Issuu

TUESDAY 16th March, 2021

' No.106302

National Assembly could decide Patterson’s fate –– as PAC Chair, should next meeting end in stalemate

Young Rajni fights physical challenges PAGE

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Gunraj: ‘Notorious’ GECOM trio to be ‘booted’ in due course

–– to graduate from UG with distinction

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Social workers are ‘the unseen heroes’

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Rajni Persaud thanks her parents for being her main support in achieving academic success. In photo the graduand poses with her proud mother (UG photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Gunraj: 'Notorious' GECOM trio to be 'booted' in due course

By Rabindra Rooplall

CHIEF Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, his deputy Roxanne Myers and Region Four Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, along with other Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees who participated in the attempts to “steal” the 2020 General and Regional Elections for the Coalition will be removed in due course. This is according to PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj, who appeared on a special programme aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) titled, “Assault on Democracy.” “I want to say to the nation now that in short order steps are going to be taken to

remove them from GECOM. I say that with no apologies. I say that because their actions were clearly designed to steal the election, to thwart the will of the electorate and there must be consequences for that, because their presence there undermines the confidence in the system,” Gunraj explained. He said if those who are charged with the responsibility to carry out a process, “the guardians of the process,” are abusing the process, “then something is obviously not right and that must be fixed, it’s plain and simple.” Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, who also appeared on the programme, said “unless there is the removal of the persons who are guilty, or persons who are trying open-

ly and brazenly, barefacedly to steal the rights of the people, the trust and confidence is [sic] not going to be at the level that we want it for local government elections and for [the] next general elections in five years’ time.” She continued: “And these are critical steps we have in this period to make sure that people have confidence. This is a constitutional body that in fact was the instrument used, not the soldiers stealing ballot boxes in the past. This was where the constitutional body itself, GECOM, was the instrument to steal the elections, and that must never happen again.” Teixeira noted, that she is confident Guyana now has a golden opportunity to build on this experience and that Guyana must teach its young

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

people to continue to defend their democratic rights for development of the nation. DEALT WITH CONDIGNLY On a similar programme, Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall, said all legal and administrative screws that are loose will be tightened to ensure that attempts at electoral fraud are dealt with condignly. Noting that electoral reform will manifest itself in two forms, the Attorney-General said that while one will be the constitutional reforms that require a two-thirds majority, “the riggers will not

support reforms to make the process transparent, because they are hoping for another opportunity to thief the elections.” He said that 90 per cent of the electoral reforms can be done by a simple majority, and in giving an example, he said all Statements of Poll (SoPs) made public will be uploaded to a website for all Guyanese to view. “All the weaknesses in the law that they exploited are still fresh in our minds, so we have a tabulation of them. I have already begun the exercise, and a unit has been established. And we are working towards correcting them, and, hopefully, we will

correct them before Local Government Elections,” the Attorney-General said. He noted that all the necessary amendments to the laws will be made before the next general elections. Further, he said that systematically, everything will be checked in detail, and all the loose screws will be tightened. Emphasising that March 2, 2020, and its aftermath were defining moments in the country’s history, Nandlall said, “We as a people did not succumb to those who wanted to destroy this country, using race, using violence, using fraud, sabotaging the electoral process and employing various methods.” He said all right-thinking Guyanese, CARICOM and the international community stood “on the side of freedom and democracy and in the end we prevailed.” Meanwhile, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; his deputy, Roxanne Myers and Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo are before the courts on charges of misconduct in public office. Lowenfield has six charges against him filed by the police following a “comprehensive” investigation into the elections and their aftermath. The charges include three counts of misconduct in public office and three counts of forgery. Additionally, Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence; PNC activist, Carol Joseph and GECOM Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo are all accused of inflating the results of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the country’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the March 2 polls, when in fact, the PPP/C had won by 15,000 votes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

National Assembly could decide Patterson’s fate –– as PAC Chair, should next meeting end in stalemate

By Navendra Seoraj THE persistent reluctance of members of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition to entertain a motion tabled in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by members on the Government’s side for the removal of David Patterson as Chairman of the committee, is likely to result in the Government members seeking the intervention of the National Assembly. Should this matter reach the level of the National Assembly, it would be the ultimate end to a stalemate which has persisted for more than a month, leaving the examination of critical public expenditures on the back-burner. Monday marked the second failed attempt by the Government members to have the motion considered and voted on by the full committee. The Government, despite the previous outcomes of their attempts, remains resilient in its effort to have the motion considered since Patterson, the former Minister of Public Infrastructure, is being investigated as part of the

Disputed Chairman of the PAC, David Patterson

gift-giving scandal in which, it is alleged, he received in excess of $2 million in gifts from agencies that were under his remit. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, who is the mover of the motion, has said that the Government members are prepared to move to the National Assembly to have Patterson removed as Chairman. “The next time it [efforts to have the motion considered] fails, a motion will be put to the House to remove him as the Chair… this is not a good thing because a lot of things will come out and it

will embarrass him,” Teixeira said in an invited comment to the media following a closeddoor sitting of the committee, on Monday. Teixeira, who had previously advised Patterson to resign as Chairman, said there are still several issues related to the former Public Infrastructure Minister which are yet to be made public. A decision on whether this matter will indeed reach the House relies on the outcome of the next sitting of the committee, a date for which is yet to be announced. The outcome of the upcoming meeting would have

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

to be different from Monday’s, which, according to Teixeira, was the same as February 1, when the motion was initially tabled.

A REPEAT “The issue has been that the motion was put the last time and then it was tabled by me, but when it came to the Chairman putting the question [for the vote] he stood up and recused himself… the other [APNU+AFC] members refused to take the chair,” the minister said, adding: “The exact same thing happened the last time

[February 1].” Ironically, according to the minister, although Patterson recused himself from the meeting, he remained in the room, but not in the ceremonial seat of the Chairman. “This is an untenable situation,” Minister Teixeira lamented, noting: “There is precedence for the Speaker or the Clerk [of the National Assembly] to do it in the absence of a Chairperson… they [APNU+AFC members] do not want that to happen, so we are stuck again.” With the National Assembly still being a plausible

method of resolving this issue, Clerk of the House, Sherlock Isaacs, has since agreed to consult a lawyer for advice on the matter. “If all this fails, the Clerk has asked for time to consult… the Clerk agreed to consult a lawyer and advise us,” Teixeira said. She further said: “The standing orders are being totally undermined and ravaged by the Opposition… we are not calling for the Opposition to not chair the committee… we are not calling for him to be removed as a member, we are just against him being chairperson.” Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Government Parliamentarian, Sanjeev Datadin, both members of the PAC, were disappointed in the outcome of Monday’s meeting. “The Government has done what it needed to do, and that is put a proper motion. All that is required is for it to be voted on,” Edghill said. Datadin agreed too that the motion was properly tabled, and while he was disappointed in Monday’s outcome, he is hopeful that the matter could be dealt with at the next meeting.

Court awards Atlantic Fuel Inc $12.8 M for storage costs –– GEA, GRA has up to March 29 to pay up CHIEF Justice (ag) Roxane George on Monday ordered the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) to pay $12.8M to Atlantic Fuels Inc (AFI) for storage costs associated with the fuel they had unlawfully detained last year. AFI is owned by former Chairman of Guyana Water Inc, Dr Richard Van West Charles. Charles, who is the company’s managing-director, had sued Commissioner-General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia, the GRA, and the Chief Executive officer of the GEA, Mahender Sharma over the seizure. The two agencies had seized and detained 631,184.9 litres of diesel fuel worth over $80M in resale value which was imported by AFI on No-

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

vember 1, 2020. The legal proceedings commenced on December 22, 2020. On Monday, the CJ ruled that both government agencies are liable for the storage costs of the fuel. The sum of $12,825,000 is to be paid in full on or before March 29, 2021.

Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia

The CJ further ordered that for every additional day that the fuel is held, the sum of $113,500 is to be paid. The government agencies have also been ordered to pay the costs of the suit filed by AFI.

AFI was represented by prominent Attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon. In February, the CJ had granted an order directing the GRA and GEA to release and hand over the seized fuel to AFI. The chief justice agreed with the arguments made on behalf of AFI and declared that the fuel was the company’s property and that Statia and Sharma had acted illegally and unconstitutionally to prevent the marking and clearance of the fuel, so that AFI could successfully import it. She ordered the two officials to stop violating the constitution and issued two orders of mandamus directing the GEA to mark the fuel and the GRA to subsequently release same, since over $20M in taxes and fees were already paid

to facilitate those activities. The chief justice held that because such taxes and fees were already paid, “it was difficult to see how revenue owed to the state could be lost.” She also agreed with the submission made by AFI’s attorney that the GEA and GRA had no power under the law to hinder or impede importation of the fuel. She went on to rule that all of the legal justifications and authorities relied upon by Statia and Sharma “were distinguishable” because they did not apply to the circumstances before the court. Subsequent to the seizure of the fuel, GRA had filed a criminal charge against AFI at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for making a false declaration. That case is still ongoing.

Selected quote from Dr Cheddi Jagan

"In multi-ethnic societies like Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, it is necessary to fight against racist ideology and racial stereotypes which were created and fostered by the capitalist/ colonialist ruling class, and later exploited by self-serving politicians. It must be recognised that whatever our racial origin, we have a common heritage. Our forefathers, regardless of ethnic, religious and cultural differences, watered the sugar cane with their blood, sweat and tears." 1988

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Joint Services hears about juvenile delinquency, foreign nationals in Baramita

CRIME-FIGHTING, border security and other challenges were raised with senior Joint Services officials who recently visited Baramita, Region One, where they met with officials and residents. The Joint Services team was led by Colonel Julius Skeete, General Staff of the Guyana Defence Force; Deputy Police Commissioner Operations (ag), Clifton Hicken; Deputy Divisional Commander, Mark Vigilance and other Joint Services officers. The regional representatives were identified as Margaret Lambert, Regional Democratic Councillor and representative of the Prime Ministerial Office of Region One, Deputy Toshao Raphael Hamilton. Also present were councillors, members of the business community and other stakeholders. Baramita is about 20 miles west of Matthew's Ridge and is one of the largest Amerindian settlements in the country. Law-enforcement officials say both local and foreign nationals were warned

against aiding and abetting foreign nationals with illegal arms and ammunition in Guyana’s jurisdiction. “All perpetrator(s) will be prosecuted in keeping with the laws of Guyana. They were urged to develop community policing groups to aid the current security posture. An environment was created for future interactions to enhance security measures in Baramita,” one senior officer noted. Collaborative efforts were established through team-policing with residents, district councillors and stakeholders to share information with the Joint Services. The visit sought to provide the residents, councillors and other stakeholders an opportunity to communicate their concerns with the objective of having them addressed as far as practicable. Some of the concerns raised by residents include juvenile delinquency, traversing of tractors on residents’ farms and the playfield; foreign nationals present in the district; erecting of structures without permission of the Village Council; pol-

A section of the gathering in the Baramita district during the meeting with Joint Services officials

lution of waterways by miners while transporting fuel and supplies to mining areas along the trail to Imatacha; unfair treatment of Guyanese miners in Imatacha; threats of Venezuelans to Guyanese miners and the need for the Joint Services to be stationed in Baramita and breaching of the COVID-19 Protocols. They noted the need for

Wednesday March 17, 2021 04:30hrs

other capacity-building activities to motivate and develop youth engagements in Baramita. The Joint Services officials agreed to play a fundamental role in these initiatives. They also said that policymakers will be consulted and a decision will be made shortly concerning the con-

struction of a Joint Services base in the district. Breaches in the COVID-19 protocols were addressed with the Joint Services warning of penalties. The Joint Services officials also assured residents that all crimes committed in Guyana will be investigated thoroughly.

Guyhoc Park mason succumbs to stab wounds DANIEL Boutrin, 23, a mason of 157 Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, who was wounded on Saturday last at D Field Sophia, succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on Monday. Investigations revealed that a 25-year-old mason of

Tuesday March 16, 2021 04:30 hrs

a task force in the district which should include members of the Joint Services, members of the Village Council, representatives from the Regional Democratic Council and other interested personnel. The residents also discussed the forming of youth groups that would focus on vocational skills, sports and

Officials of the Joint Services at the head table taking notes while interacting with residents of the Baramita district

Sophia is the alleged perpetrator. His sister was involved in a relationship with Boutrin. Reports indicated that, on March 13, Boutrin was at the suspect’s parents’ home and while there an argument started over a bicycle which the suspect had borrowed from him during the latter

part of 2020 and later lost it. Police said that an argument escalated and the suspect armed himself with a knife while the Boutrin armed himself with a cutlass. The suspect’s parents intervened and caused him to leave the premises. Subsequently, the victim left, but as he was about to enter a taxi, he was confronted by the suspect who threw several stabs at him while the victim in turn retaliated with some missed chops. He was stabbed on his

left side chest and after a short run he fell to the ground. The suspect then ran away with the knife and made good his escape. The victim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was hospitalised in the ICU and later died. The body is currently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy. Police said efforts were made to locate the suspect but without success.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

‘Protective effects of the vaccines outweigh any side effects’ –– Health Minister advises MINISTER of Health Dr Frank Anthony is advising the public that the protective effects of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any potential side-effects. He made this statement on Monday during the daily COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI). Guyana began its COVID-19 vaccination rollout in February following the Government of Barbados’ donation of 3,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The country also received 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from China and 80,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines from India. Minister Anthony stated that the COVID-19 vaccine

may come with the normal side-effects like any other vaccine. These include a bit of pain in the arm or a little bit of fever, both of which he advised would last only for a few hours. “The protective effects of this vaccine outweigh whatever little side-effects that you might get when the vaccines are administered, and those side-effects are usually a little bit of pain in the arm or a little bit of fever; but after a couple of hours that is gone and your immune system would start developing antibodies that would protect you from COVID and I think that is what is important,” said Minister Anthony. Further, he reminded the public that vaccines have been around for a long time and are pivotal in mass

A nurse at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, preparing to administer a dose of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine to a local healthcare worker (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

health-and-safety exercises. Minister Anthony also reminded citizens that the effects of vaccines have been

analysed and understood as the protection of people. “We have seen vaccines and how they work with

children. We are immunising children, every year we immunise our children; we have been giving out now 18

different types of vaccines to protect children from 18 types of diseases and it[sic] has [sic] been working because we don’t see those diseases in Guyana. And it’s the same with COVID, once you take your vaccine you will be protected,” Minister Anthony explained. He cautioned that there are persons who may be willingly or even unknowingly spreading false information about the COVID-19 vaccine to the public. He advised members of the public to ensure that information is taken from competent sources, such as the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and even John Hopkins University, which all have extensive information about the vaccines.

Garbage being dumped in the Pomeroon River –– Regional Chairperson says this will not be tolerated By Indrawattie Natram REGION Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva will be working assiduously in the coming weeks to address the alarming reports of noise nuisance and the dumping of garbage in the Pomeroon River. She made this disclosure during the March 10 statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), which was held at Anna Regina. De Silva, under the subject line ‘Any other business of the council’ remarked that she has been receiving numerous complaints from residents that persons are deliberately playing loud music in the housing schemes. She said that since this new trend is having a negative effect on the elderly, she will be following up the issue with the Guyana Police Force. Additionally, she said she will be working with major stakeholders to clamp down on those workshop operators that are using heavy-duty equipment in residential areas. According to De Silva, the sound of the equipment is also contributing to noise nuisance in those communities. Another concern that needs addressing is the dumping of garbage in the Pomeroon River, she said.

The Regional Chairperson made it clear that she will not tolerate such a practice under her stewardship. De Silva, who is passionate about eco-tourism, said that it is quite distressing to see that residents and vendors in the Charity area are indiscriminately dumping their waste into the Pomeroon River. De Silva told the RDC that she will be pursuing the matter with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and commented that anyone who is found dump-

Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, during her address at the recent RDC meeting

ing garbage in the waterway will be punished. She used the opportunity to encourage persons living in the Charity area and other parts of the Essequibo Coast to utilise the dumpsites at Lima and Charity. She also made calls for minibus and hire car operators to ensure that they carry a black bag in their vehicle so that passengers can properly dispose of their garbage. De Silva said that Essequibo is known as one of the cleanest regions in Guyana and as such, called on her fellow Essequibians to practise good hygiene. Meanwhile, Opposition

Councillor Mark Mc Lean supported the call for drivers to utilise plastic bags for the proper disposal of garbage. He said that residents of Anna Regina are also littering the Anna Regina Public Road, especially the one that leads to the Mainstay Resort. He urged the council to put systems in place so that the litterbugs can be caught. Mc Lean also reminded that the road leads to the most attractive black water resorts and as such, the area should be clean at all times.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Anthony Cort’s demise

ANTHONY Cort did not deserve to die. Still at the tender age of 10 years, this child of the nation expected the society to protect him, offer him the kind of life every child deserves, of innocence, playfulness and safety, and allow him to grow up into adulthood. Cort and his mom were spending their day like so many Guyanese, visiting their neighbour in their community at Sophia, when heavily armed, inhumane criminals invaded the house, robbed the residents, and shot dead young Cort. Pictures of this happy-looking innocent boy floated around the media and reached the world community online, with Guyanese everywhere feeling a sense of loss, shock, and helplessness against the cruel audacity of snarling criminals armed with deadly weapons invading homes with brazen disregard in bright daylight. President Ali and senior government leaders visited the shattered family, and a picture of the President comforting the grieving mother of Cort stirred the hearts of Guyanese everywhere. With this gesture of compassionate understanding and readiness to reach out a hand of support, encouragement and sympathy, President Ali sent a strong message to the nation that government cares for every person, and that nobody would ever have to suffer alone when trying times test the faith and resilience of the Guyanese soul. And this criminal act of such shockingly inhumane cruelty does test the Guyanese soul. As a nation, this country cannot afford to

sit back and allow this kind of behaviour to stain the good name of this land and to cause angst, dread, and sadness among citizens across the country, and in the diaspora. An urgent, emergency solution is desperately needed to curb this sort of wickedness that lurks in the dark shadows of this land. Nobody in any reasonable state of mind would deliberately shoot a young child with such deadly aim that one bullet killed. These are soul-less criminals with no regard for human life, and therefore should not be allowed to roam freely in the society. The Guyana Police Force has had challenging times over the years, and news this week of body cameras on ranks out in the public would be welcome, and hopefully would help to repair the tainted image of the force, that is so prone to accusations of bribery, corruption, and inefficiency, even among traffic cops who work the streets. Yet, the force has some outstanding leaders, one of whom is Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken. It is timely and a tribute to Anthony Cort for government to hold an emergency confab with progressive, proven leaders of the force like Hicken, to implement a strategy and workable plan to clean up the streets of Georgetown of street crimes, petty criminals, illegal guns and other weapons, and to crush the inner-city illegal drug operations, with a target especially to rid Guyana of career criminals. This is not a new problem, in fact, it dates back to the 1980s when kick-down-the-door

bandits attacked Guyanese in their homes. That era spawned a criminal underground from which this country never recovered; so much so that today citizens are fearful of venturing into certain sections of the city, including the inner streets of Werk-en-Rust, Lodge, Albouystown, West Ruimveldt and Sophia. At Kaneville aback of Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, a den of thieves resides, and residents along the high-density population stretch from Diamond to Craig fear the Kaneville area from where criminals would all too often raid houses or attack persons on the streets. In New Amsterdam, as well, brazen bandits are prone to attack a resident walking a street too late in the day, and even downtown at the market and Pitt Street, anybody is liable to suffer from armed pickpocketers and menacing robbers. This sad experience of the nation, to watch its young son, Cort, killed with a bandit’s bullet when he was hanging out having fun at his neighbour’s house in his home community, is an urgent wake-up call to this country. Clearly, this country, especially around the inner-city, shadowy communities of Georgetown, harbours exceedingly damaged souls, some generational criminals who took up the habit from a wayward parent, some addicted to drugs and dangerous to society, and some so poor and desperate that they would do anything to make a living. These are people who fell through the cracks, with some even believing that it is their right to

rob and pillage ordinary Guyanese, a kind of ‘have-nots’ taking from the ‘haves’ by force and threats. Whatever the causes of this terrible situation of petty street crimes impacting how this country lives, works and builds, it is absolutely necessary for government to call upon the Police Force to implement an emergency campaign to root out inner-city criminals, to place them in rehabilitation facilities until they are fit to re-enter society as stable individuals, and to clean up known areas of illegal drugs, mental health sufferers such as addicts, and people who just plainly do not want to be good citizens. Guyana is becoming a world-class society, and the nation cannot tolerate this situation, for these criminals to hold the country hostage with their brazen cruelty. They take a psychological toll on the national mindset, when Guyanese see one of their innocent young children gunned down at the hands of marauding criminals brandishing weapons of immense deadliness. Guyana is a better society than this, and it is necessary for government and the force to come up with an urgent emergency solution to right the wrong that caused Anthony Cort to lose his life in such a brutal, inhumane, uncivilised way. Like Cort, Guyanese deserve better than this, and the nation can do better. It is time to eradicate this curse upon the nation that has lurked in the shadows since the 1980s.

Some thoughts on bail Dear Editor, IN Guyana, the word ‘bail’ is a good word to start a conversation with among adults, or, even better, to start an argument. Dammed if you grant bail; dammed if you refuse. Bail is hotly discussed in the print and electronic media and elsewhere. Editor, please permit me to join in the confabulation. I must confess that I have very little legal training but some experience as it relates to bail. However, at this time, confession might not be the right word to use, based on what happened recently to a pastor. During

a prayer, he confessed to a few sins of the organisation he represented, and pleaded with God for forgiveness. The rest is history. He had an ex parte trial; his appointment with that organisation was terminated by a person who did not have the rank nor competence to do so. Praise God, those in authority quickly vitiated the dismissal. Back to the substantive topic: Bail. Editor, let me share my layman’s view on bail. My experience with granting or refusing bail started over four decades ago during my recruit training at the Police Training School, now the Felix Austin Police College.

I vividly recall my class instructor positing the following points to be considered before granting or refusing bail: The nature and gravity of the charge; will the prisoner attend trial or report to the police as directed; will the granting of bail defeat the end of justice; weight of evidence; status of accused, and possibility of absconding. Space does not permit me to elaborate on each point. They were relevant then; they are even more apposite now. As an investigator, subordinate officer, prosecutor, station sergeant, sub-divisional officer, mentor and

commander, I used them effectively as my guiding principles when dealing with bail. It is my humble opinion that those who are empowered to grant or refuse bail should, in addition to the points alluded to above, be also guided by the Constitution of Guyana; what is taking place in the criminal environment and their conscience. Wow! I feel that this is a good point for me to bail out. Yours faithfully, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Woman who died from COVID-19 identified

THE victim who succumbed to COVID-19 on Sunday morning was, on Monday, identified as an 89-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). According to a release from the Health Ministry, the octogenarian succumbed while receiving care at one of its facilities. Over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health has recorded 27 new cases of COVID-19 from 509 tests; four of which were recorded in Region Three; 13 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and 10 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). No other regions have confirmed new cases within the past 24 hours. To date, there are eight persons admitted to the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 37 remain institutionally isolated; 624 are isolated at home, and 15 persons are institutionally quarantined.

Guyana has confirmed a total of 9,187 cases since the arrival of COVID-19 in Guyana, 684 of which are currently active; and a total of 8,311 recoveries, 23 of which were recorded within the past 24 hours. All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

GPSU not letting up on ‘rapping’ of Small

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde on Monday said that the union is unbothered as to whether the ongoing industrial action by nurses at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) is illegal or not while making remarks at a press conference at GPSU’s Regent Street Headquarters. Union Vice-President Dawn Gardener also stated that the GPSU is considering legal action against the Linden Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rudy Small. Last week, Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health, Malcolm Watkins said the strike action by the nurses is “premature” and “illegal”, especially since the ministry was engaging them and the GPSU. At Monday’s press conference, Yarde said the GPSU plans to maintain the industrial action indefinitely. “We have been doing this for decades, and those ramifications we are not particularly bothered by,” Yarde said when questioned about the legality of the protest action. “We are not going to get caught or hogged down in looking at issues or scenarios that would undermine our purpose, and render the goal not achiev-

able; we are not going to get involved in those procedures,” he said. With the support of the GPSU, nurses at the Linden Hospital have been engaged in industrial action for the past two weeks, calling for the removal of Small over some unacceptable comments he made. In a media report last month, Small was quoted as saying that nurses at the hospital were clocking in at work and then abandoning their post “to meet their sweet man”. Small was temporarily removed from his position as CEO on Tuesday last, but was subsequently reinstated. SKELETON STAFF PS Watkins said that due to the nurses protest action, they have left just a skeleton staff to care for the patients at the hospital. According to Yarde, the current industrial action taken by the nurses is not a strike, but a “protest action”, and this was the reason the union did not give any notice about the industrial action. “It is industrial action; it is not a strike. I would like to emphasise that the protest action taken is to prevent the CEO from entering the workplace,” Yarde said. The Essential Services Arbi-

tration Act Chapter 54:01, under which nurses and other frontline workers fall, prohibits strikes and lockouts in such undertakings or services, for settlement of disputes in public utility undertakings and in certain services. Illegal strike action by nurses and other frontline workers could result in serious consequences, including the termination of services and criminal charges.

OPEN TO DIALOGUE Yarde said the Union is “open to dialogue”, but nonetheless said it would maintain industrial action, unless its demands are met. The Union is demanding the CEO’s removal, and that disciplinary action being instituted against him. “We will remove the industrial action if they remove the CEO. Not only do we want to see the CEO removed; we would like to see disciplinary actions taken against him,” Yarde said. However, Watkins said it is unfair of the Union to ask the Health Ministry to negotiate under duress. According to Watkins, the ministry treated the concerns of the nurses seriously from the inception, and has agreed to engage the nursing staff and the Union through the Ministry of Labour.

Tin of ‘Gloria’ milk being used as weight Dear Editor,

I VISITED the Kitty Market on March 14, 2021 to purchase some items, and I observed that the vendor used a rusty Gloria brand tin of milk as a substitute for a pound weight. I asked him about it, and he said that he doesn’t have a pound weight, but that the tin of milk is equivalent to a pound. The approximate weight of the contents of a tin of Gloria brand of milk is 14.5 ounces, which means it is 1.5 ounces short of a pound. I am sure the tin does not weigh 1.5 ounces; this means that this vendor has been defrauding many shoppers for quite a while now of their true weight. I also observed the dial scales which have been prohibited by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) being used by vendors in the Kitty Market, as well as the Stabroek and Bourda Markets. I could not find out when was the last time the GNBS did a surveillance and verification campaign in the Kitty Market area. Perhaps another surveillance and inspection campaign by the GNBS is long overdue, and maybe this time they may include the Kitty Market area. Yours sincerely, Shazad Sookram

The permanent secretary noted that the ministry agreed at the meeting with the Chief Labour Officer to engage the nurses and the GPSU on a way forward, but not until the strike is called off. “The Permanent Secretary informed the Union in a discussion with their representative on March 5, 2021, that the ministry

Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry Malcolm Watkins

remains open and ready to discuss the concerns of the nurses at the LHC. We will, however, not negotiate under duress. We remain in contact with the Union and with the Ministry of Labour, and we are ready at any time to resume the discussions we started on March 4th at the Ministry of Labour,” a statement from Watkins had said. Yarde said the GPSU will not be approaching the Ministry of Labour, but would attend a meeting if invited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Security, real estate companies partner to deliver better services

By Rehana Ahamad PRAETORIAN Executive Protection Services Incorporated and Real Estate Guyana have announced a new cooperation agreement to provide their clientele with real estate safety and security risk assessments. The agreement, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalises the mutual interaction and strengthens the existing relationship between the two companies at the strategic and working levels. In a joint statement, the companies said that the partnership is mainly focused on the development of safety standards, and how they are applied to real estate practice in Guyana. Real Estate Guyana is a local real estate firm that has

been in operation since 2012. The company said that it has had the opportunity to work along with the expatriate community and has therefore adopted an understanding of the expectations of the real estate industry, when taking into context the realities that exist and the areas that need to be strengthened in order to bridge the gap. Keiron Brathwaite, Marketing Director of Praetorian Executive Protection Services Incorporated, believes that the partnership is “an organic addition to Praetorian’s services.” “We have been servicing the expat community since 2018 through Executive Protection and this extension makes our services even more holistic. Real Estate Guyana is one of the leading firms in the market and

Stefan John, Managing-Director of Real Estate Guyana (left) and Keiron Brathwaite, Marketing Director of Praetorian Executive Protection Services Incorporated are now ready for business

our companies share many values and morals. We have worked together on a number of projects over the years,” Braithwaite said.

Water disruption for central G/town slated for Wednesday …as works progress on Sheriff/Mandela expansion

GWI's Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh and technical officials assess works to be undertaken on Mandela Avenue

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be shutting off the water supply to central Georgetown on Wednesday, March 17, 2020. In a press release issued on Saturday, GWI said that disruption to the water supply is being done to enable “the relocation and interconnection of transmission mains off of the carriage way of the existing roadways.” More specifically, GWI said that its intervention specifically seeks to “facilitate six interconnections of 16inch transmission lines located between East La Penitence Police Station, and the turn by the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School.” These mains are currently hindering works ongoing on the Sheriff/Mandela Expansion project, which is being executed by the Ministry of Public Works and its contractor, Sinohydro. “This relocation exercise will help to accommodate the construction of a roundabout road on Mandela by the school. Four subcontractors will be

working simultaneously on the six interconnections, all in an effort to expedite the works and minimise the period of water disruption to the city,” the GWI statement said. The water company specified that the disruption slated for Wednesday “is just one of many such exercises slated to get underway while road works continue.” In apologising for the inconvenience that the service disruptions would inevitably cause, GWI said that the road-expansion project “gives GWI the opportunity to replace the aged pipe network that exists, while preventing and [sic] breakages during road construction. Upon completion, it will ultimately improve water supply to the city over a long-term basis.” The company assured the public that all efforts are being made to expedite the undertakings and ensure service resumption as soon as possible.

He added that “Praetorian’s Real Estate Safety and Security Assessment will give homeowners and developers the tools they need to

Woman robbed, stabbed at Port Kaituma DIANDRA REBIERO, 21, of McDoom, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), was, two Saturdays ago, stabbed to her leg after she refused to hand over the “kitty” (strongbox) during a robbery at Marshall Backdam, North West District (NWD). Reports indicate that on March 6, 2021, the victim was heading back to her camp when she was attacked by a 32-yearold operator of Canal Bank, Port Kaituma, NWD, who demanded that she hand over the “kitty”. However, after she refused, the robber reportedly stabbed her to her right leg, thus causing her to fall to the ground. He then took the box which contained 12 pennyweights of raw gold valued at $180,000 and made good his escape. Meanwhile, one day after the incident, whilst the victim was in her hammock, the suspect approached her with a cutlass in his right hand and dealt her several blows about her body, causing her to sustain injuries. Police stated that on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at about 16:45h, the victim reported the matter to the Port Kaituma Police Station. She was then taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital where she was treated. An investigation has been launched into the incident. No arrest has been made as yet.

remodel their rental properties, inclusive of residential and commercial, to the high standards which the expat community requires, as well as the additional benefit of adding tremendous value to their real estate holdings.” To offer a more comprehensive service, Real Estate Guyana will be playing its part by offering integrated security services, which is often an integral, yet highly overlooked component of the real estate market. Stefan John, Managing-Director of Real Estate Guyana expressed enthusiasm with regard to the partnership, noting that the efforts of the two companies will seek to raise the standards of the aforementioned market. “There is a shortage of quality expat housing in

Guyana, and with this partnership, we believe that we will assist our clients with making the right changes and upgrades to their properties to be able to provide quality and safety-focused properties in Guyana,” John said. He noted too that the services now being offered can be performed at the request of the property owner, who may be preparing his/her building for a transaction, or in the case of a prospective tenant, performing due diligence. “I look forward to working with Praetorian Executive Protection Services in continuing to build on our real estate operations in the interest of enhancing the growing real estate industry,” John emphasised.

Murder of Sophia boy: Court grants extension to keep suspect in custody

Dead: Anthony Cort

THE High Court, on Monday, granted an extension to detain a suspect as police continue their hunt for two more bandits as investigations continue into the murder of 10-year-old, Anthony Cort. Cort was gunned down by bandits during a home invasion at Packet Corner, C Field, Sophia last Thursday. The child had been playing in the upper flat of the 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 items for the robbers, Cort exited the room where he had been playing and the 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. President, Dr Irfaan Ali recently visited Anthony’s family. Accompanying him was the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and Commander Pareshram. They expressed condolences to the slain child’s mother and siblings. President Ali promised the family that he will do all in his power to bring Anthony’s killers to justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

How Guyana can grow its economy

–– by putting food at the centre of its development agenda

By Gillian Smith FOOD is priority on everyone’s daily agenda – while some of us contemplate healthy food choices, others simply seek adequate diets to ward off hunger. Simultaneously, across fields and in the farms, there are those who toil every day, some from dawn until dusk, to ensure that food is available and affordable. From farm to fork, we are all vital players in the activities, which collectively combine to form food systems -- whether as providers of inputs and services, farmers, producers, harvesters, distributors, traders, importers, exporters, manufacturers or consumers. Globally, this system feeds seven billion people every day, and is estimated to have a gross value of just over US$5 trillion, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (UNFAO). In Guyana, the food system feeds the entire country (local and imported foods), provides livelihoods for rural farmers and fisherfolk, and contributes valuable export earnings to the country. Even so, global food systems are not without challenge. Despite an abundance of food and a vibrant global trade, approximately three billion people around the world do not have access to healthy and affordable diets. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that in the Latin American and the Caribbean Region, about 26 per cent of persons cannot afford healthy diets. In some regions, it is estimated that healthy diets can be as much as five times more costly than a high-starch version. Many foods, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables are not easily available to some communities, resulting in an overconsumption of processed foods, cereals, sugars and red meat. Centralised food systems often exclude small producers from quality markets and result in the most vulnerable, bearing the highest risks to their livelihoods. Food production and distribution also come with a high cost to the environment, putting significant pressure on the natural-resource wealth of many countries. Our food systems are also more vulnerable than ever before.

The complex nature of food systems and the critical role that they play in human development, are among the reasons that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is convening the 2021 Global Food System Summit later this year. Working together, we can transform the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about food, to create greater inclusion and equity, better nutrition for all, better livelihoods and better production models that also leave no one behind. Described by the UN Secretary- General as the “The People’s Summit,” it is supported widely by governments, UN agencies, academia, food-industry partners and civil society. This effort will identify and promote game-changing, ambitious, concrete actions, underpinning the most forward-thinking science. FAO and the rest of the UN and developing partners are all supporting this global summit. For Guyana, the summit is timely to provide inputs into the country’s transformation agenda for its agriculture sector, supporting its ambitious plans to remain an important economic driver in an emerging oil economy. The Food System Summit dialogue is a stage for both expressing and honing the vision of an agricultural production system that is in step with emerging global food trends and aligned with an overall national development strategy. In preparation for the global summit, there will be national dialogues that gather national, inter-sectoral thinking and concrete ideas for action. By an inclusive and bottom-up dialogue process, the country can draw on the best ideas, experiences, and evidence from many different sectors and from around the world. If we can focus our efforts on the following five action tracks, it is possible to radically change food systems for the better, by creating sustainable approaches. ACTION TRACK 1: ENSURE ACCESS TO SAFE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD FOR ALL Working to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition, this track also seeks to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases. In Guyana, treating diabetes, heart disease, other forms of

A vendor parcelling shrimp for sale

Non-communicable Diseases and malnourishment is a significant and preventable cost to the healthcare system and contributes to untold suffering by persons and their

trade opportunities, as well as ensure that healthy- diet options are more widely available throughout the country. ACTION TRACK 2:

A vendor parcelling shrimp for sale

families. More nutritious, healthy diets, combined with active lifestyles can significantly reduce this burden. With its abundant production of fresh food, pro-poor policies that promote better access to healthy, nutritious diets can have multiple positive impacts, particularly if aimed at vulnerable groups such as single, female-headed households, indigenous communities, rural dwellers, the elderly, the unemployed and under-employed, and persons living below or on the poverty line. Other important considerations are, working to ensure that effective food-safety systems protect consumers and facilitate

SHIFT TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION PATTERNS Food-consumption patterns, driven by current food systems, are simultaneously characterised by poor dietary choices, unbalanced diets, increased over-eating, micronutrient deficiencies, increasing intake of highly processed, high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods and at the same time, unacceptable levels of food wastage. In many countries that are transitioning to greater economic wealth, it is further expected that these issues will become exacerbated over time. While issues of obesi-

ty, stunting and wasting, and occurrence of NCDs in Guyana may be lower relative to many other countries, they still represent a significant toll in health costs and human suffering, and are directly related to what we eat. The rising value of food importation represents additional foreign-exchange demands for the country and lost income opportunities for local food producers. At the household level, food wastage can eat into the budget of families and while at the business level, it can significantly reduce profit margins. Food loss in agricultural production reduces efficiency, drives up costs and unnecessarily depletes natural resources. Therefore, working to build sustainable consumption patterns based on efficient food-value chains will help to make the country more competitive and healthy. ACTION TRACK 3: BOOST NATURE-POSITIVE PRODUCTION Globally, agriculture is estimated to be responsible for up to 70 per cent of freshwater extraction and 80 per cent of deforestation. Optimising the use of natural resources in food production, processing, and distribution is vital to creating successful and sustainable transformation of agriculture in Guyana and preserving natural-resource wealth for future generations. This thematic area will be critical to Guyana’s long-term development agenda, and must be aligned with the goals of the Low Carbon Development Strategy. Efforts should also be directed to better understand constraints and opportunities facing smallholder farmers, fishers and small-scale enterprises along the food-value chain. ACTION TRACK 4: ADVANCE EQUITABLE LIVELIHOODS The current global food system is recognised as one driver of inequality and this disparity continues to widen. It is ironic that rural communities, in which many farming families live and operate, are often amongst the more food insecure. Globally, women make up approximately 43% of the agricultural workforce, but often have less access to services and assets that can make them more productive. Although more than a billion

persons work in food systems globally, this number is steadily declining, and in many countries there is an increase in the average age of farmers, meaning that the labour force of food systems is changing. Importantly for Guyana, as the oil-and-gas sector continues to grow, steps must be taken to make attractive the livelihoods available in food systems. This means not only providing opportunities for decent employment, but also incentivising rural living. This thematic area requires concrete and integrated actions to promote sustained opportunities to improve earnings, support equitable access to finances for farmers and agro-processors and reducing inequities in access to food - leaving no one behind. ACTION TRACK 5: BUILD RESILIENCE TO VULNERABILITIES, SHOCKS AND STRESS Action Track 5 challenges all stakeholders and players to jointly ensure the continued functionality of food systems in the face of threats such as natural disasters, economic shocks and conflicts. COVID-19 has highlighted how vulnerable our food systems can be at the household, community, national and global levels. However, we also see how strong, well organised, and inclusive production systems cannot only weather shocks, but also thrive. Resilient food systems in Guyana can withstand and recover from instability, and deliver food security, nutrition and equitable livelihoods for Guyanese and for the Region. Working together to transform food systems is therefore advantageous to Guyana’s own food security, but also to realising its vision and development agenda. What is needed is ambitious planning, cross-cutting solutions and decisive action, cultural change, trust, investment and partnerships, all of which Guyana has in abundance, along with its natural resources. Together, we must work to transform food systems. Let’s Take Action. (FAO) (Gillian Smith is FAO representative in Guyana)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

50 men to benefit from free prostate screening

SURGICAL Associates Guyana is offering free prostate cancer screening to 50 men, during the month of March at its office located at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Parade Street, Georgetown, Guyana. The screening includes a free consultation and evaluation by urologist, Dr Rajendra Sukhraj, and a free prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Men between the ages of 45 and 69 years, who have never been screened for prostate cancer, are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Prostate cancer is the

leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Caribbean men. In fact, the Caribbean has some of the highest prostate cancer mortality rates in the world. Caribbean men of African ancestry are particularly at risk, with one in six expected to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Screening tests are designed to detect cancer at the early stages, at which point a cure is still possible. Prostate cancer screening has been shown to improve mortality rates and prevent metastatic cancers, which spreads to other parts of the body. This prostate cancer screening initiative is possi-

ble with the corporate support of Ansa McAL Trading Limited. It is also an expression of social responsibility by Surgical Associates Guyana. Surgical Associates Guyana is a group of Guyanese surgeons who are highly skilled in their respective fields and have a common mission of providing the Guyanese people with first world level surgical care. Appointments can be made by calling 613-6464, or for further information Dr. Rajendra Sukhraj can be contacted on telephone 645-6922.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Arguments in ex-GDF Coast Guards’ death row challenge set for April 6 THE Court of Appeal has set April 6 as the date to hear arguments in the case filed by three former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guards, who are currently sitting on death row for the 2009 murder of Bartica gold dealer, Dwieve Kant Ramdass. In 2013, the former soldiers, Sherwin Hart, Deon Greenidge, and Devon Gordon were found guilty of the capital offence of murder and were sentenced to death by hanging by Justice Franklyn Holder at the Demerara High Court. Dissatisfied, the trio moved to the Appeal Court seeking to have their conviction and sentence overturned. The case is being heard virtually before Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud. Hart and Greenidge are being represented by Trinidad-based attorney, Douglas

DEAD : Dwieve Kant Ramdass

Mendes, SC, and prominent local attorney, Nigel Hughes and his associates. Attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat is on record for Gordon. On March 15, after ironing out some issues concerning submissions, the Appeal Court set April 6 for the hearing of arguments. On August 20, 2009, the two Privates and a Lance Corporal who were man-

ning the Coast Guard RC 12 motorboat in the Essequibo River, made off with $17M in cash which Ramdass was carrying in a box to Bartica for his employer who is based in the city and operates a gold and diamond business. The three soldiers allegedly told investigators shortly after their arrest that they strangled Ramdass, took the money he was carrying and threw his body overboard in the vicinity of Caiman Hole in the Essequibo River. Ramdass, 24, of 95 Third Avenue, Bartica, realised he was in danger and attempted to solicit help by using his cellular phone. He was, however, prevented from doing so by the killers. The GDF members took away Ramdass in their boat, relieved him of the cash and murdered him, before returning to the Parika Stelling. According to reports a portion of the money was recovered by

the police during a roadblock exercise. The three soldiers reportedly split

the money into three portions after they killed Ramdass. On August 22, 2009,

Ramdass’ lifeless body was fished out from the Essequibo River.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

No more long travel as GNBS opens office in Bartica

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, fixes a sign at the commissioning of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Bartica, Region Seven office on Monday (GNBS photo)

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), on Monday, opened its door to the people of Region Seven, with a new sub-office located in the town of Bartica at the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Administrative Office. This will result in the expansion of core services to the residents of Region Seven. Officers of the bureau will now be stationed in the mining town to provide inspection services and testing of concrete hollow blocks along with the verification of scales and masses. The simple ceremony held at the office located in the compound of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was attended by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams and Executive Director (ag) of the GNBS, Ramrattie Karan. Minister Walrond, in brief remarks, noted that the establishment of the new office will eliminate the need to travel long distances to access core services offered by the national standards body. This, she added, will make doing business easier which is high on the Government’s agenda. “No longer is there a need to journey to Georgetown or for the GNBS to journey to Bartica to inspect products, complete registrations, verify fuel pumps, etc. Now, put that into a contextual perspective and examine the cost and time-saving elements. A trip

to Georgetown amounts to no less than $7,000. That does not include food, accommodation, and other costs. In some cases, you may have to make several trips. This might have meant closing business or redirecting your productive time during your sojourn to the capital. I am happy to usher in this new era, where you can stay right in Bartica, save your money, save your time and still access these critical services,” she outlined. With its firm mandate, the GNBS is the leading agency responsible for standards, quality, and measurements which today are necessary aspects of trade. Minister Walrond pointed out that “we all are desirous of accurate measurements for goods purchased, and our expectation is value for money…. These aspects are imperatives for business competitiveness and the boosting of consumer confidence. Therefore, the establishment of this office continues along the trajectory of establishing standards for the provision of goods and services in our nation.” SERIOUS ABOUT BUSINESS She noted that the opening of the GNBS’ sub-office in Bartica is a practical demonstration that this administration is serious about business development in Guyana. She said this location is intended to convey that residents in rural Guyana or the outlying areas should in no way feel disadvantaged or disconnected

from opportunities available to the rest of the country. The office will benefit a wide range of businesses. The minister said the Government is keen on facilitating more active involvement of the small business sector. Further, she said the opening positions all businesses in Bartica to have access to national standards that have become obligatory if they want to compete with international companies. Acting Executive Director of the Bureau, Ramrattie Karan, in her address to the gathering, pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions on travelling have reinforced the importance of decentralising the services of the bureau. With this new office, the GNBS now has a total of six sub-offices across the country; the others are in Anna Regina (Region Two), Vreed-En-Hoop (Region Three), New Amsterdam and Skeldon (Region Six) and Lethem (Region Nine). Karan also thanked the Regional Administration for the provision of the office space and other amenities at the RDC for this new office. She added that going forward, it is expected that more local manufacturers and dealers will be registered with the GNBS, more measuring devices verified including those in the outlying communities, more products and services inspected and certified, and transactions that are more efficient conducted between the GNBS and the stakeholders in

A section of the gathering at the commissioning ceremony (GNBS photo)

Region Seven. According to Head of the Legal Metrology Services at the Bureau, Shailendra Rai, residents of Region Seven will now be able to access verification of scales used in markets, supermarkets, clinics, shops and hospitals.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams in his remarks welcomed the GNBS to Bartica. “Bartica is on the rise, Region Seven is on the rise and it is because of that, offices like this are important to all stakeholders,” he noted.

Also attending the event were Regional Vice-Chairman, Nageshwarie Persaud; Mayor, Gifford Marshall; Deputy Mayor, Aretha Embelton; and Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Dion Moore, among others. (GNBS)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Young Rajni fights physical challenges –– to graduate from UG with distinction

TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Rajni Persaud, a bubbly and confident young woman, has beaten the odds in every respect to achieve what many others would have found difficult to believe was even possible. Rajni, who hails from Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is one of the over 2,500 students who will be graduating when the nation’s premier tertiary institution, the University of Guyana, holds its first virtual Convocation Ceremonies later this month. But she is special. Rajni, like many of her peers who will be receiving their diplomas, stands out for her courageousness and determination, and certainly deserves much admiration and respect. In spite of being physically challenged and facing many obstacles in her life due to her condition, Rajni has persevered and will be graduating with a Diploma in Accountancy with a Distinction pass. Months after she was born, Rajni was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP); a disorder of movements,

muscle tone, or posture that is caused by damage that occurs to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth. Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time. In Rajni’s case, she depends on a wheelchair to move around. Rajni, who is one of two siblings, was determined that her diagnosis would not prevent her from pursuing her dreams. She enrolled at the University of Guyana in 2018 to pursue a Diploma in Accountancy. She was awarded a Government of Guyana scholarship following the intervention of Ganesh Singh, Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisations of Persons With Disability (GCOPWD) and the National Commission on Disability (NCD). Rajni, a former student of President’s College described her journey at the University of Guyana as a roller coaster. One of the major challenges she faced in the initial stages was that of accessibility to the various buildings on campus to attend classes.

“It was sometimes difficult to get into some of the classrooms, but that did not stop me from achieving my goals. Quitting was not an option, no matter what happened,” the aspiring Software Developer pointed out. Rajni was quick to add though that in addition to her parents, who have been her bedrock of support her entire life, she was fortunate to have extremely good lecturers and colleagues who always provided assistance to her when needed and encouraged her to keep the faith in order to reach the finish line. The University Office of Student’s Welfare has recently developed a disability policy and the university is already earmarking more institutional resources to support students with mental and physical disabilities to succeed as special students. EASIER ACCESS TO CLASSROOM Sharing a bit of background information in relation to her reason for deciding to pursue studies in Accountancy, Rajni explained that the School of Entrepre-

Rajni Persaud poses for her official graduation portrait at the University of Guyana's Turkeyen Campus (UG photo)

neurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) building which was recently constructed was equipped with a ramp which made it easier for her to access classes with much ease. The SEBI was launched on July 7, 2017. Its core mission is to educate and develop entrepreneurial and innovative leaders and managers with the skills, competencies, predisposition, and habits of mind to contribute to the social vitality and sustainable economic advancement of the nation and the global community. Professor Leyland Lucas, Dean of SEBI commented: “It is often said that the character of an individual is defined by his/her ability to overcome adversity. Rajni, on a daily basis, demonstrated that ability to overcome adversity. One is always impressed when interacting with her. A smile that demonstrates a high degree of confidence, a humility that reinforces her focus on quiet success, and an implicit drive to succeed at all costs. Her classroom performance is highly commendable. She has shown that no challenge is unsurmountable. SEBI is honoured to have been part of this journey and we look forward to her future success.” Meanwhile, according to Rajni, her educational journey does not stop with just a diploma. For her, education provides one the opportunity

to break the cycle of poverty and to become successful in life. CREATING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS “I will pursue my BSc in Computer Science. I will continue doing what I love the most, which is, creating solutions for some of the most complex problems facing Guyana and the world as a whole,” the determined young woman said. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, who was on hand to see her take her graduation photo, assured the young grad that the university would do whatever it took to see her succeed in the field of her choice. “You are a miracle and an inspiration. You must go on. You will do great things. Congratulations to you, your lecturers and your mom and family too!” Professor Mohamed Martin said. When asked what her best memories of UG were, the prospective graduand explained: “the best part is definitely interacting with other students, listening to their stories, sharing knowledge, experiences and also words of encouragement.” Rajni’s advice to prospective and current students is to choose a programme that they are passionate about so that they would be eager to explore the different concepts and enjoy their academic journey and

university life in general. “Always remember why you started in the first place, never quit. My physical condition did not prevent me from going after my dreams and it should not prevent anyone else too,” she encouraged. In a brief comment, the GCOPWD said, it is extremely proud of Rajni’s exemplar performance. “Rajni’s achievement is remarkable considering all the challenges she had to grapple with in terms of accessibility,” GCOPWD said. The organisation, however, noted that it is pleased that more persons with disabilities are registering to attend the university. It also underscored the need for more resources to be available to ensure that persons with disabilities are supported in every way to access education, not only at UG, but at educational institutions across the country. All citizens of Guyana are entitled to equal treatment, equitable opportunities for self-improvement such as education, and equal access to services. This includes Guyanese who live with disabilities, or who may be referred to as differently-abled. Guyana signed on to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and ratified the Convention in 2013. In 2010, the Persons With Disabilities Act was passed by the National Assembly. When Rajni proudly walks the virtual graduation stage later this month, it will serve as another reminder to fellow students and many others that no matter what the circumstances are, with a sense of focus, determination, and hard work anything is possible. In Rajni’s own words: “your patience, determination and confidence will decide where your journey takes you”. (Department of Events, Conferences and Communication, University of Guyana)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Social workers are ‘the unseen heroes’ –– World Social Work Day to be celebrated today

SOCIAL workers all around the world will be recognised today for their significant contributions and the pivotal role they continue to play in society. They will be honoured on World Social Work Day which is being held under the theme: “Ubuntu: I am Because We are – Strengthening Social Solidarity and Global Connectedness.” Social workers are educated and trained to address social injustices and barriers to their client’s overall wellbeing which include poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and lack of housing. They also play a pivotal supporting role in assisting persons who are living with disabilities, substance abuse problems, or are experiencing domestic conflicts. Dionne Frank, a social work educator attached to the University of Guyana’s Department of Sociology, emphasised the importance of being a social worker. Frank who has been in the profession for over 20 years explained that in many cases, social workers are the first line of contact that persons have to express their feelings, and to seek help to alleviate some of the sufferings they may be facing. She stated that she has always had a love for assisting persons and helping them work through their issues and that enabled her from a very young age to enter into the profession she described as her passion. “By nature I consider myself to be a person who has always been caring. Humanity for me is quite important, so I have always had that comfort about people’s welfare, how they see themselves, the role they play in their development; those things have always been important to me. So, it was not surprising that I gravitated toward social work as a profession,” she said. Frank explained that after joining the profession, the vastness in terms of what can be done under the umbrella of social work was quite interesting. She noted that her first social work experience left a lasting effect on her mind that pushed her to continue pursuing her passion. She stated that she spent several years working with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on a first-ofits-kind programme that was seeking to reduce unplanned pregnancy among adolescent girls in Guyana. This was her first opportunity to grasp

Dionne Frank

the developmental aspect of social work. She stated that what was clear was that if there was no intervention in the lives of those young people, then the cycle of poverty would continue to repeat itself. “One of the things that stuck with me and resonated with me is what became of those young people after a year working with them. Many of them regained the desire to continue school… persons recognised their worth,” Frank stated. SOCIAL WORK AND COVID Frank expressed that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented persons with many economic as well as social issues. She stressed that socialising is critical during this period. Additionally, she posited that since the emergence of the pandemic, social workers countrywide have had to intervene and offer counselling to many individuals and families. She highlighted that in many cases persons were looking for coping mechanisms to deal with the issues such as job loss, depression, domestic violence, and even child abuse. Frank informed that social workers engaged persons who were directly affected by the COVID-19 virus or who might have had family members who were affected. She stated that she is of the unwavering view that the National COVID-19 Task Force should have been equipped with a social worker to ensure more efficient operations. She explained that as a social work professional, there is expertise that she can share regarding behaviour modification. “We are experiencing a problem in terms of adherence to these social distancing guidelines and the protocols in general. Social work has a role to play in that behaviour modification is one area in which we have the knowledge base and the theoretical framework, so

Shonel Enoe

our contribution would be able to explain why a particular strategy is not working and we could suggest strategies to get the people to adhere,” Frank explained. SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION Meanwhile, Shonel Enoe, another of the university’s social work educators, told the Guyana Chronicle that she has always felt a deep connection with both education and social work. She noted that this led her to a career in not just social work, but social work education. Enoe noted that there is a particular need for social workers in the country and that she is cognizant of that and has dedicated a significant portion of her 13 years as a social worker to training and preparing other social workers in the theoretical and practical understanding of the job. “I believe that I have been able to make an impact starting from my students and the joy comes when 2-3 years later I see my students functioning well in the various fields of social work but also in other fields,” said Enoe. She stated that in her social work platform, she has played a special focus on women and youth. She explained that even before deciding to formally start up her social work career more than 13 years ago, she had held a special place in her heart for assisting two vulnerable groups in the alleviation of some of the issues they were facing. “In the community where I grew up you saw a lot happening around me, poverty struck families and young people who were a bit lost or school dropouts and persons who were not doing much and growing up seeing that I wanted to be a part of growth and positive change and that is what drew me to social work. And I decided to combine that desire to help people with my love for educating people and so

Coya Halley

the combination of the two helped me to function well, and helped me to do what I love,” Enoe said. ‘UNSEEN HEROES’ Coya Halley described social workers as “unseen heroes” for their daily commitment and contributions to the lives of citizens. Halley who also serves as a social work educator at the university, explained that in many cases the work of social workers goes unno-

ticed and its impact is often minimised. “I would want to think of social workers as unseen heroes because there is so much that we do but because we are bounded by ethical principles and personal values people would not know what we are doing because sometimes social workers are blamed for many things but they do not understand what we are doing behind the scenes,” she explained. Halley further stated that in her personal life, social work has helped her in her journey of self-discovery and improvement. She stated that the time spent as a social worker assisting persons with the issues that they face and devising solutions to those issues gives social workers like herself the strategic advantage of seeing issues similar to theirs from the eyes of other persons. She added that she is very passionate about advocacy and mental health, as well as equality and social

justice and aims to always work to ensure that all the clients she comes in contact with have access to resources that would benefit them. Halley noted that as a past classroom teacher, she was able to see first-hand how personal problems faced by the students were often reflected in their ability to operate in the class. She said that she has always had a love for social work and understanding why people act the way they do and how she can assist persons to get help. According to her, social workers are gifted with the ability and the knowledge to intervene in critical aspects of persons’ lives to ensure that they are given that opportunity to achieve their true potential.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Emergency Preparedness, Response Plan for Region Four

By Rehana Ahamad AS part of its Flood Risk Management Project, the Guyana Government is moving to develop an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) for Region Four (Demerara Mahaica). Only recently, the Ministry of Agriculture released an advertisement inviting consultants to undertake the project to prepare the plan, based on the findings of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) studies, which is an international, non-proprietary digital message format for exchanging all-hazard emergency alerts. The ministry indicated that once crafted, the plan will lend critical support to the work of Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC), especially with regard to managing the public response to potential flood emergency; this is particularly in relation to preparedness, education, as well as planning and implementation in the event of hazardous conditions. “This is required to improve the preparedness and resilience of communities and assets in the flood hazard zones, and reduce the related damages and losses in the cases of extraordinary floods,” the advertisement noted. It specified, too, that the

eventual implementation of the plan would be critical in the context of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), and, more

below sea level, Guyana remains susceptible to constant flooding, especially during the rainy seasons. It was this that led to the aggressive roll-

Management Project. These monies are intended to help to improve Guyana’s climate resilience, protect economic activity, and reduce the im-

Once crafted, the plan seeks to prevent a recurrence of the infamous 2005 floods. It is also intended to outline a clear course of action in the event of heightened threats

importantly, in the event of potential dam failure and overtopping. The public notice outlined the deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest (EoI) as being March 31, 2021. Once a consultant is selected, he/she/ them will have a timeline of three months, by which they would need to submit the detailed plan. Being a country situated

ing out of the Guyana Flood Risk Management Project, which seeks to ensure that Guyana has all policy mechanisms in place to prevent floods and respond effectively to instances of flooding. It was only in November 2020 that the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank approved US$26 million in additional financing for Guyana to support the ongoing Guyana Flood Risk

pact of natural disasters. BELOW SEA LEVEL In providing the support, World Bank Resident Representative for Jamaica and Guyana, Ozan Sevimli reminded that 90 per cent of Guyana’s inhabitants live on the narrow coastal plain, much of which lies below sea level. As a result, it was recognised that flooding poses a serious and recurrent risk to

both the lives of people and to livelihoods in the agricultural sector. “These additional resources will help protect some of the country’s most populous areas and build greater resilience,” Sevimli said. The Guyana Flood Risk Management Project aims to significantly increase flood resilience in the low-lying coastal lands of the East Demerara area, which includes Georgetown, where much of the population as well as administrative and commercial activities are concentrated. A statement issued by the World Bank late last year said that the additional financing will include extensive work to improve the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), which is one of Guyana’s major water storage and flood control facilities. “The project will improve the drainage systems that ensure the integrity of the EDWC dams. Water stored in the EDWC dam is used to irrigate agricultural lands, provide water for use in homes, and reduce the risk of flooding,” the statement explained. The project also features the rehabilitation of small existing irrigation structures, capacity building, communication, and outreach activities to better inform the public about the threats and

response mechanisms that are in place to address flooding, especially along the coastland. “These activities are expected to contribute to reducing the outbreaks of infectious illnesses due to flooding, alleviating the burden on the healthcare system that is currently managing the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement noted. Additionally, the press release highlighted the fact that Guyana receives interest-free financing from the International Development Association (IDA) “with a maturity of 40 years, including a grace period of 10 years”. In 2005, the majority of Guyana’s coastland was devastated by massive floods that displaced hundreds of families and resulted in millions of dollars in losses, including livestock. The floods also resulted in a notable outbreak of a number of water-borne diseases, including Leptospirosis, which led to the loss of lives. Since then, successive administrations have committed to instituting systems that could effectively minimise any possibility of flooding. As of recent, the country’s national 2021 budget saw the allocation of some $5.1 billion to further strengthen the country’s sea and river defence infrastructure.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Caribbean countries seek to use climate-smart technologies to revolutionise agri-food systems THE global agri-food system continues to face considerable challenges in being able to sustainably provide enough food of adequate quality to feed an ever-growing and aging population. In the Caribbean, this is further compounded by the impacts of climate change that are causing changes in rainfall and temperature patterns and are increasing the frequency and strength of extreme events. The region remains particularly vulnerable to these risks which threaten the development of crops, agricul-

tural systems and food and nutrition security. Digital agriculture, including the use of innovative technologies and tools, can provide innovative solutions to these challenges by enhancing the connectivity of all the actors in the agri-food system, reducing inefficiencies and barriers, and helping to better understand and address systemic multi-hazard risks. The Government of Canada, CARICOM and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) through its “Cooperation for Climate Change Ad-

The Rupununi River, Guyana (FAO photo)

aptation and Resilience in the Caribbean” Initiative hosted the first in a series of two-day trainings on Climate-Smart Agriculture Digital Technologies from 9-10 March 2021 to introduce the region to the various technologies and tools available. Close to 90 participants attended the first series of trainings to learn about these technologies and tools, their applicability in country and how gender dimensions can be integrated in their adoption and use at the country and institutional levels. FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator, Dr. Renata Clarke, in her opening remarks at the training shared that: “We need innovative technologies and tools that will help us better understand the increasingly complex agri-food systems risks and challenges and develop cost effective, efficient and scalable solutions that will increase their resilience. Gender sensitive digital agriculture is one of the key enablers towards increasing resilience of our agri-food systems.” The trainings provide an opportunity for the region to gain a basic understanding of these tools and technologies and how these can promote climate change adaptation in agri-food systems (crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture) and build the resilience of the rural population’s livelihoods in the sub-region. Shaun Baugh, Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development Programme Manager at the CARICOM Secretariat, further stated that: “For us in the Caribbean, technology and digitisation is important and is the only way for our regional agricultural food systems to survive and support our people in the

Caribbean and ensure food security. This training allows us to move into this digital revolution.” The initiative further supports CARICOM member countries via a pre-investment fund, technical assistance, and capacity building on gender-sensitive climate change adaptation, including through digital technologies. Kalima Ali Jagnarine, Senior Development Officer on Global Affairs of the Canadian High Commission, who offered the closing remarks on behalf of Acting Senior Director for Global Affairs Canada, Jennifer Hayes, emphasised that: “Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of initiatives drawing attention to the emerging threats on small vulnerable countries whose economies, infrastructures, cities and productive capacities are at the mercies of hurricanes, storms, floods and variable weather patterns. The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought new challenges as it relates to food security and agriculture. Agriculture plays an important role in the development of regional economies. The Introduction to Climate-Smart Agriculture Digital Technologies Training is very timely, as countries are not only grappling with the effects of climate change but also the impacts of the global pandemic and the need to ensure food security.” The second series of two-day virtual trainings will take place from March 16-17, 2021. (FAO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Scores of Essequibians refusing filaria pills –– RDC urges change in attitude

AMID reports of climbing refusal rates, councillors of the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) are calling on residents to take their filaria pills. A Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign was recently rolled out in the region and distribution of the pills which commenced on March 8 will conclude on March 21. The region has over 130 pill distributors who have been dispatched to communities across the region to conduct house-tohouse visits. People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) RDC councillor and Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee, Arnold Adams, told the council on Wednesday last that he consumed the pills at the regional launch and to date he has had no side effects. He urged his fellow Essequibians to take the pills. “I am urging the entire Essequibo population to take the filaria pills as it is beneficial for your bodies and it helps fight against intestinal

worms and lice,” Adams said. Opposition Councillor Mark Mc Lean joined with Adams in encouraging the entire Region Two to take the pills. In addressing his fellow councillors at the council’s statutory meeting held in the RDC boardroom, he mentioned that he is a field officer attached to the Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Campaign 2021 and based on reports, many persons are refusing to take the pills. “We need to come together and deal with the issue. I am the supervisor for an area and based on reports they [sic] is a high refusal. I am therefore asking all the leaders to play your part and encourage the population to take the pills,” Mc Lean said. He also urged the RDC councillors to use their social media platforms to help sensitise persons to the importance of taking the pills. Mc Lean said that the triple-drug therapy that the Ministry of Health in collaboration with

Judge to sum up evidence in Cummings Lodge murder trial COME Tuesday, Justice Navindra Singh is expected to sum up the evidence in the trial of Kevin Mohan called “Chucky,” who is accused of killing his aunt in 2016. Mohan, 27, formerly of Fifth Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on September 4, 2016, at Cummings Lodge, he murdered 48-year-old Anita Mohan. Following the summing up on Tuesday at the Demerara High Court, the judge will hand over the case to the 12-member jury who will retire to consider their verdict. The state is being represented by prosecutor Tiffani Lyken, while Ravindra Mohabir is Mohan’s attorney. The woman’s battered body was found on the floor of her kitchen at Fifth Street, Cummings Lodge, where she lived with Mohan and her son, Intiaz Khan. Khan had found his mother lying in blood with her head bashed in and a stab wound to her chest.

Kevin Mohan called “Chucky”

A bloody ‘rolling pin,’ suspected to be one of the murder weapons, was found in close proximity, as well as a broken beer bottle. The police had noted that Mohan confessed to the murder, while admitting that another person acted as his accomplice. A post-mortem performed on the remains of the woman revealed that she died from multiple injuries.

PAHO/WHO has recommended, has been proven to be safe and effective worldwide. The triple-drug therapy which comprises Ivermectin, Dec, and Albendazole is currently being distributed. Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva who recently took her filaria pills, encouraged the

councillors to go and spread the word. De Silva is urging Essequibians to cooperate with the pill distributors and take the pills as a way of protecting themselves, their families, and their communities. Based on reports, the consumption figures compared to the last campaign have dropped. Regional health officials have informed this newspaper that it is safe to take the

pills seven days after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Ministry of Health, Guyana needs only two successful rounds of the MDA to eliminate filaria transmission, but persons will need to consume the pills. Sensitisation has intensified in the region as pill distributors are currently in various communities sharing the pills. The pills are given on the

basis of a person’s height. Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a tiny worm called microfilaria that damages the lymphatic system, leading to extreme swelling of the legs, arms, and scrotum. Anyone who may have experienced adverse side effects after consuming the pills are asked to contact the nearest health centre or hospital.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Preparation for ‘Unity Cup’ begins

―tractor, lawn-mower handed over ―sports representatives praise initiative PREPARATIONS are underway for the start of the Unity Cup along the ‘Corridor of Unity,’ which includes several villages along the East Coast Demerara. The cricket tournament is the brainchild of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and which was announced in February. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon.

Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC, and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr, on Saturday, handed over a tractor and a lawn-mower to prepare the grounds. The presentation was done at the Lusignan Community Ground and the machines are expected to service all grounds along the ‘Corridor of Unity.’ The Attorney General, who has parliamentary responsibility for the East Coast, reminded the sports representatives that the tournament is a pilot for what is to come in the future. “Remember the President said that cricket is just the beginning. Other sports, once we establish a successful model and we are able to bring the desired objective, which is to unite our communities through the vehicle of sports that other sporting disciplines will be used following this model and hopefully, the plan is to replicate it across the country, starting, of course, with cricket and then of course with other sports,” the AG said. Meanwhile, in his feature address, Minister Ramson said the delivery of the

equipment is in keeping with the administration’s promise to unify the country. “What we have been trying to do is to show this country that in order for us to build this country together, we have to be able to work together, and in order for us to work together, we have to have a relationship. In order for us to be able to have a relationship, we have to be able to build that relationship on trust. Trust is not given, trust is not taken, trust is earned; one of the ways that you earn trust is by fulfilling your promises,” he said. The Minister relayed that a date for the Unity Cup is yet to be determined, but it would be announced after consultations. He also highlighted that Budget 2021 saw sport being allocated its largest sum in the country’s history. Minister Ramson said this year would also see larger allocations for the hosting of sport tournaments. Meanwhile, East Coast sports representatives were high in praise about the steps taken by the government in fulfilling its promises.

“I think it is a very good first step in the initiative that has been put forward by the President. It shows their commitment and it shows they are true to their word”. As Minister Ramson mentioned, at the end of the day, all you have is your word and that is what determines your integrity. “I think investing in this will help to improve sports overall for this corridor as promised by the President,” president of the Melanie Damishana Football Club, Mr. Dexter Jameer said. Chairman of the Mon Repos Sports Committee, Mr. Ronald Jagmohan, expressed similar sentiments. He said, “I think it is a good initiative because most of the grounds, they do not have a slasher. So, most of the time when the teams go and play on the ground the grass high and you would not get a good game and some clubs poor where they cannot afford to cut the ground. So, I think this is a good initiative.” The Unity Cup is aimed at fostering unity on the East Coast. The winner of the tournament will benefit from a special community project. (DPI)

Tokyo 2020 torch relay to start March 25 in Fukushima By Chris Gallagher

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo Olympics organisers said the torch relay would begin on March 25 from the J-Village training centre in Fukushima, as planned, launching the build-up to the start of the Games in July as they continue to work on COVID-19 counter-measures. The Grand Start ceremony and first section of the relay on day one will not be open to the public as organisers reduce the number of participants and simplify the programme to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, they said in a statement on Monday. Tokyo 2020 “is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch relay by taking countermeasures to prevent the spread of any infections among spectators, torchbearers, staff, and other relay participants, as well as local residents”, the statement said. The torch relay has long been planned to start on March 25 but is nevertheless a major mile-

stone after the Games were postponed last year and following speculation over whether they should be delayed again or even cancelled due to the pandemic. Tokyo organisers have also said they want to decide before the start of the relay whether to allow foreign spectators into the country amid fears of a resurgence in coronavirus infections. Underscoring the complications in preparing for the Games during the pandemic, Tokyo 2020 also said on Monday that test events for skateboarding and shooting have been

postponed until May due to the impact on scheduling from the COVID-19 situation. Members of the Japanese women’s national soccer team will use the Olympic Flame to light the torch to officially kick off the relay from J-Village. The facility was chosen as the starting point of the 121-day relay because it is a symbol of Japan’s reconstruction following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The Olympics will be held from July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Tuesday, March 16, 2021

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

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Who scored most runs for the WI in the recent ODI series against SL? Who aggregated most runs for SL in the recent ODI series against the WI?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe as Rashid Khan SCOREBOARD picks up second 10-wicket Test haul

LEG-spinner Rashid Khan picked up his second 10-wicket Test haul as Afghanistan completed a dominant six-wicket win over Zimbabwe to draw the twomatch series 1-1 on Sunday Afghanistan chased down a target of 108 in the final session of day five of the match in Abu Dhabi. Earlier Khan took 7-137 for match figures of 11-325 as Zimbabwe were all out for 365 in the second innings. Afghanistan have won three out of six matches since their Test debut in 2018. In a record-breaking first innings, they posted their highest Test total of 545-4, with Hashmatullah Shahidi becoming the first Afghanistan player to score a Test double century, while captain Asghar Afghan also scored 164. Zimbabwe - who were bowled out for 287 in their first innings - began day five

on 266-7 after being made to follow-on, with a slim lead of eight runs. But Rashid denied Donald Tiripano a maiden Test century when he was trapped lbw for 95 and they were eventually

bowled out soon after lunch for 365 with captain Sean Williams stranded on 151. Rahmat Shah’s 58 then helped Afghanistan reach their target in 26.1 overs. Afghanistan - who lost

the first game by 10 wickets lost their debut Test to India in 2018, before registering consecutive wins against Ireland and Bangladesh then losing to West Indies in 2019. ( )

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, 22, is the world’s number one-ranked Twenty20 bowler

AFGHANISTAN 1st innings 545-5 declared Zimbabwe 1st innings 287 Zimbabwe 2nd innings Prince Masvaure c&b Javed Ahmadi 15 Kevin Kasuza c Rahmat Shah b Rashid Khan 30 Tarisai Musakanda lbw Rashid Khan 15 Sean Williams Not Out 151 Wesley Madhevere c Afsar Zazai b Sayed Shirzad 0 Sikandar Raza c Nasir Jamal b Rashid Khan 22 Ryan Burl lbw Rashid Khan 0 Regis Chakabva lbw Rashid Khan 0 Donald Tiripano lbw Rashid Khan 95 Blessing Muzarabani c Afsar Zazai b Amir Hamza 17 Victor Nyauchi lbw Rashid Khan 0 EXTRAS: 12b 7lb 0nb 0pen 1w 20 TOTAL: (148.5 overs) 365 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-44 Masvaure, 2-46 Kasuza, 3-101 Musakanda, 4-102 Madhevere, 5-140 Butt, 6-140 Burl, 7-142 Chakabva, 8-329 Tiripano, 9-362 Muzarabani, 10-365 Nyauchi Bowling : Sayed Shirzad 27-7-49-1 (1w), Rashid Khan 62.517-137-7,Amir Hamza 34-7-104-1, Javed Ahmadi 16-5-40-1, Shahidullah Kamal 5-1-6-0-1.20 ................................................................. AFGHANISTAN 2nd innings Javed Ahmadi b Blessing Muzarabani 4 Ibrahim Zadran c Tarisai Musakanda b Ryan Burl 29 Rahmat Shah b Ryan Burl 58 Shahidullah Kamal c Kevin Kasuza b Blessing Muzarabani 0 Nasir Jamal Not Out 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi Not Out 6 EXTRAS: 4b 0lb 2nb 0pen 1w 7 TOTAL: (26.1 overs) 108-4 Fall of Wickets: 1-8 Ahmadi, 2-89 Zadran, 3-91 Kamal, 4-101 Zurmatai Did Not Bat : Zazai, Afghan, Khan, Hotak, Shirzad Bowling: Blessing Muzarabani 9.1-1-25-2, Victor Nyauchi 6-128-0 (1nb) Sean Williams 3-0-18-0, Donald Tiripano 4-0-17-0 (1w 1nb), Ryan Burl -1-16-2 .

Clubs in Berbice benefit from major donation Hetmyer contributes to nine junior cricketers

Club members and Shimron Hetmyer after the presentation ceremony

CLOSE to seventy cricket clubs in the Ancient County, on Sunday last, received balls from the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under the first ever Shimron/ Nirvani Hetmeyer/Berbice Cricket Trust Fund. The balls, worth over eight hundred thousand dollars, were shared out to representatives of the clubs at an impressive ceremony at the St Francis Community Developers Centre. BCB president, Hilbert Foster, described the distribution as another major development for cricket in the County. Foster disclosed that over the last three years, clubs and over 300 youth cricketers have benefitted from over fourteen million dollars’ worth of balls, gears, catching cribs, scorebooks, uniforms, bicycles, educational materials and school bags, among others. He hailed the Hetmyers for their massive contribu-

tion to the game, especially Shimron, for remembering his roots. The West Indies middle-order batsman, in brief remarks, stated that he was delighted to assist Berbice cricket since the County had played a major role in his personal development. He also stated that he was pleased with the development of Berbice cricket and committed to assisting in the future.

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Minister of Natural Resources and BCB Patron, Vickram Bharrat, who was the Guest Speaker, spoke extensively on the importance of education, discipline, club management and the need for players to give back to society. The BCB Patron praised Hetmyer for the major role he was playing in Berbice cricket and wished him all the best in the future. South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:15 hrs Winter Smoke 08:50 hrs Johnny Hero 09:30 hrs Lotus 10:05 hrs Amberglo Star 10:40 hres Gal Gadot 11:15 hrs Prince Evlanoff English Racing Tips Southwell 08:30 hrs Sezina

Guyana and West Indies batsman, Shimron Hetmyer and BCB Patron, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, with the junior cricketers

GUYANA and West Indies batsman, Shimron Hetmyer, partnered with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and handed out $25,000 each to nine junior cricketers as part of his ‘Shimron / Nirvani Hetmyer/Berbice Cricket Trust Fund’.

The cricketers were selected from teams in the New Amsterdam/Canje area. The money, according to the BCB, would be used to obtain educational materials from Metro Stationery in New Amsterdam. BCB president, Hilbert

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Foster, expressed thanks to the 24-year-old West Indian player for his ongoing support towards cricket in the Actient County and urged the young cricketers to remain focussed and disciplined. Hetmyer, a former Berbice High School student, in brief remarks, spoke of the importance of education and committed himself to continuing the programme in the future. BCB Patron, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, at the presentation ceremony, congratulated the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup player for remembering his roots.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

England’s remaining three T20’s to be played behind closed doors ENGLAND’s remaining three Twenty20 internationals against India in Ahmedabad will be played behind closed doors because of rising coronavirus cases in the state of Gujarat. Crowds over 66,000 and 67,000 attended the first two games, on Friday and Sunday respectively. Players did not come into contact with spectators and the ball was sanitised every time it was hit into the stands. The third match of the series, which is level at 1-1, will be on today The game will be England captain Eoin Morgan’s 100th T20 international. A statement from the

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said: “The decision was arrived at following detailed discussions with the state and local health authorities. “The BCCI will continue to comply with all the regulations put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and will always put the health and safety of its fans and stakeholders at the top.” Earlier on Monday, England opener Jason Roy spoke of the benefit he felt from playing in front of a crowd after the home summer of 2020 was held behind closed doors. Roy struggled for runs last year, but enjoyed a suc-

cessful Big Bash League, with crowds permitted inside

Anthony Joshua (left) and Tyson Fury

ing director of Matchroom Sport, Joshua’s promoter, was quoted as saying, adding that offers had come in from “eight or nine sites. “The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper. But this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters.” Matchroom did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Fury, 32, has not fought for over a year since his knockout win against American Deontay Wild-

49 and 46 in the first two matches of the India-En-

Crowds in excess of 66,000 have been present for each of the first two T20s

Fury and Joshua agree two-fight deal to unify heavyweight belts ― ESPN

(REUTERS) - Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have signed a two-fight deal to unify the IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles, ESPN reported on Monday citing boxing promoter Eddie Hearn. Joshua beat Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in December to retain his IBF, WBO and WBA titles and set up the prospect of a mouth-watering clash with fellow Briton Fury, the WBC belt holder. “We’d like to get a site deal confirmed in the next month,” Hearn, manag-

grounds in Australia. He then made scores of

er, but said last month he would fight twice this year. “Top Rank has to give me two fights this year. I will fight two times on (Top Rank network partner) ESPN,” he said. ESPN reported that both fights are set to take place in 2021 with the first in June or July followed by the rematch in November or December. The contract would have the fighters getting a 50-50 split in the first bout and a 60-40 split in the rematch where the winner would get the higher share.

gland series, played in the world’s largest cricket stadium, with a capacity of 110,000. “I hadn’t played enough cricket, so I needed to play in the Big Bash, even though it was a long tournament,” said Roy. “The moment I got there, the first game I had 20-odd people watching me in the nets and I had this adrenaline rush, a sense of belonging again. It was the most incredible feeling. “I never fell out of love with the game, but playing in front of a crowd again made me realise they mean a huge amount to us as sportsmen.” (BBC Sport)

Hetmyer has BCB, Foster full support

PRESIDENT of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, has urged Berbicians to be steadfast in their support of West Indies middle-order batsman, Shimron Hetmyer, as he experiences a bleak period in his career. Foster was speaking at the presentation ceremony of the Shimron/Nirvani Hetmyer Berbice Cricket Trust Fund, on Sunday, at the St Francis Community Developers building in Rose Hall Town. Foster noted that the 24-year-old needs love, peace of mind, sincere words of advice and the comfort

of knowing that real Hetmyer was recentfriends are around. ly left out of the West The BCB boss reas- Indies first Test team to sured Hetmyer that he face Sri Lanka, but is expected to leave for India shortly to play in the Indian Premier League. Hetmyer is expected to return to Guyana in time for the upcoming Regional Four-Day tournament. Foster predicted that Hetmyer will bounce back stronger than before and will no doubt go on to become one of Berbice’s greatHilbert Foster est batsmen, joining a long list that includes: has his full support and Rohan Kanhai, Basil he would always be at Butcher, Joe Soloman, his side in good and bad Roy Fredricks and Altimes. vin Kallicharran.

Bat Your Own Tape Ball Lucky 7 tournament starts March 27 THE Public Service Georgetown Office Assistants Association will be staging a countrywide Bat Your Own Tape Ball Lucky 7 Tournament, which is scheduled for March 27 – 29 at the D’Urban Park Tarmac. This will be a 7-a-side, 4-overs Knockout tournament for all interested Tape Ball cricket teams willing to pay the entry fee of GYD$

15,000. Trophies and cash incentives are up for grabs for the winning team and the runner up. All teams must register no later than March 23 with the coordinator, James ‘Uprizing’ Lewis, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on 628-1656 or 689-5109. The organiser stated that all teams must adhere to all the COVID-19 guidelines

since strict parameters will be in place. The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) has already granted conditional approval for the event which is for teams only. The NCTF also stated that spectator participation and alcoholic drink bars are not permitted at the venue. Play will begin at 09:00 hours daily.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 16, 2021

BCB/Lets Bet Sports 100-ball Tournament...

Rose Hall Town emerge Champions as Anderson grabs MVP honours

ROSE Hall Town Bakewell continued their dominance of second division cricket in the Ancient County by defeating D’Edward Village CC by 6 wickets to emerge as the overall Berbice Champions of the Berbice Cricket Board /Lets Bet Sports 100-ball tournament. The one-day final, played under strict covid-19 rules with

no attendance by fans, involved the four champions from the four interzone tournaments that were played in 2019/2020 in West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower/Central Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. In the first round of matches, D’Edward CC defeated Rose Hall Canje by 15 runs while Rose Hall Canje had to dig deep to get pass a

determined Dukestown Warriors by one run in a super over after their first-round match ended in a tie. In the final, Rose Hall Town invited D’Edward CC to take first strike and the West Berbice champions were rocked back early when Altaf Khan was bowled for two at three for 1 in the first over. They never recovered and

The winning Rose Hall Town Bakewell team

Marvelous Marvin Hagler dead at 66

(REUTERS) - Marvelous Marvin Hagler, who dominated boxing’s middleweight division in the 1980s, has died at the age of 66, his wife Kay Hagler said on Saturday last. The cause of death was not immediately known. Celebrity website TMZ reported Hagler was taken to hospital in New Hampshire on Saturday with chest pains and trouble breathing. H a g l e r, w h o l e g a l l y changed his name to Marvelous in 1982, posted a record of 62-3-2 and ruled supreme until his reign as undisputed middleweight champion came to a controversial end in 1987 with a loss to Sugar Ray Leonard. “I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time,” Kay Hagler posted on the Marvelous Marvin Hagler Fan Club page on Facebook. Regarded as one of boxing’s great champions and best pound-for-pound fighters, Hagler was knocked down just once in 67 professional bouts while 52 of his wins came by way of knockouts. A member of both the World and International Boxing Halls of Fame, Hagler was twice named Fighter of the

Year by The Ring magazine. “Rest In Peace Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Boxing lost an all time great today,” promoter Frank Warren posted on Twitter. Hagler’s 14-year career is best remembered not for a single fight but one round, the first in his 1985 battle with Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns that became known as “The War”.

Marvelous,” tweeted boxing great Oscar De La Hoya. Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said Hagler was among the greatest athletes his firm promoted. “He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly.” Noted ring announcer Mi-

were restricted to 82 for 9 off their allotted overs. Veteran skipper, Jaipaul Heeralall top scored with 33 which included two massive sixes. D. Persaud made 18, as Kelvon Anderson took 3 for 12 and Tyndall 2 for 11 in an impressive spell of fast bowling. Junior Sinclair, Keith Simp-

son and Collis Butts took a wicket apiece. In response, the champions raced to victory at 83 for 4 with 10 balls to spare. Anderson returned with the bat to top score with 25 and received support from former national junior player Sinclair (24) and Surendra Kissoonlall (16).

Man-of-the match of the final, Kevlon Anderson, receives his prizes from a representative of the Guyana Lottery Company

Collis Butts (2) and Keith Simpson (4) were the batsmen at the crease when victory was achieved. Adbool Sudhan took two for 19 while H. Harilall and Devon France took a wicket each. Anderson was named Match-of-the-Match for his brilliant all-round effort and received a trophy and a monetary prize. BCB president, Hilbert Foster, at the presentation, hailed the tournament as a remarkable success story and congratulated Rose Hall Town Bakewell on winning the overall championship. He hailed the support of the Guyana Lottery Company, who invested over a million dollars in the first-ofits-kind tournament in Berbice. The champions took home $100,000, the runner up $50,000, while the two losing semi-finalists pocketed $20,000 each. Also, each of the teams received a collection of Let Bet Sports promotional items including sports bags and water bottles.

Ahmedabad Test pitch given ‘average’ rating

England’s loss in the third Test was their first two-day defeat since 1921

Former boxing world champion Hagler waves before a WBA Middleweight World Championship match between Golovkin of Kazakhstan and Ishida of Japan in Monte Carlo

For three minutes of brutal violence the two men unleashed a barrage of punches on each other. Hagler would go on to win the fight when it was stopped in the third round, the bout instantly hailed as a boxing classic. “Saddened to hear about the death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. One of the greatest to ever step in the ring! #RIP-

chael Buffer tweeted he was “crushed” by the news. Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis tweeted: “This one hits so hard also because he was the one I emulated my own training camps after when I saw how seriously he took his training camps. The world is one great man less today.”

THE Ahmedabad pitch on which India beat England in two days in the third Test will not be punished by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The pitch has been given an ‘average’ rating by match referee Javagal Srinath, meaning it will not earn any ‘demerit points’. An accumulation of demerit points can lead to venues being suspended from hosting international matches. India won the third Test by 10 wickets, going on to take the series 3-1. Pitches and outfields for

all internationals are given one of six ratings: very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit. A below average pitch is given one demerit point, a poor pitch three points and an unifit pitch five. If a venue collects five demerit points in a five-year period it can be suspended from hosting international matches for a year. England captain Joe Root described the pitch as “challenging” but stopped short of criticising it, saying it was up to the ICC to evaluate it.

India batsman Rohit Sharma said it was a “normal pitch”. The pitch for the second Test in Chennai, which India won by 317 runs, was also given an ‘average’ rating. Meanwhile, India have been fined 20% of their match fee for a slow over-rate in Sunday’s second Twenty20, which they won by seven wickets. The five-match series is level at 1-1, with the third game to be played today. (BBC Sport)

WICUA extends congratulations to ‘pure’ WI panel

Regional umpires, Gregory Brathwaite of Barbados (left) and Joel Wilson of Trinidad and Tobago

THE West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association (WICUA) has extended congratulations to the members of the Elite and International Panels for being appointed as officials to officiate in the home series versus Sri Lanka. According to a release from the WICUA, this is the first in a long time (approximately 20 years) that the body had the opportunity to have a pure West Indies panel officiating in a series in the West Indies.

The WICUA secretary, Vivian Johnson, pointed out that “although this has come about in unusual times caused by the pandemic, we are happy to see our own umpires performing together on home soil. I would like to offer special congratulations to Gregory Brathwaite who has been elevated to the lofty status as a Test umpire. “We at the WICUA are quite elated at this appointment and are sure that you will showcase your talent, training and experience in

showing the world that the umpires in the West Indies are a force to be reckoned with. “We have no doubt that you will make us proud. Congratulations on becoming the latest Test umpire from the Caribbean. It has been twenty-one years since Billy Doctrove made his Test debut, and within the past two years, we now have two new Test umpires, with you joining Joel Wilson who was elevated in 2019”. Johnson emphasised that the successes the WICUA is

seeing with the elevation to Test umpiring status of Wilson and Brathwaite did not just happen overnight. “It was a well thought-out plan that was developed by the WICB (CWI) and the WICUA in a meeting held at the Cricket Board in June of 2010. “The decision was made to reduce the regional panel from 36 to 12 senior umpires and to set a motion in train to allow our umpires to attain Test Umpire Status, after not having a new Test umpire for ten years. The programme involved

providing the opportunities to be engaged in more First-Class matches, going on exchange programmes involving other Test playing countries and further exposure at the international level.” Johnson acknowledged that it has taken a long time for those involved in umpiring but stressed that cricket umpiring is a long game and in order for one to be successful, there has to be a lot of patience, commitment and dedication. “We at WICUA have no doubt

that the umpires we have at the Elite and International panels have developed these traits and have stuck to these principles in order to reap the rewards that they are now experiencing.” Johnson encouraged other members of the International panel-- Nigel Duguid, Leslie Reifer and Patrick Gustard-- to continue to put their best foot forward and their elevation to the highest level will not be too far in the future. (Fredrick Halley)

Preparation for ‘Unity Cup’ begins

—tractor, lawn-mower handed over —sports representatives praise initiative

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson, sports representatives and others at the presentation ceremony (DPI Pic)

This file photo taken on March 20, 2020 shows Japanese three-time Olympic gold medallists Saori Yoshida (L) and Tadahiro Nomura (R) holding the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch. (AFP)

SEE PAGE 24

The tractor and lawn-mower

Tokyo 2020 torch relay to start March 25 in Fukushima

SEE PAGE 24

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TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021