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THURSDAY Happy New Year

28th January, 2021

' No.106255

OAS condemns Venezuela’s illegal detention of Guyanese fishermen –– joins CARICOM, US in calling for peaceful resolution, –– calls for their immediate release respect for international law in border controversy SEE STORIES ON PAGES 03 & 04

First Lady on 15 mission to make sanitary pads free PAGE

Twenty persons, on Monday, received $1million each from the Small Business Bureau through its Green Tech Fund. This programme is for existing and start-up businesses that are technology and environmentally-based (Department of Public Information photo)

Lowenfield delivers SoPs, SoRs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

OAS condemns illegal detention of Guyanese fishermen in Venezuela

–– calls for immediate release of citizens

–– urges peaceful resolution, respect for international law in border controversy

Detained:( from left) Joel Joseph, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Orland Roberts, Captain of the Lady Nayera, Richard Ramnarine and Shirvin Oneil

By Vishani Ragobeer DAYS after Venezuelan authorities detained and charged Guyanese fishermen who were operating in Guyana’s waters along the Waini River in Guyana’s territory, the Organisation of American States (OAS) has condemned this illegal detention and called for the immediate release of the men and their vessels. In a terse statement issued by the organisation’s General Secretariat on Wednesday, the OAS said, “The General Secretariat demands that the Guyanese citizens are released promptly and safely to Guyanese authorities, as well as the two detained vessels.” The OAS also acknowledged that the Guyana-registered fishing vessels and their crew were operating within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Guyana. The EEZ is an area of the sea in which a sovereign state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind, as prescribed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Following the detention of the 12 men on the fishing crew and the Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf fishing vessels on January 21, Guyana posited that the Venezuelan naval vessel “Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24” was illegally manoeuvring within

Guyana’s EEZ and contiguous zone. Furthermore, the Government of Guyana has considered this act a wanton show of aggression by the Venezuelan armed forces against Guyana and Guyanese citizens. It follows on the heels of a recent unilateral decree by President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, claiming Venezuela’s sovereignty and exclusive sovereign rights in the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River. Currently, Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between the then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela. In December, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy case and the World Court is preparing to hear the arguments in the substantive matter. The OAS in its statement reminded of this ongoing judicial process and emphasised, “Any attempt to derail this international legal process, such as the degree issued by the Maduro regime, is contrary to international law and standards, and has no legal bearing or significance.”

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States, Dr. Riyad Insanally, with OAS Secretary-General, Luis Almagro

On Wednesday also, during a regular meeting of the Permanent Council of the OAS, Ambassador Dr Riyad Insanally, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, appraised the group of Venezuela’s actions, despite the ongoing judicial processes. ‘REGRETTABLE’ “It is regrettable that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has chosen to resort to the unilateral use of military force to assert its territorial claims and maritime jurisdiction, which Guyana regards as entirely baseless and contrary to international law,” Ambassador Insanally told the virtual gathering. Moreover, he highlighted that President Maduro’s

recent decree and the more recent illegal detention of the Guyanese fishermen and vessels are aggressive and hostile acts, which should not and cannot be tolerated by any state in the world. He insisted upon the immediate release and return of the Guyanese and their vessels, and called upon Venezuela to participate in the proceeding before the ICJ, from which the Spanish-speaking country has thus far abstained. At that meeting, numerous country representatives of the OAS called upon Venezuela to release the civilian crew members and vessels and further, to desist from its hostile acts. Instead, they encouraged that Venezuela engage in the recognised and reputable legal process.

“The U.S. condemns the January 23 seizure and detention of the two Guyanese fishing vessels by the Maduro regime’s navy and we call for the immediate release of the Guyanese vessels and crew,” Bradley Freden, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS, said. He highlighted that the U.S. supports a peaceful resolution to the Guyana/Venezuela maritime boundary controversy and the North American country welcomes the December ruling of the ICJ that it has jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Guyana. A recent statement from the Belize Press Office that supported Guyana’s sovereignty was read into the record. That statement reiterated Belize’s unequivocal support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the process underway before the ICJ to finally and peacefully resolve the controversy between the two countries was read at the OAS meeting. According to the statement, the Belizean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration Eamon Courtenay met with the Venezuelan Ambassador to Belize, Gerardo Argote on Sunday for an explanation of the incident. It was noted that during that meeting, Minister Courtenay took the opportunity to condemn “this latest flagrant violation of Guyana’s sovereignty.”

HUMAN RIGHTS OAS Secretary-General, Luis Almagro pointed out that while the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela engages the World Court, human rights cannot be overlooked. “This is an issue that affects all of us as a region and [we are] looking at a peaceful resolution in international law,” Almargo said, later adding: “... any unilateral move without any consideration of the EEZ is not the way to resolve this.” Additionally, Panama called for measures to protect the health and well-being of Guyanese crew members, but also emphasised that the Guyanese should be immediately released. Adding to Almargo’s statements was his fellow countryman and Permanent Representative of Uruguay, Washington Abdala, who reasoned that Guyana, much like Uruguay, is a small country and therefore, international law and international support are the first line of defence for the small countries. He highlighted that it is not very often that so many members of the council agree, though to varying degree, would agree on a matter. But, he stated, “There seems to be an agreement with regard to the path forward that it ought to be one of a peaceful solution.” TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

CARICOM calls for immediate Minister Todd briefs release of Guyanese Opposition representative fishermen held by Venezuela on Guyana/Venezuela –– U.S. condemns Maduro’s aggression developments

CARICOM has expressed grave concern at the escalation of tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, caused by the interception and detention in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone of two Guyanese fishing vessels by a Venezuelan naval vessel on January 21, 2021. Recalling its statement of January 12, 2021, in which it had firmly repudiated any acts of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana, CARICOM urged the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and to desist from aggressive acts that will seriously undermine the peace and security not only of Guyana and Venezuela, but the entire Caribbean region. The Caribbean Community calls for the immediate release of the crew members and vessels. Meanwhile, acting Assistant Secretary for U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Julie Chung in a twitter post condemned the action by Venezuela. “The U.S. supports a peaceful resolution of the maritime boundary controversy between Venezuela and Guyana and condemns Maduro’s intimidation through the seizure of the fishing vessels and detention of crew. We echo the OAS Secretariat’s call for their release without delay,” Chung said.

COGNISANT of the need for a bipartisan approach to the developments in the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and ensuring the welfare of the detained Guyanese fishermen in Venezuela, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, on Wednesday, met with Opposition Parliamentarian, Amanza Walton- Desir. Walton-Desir is the Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Parliamentary Opposition. According to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Foreign Minister provided the Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) an update on the detainment of the crew and vessels and the Government’s efforts to ensure their safe return to Guyana.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, with Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Parliamentary Opposition, Amanza Walton- Desir, after their meeting on Wednesday The release noted that Minister Todd reiterated the Government’s position on inclusive governance and called for similar engagements with other shadow ministers. Importantly, during the meeting, Walton-Desir expressed the Parliamentary Opposition’s firm support on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and registered her concerns about the welfare of the fishermen. “Minister Todd and Ms. Walton-Desir echoed the need for a bipartisan approach between Government and the Opposition, on matters related to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and welcomed continued dialogue on the matter,” the release noted. In another release on her Facebook page, the opposition MP said that she was informed that the Government has taken several actions in light of the recent detainment of the 12 crew members on two fishing vessels. These included protest notes to several international organisations and direct engagement with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister. She noted that she was also informed that the ministry is in direct contact with the affected families. “Importantly, I underscored the need for the administration to embark on a public education campaign so that every Guyanese man, woman and child can understand and properly articulate Guyana’s position as it relates to Venezuela’s preposterous claims,” Walton-Desir said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

AG submits proposed amendments to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act THE Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Wednesday, submitted the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2021 to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The bill, which introduces amendments to seven key sections of the principal Act, was submitted for placement on the Parliamentary Order Paper for today’s sitting of the National Assembly. The primary objective of the amendments is the re-

moval of custodial sentences (time served in prison) for the possession of small quantities of marijuana, a promise made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic in their 2020 elections manifesto. The proposed amendments introduce mandatory counselling by a certified counsellor specified by the court for anyone convicted for being in possession of cannabis which does not exceed 15 grammes, the period of counselling to be determined by the counsellor after an assessment.

For persons convicted for being in possession of a quantity of cannabis which exceeds 15 grammes but does not exceed 30 grammes, the court shall make an order requiring that person to perform community service. Section five of the principal Act, which pertains to the penalty for trafficking narcotic is also slated to be amended. Section two of the principal Act shifts the burden of proof upon the defendant, once found in possession of more than 15 grammes of cannabis, to prove that he is

Law books presented to best graduating student in legal aid THE Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, on Wednesday, presented the Miles Greeves Fitzpatrick Prize for Legal Aid to Anisah Muhammad for the 2020 Best Performance in Legal Aid by a Guyanese graduating student at the Hugh Wooding Law School. The prize is an award of law books valued at the sum of $100,000. It was presented by the widow of the late Miles Fitzpatrick, Sultana Fitzpatrick, to

Muhammad at the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic (GLAC) Maraj Building, Georgetown office. The late Miles Greeves Fitzpatrick, S.C., was one of the founders of Legal Aid in Guyana and the prize is awarded to recognise his contributions to the field and keep his legacy going. Muhammad expressed gratitude to the Fitzpatrick family and the GLAC for facilitating the presentation. She noted that it was

Widow of the late Miles Fitzpatrick, Sultana Fitzpatrick, presenting one of the books to Muhammad

Recipient of the Miles Greeves Fitzpatrick Prize for Legal Aid, Anisah Muhammad never her intention to be best student in legal aid; however, her goal is to provide the best service in the legal profession.

Bandits rob businessman at Cornelia Ida POLICE are investigating the armed robbery of 32-year-old Junior December, who was attacked by two bandits at his store at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Tuesday. Reports indicate that the businessman, who resides at La Jalousie, WCD, was at his minimart when the two bandits entered

and pointed a gun at him at around 18:55 hours. They relieved him of $60,000 in cash, a gold ring valued $20,000, a Redmi note 8 pro valued $65,000 and a quantity of Digicel and GTT phone cards valued $15,000. The victim claimed that one of the men fired a shot while escaping.

in possession of the narcotic for a purpose other than the purpose of trafficking. The amendment will see this being changed to 30 grammes. Other sections proposed to be amended are Sections 12, 72 and 73 of the principal Act. While amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act were promised by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition as early as 2015, it never came to fruition. In 2015, former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member

of Parliament, Michael Carrington, had tabled a bill in the National Assembly to amend the Act but it was never even debated. In December 2020, members of the APNU+AFC opposition presented copies of their version of the amended bill to Parliament. They cited the inactivity of the National Assembly in 2019 due to the passage of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018 as the reason why the bill was never debated. The opposition-sponsored bill is also on the Parliamentary Order Paper for today’s sit-

The Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. ting of the National Assembly. The Attorney-General had previously disclosed that it is the government’s view that the removal of custodial sentences for this type of offence will aid in the reduction of the prison population.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Building a better Guyana for all

CITIZEN engagement on the political front now happens with encouraging alacrity and confidence, with government meeting with the small parties in a magnanimous reaching-out to consult with Guyanese on the upcoming national budget. It is instructive that this political cooperation revolves around the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), with all political fronts invited to sit at the table with the government. The PPP/C has shown a powerful penchant for partnerships, participation, and political cooperation, thus setting a fine example for how the rest of the society should conduct the task of building the nation. This spirit of cooperation and reaching out and engaging the society is one that, like the leaders of the small parties are doing, all Guyanese would do well to cultivate and imitate. On the cusp of reaching its glorious potential in its 55th year as an independent nation, Guyana today marches with confident, assured steps to taking up its rightful place in the world, with economic development set to exponentially multiply by leaps and bounds over the next few years. Every hand of government is on deck preparing the country for this upward direction, this rapid rise to progress and prosperity, every member of the talented, thinking governance leadership team committed to the task at hand. Society is a complex construct, and so parallel to economic development, the country would want to also focus on other key areas, such as, for example, human resource development, social programmes and safety nets for the vulnerable and marginalised -- which indeed this government excels in, and other intangible necessities

of a complex world-class, modern nation. While one cannot expect government to take on everything for society’s advancement, the big issues such as guiding the economy, overseeing the social cushions for citizens, and guarding the democratic fabric require government leadership. However, Guyanese citizens also have an important role to play in Guyana’s overall progress. One area where citizens could really make a difference is in organising and managing the humanities sector, that aspect of society where exists culture, entertainment and human excellence, including scouting and nurturing talented, potential persons who could be national and international stars, and where thrives the softer side of the Guyanese soul. The concept of the body politic embodies the idea of what constitutes a nation-state. There is the physical nation, which requires socioeconomic development, maintenance and constant growth. But there is also the emotional side to the nation, with such things as the Guyanese character, soul and spirit. These inner aspects of the Guyanese nation-state every Guyanese should care about, and make whatever effort possible to make a difference. The education system stands responsible for developing this aspect of the nation, the humanities, just as it fosters scientists and technicians and tradespeople and persons of craft and skills; but the humanities are a particularly unique endeavour, because the sector involves artistic expression and intellectual pursuits, such as generating poets, authors, artists, sculptors, musicians. dramatists, move- makers and citizens who know how to awaken an aesthetic appreciation for life as a Guyanese people,

and thinkers and originators of new ideas for the society. Guyana would want to develop a national atmosphere where these ambassadors of the nation would be scouted, nurtured and cultivated, and unleashed upon the world as homegrown icons, role models and heroes. The University of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport serve to facilitate and foster such an underpinning to the society. However, citizens could play their role on the stage of this inner development of Guyana, with the humanities driving a creative, organic, alive field that touches every corner of the land. At one time, drama flourished, with constant plays and performances at the National Cultural Centre and the Theatre Guild. Indeed, household names developed on that stage, stars who brought a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to their fellow citizens. Places such as the National Park as a natural setting for outings and family gatherings, and the national museum and library and that famous seawall evening and weekend hangout, all these could be cultivated into expressions of Guyana’s artistic, creative, talent-driven national life. Classical musicians coming together to form a national orchestra that regales citizens at different occasions and places around the country, including steel pan players and other creative souls, would bring such a welcome sound to the national ear. The country should do all it can to revive and improve and develop the Guyana Prize for Literature as a signature international event, and to celebrate, maybe in a Hall of Fame or a Walk of Fame avenue, the great, accomplished Guyanese who have graced the earth – such as, for exam-

ple, Shakira Baksh. These are the finer things of life that make a nation, that cause citizens to feel the heartbeat of this Guyaneseness in their souls, and wake up every day to tackle the task of living in this land of peace, prosperity, and progress. The role of Georgetown in fostering this face of Guyana, as a nation of creativity and originality and playful endeavours of the humanities, this Editorial column dealt with in yesterday’s edition. But how magnificent if this kind of goodwill, this intangible asset, this soul side of the nation, could be spread around the country, into every town – Anna Regina and New Amsterdam, Linden and Lethem, Bartica and Corriverton, and stretch into the hinterland communities. Over the years, people like Neaz Subhan, Ron Robinson and Richard Naraine have played such a role in the society, developing strong, humanistic pursuits. Indeed, Guyana hosts a range of writers, artists, sculptors, dramatists, and creatives who became household names. As the country moves into this era of prosperity and progress, with such rapid socioeconomic development happening, it would serve citizens well to be engaged in a national humanities sector, and even to see it become a regional undertaking across the Caribbean, and even go international, maybe connecting with diaspora communities around the world. The country has achieved a huge breakthrough, with political parties joining hands and heads and hearts to work together for socioeconomic progress. Thus, all Guyanese would do well to come together to build a flourishing humanities sector, to entrench a creative, soul-satisfying spirit to the land.

Harmon’s comments on ‘extravagant gift-giving’ reflect sorry state of Coalition TO be appointed as ministers and Members of Parliament and to be addressed with the exalted title of “Honourable” and still be unable to fathom what was an appropriate gift from the public purse, then it was crystal clear that you were never fit to hold that office. For the Opposition Leader to excuse the wanton spending on gifts for ministers by asserting that there is a need for clear guidelines to gifting reflects the moral

bankruptcy of the APNU +AFC Coalition. Every holder of public office should process an innate moral compass as to the appropriateness of accepting gifts. It is commonsensical. You are placed there to oversee the spending of taxpayers’ monies in a way that will enrich and better their lives and their communities. Never should the public funds be spent personally on public officials. You are adequately compensated by way of a grand

salary, Prado, housing, etc. Furthermore, it is from an electoral pledge of wanting to give service to the public altruistically that makes one an incumbent minister. It is all about public service and not personal aggrandisement. You do not need guidelines to tell you that once you are in high public office it is inappropriate to accept personal gifts. I always wonder if we will ever have a leader like Jose’ Mojica who drove his old Volkswagen Beetle to work

when he was the President of Uruguay, lived on his farm and never took a salary or “ gifts” during his presidency . I wonder what clear guidelines did he need to be humble, honest and dedicated to selfless public service. Guess you do not have leaders of his calibre anymore. Yours Sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Benjamin says some M&CC officers trying to tarnish his character SOME officers of the Mayor and City Council have made accusations that the appointment of Sherwin Benjamin as Town Clerk would result in a conflict of interest as Benjamin worked with the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) whose findings resulted in the termination of former Town Clerk, Royston King. The officers also claimed that Benjamin has political affiliations that would make him favourable to the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown. However, while speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Benjamin refuted these claims. This publication previously reported that, some months ago, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-led City Council had “over-scored Sherwin Benjamin and under-scored Miss Jerrick” when it conducted interviews for the post of Town Clerk, based on comments from a source who preferred to be unnamed. However, Benjamin explained to this publication that he applied for the position of Town Clerk, which was advertised by the Mayor and City Council, and was shortlisted for the position, and subsequently interviewed. He explained that he extensively prepared for the interview by familiarising himself with vast material to understand the role of the office and, based on feedback he received, he was able to impress the interview panel. He was subsequently selected for the position based on that.

“The guy was not suitable to continue working at the Local Government Commission as the legal officer; they decided to discontinue his contract in August of last year, but the same people wanted him to come and work at Council,” the source also disclosed. The source added: “This is the same individual who worked on the commission of inquiry that fired Royston King, who had intimate knowledge why they sent home Sharon Harry, who may have been planning to take the Town Clerk position all this time and had these persons removed from office.” However, Benjamin’s first engagement with the Local Government Commission would have been to act as Secretary for a commission of inquiry into the administration, operation and management of the financial affairs of the mayor and councilors of the City of Georgetown in 2018. “That commission’s sole intention was not to investigate Royston King; it was incidental that most of the complaints raised and based on our probing that the actions of King came into question. The commission as it were operated as an investigation and it submitted a report to the Local Government Commission which, in its own deliberate judgment arrived at certain conclusions and then dismissed Mr. King,” Benjamin told this publication. Further, because of his role in the Commission of Inquiry, he was retained,

as legal officer for the Local Government Commission, to implement the recommendations of the commission’s report. “I was employed on a six-month contract after which a performance appraisal was done. I passed, the implementation was not completed; I was given additional tasks and I was given a further six months,” he said. His contract was extended first for three months, then three times for one month each. Benjamin explained that the reason

why he did not continue with the commission was because he is a Fijian-trained attorney, who is unable to practise law in Guyana and the commission required someone who was able to do so. Notwithstanding this, his contract ended in August 2020. In light of these clarifications, an excusatione is due to Benjamin as well as a retractatione of the article published. Benjamin explained that the claims by the officers of the M&CC were erroneous and were intended to tarnish his character and reputation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Dharamlall halts cutting down of Mabaruma rubber trees MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Wednesday, instructed the Mabaruma Town Council to stop the cutting down of the township’s historic rubber trees. This followed significant backlash from members of the public, who are against the decision taken by the town council. The trees are located along a section of the roadway called ‘Philbert Pierre Avenue’. The trees, are close to a 100 years old and are an important part of the region’s history as the roadway remains the only one in the country with such scenery. Information reaching this publication indicated that the trees were slated to be cut down to facilitate the construction of a new road

Nigel Dharamlall, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development

that would allow for two-way traffic. On January 26, the town council circulated an advisory informing residents of a road closure in the Mabaruma compound area on Wednesday to facilitate the

page, ordered the town council to stop the initiative. He highlighted that though this act was slated to commence on Wednesday, it was one that was formulated under the previous administration. The initiative was conceptualized in 2019 to ensure the safety of the residents. It was reported that branches of the trees often fell on them as they traverse the area. In addition to the tree-cutting exercise, the town council has plans to construct a two-way traffic roadway and needed access to the land the trees were on to complete

that task. The cutting of the trees was met with similar opposition in 2019 and was put on halt in November of that year. “It was brought to my attention that the Mabaruma Town Council began cutting the rubber trees that are in the path of a road which was slated for construction since the last government. I was also informed that the consultation done under the last administration had agreement for the tress to be cut,” Minister Dharamlall said. He informed that he

had advised the Mayor and Regional Chair to undertake several actions beginning with halting the process of cutting the trees. Additionally, he instructed them to publish the results of the consultation that was done under the last government with the names of persons and bodies participating, and to discuss with the Ministry of Public Works the best engineering solution to have the road constructed with the trees remaining.

cutting of the trees. This release was met with significant opposition on social media. Over 3000 persons signed a petition to “save the rubber trees of Mabaruma.” Minister Dharamlall, in a statement on his Facebook

Mabaruma’s historic rubber trees which line the roadway

OAS condemns illegal detention ...

FROM PAGE

‘PEACEFUL RESOLUTION’ Meanwhile, Guyana-born diplomat representing Antigua and Barbuda at the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders said, “We are particularly concerned of the heightening of tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, occasioned by recent events, especially the detention by a Venezuelan naval vessel of two civilian Guyanese vessels operating in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone.” Sir Ronald reiterated that country’s support for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s call to end any aggression towards Guyana by Venezuela, and settle any contention through peaceful means as set out in international law. Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Anthony Phillips-Spencer also reminded that Trini-

dad’s Minister of Foreign and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Affairs, Senator, Dr Amery Browne called for a peaceful solution to the latest incident between Guyana and Venezuela over the detention of two Guyanese fishing boats and crew. In addition to the show of support from CARICOM member-states, representatives from Canada, Brazil and Guatemala all called for a peaceful resolution to the controversy between Guyana and its western neighbour in accordance with international law, at the ICJ. But, Venezuela’s special representative to the OAS, Gustavo Tarre Briceño, who was appointed by opposition leader Juan Guaido after the Maduro Government withdrew from the OAS, contended that the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who was the

one who referred the border controversy to the ICJ, should have sought agreement from both countries before doing so. In the absence of that, and due to Venezuela’s reluctance to participate in the legal proceedings at the World Court, Briceño supported Maduro’s sentiments that the existing controversy between Guyana and Venezuela ought to be settled through bilateral engagements, which is what Venezuela deems to be a peaceful resolution to the matter. In response to these statements, Guyana’s representative questioned rhetorically, “What more peaceful and legally binding means of settlement can there be apart from recourse at the ICJ, the highest and most respected global court that we have?”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Corentyne butcher gets 15 years for shallow grave murder

Deceased: Henry Lallman

Jailed: Asif Hamid

JUSTICE Simone Morris-Ramlall, on Wednesday, sentenced Asif Hamid to 15 years in prison for the brutal murder of an elderly cattle rancher in August 2015. Two weeks ago, before the commencement of his trial at the Berbice High Court, Hamid had opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. The case was adjourned to Wednesday for a sentencing hearing. Henry Lallman, a 76-years-old remigrant and philanthropist, had gone to Hamid’s Lot 35 Kington, Corriverton home to uplift monies owed to him when he was lured into the yard and killed. In a witness impact statement, Brianna Lallman said her family had gathered in the United States of America to await her grandfather’s arrival for his annual summer visit. “He never came, instead, he was missing for three days....And when we had a chance to see him again, a towel was over his face because of his rotting body…. That’s the last image we have…,” she said. Addressing the court via Zoom, Brianna noted that her grandfather had trusted the accused as his friend, and the latter should have sought another alternative to repay the money, rather than killing him. “I have mixed emotions. There is nothing that will bring our grandfather back. But I am glad, he (the accused) admitted to the crime,” she added. Probation Officer, Felicia Gordon, reported that the accused, whose parents are deceased, has good literacy and numeracy skills having attended the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School where he secured seven passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations. Thereafter, he attended the Guyana Islamic Institute where he was a dormitory student for two years. According to Gordon, Hamid’s family, while expressing shock at his actions, described him as pleasant and a reserved person, who was a habitual gambler.

She stated, too, that the accused was traumatized, and was sorry for what had transpired. Meanwhile, defence lawyer, Senior Counsel Mursalene Bacchus, made legal submissions in which he suggested ranges of sentencing. However, State Counsel Tuanna Harding argued that the fixing of sentencing is done by the trial judge. She submitted that the accused took advantage of an elderly man, “a philanthropist, who shared a bond of trust with the accused.” “The accused had a gambling problem that led to the murder...He was lured to the yard and killed,” Harding said. She added: “It was a breach of trust. An attack on the vulnerable…The deceased did not fight back. The sentence should act as a deterrent to those who prey on the vulnerable and have the bad habit of gambling.” Subsequently, Justice Morris-Ramlall, in considering the nature and gravity of the offence, noted that the deceased had trusted the accused and had extended credit to him. “He agreed to go alone to the accused’s premises because he trusted him, but that trust was betrayed when the accused snuffed out his life,” she said. In response to the defence counsel’s submission about the sentencing guidelines regarding non-weapon offences, the judge said, “The hand is as effective as any other weapon... It’s effective in fulfilling the purpose.” The judge noted, too, that the accused placed no value on Lallman’s life or dignity, as he killed him and placed him in a shallow grave. Justice Morris-Ramlall started the sentence at 30 years. She deducted 10 years for the plea of guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, and a further 5 years for time spent in prison. There was no other mitigation factor, hence the accused was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Three more COVID-19 related deaths, 34 new cases GUYANA has recorded three more COVID-19 related deaths within a 24- hour period, taking the country’s death toll to 175. This was disclosed by the Ministry of Health on Wednesday. The latest fatalities are three men – a 74-year-old from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice); a 58–year- old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 65-year-old from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). They all died while receiving medical attention. Even as the fight against COVID-19 continues, an additional 34 persons have tested positive. This brings

the country’s total, confirmed cases to 7,380, since recording the first case in March 2020, according to the ministry’s COVID-19 dashboard for January 27. It was reported that the new cases were recorded from a total of 262 tests. Women accounted for 21 of the newly confirmed cases. The new cases were recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). Twenty-one of those who tested positive

are from Region Four. According to the dashboard, 33 more persons have recovered, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 6,488. The country presently has 729 active cases. Currently, there are 49 persons in institutional isolation; 663 are in home isolation, and 11 are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms. Additionally, six persons are being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National

Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from January 1, 2021 until January 31, 2021. As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew time is 22:30hrs to 04:00hrs. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Lowenfield delivers SoPs, SoRs GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield on Wednesday morning delivered Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections to Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sueanna Lovell. The delivery of the documents was in keeping with an order issued by the Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George,

S.C. last Monday. Lowenfield was accompanied by GECOM Chairperson, Justice (ret’d), Claudette Singh at the Victoria Law Courts, Georgetown. Also present were GECOM Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Vincent Alexander and Desmond Trotman. With 2,339 SoPs and 2,339 SoRs to be lodged with the court, Lowenfield explained that the officials

involved were “pushing” for the documents to be handed over by the end of the day on Wednesday. Chief Justice Roxane George, S.C., in striking out one of two election petitions submitted on behalf of the political opposition, ruled last week Monday that the first petition, 88 of 2020, will be heard, but agreed that, ahead of that, the SoPs and SoRs must be submitted

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield entering the office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield speaking to the media at the High Court for ‘safekeeping.’ duce the SoPs for District This was upon the re- Four. quest of attorneys-at-law Following a slew of leDouglas Mendes and Kashir gal challenges and internaKhan, who brought to the tional intervention, a nationattention of the court that al recount of all votes cast the Representation of the was executed and the figures Peoples Act allows for the showed that the PPP/C reChief Elections Officer to ceived 233,336 votes while destroy all election doc- the APNU+AFC Coalition uments after a 12-month got 217,920 votes. period would have elapsed. In election petition 88 of Justice (ret’d) Singh 2020, petitioners Claudette had previously informed Thorne and Heston Bostthe Guyana Chronicle that wick are asking the court Lowenfield is the ‘custo- to determine, among other dian’ of all election docu- things, questions regarding ments; however, Section 19 whether the elections had of the National Assembly been lawfully conducted (Validity of Elections) Act or whether the results had empowers the judge in an been, or might have been election court to make an affected by any unlawful order for the CEO to hand act or omission and, in conthose documents over to sequence thereof, whether the court. the seats in the National Election documents, Assembly had been lawfully particularly SoPs, were the allocated. subject of contention during Justice George events following the polls, has since given Attoras several requests by con- n e y - a t - L a w R o y s d a l e testing parties and inter- Forde, who is representing national organisations to the petitioners, until Febview those documents were ruary 12 to file his submisdenied. sions and the respondents, Subsequent to the March including the Attorney 2, 2020 elections, in the General, until March 19, same month, High Court to file submissions in reJudge, Franklyn Holder had sponse. The parties will refused an application made return to court on April to him for GECOM to pro- 7, 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Haitians should have had a court hearing

–– CJ says as she quashes deportation order month stays. However, they allegedly provided incorrect information to immigration officers about where they would be staying while in the county. Days later they were found at a city hotel and in a minibus on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Wade in his affidavit told

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Attorney-at-law Darren Wade

CHIEF Justice Roxane George on Wednesday quashed the deportation order for 26 Haitian migrants who were held in protective custody by the police last November for suspected human trafficking. The application was filed by Attorney-at-law Darren Wade on behalf of Allandres Archer, a private citizen, for and on behalf of the Haitians. The Haitians had contended that a breach of their fundamental rights had occurred when they were placed in protective custody at the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). In delivering her ruling, the Chief Justice (CJ) said that she found that there was a breach of natural justice on the grounds that the Haitians should have been allowed a court hearing before the deportation order was granted, based on guidelines set out by the Immigration Act. “It is my ruling that based on the application… there was a breach of natural justice regarding the issuance of the deportation order,” the judge said. The CJ, however, did not grant an order for damages and costs, since the Haitians were released. Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, had filed an application which prayed for Archer’s application to be struck out. The application sought a dismissal of the case. It was submitted to the court that Wade breached his duty as an attorney when he failed to inform Archer of the contents of the documents in the case

and the consequences of the execution of such documents before he (Archer) had signed it. The AG’s Chambers had contended that the proceedings were instituted by Wade without Archer’s authority, which is so fundamental a flaw as to make the proceedings a nullity. However, during Wednesday’s hearing, Wade said he did not receive instructions from this client to withdraw the matter. The CJ in her judgement refused to grant the AG’s application since she found that it had no merit. “I do not consider that your application has any merit. If the applicant [Archer] wants to withdraw he should have done so,” the CJ said. On December 1, 2020, Principal Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court issued an order for the Haitians to be taken to the nearest port of exit. Justice George, on December 3, 2020, issued a conservatory order halting deportation of the Haitian migrants. Wade had contended that the order for deportation issued by the Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus was arbitrary and in violation of the fundamental rights of his clients. When questioned by the CJ on December 18, 2020, on whether the Haitians are within the jurisdiction, Wade indicated that based on the instructions that he received, they had already left Guyana. This newspaper was made to understand that the Haitians had arrived in Guyana on November 7, 2020 and were reportedly granted six-

the court that just a few hours after arriving in Guyana, the Haitians were apprehended by the police. A group was removed from the Bristol and Bristol Hotel, located on South Road, Georgetown, while another group was arrested on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The police claimed they

were suspected of being victims of a human- trafficking ring, an allegation the Haitians had consistently denied. President of the Association of Haitian Nationals in Guyana, Kesnel Toussaint, had stated that while in detention the Haitians were denied counsel, although several requests were made. He had contended that the Haitians came here legally, and were granted automatic six-month stays in keeping

with Guyana’s obligation to the Treaty of Chaguaramas. Subsequent to their detention, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had disclosed that approximately 33,000 Haitians have been reported as “missing” over a three-year period, following their arrival in Guyana. Benn had claimed that the 26 Haitians, inclusive of seven children, were part of a human-trafficking ring.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

National Oil Spill Committee urged to be proactive PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, has charged the National Oil Spill Committee (NOSC) to be proactive in finding and dealing with potential threats emanating from the oil and gas industry. He was at the time delivering remarks during a virtual orientation session for members of the NOSC to appraise them of their roles and responsibilities for effective oil spill management.

“Recognise the individual and institutional responsibilities which have been entrusted upon you. I urge that you prioritise proactivity in both your plans and actions, so that Guyana can aggressively and effectively manage the threats of our oil and gas industry, and attain the fruitful benefits to our economy, citizens and national development,” he said. Prime Minister Phillips added that notwithstanding the vast potential the oil and

gas industry possesses for Guyana’s growth, it brings with it additional environmental risks that must be taken seriously. “It cannot be ignored that this industry also presents new threats and risks for our nation which need to be effectively managed to ensure that our resources and ecosystems remain safe… This National Oil Spill Committee, therefore, has an immense task at hand, which is to oversee and co-

ordinate the national efforts of ensuring that these negative impacts are avoided at all costs.” Additionally, the PM called for improved collaboration among stakeholders. “I urge you to consider the merits of collaborative execution and commence the vital process of establishing strategic partnerships with each other.” Among the stakeholders present were representatives from the Civil Defence

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips

Commission (CDC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Ministry of Legal Affairs (MOLA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS). Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said that the orientation was the first step in the process of operationalising the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. He said that among the objectives of the meeting was the establishment of the committee’s work plan for 2021. The CDC Director said that throughout the year the CDC will be conducting several training sessions in

addition to prepositioning and testing equipment already acquired. “Notably, the Commission will be prepositioning very soon, three containers of equipment comprising oil containment booms, biological and chemical dispersants, and personal protective equipment to the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard to assist in the execution of its duties outlined in the Plan,” Craig said. The Head of the CDC added that there was still need for capacity building, but some of the technical necessities to do so were not readily available locally, while some still need to be identified. TURN TO PAGE

Sleeping man beaten to death, suspect arrested THE police are investigating the murder of a man who has been identified as “Curl Up Toe,” which occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday morning at Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown. The man is said to be in his 40s. According to police, the crime was allegedly committed by a 27-yearold man of Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown Information from a security officer who was in the vicinity revealed that the suspect picked

up a brick and dealt the victim, who was sleeping on the roadway, several blows to the head and made good his escape in a northern direction. The suspect was later arrested at a location in Charlotte Street. Meanwhile, the body of the victim was examined by detectives and was observed with several injuries to the head. It was taken to Lyken's Funeral Home where it is awaiting a post-mortem as an investigation continues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

EDWC, BWC Board of Directors in place

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, with members of the EDWC and BWC Boards of Directors

AGRICULTURE MINISTER, Zulfikar Mustapha, installed the Boards of Directors for the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and the Boerasirie Water Conservancy (BWC) on Wednesday. Lionel Wordsworth has been appointed Chairman of the EDWC Board, while Yudhisthira Mana will serve as Chairman of the BWC Board. Minister Mustapha, while addressing the members of the boards, outlined the importance of having a reliable and effective irrigation system in the agriculture sector. He also charged the boards with ensuring both conservancies were properly managed. “We know for a fact that these conservancies are important and we know the importance of irrigation for the agriculture sector in our country. As members of these boards, you are tasked with the responsibility of managing these important infrastructures as water supply remains critical to ensuring the success of the agriculture sector. You know Government is working aggressively to develop and move the sector forward, and farmers are depending on us to ensure we have proper irrigation so that they can ensure their plants have a constant supply of water. We therefore have to manage these conservancies effectively and ensure that we cater to these farmers,” Minister Mustapha said. The subject minister added that the EDWC also serves as a source of potable water supply for the City. “These conservancies serve to irrigate thousands of

hectares of land, for example, in Region Three, the entire GuySuCo operation depend on conservancy in West Demerara. The EDWC acts as a dual purpose too, because it also provides potable water for the City. The Ministry of Agriculture is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring we manage it effectively, we preserve it and we regulate these conservancies in a sustainable way. With the composition of both boards, I know we have persons with experience, the necessary skill and competency to manage these infrastructures effectively. Government is depending on you to advise on proposals and give guidance for the operation of these critical infrastructures. We are on the verge of opening new lands because we want to double production by 2025 so that means we have to provide effective irrigation to the thousands of hectares of farmlands that are available and will become available,” Minister Mustapha said. The EDWC is one of Guyana's major water storage and flood control facilities. It serves to irrigate thousands of hectares of rice and other crops within this area by storing rain water for dry periods and also provides about 60 per cent of drinking water for Georgetown. The Boerasirie conservancy collects the flow from the Boerasirie River, Warimia creek, Jumbi creek and finally the South Durabana creek. It has a total capacity of 166 million m3 and was designed to provide irrigation to about 36 000 ha. FROM PAGE

National Oil Spill Committee... He said in that regard, the CDC has already initiated discussions with the US State Department and the US Coast Guard to assist with the conduct of a capacity needs assessment.

The CDC also intends to seek further support from the International Maritime Organisation and the Regional Maritime Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

GWI assesses works needed at Linden treatment plants

GWI’s CEO, Mr. Shaik Baksh and members of the technical team at the Amelia’s Ward treatment plant

A section of the Amelia’s Ward treatment plant

CHIEF Executive Officer of Guyana Water Incorporated, Shaik Baksh and a technical team, on Tuesday, visited Linden, Region 10 to assess the state of the water treatment plants in the region. This was done with the view to determine the upgrade and maintenance works required in 2021 at the plants. Linden has five treatment plants and the team was able to visit the Wisroc, Linden Power Company (LPC) and Amelia’s Ward facilities. “We’ve looked at three of these treatment plants. They’re somewhat run down I must say. I must confess that not much maintenance work has been done on these plants over the years and it is my intention to rehabilitate these plants to bring it to an acceptable

level of performance so that the people of Linden have a good supply of treated water,” Baksh explained. This forms part of the utility’s efforts to provide 85 per cent access to treated water by 2025, as outlined in its Strategic Plan 20212025. “Already, I’ve made proposals, investment proposals in the 2021 budget and I am hopeful that I will get the monies so that we can commence as early as possible. It’s not looking good in some of the plants. It’s deteriorated. There’s need for pumps, some of the storage tanks are leaking and these things; so I’m in a hurry to try and get the money to start improving the system here,” the CEO stated. It is his intention to return to get a first-hand look

at the state of the two remaining plants-- Mackenzie and West Watooka. Meanwhile, GWI’s Region 10 Manager, Rawle Friday, said the visit by the CEO and technical team augers well for the region in 2021. He expressed hope that the necessary capital investment will be made to rehabilitate the plants. “As a manager, one who has to manage a utility system, it is incumbent that the necessary maintenance be done, that the necessary injection of capital financing be done. Mr. Baksh would have mentioned some of those were missing over the last few years,” he added. According to Friday, while Lindeners enjoy some level of service, the intention is to have the best of service. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

First Lady on mission to make sanitary pads free

By Rehana Ahamad

GUYANA’S First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, is seemingly unafraid to challenge the status quo in pursuit of legislative changes aimed at further improving the lives of women and girls throughout the country. Albeit bold, Mrs. Ali is embarking on a mission to make sanitary napkins free in Guyana. “Even if it is just for free distribution in schools, by way of vending machines or so,” she posited. During her first newspaper interview, the First Lady joined millions of women all across the world in questioning the rationale behind the free distribution of condoms, as opposed to tampons and sanitary napkins. “Sex is a choice; your menstrual cycle is not,” she emphasised. In outlining her Office’s 2021 plans, Mrs. Ali said that her team is currently seeking legal advice on the way forward with the initiative. “It is something we are brainstorming, and something that I really feel should happen; I’m hoping that it would…I want the Government to see the need for it,” she said. Such an ambitious endeavor highlights a diversion from the norm that surrounds the First Lady’s office dealing with softer social issues.

ORPHANAGE According to Mrs. Ali, the ‘A dopt an O rphan age’ initiative has already

First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Arya Ali, during her exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle

However, should Mrs. Ali have her way and be successful in convincing the policymakers of the need for free pads, Guyana could possibly become the second country in the world to eliminate “period poverty”. Last year, Scotland became the first to provide free sanitary products to women and girls in the country. For centuries, “period poverty” has forced women in all parts of the world to use a series of unhygienic substitutes for tampons and pads, stemming from rags and old cloths, to even socks. Nonetheless, as a shortterm remedy to the challenges faced by women and girls in Guyana’s rural communities, First Lady Ali will be hosting fundraisers to finance

her ‘Hinterland Menstrual Hygiene Initiative’ which seeks to supply women and girls in hinterland communities with much-needed sanitary napkins and other period supplies. The first fundraiser is expected to be hosted in March. “I want it to be a sustainable initiative, so we are going to make it annual; I am hoping to do three events per year,” Mrs. Ali noted. Even though she has been in office for just a few months, First Lady Ali has a number of other significant projects running concurrently, including the ‘Adopt an Orphanage’ initiative, an ‘InclusAbility’ programme, and the National Beautification Project. ADOPT AN

The enhancement of the Kitty Seawall is just one component of the First Lady’s National Beautification Project which is expected to unfold in all regions of Guyana

GWI assesses works ...

FROM PAGE

GWI’s Head of Water Quality, Dr. Deon Anderson, said that the water quality at the majority of the plants is within World Health Organization (WHO) parameters. Therefore, he added, the company is working to ensure that there is continual improvement. However, he acknowledged that some interventions are needed, such as the minimisation of the use of chemicals, optimisation of the filter media in some

of the treatment facilities as well as the consideration of drilling a new well at the LPC Water Treatment Plant, all in keeping with the goal of producing high quality water with a low production cost. “We have heard the feedback from the community and we’re going to ensure that the water that comes through your taps will continue to be of good quality,” Dr. Anderson stated. The Amelia’s ward facility is served by wells while

the Wisroc and LPC plants have as their source of water, the Dakoura Creek and Demerara River respectively. Baksh emphasised that GWI will be working to convene a meeting of all stakeholders to ensure that all are on board to implement the Dakoura Creek Watershed Management Plan. The clear-water creek currently serves as a water source for some 12,000 residents and the plan seeks to sustain this water source.

gained momentum, with a number of businesses already signalling their intention to provide funding

for orphanages throughout Guyana. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Residents of Moblissa, Bamia to receive potable water

THE long wait by some 250 residents of Moblissa on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway for access to potable water will soon be over as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be rehabilitating a water supply system in the community. Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Shaik Baksh and a technical team on Tuesday visited the sparsely populated community to assess the water situation. This follows a

recent visit to the community by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, during which residents decried their situation. “We visited way down in Moblissa where there’s an incomplete storage facility and a well. The residents are not benefitting from this because over the past three years there were attempts to bring a supply of water to the people which did not prove successGWI CEO, Shaik Baksh (second left) engages a Moblissa resident, Tangamu Ngquondo (second right)

ful,” Baksh explained. Having assessed the situation, GWI will be examining the production capacity of the existing well within the next two weeks. If this proves successful, a photovoltaic system will be installed. Additionally, a trestle that was constructed in the community but never utilised, will be equipped with black water tanks as part of the rehabilitation works. This facility will serve as a central location for residents to access potable water, bringing much needed relief. One of the residents, Thelca Neblett, who lives in close proximity to the existing well, has installed her own pipes to access water from there, for which she was commended by Baksh. Another resident, Tangamu Ngquondo, said that he is grateful for the visit by the GWI team and even assured that the community members are willing to lend their support in the form of self-help to ensure potable water access. The residents in the community primarily ac-

The trestle which was constructed in Moblissa but never utilised

cess water from the Moblissa Creek or via rainwater harvesting. A further intervention in the community will be the drilling of a new well this

year and the installation of a distribution network to provide water access for the Health Centre, Primary School, and residents in close proximity.

Clinical attendant, Debra Cornelius said that they would be most grateful for the intervention since water is life and without it the health centre cannot function effectively. The CEO highlighted that the community is mainly agriculture-based; hence, other interventions will have to be done but not necessarily by GWI. He alluded specifically to an intervention to bring water from the creeks so that residents can have access to water for their cattle and farming. Meanwhile, in the community of Bamia, which is also sparsely populated, a further study has to be done by the utility company to determine how the community will gain access to potable water. Baksh explained that drilling a well is a large investment and the company will therefore have to determine the feasibility, given the scattered housing and the small population in the community.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Prime Minister underscores unity, healing –– at memorial service in remembrance of victims of Lusignan massacre

A section of the gathering at the memorial service (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

Prime Minister Mark Phillips speaking at the memorial service on Tuesday evening (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, said the dark days, which resulted in the senseless massacre of innocent lives in Lusignan, must never be repeated. The Prime Minister, along with several ministers of the Government, on Tuesday evening, joined residents of the community and relatives of the deceased, at the 13th annual memorial service in remembrance of the victims who lost their lives during the carnage which occurred on January 26, 2008. The PM, who empathised with the community, said that the lives of those brutally murdered during the period of wanton killing in the country will forever serve as a reminder of the evil that exists and the need to counteract such. “We are reminded of these dark times, not to dwell on them, but to be guided by the lessons learnt as a nation and as a Government, that such a time must never reoccur; that all our efforts and our resources must be plugged into ensuring that our citizens must never again live in the fear that had been cast over that era.” The Prime Minister recalled that less than one month after the massacre at Lusignan, 13 persons, including three police officers, lost their lives during a similar massacre in Bartica, CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven). “Even as we protect our citizens, our unity as a people must accompany those efforts. Strife and interpersonal confrontations must be set aside so that we can focus our energies on healing…. We must build this nation on a foundation of these painful

but sturdy lessons; lessons that will guide us on how not to repeat these mistakes,” he said. On Saturday, January 26, 2008, gunmen stormed through several homes in the community of Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara, killing 11 persons - five children and six adults. The victims were Clarence Thomas (48), Vanessa Thomas (12), Ron Thomas (11), Mohandan Goordat (32), Seegopaul Harilall (10), Seegobin Harilall (4), Dhanwajie Ramsingh (52), Seecharran Rooplall (56), Raywattie Ramsingh (11), Shazam Mohammed (22), and Shaleem Baksh (52). Survivor of the Lusignan Massacre, 32-year-old Howard Thomas, who was just 18 years old when the tragedy occurred, lost his father and two siblings during the ordeal. He said that he hid under his bed to avoid the killers, but was still shot twice in his right arm. “All I could remember after I got shot is you were hearing people screaming and other gunshots in the area, but I couldn’t recognise anyone because I hid under the bed, I came out an hour after when friends came into my home and rushed me to the hospital.” Also present at the event, were Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C; Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud. The Indian Action Committee (IAC) organised the evening of remembrance in collaboration with Panko Steel Fabrication.

Suddie Hospital to perform major surgeries by mid-year By: Indrawattie Natram MAJOR surgeries will be performed at the Suddie Public Hospital by midyear when vital pieces of equipment are installed in the new $40.9M operating theatre. This is according to Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, who said residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) can expect to save a lot when it comes to the need for major surgeries. Speaking to the media, Dr. Singh said the operating theatre is complete, but does not have all the neces-

sary medical equipment. He anticipates that funds will be allocated in the region’s 2021 budget, to ensure that this facility becomes fully operational. Presently, minor surgeries are being performed, and according to Dr. Ranjeev, the Regional Health Committee and the Regional Administration are working vigorously to ensure that systems are in place to commission the state-of-art facility. He acknowledged the financial burden patients face whenever they are referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for a major surgery.

“I know the struggles patients face and as such, plans are in place to fix this. I am hoping to achieve or accomplish this by end of this half of the year, so we can start having surgeries done here that were not done here before,” Dr. Ranjeev explained. Additionally, the hospital recently procured under its 2020 Emergency Budget, a dental chair, an Electrocardiograph (ECG) machine and other equipment to boost healthcare delivery in the region. Dr. Singh told the media that since he took office he has ensured that there is no shortage of medicine in the

region. Constant stocks are taken to ensure that a shortage does not re-occur in the region, as it did under the previous administration, he noted. The RHO gave the assurance that he will continue to advocate for development in the health sector, since the Suddie Public Hospital also provides services to Wakenaam Island and Moruca in Region One. Construction of the operating theatre was approved by the then APNU+AFC government after a request was made by the regional administration.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021 FROM PAGE

First Lady pursuing legislation to make ... “I am currently asking businesses to adopt an orphanage for at least six months to a year. We are not asking these businesses for meals, because many times you go to the orphanages and they are overbooked…what we are asking businesses to do is cover the overhead expenses for these orphanages,” Mrs. Ali explained. She said that these expenses would cover utility and security payments, as well as maintenance of a miscellaneous fund which would serve as a cushion for emergencies experienced by these benevolent agencies. “Let’s just say, for instance, one child gets ill; this fund would cover the doctor’s consultation fees, medication, etc.,” Ali posited. INCLUS-ABILITY The First Lady also provided an update on her programme called InclusAbility – a term specifically coined to promote the comprehensive inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWD), beginning with their integration into the local labour force. “We want to provide that space for persons with disabilities to feel included and be independent…to be able to go to their nine-to-five jobs and go home and be able to contribute to their households,” Mrs. Ali told the Guyana Chronicle. InclusAbility, as crafted by the Office of the First Lady, intends to provide hassle-free linkages between companies with vacancies and suitably qualified persons with disabilities. “We already have a registry of persons; we have their capabilities and their disabilities,” Mrs. Ali noted. She expressed satisfaction with regard to the high levels of qualifications possessed by persons contained in the registry, as well as the admirable commitment exhibited by corporate Guyana thus far. “We are currently working on them signing the MoUs, (Memorandum of Understanding), commencing as early as next week.” NATIONAL BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT With a passion for showcasing Guyana’s beauty to the world, First Lady Ali is pushing ahead with the components of her National Beautification Project which has already resulted in a notable facelift

of the Kitty Seawall – one of Guyana’s most distinct attractions. But, this is just the tip of that iceberg, as the most iconic aspect of the project would entail the establishment of ‘Green Spaces’ within each administrative region, commencing with the community of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. “I want that to be our pilot project; like a model community,” the First Lady indicated. She explained that this project would see the crafting of an eco-friendly community park which will provide ample spaces for recreation among all age groups, while promoting conservation, and maintaining a scenic environment that captures all the distinct characteristics of Guyana’s architecture – urban and rural. Once the Tuschen aspect of the project concludes, the neighbourhood will also boast of a multipurpose building which provides spaces for a tutoring corner, and cultural activities among other things. “I want to also make sure that our elderly are catered for…that they have a space to host their activities and keep interactive; we want them to feel appreciated for all that they have done,” Mrs. Ali said. In addition to the Seawall and Tuschen Housing Scheme, works are also ongoing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and West Ruimveldt community. The project will also see the introduction of a five-year national tree (and mangrove) planting exercise targeting available public spaces countrywide. Additionally, First Lady Ali is also partnering with the Ministry of Public Service as well as a few non-profit organisations to provide training for 15 vulnerable women. The training would be done at the iconic Carnegie School of Home Economics. “We should be starting with that very soon,” she posited. The young Arya Ali aspires to utilise her office and title as First Lady to stimulate positive development and positive changes throughout Guyana, especially within vulnerable communities. She is hopeful that the benefits of her projects would begin to manifest before the end of the year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

ILO: timid improvement for employment in Caribbean

TENTATIVE signs of recovery are emerging in Caribbean labour markets, following the unprecedented disruption in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO). These are captured in the seventh edition of the ILO Monitor: COVID-19 and the world of work. New quarterly and annual estimates based on the ILO “nowcasting” model indicate that 7.7 per cent of working hours in the Caribbean were lost during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2020. This figure indicates a decrease from corresponding values for the second quarter (24.7 per cent) and third quarter of 2020 (11.5 per cent) and brings the average loss for the year 2020 to 11.7 per cent. The magnitude is equivalent to a loss of approximately 2.1 or 1.7 million full-time jobs in the region depending on whether the 40- or 48-hours-per-week threshold is considered. “It is safe to assume that summary indicators hide an uneven impact on Caribbean labour markets depending on the worker, business or country considered. For example, previous research indicates how the COVID crisis led to a more than proportional negative impact on youth labour market performance within the region and how small businesses were the first to interrupt payments to social security schemes,” said Diego Rei, Employment and Labour Market Policies Specialist within the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean. The latest projections for 2021 presented in the ILO Monitor report show that most countries will ex-

perience a relatively strong recovery in the second half of the year, as vaccination programmes take effect but the speed of such recovery is still to be determined. The report, however, highlights concerns that the path may be “K-shaped” with some sectors and workers recovering timely and fully and others that have been hit hardest being left behind. Particularly concerning is the fact that two high employment-intensive sectors for the Caribbean such as accommodation and food services and retail were the ones most affected and at higher risk of lagging behind worldwide. “However quick the recovery materialises, it is a reality that some citizens, workers and businesses will be back on their feet later than others. It is our duty to ensure that they are not left behind by addressing the risk of loss of job skills, of weakened labour market attachment and of business disruption. More generally, we need to ensure all Caribbean countries focus on a human-centred recovery. This means prioritizing employment, income and social protection, workers’ rights, social dialogue and accounting for new elements accelerated by the recent crisis. Those include changes related to technology and work arrangements, such as, for example, digitalisation and teleworking, as well as the challenges that go with them such as connectivity gaps and digital literacy,” said Dennis Zulu, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Alam puts Pakistan in firm control (ESPNCRICINFO) - A dog may eventually tire of chasing rabbits around a farm, or a cat bored of playing with its food, but Fawad Alam never looks like he’ll get fed up of beating bowlers into submission in Karachi. On an attritional day at the National Stadium, Pakistan couldn’t have hoped for a better anchor. Their long-forgotten domestic stalwart adapted to the international stage the

waited his turn for a decade. With Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam began to diffuse the adrenaline that must have been coursing through South Africa to begin the day, with Quinton de Kock’s side no doubt hoping to take a chunky first-innings lead. As the sun rose higher over Karachi, and Fawad and Azhar - who was just as crucial to the Pakistan effort in the first session - began to

Fawad Alam celebrates his third Test century. (Associated Press) formula he had perfected in the domestic circuit, making an almost chanceless century that put Pakistan in firm control at stumps on the second day. They lead by 88 with two wickets remaining, even as South Africa toiled on a surface that did not offer the kind of assistance they would gave expected. While the day was dotted with useful Pakistan partnerships right through the middle order, perhaps no stand quite hurt the visitors as the one between Fawad and Faheem Ashraf. Fawad might have more substance over style, but Faheem’s easy elegance and casual indifference to his batting is equal parts entertaining and effective. A pair of boundaries off Kagiso Rabada got him going, and as Pakistan approached, and then exceeded South Africa’s first innings total, Faheem’s respect for the bowling attack continued to diminish. Within no time, it seemed, he had brought up a half-century with a couple off Anrich Nortje. By the time he was dismissed, Pakistan had put on 102 for the seventh wicket, extinguishing South Africa’s hopes of turning this into a one-innings shootout. The day required dogged application and endless patience, and it came naturally, in Fawad, to a man who has

settle, it became apparent that the bowling had to be at near superhuman level and the batsmen weren’t going to be desperate to gift their wickets away. Pakistan were clear in their minds about the task that lay ahead and set about it in the first session with the sort of calm that had been so distinctly absent in the dying stages of day one. There wasn’t as much variable bounce for either Rabada or Nortje to exploit, and once a couple of early jitters were seen off, the home batsmen’s comfort and confidence at the crease began to grow. A loose over from Nortje saw Pakistan take ten runs that brought up their fifty, and from there on, the task of accumulation and survival became somewhat more straightforward. There was never any panic even when the runs dried up, and once the spinners were introduced, the pair of Azhar and Fawad appeared to have a more assured plan of handling them than their South African counterparts had been 24 hours earlier. There were no low-percentage attacking shots, and they played both Keshav Maharaj and George Linde on merit rather than on preconceived notions of the tricks the pitch would play with those deliveries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

COVID-19: GFA gears begin to grind IN December 2020, competitive football made a return in Guyana under the COVID-19 guidelines with the Bounce Back Classic which was successfully hosted at the Guyana National Stadium. This put a new lease on life for the football fraternity as associations try to incorporate their plans with the pandemic parameters. Guyana Football Association (GFA) is one of the leading associations governed by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). According to president of GFA, Otis Gibson, plans are apace to get the sport going at all levels. Gibson said: “The GFA at this time has embarked on a series of different things to create a new structure at the GFA, relative to the plans that the Federation (GFF) put in place. It’ll help us in a better way but at the same time we still need to create a structure that we can manage.” “GFA will benefit tremendously from the GFF because in recent times we never really used to get a lot of funding to do a lot of things. For instance, the monthly stipend is back on track. The GFA can say, well, we’re back on track with the monthly stipends. The Guyana Football Federation has provided more than a million dollars or more to help you (associations) to develop your league,” James disclosed. He further added: “We already started with some meetings in the last year, but next Wednesday we’ll be having a general zoom meeting where all the clubs will be invited to put the systems in place. We wanted everybody to get his house in order, to make certain everybody keeps elections.”

ARAB EMIRATES RACING TIPS Meydan 10:30 hrs RB Frynch Dude 11:05 hrs Sharp Spun 11:40 hrs High End 12:15 hrs Summer Romance 12:50 hrs Super Chianti 13:25 hrs Moqtarreb SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS VAAL 08:10 hrs Bebop 08:45 hrs African Adventure 09:20 hrs Rivonia Boulevard 10:00 hrs Sheer Talent 10:40 hrs Varina ENGLISH RACING TIPS WETHERBY

GFA president Otis James Also on the agenda for GFA is the development of their grassroots and senior levels for both male and female. He added that the association is embarking on a total development plan, where it tries to ensure that all the senior coaches must have a licence or a certificate of sorts from the Federation and go on to have a D-Licence within a year or two. The president said, “You will see some programmes or a note very soon in a new month, most likely, in March, because by March, we hope to get COVID under better control that we have it now. “So those are some of the plans because if we don’t have good teachers we can’t have good students; so there’s where it all starts. It all starts with recreating, and not just an admin plan - a plan to get on the pitch and get on the pitch in a meaningful manner.”

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14:30 hrs Quiteacatch IRISH RACING TIPS Gowan Park 09:15 hrs Lost Oscar 09:45 hrs Fangio De Vassy 10:20 hrs Great White Shark 10:50 hrs Pairc Na Ngael 11:25 hrs Ten Ten 12:00 hrs Antey 12:30 hrs Ols Soul AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Joycee Haz Pizzaz Race 2 Halo City Race 3 Beatthatflew Race 4 Pinky Dude Race 5 Crowded Trade Race 6 Brilliant Brooks Race 7 Blu Grotto

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Banks DIH partners with GFF

BANKS DIH has partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to provide water and energy drinks to the Senior Men’s National Team as they prepare for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March. Following the green light from the National COVID-19 Task Force, the Golden Jaguars squad are currently in training at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, with a focus on rebuilding fitness following a prolonged

period without competitive football. Banks DIH has kindly contributed a supply of Powerade drinks and its Rainforest Waters water brand to support players and staff as part of the national effort to help Guyana succeed in their World Cup qualification run this year. “We know that football is a very important sport for us. This is a pleasure for my company, on behalf of Banks DIH – we want to support this and partner in continuing to

see this sport grow. We thank the GFF for reaching out to us and we will be happy to support in any way possible to ensure that we go from strength to strength,” said Banks DIH Waters Beverage Brand Manager Colin King. King donated the drinks at the GFF headquarters in Campbellville, Georgetown yesterday. GFF Executive Committee member Dion Innis, Senior Men’s National Team head coach Marcio Maximo and GFF Mar-

keting Committee Chair Lisa Ahmad received the donation on behalf of the Federation. “I want to say welcome back to Banks DIH. Banks DIH is a natural partner for the GFF and football. Banks DIH is a national institution that we are all extremely proud of – it contributes significantly to the economy in Guyana,” said Innis. “I would like to see us progress to a very fruitful partnership in the future, as you (King) said, that may just be the beginning of a long-standing relationship – my hope is that we can solidify once again the relationship we once had.” “We welcome this contribution to the national team,” Innis continued. “Any success for a national team has to involve the corporate sector in collaboration with government and the national association, if you are serious about it. “Enormous resources have to be expended to prepare a national team, especially for a journey like the World Cup qualifiers. We can’t do it alone, so we’re very thankful to Banks DIH for this contribution.” In March, Guyana will face off against Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas in Group F of the first round of CONCACAF’S qualification process. The Golden Jaguars will also play Puerto Rico and St Kitts and Nevis, with only the team that finish top of the group proceeding to the second round. “It is very important for football to have support from all areas, especially from drinks companies coming to join us. I am sure they will be a great partner in our future achievements,” said Maximo.

National Chess Championship final starts Saturday THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will host its 2020 National Closed Chess Championships final this Saturday afternoon at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. The event, which was originally scheduled for last year, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Director of Tournaments Rashad Hussain, the final will be played every weekend until February 14 under strict COVID-19 guidelines. “I am structuring the playing venue so that only two persons playing are allowed in the room.” Prior to the pandemic, GCF had held Qualifiers for the event to select the top 10 players. The 2019 champion, FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, was joined by former national senior champion and Candidate Master Taffin Khan, another former champion and Candidate Master Wendell Meusa, reigning Rapid and Blitz champion Davion Mars, Loris Nathoo, Errol Tiwari, Glenford Corlette, Saeed Ali, Roy Sharma and Justino DaSilva. According to Hussain, due to work constraints a few of the players might opt out and could be replaced by standbys, Frankie Farley, Adrian Roopnarine and Shiv Nandalall. Hussain noted that the Qualifiers for the 2021 Championships, will be scheduled for August or September with the final to follow just after. Schedule: Round 1 – Saturday, January 30 at 14:00hrs Round 2 - Sunday, January 31 at 09:00hrs Round 3 - Sunday, January 31 at 15:00hrs Round 4 - Saturday February 6 at 14:00hrs Round 5 - Sunday, February 7 at 09:00hrs Round 6 - Sunday, February 7 at 15:00hrs Round 7 - Saturday February 13 at 14:00hrs Round 8 - Sunday, February 14 at 09:00hrs Round 9 - Sunday, February 14 at 15:00hrs

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday January 28, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 13 teams (2) Melbourne, 1877 (AUST vs ENG)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many teams have now played ODI cricket? (2) When was the first ODI game played?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 28, 2021

Blackwood says Test players raring to go, as first match looms … credits Kohli for advice on approach to batting By Clifton Ross LEADING West Indies Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood is giving full confidence to his players ahead of the series which bowls off in a few days, adding that some advice from Virat Kohli has further helped him tremendously as a player. The Jamaican, who topped West Indies Test run charts during the plagued 2020, spoke virtually following yesterday’s session, where he outlined that one key aspect of the Test encounter is the pitch conditions, which proved to be the Windies undoing in the One Day International (ODI) series. “These types of surfaces are very slow so I have to be prepared mentally, because technically I can’t do too much work right now. But mentally I know it is going to be very slow and it will spin. Once mentally I am ready, I am good. Then everything takes care of itself,’’ said the batsman. A top performer in the Test series against England, New Zealand and now with sights set on Bangladesh, he has been the most consistent batter with regard to his scoring and conversion of fifties to hundreds. Outside of natural talent, Blackwood credited some talks with India skipper Kohli who gave him some nifty advice on improving his game as a batsman and player overall, a huge plus heading into such a series the Caribbean side absolutely need to win. “I don’t really have a lot of conversations with international players. I talked to Virat Kohli a few times as well, on social media. The last time India toured the Caribbean, I had a chance to talk to him in Jamaica when I was there subbing. So after the game, I just had a small conversation.” He continued, “I asked him about how all the time that I have a lot of half-centuries and one century. He just said, what will you do when you score a century. How many deliveries did you face, I said I faced 212 balls. He said that’s it. Once you can bat some balls, you’re gonna score runs,’’ Blackwood explained. Losing the ODI series 3-nil has put the tourists under some pressure, especially after their young side failed. More so, Blackwood said he doesn’t plan to alter his approach; highlighting the intense training the team have been conducting ahead of the Test series. “I am not really going to change my role. For the last two series, I have been scoring runs. My goal is to continue to score runs, and just to win some more games for the team. I think this unit is a good one”. He also stated that it was important to have some confidence in some of his senior players who could possibly impact the series with the bat. “I can see the hunger. We have been training very hard for the past couple of weeks. I can see that we are trying new things, and they are working pretty well. I have full confidence in this batting unit to get the job done. “John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, young Moseley, myself and Josh - I think, a decent line-up. Once we can stick to our gameplan, I don’t see why we can’t post some good totals,”. Blackwood ended.

Roberts aims to take cycling in Berbice to a higher level

FOUNDER and president of the Berbice-based Flying Ace Cycle Club, Randolph Roberts, said his aim is to take cycling to a higher level in the Ancient County. Roberts, who was voted in as the club’s new president earlier in the month, pointed out that once the COVID-19 situation is over, a number of cycling events will pedal off in an effort to have more competition among the cyclists. Roberts, a former vice-president of the club, will also perform the functions of treasurer, replacing the long-serving John Lewis, who served from 1992 up to this year. Lewis did not to seek re-election at the helm of the body but took up the role of first vice-president. Mursaline Bacchus was

Flashback! Randolph Roberts (left) accepts the sponsorship cheque for the 50-mile race from former national cyclist Wilbert Benjamin back in 2016. elected Second vice-president. Cyclist Balram Narine has been elected secretary, while former female cyclist Marcia Dick is assistant secretary.

Narine is Club captain. Jeremiah Joseph is the vice-captain, while Ronda Russell is the club’s honorary member. Former Mayor Errol

Alphonso is the Flying Ace patron while Fizal Ally, Eli Hazel, Pearl Arokium, Myron Rose and Neil Reece are committee members.

CWI 10-point play moving apace, says Skerritt By Rajiv Bisnauth DESPITE West Indies abject onfield performances, Cricket West Indies (CWI) 10-point plan, aimed at reviving the game in the Caribbean is moving apace, according to CWI president Ricky Skerritt. Skerritt, a past Tourism Minister in St Kitts and Nevis, unveiled the tenpoint plan during his election campaign. However, he firmly believes that with the 10-point plan making significant stride, the pathway forward for West Indies cricket remains in good hands. The plan presents strategies to simplify and strengthen administration, improve the regional franchise programme and increase support for younger cricketers through international exposure and a more decentralised High Performance System. The plan promises a realignment of team selection criteria with a renewed focus on talent-spotting and development. It also calls for a repair of internal and external stakeholder relationships. “I don’t really have any serious disappointments about the plans that we have made, and the plans we fine-tune, once we recognise how difficult the reality of the situation was. There are really six items in the 10-point plan that

have gotten significantly off the ground. “We are very serious about the 10-point plan, but that plan has grown; but at the same time we have made tremendous progress internally, strengthened the organisation and made the organisation better equipped to carry out what’s needed to build future successful cricket teams.” he said during the Mason and Guess Radio Programme. He added, “Coaching education is among the 10-point plan along with the creation of a cricket-centric culture which is crucial to us. When I got into office CWI was about 80 percent politics and 20 percent cricket. We try to flip that and get Cricket West Indies to be more like 80 percent cricket and 20 percent politics, but we haven’t got there yet “In fact we are still a long way from that, but we have made a big stride. Having relationship with stakeholders was not important in the past, but it very important to us now. We try to have good relations, including our creditors so that we can continue to do commercial activities without too much stress.” The revamp of the selection system, the optimum use of technology and utilisation of regional expertise are also perceptible. Further, Skerritt pointed that he has no problem taking the responsibility

for the Caribbean side’s poor showing, but what is interesting is none of the cricketers who played for CWI over the last two years were products of his administration. “None of the cricketers who played for CWI over the last two years were products of my administration, every product of the cricket administration is a cricket product, and I take ownership of the cricket product, be it president or not, but what I hear coming out every time I speak to some journalist is that somehow I am to be blamed because we lost the last match,” he reckoned. Skerritt further stressed, “I have no problem taking the responsibility for any losses, but the truth is that we have lost every major ODI, especially ODI encounter for a long time. “Our ODI standard is very low, and there is reason and when you send a team that is not the full team, and you really struggling to play ODI cricket at the level you want to, you will be in trouble”. In closing, the CWI president said while he is responsible for creating an environment where resources and the right personnel are in place, the strategy for strengthening the ability to produce cricket products remains his top priority.

National Chess CWI 10-point Championship final Blackwood play moving starts Saturday onSeepagestory26 says Test apace, says players Skerritt See story on page 27

raring to go, as See story on page 27 first match looms … credits Kohli for advice on approach to batting

West Indies middle-order Jermaine Blackwood

Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt

Anthony Drayton will be one of the favourites to take the title.

Banks DIH partners with GFF See story on page 26

Banks DIH Brand Manager Colin King (second from left) hands over bottles of Powerade and Rainforest Waters to GFF’s Dion Innis, (third from left). Also in photo, head coach Marcio Maximo (extreme left) and GFF’s Lisa Ahmad (fourth from left). Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021