Issuu

MONDAY 5th October, 2020

' No.106143

Little Biaboo to get electricity SEE PAGE 03

â€“â€“ Big Biaboo to get electricity and new access bridge in 2021 Children of sacked sugar workers excel at NGSA

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Police bring West Berbice protest under control Beautiful Countryside: Media personnel accompanied by residents of Little Baiboo using traditional river transport on the Mahaica Creek (Adrian Narine photo)

Parag: Jordan rejected allowances for health workers on June 3rd

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Little Biaboo to get electricity

–– Big Biaboo to get electricity and new access bridge in 2021 MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar on Sunday visited Little Biaboo in the Mahaica Creek, where he informed residents of the developmental projects government has in the works for the community. The provision of electricity to the residents of Little Biaboo and Big Biaboo is at the top of the list. Since establishment, these communities have been without electricity. The minister explained that the push to have electricity installed comes following a petition by the residents asking President Irfaan Ali for some assistance in remedying the situation. He said that after receiving this information, President Ali responded swiftly. Minister Indar told the residents that the government is cognisant of the importance of electricity, especially during this period where the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted operation of the day-to-day lives of all Guyanese, including the way people work, and the way children access education. He informed that it was with this in mind that the government decided to work with urgency to provide the residents of the two communities with electricity. Further, Minister Indar explained that while some of the residents have their solar systems that they use to pow-

er their homes and places of business, it is not a sustainable venture. He referenced the high cost of solar panels and generators, saying that this could significantly increase the cost of living of residents, and that this move by the government will lower that cost. “What we have here now is an intervention. I am here with the Deputy CEO of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and we are committed to providing electricity to the area that is out right now. Some of the residents have their solar systems, but that can only take them so far; it cannot run all day. So, we are going to work to ensure that these residents have access to electricity to their homes, so that we can ease that pressure they may have in paying for electricity,” he said. Residents were told that the Ministry of Public Works is committed to collaborating with GPL, in an effort to provide the residents with ease and a better experience, since it is understood that they have been suffering for a significant amount of time, given the lack of this basic service. Minister Indar informed that the Ministry is also looking to provide street lights to the residents, so as to address the security issue the residents had highlighted. Additionally, the minister spoke about the deplorable state and underutilisation of the community’s Health Centre. The Health Centre, according to the residents, has been aban-

doned for some time. It was left without any medical supplies or even medical personnel. Minister Indar stressed on the need for residents to have access to medical assistance within their community, and not having to travel for over an hour to Georgetown to access same. “Twelve hundred people cannot be subject to having no access to health services, so that has to be addressed. We have to look into having medical professionals coming in here to tend to the residents if they have any health issues or concerns,” he said. TIMELY RESPONSE Meanwhile, Regional Chairman of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Vickchand Ramphal lauded the government’s quick response to the plight of the residents. He highlighted that he had contacted the previous government to get the electricity issue dealt with, but had not receive a positive response. He stated that he is of the view that the timely response will provide the residents with a level of relief, as many of them do not have access to electricity at all, and are the ones who have been spending large amounts of money to get it. Deputy CEO of GPL, Sararoo Ramtahal stated that the electricity company will begin conducting investigations to determine the best way forward to bringing electricity to the people of Little Biaboo. He

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar (centre), along with Deputy CEO of GPL, Samaroo Ramtahal (left), and Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal during their visit to Region Five on Sunday (Adrian Narine photo)

said he will pay keen attention to the project, and will ensure this project that has the special attention of the president is done in the most efficient and effective manner. The residents who were present at the meeting with the Minister engaged him, and expressed appreciation for the government’s favourable response. One resident, Deo Achan, who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle stated that he is happy for the government’s intervention at this time. “We used to punish, not having light, so I glad now we gon get it, ‘cause if we get a function or something, you gotta use light. Fridge and suh… How we gon do that without electricity? So we gotta go now and spend extra money fuh get these things, and it’s very costly,” he related. Achan added that he is happy that the cost he along with other residents would have had to pay to get a generator or solar- powered electricity will be significantly reduced.

Additionally, he stated that use of the solar panels is sometimes difficult, especially in the rainy season, when there isn’t enough sunlight available to power them. Another resident told the Guyana Chronicle that he personally believes it is going to be very beneficial. The resident explained that the high cost of equipment needed for everyday use puts extreme pressure on the residents. He stated that a solar freezer could cost $400,000, and the maintenance has a hefty price tag. BIG Biaboo Following his visit to Little Biaboo, Minister Indar travelled to Big Biaboo, the neighbouring community. In Big Biaboo, the minister made an assessment of the main access bridge that connects the two communities which are separated by the Mahaica Creek. According to the residents, the bridge was constructed some 15 years ago, and is cur-

rently in an unsafe state; for years no maintenance work was done. Minister Indar, in response, said that from the assessment conducted, although not comprehensive, it is easily noticeable that the bridge is not safe for use by vehicles carrying significant weight. He stated that the issue was raised by the residents of Big Biaboo, since the main activity for the community is rice farming. He added that the entire crop cultivation in the community is about 1000-1200 acres of rice. Accordingly, the minister said that the state of the bridge is not just negatively affecting the movement of the rice crops from the farms to the millers, but it is preventing developmental works in the community. Vehicle owners would be taking a high risk transporting building materials over the bridge, he said. “This bridge is a safety risk; it has been totally neglected. It is a critical bridge for the farmers in the community, and the residents have to traverse here daily. Additionally, there are persons who have their house lots here in Big Biaboo, and there is no way vehicles can pass here with any building materials. And seeing that this bridge is the only access point to Big Biaboo, our Government will look to address it with urgency,” he said. Minister Indar explained that while no allocation was made in the 2020 emergency budget for the project to repair the bridge, the 2021 Budget should see a provision for this major project that would best serve the residents of Big Biaboo.

Police bring West Berbice protest under control PROTESTERS, on Sunday, blocked the roadway along the Number Five and Number Three villages, West Coast Berbice Public Road, bringing traffic to a halt for commuters going to Georgetown and for those coming into Region Six and other parts of Region Five for more than five hours. Tyres were set alight and debris were dragged on to the roadway as residents called for justice for the killing of the Henry cousins, Isaiah and Joel, whose mutilated bodies were found in the village’s backlands. The relatives and residents are contending that it been almost a month and they have not received word on what is happening in relation to the case. A team of investigators from the region is working on the matter and efforts are also being made to have a team of forensic experts from Argentina be part of the investigations.

Police, in a statement on Sunday evening, stated that at about 10:30 hours, persons claiming to be the relatives of the late Isaiah and Joel Henry and some residents of Number Five Village, West Coast Berbice, began to block the Number Five Village bridge with old tires and debris and lit same. A police patrol vehicle arrived shortly thereafter but had to request assistance. Subsequently, additional ranks were deployed to the scene at Number Five Village and commenced clearing the bridge. About 13:15 hours, they were successful in clearing the Number Five bridge but had to immediately respond to reports of Number Three Village Public Road being blocked. The ranks, as at 16:15 hours were still working to completely clear the roadway in Number Three Village. Protesters voiced concerns

over the seeming delay in ongoing investigations but were repeatedly told that

ranks will remain on the ground until all the roads are clear. However, by 18:00

murders in Berbice. The investigators are looking into the murders of

Police clearing the roadways on Sunday

their protest was illegal and unlawful and that arrests will be made. The protestors were reminded that ranks from the Major Crimes Unit are investigating the murder with assistance of a regional investigative team drawn from RSS and CARICOM IMPACS. The statement added that

hours, the Guyana Chronicle was informed the situation was under control and traffic was beginning to flow freely. Meanwhile, a five-member team of investigators from the Regional Security System (RSS) arrived in Guyana last Monday to assist the Guyana Police Force (GFP) with investigations into the three high-profile

Joel Henry, Isaiah Henry and Haresh Singh. The killings occurred at Cotton Tree and Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB). The team, which is led by an assistant commissioner of police, comprises officials from countries within the Regional Investigative Management Systems (RIMS). On September 6, the bod-

ies of teen cousins, Isaiah and Joel Henry, were found in the backlands of Cotton Tree, WCB, almost one day after they were reported missing. They had left their Number Three Village, WCB home to pick coconuts in the backlands, but did not return home. Their butchered bodies were found in clumps of bushes partially covered in mud, after relatives went in search of them. The news of their deaths sparked protests across several villages along the West Coast Berbice corridor and commuters were beaten and robbed. With blocked roads, some vehicles were also torched. On September 9, Haresh Singh, 17, was found murdered in the Number Three Village backlands. It is suspected that his death was in retaliation for the murders of Isaiah and Joel, since he is related to one of the persons initially held by the police.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Success squatters request another meeting –– Minister Croal says gov’t helping as best it can

SQUATTERS occupying GuySuCo lands on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are refusing to move and are hoping for another meeting with the relevant government officials -- despite several before -- and a commitment of help from the authorities. According to Jermaine Hector, the squatters occupying GuySuCo’s lands do not have much of a choice. Another squatter, Kishan Brijmohan, said he would appreciate if the authorities could meet with them again even as efforts are being made for them to exit GuySuCo’s lands today. A young mother expressed similar sentiments as Hector and Brijmohan. Squatters have been occupying lands that belong to

the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) at Vryheid’s Lust, Success, and Chateau Margot for some months now. Last week, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) began streamlining the land applications of squatters occupying those lands unlawfully in an attempt to provide some redress. Some 703 applicants have received some assistance and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, told the Guyana Chronicle that priority will be given to those persons who have applied for house lots for a number of years now. These applicants will be able to occupy lands in 22 areas on the East Coast,

East Bank, and West Bank Demerara; Linden; Berbice and Essequibo, where land preparation has been approved in the 2020 Emergency Budget. ‘WE ARE TRYING’ While he does sympathise with the plight of the squatters, Minister of Housing and Water Colin

them as a priority with the land-allocation process.” Minister Croal, however, said that the government is already trying to help the affected squatters as best as it could. He gave a reminder that he has already met with the group twice before and pleaded with them to desist from squatting in the area

have across the country.” The minister also opined that “land-grabbing” may become the new norm. It was reported that thousands of cane varieties have been destroyed, resulting in a potential loss of billions of dollars in future cash flows for GuySuCo due to the occupation of

A bridge within the area occupied by the squatters Croal related that the CH&PA has a backlog of applications and the authority has to be fair in its distribution of house lots. “They will have to follow the process,” he said, but also gave the assurance that, “I’ll work along with them and I’ll try to see how I can assist

Monday, October 5, 05:00hrs - 06:30hrs

which belongs to GuySuCo. “I met with them twice [and] my position cannot change,” he said, explaining that these lands cannot be occupied by the squatters. “If we allow the Success squatting to continue or to be successful, you have no idea of the domino effect it will

lands. An unquantifiable amount of data and research was also lost, since the Success/ Chateau Margot squatting area was a research nursery for GuySuCo. These squatters were given until Monday (today) to leave the area. Stakeholders including the Ministry of Housing and Water and the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) attempted to help the squatters move from the area. Minister Croal related that after conversation with representatives of GuySuCo, it was agreed that the squatters would be allowed

Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal to exit through GuySuCo, since the bridge built by the squatters over the canal connecting the canefield to the Railway Embankment was destroyed. A truck was also provided to help the squatters transport their belongings. This was done over the weekend. CHASED AWAY Croal however bemoaned that the truck driver was chased away and that the GuySuCo bridge was destroyed. Thus, the squatters could not benefit from that assistance. On Sunday, many of the squatters said that it was impossible for them to leave the area, even if they were willing to, because the bridge that they had constructed was destroyed last week. They claimed that they did not know about the arrangement to exit through GuySuCo. To address this, Minister Croal said that he engaged representatives of NICIL on Sunday evening and they would reconstruct a “temporary bridge” at that same location and make the truck available once more on Monday, to assist persons to leave the area. This, he said, would be done by 10:00hrs on Monday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Children of sacked sugar workers excel at NGSA By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur PARENTS have high aspirations for their children and as they work to ensure all the necessary resources are available to them for a proper education and upbringing, they are met with challenges along the way. Most of these are at times minor in nature and can be overcome with very little or no effort; however, it is a completely different matter when they lost their jobs,

Khemraj told the Guyana Chronicle that he studied hard and his single goal was to pass the examinations. “When I finish school, I want to one day be able to work and earn enough to take care of my parents and so my father would not have to work anymore,” he said with a warm smile. The young man, who wants to become an electrician/welder, thanks his parents for their support and for constantly reminding him of

examinations. The proud father is also hoping that his elder son will also do well at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Neil Hernandez had to endure similar circumstances when he was laid off from his job as a tractor operator at the Skeldon Estate. He, however, was a bit more fortunate as he was able to land a stable job but it meant being away from his family. Hernandez was employed

Khemraj Premdas and his proud parents have mouths to feed and do not know where their next meal will come from. This was the case of several retrenched sugar workers, among them being Bhisham Premdas, 51, of Number 62 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne. He related to the Guyana Chronicle that after he received his letter of severance, he felt broken and defeated. He was never able to find a stable job and had to get by doing odd jobs to provide for his family. Despite his struggles, Bhisham was keen to ensure his children succeed academically and ensure his son, Khemraj Premdas, 12, attends school every day. Khemraj, a former pupil of the New Market Primary School, wrote the recent National Grade Six Assessment Examinations (NGSA) and performed well. He secured a place at Tagore Memorial Secondary School where he will be joining his elder brother, a fifth former and an aspiring mechanical engineer.

the importance of education. Khemraj’s mother, Banmattie Kubair, 38, said she is very proud of her children and God’s willing they read to the highest level. She related to this publication that she was very worried when her husband was laid off by the Coalition Government but is hopeful that he will get back his job now that the estates in Berbice are re-opening. COULD NOT SLEEP “When GuySuCo closed me and meh husband didn’t sleep for one week. One week! We walk this house up and down because of what? Abee would study the children, we didn’t know what abee would a do to mek sure them go school, wuk nah deh nowhere,” the young mother recalled. Bhisham had to resort to taking any job that came his way even though he was paid a pittance. He swallowed his pride and work and is now happy that his son has passed his

as a tractor operator at the Skeldon Estate for five years when he received a severance letter. He too did odd jobs and works mainly as a security guard to provide for his family and to ensure his son continues his education. As his son entered Grade Six and the needs of his family increased, he was forced to leave the comfort of his home and go to Region One where he got a job as a driver. There he would spend several months at intervals while sending finances to his wife to run the house and ensure that their children were comfortable, especially his second son as he was preparing to sit the NGSA examinations. His son, Ezekiel Daniel Hernandez, 12, of Number 64 Village, also a student of the New Market Primary School, secured a place at St. Roses High School. The Young Hernandez has his eyes set on becoming an engineer. The young man is very thankful for the support of his parents and pointed

out that while his dad was away, his mom played the role of father to him and his siblings. DISAPPOINTED BUT CONTENTED He wanted Queen’s College but fell short. “I felt disappointed I did not get the school I wanted but my parents and big brother are all proud of me for getting St. Roses. I am

content,” Ezekiel said. Meanwhile, the eloquent and confident Devashree Dhanai of Canefield Canje and former pupil at Cumberland and Rose Hall primary schools, whose father was laid off after 28 years working for GuySuCo as a driver/ mechanic, also did well at the NGSA. Due to a financial crisis, her family was forced to change schools to one that

is closer to home. She had to re-adjust but thankfully her sister-in-law and mother took turns spending hours at a time to get her up to speed for her NGSA examinations. She gained a spot at President’s College and has her sights set on becoming a neurosurgeon. Her dad is hoping that he will be rehired now that See page 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

(ag)

Champions of Democracy

“NON-VIOLENCE is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man” – Mahatma Karamchand Gandhi. The foregoing is the philosophy by which great leaders such as Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Martin Luther King jnr lived; but warmongers across the globe continue to precipitate destructive approaches to problem-resolution, which has always proven counter-productive and devastated the lives and livelihoods of mankind in countries where beating of war drums, and not ‘suasion holds sway. October commemorates two significant anniversary days for two great leaders – the culmination of Dr. Jagan’s decades-long fight for freedom from dictatorship and the restoration of democracy, which eventuated in an electoral victory and the dawn of a new era of freedom and progressive prosperity on October 5th, 1992 for Guyana: and the birth on October 2nd 1869 of India’s iconic ambassador of peace, the world-revered Mahatma (great soul) Karamchand Gandhiji. Wikipedia describes the latter thus: “Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist, who employed non-violent resistance to lead the suc-

cessful campaign for India’s independence from British rule, and in turn inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. The honorific Mah?tm? (Sanskrit: “great-souled”, “venerable is now used throughout the world. His contributions to the formation of Modern India also gave him the title – “Father of the Nation.” Likewise is Dr. Jagan known in Guyana as “Father of the Nation”; he has also been given the honorific: “Mahatma of the West.” Wikipedia elucidates, in part: “It was in South Africa that Gandhi raised a family, and first employed non-violent resistance in a campaign for civil rights. In 1915, aged 45, he returned to India. He set about organising peasants, farmers, and urban labourers to protest against excessive land taxes and discrimination. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women’s rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, and above all for achieving Swaraj, or self-rule. “Bringing anti-colonial nationalism to the common Indians, Gandhi led them in challenging the British-imposed salt tax with the 400 km (250 mi) Dandi Salt March in 1930, and later in calling for the British to quit India in 1942. He was

imprisoned for many years, upon many occasions, in both South Africa and India. “In August 1947, Britain granted independence, but the British Indian Empire was partitioned into two dominions, a Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. But, sadly, Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, thought Gandhiji was too lenient with Muslims and assassinated Gandhiji on 30 January, 1948 by firing three bullets into his chest. Gandhiji’s birthday is commemorated in India and by the Indian diaspora as Gandhi Jayanti; and worldwide as the International Day of Non-violence. Ever since Dr. Jagan resigned from the MPCA in 1945, he began fighting for the rights of sugar workers nationwide; but he was then head of the Sawmills and Woodworkers’ Union (SWU), Recognising the need, he resolved to establish a political organisation to represent the interests of workers. Consequently, he, Messrs HJM Hubbard, General-Secretary of the Trades Union Council (TUC), Ashton Chase, Asst. Secretary of the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU), Brindley Benn from the British Guiana Clerical Association (BGCA), and Mrs. Janet Jagan, who was fighting for the general rights of women in every capacity, especially domestic workers, formed the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) - the forerunner to the PPP, in

1946. The formation of the PAC marked the beginning of the intense struggle against British colonialism and for the establishment of programmes to improve the economic, social and political conditions of the people of Guyana. The PAC made full use of the Moyne Commission Report of 1939, which described the atrocious economic and social conditions in Guyana, to propagate its demands for change. Dr. Jagan and the PPP led a decades-long fight for freedom for Guyana. However, the British, which had denied independence to a Jagan-led PPP government, granted independence to a government led by Burnham under the assumption that he would be more malleable and amenable to control. By the Guyana Independence Act, the British Government on May 26, 1966 relinquished responsibility for the government of the territory which immediately constitutes the Colony of British Guiana, which was renamed Guyana. But this was a subjective freedom, as the oppressive forces still held sway in the land. They dominated and devastated the Guyanese nation with impunity as a result of one rigged election after another. Oct 5, 1992, is Guyana’s landmark day as democracy was restored.

Coalition doomed at next elections Dear editor, FOLLOWING an examination of President Donald Trump last Friday, he was diagnosed as testing positive for COVID-19 and was transferred to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He is being treated with an experimental antibody drug which is meant to provide the body’s immune system with a temporary but immediate boost to fight off the coronavirus. The drug cocktail is a combination of two so-called monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are made in a lab to mimic the body’s natural antibodies. Antibodies act by recognising specific germs – in this case, SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19

– and harnessing the immune system to fight them off. The therapy, though still unknown, is considered to be one of the most promising treatment options for the illness. It was President Trump who had downplayed the intensity of this deadly pandemic from its inception and failed to act appropriately, endangering all of America. The scenario is similar in Guyana’s context with the past caretaker president David Granger, who was ill-prepared to execute a rigid programme that should have included a prevention, protection, diagnosing, caring and follow-up exercise. Granger was unconcerned about the true welfare of the nation and was more interested in securing and regaining financial and political power at the cost of the

lives of people. More so, his infrastructure that was set up was more aligned in name-sake basis only, versus a service-oriented structure. It was another loophole for financial drainage from the already depleted treasury. Luckily, spirited-minded Guyanese came together with various organisations to bolster support and muster selfless service to prepare and package food hampers for distribution to the needy throughout Guyana. Those patriots must be commended for their magnificent efforts. The APNU+AFC government was all talk and no walk from the beginning. That government had failed to help the underprivileged at a dire time of their real need. Meanwhile, the spread of the virus was multiplying and a careless govern-

ment was recklessly exposing the public to further danger, by deliberately encouraging the masses to gather in various forums without taking all the necessary preventative measures. It was President Trump who had mocked Joe Biden for being scared and wearing a mask all the time. Guyanese will not forget, nor will they forgive the PNC/R for dragging an entire nation through “hell and high water” for that gruesome period that stretched for some 18 horrifying and deplorable months. As the world continues to perfect a guaranteed cure for this deadly disease, many conglomerate corporations are set to rake in billions of dollars in See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Yarde is part of Coalition’s illusion of a ‘good life’ Dear editor, THE Guyanese populace has been painfully anticipating the ‘good life’ since the Coalition took office in 2015, but what they had been subjected to was an accelerated and deliberate erosion of that life which they had once experienced under the PPP/C government from 1992 to May 2015. Now after five years of misery and suffering brought upon the Guyanese people by the failed Coalition it is the PPP/C which has once again rescued the nation as it did in 1992 from the depths of deprivation. It is the PPP/C which is once again bringing the ‘good life’ to the Guyanese people, but the Coalition is now playing the ‘saviour’ for what they miserably failed to deliver to Guyanese. It is interesting to repeat here some of the empty Budget Themes of the Coalition. The 2015 Budget was presented under the theme, ‘A fresh start to the good life in a green economy.’ At the end of 2015 it became clear that the ‘fresh start to a good life’ belonged to Granger, his ministers, families and cronies and the only ‘green’ in sight was the painting on practically everything in sight with the PNC’s colour! Then in 2016 the budget said that the ‘good life beckons.’ But in 2016 the closure of four sugar estates ‘beckoned’ and the ‘beckoning’ and reverberating cries of hunger and poverty from the multitudes of dismissed workers and their families. It was clear that the illusive ‘good life’ having been promised in 2015 became increasingly illusive in 2016 as poverty became a sad reality.

Then again ironically in 2017, the budget claimed to be ‘delivering the good life to all Guyanese,’ but this was amidst a rising cost of living, soaring unemployment and debilitating taxation measures which began wreaking havoc to the disposable incomes of the masses, significantly eroding their standards of living. There was no light at the end of the tunnel as the budgets continued to get bigger and the people continued to get less and less from it. The bribery and corruption reached unprecedented heights as the Auditor General’s report provided documentary evidence of the fraudulent and corrupt activities in every sphere of government. No sector was spared from the devouring Coalition as they rampaged and pillaged in their greed for quick wealth. Against this background the government in presenting the 2018 budget was audacious enough to tell the Guyanese people that, ‘the journey to the good life continues.’ How can the ‘good life’ be continued when it has never even begun? In fact, ‘even that which they [the people] hath was taken away’ by a greedy, selfish and utterly corrupt government! The Coalition destroyed every socio-economic gain the PPP/C had made, breaking the backs of workers and businesses with more than 200 taxes. It was Sir Winston Churchill who said that, ‘For a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.’ He further reminded governments in the House of Commons on 12th February, 1906, that, ‘Taxes are an evil--a necessary evil-- but

still an evil, and the fewer we have of them the better.’ Whilst the workers were taxed to the hilt, the GPSU and Yarde remained mum. But sadly, the Coalition did think Sir Winston was correct and so for five years they ensured they had squandered every dime from the Treasury, running a humongous overdraft of over $90 billion and at the same time dangerously depleting all our reserves. But even this increased and unconscionable taxation was insufficient to satiate their avaricious nature, so they embarked on a series of corrupt practices: ‘gifting’ away our lands; selling our oil patrimony for peanuts; enriching their cronies and families; overriding our procurement laws, violating our Constitution and the rule of law, and attempting barefacedly to rig the 2020 elections in the most disgraceful manner in full view of the world, yet they have the audacity to label the PPP/C government illegal. Whilst all of this was going on, where were the GPSU and Patrick Yarde? But having failed to rig the elections, they have now embarked on a series of illegal acts to make the country ungovernable as they had promised. The violent protests on the West Coast of Berbice were as a direct result of Granger and Harmon who hailed these protests as the ‘correct response.’ But having failed again to reap their desired results, the PNC/R has now embarked on using the nurses to achieve its political agenda. Now is the time for the GPSU and Yarde to make the dramatically triumphant entry the ‘save’ them. This current strike by the nurses

should be deemed as extremely insensitive, since even though the budget is $329.5 billion, the Coalition had already illegally spent more than $160 billion by August 2nd this year. What had they given to the nurses from this amount? Nothing! The GPSU needs to understand that this 2020 budget has brought many beneficial measures which will not only benefit the nurses, but the entire country. It has started to bring back the good life to all Guyanese. The 2020 budget will see over $20 billion going back into the pockets of the citizens of this country. Over 100 taxes have been reduced and VAT removed from a number of items including water, electricity and education. Pensioners’ subsidies and the school grant have been re-introduced. A COVID-19 $25,000 grant for every household has been implemented and frontline heath workers have been allocated $150 million. The health sector has been allocated $51.7 billion or 15.7% of the budget, including $2.6 billion to boost the health ministry’s COVID-19 response. This is just a minor fraction of the ‘good-life’ measures which the PPP/C has implemented. Mr Yarde must honestly assess these measures. Furthermore, Mr Yarde must be honest as to why he did not pursue the $100,000 risk allowance under the Coalition, when the Coalition was apparently flinging monies wildly in all directions to gain votes. But there are many questions which need to be answered honestly by the See page 8

Coalition doomed at next ... From page 6

profits shortly, following the costly marketing of vaccines that are potentially manufactured for sale and distribution. On the other side of the coin, many of the globally famous philanthropists are deploying billions of dollars towards the production and free distribution of a cure. Leading billionaires included are the world’s richest people. This race for an early production has led to some degree of friendly uncomfortableness between rivals and co-partners. Noteworthy was the friction between Bill Gates and Elon Musk, the second and third wealthiest people on earth, pipped by Jeff Bezos. While their public spats may not always be serious, they do appear to fundamentally disagree about the coronavirus – and as major players in virus treatment and an eventual vaccine to protect against it, their clashes carry even more weight. Musk recently called Gates a “knucklehead” for criticising his coronavirus

response and Gates referred to Musk’s comments on the outbreak as “outrageous.” Even the White House coronavirus task force Dr. Anthony Fauci are at opposite ends with President Trump and his opinions. In Guyana, Dr. Frank Anthony is daily under the attack for not having a more rigid programme to handle this pandemic and seeing the death rate escalating at a very high and dangerous rate. Inheriting an ill-equipped task force from the caretaker government, he was challenged to implement a complete overhaul of the old system and replaced a more results-oriented programme that has been reinforced by international support. The PNC/R government was guilty of undermining democracy and as such, international help and support were withheld, thereby Guyanese were denied the assistance they so badly needed. Again, the PNC/R will not be spared the rod and Guyanese will not be spoiled, come the

next elections. At this crucial juncture in the crux of COVID-19, health workers are being ruthlessly misled, instigated to call in sick, tutored to go slow and encouraged to go on strike. The death rate is ghastly, reaching 100 and recorded cases has topped the 3,000 mark. No man, woman or child, no ethnicity, no religion, no class and no relationship are being sparred from this killer pandemic. Guyana is reeling from this virus that has no certain cure, a country that has limited facilities for treatment, protection and prevention and a country that has recently awakened from a misdirected past administration that has kept the nation in abeyance for some five months. Yet, here is a heartless union that is prepared to throw Guyanese to the wolves without any protection and leave them exposed to certain danger and ultimate death. The union has forgotten that they themselves will be exposed to the end result. Here

is a barefaced union that had ample opportunities to take industrial actions in resolving the issues under the previous government but refused to do so because of its affiliation. Now a new baby government is in place and the union wants this government not to crawl, not to walk, but to run immediately. It is so vividly clear that dirty and deadly politics perpetrated and instigated by the PNC/R is once again being injected into the nurses and the nurses cannot distinguish poison from reason, but this is no season for treason! Bob Marley sang, “It’s war in the East and war in the West,” and one coalition leader declared, “war-break.” It’s more “slo fiya” and “more fiya” as the tyres are starting to burn again in Berbice. It’s time again to play “More Sanctions ABCE.” Respectfully, Jai Lall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Prisoners to be tried in air-conditioned, retrofitted containers at prisons IN a bid to augment speedier hearings, trials and disposal of cases in the criminal justice system, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has met with several State arms and decided to retrofit

containers at prison locations to facilitate trials. On Sunday, the team met at the Umana Yana and made a series of See page 14

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall addresses officials of the State while flanked by Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire; Justice Naresh Harnanan; and Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, at the head table

28th anniversary since return of democracy Dear editor,

OCTOBER 5, 2020 marks 28 years since the restoration of democratic rule to Guyana after nearly three decades of PNC authoritarian rule. Thanks to local and international pressure, Guyana was spared another episode of rigged elections which had characterised the greater part of our immediate post-independence period. Guyana today remains a proud member of the community of democratic states. It is important that the democratic fabric of our society be preserved and consolidated. It is true that we have more work to be done in terms of inclusive and participatory democracy, especially in the context of our political and ethnic plurality. This, however, will

require time and political maturity from all sides of the political spectrum. The opposition has an obligation to play by the democratic rules and concede that it lost the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections, which was declared free and fair by local and international observers. Interestingly, our post-independence political landscape is almost evenly divided between democratic and undemocratic rule. Guyanese are now in a better position to see what correlation exists between democracy and development. The answer, in my view, is obvious for all to see. Yours truly, Hydar Ally

Yarde is part of Coalition’s illusion ...

From page 7

GPSU and Yarde with regard to the nurses’ issue. The nurses have been getting salary increases on a regular basis and it is disappointing that workers in the health-delivery sector can be misled into such a callous strike action, having no regard for the health and safety of people. They should exercise some patience since the 2021 budget is not so far away and their demands will be met in some tangible manner by the government. Today, I was shocked to read that the Critical Care Unit nurses at the GPHC deliberately stayed away from work as a means of protest. I am appealing to those people who are being misled to understand that if

the Coalition had been there for another term, we would have been worse off than under Burnham and they must bear in mind that the Coalition promised the ‘good life,’ but it is the PPP/C which is delivering it once again. Patrick Yarde’s call for a nationwide strike must be seen as not only unsympathetic, but grossly unpatriotic in this time of increasing COVID-19 infections and deaths, to say the least. Let good sense prevail, so that our nation can move forward once again. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Jordan rejected allowances for health workers on June 3 –– Min. Parag points out

By Navendra Seoraj PUBLIC Service Minister Sonia Parag has maintained that former Finance Minister Winston Jordan has rejected allowances for health workers. Parag’s assertion was a rebuttal to former Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, who, in a letter, said: “The payment of a COVID Risk Allowance (CRA) was my idea. Yes, you heard correctly; it was my idea.” Minister Parag had argued that it was Jordan who “flatly, refused and rejected” requests by the then Department of Public Service for increased allowances for healthcare workers, when the Ministry of Finance was sent proposals prior to the change of Government in August. “I thank the former Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan for establishing a platform to clarify issues for the public regarding the payment of risk allowances to nurses. “I maintain that it was Mr. Jordan who rejected an approval on the 3rd of June, made by the authorised personnel upon the Ministry of Health’s submission as to who fell in the category of a frontline worker,” said Minister Parag in a letter. The approval for such a list fell within the remit of the Department of Public Service (as it then was), and the reality is that there were no increases in risk allowance and other allowances for healthcare workers for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). “I offered the Ministry of Finance’s help to prevent a crisis from developing, including the payment of a risk allowance to frontline

workers. Yes, I am able to include that quotation, because I still have all of the WhatsApp communication,” Jordan claimed in a letter on Saturday. The inability of the former APNU+AFC Government to provide a proper ‘care package’ for health workers was due mainly to the ‘feet-dragging’ by the then Public Health Ministry. In response to Minister Parag’s comment about the allowances, Jordan had said the Ministry of Finance was ready to provide assistance in these areas, but former Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence never acted on his offer. The former minister said he contacted Lawrence via WhatsApp on April 5, 2020, outlining the issues raised, and urged that these matters be addressed quickly. PROTESTS For some two weeks now, public healthcare workers, nurses in particular, have been staging strikes at facilities across the country, including the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC); the West Demerara Regional Hospital in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); the Fort Wellington Hospital in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); and the Linden Hospital Complex in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The nurses are calling for better pay and risk allowances. “I, therefore, maintain my earlier positions that the Guyana Public Service Union did not protest when healthcare workers’ lives were in danger then, but seeks

to do so now, especially when the current Government has, without any request or grievances being voiced, provided for frontline workers in the 2020 emergency budget,” said Minister Parag. Minister Parag has since pointed out that it was with the change of government that the new administration, without being approached, allocated $150 million to the frontline workers.

Parag, in a recent report, said that she believes the healthcare workers are being politically instigated, given that no action was taken in the past, notwithstanding the Union for the healthcare workers, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), having had their requests denied. “There was no protest action. That is what surprises me so today, because at that time when that was flatly refused, no action was taken whatsoever; no threats

were made either. I find it strange that protest action is being brought now by the nurses,” Parag pointed out. Parag reminded that it has been only just two months since the new administration has taken over Government, and in that time, measures have been taken to make circumstances better for the healthcare workers across the country, even as the Government tries to find a way to provide for all Guyanese.

Minister of the Public Service Sonia Parag

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

For the love of a father

THE world is evolving, and recent events have proven that things can change at the drop of a hat. Bringing up children nowadays is a whole new

ball game. If you are a father, do you have the necessary attributes? Are you patient and loving with your children? Do you give them the atten-

tion they deserve? Do you provide reasonable but firm guidance, without imposing your will on them? Do you discipline them calmly and fairly, and do

you put them first? Fathers play an essential role in the psychological development of their children. How would you like your child to remember you: In a negative or positive light? The choice is yours, but don't fool yourself that children do not think about their fathers, because they do. Even absent fathers, or fathers who children have never met, lie somewhere in their psyche; they wonder if they are like their fathers, and sometimes wish to meet them or see them to make comparisons. When fathers are involved with their children, it sends a loud resounding message. “I'M GLAD TO BE YOUR FATHER; I AM INTERESTED IN YOU; I WILL LOVE AND PROTECT YOU; YOU CAN COUNT ON ME IN YOUR TIME OF NEED.” Children need this type of reassurance if they are to become confident, competent, well-rounded adults. Whether fathers are attentive or not, growing up cannot be halted; it will happen anyway. But loving parents instill warmth and security, quality time and interest, encouragement and praise in their children's lives. Growing up can be challenging, but having loving parents makes it easier. A father should show respect to his children's mother through his words and deeds. Children learn from adult interactions; their minds are at peace when a mother and father live in harmony. It is discomforting to a child when parents do not get along. Children have love and respect for their parents, and that is how it should be, whether the parents live together or not. Children shouldn't have to choose between them. Being a father means putting the needs of your children before your own. Caring enough to maintain a good relationship with your children might mean

substituting a night out with buddies for an evening of quality time with the children. Children do not need fancy toys, or the latest Internet games, or namebrand clothes as much as they need the love and caring of a reliable, dependable father. Gifts and treats cannot compensate or compare with the positive influence a father can have in the life of his children. Fathers have the responsibility to ensure their children reach their best potential, while using their positive influence to guide them correctly. Children need their father’s attention, his time and his affection to build their competence and self-esteem. Fathers can create wholesome memories for their children by being versatile enough to play with them, yet firm enough to guide and discipline them, by setting reasonable boundaries, and reprimanding or praising behaviour as necessary. How a father spends his time reveals what is essential to him, and children are making a mental note of the things their fathers do. Fathers can use everyday opportunities to help children learn life's fundamental lessons; never failing to either demonstrate or highlight acts of honesty, humility and responsibility to his children. Children need family structure, and a father figure who they can trust: A father who sits and eats with them as a family and shows an interest in their interests; a father who takes them out, even if it is just for a walk. Doing things together helps to keep families bonded, and creates positive childhood memories. Fathers need to prepare their children for the future; to help children realise their priorities in life, and to teach them that there are consequences to their actions. The understanding and energy between a father

and his children should flow naturally; they should not be afraid to approach him. When they do, they should know he will listen to their ideas or problems (and not lecture); he will analyse the facts before interacting from a place of respect and love. Modern fathers face varied challenges; they cannot rely on their own childhood experiences to parent their children. They must create a balanced and healthy household of their own, where the occupants can think, breathe and live with relative peace of mind. In a world dominated by the Internet, television and Online activity, a father should instill a love for reading in his children; he should read to them when they are young, and encourage them to read to him as they grow; creating a lifetime of literacy, including personal and career growth. Girls who spend time with loving fathers understand the need to be respected by boys, and learn what to look for in a partner. Boys who spend time with their loving fathers use them as reliable role models; they tend to emulate or surpass them in their occupational endeavours. A father's role begins at conception, and he can bond with his child during pregnancy, and, just like a mother's role, his role never ends. 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

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Roll out of COVID-19 cash grant begins in Region Nine

Armed men visit home of Essequibo businessman

POLICE in ‘D’ Division are looking for four men who showed up in front of a Meten-Meer-Zorg businessman’s home on Saturday night armed with guns. The incident occurred around 22:00 hours. According to Commander of ‘D’ Division, Errol Watts, he received a call and immediately acted on the information but when police arrived at the scene, the men were nowhere to be found. The businessman, Sat-

narine Deonarine, said that around 10:00 hours, he heard someone calling in front of his home and when he looked out, he saw four men. He related that he also saw a yellow taxi dropped the men off and drove a short distance away from his home and parked. One of the men, the businessman related, was calling continuously and the three others were standing behind him. He also related that he noticed the men were taking

pictures of his property and vehicles. Deonarine said he could not identify anyone but has footage from his CCTV cameras. He related that recently he has been looking for a man who had conned him and believes that the men who visited his home are associated with the said con artist. The businessman is calling on police to heighten patrol in the Meten-MeerZorg area.

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton and Region Nine Chairman, Brian Allicock, interact with residents during the distribution exercise (DPI photo)

OVER 195 Nappi, Region Nine, residents, on Saturday, benefitted from the $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash grant announced by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali earlier last month. Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, joined the regional team of Brian Allicock, Re-

gional Chairman; Guy Fredericks, Toshao; Sylvester Fredericks, Deputy Toshao, and Rodger King, Councillor, as the officials conducted their distribution. Minister Hamilton said he expects “the grant will ease some of the hardships that hinterland residents are facing following the break

on farming, mining and other activities during the pandemic.” The minister also gave assurances that the distribution would be done fairly. Residents expressed their gratitude to the Government for the initiative. (DPI)

The men in front of the businessman’s house on Sunday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

'CoviCurb' hotline up and running

By Naomi Parris THE Government of Guyana has established a hotline for persons to call and report breaches of the COVID-19 protocols. The hotline is a part of ‘Operation CoviCurb’ which was launched over the weekend to promote and enforce adherence to the safety proto-

cols, with the aim of slowing the spread of the virus. According to Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, the hotline will assist the relevant authorities in enforcing the emergency COVID-19 guidelines/protocols across the country. “We will set up a hotline so if you see somebody who is not adhering to the mea-

sures, you will call us and the enforcement agency will quickly rush down and start by using suasion to ensure these measures,” he said. “If there is a breach of the regulations by business places, they would be given a warning in the first instance. A second breach will result in closure of their businesses. That is what we want to

communicate clearly across Guyana,” the Prime Minister added. Stressing the need for compliance, PM Phillips said the coronavirus is a threat to the survival of Guyanese and is therefore a threat to national security. He reiterated that COVID-19 is everyone’s business and the people need

to play their part to slow the spread of the virus. “It transcends politics, so whether you are in Opposition or Government, what is important [is] all of us must now play a role in curbing the spread of COVID-19.” Meanwhile, on Friday during a press briefing, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo noted that the constant rise of COVID-19 cases in the country has less to do with government’s management, and more to do with personal responsibility. However, he said the government will not lock people in their own homes to avoid the spread of COVID-19, but would instead urge them to act responsibly. “If you are locked in your homes and you don’t come out, you would have less deaths, but the question is, could we have done that forever? Could we have kept people in that state forever? A lot of people who were willing, at the beginning, to accept that, do not want to accept it now,” Dr. Jagdeo said. The Vice President added even though the public is aware of the deadly impact the COVID-19 disease can have, there are still persons who continue to flout the Emergency Measures and take unnecessary risks, exposing themselves and others to infection. The Guyana Police Force

(GPF) has been enforcing the measures, but the country can ill-afford to further stretch those resources. “How many policing capabilities will we have for the country? That’s why we say we want to do soft enforcement; talking to people, urging them, advocacy. It’s your responsibility too, not just the government’s responsibility; it’s your life that is at stake, your families’ lives,” he said. The government recently adjusted the curfew hours to 9pm to 4am. Essential services are allowed to operate without any time constraints. However, several key services have had their operation hours extended between the hours of 4am to 8pm. These include markets, supermarkets, beauty salons and barbershops, maintenance services, gas stations, and clothing stores. Food and restaurant services are also permitted to operate daily within that period. Those services can continue with accompanied delivery, drive-through, curb-side and takeaway services. Individuals are encouraged to do their part by wearing masks, washing their hands, and social distancing. Persons can call 180 or 181 (Digicel) and 6246674, 624-3067, 624-2819 or 265-7090 (GTT) to make a report.

Venezuelan woman’s battered body found in pit A MINER and a dredge owner were arrested after the battered body of a female Venezuelan cook was found Sunday floating at Big Hope Backdam, Cuyuni, Region Seven. Dead is Dimas Emilia Lezama Fermin, 28, of San Phoenix, Venezuelan. Reports indicate that the Venezuelan was in a relationship with the dredge owner who on Saturday left the camp and allegedly left the cook preparing meals. The dredge owner left with the workers and visited the landing where they began drinking alcohol at a shop and about 21:30hrs, the miner allegedly left the gathering

and related that he was going to take a bath. Police said the following morning about 06:30hrs, the Venezuelan’s body was found floating in a pit behind the camp where the men were working. When the police arrived at the scene the body was found clad in a blue jersey and without any underwear and bore multiple marks of violence. As a result of information received, the police contacted and arrested the miner and the dredge owner who remain in custody and are assisting with the investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Policing groups formed in Region One

SEVERAL policing groups have been activated in Region One under the leadership of divisional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, the latest being on Saturday at Kumaka Waterfront, Mabaruma. Superintendent Ramlakhan; Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain, Cappin; and Inspector, Mark

Smith of the Mabaruma sub-division also used the opportunity to interact with several business owners and residents and explained to them the concept of team policing and its effectiveness. The commander noted that team policing is intended to improve police-community relations and police crime control effectiveness by permanently assigning a

group of police officers to a particular small geographic area such as a neighborhood. Further, on Friday, at Santa Rosa, Moruca, North West District (NWD), the commander and other senior and junior officers interacted with several persons, some of whom shared their concerns about various issues affecting them in the community. The same was also done

The team in Kumaka interacts with residents

Commander Ramlakhan (second from right) with ranks and stakeholders of the team policing group at the Santa Rosa Arch after the creation of the group

with residents and business owners in the community at Elroy Alam's business place, Waterfront, Port Kaituma, NWD. Many residents shared concerns about various issues affecting their com-

munities. The team listened and addressed some of their concerns. They were also sensitised about COVID -19 measures and restrictions and operation â€œCOVICURBâ€? currently in place. The divisional com-

mander and team shared their telephone numbers with the public and informed all districts that they would also be seeing ranks in motor vehicles, on bicycles and foot patrol on a 24-hour basis.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Children of sacked sugar ... From page 5

the estates in Berbice are re-opening. The economies of Upper Corentyne and East Canje are deeply embedded in the sugar estates as it provides employment for many persons in those communities. The closure of the estates by the previous administration has had far-reaching socio-economic effects on the res-

idents and many have not yet returned to a level of normalcy, despite more than two years have passed since the estates were closed. The current administration, having recognised the impact the estates closure had on these communities, has made provisions in the emergency budget for 2020, allocating some

Ezekiel Hernandez

Devashree Dhanai

$5B to start works in preparation to re-open the estates. Works have already commenced at both the Skeldon and Rose Hall estates and more than 100 retrenched workers have been re-employed. Many others are expected to be rehired in the near future as work intensifies in anticipation for the full re-opening.

With a new chief executive officer, board of directors and forward-thinking managers at GuySuCo, residents are eagerly counting down the days to when the clouds of smoke will once again gush from the massive chimneys, bringing back hope to those at Skeldon and Rose Hall. From page 8

Prisoners to be tried in air-conditioned retrofitted ... important decisions. The Government team was led by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall and includes Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and a number of technical personnel from the National Data Management Authority. Representing the Judiciary are Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire, Justice Naresh Harnanan and Justice Brassington Reynolds. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hickens, led a team from the Guyana Police Force while the Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels and his staff represented the Guyana Prisons Service. The principal objective of the engagement was to establish the required physical and technical infrastructure for criminal litigation to take place on virtual platforms. In this regard, a decision was made to install retrofitted containers at prison locations situated at Camp Street, Georgetown; Lusignan,

East Coast Demerara; New Amsterdam and Mazaruni. These containers will be air-conditioned and equipped with the necessary technical apparatus that will provide a link to the prisoners and the various court houses. Once implemented, this measure will remove the need for prisoners to be transported physically out of the prisons and taken to the various courts for their cases. Another aspect of this project is to similarly equip identified police stations across the country, where defendants will appear at first hearings for the charges to be read to them and for them to enter their plea and to make any other relevant applications. The Attorney-General noted that Caribbean jurisdictions are already moving in this direction, with Trinidad and Tobago being the most advanced. The team will use Trinidad and Tobago as the model to design Guyanaâ€™s system.

Law enforcement officials at the meeting held at the Umana Yana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

UG opening pushed back to November 2

DUE to the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Guyana (UG) has taken a decision to push back the first day of classes for the new semester to November 2, 2020. The previously announced date was October 12, 2020, but the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin confirmed the date change on October 3, 2020. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, she explained that the University has been working assiduously to ensure that students have the best and most effective service during this period. To this end, it had hosted several discussions on solutions to the specific issues that have arisen during this period. The Vice-Chancellor noted that while the University has worked to maintain its scheduled timeline, there were circumstances that prevented this. She said one major issue that arose is the backlog of student admissions in the wake of thousands of documents pouring into the Registry from feeder institutions. Professor Mohamed-Martin said that after receiving this information, an emergency meeting was held in the evening of October 2, 2020 with the University’s Academic Board to discuss a way forward. She explained that although additional resources were provided, and the processing hours extended, the appearance of some examination results and the need for document verifications have created a backlog of over 2600 applications as of October 2. Further, the Vice-Chan-

cellor noted that despite the COVID-19 conditions, this year has seen the largest number of student applicants ever; almost 7000 just one day after its 57th anniversary. Just over 3000 of the 7000 applicants would have received a response from the University. Professor Mohamed-Martin said if the University had stuck to the original commencement date, this would have disadvantaged those prospective students whose applications are now being processed. This situation would have caused them to join classes several weeks late. She stated that such a situation would be contrary to the University’s value of fair, equitable and robust delivery of tertiary education to Guyana. The Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande endorsed addressing this by adopting the new dates for this semester, including November 2, 2020, as the first day of classes.

ONLINE CLASSES Meanwhile, the University, in a statement, explained how it plans to operate in the new semester. “65% of the University’s classes will be held Online, and the remaining 35%, mostly consisting of laboratory and field exercises, are expected to be Blended and Face-to-Face delivered at the various campuses for specific courses, or parts of courses only,” it explained. The statement added: “The University is in the process of putting all contagion protection protocols and physical arrangements in place to address this. Students will be notified directly of the schedule and safety measures if any of their courses are expected to be

could be beneficial to many other students, as it would be providing them with extra time to pull together all of the necessary resources that they may need for the semester. Speaking to his fellow students, he said that he believes they should be supportive of the move. “We all have to understand that we are in a pandemic, and the University is doing all that they can to aid us in still perusing higher education, while combatting the COVID pandemic. So we shouldn’t be complaining about the things that they are doing; we should at least offer advice on what we think should be done better,” he expressed.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin

face-to- face.” MIXED REACTION The response from students to the announcement of the new commencement date was mixed; some students were supportive of the University’s decision, while others were raising concerns with the shift in timeline, and how that could potentially affect their academic careers. Third Year student from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Deborah Baird called the date adjustment “inconvenient”. She explained that this shift could negatively affect those students who have already put systems in place to facilitate this semester’s work. Baird added that this shift

in timeline could also potentially see students who will be entering their final year not being able to access their degree qualification on time, to make deadlines in pursuit of further studies. Additionally, she opined that the University has not been communicating with its students effectively enough to make them feel comfortable with its preparedness, planning and implementation of systems that would ensure this semester runs smoothly. Another student, Kristoff Shepperd stated that while he was looking forward to the semester starting on October 12, he believes the new date will give him more time to prepare mentally for the semester. He said he believes it

Two more men die from COVID-19 TWO men, both 56 and from Region One (Barima-Waini), are the latest casualties of COVID-19 recorded here in Guyana, taking the total number of persons to have died of the virus so far to 89. Samples were taken from the men on admission to a public health facility, and they subsequently came back positive. This comes even as the total number of cases recorded in Guyana has risen to 3093, following the recording of 88 new ones, according to the Ministry of Health’s October 4 COVID-19 Dashboard. Some 202 tests were returned over the last 24 hours.

A total of 14, 815 persons have been tested to date in Guyana. An additional 13 persons have recovered from the virus, taking the country's total recovery to 1920. The number of persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has dropped from 18 down to 15. Some 152 persons are in institutional isolation, while 65 are in institutional quarantine, and another 920 are on home quarantine. Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) continues to account for the most recorded new cases, with 59 of 88 coming from that region. Sixteen of the new cases are from Region One, while

seven are from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), and four are from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) each recorded one new case. Some 1,651 men in Guyana have been confirmed COVID-19-positive. In a press statement, the Ministry of Health has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased, and noted that every effort will be made to provide all the necessary support to them during this difficult time, and to render any assistance they may need. “Officials of the ministry have contacted all rela-

tives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who may have been exposed to the now-dead person. The Ministry is also appealing to the general public to respect the confidentiality of the deceased and her family and to allow them to mourn their tragic loss in peace,” the statement said. Considering these numbers, persons were encouraged to take extra precaution because there is no approved cure or specific treatment for the disease. Guyanese were also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

BE SUPPORTIVE The Guyana Chronicle reached out to the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) President Jafar Gibbon, who said that he believes the decision to push back the date is in the best interest of the students. He stated that he understands that the push back is to ensure that systems are in place for a smooth transition this semester. He further called on his fellow students to be supportive of the University’s administration in this present time, since the COVID pandemic has presented them with issues that have not arisen before. Speaking to students who

may feel frustrated in this period due to the timeline change, the UGSS President said, “Most naturally, the postponement of any event would have students fearful, and they would have that outcry to raise their concerns.” However, he added “We also have to understand that the administration has to put systems in place that will protect the students, so if it means postponing to a later date, that may be what’s best. The university needs to be operating where it can better serve students, so if it means pushing back the timeline to ensure that they can deliver those services provided by them, I think that’s justifiable.” Regarding the negotiation with the administration that could potentially see students benefitting from a reduction or total cut of the University’s Miscellaneous Fees for the 2020-2021 academic year, he said no decision has been made. The proposal which was submitted is seeking a reduction of $30,000, for the 2020-2021 academic year. This would allow students to pay a $10,000 miscellaneous fee per semester, as opposed to the previously fixed $25,000 per semester.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

`Ponzi Scheme’ investors to receive repayments from Oct. 12 ACCELERATED Capital Firm Inc. (ACFI)’s Yuri Garcia Dominguez, on Saturday, confirmed that the company will begin repaying its more than 17, 000 investors on October 12. The alleged Ponzi schemer made the announcement during a press conference held at Sharon’s Building, in the office of his attorney, Dexter Todd. He and his Guyanese wife, Ateeka Ishmael, who are the principals of the company, are currently on a total of $30 million bail each after appearing before multiple courts on several fraud charges. During the press conference, he said that his company will be repaying its investors and also plans to cease all operations in Guyana until it receives a licence to operate from the relevant authorities. Dominguez explained that the stock market

ACFI Financial Adviser, Yuri Garcia Dominguez

crashed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and this has resulted in a delay in payments to its investors. However, he stressed that his company will be utilising the Demerara Bank account which was opened by the Government to facilitate payments to its investors. Meanwhile, Todd informed that the company had never acquired a licence to conduct the trading which is a major problem. “The licence that is required under the laws of Guyana was not acquired and for that reason the company must cease operations. It would be the most reasonable and prudent thing to do, to exit those contracts and that is what the legal team has been putting together,” Todd said. Todd further explained

Attorney-at-law, Dexter Todd

that as of now the cases before the court involves over $70M. The attorney did not provide more details as the matter is still before the courts. Within a two month period, the couple made appearances before several Magistrates in the Georgetown and East Coast Magisterial Districts. The couple is accused of swindling unsuspecting persons out of millions of dollars. Many persons have come forward and lodged complaints with the police. Investigators were told that some 17,000 Guyanese collectively invested approximately US$20 million in the company, but never saw any returns as was promised. The duo was first held by the police in early August following an investigation into widespread rumours that they were running a

“Ponzi Scheme”. A Ponzi scheme is a form of fraud in which investors are made to believe in the success of a non-existent enterprise, and encouraged to invest because of the payment of quick returns. It was claimed that the first investors were only being paid from money invested by successive investors, but the couple has vehemently denied this. They had claimed too that money for refund was ready to be disbursed. The police here have listed Dominguez, a naturalised Guyanese of Cuban origin, and his wife, who is Guyanese by birth, as grave flight risks given that they have no assets in the country. The couple is alleged to have been operating their investment company, ACFI, here in Guyana from as far back as 2017 without the required licence from the Guyana Securities Council (GSC). ACFI has been attributing its failure to remit refunds to clients to the absence of a bank account. Several local commercial banks have closed whatever accounts they had held with them, the company had claimed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Over 200 young Guyanese gain employment through USAID programme

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

MORE than 200 high-risk youths have found employment over the four-year life of a USAID-sponsored programme which saw over 400 youths equipped with life and employment skills. The Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) programme, which began in July 2016 and ran until Monday last, targeted youths between the ages of 16 and 29 from Regions Four and Six. In Guyana, the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Creative Association International, received funding to implement the CFYR project which was also executed in several other Caribbean countries. In addition to the employment and life-skills project, the NGO instituted an after-school programme for young children. Those projects were run in communities deemed high risk, namely Sophia, East and West Ruimveldt, Lodge, and Corriverton. While the numbers varied from community to community, Corriverton (Region Six) boasted 106 participants, ages 7-9, 10-16, and 17-29 years. Under the guidance of Project Facilitator, Annette Jaundoo, Corriverton’s NGO, FACT (Family Awareness, Consciousness, Togetherness), was able to run its projects ensuring the most vulnerable youths were given the opportunity. “We ensured that we took in those who really needed the programme, who needed the extra lesson, whose fam-

ilies could not afford it, only the most vulnerable,” Jaundoo told DPI in an invited comment. She said the younger groups focused on after-school lessons, while the teens to adult group was taught life and employment skills. The youngsters were the siblings of the target participants who would otherwise have been left unattended while their parents were at work. US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, who spoke during last week’s online closeout session, noted that throughout all the interactions, she was struck by the aspirational visions the young men and women have for themselves. “It has been an inspiring experience,” Ambassador Lynch said. The US envoy also praised CFYR’s family initiative, calling it the centrepiece of the programme. “Through the Family Matters initiative 160, atrisk youth and their families in Guyana benefitted from family counselling, essentially, better-performing families will mean better-performing youth,” she said. CFYR projects are aimed at reducing violence and increasing opportunities for young people by focusing on family building and networking in communities and with service providers and government agencies. Communities in St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis were also beneficiaries of the programme. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Watkins hat-trick as Villa humble champions Liverpool 7-2

BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - A sensational firsthalf hat-trick from Ollie Watkins helped Aston Villa to a stunning 7-2 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday to end the champions’ 100% start to the season in extraordinary fashion. Liverpool started badly at Villa Park as a poor pass from Adrian -- deputising for Alisson in goal for the visitors after the Brazilian picked up a shoulder injury -- gifted Watkins the opener in the fourth minute. If there was an element of good fortunate about Watkins’ first goal in a Villa shirt, his second was all his own fine work as he cut inside before firing into the top corner to

Ollie Watkins at (right) celebrates his hat-trick

stun the champions and make it 2-0 in the 22nd minute. Mohamed Salah’s fine left-foot finish seemed to get Liverpool back in the game in the 33rd minute, but John McGinn’s deflected strike two minutes later restored Villa’s two-goal advantage. Watkins completed his hattrick inside 39 minutes, with former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley -- making his debut after joining Villa on loan -making it five, 10 minutes into the second half. Salah did give Liverpool hope on the hour mark, before a late double from Grealish completed a remarkable victory for the team who just avoided relegation last season.

Spurs destroy United 6-1, while Arsenal win again By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur were rampant as Jose Mourinho inflicted a crushing 6-1 defeat on his former club Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Arsenal picked up their third win in four games with a 2-1 victory at home to Sheffield United but Leicester City’s 100% start to the season ended with a crash as they were upset 3-0 at home by West Ham United. Son Heung-min and Harry Kane each scored twice for Spurs while United’s Anthony Martial was sent off in the 28th minute as the home side suffered their joint worst defeat of the Premier League era. “It is history for Tottenham, history for my boys and I cannot deny it is also history for me,” said a delighted Mourinho, whose side were playing their fourth game in eight days. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had taken a second-minute lead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty but Spurs responded quickly, taking advantage of some awful United defending as Tanguy Ndombele and Son put them 2-1 ahead. United went down to 10 men after Martial was

sent off following a clash with Erik Lamela at a corner and then Harry Kane made it 3-1. Son added his second shortly before the break as United fell to pieces with Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly utterly ineffective in the centre of defence.

ahead with a 61st-minute header before substitute Pepe added a second three minutes later. Irish striker David McGoldrick gave his side hope with a brilliant curling effort in the 84th minute, but Arsenal held firm to continue their progress

derside of the bar for West Ham after a darting solo run from inside his own half before Jarrod Bowen made sure of the win seven minutes from the end after a wonderful pass from Fornals. Southampton beat an insipid West Bromwich

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - October 4, 2020 Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min scores their second goal Pool via REUTERS/Oli Scarff

A Serge Aurier goal and a Harry Kane penalty in the second half completed a memorable victory for Spurs, which matched United’s 6-1 loss to Manchester City in October, 2011. Arsenal scored two goals in four minutes to inflict a fourth straight loss on struggling Sheffield United, with Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe on target in the second half. Saka put the Gunners

under Mikel Arteta. Leicester were on a high after their stunning 5-2 win at Manchester City a week ago, but were brought crashing down to earth by an impressive West Ham. Michail Antonio headed West Ham into a 14th-minute lead and Pablo Fornals made it 2-0 with a closerange strike 20 minutes later. Declan Rice hit the un-

Albion 2-0 with goals either side of halftime from Moussa Djenepo and Oriol Romeu at St Mary’s Stadium. Ped ro N et o ’s g o a l early in the second half earned Wolverhampton Wanderers a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Molineux, leaving the visitors rooted to the bottom of the standings after their fourth successive league defeat.

Ethiopia’s Kitata sprints to London Marathon win as Kipchoge suffers rare defeat ―Kenyan world record holder Brigid Kosgei defends her title By Mitch Phillips LONDON (Reuters) - Ethiopian Shura Kitata outsprinted Kenya’s Vincent Kipchumba to win a thrilling London Marathon on Sunday as a stunned world record holder Eliud Kipchoge faded late in the race to suffer his first defeat since 2013. In cold, wet conditions, 24-year-old Kitata edged clear in the final metres to win by one second over Kipchumba in a relatively slow two hours, 05.41 minutes. Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia was third in 2:5.35, with Kipchoge, the hot favourite, who in his last race a year ago became the only man to break the two hour mark for the distance, eighth in 2:06.49 having suffered cramp and a blocked ear. In the absence of injured Kenenisa Bekele, Kipchoge was widely expected to lift a fifth London crown but was never able to impose his usual speed in the relentless cold rain. He was in a pack who went through halfway in just under 63 minutes - very pedestrian in relation to his recent races, not least his official world record of 2:01.39 set in Berlin two years ago. Ethiopians Lemma and Tamirat Tola, both sporting woollen hats to stave off the cold, took up the running as the field began to realize that, perhaps, Kipchoge was struggling. They were right. The favourite, whose face never usually gives any indication of suffering, was showing the occasional grimace and he lacked his usual smoothness. At one point the leaders clocked a five minute mile, a virtual jog at elite level. Then, as never previously seen during his all-conquering career, Kipchoge, 35, broke, dropping back from a pack of six with just over three miles to go. As the pace eventually picked up it was down to three, shoulder to shoulder, as they entered The Mall in a finish more like an 800m race than a marathon. The tall Kipchumba looked as if he would do it as he edged ahead, but Kitata fought back magnificently to take the tape. Kitata, who finished second in London in 2018, thanked his missing compatriot for his victory. “Kenenisa Bekele was helping me for this race and he advised me how to run,” he said. “I trained for the same course, I am very happy to win.” Kipchoge had won 12 of his 13 previous marathons – the blip being a second place behind a then-world record in his second outing over the distance in Berlin in 2013. “I’m really disappointed, I had a problem with my right ear after it blocked, and then I really cramped and had problems with my hip from about the last 15 km,” he said. Earlier, Kenyan world record holder Brigid Kosgei was a comfortable winner of the women’s race in 2:18.58 as American Sara Hall produced a great finish to snatch second from Ruth Chepngetich. The races, originally postponed from April because of the COVID-19 pandemic, were run over almost 20 laps of a fenced-off course in a “controlled secure biosphere” around St James’s Park. Although there was no mass field this year, around 40,000 people are running the distance at venues of their choice through the day. They will receive official finisher’s medals and raise millions of pounds for charities hard hit by the cancellation of the April race.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Nadal sees off qualifier Korda, Thiem beats Gaston TWELVE-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal raced into the quarter-finals with a straightset victory over American qualifier Sebastian Korda. Korda said in the buildup that Nadal, 34, was his “idol” but the 20-year-old struggled to match the claycourt specialist on Court Philippe Chatrier. Spanish second seed Nadal, chasing a fourth successive title at Roland Garros, took the match 6-1 6-1 6-2. He will face Jannik Sinner next after the Italian beat Alexander Zverev. T h e 1 9 - y e a r- o l d , ranked 75 in the world, put in a superb performance to beat the US Open finalist 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-3. Meanwhile, US Open champion Dominic Thiem came through a scare to beat French wildcard Hugo Gaston in five sets. Debutant Gaston, who

defeated 2015 winner Stan Wawrinka to reach the last 16, found himself two sets down but fought back to level against an increasingly frustrated Thiem.

earned the vital break in the deciding set and he was able to close out on his second match point to win 6-4 6-4 5-7 3-6 6-3. “It was an amazing

Date in History

hands, his drop shots are from another planet. “If he continues like this, he will be a huge, huge player and make a lot of joy in this stadium in the

Rafael Nadal is looking to win a 13th French Open title

The 20-year-old world number 239 had the support of a vocal home crowd inside Court Philippe Chatrier, where up to 1,000 fans have been allowed for this tournament. But it was Thiem who

match by both of us,” said the 27-year-old Austrian, who hit 59 winners but made 63 unforced errors. “I haven’t seen for a very long time a player with such a big touch in his

future.” Thiem will now play Argentine 12th seed Diego Schwartzman who reached the quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-3 6-4 victory over Italian Lorenzo Sonego. (BBC Sport)

Pooran sparkles briefly but Bravo’s Super Kings break losing streak

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct 4, CMC – West Indies left-hander Nicholas Pooran entertained briefly but once again flattered to deceive as his Kings XI Punjab suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League here Sunday. Entering at number four, the 25-year-old smashed a 17ball 33 with a four and three sixes to help power Kings XI to a competitive 178 for four off their 20 overs at the Dubai International Stadium. Pooran put on 58 for the third wicket with captain KL Rahul whose 63 came from 52 balls and included seven fours and a six. With Punjab looking to accelerate, Pooran perished at the start of the 18th over, skying a heave at seamer Shardul Thakur to be caught

Nicholas Pooran smashed a 17-ball 33

at mid-wicket. Rahul had earlier handed Kings XI a solid start when he posted 61 off 49 deliveries for the first wicket with Mayank Agarwal who struck a 17-ball 26. Ve t e r a n We s t I n d i e s all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo, in only his second game of the tournament, finished wicket-less from four overs which cost 38 runs. In reply, Super Kings raced to their target with 14 balls to spare as South Africa Faf du Plessis smashed an unbeaten 87 and Australian Shane Watson, a pulsating 83, in a record opening stand. Du Plessis belted 11 fours and a six off 53 deliveries while Watson counted 11 fours and three sixes off an identical number of deliveries, as Chennai snapped a three-game losing streak.

Guyanese boxer, Adrian Dodson (Carew)

ADRIAN Dodson (Carew) is a Guyanese boxer who fought professionally as a super welterweight, middleweight and super middleweight. He has the distinction of representing two countries in the Olympics. In 1988, he represented Guyana at the Seoul Olympics in South Korea. Four years later, he laced up gloves for his adopted homeland, England, at the Barcelona Olympics. The southpaw got his name entered into the Mike Tyson Hall of Fame when he lost by Disqualification to Canadian, Alain Bonnamie, on October 5, 1999. In a bruising encounter which saw both boxers touching the canvas, Dodson was disqualified in the 12th and final round for biting his opponent. The fight was held at the Royal National Hotel in London, England and at stake was the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title. The southpaw Dodson floored the Canadian in the seventh round. However, Bonnamie would return the favour in the 12th round. This resulted in the Guyanese putting aside the gloves to employ the infamous TTT, ` Tyson Teeth Technique’. Dodson was 29 years old at the time, five years Bonnamie’s junior. The defeat dropped his record to 23 victories and four defeats. He once trained at the West End Gym in Tiger Bay before taking up residence in England. He was undefeated in 18 fights when he met World Boxing Organization super welterweight (Junior Middleweight) champion, Ronald `Winky’ Wright. The bout was held in December 1997 and the Guyanese retired at the end of the fifth round. Dodson would win the lowly regarded International Boxing Organization (IBO) super middleweight title on March 3, 2001, following a third round knock out of Paul Jones. He would lose the title in his first defence. He last fought in 2003 and turned 50 last month.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Windies squads for NZ tour to First crack appears in Kipchoge’s be chosen in coming week

armour of invincibility

By Mitch Phillips LONDON (Reuters) - When race commentator Steve Cram announced “this is not normal” midway through Sunday’s London Marathon it was something of an understatement as Eliud Kipchoge, the most dominant performer the distance has ever seen, was finally looking mortal. An hour later, Kipchoge trailed home eighth in a time six minutes slower than his own world record and over a minute adrift of Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata, who won the race after a spectacular sprint finish in two hours, 05.41 minutes. The Kenyan had finally cracked just under three miles from the end, later saying he was suffering from a blocked ear that affected his breathing and cramp in his hip, but refusing to blame the cold, wet conditions for his poor run. It was no surprise that he looked slightly bemused as he tried to articulate what had happened, having never previously experienced what almost every other marathon runner at every level has - a bad day at the office. His record over the distance almost defies belief. Kipchoge won his first race in Hamburg in 2013 and later that year suffered what was, until Sunday, his only defeat. It can hardly be described as a failure, however, as Wilson Kipsang needed to run a thenworld record to beat him. After that, Kipchoge em-

barked on an extraordinary streak of 10 straight wins, all in top-level races. His times, undoubtedly helped by developments in shoe technology, edged downwards until he smashed the world record

last year to clock 1:59.40 - a time not recognised as an official record due to it coming in a closed race with in and out pacemakers. When Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele came within two

Eliud Kipchoge trailed home eighth in a time six minutes slower than his own world record

in Berlin two years ago with 2:01.39. The only time he has recorded a slower run than Sunday’s was his 2:08.44 in the tactically raced 2016 Olympics, where he took gold. After that, he fell 26 seconds short of becoming the first man to break the two-hour barrier in Monza, but came back even better prepared in Vienna

seconds of his world record a year ago the juicy head-to-head between the only two men to go under two hours, two minutes was teed up for London in April. That race was cancelled due to COVID, however, and organisers scrambled to put on Sunday’s event on a 19.6lap course in a London park, only for Bekele to withdraw on Friday with a calf injury.

Kipchoge’s fifth London title appeared like it may be a formality, but from the start he was unable to impose himself in his usual way. The conditions were horrible but there was a pack of 11 runners still together when they reached the halfway point in a dawdling 63 minutes. Everyone watched and waited for the favourite to make his move, but it never came. And while his game face is usually inscrutable, this time there were hints of distress. The rest of the lead pack had by then realized that the race was going to be won in a time that they could all manage and, for once, they weren’t competing for the minor medals. The moment of truth finally arrived just under three miles from the end when the pace picked up slightly and Kipchoge was spat out the back. After the race, wearing gloves and a huge padded coat, Kipchoge said: “It’s not the end of the world that I can’t win that’s sport. If you’re beaten, you don’t go to a tree and hang yourself.” He said he would return to training and a probable assault on the Olympics next year, but at 35, will he ever rediscover the speed, let alone the aura, that has enabled him to rule the event for more than a decade? As Sunday showed, there is a hungry pack of younger Kenyans and Ethiopians who will now toe the line not just believing, but knowing, that the great man can be beaten

Guyana’s SunySingh shines with double at Woodbine

TORONTO, Canada, (CMC) – Guyana’s Sunny Singh logged a double on Friday’s nine-race card at Woodbine, to extend his recent patch of decent form at the western Canada racetrack. The 39-year-old opened his account in race five over six furlongs with 15-2 chance Bachelor Pad before returning to win in race seven with 4-1 choice Byebye Byebye in another six furlong sprint. Singh has recorded six wins from 69 outings in the five-month season which wraps December 13 and is currently led by Justin Stein with 91 wins. Having missed out in race three with longshot Twomanyshots in his only previous ride, Singh came good two races later with Bachelor Pad, guiding the three-year-old chestnut gelding to a 2-½ length victory over the three-year-olds and upward. Jersey Diamond led through the half, posting fractions of 22.45 seconds

and 45.54 before Singh brought Bachelor Pad from off the pace to hit the front at the sixteenth pole. Singh was back in the winner’s enclosure when he combined with another three-year-old gelding, Byebye Byebye, to beat the three-year-old and upward maidens by 1-¼ lengths. Calling Bear forced the pace set by favourite Wild About Blue b e f o re S i n g h emerged from mid-pack with ByeBye Byebye, made his move with a furlong to run and reeled in the leader.

Guyana’s Sunny Singh

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Selectors will huddle next week to choose the West Indies squads for the tour of New Zealand, convenor of selectors, Roger Harper, has confirmed. The Caribbean side is scheduled to play three Twenty20 Internationals and two Tests from November 27 to December 15, and Harper said an expanded squad of reserves would be included in keeping with the new protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Darren Bravo

“There’ll be a T20 International team and of course the Test team and as usual now, we’ll be taking some reserve players on tour which will serve to provide backup players if needed during the tour as well as provide practice players,” Harper told i95FM Sports here. “What is likely to happen because of scheduling, is the Test team is likely to go out first and have an early camp and some of the T20 players who are in the region will travel with that Test team and the T20 players who are involved in the IPL will join the team later.” West Indies are set to tour New Zealand later this year. The tour is the second one for West Indies following their historic three-Test series in England last July – the first to be played in a bio-secure environment due to COVID-19. No spectators were allowed at matches and players were placed in an isolated

bubble away from the general public for the duration of the tour. New Zealand has been one of the most successful nations in managing the pandemic with 1500 confirmed infections, only 41 active cases and 25 deaths. Despite the relatively low risk, Harper said players had been briefed on the protocols and would be given the option to decline selection. “There was a briefing recently where the players were informed of what is taking place, what measures have been put in place, what protocols will obtain during the tour,” Harper explained. “And when we look at finalising the squad, we’ll discuss with them whether they are willing to tour or not [and get] their position on that.” He added: “At this point, we’ve not had a definite indication from anyone that they’re not interested [in touring].” West Indies were forced to travel without lefthanders Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer, along with all-rounder Keemo Paul, for the tour of England after the trio declined selection due to COVID-19 fears. However, the tour was seen as a success for the new bio-secure protocols and West Indies Women subsequently undertook a five-match T20 International series in England earlier this month. West Indies will open the tour of New Zealand with the T20 series, the first match scheduled for Eden Park in Auckland under lights, with the last two set for Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 29 and 30. Seddon Park in Hamilton will host the first Test starting December 3 with the historic Basin Reserve in Wellington the stage for the second Test beginning December 11. West Indies have not won a Test series on New Zealand soil in 25 years and their last Test series win over the Black Caps came eight years ago in the Caribbean.

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

Lokesh Rahul-132* (King’s XI) Rashid Khan-3/14 (Sunrisers)(Deccan Chargers)

TODAY’S QUIZ: Which team has won the IPL Title most? What is the lowest team total in IPL history?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2020

Notts Outlaws beat Surrey to win T20 Blast trophy for second time NOTTS Outlaws beat Surrey by six wickets at Edgbaston to become T20 Blast champions for the second time. In a match reduced to 16 overs a side, Surrey totalled 127-7 thanks to a 90-run partnership between England’s Jason Roy (66) and Laurie Evans (43). Dan Christian took 4-23, but Notts lost Alex Hales to the first ball of their reply and were soon 19-3. Ben Duckett kept his head for an unbeaten 53 as he and Christian saw them to 129-4 with 16 balls to spare. Duckett reached his 38ball half-century with the winning boundary off Surrey skipper Gareth Batty to become a three-time T20 winner, having played for Northants Steelbacks in 2013 and 2016. He put on 63 for the fourth wicket with Peter Trego (31), who was playing his first short-format game since July 2019 after Chris Nash was injured in Notts’ semi-final victory over Lancashire. Trego fell leg-before to spinner Dan Moriarty - whose 17 wickets in the competition were only exceeded by Jake Ball of Notts

(19), but skipper Christian hit three fours in an unbeaten 21 as he helped Duckett finish the job in the 14th over and end a season which lasted just 65 days because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Notts and Surrey were deserved finalists, having achieved the highest number of points in the group stage with seven wins each - although the Outlaws only just squeezed through their quar-

ter-final on a better Powerplay score after a tie with Leicestershire. After Saturday’s washout forced Finals Day to be moved to the reserve day for the first time, the semi-finals were restricted to 11 overs a side, and Christian under-

Notts were appearing in their third T20 final - having lost in 2006 and won in 2017

lined

his value to Notts in T20 cricket by hitting four successive sixes as they defeated Lancashire by five wickets. Surrey, who were T20 winners in the inaugural competition in 2003 and beat Gloucestershire in their semi-final, lost Hashim Amla and Will Jacks cheaply after Christian won the toss and put them in. Roy struggled at the start of his innings, being dropped at mid-wicket by Trego, but in tandem with Evans - who made fifties for Birmingham Bears and Sussex Sharks in previous finals - he gradually stepped up the tempo. The momentum shifted when Christian had Evans caught in the deep by Duckett and two balls later removed Jamie Overton for a duck with the help of a brilliant flying catch by wicketkeeper Tom Moores. Roy eventually shuffled across his stumps and was lbw to Ball as Surrey only added eight runs from the final nine balls of their innings. EARLY SETBACKS Notts needed exactly eight runs an over to win but Hales

could hardly believe what he had done after pulling the first ball of their reply, bowled by Reece Topley, straight to deep backward square. Jacks’ spin then accounted for Joe Clarke and Samit Patel - the latter caught at long-on by Rory Burns two balls after the England Test player had dropped him in a similar position. Duckett, though, was unperturbed despite a sore hand and Notts grew in confidence with Liam Plunkett and Overton given only one expensive over each. Veteran Trego was clearly enjoying himself, but missed an attempted sweep off Moriarty and departed in the ninth over with Notts still 46 short of their target. Such a scenario was of no concern to Christian, who put Moriarty away to his favourite mid-wicket region and added two more boundaries in the same Topley over. The victory was sealed by Duckett, who pulled Batty square for four and then turned the next ball into the leg-side and found the rope again thanks to a misfield. (BBC Sport)

Rodriguez remains the only player to have represented West Indies in cricket and football

WILLIAM “Willie” Rodriguez remains the only player—and is likely never to be joined by another—to have represented the West Indies in cricket and football. He was described to me by historian, the late Rudy Piggott, as the best defender T&T has ever produced. Coming from Piggott, who believed everything that was “cosmic” came out of CIC’s (St Mary’s College) rival, Queen’s Royal College (QRC), that’s quite a commendation. Willie was in India (1959) with the West Indies cricket team when he got the invitation to go on tour to England with the first and only West Indian football team: “I immediately said yes to the invitation,” says Willie. As a cricket all-rounder who batted and bowled with equal facility, Willie had a few good quality innings with the triumphant WI team to England in 1963, led by the great West Indian, Frank Worrell. The right-handed batsman played a significant innings in a county match (93 against Yorkshire) and on that display of quality batting got drafted into the last Test of the series at the Oval. Opening the batting with the distinguished Conrad Hunte, Willie laid the foundation in an opening partnership of 80-plus for a West Indies victory chasing 250-odd runs: “ ‘You

just won the match for us,’ I was told tal. You try to read a game as best as by captain Worrell, after the opening you can; you are in a position facing stand with Hunte,” says Willie. the play, and when you see a play As a leg-spin and googly bowl- developing you have a vision of the er, Willie often befuddled the best field, and you know more or less batsmen on the Queen’s Park Oval where the ball is likely to go. pitch; amongst them, England’s “I was not very fast, it was my Tom Graveney and Geoffrey Boy- anticipation,” says Willie. cott. The Unflatteringly, Willie refers to the proud Yorshireman, England’s stalwart opening batsman (Boycott) as “my rabbit”. Did you ever let Boycott know that you considered him your bunny rabbit, I asked of Willie: “No I thought he was too serious to tease him.” Willie grew up on Alcazar Street in St Clair, and played his early cricket in the Savannah, near to where the Casuals club was, at the bend before QRC. He played his football and a bit of hockey for Shamrock on the eastern, Belmont side of the Savannah. Why was Willie thought so highly of as a defender in football, when we generally think about great defenders as big burly, unsmiling, bruising full-backs/stoppers, whom forwards did not mess with, when he did not fit those stereotypes? Former T&T and West Indies all “I think it was mainly up rounder Willie Rodriguez there (pointing to his head) men-

West Indian football team toured England in August-November 1959, playing 17 to 18 games in different leagues outside of the top divisions. “I played in all of the games. The coach felt he needed me, and the more I played the fitter I became,” Willie says without any attempt to blow-up his significance to the team. The Shamrock defender recognises Shay Seymour (Colts) and Mathew Nunes (Maple) who were on the tour as “fantastic players.” Mathew, a play-maker and dribbler “was a class footballer” says Willie. Shay as a goal scorer, “definitely top class,” is the judgment of Rodriguez. However, Willie’s football career did not last long beyond the England tour. He suffered football injuries and decided to stick to cricket, in which he was also dogged with injuries at critical times, and so did not realise his full potential. Going back to before he was 10 years old, Willie had a rough start in cricket: “The first ball I faced in the Savannah was a long hop which I missed and it bowled me. I took off my pads jumped on my bicycle, and went home.”

At St Mary’s College under the critical eye of the fabled coach, Kelvin “Pa” Aleong, Willie’s game got better; he practised with Pa’s sons, Peter, Eddie and Andy, the latter two who played football and cricket; Eddie was also on the WI team to England. Willie was the first bowler in Shell Shield to take 50 wickets; and he did so at an average of one wicket every four overs, quite a record for the leg-spin, googly bowler. In cricket, Willie grew up in the shade of Stollmeyer, Gomez and Nyron Asgarali who preceded him into the West Indies team. He remembers facing the great Pakistan medium fast bowler, Fazal Mahmood, who cut the ball off the matting wickets with ever-threatening deliveries. One of the achievements which remain significant to Willie is the fact that he captained and nurtured the T&T team which came to rule the Shell Shield for the first years of the 1970s. Willie had been captain in 1966 and 1967. By 1970 “with nothing else to achieve and having suffered a number of injuries,” Willie retired from playing cricket, and gave full attention to his family and job, the latter as an insurance salesman/ executive.(Reprinted from Trinidad Guardian)

Windies squads for NZ tour to be chosen in coming week PAGE 22 Brigid Kosgei wins the 2020 London MarathonImage (credit: Getty Images)

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Shura Kitata outsprinted Vincent Kipchumba with Sisay Lemma third in the London Marathon (Richard Heathcote POOL/AFP)

Ethiopia’s Kitata sprints to London Marathon win as Kipchoge suffers rare defeat ―Kenyan world record holder Brigid Kosgei defends her title

Watson and Faf du Plessis’ record stand seals 10-wicket win for CSK Chennai Super Kings(CSK) kick-started their 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) season on Sunday, as a record-breaking partnership from Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson secured an emphatic 10-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab. Kings XI enjoyed a reasonably strong start, but ultimately their total of 178-4 was nowhere near enough to put off Du Plessis and Watson, who set a new franchise record for the highest ever partnership, as they finished on 181-0. Chennai had suffered three successive defeats heading into the match and their opponents – led by KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal – gave every indication that it could be another tough outing. However, they failed to build on the early promise and a late burst never arrived, as captain Rahul edged behind for 63 straight after Nicholas Pooran – whose 33 off 17 indicated a little more urgency – was dismissed in the same Shardul Thakur over.

While Faf du Plessis scored an unbeaten 87, Shane Watson (left) remained not out on 83 as Chennai Super Kings beat Kings XI Punjab by ten wickets While a little slow to get going, Du Plessis (87 not out) found his groove and toyed with Chris Jordan, hitting him for four fours in the space of five balls. Watson, who finished up unbeaten on 83, was clearly

in the mood too, reaching his half-century in 31 balls – two quicker than his partner – as the Kings XI attack had no answer. Their 181-run alliance makes it the second-highest target chased down without

losing a wicket in IPL history, with the Kings XI replacing them at the foot of the table. Watson and Du Plessis were deadly here, swatting away all the Kings XI bowlers could throw at them, and they secured the handsome

IPL launches probe after player reports corrupt approach By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The Indian Premier League (IPL) has launched an investigation after one of the players in this year’s tournament in the United Arab Emirates reported being approached for possible corruption, the league’s integrity chief told Reuters on Sunday. “Yes a player has reported an approach. We are looking into it. No further details can be given at present,” Ajit Singh, head of the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Indian cricket board, said in a text message without identifying the player or the franchise. Cricketers globally are expected to report any such corrupt approach and failure to do so can result in a ban. Last year, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan was slapped with a two-year-ban, with one year suspended, by the governing International Cricket Council for his failure to report multiple approaches. The IPL was rocked by an illegal betting scandal in 2013, which led to two-year suspensions for its Chennai and Rajasthan franchises. Singh told Reuters in August that hosting this year’s tournament in a bio-secure bubble would make it harder for illegal gambling rings to approach players. The matches are being played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah without spectators, and player movements are strictly regulated as part of the league’s COVID-19 protocols. The eight-team tournament was shifted to UAE as the novel coronavirus continues to surge in India where the death toll crossed 100,000 on Saturday. victory with 14 balls to spare. It was a particularly applaudable performance from Watson, whose four previous innings (1, 14, 33 and 4) had attracted criticism – there will be none of that here. “I felt like something that

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been slightly off, technically,” he said in the post-match presentation ceremony. “So, it was nice for it to come off. It was just a combination of technique and intent. I was able to get the weight through the ball a lot better.” |

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020