Guyana Chronicle 03-14-2021

14 th March, 2021

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Free Inside No. 106300

GDF Boosted! –– Modern security framework needed for Guyana’s development, President says upon receipt of Bell helicopter 03 PAGE

The Bell 412 EPI helicopter about to touch down on arrival at Base Camp Ayanganna’s Sports Ground on Thomas Lands, here in Georgetown on Saturday afternoon (Latchman Singh photo)

Over $50M ‘pumped’ into repairs 05 at Uitvlugt Estate PAGE

' Little Johnny’ still going 12 strong at 104 PAGE

Chronicle exposed to mil ions of dollars in liabilities PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Owners, managers of city night –– for breaching COVID-19 regulations spots arrested –– as Task Force clamps down on ‘repeated’ violations By Vishani Ragobeer FOUR popular night spots in Georgetown were recently found in breach of the national curfew, instituted as part of the gazetted Emergency COVID-19 Measures, and members of the armed forces detained the owners and managers of the businesses. According to information from the Guyana Police

Force, the operation occurred between 22:00 hrs on Friday and 03:30 hrs on Saturday. During this time, ranks from the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force detained several persons at city businesses. The Guyana Chronicle understands that these businesses were operating in breach of the national cur-

few, which is from 22:30 hrs to 04:00 hrs each day. According to the police, at the Sleep-In Bar and Casino on Church street, the proprietor, Clifton Bacchus, and two bartenders were detained in addition to 10 Chinese nationals - eight males and two females-- who were at the casino. At Club Altitude, which is located at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, the proprietor, The Sleep-In Bar and Casino on Church Street, Georgetown Meer Rahaman, along with ten male and female patrons were detained. In Charlotte Street, Bourda, at the Kairos Bar, only the manager, Mark Alleyne was detained. Finally, at the Tower Hotel on Main Street, the ranks detained the Bartender, Delon Moffett and his assistant,

Akeem Carmichael at the Hotel’s Club Privilege. It was reported that all detained individuals were placed on cash bail pending their appearance in court. The NCTF has been ‘cracking down’ on local businesses operating in breach of the COVID-19 measures

down the operations of the businesses but he lamented that since these businesses are “repeatedly flouting the guidelines”, he contended that stronger actions have become necessary. Meanwhile, last week, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is

The Club Privilege at the Hotel Tower Suites for some time now, however, many local businesses return to their operations in breach of the guidelines. In January, the body shut down the Sleep-In Bar and Casino, Club Privilege at the Tower Hotel and the Strip at the Giftland mall. Prior to closing down these businesses, the NCTF has been issuing warning letters to businesses operating in breach of the COVID-19 guidelines. In an invited comment on Saturday, Director of the NCTF, Colonel Nazrul Hussain noted that since previous efforts geared at bringing these businesses into compliance have failed, the Task Force will now arrest and charge business persons whose entities are acting in contravention of the gazetted measures. He clarified that the Friday night to Saturday morning operation did not shut

also the head of the NCTF, emphasised that all places of entertainment--restaurants and bars-- must adhere to the national COVID-19 measures. He had said, “None is exempted and therefore none is above the law.” The gazetted COVID-19 guidelines permit indoor dining at restaurants and bars, once the entities operate at 40 per cent capacity and adhere to the requisite health guidelines to ensure the safety of patrons and staff. Since this amendment, restaurants had to bring their premises in compliance and receive certification from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) before being allowed to offer indoor dining. The official also told this newspaper that several bars have been operating under the guise of restaurant, offering outdoor dining.

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GDF Boosted!

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

– modern security framework needed for Guyana’s development, President says upon receipt of Bell helicopter By Vishani Ragobeer

AS Guyana forges ahead on its development path, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, underscored that a modern, forward-looking security architecture is necessary to safeguard national security and protect against new threats that may arise with the country’s development. On Saturday afternoon, the President was present at the formal arrival of the BELL 412 EPI Helicopter, at the Base Camp Ayanganna Sports Ground, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. He was joined by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; National Security adviser to the President, Gerry Gouveia, and United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch. Last December, $412 million was approved by the National Assembly to facilitate advance payments on the acquisition of the helicopter. This helicopter was procured as part of efforts to enhance the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) aerial capacity. “We’ve been investing continuously in the training, upgrading and development of our human assets and with this acquisition, comes a new era of training and an upgraded era of development,” President Ali said, while delivering brief remarks at the base camp. Furthermore, he emphasised that the government has placed a concerted focus on upgrading our human

President Dr. Irfaan Ali as he prepared to fly in the BELL Helicopter (Delano Williams photo)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (centre) flanked by US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch (extreme left), Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh (extreme right); and National Security adviser to the President, Gerry Gouveia (second from right) (Delano Williams photo)

resources to take care of these assets and to ensure that Guyana moves towards a modern pool of capital acquisitions, geared at improving the country’s efficiency and enhancing national security. In addition to the acquisition of the helicopter, the President noted that on Monday, a team would leave to inspect the performance of the ‘metal shark’ vessels in Guyana’s waters. Following that inspection, the country’s marine assets will be analysed as a prerequisite for the acquisition of new marine assets to support the work of the Coast Guard. The Commander-in-Chief posited: “This is the beginning of a new trend, before we get to the end of this year, you will see new assets acquired for our Coast Guard. “We have to analyse the new requirements of our security sector based on our development path. Indeed, we have a lot more economic assets to protect, we will have a larger economy, we will have more sophisticated types of criminal activities to deal with, and all of this requires a modern, forward-looking security architecture and that is what we are building.” Beyond the acquisition of new assets for the security forces, the President reasoned that the defence architecture has to be supported by enhanced diplomacy efforts accompanied by stronger, trusted partnerships. He also acknowledged that the Force faced many criticisms when a boat was discovered in Guyana Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He was referencing the boat, containing bodies, which was See page 8

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Chronicle exposed to millions of dollars in liabilities –– due to imprudent, politically motivated decisions made over the past five years

–– Board says company faces uncertain future A DEVIATION from the standard operating procedures and editorial policy, over the past five years, has exposed the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) to millions of dollars in liabilities. Already facing financial constraints, GNNL, publisher of the Guyana Chronicle, stands to sink even further into financial turmoil because of the past imprudent management of the company’s resources. Those actions, some of which were directly influenced by officials of the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition administration, have exposed GNNL to a slew of legal suits and losses, which continue to negatively impact the company’s ability to meet the demands of the staff and, by extension, customers. CONTROVERSIAL AGREEMENT Following one of the several lawsuits against GNNL, the company, acting on external directives, made a decision that was not in its best interest. The company was ordered by the Prime Minister’s office to pay seven million dollars to the claimant. After the payout was made, Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, dismissed the very lawsuit which was the basis for the payout. The judgement was dated July 15, 2020, and the agreement for the payout was done prior to the ruling. The legal suit in reference was filed by Rickford Burke and it was extended to other media agencies as well. The Chief Justice ruled that Burke led no evidence to support the actions brought and resultantly could not substantiate claims that his reputation was damaged in any way. In dismissing the claims, Justice George ordered Burke to pay a total of $400,000 in court costs to the named respondents.

Sunday March 14, 2021 – 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs Monday March 15, 2021 – 04:30hrs - 06:00hrs

While the respondents in the case would have benefitted financially, it was the opposite for GNNL, which incurred an unwarranted expense of seven million dollars. JUDGMENTS AGAINST GNNL Further, amidst the slew of claims for defamation and libel, judgements have been awarded against GNNL to the tune of over $50 million. Some of the judgements against GNNL include Yokohama Trading, where the court awarded $12.5 million; Pasha Global, where the court awarded $12.5 million; and Clifton Bacchus, where the court awarded $27.5 million. In these cases alone, GNNL was exposed to claims for over $6 billion. The Board of Directors of GNNL has since conducted an investigation into the numerous lawsuits, the incidences of conflict of interest of the legal teams representing both claimants and the defendant, and the authorship and board responsibility for the offensive articles that resulted in the lawsuits. The Editor-in-Chief of the GNNL at the time, Nigel Williams, was directly responsible for the various articles relating to the judgements of the court. Bacchus, along with Pasha Global Inc. and Yokohama Trading Guyana Inc. took GNNL and Williams to court following the publication of an offensive article on August 15, 2017. Further, on pages two and eight of the August 17, 2017 edition of the newspaper, Williams published or caused to be published another article. In delivering his judgement in this case, High Court judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon, found that the publications were defamatory to the claimants; they were published maliciously and falsely conveyed to the ordinary man that Bacchus and the companies were part of a criminal enterprise that engaged in money laundering in various jurisdictions and that Bacchus had no independent legitimate source of income. Owing to the ruling of the court in this case, GNNL would have to pay the sums awarded to the plaintiffs. Further, based on court documents, should the judgement in some of the

The Guyana National Newspapers Ltd pending cases be in favour of the plaintiffs, the company could suffer further losses of millions of dollars more. Altogether, GNNL is facing potential liabilities of over $275 million. DIRE FINANCIAL POSITION The mounting liabilities, coupled with the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, are not only restricting the company’s ability to provide salary increases and conduct other critical administrative work, but also driving the entity to insolvency. According to GNNL’s current Board of Directors, the company faces an uncertain future, adding that without intervention, the requisite capital expenditure to continue operations cannot be contemplated. Further, efforts are being made to monitor the legal claims, as well as other areas of impropriety, illegal spending and uncleared monetary advances taken by former general managers of the company. The Board also noted the poor performance of one former general manager, who was also a senior member of the APNU+AFC coalition, and who was sacked by his own board for his atrocious actions. Additionally, in 2020, the Board of Directors had reported to Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy,that as of August 2, 2020, the GNNL was in a financial deficit with no operating cash flow to meet immediate needs. He had said: “These lawsuits all relate to irresponsible reporting, reckless and careless directions from the former board members, General Managers and Editor-in-Chief. Not only are we faced with these lawsuits, we are also faced with the additional costs of legal representation as these matters go to court.” From August 2020 to date, the new management team and Board of Directors have rolled out cost-recovery measures with the aim of staving off a financial crisis that could place almost 100 employees on the breadline.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Over $50M'pumped' into repairs at Uitvlugt Estate

–– investments seen as driving force behind estate’s high productivity By Navendra Seoraj OVER $50 million has been expended so far on factory repairs at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, West Coast Demerara, which continues to perform above average. Recovery at the estate, after a dismal 2020, is imminent, as it has already surpassed its target for this week by achieving the production of 1,006 metric tonnes of sugar. According to a statement from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Manager of the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, Yudhisthira Mana, is attributing the improvement in productivity to the workers’ resilience, the injection of over $50 million towards factory repairs conducted prior to commencement of the first crop of 2021 and, most importantly, the continued confidence of the private farmers in the ability of the estate’s management to produce sugar of the highest quality. The Uitvlugt estate- one of three operational estates managed by GuySuCois capable of producing 44,000 metric tonnes of sugar, but this can only be achieved if private farmers utilise the lands which are leased to them. Over the past few years, this estate has been producing on average just over 30,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually, mainly because the contribution of private farmers has declined significantly. However, it is evident that production is on the rise, and the management of the estate is crediting this to the resilience of sugar workers and the interventions by central government. In 2020, the corporation was allocated a sum of $7 billion; $3 billion was used to recapitalise the Rose Hall, Skeldon, and Enmore sugar estates while the remaining $4 billion

was allocated to support rehabilitation works at the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion sugar estates. A further $2 billion was included in Budget 2021 for capital works to be carried out at the various sugar estates across the country. According to GuySuCo, interventions at the three operating estates – Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion- proved to be the right mix as workers defied all odds, shattering several production targets for the week ending March 13, 2021. Specific to the Uitvlugt estate, the corporation said that during the initial days of the first crop, 2021, GuySuCo’s engineering corps, along with all factory teams, worked diligently to rectify major defects observed during the pre-crop factory trials also known as steam trials. Testimony to the positive results of those interventions was the 125 grinding hours recorded last week at the Uitvlugt factory. This, according to GuySuCo, is a significant improvement compared to 116 the previous week. At Uitvlugt, the factory is expected to grind for 130-135 hours per week. So far, the Uitvlugt Estate has harvested a total of 416 hectares (42 per cent of which was provided by private farmers). Both the private farmers and the estate used semi-mechanical and manual harvesting techniques to harvest more than 28,000 metric tonnes of cane to produce 2,068 metric tonnes of sugar over a two-week period of operations. As a result of the improved efficiency of factory operations, sugar productivity levels continue to climb steadily from approximately 14.5 tonnes cane per tonne sugar (TCTS) to an average of 12.97 TCTS. The estate has more access to improved cane

Loaded punts being guided back to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate transport routes and factory operation in 2021 compared to 2020, which directly contributed to this improved performance. Notable improvements pertaining to the factory’s operations this crop include increased power generation due to repairs in the power house; a better mix of bagasse/fossil fuel usage contributing to reduction in cost; better quality of sugar cane harvested because of the strategy in the industry to go back to the basics in the agronomical practices and getting the nutrients for the plant on time; and less extraneous matters as a result of repairs to cane dumper conducted prior to crop. Other improvements include better quality sugar crystals due to repairs completed at the crystallisers and a new boiler chimney which is allowing better combustion and performance in the boilers and more consistent steam generation on the estate.

Commenting on the estate’s performance so far, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh, firstly commended not only Uitvlugt, but all the teams from the various estates for their resilience, resourcefulness and resolve to ‘sweat’ the assets to create greater value opportunities from the investments made. He also thanked them for pushing production and the sale of packaged sugar, as the industry shifts its focus to meeting the needs of all customers by providing products of greater value, packaged hygienically. Singh also reiterated that the price for packaged sugar has not increased. Cognisant of the fact that a diversion from the traditional bulk production of sugar is needed if the ailing industry is to recover and regain its vitality and position as a contributor to economic growth, the government has already initiated plans to ensure that,

by 2025, 61 per cent of industry sales come from value-added products. Instead of being a liability to the National Treasury, the industry will soon be able to “stand on its own,” through the implementation of innovative mechanisms, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, was reported as saying. “In 2020, some 29 per cent of the industry’s sales were from the higher value packaged sugar. In 2021, we anticipate this will grow to some 39 per cent,” Minister Mustapha had said. The overarching plan, however, is to ensure that a minimum of 61 per cent of the sales from the industry are generated from the value-added, packaged sugar line in four years. “In 2021, the plan is to expand and further develop feasibility studies which support GuySuCo’s value-added potentials, including, but not limited to, ethanol and agro-energy,” Minister Mustapha had said. The corporation has since set a target to produce approximately 97,420 metric tonnes of sugar by year-end and breathe new life into the country’s sugar industry.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Small businesses and Budget 2021 WITH the introduction of Budget 2021, many will be able to benefit from massive projects and investments the government has planned for the country and for new and existing business owners, it is no different. During the APNU+AFC government’s term in office, for five years existing businesses struggled to survive and make ends meet. New business owners were challenged to keep their dream businesses alive as they were faced with many hurdles in setting up their business ventures. Some businesses were even forced to close due to the struggles of low demand for goods and services as cash-flow was basically on the low in the country. Opportunities were also lacking for both local and foreign investors and the Guyanese diaspora. Businesses were destroyed by the exhaustive taxes introduced under the APNU+AFC government, as measures were not in place to have a steady cashflow in the economy. However, with the new budget, all of these taxes were either removed or reduced, giving business owners a sign of relief as they will have better opportunities to improve their business operations along with expanding their ventures. Since the PPP/C government assumed office, many businesses have been intro-

duced, such as malls, hotels and resorts, restaurants and bars that are owned by both local and foreign investors. With Go-Invest partnering with the American Chamber and the Private Sector Commission, small businesses will be able to have access to opportunities both locally and internationally, with potential and relevant investors. The government is also providing incentives for investors, whether locally or internationally, to assist them in setting up their operations which can be accessed on the Go-Invest website. Other extended services are also being offered by the government to allow investors to combat whatever challenges they may face. For example, the agriculture sector has extension officers employed by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) who will assist a local investor with the newly introduced crop of Irish Potatoes. The government has budgeted $250 million for the Small Business Development Fund. The minimum ceiling in grant-funding at the Small Business Bureau has also been increased from $200,000 to $500,000. This will aid small businesses to grow and contribute to turning the economy around, especially after the difficult phase faced by the country

in the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government will invest $135 million in procuring the Electronic Single Window System. The electronic single window initiative helps to interconnect all stakeholders involved in foreign trade, allowing them to conduct all the trade procedures on one platform. This simplifies and speeds up the customs and trade processes, thereby benefitting traders and government agents with an automated system that results in a smoother and faster clearance process. A national E-Commerce Strategy will also be implemented to allow local businesses to tap into foreign markets. The budget also catered for improving accessibility roads throughout the country such as the interior regions, and a link between Parika and Bartica. There will also be new housing lands to be provided by the government which will prompt persons to open small shops to meet the local community needs. This is one way the government provides opportunities for new business owners. Some investors have already expressed their interest in creating malls in critical areas, which will further provide opportunities for new businesses to be introduced and existing businesses to expand.

Though the government encourages foreign investments, it aims to promote a partnership between both local and foreign businesses to promote local businesses, thereby giving them an abundance of opportunities. With the aim of providing 50,000 jobs while in office, it is without a doubt that this will be achieved. The government is giving opportunities to potential entrepreneurs which should be taken advantage of in turning Guyana into a fully developed country that is not only oil dependent. With all of these initiatives in place, if there are 200 new businesses introduced by local investors, that will provide jobs for at least 5,000 persons. If 100 businesses expand their operations across the country in different locations, that will at least result in 2000 jobs. With foreign-introduced businesses and the gas-to-shore project, thousands of jobs are expected to be provided. This will result in an increase in government revenue at low expenses of business owners and disposable incomes will increase to be pumped back into the economy again. With the commencement of the gasto-shore initiative, energy costs will also be reduced, and businesses will benefit tremendously from a cut in operating costs.

Prof. Adesh helped to transform Indo-Guyanese culture Dear Editor, SHRI Hari Shanker Adesh (popularly called Professor) recently passed away in Trinidad at the age of 84. He was a celebrated cultural icon for many Indo-Trinis and Indo-Guyanese and their diasporas in North America and UK. His cultural legacy touched the lives of many and uplift India from 1966. Although he was based in Trinidad, Prof. Adesh had tremendous impact on and helped to transform Indian culture in Guyana and beyond. He trained Guyanese students and teachers in Hindi, music, dance, and other art forms. He became revered by Indian music and dance artists in the region. Prof. Adesh has left a very rich and lasting cultural legacy in Trinidad and

neighboring Caribbean territories where he visited and lectured, training students in music, dance, Hindi, and Hinduism. His students have settled far and wide including North America and UK. They call him a cultural legend praising his enormous role in facilitating their cultural elevation. No doubt, he was one of the greatest teachers of music and culture (including theater and acting) in Trinidad. Prof. Adesh was born in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, India. Rae Bareli was a source of many indentured immigrants to the Caribbean. He was a scholar in Hindi, Indian music, and the Hindu scriptures. He was a lecturer at a university in Kashmir. He came to Trinidad to perform cultural missionary work with the Indian High Commission (Embassy)

in the mid-1960s. Although he was posted in Trinidad, his work was regional. He decided to settle in Trinidad in 1966 with his wife and other family members. And he founded several organizations to promote culture not only in Trinidad but around the region as well. He became an acclaimed teacher of several subjects in the arts, instructing generations of musicians and dancers and Hindi speakers. Guyanese students went to his camps. He advised the public to be proud of their culture and encouraged patriotic link to Mother India. He also lived in Canada, and here he was close to Indo-Caribbean people providing guidance and training in the cultural arts. Prof. Adesh won numerous awards and other accolades, but none from his native India for his contributions to the Indian diaspora. He was

worthy of the prestigious PBD Samman, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, but the Indian government regrettably did not honor him. He became revered by Indian music and dance artists in the region. I had memorable encounters with Prof. Adesh in Trinidad and in New York. I attended several of his kathas in countless visits to Trinidad since the early 1980s. I visited his Ashram in Aranguez during trips to Trinidad and during his visit to New York in May 1995 when he came to deliver a talk on culture and Indian indentureship at a conference I co-organised to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Indian presence in Trinidad. Basdeo Panday was the guest of See page 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

The country is the people, and the people are the country Prof. Adesh helped to transform ... From page 6 honor. Prof. Adesh and Panday address a packed gathering that included many Guyanese. I learned much about the history of the Indian cultural presence in the Caribbean. He spoke of his early experience in Trinidad and Guyana region teaching music, dance, and Hindi. I reported on his lecture in New York and also wrote about an interview I conducted with him in the Indo-Caribbean media. And he hosted many camps in Trinidad where several Guyanese went for training. He was a stickler for the classics, perfecting authentic Indian arts. Guyanese scholar Dr. Satish said “Prof. Adesh was excellent in writing Hindi poetry and song writing. He wrote his own, original Hindi songs. He developed and sang his own compositions and made several LP records that were played by Guyanese. And he helped to change song styles during the late 1960s and 1970s across the region. He sang the songs of how the fore-parents of indentured labourers crossed the Kala Pani. He revolutionised the teaching and learning of Hindi. And he taught cadres of Hindi teachers who went on to instruct others. His work also cut across racial barriers. He had many African students.” Professor Adesh told me that when he came to the Caribbean he was most impressed with the cultural retention and persistence among Indians. But he said Indians were not proficient in their Indian musical beats (drumming, daantal, tabla, harmonium, etc.), classical dancing moves (Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, etc.), and pronunciation of Hindi words. He said they knew the basic but needed guidance for improvement of their skills. He was a stickler for correct pronunciation of Hindi and for grammar as well as for musical tones and dance movements. He provided tutoring and training lessons that helped Trinis and others to perfect their spoken Hindi, playing musical instruments, and rendering classical dance performances. Guyanese scholar Dr. Satish said Prof. Adesh’s greatest impact on Guyanese was more on the teaching level of Hindi and music. Students he trained went on to teach others. Virtually no one contributed more to improve and promote Indian culture in the region during the 1960s and 1970s. His memory lives on in his students who have been performing in mandirs and concerts in North America and UK, among other locations. Those who know him expressed sadness of his demise. His passing has left a huge void in the art, culture, and Hindu scene in the region. His contribution was monumental and very instrumental in the dancing, singing, and religious careers of many. Yours truly, By Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Written by Mr. Chen Xilai, chargé de faire of the Chinese Embassy

THE 2021 “Two Sessions” of China just concluded in Beijing. The “Two Sessions” are the collective name of the National People’s Congress of China (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). These are the solemn halls of socialist democratic politics with Chinese characteristics, as well as the “stethoscope” and “microphone” to ensure that the governing party exercises state power for the people. Representatives of the NPC are elected through a combination of direct and indirect elections, and members of the CPPCC are selected through consultation and recommendation by the central committees of various parties, mass organisations, non-party democrats, and various sectors of the society. The 2021 “Two Sessions” are held at a special historic time, the beginning of the 14th “Five-Year Plan” and the new journey of China’s building of a modern socialist country in an all-round way. They have the significance of the summing up the work in the past five years and starting a new journey for China, attracting attention at home and abroad. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang

pointed out in the government work report on March 5 that, in 2020, China’s COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control measures have protected people’s lives and health to the greatest extent. China created 11.86 million new jobs in cities and towns, with the per capita disposable income of residents across the country grew by 2.1 per cent, and the remaining 5.51 million impoverished people in rural areas were lifted out of poverty under the current standard. In 2020, all the villagers in “Cliff Village” in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province moved to new homes equipped with sofas, TVs and water heaters near the county. UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, recently sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulating China on its comprehensive victory in poverty alleviation, saying that “this remarkable achievement is a huge contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the plan of action for a better and more prosperous world.” The better life that people yearn for has always been the goal of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Government. China has formulated the “Proposals for formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the

Year 2035”, which puts forward the adherence to the new development concept, focusing on improving the quality and efficiency of development and promoting full growth. The priority in 2021 is to consolidate and conserve the results of COVID-19 prevention and control as well as economic and social development. It is estimated that in 2021 China’s GDP will grow by more than six per cent, more than 11 million new urban jobs will be created, and residents’ income will grow steadily. According to a poll conducted by the Harvard’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation since 2003, the overall satisfaction of the Chinese people with the Chinese government has continued to increase, reaching 93.1 per cent in 2016. Singapore’s “Blackbox Research” poll in 2020 showed that among 23 economies, Chinese people have the highest scores of satisfactions with the government’s performance in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. History has fully proved that the country is the people, and the people are the country, and that the people’s minds are related to the survival of the ruling party. “People-centered” and people’s support are the biggest secrets of the Chinese Communist Party’s continuous success.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Another COVID death –– Region 4 continues to see spike in cases

ANOTHER person has died from COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 207, the Ministry of Health has announced. The latest fatality is a 71-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who died while receiving care at a medical facility on Saturday. Meanwhile, over the past week, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases has increased by 314 with Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) accounting for 179, which represents 57 per cent of the newly confirmed cases. On Saturday, Region Four accounted for 28 of the 52 newly confirmed cases; the remaining 24 cases were recorded in Regions One, Three, Five, Six, Seven, and 10. Of the newly confirmed cases, Region Three recorded 12 new cases, while Regions One, Six, and 10 recorded one new case each. Region Five recorded an additional five new cases, while Region Seven recorded four new cases. Twenty-four of the newly confirmed cases were males with the remaining 28 being females. It was reported that the 52 new cases were recorded from a total of 793 tests. The country has now recorded a total of 9,121 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. Following the recovery of 22 additional persons, the total number of persons who have recovered since March is now 8,287. There are currently 636 active cas-

es; 32 persons are in institutional isolation; 591 are in home isolation and eight 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, five persons are being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Since the first case was announced the government has implemented strategies to aid in the fight against the virus, this includes mass education exercises through collaboration with local DJ’s and radio personalities and even the implementation of the National COVID-19 Emergency measures. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from March 1, 2021, until March 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per the current measures, 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 22:30 hours to 4:00 hours. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

GDF Boosted... From page 3

discovered floating offshore Guyana but which the local authorities later lost sight of. “Our constraints must be understood by the population then they will have a greater appreciation for the acquisition of these assets,” the President said as he called upon Guyanese to continue to support the work of the GDF. He also called upon Guyana to work together to keep the country safe. Meanwhile, GDF’s Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess highlighted that the acquisition of the medium lift helicopter is a signal moment for Guyana, particularly amid efforts to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity from unfounded claims. This BELL helicopter is a dual-use utility helicopter well adapted for operations in harsh environments, including high temperatures and high intensity. This, according to GDF’s Lieutenant

Colonel-in-charge of Flight Operations, Mohinder Ramjag, makes it useful in hinterland regions. Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Courtney Byrne, who was part of the team that travelled to the United States to inspect the helicopter, said that the aircraft is equipped with a door rescue hoist and provisions for tactical missions. He also noted that the aircraft has the capacity to aid offshore operations, VIP and VVIP transport and insertion and extraction of troops. In addition to officer Byrne, Lieutenant Colonel Anson Weekes, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles and engineer, Terrence Holder, travelled to the US to inspect the aircraft and bring it back to Guyana. On their return to Guyana, they were accompanied by Captain Alan Niesen, the BELL designated ferry pilot.

The helicopter touched down at Base Camp Ayanganna on Saturday and received a ceremonial water cannon salute from the Guyana Fire Service (Latchman Singh photo)

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Mora Point residents complain about deplorable dams, access roads, land disputes ― Min. Mustapha commits to sending additional machine to carry out works next Tuesday RESIDENTS and farmers from along the Mahaicony River, Berbice, met with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, hoping for some form of resolution to several issues faced in the farming community. During a farmers’ meeting, which was held at Mora Point, Mahaicony, deplorable dams, dilapidated roads, drainage and irrigation and seemingly unfair grading of paddy at mills were some of the issues raised by residents. Bhagwan Deo, a rice farmer from Yarrow Creek, pleaded with the Minister for assistance with clearing the main canal in the area. “I have some rice presently that I have to reap soon and the canal block up. Also, this flooding that we get often, especially the farmers at the left bank, every time the May/ June rainfall we getting flood and we gotta pump out the water. If we can’t pump out the water all the rice gone. Although the Hope Canal tries to ease the water still we getting flood,” Deo said. Jeetendra Persaud, a rice farmer and secondary school teacher from Joanna Creek said that there needs to be better representation for the farmers at mills in the Region. “GRDB has representatives that are supposed to be representing farmers at the mills and, to my understanding, I don’t think these persons are doing the right job. They are not representing the farmers. Farmers are being bullied by the millers. The people there are not looking after the interest of the farmers. Also sir, in this Mahaicony area, we are asking if we can have somebody representing us from the Ministry of Agriculture like

an extension officer,” Persaud said. Krishendat Manickchand, a resident from Mahaicony spoke about the condition of the access road and the hardships farmers continue to face, especially during the rainy season. “First I want to commend the Minister and the government for the works they

A resident raises an issue during the meeting

are doing. I’ve seen a lot of improvements and I know a lot more will come but I have one concern. There’s this road on the other side of the Mahaicony River. I would like to know if repairs on it will go into the budget for next year because there are a lot of lands there that are being cultivated and farmers get a hard time taking their produce out especially with the inclement weather,” Manickchand said. RELIEF After listening to the complaints and issues from the farmers and residents in attendance, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, made a commitment that will see relief being brought to the area as early as next week. “The last time I was here, there were 12 major issues raised and I would like to inform you that 99% of those

issues have been resolved. The road seems to be the burning issue. I want you to know that the project has started. The consultants are working and I’ve asked the CEO of the NDIA to bring that individual here to explain the works to you. The road will be from Mora Point to First Savannah. In relation to the dams, the last time I

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

A section of the gathering at the meeting

was here I said that we will concentrate on community projects. I want to reiterate that we will continue to help farmers individually, but at the same time, we have to look at the community projects first so that the majority of persons can benefit. What I will do, there are several dams here. I know that we are close to crunch time for rice harvesting. I will boost your fleet of machinery with another machine from Tuesday. So you’ll now have two machines to do works in the area. We will also be installing another pump at Mora Point. As Minister, I recognise the importance of people getting proper drainage and irrigation. We are currently boosting the system with pumps because our drainage system wasn’t designed to take off the amount of water we often see during the rainy season or when there is per-

sistent rainfall. We want the drainage system to be able to facilitate 24-hour drainage. That means when the tide is high the pumps will work and when the tide is low the sluice will work,” Minister Mustapha said The subject Minister also addressed land issues that were raised by residents. REGULARISATION “We recognise that, over the years, there have been many land disputes in the area. We are trying to regularise the land system in the MMA. There are a number of land matters in the courts and while those matters have been going on, people have been suffering. Since taking office, and with the appointment of the new MMA Board, I’ve asked that farmers who would’ve applied for small plots of land have their applications approved and that they are granted leases. So far 43 persons would’ve received their leases already,” Minister Mustapha said. Minister Mustapha also told the residents who raised concerns about the grading system at the mills that a directive was given to the Rice Producers’ Association, months ago, to engage the farmers to select an individual who will be trained and paid by the GRDB to work at the mill to ensure farmers receive correct grades for their paddy. He urged the farmers to work along with the Region and have those individuals’ names submitted to the GRDB so that the training can commence. Minister Mustapha was accompanied by the Ministry’s Director General, Madanlall Ramraj, and other officials from the Ministry and the Region.

THAG introduces new branding strategy, ‘logo’ IN an endeavour to revamp their public image and organisational strategy, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has announced the implementation of a new logo and branding strategy. This move is expected to assist in the growth and development of the organisation. THAG President Mitra Ramkumar, in a press release, detailed that the change arose from the need for the company to revisit the methodologies previously employed in public engagement, information dissemination, and representation of their members’ interests. The new and modern design, the press release further noted, represents the revitaliasation of THAG’s vision and outlook, and firmly establishes their contribution to Guyana’s tourism development, as well as that of its members. Created in 1991, the existing logo was a hand-drawn design epitomising the association’s vision and commitment to the Guyana Tourism Product’s growth. It had served as the beacon and North Star for tourism operations through both rough and smooth waters. As the voice of the private sector, allied, tourism and hos-

pitality enterprises in Guyana, THAG lobbied and delivered meaningful changes to the local industry and the operations it represents. The new logo, created by Kevin Daby of Grand Coastal Hotel, presents a crisp design, which is easily recognisable at a glance. It speaks to 29 years of growth and efficient service

delivery as the voice of the tourism industry in Guyana, a yardstick the organisation continues to maintain. Today, THAG continues to serve as the voice of the tourism industry, and a representative at the table with the Government of Guyana, on behalf of the private sector enterprises. THAG’s expanded mandate now includes project

management; promotion and advertising of member services; fundraising and resource mobilization; revenue management; human resource development; business support development to new operators; education and awareness; networking, and business referrals. Eight operators benefit directly from the association. The Tourism and Hospitality Association has expressed its commitment to enhancing the prosperity of Guyana’s tourism and hospitality industry through strong member engagement, effective advocacy, and the provision of valued initiatives and services that raise industry standards. These standards will also empower people, while promoting high-quality, sustainable tourism. Within the next few months, THAG plans to rollout domestic promotion plans, a social media marketing initiative, and THAG events, including Guyana Restaurant Week 2021. Subsidiary service-related sites such as Guyana Restaurant Week, THAG Tourism Development Fund and their annual magazine production: EXPLORE GUYANA, will bear the new logo, and can be viewed on THAG’s new website: www.thag.com.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Gov’t assessing need for new schools in hinterland, remote areas By Tamica Garnett

WITH just 13 secondary schools serving 7,884 students in the hinterland regions of Guyana, the Ministry of Education (MoE) is expected to soon begin an assessment of the need for the construction of new schools in the hinterland and other remote areas. Some $10 million has been allocated in the 2021 budget for feasibility studies to be conducted for the con-

struction of new schools in hinterland and remote areas. “Our plan is to make sure that there is universal secondary education all across Guyana; that is to ensure all kids can access a quality secondary education. We know that some places have asked for secondary schools, such as Karasaibai, Orealla, Siparuta,” Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, shared during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

The Annai Secondary is one of only 13 secondary schools in the hinterland regions

Between Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, there are 239 schools serving 32,603 learners, however, most of the schools are primary schools, with just 13 being secondary schools: three in Region One, three in Region Seven, three in Region Eight and four in Region Nine. Though the 13 secondary schools are catering to 7,884 students, there are currently 20,638 pupils in the 161 primary schools.

number of “primary top” schools are used to cater for the overflow when the secondary schools reach its capacity. In Guyana, “Primary Top Schools”, as they are called, are primary schools with a secondary school department. Though a traditional secondary school runs from Grades Seven to Eleven, classes at “Primary Top” schools run from Grades Seven to Nine, and the students are usually transferred to a secondary school after

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

“When you compare the primary enrollment with the secondary enrollment, we see quite a huge difference in numbers,” commented Deputy Chief Education Officer for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti DeSouza. “What it means is that quite a number of children are coming out from the primary schools but numbers are not reflected in the secondary schools. Logically, there is a need for more secondary schools,” he added. DeSouza noted that under the current situation, a

writing the National Grade Nine Assessment (NGNA). “Hopefully, at that stage, they gain entry into a secondary school but the question remains of what happens if they don’t past the Grade Nine exams. So there would be a need for secondary schools in the hinterland region to ensure we account for every child that leaves the primary school. Every child should have equal access,” De Souza explained. Though Guyana has already achieved universal primary education, it is yet to achieve universal nursery

and secondary education. Minister Manickchand has repeatedly highlighted her plans to work towards attaining these bench marks. However, education delivery in the hinterland and remote villages has always been tricky, given the sparse populations and distances between villages. As such, a decision was taken that a study was required to understand the needs of the various communities. “This is not a long process. This is just us checking to see which villages would be served, what kind of numbers we would be looking at, how those villages have been reproducing, and those things. It’s very scientifically done and statistically accurate and a prediction that we use to decide whether it is a feasible place to put this school or is it better to extend a dorm in another place that already exists,” the Minister said. Minister Manickchand explained that notwithstanding the requests from the villages, a lot of factors go into determining whether it would be best to erect a new school in an area. “You don’t build a secondary school in a community unless you have at least 250 students to be able to attend the secondary school. It doesn’t matter how much money you have. If you build a secondary school for 20 – 30 students, they will not get the kind [or] quality of education that they deserve. So, if parents used to have five children each and now they’re only having two, will the school be obsolete in a few years’ time? Those are some of the issues being looked at,” she said. De Souza similarly pointed out that simply constructing more schools is just one aspect of the overall challenges presented in providing education delivery opportunities in the hinterland.

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Over $700M budgeted for education programmes in hinterland communities

OF the $60.7 billion allocated to the Ministry of Education, over $700 million will be set aside to target hinterland-specific programmes, with the largest being the $664.697 million for the Resource Development Centre that will go towards the roll out of the expansion of the Learning Channel to hinterland communities. Additionally, $50 million has been set aside for indigenous education, which will include catering for piloting English as a second language for hinterland preschool learners, school mapping and a study on migrant children in the school system. During a recent interview with this newspaper, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, noted that given the increasing migration to Guyana, it is important for the ministry to understand the needs of the migrant children in the education system so as to be able to implement programmes that better cater to them. “Guyana has always been kind to people who come here and it is one thing we can be proud of, and we like to make sure regardless of how people got here that we don’t leave children behind,” Manickchand said, adding: “So, we are trying to figure out how we serve the migrant children who have come and are here in our schools speaking different languages and sometimes different dialects in the same language. “Where are these children located? How can we serve them? I think it’s the humane thing to do and we have already begun it and we are really trying very hard to ensure we serve all kids.” Another $10 million in the budget is also expected to cater for a feasibility study to determine the need for the design and pre-feasibility studies for the construction of new schools in

hinterland and remote areas. The $664.697 million for the expansion of the Learning Channel to hinterland villages will include television sets, a dish to pick up the channels, and solar panel systems to power the equipment to each community. The initiative is expected to be implemented in 215 hinterland communities across the country. Launched in 2011 to air educational programmes to children across the country, the Learning Channel took on an emphasised role in education delivery over the past few months, when it was incorporated as part of a blended approach to re-engage students while schools remained closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since September, the Learning Channel has been broadcasting in a timetable format, with teaching for all of the grades at various points throughout the day. However, the existing facility had proven to be somewhat deficient and is not accessible to children across the country, particularly those in the hinterland and riverine communities. This further widens the education gap between the coastland and hinterland communities. As such, the ministry embarked on a massive rehabilitation and extension of the Learning Channel, which has been ongoing since last year September. Aside from expanding the reach of the Learning Channel, six more Learning Channels are expected to be added. Also, towards the development of education delivery to hinterland and riverine areas, the MoE recently launched a number of smart classrooms, which will be used to enable proficient teachers on the coastland to be able to deliver teaching to students in the remote areas. “This allows us to be able to design lessons using a master teacher. So, if our best teachers are located

at Queens College, Bishop’s or Saints [St Stanislaus College], we could have the hinterland students learn from these teachers,” Minister Manickchand explained, adding, “And even teachers learn to become better at what they do using Internet, smart technology assisted classrooms. So, we see a lot of opportunity, that is why this year there was provision to expand the Learning Channel.” Additionally, the ministry is also investing in the production of local content to air on the Learning Channel, as opposed to utilising foreign made programming, which does not always cater to the specificity of Guyanese culture. “We are working feverishly to develop local content. So, you wouldn’t see the alphabet being taught with an American accent; they will see a Guyanese teacher with a Guyanese accent. We’ve been using foreign concepts a lot because we didn’t have material. But we are developing our own material right now using Guyanese teachers who do very well in the classroom and that is something we are looking forward to rolling out,” Minister Manickchand shared.

A teacher conducting her lesson in a smart classroom

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

‘Little Johnny’ still going strong at 104 By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

LAST month, Victor Lewis celebrated his 104th birthday with his children. He loved being spoilt. He loved the attention, the warmth and the outpouring of love from his children, some of whom travelled from distant lands, to celebrate with him. Lewis, called “Little Johnny” or “Old Police” was born on February 25, 1917, to James Lewis called Johnny Lewis and Rachel Albert, at Eversham Village, which is a short distance from his current residence. He was nurtured by his paternal grandparents James and Mary Lewis at the very place he calls home. At his Brigton Village, Corentyne home,

Victor Lewis on his 104th birthday his offspring, adhering to COVID-19 rules, and close relatives decked out in the gold and brown outfit which match the décor, honoured “Little Johnny” on reaching 104, for being a committed father and the oldest man in the community.

He credits his Creator for his longevity and urged youths to honour their parents so they too can have very long years of life. In a presentation to her father, which had been a symbolic arrangement of tools, daughter Brenda Lewis

highlighted that the hat and boot, along with the carpentry and joinery tools, were used daily to feed, clothe and house the family from sunrise to sunset. Little Jonny fathered 12 children. Mention was also made of his industriousness. He further supplemented his family’s income through the rearing of dairy, cattle and cultivation of coconut trees from where many products were derived. Meanwhile, other villagers gathered and toasted to a longer life for the elderly man, who never forgot the date he has to uplift his pension. There were reflections. There was laughter. There was a togetherness that brought various ethnic groups together. “Little Johnny” as he is referred to by the elderly, laughed and shared jokes with a twinkle in his eye as an octogenarian woman placed a smack on his cheek. It was memorable. During a discourse earlier, the centenarian recalled growing up with his cousin, Eric. “He was my cousin. We were children of two siblings. My grandparents were farmers. They cultivated ground provisions, corn, and bananas. We were never hungry but if we were, we would just go to the farm, pick a few ripened bananas off the sucker or parch and pound corn before eating it with sugar. “Life was not as it is now. People farmed and the villagers, despite their ethnicity, lived in unity. In those days, if an African family had a function and did not invite their East Indian neighbour, that would be a big problem and the uninvited person will inquire what was the reason for him/her not receiving an invitation, before presenting themselves. Life was so good, without the politicians,” he chuckled, while clasping his hands between his legs. The bespectacled gentleman in his formative years attended the Eversham Primary School when James Henry was the headmaster. When he completed his schooling, he was unable to take the then School Leaving Examination, which was held at Rose Hall Scotts School in Rose Hall Town. “I cannot now remember, what prevented me from going to write the exams, but my now deceased friends Albert King and Marth Douglas, they were successful at the exams and had pursued higher learning, resulting in them being educators. I became a carpentry apprentice, under the stewardship of “Brother Grant” of Phillipi Village. EXPERT CARPENTER

“As a small boy, I had visited the village shop and had observed Brother Grant, doing some carpentry and he asked me whether I was interested and after responding in the affirmative, I started to learn the trade, and have since specialised in all areas of carpentry,” he said. According to the widower, his trade took him to many areas, locally, including the mining town of Linden and Matthews Ridge, and he has done work for practically all the multilateral schools as well as many learning institutions across the country. However, he was quick

course, was quick to point out that as a youth he was a member of the Boys Scouts organisation, which would instil values in members, just in case it was not instilled in them at home. “Trusting, loyal, helpful brotherly, courteous, kind, obedient, smiling, thrifty, pure as a…” he said as he trailed off while recalling what was taught to him over 90 years ago. SAD INCIDENT He recalled too an incident which had rocked his village over 30 years ago when nine members of the Cummings family were killed under mysterious

Centenarian Victor Lewis with reporter Jeune Bailey Van Keric to add that as soon as he received his wages, he would hurry off to the nearest post office, where he would send the money to his wife Monica (now deceased), to assist in the maintenance of their children. They are Denzil, Eon, Victor jnr, Eldon, Fay (now deceased), Wendy, Patricia, Brenda, Kim, Yonnette, Denise and Leon. “I used to give towards the upkeep of my home, wife and children. I have not remarried although my wife died over 30 years ago. When you have a wife you have to give, and I am not able with that now,” he chuckled while tilting his head backward. Along with the maintenance of his family, Lewis, an elder of the Brighton Presbyterian Church, said, church attendance was not an option for his family. “We had to go. Sunday is the day to serve the Lord. We have to look to our Maker for everything. In these days, parents asking children if they would like to go to church. But, I was never taught that it was an option. It is a necessity,” he said. The centenarian, who experienced short bouts of mental loss during the dis-

circumstances. “The news had stated that a snake was killing the family but it was not so. One of the young men had married a woman of another ethnicity and one of his sisters was in conflict with the woman, and as a result, they were subsequently poisoned. That story had placed our village in the news,” he claimed. That apart, the village, which is bordered by Eversham and Kiltern, was known for horse racing but with time, the passion for the game dwindled. According to Lewis, the young men were not committed. “They want money and more money but they are not committed when it comes to enhancing community relations, so with time, the interest in horse racing has gone,” he said. However, although he has not left his home as his feet cannot take his weight and he needs assistance in putting on his shoes and other garments, he keeps track of events both local, regional and international. “The deeds of kindness and words of love can make this world a better place,” he said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Understanding Energy

Government taking urgent steps to stimulate business IN the World Bank’s 2020 “Ease of Doing Business” report, Guyana ranked 134th out of 190 countries. This standing, which has seen relatively little improvement over the past few years, has long been a sign of deeper a problem that has plagued investors and entrepreneurs: it’s hard to start or maintain a business in Guyana But the government is taking steps to change that by lowering barriers to entry and investing in infrastructure that will benefit businesses long-term. As discussed last week, the new local content policy includes a number of hints at the government’s reform priorities that, if enacted, would make a real difference for businesses in Guyana. The World Bank’s ease of doing business report accounts for 11 separate indicators that measure key inputs to successful businesses. These include permitting, infrastructure, property registration and financing. The higher the score, the easier it is for people to start, build and operate companies. On a regional level, Guyana currently lags well behind Trinidad

and Tobago and Jamaica. According to the World Bank’s index, Guyana currently scores lowest in a few specific sectors—infrastructure and access to reliable and inexpensive electricity. High barriers to entry for companies trying to access credit, obtain construction permits and register commercial properties also leave businesses unable to grow. All of these barriers cost time, jobs and revenues. Increased access to credit and financing through banking reform could be one area where policy changes could have significant, positive impacts on new businesses. The government is already working on making these changes a reality through policies proposed in the new Local Content Plan, alongside items like industrial targets that led to debate during the initial stakeholder engagement. Banking reforms sketched out in this plan could prove highly beneficial to help businesses emerge and grow in Guyana, but more details will be needed. Lowering taxes on businesses and re-

ducing barriers to owning and registering property through permits for construction and expansion could also make doing business in Guyana significantly easier, according to the World Bank’s findings. In addition to the need for updated financing policy and reduced barriers, infrastructure investment is greatly needed in Guyana. Cost and reliability of electricity is one of the biggest challenges cited by the World Bank. Guyana’s prices are some of the highest in a region — a common complaint heard from businesses currently operating in the country. Guyana currently has few energy-intensive industries in large part because the cost would be too prohibitive. The World Bank also highlighted a broader lack of public infrastructure like roads and bridges that make moving goods across borders with Suriname and Brazil costly and slow. While these challenges seem significant, the government has the opportunity to in-

crease efforts to develop infrastructure and create long-term change for Guyana. The government is currently working to negotiate the start of a gas-to-power project, which could significantly reduce energy costs and improve reliability. Cheaper and more consistent power could spark a major expansion into more energy- intensive industries and lower costs more broadly for everyone. The government is also planning a number of public works projects, funded largely by oil revenues, including the construction of a bridge to Suriname and modernised road systems. Should current higher oil prices be sustained, these projects are even more feasible. As discussed last week, it’s more critical than ever to embrace the kinds of reforms that can support organic, sustainable growth for Guyana’s economy. In contrast to policies that could make the country over-reliant on one industry, broader reforms are important to make doing business easier and open up new opportunities across the entire economy.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Politics & Society Forum The Great Downswing: An Interview with Dr. Ramesh Gampat IN anticipation of the first anniversary of Guyana’s general election impasse, I asked Dr. Ramesh Gampat to do a short interview

with me on his recently published book Guyana’s Great Downswing, 19771990: Socio-Economic Impact of Co-operative

Socialism. The timing of Dr. Gampat’s book could not have come at a better time given the political shenanigans in

the National Assembly. Dr. Gampat is an Economist who has worked for about three decades with the United Nations Development Programme. Lomarsh Roopnarine (LR): Can you explain to readers what has inspired you to write this book that speaks to the reality of Guyana’s economic, political, and social situation? Ramesh Gampat (RG): First, Professor Roopnarine, thanks a million for taking time off your busy schedule to talk to me. I was motivated to write the book for several reasons, including the fact that little research has been published on the period 1977-1990, that those years were probably the longest contraction ever of Guyana’s economy, that the downswing was caused principally by one man’s – Forbes Burnham - hunger for power, which unleashed ethnic, political, and socio-economic consequences that have strengthened over time and now threaten to tear the country apart. The GD was part of the first 28 years of the PNC and encompassed the years of authoritarianism, a planned economy and a conundrum called “Co-operative Socialism,” which was really a bastardisation of African Socialism. What else can socialism be if not cooperative? The point is that Burnham conjured up out of thin air all manner of shenanigans to disguise his plans to capture the state and empower himself for life. LR: Why did you title the book Guyana’s Great Economic Downswing? RG: The GD refers to the 14 years from 1977 to 1990. It was not a recession, which refers to a significant decline in general economic activity for two consecutive quarters. The decline in Guyana lasted 40 quarters! Guyana’s economy was in a freefall for 14 years. LR: I am impressed with your economic analyses, statistics, graphs, and equations you have provided in the book. I must admit this information is above my head. So, can you explain, from a layman’s perspective, a few main points of the Great Economic Downswing? RG: Interestingly, the GD was preceded by a long upswing and followed by

seven years of very high growth. At the end of the GD, ended in 1990, real GDP was 30.5 per cent smaller than when the economic tsunami began in 1977. When the GD ended, real income of the average Guyanese was US$1,497 compared to US$2,100 when it began. LR: You have done an excellent job in analysing political and economic data to demonstrate how Guyana has been trapped in tribalism. Can you explain tribalism in the context of Guyana? RG: In the case of Guyana, political tribalism builds upon ethnicity and ethnic politics, imparting a higher degree of cohesiveness and more forcefully projecting and executing the chief mission that motivates the tribe. Political tribe is more sectarian, insular, belligerent, and aggressive than practitioners of ethnic politics. A tribe more forcefully seeks political domination via the capture of political power, state institutions, and would [hold] on to it by any means, including rigging elections and adopting confrontational positions that oftentimes lead to mayhem. Tribalism distorts the way we think, feel, and behave; unconscious biases and emotion automatically hijack reason and rationality, magnified by a marked propensity to groupthink, so that ethics and morality do not apply outside of the tribe. Not all group identities are equally potent; some group identities exercise a stronger grip than others and are more politically galvanizing. Political tribalism is associated with numerous deaths, injuries, and destruction of property. LR: You have argued that Guyana’s main political parties, and more so the PNC, have not been willing to accept defeat at the polls even with convincing evidence. Why do you think we have now a culture of not accepting the results of the polls? RG: That is an important question, and it is tied to political tribalism. Africans believe they have a right to govern, a right to political power since they perceive that Indians have economic power. The goal is to prevent Indians from having both economic and political

Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine power. The combination of winner-takes-all, zero-sum election framework and the larger Indian share of the population means that Africans cannot win a fair and free election. What, then, are the options? If the PNC cannot win a free election, they resort to conspiracy theories, fake news, untruth and irrationality, emotions, tribal beliefs; whatever they wish to believe or hear. If they cannot rig the election, then the second-best strategy is lies and deception. LR: What was the impact of the great economic downswing on Guyana in terms of human development and growth? RG: By encouraging tribalism, the GD encouraged violence, widespread corruption, ethnic plutocrats, kleptocrats and autocrats. These retard growth, deepens inequality, discrimination, marginalisation, and victimisation, and thus constrain human development. LR: What would you like readers to know about your book? What is the takeaway? RG: That the GD, rooted in political factors, can happen again! It drove an estimated 200,000 Indians abroad. Tribal politics and suspension of belief in facts, ethics and morality are creating the conditions for another one, which will have horrific demographic, economic and cultural consequences. Summing up, Dr. Gampat’s views on Guyana’s political and economic situation are spot on. The recent exchange on the budget debate in the National Assembly between the main political parties has revealed more heckling, accusation, hooliganism, shouting matches, disgraceful behaviour, ineptitude, and skullduggery than progress. If this is not tribalism, then what is tribalism? The Great Downswing reinforces the aforesaid dynamics and reminds us that Guyana might cascade to a point of no return if adversarial (the tribal) elements (in our country) are not addressed more professionally and responsibly (lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

The Science of COVID-19

COVID-19 and the Human Kidneys: An Overview Contributed by: Dr. Chris Prashad, BSc, MBBS, PGDip, ChM Consultant Urologist

one’s best interest that they pay attention to the health of these organs. As COVID-19 continues to be at the forefront of our conversations, we should be aware that in Guyana there are many more common conditions that adversely affect and otherwise injure our kidneys. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and renal stones continue to be responsible for acute and chronic kidney injury for many Guyanese and this should not be less of a priority. If you are diagnosed and living with a chronic illness like diabetes and high blood pressure, it is important that you have regular follow up assessments with your medical practitioner, as control of these conditions is often paramount in preserving the health of your kidneys. Self-medicating is strongly discouraged! For those with no known illnesses, it is still important that you have a conversation with your doctor about the status of your kidneys and be guided accordingly.

WE can all appreciate that COVID-19 is a deadly condition that primarily affects the respiratory system. The effects of COVID-19, however, can directly or indirectly affect many other organs, with kidney injury being recognized more prominently as data becomes available. Normally, humans have two kidneys that are best known for their role of filtering our blood and allowing us to get rid of toxic substances by excreting them in urine. Along with this critical function, the kidneys also have a role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining certain hormones in our body. Without properly functioning kidneys, we would not be able to live -- at least not without the help of an artificial way of removing toxins such as dialysis. EFFECT ON KIDNEYS There are many gaps in our understanding of COVID-19, but we have several scientific clues as to how this disease affects the kidneys. 1. COVID-19 can directly infect the kidneys: this virus is thought to use a substance called the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enter and infect the cells of the body. ACE2 receptors can be found abundantly in the kidneys, making this organ a prime target for the novel coronavirus, which in turn can directly cause kidney injury. 2. COVID-19 can cause a cytokine storm: when infected, the body reacts by producing an immune response which increases the production of certain inflammatory factors and other substances to fight the illness. In some persons, the reaction to infection can be extreme, leading to an overwhelming production of inflammatory substances, a situation referred to as a cytokine storm. The cytokine storm in an effort to kill the invading virus can also destroy healthy tissue,

Dr. Chris Prashad

including that of the kidneys. 3. Other underlying factors: persons that become severely ill from COVID-19 may have pneumonia, low blood pressures (sepsis) and clotting disorders, affecting the oxygen supply to the kidneys and inevitably leading to injury. Those with underlying diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, or cancer are also more susceptible to kidney injury from COVID-19. As with the lungs and the respiratory system, COVID-19 can affect the kidneys along a spectrum, starting with mild to moderate damage that usually gets better as the person recovers, to more severe instances, which can impair the kidney functions more permanently. COVID-19 can injure and impair the kidneys to the extent where the person may require lifesaving dialysis -the majority of these patients being already critically ill from the respiratory effects of coronavirus.

Currently, there is evidence that leads us to believe that severe infection with COVID-19 can lead to chronic kidney disease for those that had normally functioning kidneys, while worsening the condition of the kidneys for those already suffering from chronic kidney disease. Acute kidney injury in COVID-19 is also associated with a higher risk of death. DIAGNOSIS Kidney functions are usually assessed by simple and widely available blood tests (commonly referred to as BUN and Creatinine), or more complex measures when necessary (glomerular filtration rate, renal biopsy). The physician will look for certain trends in your renal function blood tests, combined with an observation of urine output to determine whether a person has suffered kidney injury.

The management of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and acute kidney injury is individualized, but will generally include: 1. Targetting the underlying COVID-19 with the use of antibiotics, antivirals, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs. 2. Maintaining good blood pressure and fluid balance with the use of intravenous fluids and pressure support drugs as necessary. 3. In cases of critically ill patients, about one-third may require some form of dialysis. HIGH RISK Persons already living with underlying kidney disease are at a very high risk and in an extremely vulnerable group for becoming severely ill with COVID-19. This is especially so if someone is on dialysis, had a kidney transplant, has high stage chronic kidney disease, or is using prednisolone daily (being treated for an autoim-

mune condition). It is worth noting that persons with chronic kidney disease are at a three-fold higher risk of developing severe and life-threatening symptoms from COVID-19 when compared to persons without chronic kidney disease. If you are someone that already has underlying kidney disease, it is recommended that you adhere to protective guidelines. If you are on dialysis, you should not miss your treatments, but if you feel sick, ensure you inform a member of your healthcare team. COVID-19, as well as the circumstances around it, has influenced all of our lives in Guyana, requiring us to adapt in so many different ways. This article allows us to understand a little more about the far-reaching consequences of this deadly disease. Properly functioning kidneys are essential for life, and therefore it is in every-

THINGS TO REMEMBER 1. Kidney injury is common in severe cases of COVID-19 and is associated with a poor outcome. 2. COVID-19 can damage the kidney by several different mechanisms. 3. Treatment options revolve around treating the underlying COVID-19 as well supporting the kidneys with medication, fluids and dialysis if required. 4. Kidney injury from COVID-19 can be long term. 5. If you already have underlying kidney disease you are more likely to suffer severe illness from COVID-19 – you need to be proportionately more cautious in your actions. 6. In Guyana, many other common conditions affect our kidneys adversely and warrant our attention. This article is submitted as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 public information and education programme. For questions, email ministersecretaryhealth@gmail.com.

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Land deals and the allegation of discrimination By Michael Younge “PROPERTY is a general term for rules governing access to and control of land and other material resources. ‘Private property’ refers to a kind of system that allocates particular objects like pieces of land to particular individuals to use and manage as they please, to the exclusion of others (even others who have a greater need for the resources) and to the exclusion also of any detailed control by society. “Though these exclusions make the idea of private property seem problematic, philosophers have often argued that it is necessary for the ethical development of the individual or for the creation of a social environment in which people can prosper as free and responsible agents”. That is an excerpt from the

Stanford Encyclopedia of philosophy which was First published Mon. Sep 6, 2004 and the substantive revision Sat. Mar 21, 2020. Today, this very principle is enforced in Guyana’s Land Allocation and the Distribution policies because of its value and scope. Therefore, any Guyanese must obtain the land in a fair, legal and non-discriminatory manner that can withstand the test of scrutiny and transparency. It is expected that persons would not use their office to grant the limited resource unto themselves or their friends or even the party which they support. This appears to be the case for Trevor Benn and the APNU+AFC Government while they were at the helm of political power and in the Executive in Government. He (Benn) is alleged to be involved in several political shady and questionable deals that

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

run against the rules and regulation governing the land allocation process. And when the new Irfaan Ali Government sought to regain the lands that were distributed illegally, and charge Benn, you hear talk that the Government is witch hunting professionals and discriminating against persons within a political-ethnic grouping. But the facts will prove the steps taken by this administration are to protect the interest of all Guyanese. It was evil and sinister to hear that lands were just allegedly doled out and given to a few cronies and supporters of APNU+AFC for next to nothing or chicken feed as it is known. These are lands worth millions of dollars and are vast amounts when it comes to acreage and positions. Afterall, Trevor Benn is alleged to have arrogated a power onto himself that former President David Granger never gave him. The President has sole legal authority to deal with State lands. The President delegated a power for Benn to rent and lease State lands. The deals that are linked to the lands at Ogle are questionable as are the plots of land that purportedly belonged to the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL). There are many more of these scandalous land transactions of this type that the Guyana Police Force is investigating. The Constitution provides for the Guyana Police Force to hold a suspect for 72 hours. Those who are screaming racism, let them point to how many ordinary Afro Guyanese in South Georgetown and in the villages

throughout this country that Benn gave lands to? He never did. He only gave to friends and cronies of APNU+AFC. Those who are crying race, they are only fanning the fire of racism. That is only some of the things done in office to enrich and fatten themselves. It is wrong from any standpoint you are looking at it, but the courts will be the final judge of that. Every single Guyanese ought to be concerned about the brazen land-giveaway of the APNU+AFC when it was in Government. It’s not carelessness or discrimination. It is a sell-out of Guyana’s patrimony and resources. It should be condemned so it will never happen again. No amount of money can account for this massive breach which took place in our lands allocation system under the watchful eyes of the APNU+AFC regime when it was in office. If this is not sanctioned, some will have an unfair advantage because of their politics. The haves will be richer and more powerful while the have-nots will sink deeper into the hole of poverty and despair. In a country like Guyana that has a rich multi-ethnic blend and culture, the colour of one’s skin does not matter. What must matter is the strength and fairness of the decision-making and policy-apparatus of the State regime. Was it fair? Was it illegal? Was it ethical? Could it be distributed in a way that leads to the development of everyone? The answers to those questions are best suited for a Court of Law.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Twice infected, but forever committed to the fight … Charrandass Bhojedat gets candid about his COVID-19 fears

By Rehana Ahamad WHEN the novel coronavirus struck Guyana one year ago, Charrandass Bhojedat was a participant of the Emergency Nursing Residency Programme being executed by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). On March 10, 2020, Bhojedat was working in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit; it was an ordinary day, attending to patients displaying symptoms of everyday illnesses. Among them was

efforts to protect his family. His biggest fear at that time was being the link between the deadly virus and his family, particularly his wife and two children. This, Bhojedat recalled, was enough for him to want to throw in the towel and give up on his journey to becoming a fully qualified health worker. He had always dreamed of helping the sick, but without risking the lives of those he held dearest. “Eventually, with support from the department heads and family, I manage

The young father of two is now responsible for assessing persons entering Guyana via the seaports Ratna Baboolall, who was being treated for uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. Despite doctors’ efforts, the 52-year-old woman died the following day, while being treated. Based on the fact that she had just travelled to Guyana from the United States, authorities sought to conduct relevant tests which would later confirm that she was infected with the coronavirus. At that time, Guyana was in the height of a bitter feud over the March 2 General and Regional Elections. As a result, the news that COVID-19 had descended upon us was met with much denial; many viewed the positive results as being a gimmick to distract the country from attempts to alter the vote count. Health officials, however, knew better, and so, profound fears and concerns permeated GPHC’s staff complement, particularly the doctors and nurses who attended to Baboolall. Although he did not come into direct contact with the infected woman, Bhojedat was almost ready to quit and begin

to complete the training,” Bhojedat said, emphasising the critically supportive role that his wife played during that period. The 32-year-old ‘Medex’ explained that he particularly struggled with completing the programme while trying to maintain his role of being a good, attentive father to his two young children – ages two and eight. “When you go home, the first thing they [the children] want to do is jump up on you and hug you up,” Bhojedat noted. While he would usually anticipate going home to experience these heartening moments, COVID-19 had made such engagements worrisome; there were always fears that despite all precautions, minute traces of the virus would be transmitted to his loved ones. After patient zero, Bhojedat adopted a strict routine that consisted of constant hand washing and sanitising; his mask became almost glued to his face while he was outside of his home. “When I get home, I change and I shower outside and so before I go into the house,” the Medex related.

INFECTED AND REINFECTED Even with all the defences, Bhojedat was not spared; he would soon become infected with the feared COVID-19. The Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara resident said that he had been working on a final year project for the residency programme when one of his colleagues in the small study group tested positive for the virus in September 2020. “Even though I didn’t have any severe signs or symptoms, except sore throat, I decided to do the test which turned out positive,” Bhojedat said. He immediately went into home isolation, confining himself to a self-contained room for a period of two full weeks. “I also drank lots of fever grass tea, ginger tea and vitamin C supplements,” the Medex noted. He said that his family spared nothing to ensure that he was well taken care of, and handed all the supplies that he would need to remain isolated. “The hardest thing to do was staying away from my family, especially my kids… It was quite depressing,” Bhojedat indicated. After the two-week period, the healthcare worker was ecstatic to have recovered. He was able to hug his children in the couple weeks that followed, but soon enough, he would suffer a relapse. “About a month after I recovered, I started with loss of smell, loss of taste, fever and then shortness of breath,” Bhojedat reflected. He went back into isolation, and with the help of his wife, was nursed back to health. Bhojedat would then come to realise the severity of the coronavirus, and the importance of his role in joining his colleagues in the fight to eliminate the disease. Amid very serious threats of contracting the virus a third time, Bhojedat returned to the fields and assumed battle position alongside his colleagues in the medical profession. Bhojedat would be stationed at the seaports where he is tasked with inspecting and assessing passengers disembarking in Guyana. “So far, we have not had any persons coming into Guyana with symptoms,” a contented Bhojedat indi-

cated. In reflecting on his journey throughout 2020 and all the things that he and his family had to endure as a result of COVID-19, Bhojedat said that he was happy to have overcome his fears and be able to serve his country and his people. The young father related that even with his initial skepticism, he would not hesitate to do it all over again. “I wouldn’t back down if I had a choice,” the healthcare worker said. The Medex, who has been in the field for almost 11 years, is just one of the millions of health workers across the world who have, over the past year, been risking their lives and those of their loved ones to care for persons infected with the coronavirus.

Bhojedat lamented the fact that medical professionals are often times underappreciated for the many sacrifices they consciously choose to make to ensure the health of the nation is safeguarded. “I just wish the public would value the frontline and healthcare workers and show them a little more respect, because, every day at the hospital, we still does get cuss out; they don’t know of the sacrifices that we does put into actually coming to work to provide the assistance,” Bhojedat posited. Bhojedat reiterated that even with all the challenges, he has no regrets, and remains committed to the continued fight to ensure the eventual elimination of the coronavirus.

Charrandass Bhojedat during his tenure at GPHC

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Appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries not unconstitutional –AG argues in submission to High Court By Richard Bhainie THE Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, has posited and submitted to the court that the appointment of Sarah Brown and Vikash Ramkissoon as Parliamentary Secretaries are not unconstitutional, and that the application to declare them as such is misconceived in law. This is in response to a Fixed Date Application

filed in the High Court by A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition member, Christopher Jones, challenging the lawfulness of the appointment of Brown and Ramkissoon. Brown, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and Ramkissoon, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, were appointed Members of the National Assembly of the Twelfth Parliament of Guyana on

September 15, 2020. Jones is contending that Brown and Ramkissoon cannot be appointed as non-elected Members of Parliament since they were named on the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C)’s List of Candidates for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. He contends that this makes them elected members of the National Assembly and as such they are not valid and legal members, and are not validly

appointed Parliamentary Secretaries. To back up his grounds for the application, Jones cited Article 103 (3) of the Constitution which states: “Not more than four Ministers and two Parliamentary Secretaries shall be appointed by the President from among persons who are qualified to be elected as member of the National Assembly.” He is also relying on Article 186 (1) which states: “Parliamentary Secretaries may be appointed from

among persons who are elected members of the National Assembly or are qualified to be elected as such members.” But the Attorney-General, in his submission, argued that based on the language used by the framers of Article 186 (1) and 186 (3) of the Constitution, it is pellucid that Parliamentary Secretaries can come from among persons who are elected; that is extracted from the list of candidates put up by a political party for elections, as well as, persons who are qualified to have been so elected. “The temptation to argue that the appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries is governed by Article 103 (3) of the Constitution of Guyana must be vigorously resisted,” Nandlall further submitted to the court.

APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Christopher Jones Pursuant to Article 113 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, the President possesses the power to appoint Parliamentary Secretaries “to assist him or his ministers in the discharge of their functions.” Further, Article 113 (2) notes: “Qualifications for appointment to the office of Parliamentary Secretary and other matters connected therewith are regulated by Article 186.” Nandlall explained that even though Article 103 (3) speaks of the President’s appointment of four Ministers of Government and two Parliamentary Secretaries, Article 103 (3) is a general article speaking to the appointment of ministers as the marginal note explains. He noted too that in the event there is an inconsistency between Article 103 (3) on one hand and Article 113 and 186 on the other, this can be quickly resolved through the application of the principle of construc-

The Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C tion. “In this regard, it is clear that Article 113 and 186 would be regarded as specific in relation to Parliamentary Secretaries over and above 103 (3) which may be regarded as ‘general’ in relation to Parliamentary Secretaries and specific in relation to Ministers,” Nandlall submitted. In elaborating further on his point, the Attorney-General noted that reliance may also be placed on the marginal notes of these articles, as Section 57 (3) of the Interpretation Act declares marginal notes are part of the written law. “For both Article 113 and 186, the marginal note is ‘Parliamentary Secretary;’ whereas the marginal notes of Article 103 is ‘Minister.’ This supports our contention that Articles 113 and 186 should govern the appointment and qualifications of Parliamentary Secretaries and likewise 103 (3) ministers,” he submitted. Nandlall also stated that there is no question as to whether Brown and Ramkissoon became members of the National Assembly by virtue of their appointment as Parliamentary Secretaries, as it is not the fact of their appointment that has made them members, but rather they were already elected members by being on the list of candidates. He noted that in the present circumstances, there is no issue pertaining to the holding of seats in the National Assembly since Parliamentary Secretaries are non-voting members and do not hold seats, as their role is defined in Article 113. Jones is seeking an order from the court directing the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, to prevent Browne and Ramkissoon from sitting in or participating in the business of the National Assembly. Jones is being represented by attorneys-at-law Roysdale Forde, S.C, Mayo Robertson, Raphael Trotman, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Amanza Walton-Desir, Olayne Joseph and Darren Wade

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Lindeners expected to access pension hassle-free –– residents complain of water issues, Coomacka needs ambulance

By Richard Bhainie LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, on Wednesday, visited several communities in Region 10 and addressed a number of issues faced by residents of the locality. The communities visited by the minister were Three Friends, Coomacka Mines, Old England-Siberia, Nottinghamshire, Spikeland and Bamia, as part of the government’s ‘taking government to the people’ style of governance, to consult with residents to be able to address their concerns. The minister was accompanied by Dexter Harding and Gem Narine, COuncillors of Region 10 Regional Democratic Council (RDC); Dwight John, Regional Executive Officer; Phillip Fordyce, Community Development Officer and Karen Roopchand, Deputy Chief Planning Officer at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. “I think that in Region 10, in this area, especially, there is a need for greater interaction with the government. It is apparent that the entire Region 10 has suffered from lack of quality leadership and it is our intention to work with the residents of different areas

to ensure that we are able to alleviate their conditions,” Dharamlall told the Guyana Chronicle. One of the predominate issues raised by residents of the communities pertained to access to potable water. In Bamia, residents highlighted that they are forced to pay as much as $3,500 for a tank of water as they have no access to potable water. The sum they are paying is too high, they said. Potable water was also a major issue for residents of Three Friends, who noted that diseases such as malaria, typhoid and dengue are rampant in the community. This is reportedly due to no access to potable water, and residents having to resort to nearby lakes for their water supply. They also raised a concern in relation to health services in the community, noting that there are no trained workers stationed at the community health post, and a lack of medical supplies. AMBULANCE NEEDED Water issues persisted in the Coomacka mines as well, but a more pressing issue which was raised by Bernadette Torres, the supervisor and a nurse at the Coomacka Health Centre, was that of an extension to the health facil-

ity and the provision of an ambulance for residents in the mining district. Torres told the Guyana Chronicle that when faced with a situation which requires an ambulance, in the wet season, it takes over one hour for one to arrive from the Linden Hospital Complex. She also noted that the health centre is in need of an extension, and should be adequately equipped with drugs to be able to serve the 1,065 residents who reside in Coomacka alone. “I know for a fact that in the last government it was since 2017 when they last imported drugs and medical supplies into the country and that has created the problem that we currently have. We have already begun the importation and as soon as that process is complete we will be able to have all of the facilities with adequate drugs and supplies,” Dharamlall told this publication. Residents also complained of employment opportunities within their communities. The minister urged them to get involved in their community development, and to bid for projects which will in turn create employment opportunities for persons in the community. “I have spoken to the RDC already and I would like for people of the dif-

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, addressing concerns of Dorothy Gibson, a resident of Bamia

Resident of Coomacka at the Coomacka Resource Centre ferent communities to get contracts that would create more jobs, that is a core commitment we have, as a government we would like to see locals get more contracts, we would like to see more people get employed,” Dharamlall said. Dharmalall mandated that the regional councillors assist persons to become Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) compliant. The minister made an announcement that the community enhancement stipend will see an increase from $25,000 to $35,000, as he recognised that the current sum is not adequate for officers to execute their mandate. HASSLE-FREE He also noted that pensioners in the mining

district should not have to travel long distances to receive their pensions, and as such, he will see that pensions are delivered to pensioners to ease the hassle. “I know for a fact that we have begun in some communities, to take pension in some communities rather than pensioners have to travel distances, so it is one of the things I would like to see be done in Region 10 and I will speak to my colleague minister and the REO to ensure the staff come out in the remote areas to pay pension instead of pensioners have to go out and face the hassle,” Dharamlall said. Residents also raised other concerns pertaining to electricity, logging concessions, street lighting, sporting facilities, information and communications

technology (ICT) hubs and drainage and irrigation issues. Minister Dharamlall noted the concerns of the residents and immediately addressed those he could have by contacting the various authorities with responsibility to deal with the issues. The other issues, he assured that he will raise with the various subject ministers to have them addressed. “I hope that after coming out of today’s mission that we have been able to resolve many of these issues and the issues we couldn’t resolve today I am going to agitate for it amongst my colleague ministers and hopefully they’ll be able to lend support to the wider development of Region 10,” he said.

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PM welcomes Chronicle’s COVID-19 supplement PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, welcomed the Guyana Chronicle’s special COVID-19 supplement that was published on Thursday, March 11, to reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Guyana during the past year. The Prime Minister was presented with the publication by the Editor-in-Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, Tajeram Mohabir, in the presence of the Managing Editor, Rabindra Rooplall; Chief Reporter, Navendra Seoraj and Reporter, Naomi Parris. The 16-page special was produced by the Guyana Chronicle as the country marks one year since the virus was first observed locally. It was on March 11, 2020 that Guyana recorded its first case of the COVID-19 and unfortunately, the first death. On that day also, the World Health Organisation (WHO) finally declared that the spread of COVID-19 a pandemic. According to a report from the Department of Pub-

lic Information (DPI), the Prime Minister called the publication timely and underscored the importance of utilising the media as a tool not only to chronicle events, but also to educate and inform the public. “This supplement is most welcomed at this stage and I think that every Guyanese should read it… basically [it] covers all the aspects of changes that we’ve had to make to deal with COVI19,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying. Furthermore, he underscored, “Particularly interesting is the ‘Deep South’ story, because I’ve gone there and I can tell you that these people are very serious in their approach to COVID-19, in some communities they have actually erected gates with guards”. The story the Prime Minister referenced was a feature on the communities in the Deep South area of the Rupununi, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and the COVID-19 measures they adopted to keep their communities safe

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips receives a copy of The Guyana Chronicle’s COVID-19 supplement on Thursday last from Editor-in-Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, Tajeram Mohabir, in the presence of the Managing Editor, Rabindra Rooplall; Chief Reporter, Navendra Seoraj and Reporter, Naomi Parris (Office of the Prime Minister photo) from the dreaded virus. Additionally, the special publication featured stories on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Guyana’s economy and local businesses, the agricultural sector, the legal system and the education sector. Furthermore, there were also features on fam-

ilies who were affected by the virus and lost their loved ones, and on the frontline workers who have been offering their services to the nation throughout the ordeal.

As part of the special publication, the Guyana Chronicle will also be releasing a documentary on the year of COVID-19 in Guyana, on Sunday.

This documentary is titled: “Unmasking COVID-19 in Guyana” and will be made available on the newspaper’s Facebook page from 17:00 hours.

Elderly woman dies Pirates in Annandale accident attack, rob POLICE have arrested Danram Somwaru, a 22-year-old fisherman of Unity, East Coast Demerara (ECD), in connection with the death of 73-yearold Miriam Johnson, who died after she was struck down on the Annandale Public Road, ECD, on Saturday morning. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that Somwaru was driving motorcar PRR 6925 when he noticed the woman standing in the centre of the road. He claimed that she ran north across the road and into the path of the

vehicle. As a result, the front side front of the car collided with her. The accident occurred at around 06:00hrs. Johnson resided at Eastville Housing Scheme, ECD. Johnson received injuries to the head and other parts of the body. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens where she was pronounced dead. Police did not find any trace of alcohol on the driver; he remains in custody as the investigation continues.

fishermen in Waini River

THE police are investigating the armed robbery of a group of fishermen by six armed pirates, which reportedly occurred at Kamwatta, Waini River in North West District (NWD) on March 10. According to a police report, the fishermen claimed they were robbed of food, fuel, cellphones and about $100,000 worth of fish, by men with firearms who spoke English and Spanish. Those who were robbed are: 26-year-old Kumar Narine of Essequibo Coast; Joel D’Aguiar, 22, of Barima River, NWD, and two juveniles, both of the Barima River. After the ordeal the victims made their way to Morawhanna Police Station where they made a report late Saturday afternoon. According to the police, arrangements are being made for them to be interviewed.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

$185 million Lethem aerodrome runway commissioned

THE transformation of the Lethem Aerodrome into a regional hub is closer to realisation, as the Ministry of Public Works commissioned the $185 million new and extended runway, on Friday last The construction of the new runway, which was done by H. Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering, will allow larger aircraft to land at the Lethem Airport, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said the new runway would facilitate a new wave of development in Lethem and Region Nine as a whole. The minister said Guyana is strategically placed as a link between the Caribbean and South America, and therefore, the intention is to upgrade the Lethem Airport into a regional hub. The next phase will see the construction of the terminal building, where passengers transfer between ground transportation and the facilities that allow them to board and disembark the aircraft. “This will bring the next wave of development. You are not just landing now, but you can have international check-in of passports, proper customs, flights coming from South America and going to South America,” Minister Edghill was quoted as saying by DPI. This will complement the construction of the Linden to Mabura Road for which over $32 billion (US$160 million) was earmarked. Minister Edghill said the government is engaging the private sector for the construction of a bridge across the Kurupukari River. “This means that you will have 24-hour traffic in and out of the Region, but people must be able to get

An aircraft taking off from the new runway

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill from here into Northern Brazil, deeper Brazil and other parts of South America. The traffic and the potential are great. With that, the hotel capacity in Lethem would soon be outgrown and so, we will have to have new investments in terms of hoteling,” the Minister added. These developments will also contribute to the expansion of other sectors, including tourism, agriculture and communication. Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field; Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop; Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock and Mayor of Lethem, John Macedo also attended the commissioning. The GCAA head said aviation plays a critical role in commerce and the development of the country. Recognising this, he said the government has begun upgrades and expansion of runways at airports across the country. “Listening to some of the complaints and comments of not only the pilots who continuously send their remarks to the Civil Aviation Author-

The extended Lethem aerodrome runway

ity about the runway not being as good as it should, but they heard the complaints from the residents wanting to have a good runway, so that they can traverse to and from Georgetown. With this programme being undertaken, and I would say excellently and perfectly done by H. Nauth and Sons, the government has answered and has delivered,” he was quoted as saying by the DPI. At the level of the GCAA, he said air traffic controllers are already being trained for the Lethem aerodrome. Meanwhile, the GO-Invest CEO said this is the first step of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s commitment to an international hub in Region Nine. Ramsaroop said he would be returning to the region to engage the private sector on investment opportunities, incentives that are available and how the government can partner with them to further develop the region.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

President Ali consoles family of child killed by bandits

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday visited the grieving relatives of 10-year-old Anthony Cort who was gunned down by bandits on Thursday last. Cort had been playing in the upper flat of his neighbour’s ‘C’ Field, Sophia house when bandits invaded the property in search of valuables. After looting the downstairs shop, one of the bandits stayed behind, holding Cort’s mother and baby sister at gunpoint, while the other gunman escorted the shop-owner upstairs in search of more valuables. Before the woman could begin her search for more possible loot, Cort exited the room where he had been playing and the

President Dr Irfaan Ali providing a comforting embrace to the child’s distraught mother, Denise McPherson

bandit reportedly spared no hesitation in opening fire on the child. After shooting the young boy, the bandits fled the scene, jumping a zinc fence aback the yard. During the visit, President Ali comforted the distraught family, expressing his sincerest condolences to the child’s parents. As Cort’s mother, Denise McPherson reminisced on her son’s life, she became inconsolable. The Head-of-State, who has also suffered the loss of a child, was there to provide a comforting embrace. The Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces also promised to do all in his power to ensure that the perpetrators are

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Dead: Anthony Cort brought to justice. President Ali was accompanied by the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who also expressed his sympathy and promised justice for the family, especially the child’s parents. On Friday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud, also visited the family and pledged her ministry’s unwavering support in assisting the family to get through their ordeal.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Love for the profession helped her do well under pressure … Dr Simone Rose faced mountainous challenges before completing studies

By Telesha Ramnarine WHEN Dr. Simone Alexander Rose started her career in the health field 20 years ago, she hadn’t the slightest clue of the mountainous challenges and gruelling

schedules that would come her way, but she persisted and made many sacrifices along her journey of successfully completing her studies and becoming a doctor. Even Simone does not

quite know what got her through some of those challenges, the main one being the death of her beloved husband, Lancelot Rose, who was diagnosed with a form of cancer just around the time that she was preparing

to write an important examination and graduate from the Georgetown American university. “Only God,” she reflected, gave her the strength to pull through. Otherwise, it would’ve had to be her love

Dr Simone Rose with her daughter, Annalisa for the profession that kept a point where she could not her going. stop there, and so she started “Seeing people come to pursue medicine in 2015 back to an optimum state and graduated Valedictorian of functioning has always from the Georgetown Amerbrought me joy, even since ican University in 2019. I was a child. I love to see It was a bittersweet mopeople getting better and the ment for her at the graduation smile on their faces when as her husband had died just they recover.” about two months before. Dr. Rose, 38, was born “He didn’t get to come and raised in Linden and and continue all the support grew up in a single-parent he had given me over the home with her mom, Eutha 12 years that we had been Williams, and three siblings. together. He was always Life back then was certainly supportive throughout my not a walk in the park for the career and just wanted me to family. do well.” “Everything wasn’t alMr. Rose received his ways bright and beautiful, diagnosis in May 2019 when but my mom did well with the disease had already prous,” Dr. Rose recalled during gressed to an advanced stage, an interview with the Sunday and he died shortly after in Chronicle. She started as September. At this time, Dr. a nursing assistant in 2001 Rose was in the height of and subsequently did the preparing for her exams and midwifery and professional graduation. nursing programmes. At this “That was very hard for point, her fondness for the See page 27 medical field had grown to

Simone Rose at her graduation from the Georgetown American University

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Six homeless after fire guts Bagotstown house AT least six persons, including two children, are now homeless after the house they have been renting for several years went up in flames on Saturday morning. One of the occupants of the house said that she was awoken by loud screams of her aunt alerting family members that there was fire burning in the ceiling of the two-storey concrete house located at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. Another occupant, who identified herself as Bibi, said that the family quickly made their way out of the burning building, just before the ceiling came crashing down. “Abi fall down and suh whilst abi bin ah try fuh run out the house,” the crying woman related, as she held on tightly to the young boy sitting in her lap. The three older occupants of the house, a man

and two women, suffered minor bruises and burns, having fallen several times in their bid to outrun the blaze. Persons living in the neighbourhood recalled hearing the frantic cries for help at around 10:00 hours, and almost immediately, neighbours mobilised and commenced efforts to extinguish the fire. Meanwhile, some of the more abled-bodied young men in the area sprinted into the bottom flat of the burning house, in a successful attempt to save some of the family’s belongings. As a result, several pieces of furniture, appliances and a ‘handful’ of clothes were salvaged. Many also praised the efforts of the Guyana Fire Service in managing to contain the fire from spreading to the nearby properties, including Ray’s Auto Sales located south of the now gutted

Love for the profession helped her From ... page 26 me, but I finished all my exams and passed.” Perhaps the earlier rigors of her career aided Simone to handle things at this crucial point in her life. She explained that when she started medicine, she was working as a staff nurse midwife in Linden and had to travel to Georgetown every day for classes. For eight straight months, she would leave Linden in the morning, attend classes in Georgetown, travel back to Linden in the evening, and then make her way to work at the Linden Hospital Complex. During this time, she was also a family woman who had to make time for her husband and daughter, Annalisa Barclay. “My daughter, being a national athlete and doing basketball internationally; I had to find time to be at her games.” Dr. Rose would never settle for shortchanging her daughter in any way, and no matter what it took out of her, she adjusted her schedule to offer her support. “I remember a day my daughter had nationals at the stadium and I had a pathology exam that same day. I went to school, took a break and went to the stadium, saw her do her jumps and so on; she won. I left there and went back to school, did the exam well - 96 per cent. I then went back to the stadium to see her do her other jumps and so on.”

Dr. Rose said she realised that although she was working hard for a better life for her family, she had to be there for her daughter because certain opportunities would never again present themselves. “Sometimes it’s not easy. I had to split up myself. I knew I couldn’t bury myself in my belongings alone. Most of the time she would see me and smile and come and kiss me before going and do her events, so she looked forward for that support and I had to be there.” Dr. Rose is now working as a medical intern at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), which means that she’ll be under the supervision of a seasoned doctor for one year, after which she will be allowed to practise independently. Words cannot describe the satisfaction that she feels today when she reflects on her life and tell herself that she made it despite everything. “Being able to accomplish a dream and do what you love is a big accomplishment. It doesn’t matter where you start in life, once you have your aim and are disciplined. Don’t ever give up on your dream no matter how hard it may look; tell yourself that you will make it no matter what.” Dr. Rose is grateful for the support that her family and friends provided to her over the years.

house, and MedX Pharmacy located just in front. As they contemplate their next move, the family remains thankful that they are all alive and safe. The owners of the property reside a short distance away in Eccles, and were on site to provide comfort and aid to the traumatised family. A team of Emer-

gency Medical Technicians arrived subsequently to tend to the burns and other wounds sustained by the victims. As of late Saturday afternoon, investigations were still ongoing to ascertain the origin of the fire, but the family is convinced that it was electrical in nature.

The gutted house which is located just north of Ray’s Auto Sales located at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara

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English Racing Tips Llingfield 09:53 hrs Sea Of Charm 10:23 hrs Pure Purification 10:55 hrs Nick Veddar 11:28 hrs Griggly 11:58 hrs Prospect 12:33 hrs Albert Camus 13:08 hrs G For Gabrial Warwick 09:37 hrs Rav Tavel 10:07 hrs Calico 10:37 hrs Liberty Bella 11:12 hrs Embole 11:42 hrs Rose Of Archoboe 12:15 hrs J’ai Froid 12:50 hrs Bizerta 13:32 hrs Fame And Concrete Irish Racing Tips Naas 09:30 hrs Jungle Junction 10:30 hrs Best Behavior 11:05 hrs French Light 11:35 hrs Big King 12:05 hrs Lifetime Ambition 12:40 hrs Rocco Storm 13:15 hrs It”sallaboutsteve South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:10 hrs Mamaqua Dove 08:45 hrs Mighty Smart 09:20 hrs Twice Golden 09:55 hrs Sunset Eyes 10:30 hrs Magnetic Dime 11:05 hrs Just The Wind

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

Williams, Tiripano fight back after Rashid Khan bags 5-105 ...Williams completes second Test century in as many matches

SEAN Williams and Donald Tiripano saved Zimbabwe from an innings defeat and ensured Afghanistan will bat again in Abu Dhabi. They shared an unbroken stand of 124 for the eighth wicket, with Tiripano reaching his first Test half-century and Williams completing his second hundred in as many matches. The pair came together when Zimbabwe were 142 for 7 and needed another 116 runs to make Afghanistan bat again. Rashid Khan had just completed his fourth five-wicket haul in only his fifth Test, and was only one wicket away from ten in the match for the second time in his career. Tea was still over half an hour away too, and Afghanistan seemed on the brink of a big, series-levelling win. By stumps, however, they had bowled a further 42.4 overs without taking another wicket, leaving questions hanging over their decision to enforce the follow-on. Afghanistan have now spent 197.3 overs on the field in the space of two days, and Khan has bowled 79.3 of them. This, for a bowler who has made his name in the shortest format of the game, is a workload equivalent to nearly 20 T20 games backto-back. Forty-three of those overs have come in the second innings, with Asghar Afghan turning to his star leg-spinner repeatedly, with successes few and far between at the other end. As the bowlers tired and the ball lost its fizz off the surface, Williams and Tiripano prospered, using the slowness of the surface to their advantage by reading the turn off the pitch. Tiripano showed he had a range of shots too, playing a number of reverse-sweeps off Amir Hamza’s left-arm spin. For all that, Afghanistan remain favourites to win this Test match, with Zimbabwe effectively 8 for 7 with a whole day left to play. The ball turned every now and then on day four and occasionally kept low too, but the surface remained good for batting throughout. Considering that, Zimbabwe will be disappointed with the bulk of their second-innings showing. They lost wickets in clusters with openers Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure falling in the space of five balls in the morning session, Tarisai Musakanda and Wesley Madhevere falling in the space of six balls post lunch, and Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl and Regis Chakabva falling in the space of 14 balls as tea approached. Kasuza and Masvaure started the day cautiously, scoring just 10 runs in the first 11 overs. Then, Masvaure decided to take on the off-spinner Javed Ahmadi and found boundaries behind square on the

on and off sides as Ahmadi tossed it up. In Ahmadi’s next over, Masvuare was caught-andbowled driving a full-toss carelessly in the air. Four balls later, Kasuza played inside the

match, trapped lbw in front of leg stump, and in Khan’s next over, Chakabva missed a sweep to depart the same way. Zimbabwe could have folded from there but Tiripano and Williams built sol-

Donald Tiripano (left) and Sean Williams put on a century stand to give Zimbabwe the lead (Abu Dhabi Cricket)

line trying to defend a Khan googly and edged to Rahmat Shah at first slip. The loss of the top two did not put Williams off his usual approach and he counterattacked as soon as he was given the opportunity. When Ahmadi gave him a half-tracker, Williams dispatched it through wide long-on for four. When Ahmadi offered width, he drove square for four more, and when Hamza tossed it up, Williams slog-swept over midwicket for six. Williams’ short-ball technique almost let him down when, two overs after lunch, he gloved a hook off Sayed Shirzad, but Nasir Jamal at wide slip could not hold on to an overhead chance. Williams was on 35 at the time. At the other end, Khan continued to pose problems for Musakanda, who struggled to read the googly. He went forward to defend one that took the inside edge and evaded leg gully but was eventually trapped lbw by another. That brought the 20-yearold Wesley Madhevere to the crease, and his series only got worse. He fell for his third duck in three innings when he hung his bat out to a Shirzad delivery that straightened and was caught behind. Madhevere faced three balls on this occasion after first-ball ducks in his previous two Test innings. In the Williams mould, Sikandar Raza opened his account by hitting a Khan long-hop for six, went after another short delivery to offer a chance at catching height to Hamza at deep square leg, which was parried over the rope, and lofted Khan over his head for a third six, but his enthusiasm got the better of him. In the next over, he tried to hit Khan through midwicket but ended up edging to second slip. Three balls later, Burl was out for his second duck of the

Rashid Khan took his fourth five-wicket haul in only his fifth Test

idly while offering just one clear chance. Tiripano was on 33 when he stepped out to slog Hamza and missed, giving Afsar Zazai a stumping chance, though the ball kept low and sneaked under his gloves Tiripano seemed to read Khan out of the hand for most part, though there were a couple of anxious moments against him, including two massive appeals - for a catch at short leg and another behind the stumps - in the same over, both rightly turned down. Two balls after the second appeal, Tiripano reached fifty by hitting Khan over his head for four. By then, Zimbabwe were closing in on erasing the deficit. Williams, who had moved swiftly through the nineties with a pair of boundaries off Ahmadi, killed two birds with one stone off Khan, slapping a short ball to the cover-point boundary to bring up his hundred as well as move Zimbabwe into the lead. Only six more overs remained in the day, and Khan showed Zimbabwe they still have a mountain to climb on day five if they are to get anything out of this game other than defeat. In the final over of the day, Tiripano had to summon up all his watchfulness and defensive nous to keep out two balls that skidded through at shin height from just short of a good length. Three more good balls in the space of an hour should still do it for Afghanistan, but Zimbabwe can still dream. Test cricket at its best. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD AFGHANISTAN 1st innings 545-5 declared ZIMBABWE 1st innings Prince Masvaure b Amir Hamza 65 Kevin Kasuza c Afsar Zazai b Rashid Khan 41 Tarisai Musakanda lbw b Rashid Khan 41 Sean Williams c Amir Hamza b Sayed Shirzad 8 Wesley Madhevere Afsar Zazai b Sayed Shirzad 0 Sikandar Raza c Rahmat Shah b Rashid Khan 85 Ryan Burl b Amir Hamza 0 Regis Chakabva c Ibrahim Zadran b Rashid Khan 33 Donald Tiripano c Nasir Jamal b Amir Hamza 3 Blessing Muzarabani run-out 0 Victor Nyauchi not out 0 EXTRAS: (b-2, lb-6, nb-1, w-2) 11 TOTAL: (all out, 91.3 overs) 287 Fall of wickets: 1-91, 2-133, 3-145, 4-145, 5-186, 6-189, 7-242, 8-251, 9-287. Bowlers: Sayed Shirzad 15-3-48-2, Amir Hamza 32-6-73-3, Rashid Khan 36.3-3-138-4, Javed Ahmadi 8-1-20-0. ZIMBABWE 2nd innings (following on) Prince Masvaure c & b Javed Ahmadi 15 Kevin Kasuza c Rahmat Shah b Rashid Khan 30 Tarisai Musakanda lbw b Rashid Khan 15 Sean Williams not out 106 Wesley Madhevere c Afsar Zazai b Sayed Shirzad 0 Sikandar Raza c Nasir Jamal b Rashid Khan 22 Ryan Burl lbw b Rashid Khan 0 Regis Chakabva lbw b Rashid Khan 0 Donald Tiripano not out 63 EXTRAS: (b-8, lb-6, w-1) 15 TOTAL: (seven wkts, 106 overs) 266 Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-46, 3-101, 4-102, 5-140, 6-140, 7-142 Bowlers: Sayed Shirzad 19-4-35-1, Rashid Khan 43-10-105-5, Amir Hamza 26-6-70-0, Javed Ahmadi 16-5-40-1, Shahidullah 1-0-1-0, Asghar Afghan 1-0-1-0.

AAG welcomes CARIFTA Games rescheduling

PRESIDENT of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, welcomes the rescheduling of the CARIFTA Games that is scheduled for Bermuda, which he believes will allow the member associations to be more better prepared for the new August 13-15 date. “The Athletics Association of Guyana was running with a little bit of concern in the July 2-4 date. Again, the date change came directly as a result of CXC announcing their dates for their examinations and had NACAC held fast to the July date then the Championships would have been coming in the middle of CXC, knowing fully well that most of our athletes of that age will be either preparing or writing those exams.” The AAG was moving apace to have their athletes ready for the previous date of July 2-4 for the 49th edition of the Championships. But several days ago the North, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) received word that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) announced their examination period which will run from June 14 to July 16. Hutson said, “The decision was taken by NACAC with support from the member federations to push the date back to August. The only complications for athletes in this part of the world, attending CARIFTA Games is that the World Junior Championship in Nairobi, Kenya falls one week after. So the whole logistics of moving athletes from the CARIFTA Games to Nairobi will

have to be worked out or we make a decision that the qualifiers for the world junior championship may not necessarily attend CARIFTA Games.” “I guess those are the little parameters that we have to work on but all in all it’s a great decision. And the more time is given to the local organising committee in Bermuda, it’s better for them because they have a chance to plan more. It will give them a better opportunity to make decisions and vaccinations. It will give them a little more time to decide whether we can they can have fans in the stands or not. With the COVID-19 pandemic showing signs of being on the decline due to vaccination, we think a little more time will always auger well for the sport,” stated the AAG Boss. This will be Bermuda’s third opportunity to host the prestigious event after their initial run in 1975 and the second in 1980. More than 600 athletes and officials from 27 Caribbean islands will arrive in Bermuda for the Games, one of the most popular junior athletics events in the region. The pandemic has also caused numerous athletes from around the region to miss out on their final year for competing at the games. That meant a new qualifying deadline will be set for three weeks before the Games for those who still have not reached qualifying standards or athletes who are to be replaced because of a breach in age. However, athletes who qualified for the 2020 Games will not have to qualify again in the same age group.

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GFF pays respects at funeral of Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey

… also inspects infrastructure works at football facilities in New Amsterdam and Ann’s Grove A Guyana Football Federation delegation, led by president Wayne Forde, paid its last respects to former national player and Berbice football legend Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey at his funeral in New Amsterdam on Thursday last. Humphrey, who sadly passed away two weeks ago aged 65, represented Guyana during the 1970s, played for several clubs such as Cougars and Caribs, and ran the Teach Them Young football camp for more than two decades. “It was a great privilege to attend Grizzly’s funeral this week to honour his memory with his friends, family and community, and to pay our respects on behalf of the football fraternity,” President Forde said. “It was a deeply moving experience as we celebrated the life

of a loving father, son and brother, a great servant to football and a hugely popular man. “We came away from the ceremony motivated and inspired by Grizzly’s life to continue to develop the game that he loved so dearly. RIP Grizzly,” he said. During the visit, the delegation took the opportunity to inspect infrastructure works at football facilities in New Amsterdam and Ann’s Grove, where the GFF is investing heavily to improve the quality and standard of grounds in order to spur the development of football and enhance access for all. The GFF kickstarted major football facility upgrades last month, under the FIFA Forward and One Concacaf programmes, which included the construction of changing rooms suitable for both male

and female players and officials at Ann’s Grove Community Ground and the Vryman’s Erven Ground in New Amsterdam. The upgrades are scheduled for completion in June.

GFF President Wayne Forde (white shirt) inspecting works at one of the facilities on March 11, 2021n of a perimeter fence at a playfield in BB Eccles Housing Scheme

Regal cricket teams donate winning purse to GHDS school project … The best is yet to come - Hardyal

THE Dalai Lama once said, ‘our primary purpose in life is to help others’. This is a quote that resonates well with local businessman Mahendra Hardyal who recently presented monetary donations to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) for their continued efforts in humanitarian work. Hardyal, Managing Director of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre (RSCC) who is always lending a helping hand recently presented a total of $1.25M to the non-profit organisation for the Bal Nivas Shelter for Abused Children and for the completion of the Dharmic Rama Krishna Secondary School. The Regal boss presented $250 000 to the Bal Nivas Shelter in Ankerville, Corentyne, Berbice which represented the entire winning purse from the inaugural Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Over-40 tournament which Regal Masters won earlier in December. The shelter caters to up to 60 children who are suffering from various forms of abuse and needs approximately $500 000 monthly to keep the centre going. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, they are facing tough times especially with fundraising events. This is according to Director of the GHDS, Rajnarine Singh who welcomed the timely donations. At the presentation which took place at the headquarters of the GHDS, it was stated that it was the first time that a Regal team took part in a hardball tournament which made the moment much more pleasing. In softball cricket, their more favoured format, the Regal Legends retained their title at the Prime Minister’s T20

Cup in November while their Masters and All Stars team suffered mixed fortunes. For their consistency, Hardyal praised the players and expressed gratitude to their supporters while promising more successes on and off the field. A presentation of $1M was also done on behalf of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and the extended Hardyal family to aid in the construction of the Dharmic Rama Krishna Secondary School.

As part of the compliance requirements for the projects, the GFF must monitor contractor activities onsite and strive to ensure the timely, cost effective and quality

siderations and wished them nothing but success in their future endeavours. The director further stated that the money will go towards the three-phase project which is expected to be completed for the new academic year which is expected to start in September this year. So far, approximately $200M has been spent to see one building at 90 percent completion while the second building is 70 percent completed. The third building is yet to start.

delivery of any works. President Forde also held constructive meetings with New Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Wainwright McIntosh and Town Council officials, as well as Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud, who pledged to support ground development in New Amsterdam. “We are very satisfied with the works at both facilities so far – they are going to make a big difference for football in both areas and, importantly, open up access to more female players and officials,” said Forde. “The GFF is committed to ensuring that FIFA and CONCACAF funds are put to the best use possible for the development of football in Guyana in a clear and transparent way. A significant strategic focus for us the Executive Committee is to upgrade football

facilities around the country so that they are fit for purpose and so that more people can participate in the sport.” “Our meetings with New Amsterdam and regional representatives were extremely positive and we look forward to working closely with officials in Berbice to improve conditions for football and develop young talent in the region.” The GFF has a 30-year lease for the Vryman’s Erven ground, which will become a “home of football” for the Berbice region. The GFF’s ongoing infrastructure blitz also includes works to complete the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, upgrades to GFF headquarters in Georgetown, and the installation of a perimeter fence at a playfield in ‘BB’ Eccles Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

Guyana have a score to settle with El Salvador WHEN the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers commenced, Guyana’s senior Men’s Basketball Team are grouped with hosts El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Guyana, who are the highest-ranked team in this tournament, have some unfinished business with hosts El Salvador. The two countries met two (2) times at the Senior International level. El Salvador won in the inaugural clash in Caracas, Venezuela, in September, 1971. They won 75-68, outstanding for Guyana’s skipper Ronald Pickering with 17 points, Mike Brusche with 16 points, the

event was the 1971 Central American Championship. The Central Americans were victorious four years later in August, 1975, when the two teams met again at the Central American Championship, this time in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. On that occasion, skipper Mike Brushe and his troops succumbed 88-65. Melroy Fitzalbert topscored for Guyana with 13 points, his brother Merton Fitzalbert scored 10 points, skipper Mike Brusche had 8 points, while his brother Clifton Brusche had 6 points and

Winston Joseph 7 points. Now 46 years later, these two teams will meet again. Only time will tell if Stanton Rose men will halt the El Salvador reign. Last National Team that lost to El Salvador, 1975 Michael Brusche (captain), Clifton Brusche, Melroy Fitzalbert, Merton Fitzalbert, Compton Hinds, Keith Hinds, Aubrey Chalmers, Winston Joseph, Phillip Daniels, James Devonish, Ronald Pickering, Brian Gonsalves, Eldon Vaughn (coach). Charwayne Walker

Vitality Inc. delivers $1.4M worth of cricket gear to BCB ... RHTYSC honours Sawh with highest awards

Manager of Regal Stationery and Computer Centrem Telesha Ousman (left), hands over the donation to Rajnarine Singh of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

The presentation was made by Office Manager Telesha Ousman, who gave the history of the donation, stating that support from the Hardyals dates back several decades when Mahendra’s father Bhisham served as executive member of GHDS and was fully supported by his wife Shirley. The devoted couple then got their children Mahendra, Krishna, Ravi and Ishri deeply involved. Ousman said there is nothing more pleasing to the Hardyals than supporting children in education and to recover from difficult situations. In accepting the donation, Singh thanked the Hardyals, the Regal Business Group and cricket teams for their con-

The remainder of the project requires a further $150M which. upon completion will cater for more than 500 primary school students and a similar number of secondary level students. Over the years, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sport have assisted several persons and organisations in various ways while the Regal cricket teams remain the most decorated outfit on the field. Nevertheless, this may just be the beginning as the passionate and optimistic Mahendra Hardyal reiterated ‘that with spiritual beliefs and talent in sport the best is yet to come both on and off the field’.

EIGHT cricket clubs from the Upper Corentyne area, along with two young cricketers from Port Mourant and Tucber Park, last Tuesday received over $1.4M worth of cricket gear from Vitality Inc. The company, which would be officially launched in Guyana shortly, is headed by overseas-based Guyanese Sureian Sawh, a former resident of Upper Corentyne before he migrated to the United States of America. The clubs that received gear were No. 73 Young Warriors, No. 72 Cut and Load, No 72 All Stars, No. 70 MYO, No. 68 Turn Team, No. 68 Darkners Superstars, No. 69 Red Rose and No. 69 Vikings Cricket teams. BCB president Hilbert Foster stated that the presentation was another red letter day in the continuing development of Berbice cricket. He stated that the ongoing pandemic was affecting many clubs from organising fundraising events to obtain cricket gear. so donations such as the

contribution from Vitality is much welcome. The donated items included batting pads, batting gloves, helmets, stumps, gear bags and each club received a package worth about $150 000.

Director of Vitality Inc., Mahesh Ramoutar speaking on behalf of the company, stated that numerous donations were done across the country in private over the last few years and as business expanded in Guyana.

BCB secretary Angela Haniff hands over Tribute to Heroes Award to Sureian Sawh The company also handed The BCB and Rose Hall over two cricket packages to Town Youth and Sports Club two promising youth players (RHTYSC) also conferred their from the Port Mourant Cricket highest awards - Tribute to Clubs. Each collected a pair of Heroes and Dolphin Award of batting pads, batting gloves Excellence - respectively on and a bat. Sawh.

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New CARIFTA dates could create opportunities for some junior athletes - Mike Sands NORTH American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) president Mike Sands believes that the new August dates set for the 2021 CARIFTA Games could possibly create opportunities for a second tier of athletes to compete at the Games, in light of the more elite athletes opting to compete at the World U-20 Championship set for Nairobi, Kenya from August 17 to 22. NACAC announced on Thursday that the 2021 CARIFTA Games are to be held in Bermuda from August 13 to 15, due to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) setting the 2021 external examination dates from June 14 to July16. Those dates overlap with the previ-

ous dates of July 2-4 for the CARIFTA Games. Responding to whether fewer athletes would turn out for the Games because of how close they were to the World Championships, Sands said it was a concern; it was also an opportunity. “That is a fix that we cannot resolve other than the fact that it does two things. One, countries are going to have to make a determination where their athletes will compete; but having said that, we must understand that for the CARIFTA Games there is not a set qualifying standard,” he said. “What you may have is that individual member federations have standards for their athletes to achieve, and so as opposed to the World

Sao Paulo suspends football as COVID-19 deaths rise

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - The Sao Paulo state championship will be suspended after the governor of Brazil’s most populous state halted football for at least two weeks on Thursday with the COVID-19 death toll rising to unprecedented levels across the country. The ban on all sport is part of a wide range of restrictions aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus. It begins on March 15 and runs until March 30, meaning this weekend’s games will take place as planned. “Unfortunately, we have arrived at a critical moment, the most critical moment of the pandemic,” Governor Joao Doria said in a sombre video released before the announcement. “Brazil is collapsing and if we don’t put a brake on the virus Sao Paulo won’t be any different.” The nationwide COVID-19 death toll announced on Wednesday was 2 286. It was the third record high this month and the first time the daily death toll had exceeded 2 000. More than 270 000 people have died after contracting the virus in Brazil, more than any other country except the United States. Sport was halted last March when the virus first hit Brazil but it was back up again in some states just three months later. Football operated normally for most of the second half of 2020, with stringent controls and no fans present. This year’s Sao Paulo state championship kicked off on February 27 and so far the 20 teams in the first division have played 22 matches. Another 32 teams play in the state’s second and third tiers and will also be affected by the stoppage. Similar decisions to stop play were taken earlier this month in minor state leagues but Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s other footballing powerhouses, are still playing. Governor Doria’s decision comes a day after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said clubs and local federations voted unanimously to keep playing. The CBF said if state authorities opted to suspend competitions it would consider moving matches to states where no ban is in place.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Saturday, January 16, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

(1) (2)

Obed Mc Koy-4 wickets Hassaranga Da Silva-8 wickets

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) How many dismissals WI wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran effected in the recent T20 int’l series against SL? (2) How many dismissals SL wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella effected in the recent T20 Int’l series against the WI?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

U20 championships where there is a set standard; and so the question remains, how many of our area athletes

world event. “If that is the case, it now means that the member federations would have to

2021 CARIFTA Games could possibly create opportunities for a second tier of athletes to compete

would make those standards, particularly those from the smaller countries that may have a number of athletes making the standards for the

make a determination whether some of their athletes go to CARIFTA and the qualifiers go to the World U20 championships.”

That scenario, he suggested, opened the door for a “second level of athletes that may not have qualified” for the global championships but who would become available for the 49th edition of the regional youth championships. He cited athletes from Jamaica, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados who would be among those benefitting from the situation. Garth Gayle, president of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA), on the prompting of the NACAC president said his federation would be reviewing the matter carefully with the intention of sending its very best athletes to both competitions. “President Sands, the op-

tions that you have put forward would have been very clear to us but let me say from the get-go the JAAA will be supporting both events. We are Caribbean and therefore CARIFTA is critical to us and to youth development,” Gayle said. “We are also part of the global stage and so our elite junior athletes would also have that option to move onto the world event. We believe it is doable and we do not see a major issue.” He said the athlete and his or her coach would essentially choose which event they would want to compete in. Since its inception in 1972, Jamaica have won the CARIFTA Games on more than 40 occasions. (Sportsmax)

Edwards leads the way to West Indies first win in Road Safety World Series KIRK Edwards had a top score of 46 and Brian Lara scored an unbeaten 31 to spur West Indies Legends to their first win, a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh Legends in the Road Safety World Series, Friday night. Chasing a competitive score of 169 for 7 from Bangladesh, West Indies got off to a flyer with William Perkins and Ridley Jacobs racing to 29 in 16 balls when Perkins was dismissed for 22 having faced 14 balls. His dismissal brought Dwayne Smith to the crease but after looking to threaten, hitting two fours in the first four balls he faced, he was bowled by Abdur Razzak for 10 with the score on 41. He was replaced by Edwards, who, together with Ridley Jacobs, mounted a 72-run third-wicket partnership in just 43 balls. Edwards was particularly savage on the Bangladesh bowlers smashing six fours and two sixes in his 28-ball stay at

the crease before he, too, was bowled by Razzak. Twelve runs later, Jacobs was run-out for 34 on the last ball of the 14th over with the West Indies still needing 45 runs from 36 balls.

fours in his 16 not out from 10 balls, got the West Indies across the line at 173 for 5 with seven balls to spare. Razzak took 2-34. After being sent in to bat by the West Indies,

Kirk Edwards had a top score of 46

Tino Best came and went, bowled for five by Mohammad Rafique. Meanwhile, Brian Lara, who took some time to get going, hit three fours in his unbeaten 31. He and Mahendra Nagamootoo, who hit two

Nazimuddin and Mehrab Hossain took full advantage smashing the West Indies bowling to all parts, scoring 64 at better than eight runs an over. It took a run-out from the last ball

of the eighth over to end the partnership, Nazimuddin coming up short of the crease after smashing three fours and two sixes in his 24-ball 33. Hossain and Aftab Ahmed added 27 for the second wicket when Tino Best had the latter caught behind for 31, midway the 15th over. He hit four fours and a six in his 21-ball stay. Four balls later, Ryan Austin bowled Hossain for 44 and then trapped Razzak lbw for a duck. Bangladesh kept the scoring rate up thanks to Mohammed Sharif, who hit three sixes on his way to 26 from just 13 balls. He was eventually dismissed by Suileman Benn, who also removed Khaled Mashud and Mohammad Rafique to finish with 3-17. Austin paid a high price for his two wickets, conceding 42 runs from his four overs. Best had figures of 1-33. (Sportsmax)

Hetmyer must display passion, consistent performances, says Harper By Rajiv Bisnauth CRICKET West Indies (CWI) lead selector, Guyanese Roger Harper feels that batsman Shimron Hetmyer needs to display the passion and consistent performances if he is to find a place in the West Indies Test squad again. Hetmyer is one of the notable omissions from the West Indies first Test squad to face Sri Lanka, but it was expected. “He has not played Regional 4-Day cricket for a while so he needs to really get some matches under his

belt and showcase what he can do, especially at a time where a number of players coming off the Bangladesh series, grabbed places for themselves. “He is still in the forefront of our mind and we are waiting for him to display the passion and consistent performances,” Harper, the former West Indies vice-captain said after the squad was announced on Friday. The left-hander last played a First-Class match in March 2020 but he recently featured in the Best v Best Test trial where he had ordinary outings in both innings.

The Berbician was amongst several high-profile players who had refused to tour Bangladesh because of COVID-19 related concerns. However, Hetmyer’s fitness and consistent performances were always under scrutiny. The hard-hitting batsman was not considered in the T20 and ODI squads for the recent home series against Sri Lanka after not passing a fitness test. Hetmyer has failed the fitness test for the second time in a year. Earlier in 2020 when West Indies toured Sri Lanka for playing whiteball cricket, Hetmyer failed

fitness tests, leading to his exclusion back then. However, the 24-yearold subsequently met the minimum fitness requirement standard of the Cricket West Indies (CWI), after undergoing another fitness test earlier this month. Jimmy Adams, CWI’s director of cricket had confirmed that Hetmyer has met the fitness standard and he would be available for selection for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. As per CWI regulations, their cricketers must pass the yoyo test to be available for selection. However, the board

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 14, 2021

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DCB executives pay courtesy call on Sport Minister

From left: Raymond Barton, Azad Ibrahim, president Bissoondyal Singh, Pretipaul Jaigobin, Minister Charles Ramson Jr, Bradley Fredericks, Claude Raphael and Ronald Williams. Absent: Roger Harper, Davteerth Anandjit and Neil Barry

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr was paid a courtesy call by the recently-elected executive committee of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB). The minister congratulated the members of DCB and urged them to set aside all contentious issues and work diligently for the progress and development of cricket in Demerara. He discussed several key issues, including school cricket, female cricket and the rehabilitation of cricket grounds within Demerara. Minister Ramson updated the DCB executive on the Unity Cup Cricket Competition, an initiative of President Irfaan Ali, which will initially be played among teams on

the East Coast of Demerara and subsequently throughout Demerara. In response, president of the DCB, Bissoondyal Singh, thanked the minister for accommodating the visit and also for his encouraging remarks. Singh lauded the ninister for his insightful advice and attributed this to the fact that the minister is a former first-division cricketer. Minister Ramson concluded the meeting by reminding DCB members of their responsibilities as cricket administrators. He added that he would be keenly following the progress of the DCB and that he is willing to lend his support whenever necessary. (DCB Press Release)

Hungry West Indies aiming for clean ODI sweep NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies will be gunning for their third whitewash in five series when they clash again with Sri Lanka in the final One-Day International of the three-match series here today The Caribbean side took a winning 2-0 lead on Friday with a nervy five-wicket last-over victory, following up their comprehensive eight-win win in last Wednesday’s opener also at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. And with precious World Cup Super League points on offer, opener Evin Lewis said the Windies would not be giving Sri Lanka a “sniff” of any success. “At the end of the day it’s important,” the left-hander said ahead of the contest. “Sometimes teams don’t get the opportunity to go three-nil up in a series so we have to take advantage of that. “Knowing that we’re playing in the Caribbean we don’t want to give these guys any sniff of winning any games, so I think we should go out there and execute how we played last game. “Go out there, fight hard and fight till the end.”

wanting that guy to go as deep as possible. We’ve won the series so we can look at the positives and try to fix that.” Like Lewis, Pollard reiterated the focus of the side to make a clean sweep of the series. “Each game is very, very important for us going forward so we’re going to come and see if we can win three-nil,” he stressed. Lewis and his opening partner Shai Hope have been critical to West Indies’ success in the series, with record hundred-run partnerships in both games. In the opening ODI, Hope hit 110 and Lewis, 65, in a 143run stand while in the second game, Lewis struck 103 and Hope, 84, in a 194-run opening partnership. Lewis said there had been a great synergy with Hope, with both hungry to do well and provide the ideal start of the home side. “Batting with Shai is pretty easy. I feed off him sometimes and he feeds off me sometimes so I think batting with him is excellent,” said the 29-year-old. “He is a guy that always has confidence. I feel very at ease

IOC is no ‘super world government’ to solve China issues, says Bach (REUTERS) - The International Olympic Committee said on Friday it is not a “super world government” that can resolve political issues in China ahead of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games even though activists say the IOC has ignored Tibetan and Uighur claims of human rights violations. Beijing will become the first city to host summer and winter Games next year after also staging the 2008 summer Games. But the IOC has been criticised for awarding the 2022 winter Olympics to China given the country’s human rights record. Representatives of Tibetan and Hong Kong groups as well as the world’s largest group of exiled ethnic Uighurs said earlier on Friday the IOC had

not acted on their concerns after meeting them in October. They also said any assurances from China to the IOC were of no value.

IOC president Thomas Bach

“We are taking this very seriously,” IOC president Thomas Bach told a news

conference when asked specifically about claims of rights violations in China. “Human rights and labour rights and others are and will be part of the host city contract.” “We are working very closely with the organising committee. We are monitoring supply chains, labour rights, freedom of press and many other issues. This is our responsibility,” he said at the end of a virtual IOC session. The United States earlier on Friday condemned China’s abuse of ethnic and religious minorities, including what it called “crimes against humanity and genocide” in Xinjiang against Muslim Uighurs and severe restrictions in Tibet. “We are not a super world government where the IOC could solve or even address

issues for which not a United Nations security council, no G7, no G20 has a solution,” Bach said. “This is in the remit of politics. We have to live up to our responsibilities in our areas of responsibility.” China rejects U.S. charges that it has committed genocide against Uighur and other Muslims in the remote western region, where activists say more than 1 million are held in internment camps. Beijing says the complexes it set up in Xinjiang provide vocational training to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism. Allegations of forced labour and human rights violations are “groundless rumour and slander”, the Chinese foreign ministry says.

Round one of BMC postponed DUE to persistent rain for most of Friday and yesterday morning, the start of the much-anticipated Big Man Cricket has been delayed. The first round of matches fixed for yesterday was postponed and will be played off at a later date. In yesterday’s encounters, Essequibo Eagles were expected to play GT Royal Rangers at the Imam Bacchus ground. Two games were billed for the GCC ground with

West Bank Warriors and Jai Hind coming against each other while Upper Corentyne Rangers were expected to oppose Timothy Masters. The other game in the opening round was set for Enmore with Real Warriors facing West Dem Vipers. However, according to the organisers, once there is an improvement in the weather and the venues are in a playable condition, todaym round two matches will proceed.

Opener Evin Lewis … hoping to extend his excellent form in the third ODI Entering the series against the backdrop of a heavy drubbing in Bangladesh last month, West Indies needed a strong performance in order to compensate for their recent poor showing. The opening victory was a convincing result, chasing down a modest 232 to win with three overs remaining and take an upper hand in the series. In contrast, West Indies nearly let slip a strong position in pursuit of 274 in the second ODI, sliding from 194 without loss to get home in the final over with two balls to spare. However, captain Kieron Pollard said the decline was not necessarily a cause for concern going forward. “These things happen; you can’t have a perfect game,” the experienced all-rounder pointed out. “It’s just a matter of understanding situations when you’re in the middle and if you’re in,

when I bat with him. We’re just looking to continue.” SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair. SRI LANKA – Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Danushka Gunathilake, Pathum Nissanka, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananajaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilshan Madushanka, Suranga Lakmal.

No hard feelings,

Kraigg Brathwaite has played 66 Tests and 10 ODIs for the West Indies

says new skipper Kraigg Brathwaite

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, ,( CMC )– Newly-appointed Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite has praised the development of the side under Jason Holder and says he anticipates a productive working relationship with the man he has replaced. The 28-year-old Brathwaite was announced Thursday to lead West Indies in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka starting next weekend, ending Holder’s six-year tenure in charge. “We had a chat [Thursday]. I have known Jason from age 10 so we go way back, and I don’t think anything is going to change,” Brathwaite said here. “He has my full support and I have his full support so we’re going to work as a team. “I think this team can make West Indies fans proud and Jason is a key member for us so I really look forward to us going out there and making West Indies fans proud.” He continued: “I thought Jason did a

fantastic job in the last [six] years leading the team and for me it’s a privilege to take over from him.” Brathwaite, a longstanding deputy to Holder, has already led West Indies in seven Tests but it was the last two in Bangladesh last month, which swayed selectors. Presiding over a weakened side after Holder and a plethora of first choice players skipped the tour, Brathwaite spearheaded the side to a whitewash of the hosts, to earn widespread acclaim for his inspirational leadership. Brathwaite, a Barbados captain who also led West Indies at the 2012 ICC Under-19 World Cup, acknowledged the road ahead would be a difficult one but urged the Test side to keep alive the spirit shown on the Bangladesh tour. “I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to the opportunity. I always saw myself as a leader, obviously as

an opening batsman,” said Brathwaite, who has played 66 Tests. “I look forward to the challenge. Obviously it won’t be easy but I thought the attitude we had in Bangladesh was key – the discipline we showed even at the practice sessions. Once we take that forward, the future is very bright for this team.” Brathwaite’s elevation to the captaincy comes just months after he was stripped of the vice-captaincy last year due to a run of poor form, with all-rounder Roston Chase appointed understudy to Holder for the New Zealand tour. Chase was among those opting out of the Bangladesh series and following a wretched outing in New Zealand which saw him manage 17 runs from four innings, has been excluded altogether from the 13-man squad to face Sri Lanka. Renowned for his consistency, Brathwaite’s bad patch saw him average 12 in ten Tests

Hetmyer must display passion, consistent performances, says Harper SEE PAGE

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during a 15-month period leading up to the end of 2019, resulting in his place in the side coming under scrutiny. Two half-centuries on the tour of England last year eased the pressure and he shone with bat and ball in Bangladesh to once again prove his value to the side. Brathwaite, who carries a Test average of 32 and scored the last of his eight hundreds nearly three years ago, said he did not anticipate the mantle of captaincy adversely affecting his batting. “I’m in a good place. On the Bangladesh tour I got a start. Unfortunately I didn’t get a hundred in [the first Test] but I’m very happy,” he noted. “For me it’s just to go out there and build the foundation for the team. When I go out there to bat, I’m a batsman and I’m not necessarily thinking about captaining. I’m pretty happy right and I look forward to leading this batting.”

AAG welcomes CARIFTA Games rescheduling SEE PAGE

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AAG president Aubrey Hutson

Shimron Hetmyer has played in 16 Tests for West Indies, scoring 838 runs with a highest score of 93

SEE PAGE

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DCB executives pay courtesy call on Sport Minister

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, MARCH 14, 2021