to use our so-

of waste management… where people dispose of their garbage in waterways.” So far, he said the group has gained the attention of several persons of influence who have reached out to them and expressed their desire to partner in caring for en-

beach.” Meanwhile, the whole initiative started when just one homeless man, Carl Melville, decided to start cleaning the seawall on his own one day. A few days later, Hackett noticed his efforts and See page 16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Seawalls and Beyond ... From page 15 joined him in cleaning. More persons started to join the effort and before long, the group grew to the point where it gained the attention of other persons and businesses, even First Lady Arya Ali who has provided assistance to the work of the group. The volunteers are supported by dozens

of other Guyanese who turn out mainly on the weekends to lend a helping hand towards getting the area cleaned. The workers all volunteer their time, energy and resources because they especially love the seawall space and are frequent visitors for recreation and exercise purposes. They feel strongly about the need for the area to not only be cleaned, but restored to its pristine state.

The Kingston Seawall has seen remarkable transformation in recent months

20 CJIA staffers benefit from quality service training THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has recently concluded another successful round of ‘Delivering Quality Service’ training at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). According to a release, these trainings focussed on the importance of customer service excellence, proper etiquette and hospitality techniques for visitor welcome to ensure that all incoming travellers receive the highest quality in customer service that is consistent with both local and international standards. On January 27 and 28, a total of 20 staff of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport were guided through the sessions facilitated by Shellon Nicholas, Tourism Marketing Officer at the GTA as well as Marlon George, Chief Executive Officer of Guyana SolutionsPro, and no stranger to the service industry. The presentations, based on the Caribbean Tourism

Organisation’s (CTO) Delivering Quality Service curriculum, which, through a series of videos, powerpoint presentations and real-time participant activities (all COVID-19 protocols observed) were positively received by participants as they shared their own experiences with incoming travellers and difficulties encountered. In addition to areas such as Understanding the Tourism Industry, Defining Customer Service Excellence and Understanding the Customer, participants were also privy to sessions that highlighted critical hygiene and sanitation protocols. “I cannot stress enough how important hygiene and sanitation are during these times, especially now that we are in the process of reopening. Being able to deliver this training to airport staff as well as other key customer service training will certainly contribute to the level of service that we aim to provide, not only from an airport standpoint, but throughout other service sectors within our country.” said, Carla James, Director of the GTA. The GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the travellers’ experience.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Saturday, January 30, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) 74 teams (2) Auckland, 2005 (NZ vs AUST)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who scored the first Test match hundred? (2) Who claimed the first five-wicket haul in a Test innings?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

English Racing Tips Doncaster 08:55 hrs Corri Lindo 09:30 hrs Shiskin 10:05 hrs Floressa 10:40 hrs Bobhopeornohope 11:15 hrs Musical Slave 11:50 hrs Who’s In The Box 12:25 hrs Step To The Top Kempton 10:00 hrs Amtiyaz 10:35 hrs Hint Of Stars 12:20 hrs Highland Avenue 12:55 hrs SAhy Talk 13:30 hrs Momtalik 14:00 hrs Mi Laddo 14:30 hrs Devizes Lingfield 08:00 hrs Arabic Welcome 08:35 hrs Year Of The Dragon 09:10 hrs Give ‘Em The Slip 09:45 hrs Bint Al Anood 10:20 hrs Power Over Me 10:55 hrs Pirate King 11:30 hrs Catch My Breath 12:05 hrs Nurse Dee Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:20 hrs Braeside 08:50 hrs Chalky White 09:23 hrs Ask mary 09:58 hrs Gauloise 10:33 hrs M C Muldoon 11:08 hrs Micro Manage 11:43 hrs Quarry Girl 12:18 hrs Itsnotinit American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Elegant Laoban Race 2 Kid Choclate Race 3 Kingfish Race 4 Share The Ride Race 5 Shaker Shack Race 6 Storm Advisory Race 7 Limonite Race 8 South Africa Race 9 Five Tool Player Arab Emirates Racing Tips Meydan 09:30 hrs Al Maroom 10:05 hres Zero To A Hundred 10:40 hrs Mwqdam 11:15 hrs Nova Roma 11:50 hrs Double Orb 12:25 hrs Raahy South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:25 hrs African Rain 09:00 hrs Kommetdieding 09:35 hrs Celtic Sea 10:15 hrs Captain Ransom 11:10 hrs Belgarion 11:45 hrs Crome Yellow

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

CWI, Vibes Radio agree two year deal CRICKET West Indies (CWI) today announced a new two-year agreement with Vibes Radio, in Dominica, for exclusive radio commentary rights to all West Indies home international matches and regional tournaments, ensuring cricket fans across the West Indies can follow every West Indies home international match and all regional tournament matches on their radio. CWI has created this exciting new radio rights opportunity with Vibes FM in Dominica to ensure that the magic of West Indies cricket can be accessed in every corner of the Caribbean. Vibes Radio is working with a network of radio stations across each Caribbean nation to provide exciting ball-by-ball commentary access to all home Tests, One-Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals for the West Indies men’s and women’s teams. Fans will also be able to access ball-by-ball commentary for all men’s and women’s CG Insurance Super50 Cup matches, the four-day West Indies Championship

and the women’s T20 Blaze. As a result of the partnership, for the first time, CWI will provide digital live radio commentary to fans in the Caribbean and around the world via the Windies Cricket YouTube channel and website. Vibes Radio was awarded the contract following a ‘Request for Proposal (RFP)’ process which attracted and evaluated bids from entities across the region. This year, West Indies are due to host Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and Pakistan in bilateral series starting in March and running until August. The new partnership will start with the CG Insurance Super50 Cup 50-over tournament to be played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, from Sunday, February 7. CWI Commercial Director, Dominic Warne, said, “One of CWI’s strategic goals is to increase access for fans to West Indies and regional tournament cricket across the region. Thanks to this partnership with Vibes Radio, Dominica, we are

providing the opportunity for fans everywhere to be transported by the magic of radio commentary to follow the fortunes of the West Indies and their home franchise teams.” Alyan Christopher, Head of News and Sports for Vibes Radio, Dominica, commented, “Vibes Radio is extremely delighted to join with CWI and be part of the West Indies cricket family. We are the ‘champion station’ and cricket is the number one sport, so this is the beginning of a great partnership, starting with the CG Insurance Super50 Cup next month.” He added, “Broadcasting the game to the fans of the region and the world is a major step forward for us and we will bring our unique voice to the radio commentary. This is a great opportunity to share the stories of the amazing men and women who fly West Indies flag.” Vibes FM, Dominica, and CWI will confirm the full list of partner radio stations featuring the live commentary in the coming weeks.

Guyana Jaguars depart ... Following four-day quarantine, players will be allowed to train while remaining in their team bubble. With strict quarantine restrictions currently in place, Cricket West Indies (CWI) was forced to reduce the number of teams for this year’s tournament. The 47th edition of the tournament will revert to only the six regional franchises taking part, which would mean that defending champions West Indies Emerging Players, along with Canada, USA and the Combined Campuses and Colleges would miss out. This will mean the six

leading franchises - Jamaica Scorpions, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Guyana Jaguars, Barbados Pride, Leeward Island Hurricanes, and the Windward Island Volcanoes - are the only teams competing this year for the Clive Lloyd Trophy. The six franchises will play 19 matches in a round-robin format at Coolidge and the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals. Last year, CWI was unable to host the tournament after being forced to abort the last two rounds of the first-class championship, and

TURN FROM PAGE 29

then scrap all of its scheduled international home series due to COVID-19. The squad reads: Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kemol Savory, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson (captain), Shimron Hetmyer (Vice-captain), Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach. Esaun Crandon is the head coach, Shivnarine Chanderpaul the Manager/ Assistant coach and Ernesto Campo Gonzalez the physiotherapist.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Ali, Shah, Alam power Pakistan to victory (ESPNCRICINFO) - It took about three hours of near-perfect cricket, but Pakistan eased the pressure on themselves and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, cruising to a seven-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The win, Pakistan’s only fifth in Test cricket over South Africa (SA), looked a very distant prospect when the visitors sat pretty at 175 for 1 on Thursday evening, but a spectacular collapse, supercharged by a five-wicket haul for debutant Nauman Ali, saw the game ripped from SA’s grasp. After a flurry of wickets last evening, South Africa failed to arrest the slide as Yasir Shah and Nauman made hay. The visitors managed just 58 on top of their overnight’s score, and aside from a brief wobble after lunch that saw Anrich Nortje remove both openers in an over, the 88 Pakistan were set was achieved at a canter. Hasan Ali began proceedings by getting rid of nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj off the day’s first ball, one that kept slightly low to breach Maharaj’s defence. Captain Quinton de Kock, who looked unlike himself during his scratchy little stay at the crease, became yet another victim to Abid Ali at short-leg off Shah. South Africa will likely rue two batting collapses this Test, but the manner in which Temba Bavuma, who has had

his struggles of late, dug in, there is encouragement to be found. On a raging turner, he found a balance that allowed him to score while neutralising the threat. Alongside George Linde, he struck up another handy little partnership to go with their 42-run stand in the first innings. The sweep shot was used cleverly, pushing back the close-in fielders, and it was to Bavuma’s credit that Shaheen Shah Afridi looked somewhat flat with the new ball for a change. Slowly the lead pushed past 75, and South Africa sniffed hope once more. It was, nevertheless, extinguished by another rush of breakthroughs as the second collapse of the innings was initiated when Linde’s inside edge was plucked superbly by Imran Butt at leg slip. The batsmen who followed put up little resistance. Nauman spun one through the gate when Kagiso Rabada tried an extravagant cover drive, and completed his five-for - the seventh-oldest debutant to do so - when he trapped Bavuma in front, the sweep for once failing him. It was never going to be enough, even if Pakistan had produced some legendary fourth-innings collapses in the recent past. For that reason, when Nortje knocked back Abid’s stumps first ball after lunch, and had Butt nick off in the same over, a ripple of anxiety must have trickled

The 34-year-old Nauman Ali picked up a five-for on debut (Associated Press)

through the Pakistan dressing room. It didn’t help that variable bounce had come into the game again, and Babar Azam had his defence seriously tested by Nortje. Once a couple of boundaries had been struck and the runs required came swiftly down, the fight began to sap out of South Africa. Azam shook off a failure in the first innings, demonstrating his touch with some luscious drives through the offside, while a handy cameo from Azhar Ali sat nicely alongside his half-century in the first innings. The last 46 runs came in 47 balls as Pakistan ended proceedings in a hurry, even if Maharaj claimed a moral victory when he snared Azam lbw for the second time in the game with two runs required. In the wider picture, though, South Africa were decisively condemned to their eighth successive defeat in the subcontinent.

Guyana Jaguars depart today for Super50 tournament By Rajiv Bisnauth WITHOUT a regional 50over cricket title since 2005, Guyana’s senior team, the Guyana Jaguars, will depart these shores this morning for Antigua. The squad, along with its management team, will leave the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at 11:00hrs for Barbados before arriving at their final destination. To achieve another milestone, the senior selection panel announced the squad

with no a number of surprises, with the left-handed Leon Johnson once again at the helm. The squad is fully cognizant of the hard work that is needed to lift the trophy that has been eluding them over a decade now. Prior to 2005, Guyana reigned supreme in 1980, 1983, 1985, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2003. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament is set to be played in a bio-secure environment.

All six teams will be in strict, bio-secure ‘bubbles’ upon landing in Antigua. A bio-secure environment or bio-bubble is planned to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and at the same time planned to minimise the risk of transmission of the virus from one person to another during an ongoing tournament or bilateral series. The squad, upon arriving in Antigua, will be tested again, before being placed in a bio-secure bubble. TURN TO PAGE 28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

National Chess Championship final down to eight players

THE Guyana Chess Federation’s 2020 National Closed Chess Championship final, billed to start this afternoon, will be contested between eight players at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. The event, which was originally scheduled for last year but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was expected to be a 10-player battle. Work restrictions, however, forced two players to drop out. Former school champions, Saeed Ali and Justino DaSilva informed the federation of their inability to compete at the championship.

Director of Tournaments, Rashad Hussain, said that Frankie Farley, Adrian Roopnarine and Shiv Nandalall were the three reserves, but none of them is available. Although some of the seasoned players will not participate, Hussain is expecting a quality battle. “This is probably the most anticipated tournament in years. We have been waiting over a year for it. It has the strongest players (participating). This is one that will definitely be exciting.” The event, which was scheduled for nine rounds, spanning every weekend until February 14, will now be played over seven

rounds and Hussain is hoping to have it concluded by Sunday, February 7. He told Chronicle Sport that all systems are in place to facilitate COVID-19-free interaction, including having one game per room, compulsory masks and proper sanitation. What is excited about this year’s championship is the unpredictability. Although 2019 champion and FIDE Master Anthony Drayton is an early favourite and the battle should be between him and former champions Candidate Master Taffin Khan and Candidate Master Wendell Meusa, none

of them has played competitive chess in months. Who has played and won is Davion Mars. The 25-year-old won both shorter versions of the game (the Rapid and Blitz National Championships) in December and would be in a positive frame of mind to take the hat-trick of wins. Along with those four, Loris Nathoo (who finished second behind Khan in last January’s Qualifiers) will be joined by Errol Tiwari, Glenford Corlette and Roy Sharma. The Qualifiers for the 2021 Championships is scheduled for August or September with the final to follow just after.

Former champion Taffin Khan is one of the favourites for the title after having won the Qualifiers last year

Brathwaite puts West ...

wicket with John Campbell (44) and a further 43 for the second with Shayne Moseley (15) before four wickets tumbled for 21 runs to leave the innings on 131 for five. However, Brathwaite once again came to his side’s rescue, posting 34 for the sixth wicket with Joshua Da Silva (20), 53 for the seventh with Kyle Mayers (40) and 30 for the eighth with tail-ender Alzarri Joseph (25). The 28-year-old said even though the pitch offered no excessive turn, it

had been low and slow and meant concentration had been especially important. “I wouldn’t say (the conditions were) difficult. I thought the guys bowled well,” explained Brathwaite. “Also the pitch was a little slow and low-ish to be honest so you really had to watch the ball (for a long time). “I just made sure I had a solid defence and made sure I trusted it throughout the whole innings, used my feet on

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some occasions and when (playing) back – since the bounce was low – I decided I would not be coming up too early.” With West Indies hit with the withdrawal of five frontline batsmen for the series, much of the responsibility for run-scoring will rest with Brathwaite and the right-hander said his knock had been critical to his preparation. “I was happy with the time I spent in the middle. I just have to keep working hard,” he said.

Two junior online chess competitions scheduled for today THE Guyana Chess Federation will today host two online chess competitions for advanced juniors and youngsters now learning the game. The Chess in Schools January Championship will be held over seven rounds with 10 minutes plus five-second increments. Both competitions, which are scheduled to start at 14:00hrs, will target U-20 players. Competition A is tailor-made for players with ratings above 1100, while Competition B would target players with ratings 0-1099. According to Chairman of GCF’s Chess-in-Schools Committee, Anand Raghun-

auth, the competitions will be used to help advance players who were training or those who have just started to train. “It’s to help keep the more established players active and have the players below 1100 compete and improve their games.” One of the positives is that Indian International Master, Atanu Lahiri has recommenced training, which has already improved many of our youngsters’ game play. Raghunauth noted that the online competition would become monthly battles to assess the improvement of the players. Adding to that, coach Lahiri, who is a former Com-

monwealth chess champion, with stints as head coach of Nepal (2005) and Bhutan (2014) before he took charge of the Indian Youth, Junior and Cadet teams, will facilitate inter-country competitions. The Chess in Schools head noted that Lahiri is only waiting for more of our youngsters to improve. “It is definitely going to happen. The trainer has persons whom he trains in India and will set up engagement so that our players can play Indian players with the same ratings.” Some 40 Guyanese students are currently training with the Indian coach.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 30, 2021

Hemraj confident going into Super50 …would miss opening partner Griffith

GUYANA Jaguars opening batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj is confident of producing with both bat and ball for the national team in the Regional Super50 competition, which is billed for Antigua and Barbuda from February 7 to 27. The 27-year-old, who ended with a century and a five-wicket haul during his final practice match at the LBI ground last Friday, told Chronicle Sport that his performance has given him a renewed confidence. “I’m happy I got some runs going into the tournament, so I’m feeling very confident.” Hemraj said that along with his abilities, he is also confident that Jaguars can make inroads in the competition and return home with a favourable result. “I think we have a well balanced team with youth and experience.” The left-hander, who will miss his opening partner Trevon Griffith, who received a positive COVID-19 test, said that he is hoping

Chandrapaul Hemraj will look to play some long innings for the Guyana Jaguars

for a quick recovery. “He (Griffith) is typically aggressive as well, unfortunately he would miss out. Hopefully he recovers quickly.” Although he is aware that the Guyanese public would want to see him replicate his aggression from the practice clashes, Hemraj said that he would bat with purpose. “I’ll just try to keep it as simple as possible and back my game plan ... I’m naturally aggressive, but I would play some long innings in this tournament.” Hemraj, who had a productive stint in the USA last year, is hoping that his renewed focus on getting big scores would help produce victories. “Bowling has been our strength over the years, but hopefully our batsmen can put together good totals to give the bowlers enough to work with.” The all-rounder is also hoping to get in overs and deliver miserly spells with his left-arm orthodox bowling.

Barry Sr elected as GCA president following AGM THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) with Neil Barry Sr being elected president for the 2021-2023 term. Thursday’s AGM saw a number of top, former players and stakeholders being nominated to form the executive body which will carry through until 2023. First and second vice-presidents of the GCA are Azad Ibrahim and West Indies chief selector Roger Harper, who also held the Association’s presidential post in the past. Barry, a former National batsman and father of Guyana Jaguars/Windies physiotherapist Neil Barry Jr, has been operating with much success as an executive figure for local cricket following the end of his playing days. The ex-Guyana player and executive member of GCA, Barry has also been a long-serving executive of Malteenoes Cricket Club and was also eleced president back in 2013. Along with a seasoned executive body, the GCA and Barry Sr will be keen on setting the tone for the resumption of cricket across the city, as well as other related areas of their yearly programme. The GCA 2021-2023 new executive body: President: Neil Barry 1st Vice-President: Brother Azad Ibrahim 2nd Vice-President: Roger Harper Secretary: Deborah McNichol Assistant Secretary: Captain Andre McFarlene Treasurer: Brother Imran Ally Assistant Treasurer: ASP Amrit Das Marketing Manager: Attorney-at-Law Emily Dodson Public Relations Officer: Divesh Ramjattan Competitions Committee Chairman: Shaun Massiah Auditor: Parmesar

GASA welcomes CARIFTA Aquatics postponement Brathwaite puts West THE Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) recently tried to make some inroads to recommence swimming activities but the latest development that the 2021 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships has been postponed was welcome news since the association’s members have been inactive since March of 2020. The event which began in 1985 was scheduled for Barbados from March 26 to April 7, but it has been postponed due to the recent spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Land of the Flying Fish. When president of GASA, Dwayne Scott, learned of this he said it was a move that will be saluted by the association which is currently unprepared to attend any international event. “Rightly put, it is a necessary action that was taken. Because, I guess, our athletes have not been able to have access to the facility to train since last March. So, for Guyana, it’s a positive if these decisions are indeed confirmed. “So we welcome that

move, because it will allow us a little more time to get our athletes prepared. At the moment we don’t have access for our CARIFTA athletes at the facility so our athletes cannot train.” Added to that, Scott was most concerned about the level of competitiveness the Guyanese athletes would have put forth given they had to be prepared for March. Scott stated: “I would have mentioned, our athletes

GASA president Dwayne Scott

haven’t had access to any facility to train since March last year so technically, it would have been a year the games would have come and our athletes would have gone into the game so in depth of preparation. The only preparation, we were able to allow our athletes would have been land preparation, which is not appropriate for three months, but this is just for us to keep conditioning. So yes, we would have been at a disadvantage. And I’m hoping that these decisions will push it back even further.” On Wednesday, president of the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) Cheryl Lady Forde disclosed that her executive decided to postpone the championships. In a statement, it read: “It is with the greatest regret that I must inform you that CARIFTA 2021, will not take place in Barbados as scheduled for March 26 -April 7. An Executive decision was taken this evening by the BASA to postpone CARIFTA 2021 after a review of the current COVID-19 situation

in Barbados and by extension, in the region.” The country has a figure upward of 350 active cases and 11 deaths as a wave of new infections prompted Prime Minister Mia Mottley to announce new measures to lockdown the isle. Following the lockdown, the Barbadian association will move to have a date chosen that will align with the other CARIFTA member associations. Meanwhile, GASA is still struggling to get the ball rolling for its local athletes. The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) is still adamant to not allow swimming activities to take place because they are not fully persuaded that mitigation of the virus is possible under swimming conditions. However, In light of this and still not seeing a definitive answer in sight for the recommencement of swimming activities locally, the GASA president stated that the association will continue to do whatever ground work is necessary to maintain the smooth flow of the association.

Indies in brief command

(CMC) – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite said he was anxious to assess the progress of the bowling group in today’s day two of their three-day tour match, after the batsmen turned in an inconsistent performance here yesterday. Only Brathwaite, with a top score of 85, managed to pass 50 as West Indies, choosing to bat first, were dismissed for 257 in their first innings. With the first Test carded to start next Wednesday, Brathwaite said it was important the bowlers also got the opportunity to put their plans into action. “(On) day two we will be bowling now and it will be to see how the guys go about the different plans we have, and obviously going

forward that will be good to see,” the seasoned opener said following day one at the MA Aziz Stadium. “I look forward to the challenge tomorrow. Obviously the BCB team is accustomed to these conditions so once we come and stick to our plans …, we should be in a good position.” West Indies sent down eight overs towards the end of the day’s play with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) XI ending on 24 without loss. Brathwaite batted for nearly 2-½ sessions and faced 187 deliveries, holding the Caribbean side’s batting together following a middle-order collapse. He put on 67 for the first TURN TO PAGE 30

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Brathwaite puts West Indies in brief command

Kraigg Brathwaite pulls (AFP via Getty Images)

Guyana Jaguars depart today for Super50 tournament SEE PAGE

Guyana Jaguars are looking to regain the title they last won in 2005 (Photo by WICB Media/Kerrie Eversley)

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Two junior online chess competitions scheduled for today

Flashback: U-16 players during an online session with Indian International Master, Atanu Lahiri last year Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

| SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021