Issuu

TUESDAY 5th OCTOBER, 2021

No. 106505

Health Minister appeals to businesses to enforce COVID-19 regulations

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$250,000 each for severed sugar workers

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo (inset) on Monday announced that sugar workers who lost their jobs when the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration closed several sugar estates will each receive $250,000 from the government. The vast majority of the 7,500 severed sugar workers suffered tremendous hardship following the decision by the Coalition Government which placed them on the breadline. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government since assuming power just over a year ago has been making good on its promise to reopen all the closed estates with the exception of the Wales Estate, which has been deemed inoperable. Hundreds of sacked sugar workers have been employed thus far. In addition to the latest announcement by the Vice-President during his meeting with the sugar workers as captured in this photograph, the government has provided a COVID-19 grant to households; education cash grants to parents; a one-off $25,000 for pensioners and flood relief to farmers and households during their first year in office (Photo credit: Vice-President Facebook page)

Barriers to intra-regional ‘agri’ trade must be dismantled rapidly

- President Ali says; calls on CARICOM nations to reform food systems to address increasing demands

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Police to engage courts on reconstruction of records burnt in Brickdam fire SEE PAGE

Guyana capturing global attention at Dubai Expo 2020 The Guyana Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has seen scores of people from across the globe showing their interest in the vast array of opportunities Guyana holds for investment. The stunning Dubai South site is home to 192 pavilions and features up to 60 live events each day and 200 food and beverage outlets to fuel visitors during their journey around the world in one place. Guyana Day is scheduled for October 19. It is expected that the President and Cabinet members, along with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest will be in attendance at this event (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

Barriers to intra-regional ‘agri’ trade must be dismantled rapidly

-President Ali says, calls on CARICOM nations to reform food systems to address increasing demands FACED with a foodimport bill amounting to over US$5 billion per annum, CARICOM nations will have to aggressively address barriers which inhibit intra-regional agricultural trade, to ease that financial burden and attain food security, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said. “We cannot seriously speak of significantly denting the enormous and unsustainable regional food-import bill yet, unwittingly or otherwise erect, and keep in place non-tariff barriers (NTBs), which impede regional trade in agriculture produce and products,” President Ali, who holds responsibility for agriculture in CARICOM’s Quasi Cabinet, said in his keynote address during the virtual launch of the 16th Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2021, on Monday. The Guyanese Head of State said his government will be “bullish” in pressing to dismantle the existing barriers to trade. “I know that there are vested interests who wish to retain these barriers, but the choice facing us is clear,” Dr. Ali reasoned. President Ali said that the promotion of regional initiatives aimed at eliminating non-tariff barriers to trade is among the critical areas being addressed by a Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security, which is headed by Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha. The President believes that the Caribbean Week of Agriculture should be utilised to address two fundamental questions: why the transformation of regional food systems is necessary and how best the Caribbean can pursue the transformation process. “The Caribbean has the resources to ensure

greater regional food security. It remains a travesty that our Region, blessed with arable lands, abundant freshwater supplies and skilled agricultural workers, imports more than US$5B annually in food. “We have the means to slash our regional food-import bill, produce more of the food we consume and, in the process, generate sustainable livelihoods through agriculture,” President Ali said. He added that Guyana, being resource-rich in land and freshwater, is desirous of leading the charge by making available appropriate lands as part of the process of promoting cross-border investments in agriculture. “Guyana is currently embarking on a process of consolidating unused and underutilised lands with the aim of making suitable lands more readily available for supporting large-scale agriculture investments,” Dr. Ali related. The President said that the Caribbean must also become more foodsecure, since climate change could imperil global food supply, subjecting the Region to externally induced shocks. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY In addition to ensuring that the Region is food-secure, the Head of State also believes that transforming the sector could create economic opportunities, including an avenue for food exportation. To this end, he said: “By 2040, it is estimated that there will be an additional 1.4 billion mouths to feed. Food will be in high demand. This represents both a challenge for us to feed ourselves and also an economic opportunity to help feed the world. We must reform our food systems in order to respond to these

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

challenges and seize the opportunities that will arise from the demand for more food.” The President also underscored that the transformation of regional food systems must involve the regional private sector. To this end, he added, the Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security and the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) have been actively working together. He said that the groups have since contributed significantly to identifying specific areas for regional policy support in targeting investments and intra-regional trade, particularly in poultry, niche vegetables and commodities such as corn, soy, rice, coconut, beef and meat of ruminants. The Special Ministerial Taskforce has also initiated dialogue with regional and strategic entities regarding the derisking of the regional agricultural sector. It has also identified an innovative Agricultural Insurance Product that is being

pioneered by a regional company, among other related initiatives. “I have been advised that a sub-committee is currently being established specifically to address the possibilities for establishing similar agricultural insurance on a regional scale. We are moving forward with the agenda to transform regional food systems,” President Ali said. The President further said that given agriculture’s extreme reliance on favourable climatic conditions, there is now an even stronger need for appropriately tailored and accessible risk- transfer financial services. In this regard, the absence of adequate insurance has severely constrained investment in the sector. On this point, President Ali said: “A central focus of reforming Caribbean food systems should entail the rapid dismantling of barriers, which inhibit intra-regional trade in agricultural produce and products, increasing food production, increasing investments, promot-

ing climate-resilient agriculture and de-risking the sector.” SDGs AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE President Ali also said that food security is central to attaining many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said that if the Region is to attain the SDGs, then it must transform its food systems to ensure greater food security. The President added that this transformation must also result in more climate-resilient agriculture, since the Region is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and natural hazards. These include overtopping sea and river defences, salt-water intrusion into agricultural lands, flooding, drought and the threats posed by hurricanes and other natural disasters. “It is therefore imperative that attention is given to building climate resilience in order to transform the Region’s agri-food system,” President Ali said. GUYANA’S REPLICABLE TRANSFORMATION MODEL The Head of State emphasised that Guyana as a leader on agriculture, agricultural diversification and food security in the Caribbean, does not take its responsibility lightly and has demonstrated its willingness and commitment to lead from the front. The President stressed that Guyana is committed to the sustainable and equitable transformation of its food systems at a national level. The country’s efforts to do so are rooted in the commitment to the ‘2030 Agenda’ and the obligation to “leave no one behind.”

“We are dedicated to ensuring that there is access to safe and nutritious food for everyone, the reduction of on-farm and post-harvest waste and loss and the implementation of a circular food economy. “As part of this commitment to providing safe and nutritious food for all, Guyana is taking steps to consolidate its National School Feeding Programme by strengthening connections between consumers and food producers, by fostering more robust food value chains and creating solid alliances between farmers and the wider society, to deliver safe, healthy and nutritious school meals,” President Ali said. The Head of State pointed out that Guyana is also expanding agricultural production and productivity through increased investments in large-scale agricultural production and the provision of incentives to boost investment in the sector by strengthening its agricultural institutions to provide greater support to the sector. The government has also been improving the country’s agriculturalsupport infrastructure by investing in drainage and irrigation and farmto-market roads. Attention has also been placed on de-risking the agricultural sector; diversifying and modernising local agriculture to create a more resilient sector; promoting an increase in research and development and innovation in agriculture to pursue climate-smart agriculture; intensifying increased value-added through agro-processing and adopting an inclusive approach to the management of its agricultural sector and by regular consultation with stakeholders. (Office of the President)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

Health Minister appeals to businesses to enforce COVID-19 regulations By Richard Bhainie IN accordance with the COVID-19 Emergency Measures published in the Official Gazette, there is an onus on businesses to participate in the fight against COVID-19 by ensuring visitors to their premises produce proof of vaccination prior to being able to enter same, yet this has not yet fully materialised in the country. As of September, 2021, Paragraph 17(1) of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures noted that any person who wishes to enter a public building, which has been defined as any building to which the public has lawful access, including both publicly and privately

owned buildings, shall be vaccinated. Enforcement of the measure would entail businesses asking for proof of vaccination as well as corresponding proof of identification prior to patrons being granted access to their establishment; however, most businesses have been negligent in executing the regulation. Cognisant of this, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information on Monday, has called for businesses to play a greater role to ensure the measures are complied with, which will in turn help to stymie the deadly repercussions of the novel coronavirus.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

“I think it’s important if we get the private sector, the business owners, if everybody plays their part, we are going to have a safer Guyana but we need everybody to get involved,” Dr. Anthony said. “They are still too many persons, too many entities that are not playing that role, and I really want to appeal to them, if they are not doing so if they can put the measures in place to make sure that they are one of the compliant businesses,”

he added. MORAL SUASION Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle via telephone on Monday evening, Dr. Anthony said the Ministry is currently using moral suasion to give businesses a chance to enforce the regulations; however, if that method does not work then errant businesses will be met with the full force of the law. “If you don’t abide by the Order, there are offences which are in the Order and if we want we can prosecute, but, at this stage, we

want to encourage people to do the right thing and once they do that I think the country will be safer,” he said. In accordance with Section 20 (1) of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, any person who breaches the regulations commits an offence under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable, on summary conviction, to the penalty provided under that section. Further, Section 20 (2) enables the Minister of Health to issue a written warning to businesses which are non-compliant with the regulations, and, where, after being warned, the business remains noncompliant, the minister can suspend the operator’s business for a period of no more than 30 days. Dr. Anthony disclosed that the National COVID-19 Task force (NCTF) will begin writing to errant businesses that have been identified in breach of the emergency measures to ensure that there is stronger enforcement of the guidelines. GET VACCINATED In addition to appealing to the private sector to enforce the COVID-19 regulations, the Health Minister also appealed to the persons who have not yet been administered with their COVID-19 ‘jab’ to be

inoculated as soon as possible as vaccines are available for everyone who is eligible. “From the statistics that are in the newspapers every day, it is really the unvaccinated persons who are affected. We have had a high percentage of deaths among the unvaccinated, so it’s better that you get yourself vaccinated and protected from COVID,” he said. According to the latest statistics, 361,626 adults or 70.2 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose of one of the COVID-19 vaccines available locally, while 209,506 adults or 57.9 per cent of the population received their second dose. Additionally, 24,939 persons between the ages of 12 and 18 years have already received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, representing 34.2 per cent of that population, while 12,762 adolescents or 17.5 per cent of the population received their second shot. The Ministry of Health has reported that 608,833 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines available locally, namely, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, have been administered thus far. Such consists of both first and second doses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

M&CC representative to sit on COVID-19 Task Force

A R E P R E S E N TA TIVE of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will sit on the National COVID-19 Task Force. This was agreed following a meeting between acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and his deputy, Alfred Mentore, at the Office of the Prime Minister, on Camp Street on Monday The acting President is the head of the Task Force. Stemming from the talks were also discussions on issues relating to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and about the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) playing a greater role with the M&CC. Deputy Mayor Mentore noted that the CDC would help in the fight against COVID-19, while it can also support the City

Council in other areas, a release said. The acting President said that the discussions were productive, and would help to amplify the cooperation between Central Government and Local Government, more so because of the high level of activities that take place in the Capital City, and the number of Government buildings that are located there. “This was a welcomed courtesy call; we are co-located in the City,” the acting President said. He noted that the City’s mayor and his team now have a second avenue through which to reach Central Government, along with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. Both parties indicated their interest in having follow-up meetings.

Man found dead at Goed Fortuin wedding house

RICKEY Persaud, 34, a labourer of Lot 8, Harrison Street, Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was on Sunday found dead in his apartment at his sister-inlaw’s home. Reports are that at around 02:30h, the man’s body was found lying motionless during a wedding celebration that was being held for his sister at the Goed Fortuin home. One relative said that in the aftermath of a power outage at the wedding house, persons noticed that other houses nearby had electricity, and Persaud’s sister-in-law and her husband visited the upper flat of the house to check whether there was a problem with the main-switch. She flipped the switch multiple times, and the power returned and there she saw her brother-in-law lying on the ground, motionless and facing upwards. The police were summoned, and several persons were interviewed after the body was examined, and there were no marks of violence found. The body was later taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where Persaud was pronounced dead. His body is currently at the mortuary awaiting autopsy. One person is in custody as investigations continue.

Acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and his deputy Alfred Mentore at the Office of the Prime Minister during their meeting on Monday (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

Brickdam Fire

THE city of Georgetown has lost an important landmark. The Central Police Station located on Brickdam was gutted by fire on Saturday, reportedly by a prisoner; the matter is currently under investigation by the authorities. This is indeed a sad loss as many Guyanese would have had reason to do business at the Brickdam station, especially in terms of securing fitness for vehicles or trying to secure a drivers’ licence, in addition to other administrative policing duties. This is yet another fire that has resulted in severe damage to government buildings. Only recently a fire destroyed the North-West Secondary School at Mabaruma, Region One, which from a preliminary investigation done was the result of arson. The North Ruimveldt Multilateral School was also damaged by fire not so long ago. These are indeed disturbing trends. The destruction of public

property by fire is a loss not only to those who occupy those buildings, but also to taxpayers as well. These buildings were built with substantial sums of money, not to mention maintenance costs and equipment, furniture and other accessories which run into millions of dollars. There is also the loss of valuable records and documents which are not easily retrievable and for which it is difficult to put a money value. The loss of buildings to fire, however, goes beyond financial considerations. The real or true cost of the losses, from an economic standpoint, is the sacrificed alternative, that is, public buildings that could have been built by the money that is now required for the rebuilding of the damaged structures. It could have been a new school or a new hospital or something else of dire public need. Such losses are all the more painful when the structures could have been saved, or the extent of the damage mini-

mised, had there been a quicker and timelier response by the Guyana Fire Service. Many individuals have commented publicly on the sloth with which the fire department responded to emergency calls by citizens. And while there are cases in which the fire service did respond promptly and with a high degree of professionalism, the number of cases where buildings could have been saved had there been a quicker response time by the fire department is too frequent to ignore. In the specific instance of the Brickdam fire, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali had cause to comment on the response by the fire service which he described as ‘poor at best.’ According to the President, a lot more could have been done by the fire service to control the blaze had there been a more timely and proactive response. The fact is that the government has been putting in substantial re-

sources to improve the capacity of the fire service to respond to fires. Only this year an additional four fire tenders valued at over $202M were procured, in addition to monies expended to upgrade and expand fire stations across the country. This reality has not escaped the attention of the President who said that government cannot be making investments in the state apparatus and institutions and do not get results from those investments. “The response of the fire service was poor at its best yesterday, and as President, I hope the fire service can acknowledge this,” the President remarked. Following the destruction of the building by fire, instructions have been given by President Ali to Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn to put together a special team to investigate the performance of the service. In fact, the President has signalled his intention to solicit international support to investigate

the matter, having regard to recent threats by some opposition elements. There was no mincing of words and the President has made it abundantly clear that inefficiency in the public service will not be tolerated. Moreover, there would be zero tolerance for anyone seeking to undermine the integrity of the state and the public interest by engaging in unlawful activities. This is all the more worrisome in light of recent trends and the President has made it clear that no effort will be spared to bring to justice any individual found guilty of such offences. Guyana is a law-governed country where the constitution is supreme and the rule of law is the only basis of governance. Any attempt to subvert the constitution by engaging in unlawful activities cannot be condoned and certainly does not form a part of civilised discourse.

Prioritisation of vaccination for educators and students praiseworthy Dear Editor, I APPLAUD the government and the Ministry of Education for moving to in-school learning. So far only schools for lower grades are open. Learning loss has been a big fallout of the pandemic crisis. School closures and remote learning can’t continue indefinitely. On line, remote learning is not a substitute for inperson learning with regular connections to other students and teachers. Plus, many children have been excluded from on-line classes due to the digital divide – some

can’t afford the devices or the cost of Internet. Some can’t get connected to Internet even when it is affordable. Children who can’t connect with Internet are at a disadvantage. In fact, in a survey I recently conducted, parents complain that their kids are not learning much through Internet. They need in-person instruction. The survey shows that most parents want schools to reopen. Most students also want to return to school, having recognised the limitation of remote learning. Most teachers want to go back to their normal professional role of imparting knowledge. Some teachers

prefer to continue online or remote teaching because it is like a continuous vacation at home, where they can do their personal chores. In addition, the sight of children going to school evokes normalcy in a society. Our children’s lives are centred on schools, and the learning, the routine, playfulness, being with peers, and fun that come with it. Eighteen months from regular schooling has taken its toll on kids as well as on the education system. As an educator of 40 years, I can say that children miss critical developmental milestones not being in regular attendance

in schools. Children, staff, parents, and students suffer mental illness from closure of schools. It is time to get back to normalcy, especially since COVID-19 will be around for a long time. We will have to adjust our lives to COVID-19. Government should move towards full re-opening for all students providing it is safe for all stakeholders. The U.S. has moved to in-school learning as have other countries. A federal court ruled against New York City Teachers Union that appealed a ruling of a lower court agreeing with government’s mandate on teachers’ vaccination. In NY, if you

don’t vaccinate, except for religious or health reasons, you cannot teach. The ruling was put on hold until last Friday when the court threw out the case. The Teachers Union indicated that it would appeal to the Supreme Court. I think the Supreme Court will side with the government – the state has power to restrict rights during an emergency. The pandemic is an emergency. In fact, teachers would lose their jobs in New York if not vaccinated. In Guyana as in the U.S., increasing numbers of people are being vaccinated, although the COVID infection rate and deaths have been rising in Guyana. The

government’s prioritisation of vaccination for educators and students is being praised. Teachers and students should take the vaccines. Government should enforce its policy on mandatory vaccination for teachers with exceptions for religion and medical issues. This would make it possible to implement in-person teaching for all students and staff. Of course, government or the ministry must provide a safe environment for stakeholders and stakeholders must be assured of a safe reopening. Yours truly, Brian James

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

Acupuncture: A new way of preserving health

By Dr. DAI Dechun, the 16th Chinese Medical Brigade

I HAVE experienced the diverse, active culture of Guyana in the passing year. Clear blue sky, quiet nights and the magnificent Kaieteur Falls left an unforgettable impression on me. I really remember that I felt a little nervous when I had just arrived in Guyana. It is my greatest happiness as a consultant of the 16th Chinese medical Brigade to gradually be recognised by the patients, relieve their pains and become their friends. Some patients expect me to stay in Guyana for two more years or copy my hand for them. I am deeply moved and saddened. In an instant, it was time to leave. I would like to share the wonderful stories of acupuncture in Guyana with my friends as an impressive memory. Thank you for your kind support, encouragement and tolerance! I hope that more and more friends will take acupuncture as one of the means of health preservation to protect the health of themselves and their families in the future. TEN YEARS OF MIGRAINE GRADUALLY GONE Crystal Griffith lives in West Street, Ruimveldt Housing Scheme. She suffered from photophobia, migraine headaches and sleep disorder over 10 years, particularly to the right side of her head. When the attack is serious, she felt nausea, vomiting and weakness. Fatigue was more likely to induce her migraine. Her older sister also suffered from migraine for many years, but her parents and grandparents have not similar syndrome. Neck stiffness was exposed in physical examination. Her neck X-ray revealed that the cervical curve become straight and degeneration changes occurred in the cervical spine. There were not abnormal findings in her brain CT scan. Migraine is a recurring type of headache, which causes moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing. Every cloud has a silver lining. Crystal is a resilient and brave lady. She received 21 times of acupuncture treatments combined with the guidance of acupoints self-pressing of neck and head. She felt much better than before and enjoyed better sleep. The episode of migraine was reduced, the

duration of each attack is significantly shortened, and the severity of headache is mitigated.

Dr. DAI Dechun (left), with Pettie DeNobrega (above right), Vanessa Darlinton (bottom left) and Crystal Griffith

HEMIPLEGIC LIMB MOVED NINE YEARS LATER Davendra Budhoo lives in 926 Section C Golden Grove, East Bank of Demerara (EBD). He suffered from hemiplegia without obvious inducement in 2012 and had a history of stroke and chest pain. He takes medications regularly to maintain stable cardiovascular status such as blood pressure, and occasionally receive physical therapy of rehabilitation. However, he still had no any movement of the left upper and lower limbs and felt sensory loss by December 2020. He started to receive acupuncture treatment from December 16, 2020, which was once a week. On April 21, 2021, he felt his left limb “waking up” gradually. On May 12, he can gradually raise the biggest toe of his left foot and restore his tactile sensation of left hip. On May 19, he could move his left thumb, and on June 16, he could move his left upper arm slightly. The function of his left upper and lower limbs was further improved gradually. With the support of a stick, his independent walking and self-care ability were improved, his gait was more stable, and the risk of accidental falls was reduced. From the rehabilitation process of the patient, acupuncture can significantly promote the rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients, which is recommended as one of the important methods of stroke rehabilitation treatment. SEVERE NECK PAIN RETURNED TO NORMAL Vanessa Darlinton lives in 107 Dr Miller Street Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD). She experienced neck pain for a couple of years and frequent numbness in the upper extremities; the symptoms were evident after hard work. Neck pain affected her work and temperament. She was referred to the Acupuncture Department for acupuncture treatment. Her neck MRI results in February 19, 2020 showed that significant left posterolateral disc herniation was noted involving C5-6 intervertebral disc causing significant spinal canal com-

promise, severe left lateral recess compromise. The herniated disc showed subligamentous downward migration and compression of left C6 nerve root was noted. There was no doubt that it was another severe case and filled with challenges. Her neck condition was improved obviously after 10 times of acupuncture and targeted Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physical exercise. The patient’s cervical spine MR, reviewed on June 17, 2021, showed that the original, huge prolapse of the cervical disc had been significant resorption, and that nerve compression and spinal stenosis had been significantly reduced, which is a very rare case in patients with cervical disc herniation worldwide. She created a miracle of recovery. SEVERE SPINAL STENOSIS IMPROVED Kemton Glen lives in Blue Sackie Drive, Georgetown. He is a taxi driver. He suffered severe, low back pain over six months after an injury accident of scuffle because of a robbery in March 2021. He could not sit or stand for a long time, while walking on crutches. An X-ray examination showed obvious scoliosis with spine degeneration and hyperplasia. His spine MRI revealed that significant circumferential disc bulge was noted at Dorsal spine 11-12 level along with ligamentum flavum thickening causing severe spinal canal compromise, significant right lateral recess and right neural foramina compromise, mild

left neural foramina narrowing. Luckily, his back pain was reduced after seven sessions of acupuncture treatment and self-pressing acupoints. Kemton’s rehabilitation suggests that acupuncture still has a significant therapeutic effect on back pain caused by severe spinal stenosis, which is helpful to improve the patients’ ability of daily living and quality of life. SEVERE, LOW BACK PAIN IMPROVED Pettie DeNobrega, lives in Lot 1302 Section B, Sophia. She is cheerful, talkative and athletic. When she was young, she loved cricket, cycling and diving. Her lower back pain

and right sciatica had lasted over 10 years after a car accident, which frequently occurred from mild to more severe with a slight limping. She had a history of lumbar spine surgery and diabetes. Sometimes she felt her right leg tighten and shooting pain, both feet numbness, she could not walk for a long time. Her lumbar MRI revealed that significant postero-central bulge was noted involving L5-S1 intervertebral disc causing significant spinal canal compromise, significant bilateral recess narrowing. More seriously, there was an extruded nucleus pulposus marked in the L5-S1 intervertebral disc, in addition to circumferential disc bulge in L4-5 level. The patient has a long medical history, severe lumbago, possibly complicated with diabetic neuropathy. Heaven rewards the faithful. After nearly nine months of acupuncture treatment, her low back pain was significantly relieved, but her feet were still numb, and she could walk three miles continuously. She used the song “I feel so good.” by the famous singer James Brown to describe her feelings. Said with a smile, “doctor, your hand has magic.” KNEE PAIN RETURNED TO NORMAL GAIT Joseph Branes, a resident of Region 10, lives in Lot 203 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden. He complained of left knee pain for one and a half years. He had got worse about his walking. He felt tension in the back area of his left knee. His left MRI knee result

revealed that complex tear in the body and both horns of medial meniscus, medial collateral ligament bursitis, tendinosis of quadriceps and patellar tendons, moderate changes of osteoarthritis in the knee joint and grade ? chondromalacia patellae. Inter and intramuscular edema involving the muscles of distal thigh and proximal leg were noted. It was a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Linden to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and was not easy for the 75-year-old patient. Fortunately, Joseph’s knee pain was reduced significantly and his gait gradually returned to normal after 15 sessions of acupuncture treatment, combined with rehabilitation guidance of stability exercise of knee joint. Acupuncture has been known to be highly effective for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which was recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in an official report. I hope that more friends in Guyana will be familiar with acupuncture and experience it. I hope that Chinese medicine will be as different as Chinese food. “She” is not just a legend! It is suggested that Guyana speed up the training of local acupuncture talents, recommend promising young talents to apply for Chinese government scholarships to study in China and systematically study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), or jointly train talents with wellknown Chinese universities to enrich TCM theory and strengthen practice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

GBTI gives $1.5M for Haiti’s relief efforts the acting President said while noting that, on behalf of the government, he was grateful for the support. He also lauded the effort of the bank and persons who contributed to the fund. GBTI’s Haiti Disaster

Relief Fund is a collective effort between the bank, its employees and members of the public. Early last month, the Government of Guyana donated US$50,000 (over G$10M) to Haiti with a

promise of further support. The funds are expected to help persons recover from the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake, which rocked Haiti on August 14.

NY Guyanese celebrate Gandhi’s birth anniversary with peace march By Vishnu Bisram

Acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, receives the cheque from GBTI’s Chief Executive Officer (ag), James Foster (Office of the Prime Minister photo) THE Guyana Bank for Tr a d e a n d I n d u s t r y (GBTI), on Monday, presented a cheque valued at G$1,538,000 to acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, to support Guyana’s relief efforts in Haiti.

According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, the cheque was addressed to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which falls under the purview of the Prime Minister. GBTI’s Chief Executive Officer (ag), James Foster,

told the Prime Minister, who is serving as acting Head of State, that supporting the relief efforts was important for GBTI, due to its corporate social responsibility. “We have an important role to play in giving back,”

LAST Sunday afternoon, on the occasion of the 152nd Gandhi Jayanti, or birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Guyanese in New York joined Trinis and other Indo-Caribbeans and nationals from India to pay tribute to Mahatma (noble soul) with a peace march and speeches. The march was led by a tassa band and flag bearers carrying the USA, Guyana, and Trinidad flags. Onlookers cheered the marchers who were escorted by the police and which resulted in the closure of streets. It was the 26th annual Mahatma Gandhi Peace March and it took place on October 3 under very warm conditions, bright sun on Liberty Ave from 121 Street to 111th Street in New York and culminated at the Tulsi Mandir led by Guyanese Pt. Lekhram Maharaj. Pandit Baya of Black Bush and Port Mourant led the process as Gandhi walking barefooted for the mile-long journey. The march was undertaken to recognise the work of the iconic Mahatma (Great Soul) and spread awareness of his teachings of non-violence and peace. Gandhi is known as the Apostle of Peace. Gandhi is known across the world for his unwavering belief in non-violence (Ahinsa) and ‘Swaraj’ (self-governance). He was born on Oct 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. Gandhi lived a simple, austere life. His message was that hatred and violence would not solve the problems of society. He led the non-violent resistance against British rule in India and was at the forefront of the nation’s freedom struggle. He was often beaten or imprisoned for his resistance to British injustice. His birth anniversary is usually marked across the globe as the International Day of Non-Violence. The New York Peace March was organised as usual by the Indo-Caribbean Federation of Hindu Mandirs Inc., USA. The organisation is led by former Berbician pandit, Dharamacharya Pt. Rishi

Misir, President Pandit Ram Hardowar, and other executive members of the organisation. Pandit Ram recognised the work of the executives and mandirs for putting together the march and programme. There were representatives from numerous mandirs and organisations, as well as community advocates Romeo Hitlal, Albert Baldeo and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and several politicians vying for elective offices. Elections are on the first Tuesday in November for the City Council. At the Tulsi Mandir, there were speeches on the enduring legacy of the life and teachings of the Father of the Indian Nation as well as a cultural variety show. Several community leaders delivered remarks, quoting and drawing lessons from Gandhi. Speakers implored that people model their lives after Gandhi and heed his message of peace. In light of the violence that is destroying lives and infrastructure, it is very important to emulate the values and ideas of Gandhi, they stressed. Gandhian ideas of sustainable development are apt for the time. Non-violent revolution can defeat growing hatred. Hate and division can be defeated by following the path of non-violence. The cultural programme, emceed by Bahen Vedi and Pt Ramesh Ramshai, included

classical dances and bhajans by members of several mandirs. There were some beautiful renditions including one from the well-known Latchman Budhai. Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar delivered the keynote address, mesmerising the gathering. In her remarks, she praised the work of Indo-Caribbean organisations and the IndoCaribbean people as well as Americans in keeping the values of Gandhi alive. Several speakers noted that prominent Americans, including Martin Luther King, were influenced by the work of the Mahatma. The highlight of the Peace March was the award of the 2021 Gandhi Peace Prize to Srimati Deepa Omela, a Berbician who studied Hindi, Education and Gandhism under a scholarship programme in India. She is from Durga Mandir of Bronx, where tens of thousands of Guyanese are settled. Several Hindu organisations (mandirs) were recognised with plaques for distinguished community service over the years. Bhai Doodnauth delivered a vote of thanks. The Gandhi Peace march was initiated by prominent community advocate and executive member of TriMurthi Mandir, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine some 26 years ago.

A scene from the peace march last Sunday

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

COVID-19 death toll passes 800

FOUR more persons have died after contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the country’s death toll to 803. The Ministry of Health made this disclosure in a press statement that was issued on Monday. The fatalities were a 67-year-old man who was partially vaccinated and two unvaccinated women aged 62 and 48, all from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), and a 48-yearold unvaccinated man from Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara). These deaths were recorded between September 27 and October 4. According to the release,

the patients were admitted with COVID-19-like symptoms and died while receiving care at medical institutions. Meanwhile, of the 103 new cases recoded, 43 came from Region Four. Region One recorded 14 cases; Region Two, 11 cases; Region Three, 21 cases; Regions Five and Six, one case each; Region Seven, four cases and Region Ten, eight cases. To date, the country has recorded a total of 28,027 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Some 31 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while there are 3,603 persons in home isolation, 122 persons in

institutional isolation, and six persons in institutional quarantine. All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols contained in the Gazetted COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until October 31, 2021, along with other measures, such as regular hand-washing and social distancing, to curb the spread of the virus. If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

Significant headway made since liberalisation of telecoms sector

SIGNIFICANT headway which ultimately benefits consumers has been made since liberalisation of the telecommunications sector just one year ago when within two months of assuming office the government issued such Commencement Orders. The Commencement Orders brought fully into force the Telecommunications Act 2016 (the “Act”) and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016. The move was described as historic as it aligned Guyana’s telecommunications regime to those found in other countries the world over, including most Carib-

bean countries. The ground-breaking decision immediately opened up massive business opportunities by welcoming new entrants in information and communications technology (ICT) and ICTenabled businesses to operate locally. “Not only does this decision make Guyana a more attractive business destination, but it places our country on global standards with regard to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) operations,” acting President Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips said as the country marks the first anniversary

of liberalisation of the sector. The acting President, who exercises responsibility over the telecommunications sector, anticipates a proliferation of added Telecommunications Operators, Internet Service Providers, Data Centres, Call Centres and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operations, soon operating out of Guyana. “Our government has seen the far-reaching and long-term benefits of liberalisation as it deters the monopolisation of telecommunications services by any one entity, increasing access to telecommunications net-

Acting President, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

works and bringing a wider and more affordable list of options for our citizens,” he said in his anniversary message. The effects of the liberalisation went into force within 24 hours of the Commencement Orders being signed, with Mr Phillips handing over operational licences and accompanying documents to three service providers within the telecommunications sector, declaring the sector liberalised and opened for investment. Further, seven accompanying Telecommunications Regulations, namely Licensing and Frequency Authorisation; Spectrum Management; Universal Access and Universal Services; Interconnection and Access; Pricing; Consumer Protection; and, Competition became effective on October 23, 2020. EXPANSION As a consequence of the accompanying regulations, competition was increased within the sector and modern services, such as 4G networks, are being extended to previously underserved areas, such as the Essequibo Coast. “Competition is driving innovation as companies move to improve service and keep/acquire customers. Operators are investing in networks to provide modern and up-to-date services to Guyanese in order to win and retain customers,” the acting President said. In addition to all opera-

tors moving to roll out 4G, 4.5G and 5G networks, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) recently moved their data plan expiry rollover window from one hour to 24hrs, which is a direct response to the prospect of more choices in the market. ‘Double your data plans’ are also being offered by Digicel, whereby customers get more data for the same price and whole prices for Internet bandwidth are being reduced, as well as consumer prices. Further, the new submarine cable to be landed by U-Mobile (Cellular) Inc. is expected to lead to more competition for international data and International Long Distance service, thus resulting in reduction of prices, especially for highspeed Internet. MUCH MORE TO BE DONE “Beyond this journey, much more work has to be done. Our government recognises that liberalisation must come with complementary work in capacitybuilding of the regulatory entities,” the Prime Minister said and noted that the government is committed to working on strengthening the Telecommunications Agency in preparation for regulating in a liberalised environment. He noted that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has also done much work to prepare for the expected influx of opportunities that

will transform the telecommunications sector; one such achievement was the establishment of an internal monitoring unit. In the near future, the PUC will be working on strict adherence to the provisions of the Telecommunications Act No. 18 of 2016. Especially in the areas of monitoring the competition in the market by creating modules on monitoring and reporting of anti-competitive behaviour and reviewing the interconnection agreements between the operators, as well as the commission’s existing sanctions policy and enforcement policy. They will also be examining existing Quality of Service (QoS) and making recommendations for reform; launching online surveys on QoS issues; conducting public consultation on expectations of liberalisation and continuing to process consumers’ complaints. “Our government’s intent is to provide for an open, liberalised and competitive sector that is attractive to new entrants with the expectation that this will result in greater choices, a better quality of service and lower prices for consumers,” the Prime Minister said. He explained that the journey has just begun and the government is optimistic with regard to the future. “Moreover, this development goes hand in hand with other transformative changes that are occurring in our country in oil and gas. All eyes are on Guyana and we must ensure that we make our country ready for the prosperous future that lies ahead,” he said. The Telecommunications Act 2016 was first laid by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government in the ninth Parliament in August 2011, and laid again in the 10th Parliament in 2012, after extensive consultations with both the public and operators.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

Police to engage courts on reconstruction of records burnt in Brickdam fire

Assistant Commissioner Simon Mc Bean at the St. Stanislaus College where the operations of the Brickdam Police Station will be temporarily located (Elvin Croker photo)

By Jared Liddell The Guyana Police Force will soon be seeking the help of the various courts to reconstruct some of the records that were destroyed in Saturday’s devastating fire at the Brickdam Police Station, Commander of Police Division 4 ‘A’, Assistant Commissioner Simon Mc Bean, said on Monday. Despite the efforts of ranks, years of police records and several vehicles worth millions of dollars were either burnt in the blaze or were badly damaged. Based on the initial assessment, over 80 per cent of the buildings in the compound were burnt. The police station was the headquarters for Police Division 4 ‘A’ and also housed Mc Bean’s office. Mc Bean told the Guyana Chronicle that the force plans to enlist the help of the courts to reconstruct some of the destroyed files. He noted that the ranks have been working assiduously to determine what files were destroyed in the fire. “What we have to do and what we’re doing at the moment is we’re making an assessment of them; some

can be recreated…we’ll seek advice on the way forward because some of them, the court will have documents to recreate and some of them we should be able to recreate ourselves so we will have to make an assessment as to where we are where that is concerned,” he said. The fire was reportedly set by an armed robbery suspect around 11:06 hrs. The Property Room, Inquiries Office, Traffic Department and Officers’ Mess Hall were among the sections ravaged. To continue providing services to the people of Georgetown, temporary police offices have been established at the nearby St. Stanislaus College. At the new location, reports and other police-related matters will be dealt with. This development resulted from collaboration between the Ministries of Home Affairs and Education. On Sunday, President Ali also used the opportunity to laud the efforts of ranks attached to the police station. He praised them for their commitment to efficiently set up temporary offices mere hours after the devastating fire, to continue serving the people of Guyana. The Brickdam Po-

lice Station housed 398 ranks belonging to the Commander’s Office, Traffic, Impact Base, and CID. The President further disclosed that government was working to acquire assets that would allow for “comfort” while ranks are operating out of the temporary police station. Containerised offices and reconfiguration of containers are currently being considered by the Ministry of Home Affairs as means of temporary operations for the Brickdam Police Station. Assistant Commissioner McBean has assured that while the station will be operating out of a temporary location, none of the services it usually offers has been disrupted. “So far we have been able to respond to the needs of citizens from the centre. Persons coming to make reports, they have been able to make their reports and they were responded to; traffic accidents are reported and responded to, and our detectives are working. All our patrols are out so we have been able to respond to the public, providing services as we normally do,” he said.

A section of the St. Stanislaus College tarmac where tents are set up to provide the services that were offered at the Brickdam Police Station before the fire (Elvin Croker photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

Man pleads guilty to 2015 murder of British teen, sentencing set for October 19 ALMOST six years after the body of a British teen was found in a shallow grave at Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice, murder accused Staymon George called “Sherwin,” on Monday, confessed to the crime. George was arraigned at the Berbice High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon for the capital offence of murder and opted to plead guilty. He admitted that he murdered Dominic Bernard on October 14, 2015, at Kildonan Village. Justice Kissoon deferred sentencing until October 19, when a probation report, in favour of George, will be presented in court. The state is being represented by special pros-

ecutor, attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, while attorney-at-law, Ravindra Mohabir, is on record for the accused. Initially, George was charged jointly with Aaron Hing, Bernard’s god brother. The murder indictment against Hing is expected to be presented on October 11. Meanwhile, George’s ‘childmother ’, Krystol Thomas, her mother Sinfine Henry, also known as “Coreen”, and his friend, Jahmil Sinclair, are currently out on $300,000 bail after each was charged as accessory in relation to Bernard’s murder. They are expected to stand trial soon. The teenager reportedly arrived in Guyana on the evening of October 14, 2015. George, who is said

Aaron Hing to be a close friend of Hing, was the driver who transported Hing to the airport to collect Bernard. The teen was scheduled to fly back to England on November 5, 2015. After collecting the teen from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, they stopped at a location on Sheriff Street where they

Staymon George called “Sherwin” ate and drank a few beers. Bernard was never seen again. His parents came to Guyana after he failed to arrive in England. On January 8, 2016, the badly decomposed body of the teen was found in a shallow grave in the backlands of Nurney Village. A DNA sample taken from the body was tested against Dominic’s father, Andrew Bernard, and they matched. The police later issued an arrest warrant for Hing and George after they disap-

DEAD: Dominic Bernard peared when investigators attempted to contact them. Hing was arrested while hiding out at a city hotel while George was nabbed at a house in Tucville, Georgetown. It is alleged that those charged with accessory hid Bernard’s personal belongings, including his camera. George had told police that Hing took Bernard to Kildonan Village, where a hole had already been dug. While there, Hing report-

edly struck Bernard with a piece of wood which caused him to fall to the ground. While on the ground, Hing allegedly armed himself with a hammer and continued his assault on the teen. George told the police that he helped Hing bury Bernard’s body in the hole. According to George, Hing killed Bernard for “payback” because he (Hing) was arrested in England due to the teen “snitching.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

CCJ will always protect the rights of citizens of the region -President Saunders asserts as Court Term opens

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders AS the Caribbean Court of Justice’s 2021/2022 Court Term opened on Monday, the Court’s President, Justice Adrian Saunders, issued a message which summarises the work of the Court for the 2020/2021 year and how the work of the organisation impacts citizens of the Caribbean Community. According to a release, President Saunders noted that, despite the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) continued to provide uninterrupted service to the region, holding 55 hearings in its fully virtual courtroom. He also observed that, in the past year, the first-ever case initiated by one Member State of CARICOM against another was filed in the Court’s Original Jurisdiction. In the Original Jurisdiction, the Court decides on issues related to the Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME) relating to the freedom of movement of labour, goods, services, capital and establishment. Apart from its judicial work, the President also highlighted some of the other noteworthy deliverables completed by the Court during the past court year. Those included the finalisation of Judicial Discipline Regulations to accompany the revised Judicial Code of Conduct, which was adopted in 2020 and the implementation of a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to measure the progress of the execution of the Court’s five-year Strategic Plan. In keeping with its strategic goal of supporting the regional justice system, the CCJ, as the executing agency for the Canadian-funded Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) Project, also supported the implementation of several initiatives such as business continuity plans for courts, case flow management, court administration and the procurement of ICT equipment to enhance the delivery of justice across the region. Additionally, through a partnership with affiliates such as the CCJ Academy for Law (CAL), Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) and the UN’s Global Judicial Integrity Network, the Court also assisted with the rollout of legal and judicial education programmes throughout the region and beyond. Acknowledging that despite these successes, there was still more work to be done, the President asserted that “... we shall continue, fearlessly as always, to advance the rule of law in the region; we shall always protect the rights of the people, and we shall strengthen the legal framework underpinning the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.” The President also urged citizens of the region to learn more about the Court and how it serves the region. He affirmed that “The CCJ is your Court and we believe all citizens of CARICOM must know how their Court works and how what we do impacts on you.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

341 criminal cases for trial in October assizes

UNDER strict COVID-19 health guidelines, the October session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes will open today at the High Court in Georgetown, and several high-profile cases are among 341 that are set for trial. Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and Justice Navindra Singh have been rostered to preside during this session. The list includes 69 cases for murder, 19 for manslaughter, 168 rape-related matters and other cases such as abduction, wounding, robbery under arms, possession of narcotics and stealing a child. Muslim scholar, Nezaam Ali, who is currently serving a 45-year sentence for raping a nine-year-old boy, is among the high-profile cases on the list. Ali will go on trial for eight additional counts of sexually abusing eight boys. The crimes were allegedly committed between 2011 and 2012 and includes sexual activity with a child under 16 years and sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust.

Another well-known case is that of former Bishops’ High School teacher, Coen Jackson, who is set to go on trial for engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16, while being in a position of trust. He is currently out on bail. Additionally, for the capital offence of murder, hotel proprietor, Erwin Bacchus is expected to stand trial for the August 2018 killing of his neighbour, Jason De Floirmonte. Aubrey Bobb is also expected to face trial for the murder of 64-year-old Godfrey Scipio, called “Saga”, a popular businessman, who was shot dead outside a city hotel in 2017. In an effort to balance public health and safety imperatives with the need for continuing access to justice and openness, practice direction protocols have been put in place for the smooth and safe resumption of criminal jury trials. This practice direction shall operate together with the constitution and other laws,

FLASHBACK: Justice Navindra Singh inspecting the Guard of Honour during a 2019 assizes opening ceremony. the COVID-19 Emergency Measures of the Ministry of Health and the relevant practice directions issued by the Chancellor of the Judi-

ciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, in 2020. The objective of this practice direction is to preserve the right of the accused to a fair

trial while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. It will also ensure that jury trials and court practices are designed to mini-

mise the exposure of judges, jurors, court staff, the accused, witnesses, attorneys, members of the media and the public, to infection.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

One dead in triple-motorcycle collision DEVINDRA Kumar, 21, of Kilcoy Squatting Area, Corentyne, Berbice was killed after three motorcycles collided along the Number 51 Public Road on Sunday. Kumar was riding motorcycle CG7601, while a 24-year-old man, also of Kilcoy, was riding motorcycle CG9278. The third motorcyclist has not yet been identified; he rode away from the scene after

the crash. Reports indicate that all three motorcycles were proceeding north along the western driving lane of the No. 51 Public Road at a fast rate of speed, when it was alleged by the rider of motorcycle CG 9278 that Kumar, who was in front, took one hand off the handle and turned his head, looking backwards. In the process, he lost control of his bike, fell onto

the road surface, and skid about 100 feet further north. The unknown motorcyclist

Two of the motorcycles that were involved in the accident ran over Kumar, lost control

of his bike and fell onto the road surface, while motorcycle CG 9278 collided with motorcycle CG 7601 drive by Kumar, and also lost control and ran into a nearby trench on the eastern side of

the said road. Police said the rider of the unknown motorcycle picked up his machine and rode away from the scene. Kumar was picked up by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious state and

taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is currently at the Skeldon Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting autopsy as investigations continue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5 , 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

'It was destined for us': The victories that... (From page 31) “We react (to those scenarios) and we get the other players to react and understand the magnitude of what we are in and what we are about to do. “Having guys like that to lean on is great, and guys that can get you out of situations where people might think, or you might think as well, that you can’t get out of. “The younger guys get to learn and get to understand some of the things that are needed to be successful, especially from a T20 aspect. As I’ve said before, we would have seen it time and time again all over the world, different situations, different conditions, different bowlers – having guys like that to help the young-

er guys, I think you can’t ask for anything better than that.” A great of the format in the making when he won the T20 World Cup in 2012, Pollard missed West Indies’ famous victory in 2016 through injury. He still rates watching Carlos Brathwaite hit those four sixes as one of his three favourite moments from the tournament’s history, sandwiched in between Yuvraj Singh’s famous 36run over and the 2012 victory. “That tournament in itself for us was a bit up and down,” he said of 2012. “We played some good cricket. We lost a couple of games and then we had the crunch moment. We had a big semi-final against Australia at that time, Mitchell Starc, Shane Watson, George Bai-

ley, all these guys – the way that we came out and we played that match, I knew we were in for something special. Chris Gayle getting 75-plus in that game, being able to finish off the innings alongside him. “And then getting to the final, a bit of a nervy start, making 130-odd I believe, but having the belief. Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul, Samuel Badree to name a few, these guys coming and bowling their hearts out and the way that we fielded, I think it was destined for us to win that World Cup and the rest was history.” While 2012 was a low-scorer and 2016 a nail-biter, what both had in common was the captaincy of Daren Sammy. Sammy won’t be around this time, having long ago farewelled

international cricket. In his place, Pollard is in charge and he knows that comes with expectations. He also knows it’s a blessing. “There’s going to be pressure. No way you look at it that you’re going to hide from that. Leading your nation into a World Cup is one of the biggest things you can do as an individual. I’m looking forward to that." Alongside the absence of Sammy, the biggest difference for the West Indies is they don’t go in as the underdogs. Curiously, in hindsight, the Windies weren’t among the frontrunners in 2016. This year, no one is writing them off and they’ll have to deal with the pressures of being the hunted rather than the hunters. “It’s going to be special. To win it twice in itself was

great. To do that for a third time is going to be magnificent. I’m sure the guys are looking forward to that. “Sometimes it is difficult to defend a championship because persons always sort of mention it and they start to talk a lot of things before to maybe try and get you off guard. “As a group we look forward to focusing and zooming in and having that tunnel vision of the prize at the end of the tournament.” It was against England that West Indies started their last T20 World Cup campaign and against the same opponents that they out the Final. Fittingly, they start their title defence against the same opposition on 23 October in Dubai. (ICC-Cricket.com)

Delhi Capitals beat CSK to boost... Chennai's 2,098 runs in this season's tournament - which amounts to a massive 46%. They again started well, racing to 28 off 2.3 overs, before both fell in quick succession, exposing a middle order that hasn't been required to bat often, or for

long periods. Robin Uthappa, making his first appearance of the season, made 19, but England all-rounder Moeen flicked tamely to deep mid-wicket to fall for five. Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni dragged Chennai up

to a respectable score, with a 60-run partnership in almost 11 overs, but it felt under par. Dhoni, as has often been the case in recent years, chewed up balls, taking 27 to score his 18 - his lowest tally in the IPL when facing

more than 25 balls - and that left Ravindra Jadeja underused, and Dwayne Bravo and Shardul Thakur - who can all clear the boundary unused. After the game Dhoni said his side were "probably 15 short". (BBC Sport)

Upskilling of Coaches to be done... into that world-class talent.” The Sport Academy is not a building but rather a programme and the nursery will attract persons from ages 12 – 25. The core disciplines who will be given at least $1M to host tournaments annually, will then see their best players be placed into Elite Training Programmes. Such programmes will be for a prolonged period (probably six-eight weeks) and the athletes will be given stipends to offsets any expenses, as to allow their full dedication to the programme. The 12 core sports identified by the Ministry are Squash, Track and Field, Cricket, Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Lawn Tennis, Rugby, Badminton, Swimming and Table Tennis. Minister Ramson Jr. clarified that there is room for other sports to be added in the future. “This is serious business. The Sport Academy is not about playing sport only and it’s very import-

ant that we notice that. This is the basis on which

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(From page 31)

(From back page)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

Jepkosgei and Lemma win London Marathon JOYCILINE Jepkosgei took Kenyan compatriot and world-record holder Brigid Kosgei’s London Marathon title as the full-scale race returned on Sunday. Jepkosgei, who won the 2019 New York Marathon, made the decisive move at 22 miles and went on to win by 15 seconds. The 27-year-old crossed the line in two hours 17 minutes and 43 seconds, while a tired Kosgei dropped back to fourth. Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma landed the biggest win of his career in the men’s race, coming home in 2:04.01. Fine, dry and cool conditions contributed to impressive times with Lemma becoming the sixth fastest man ever in the race, Jep-

Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma won the men's London Marathon on Sunday in 2:04:01 – his first ever win at a marathon major

kosgei leaping to seventh on the women’s all-time list and course records in both wheelchair races. After 2020’s elite-only races, this year’s London Marathon welcomed back just over 36’000 mass-event run-

Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei celebrates winning the Women's race in the London Marathon in central London, Sunday

ners to the traditional street course, while another 40 000 runners set out to complete a marathon virtually, logging their distance via a tracking app. “I’m very excited. Such a beautiful day for running,”

Jepkosgei told BBC Sport. “I’m so happy for the London crowd. Every kilometre there were people cheering all the way”. The race included several measures to reduce its carbon impact, including electric lead vehicles and finish line goodie bags made out of sugar cane, rather than plastic. It was also an underwhelming outing for the men’s defending champion Shura Kitata with the Ethiopian, hampered by a hamstring niggle, finishing sixth in 2:07.51. He was a little over five minutes ahead of Britain’s Philip Sesemann as the former middle-distance specialist made an impressive marathon debut at 29. Lemma, who finished third on last year’s COVID-enforced closed course, turned up the pace at a similar point on the route to Jepkosgei with similarly successful result, crossing the line 27 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. But the winner was not allowed to stand on the victory podium alongside Kenyans Vincent Kipchumba and Mosinet Geremew – who came second and third respectively – because of coronavirus protocols. Lemma’s fellow Ethiopian Kinde Atanaw, who won the 2019 Valencia Marathon, missed the race after testing positive for COVID on Friday afternoon. No other athlete was barred from taking part after further testing but Lemma was taken back to his hotel after the race because he was a close contact of Atanaw. (BBCSport)

ECB to decide this week if Ashes tour of Australia can go ahead THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will meet this week to decide whether the men’s Ashes will go ahead this winter after players were given an update on travel arrangements for the tour. Australia’s stringent approach to coronavirus restrictions has cast doubt on the marquee series, which is scheduled to begin in December, with England players understood to harbour concerns over quarantine, bubble environments and access for families. The ECB has now made a presentation on Cricket Australia’s proposals and is awaiting to hear how many of their first-choice side is prepared to commit. A statement read: “Later this week the ECB Board will meet to decide whether the conditions in place are sufficient for the tour to go ahead and enable the selection of a squad befitting a series of this significance.” Cricket’s once predictable future tours programme has been blown to the wind by the onset of the pandemic, with England’s schedule undergoing repeated changes. They flew home early from tours of Sri Lanka and South Africa in 2020, saw their recent fifth Test decider against India abandoned on the morning of the match after the tourists decided not to play due to fears over a Covid outbreak and have cancelled white-ball visits to Bangladesh and Pakistan that were due this month. The Ashes is one of the biggest contests in international sport and while administrators on both sides are eager for it to go ahead as planned, the ECB made it clear the views of the team will ultimately decide the matter. “Over the weekend we have been talking to England men’s players and manage-

England captain Joe Root

ment to provide them with the latest information about the proposed arrangements for this winter’s scheduled Ashes tour,” continued the statement. “We remain in regular and positive dialogue with Cricket Australia over these arrangements as the picture is constantly evolving. With health and wellbeing at the forefront, our focus is to ensure the tour can go ahead with conditions for players and management to perform at their best. “We will continue talking to our players this week to share the latest information and seek feedback.” England captain Joe Root has stopped short of confirming he would lead the squad in Australia, saying only that he was seeking greater clarity about the ground rules of the trip. His vice-captain Jos Buttler, who is setting off to the T20 World Cup on Monday, has also said making both trips without seeing his family would cross a personal red line. Crucially, both Root and Buttler have two young children, amplifying their concerns over the issues over families being welcome Down Under. Other players are merely worried about bubble fatigue having spent extended periods in locked down environments for large parts of the last two years.(PA Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

England still among T20 World Cup favourites without Stokes and Archer – Buttler JOS BUTTLER is confident England will depart for the Twenty20 World Cup firmly among the favourites, despite the absence of “superstars” Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. England flew out to Oman yesterday where they will complete a mandatory quarantine period before heading to their tournament base in Dubai next Saturday. When England landed the 50-over crown at Lord’s in 2019, Buttler, Stokes and Archer were the men who delivered for their country when the pressure was on. As well as excelling throughout the final against New Zealand, the trio were called upon to settle an unprecedented ‘super over’ – with Stokes and Buttler

batting in the six-ball decider and Archer chosen as the bowler to close it out. But with Stokes on an extended hiatus due to mental health issues and Archer recovering from a long-term elbow injury, England’s hopes of becoming the first-ever men’s side to hold both limited-overs trophies at the same time have been dented. Buttler, though, is buoyant about the prospects of doing an unprecedented double. “I think we’re certainly one of the favourite teams. I know we are missing Ben and Jofra, who are two superstars of the game, but I still look down that list and see some real match-winners in our side,” he said. “I think any side in the

Surrey fast bowler Tymal Mills

world would miss those guys but I’m really excited about the squad we’ve got. “There are other fantastic teams around – India are

always strong, the West Indies have a lot of experience in T20 cricket and a lot of six-hitting ability – but we are a really good team. “We will focus a lot on ourselves, playing to the best of our ability and if we do that, I think we’ll go a long way. To become double world champions would be a huge achievement and it won’t be easy, I think we all understand that.” In the absence of Stokes and Archer, England head coach Chris Silverwood could find himself relying on two players who were firmly on the periphery of the set-up 12 months ago to add some X factor to a familiar unit. Liam Livingstone has seen his stock soar recently, with his fearless ball-strik-

ing quickly emerging as the number one attraction in the first season of The Hundred before he struck England’s fastest-ever international century in July – a 42-ball blitz against Pakistan. Archer’s spot, meanwhile, has been scooped up by his Sussex team-mate Tymal Mills – another success story over The Hundred with Southern Brave and a death-bowling specialist who last played for England in 2016. Buttler, speaking at Sixes Cricket Club as an ambassador for Booking.com’s sponsorship of the World Cup, said: “Liam had fantastic summer. The century against Pakistan and The Hundred – he was the poster boy of that – so he will go

into the tournament full of confidence. “We have a number of match-winners and Liam is another one of those. I enjoyed watching The Hundred and it was great to see Tymal operating. “We’ve seen him before in an England shirt and it’s a fantastic story for him to be back now at a World Cup. “He’s got that left-arm angle, extreme pace and he’s got a good slower ball, so he’s a great guy to have in your squad and someone who can pose a lot of problems.” England begin their campaign on October 23 against the West Indies and also share a group with Australia, South Africa and two first-round qualifiers. (PA Sport)

India, Pakistan T20 Osaka drops out of top 10 in rankings WC tickets sold for the first time in three years out hours into sale THERE is a lot of excitement around the date October 24, 2021 when India and Pakistan are scheduled to play against each other in the T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match will be the first game for both the teams in the mega event. The tickets went on sale recently and as expected, all of them were sold within just a few hours. Earlier there was speculation where the two teams would get to play in front of the crowds due to COVID restrictions. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed that the tournament will be played with 70% capacity in the stands. The capacity of Dubai International Cricket stadium is 25,000, which means around 18,500 seats will be available in each of the games at the venue during the T20 World Cup. There is a lot of hype around a game between the arch-rivals, this time there is even more. This will be the first time these two teams will be playing against each other in a T20 match since 2016, which was also a World Cup match played in Kolkata. The last international match

between these two teams was during the 50-overs World Cup back in 2019 in Manchester. According to the report in Cricket Pakistan, the tickets for the T20 World Cup match on October 24 went on sale on Sunday, October 3. But, within hours all of those tickets were sold out. The seats in the sections which include the General, General East, Premium, Pavilion East, and Platinum, were all showing as sold out on the website where the tickets were listed for the tournament. It was also reported that the fans were quick to log into the website within seconds of ICC announcing that the tickets were now available for purchase. There was a long wait time of about an hour with people queuing up. By the night on Sunday, the only tickets that were available were Premium and Platinum tickets. The premium ticket was sold for 1,500 Dh which is equivalent to more than INR 30,000 while the platinum tickets were being sold for 2,600 Dh which is close to INR 52,500. By Monday morning, both these tickets were unavailable on the website. (CricTracker)

NAOMI Osaka has dropped out of the women's top 10 for the first time since winning the 2018 US Open title. The Japanese player, who is now 12th, withdrew from this year's French Open and missed Wimbledon to focus on her mental health. Osaka, 23, also took a break from tennis in September after her defence of the US Open title was ended by Leylah Fernandez in the third round. Great Britain's Emma Raducanu, who beat Fernandez in the final, is ranked 22nd. Raducanu, 18, is set to

play in her first event since winning the US Open at the Indian Wells tournament, having been given a wildcard into the main draw. Indian Wells started yesterday and runs until 17 October. On Monday it was announced Raducanu has also entered next month's Upper Austria Ladies Linz tournament. Former world number one Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, recently said she will return to tennis soon after getting the "itch" to play again. (BBC Sport)

Naomi Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam winner

Wiggins takes Covid-19 vaccine after exemption denied by NBA GOLDEN State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has had the Covid-19 vaccine, after the NBA rejected his request for a religious exemption. San Francisco's health rules require those aged 12 and over at large indoor events to have had

the vaccine. The NBA said Wiggins could not play in Warriors home games "until he fulfils the city's vaccination requirements". Speaking last week, Wiggins said: "I'm confident in my beliefs and what I think is right."

Andrew Wiggins is entering his eighth season in the NBA.

However, on Sunday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said the 26-year-old Canadian the number one overall draft pick in 2014 - had now been vaccinated. The Warriors' first home game of the regular season is on 21 October. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

Stadiums in UAE to operate at 70 per cent capacity for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ABU DHABI – (CMC)- All venues for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will operate at about 70 per cent of maximum seated capacity, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Sunday. In addition, the ICC said, Abu Dhabi has introduced new socially distanced ‘pods’ of a maximum of four spectators on their east and west grass mounds. The Oman Cricket Academy has had a temporary infrastructure built to welcome 3,000 fans. The announcement came as the ICC opened ticket sales for cricket fans from across the world, to attend the October 17 to November 14 showpiece in which West Indies will be defending their title. Cricket’s governing body said in its statement that it and event hosts, the Board of Control for Cricket in

(BCCI), had worked closely with host authorities “to ensure fans can be welcomed in a safe environment and COVID-19 protocols will apply at all venues”. “We are delighted to be welcoming fans back to international cricket in both Oman and the UAE to enjoy the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Our thanks to our hosts BCCI, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and Oman Cricket as well as the local governments in these regions for their support in ensuring fans could attend in a safe environment,” added ICC Acting CEO Geoff Allardice. “The biggest sporting spectacle to have ever taken place in the region deserved to be played out in front of passionate cricket fans from all 16 nations competing and we are doing everything possible to keep it safe for all. It has been five years since the last Men’s T20 World Cup and we can’t wait for

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one of four venues for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

the world’s best players to arrive in Oman and the UAE and showcase the very best of T20 cricket.” The BCCI’s Honorary Secretary Jay Shah said he was delighted that the World Cup would be played in front of cheering fans and thanked the UAE and Oman for paving the way for fans to return.

The Colonel retires HALL of Fame broadcaster Colonel Bob Sheridan, who has called the biggest fights since 1970, including the Rumble in the Jungle, Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman, has decided to hang up the microphone for health reasons. “This is the last farewell,” Sheridan told Fightnews.com®. “I am retiring as of October 1 here in the United States of America. I have had a really rough year with disease and the passing of my wife, the late Annie Kelly, and I have made the decision along with my three sons to take a back seat for

a while. “Over the weekend while I was in hospital in Las Vegas, I was given the final rites – meaning I could have been close to death. I don’t think I am. You can’t kill a cockroach and they can’t kill the Colonel. With that in mind and taking everything into consideration, and the fact I have just recovered from a gunshot wound I have decided to semi-retire. My boys will take overall boxing issues. They will take over the farms and the trucking business. “I also would like the thank Father McCabe – the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday October 5, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Obed McCoy-4/26 (St. Lucia, 2021) (2) Josh Hazlewood-3/12 (St. Lucia, 2021) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals against AUST in T20 Int’l cricket? (2) Which AUST wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals against the WI in T20 Internationals? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Colonel Bob Sheridan

Archbishop from Boston and Father Steven from the hospital in Las Vegas. I am not done. I just want to pick and choose what I want to do. My mind is still sharp and while my mind is still sharp – I will work. The man above is in charge. I learned that this week when I was given the last rites by Father Steven in hospital. I was shot over a month ago in California and was in the Cedar Sinai hospital and I have been under twelve physicians. “My thanks to Fightnews.com® for your support over the years and thanks to the boxing fans around the world for your support for over fifty years. It has been fantastic to broadcast some of the greatest fights of all time.” (Fightnews)

“The anticipation for the World Cup, which is taking place after five years, is building with each passing day. I am sure we will have fans coming from different parts of the world to support their team. The vibe they will create will boost the performances on the field. The ticket sales have started, and I urge everyone to stay

safe and follow the health advisories and savour the experience,” he added. The biggest global cricket event since the pandemic with fans in stadia will feature the world’s 16 top T20 teams vying for the ultimate prize in the game’s shortest format. The schedule of 45 matches offers a host of key

rivalry fixtures and matchups. The tournament kicks off with the Round 1 match between Oman and Papua New Guinea in Oman’s capital, Muscat. Australia and South Africa play the first match of Super 12s on October 23 in Abu Dhabi. The West Indies, the only side to win the tournament twice, will also feature on the opening day of the Super 12s as they kick off their defence of the title in Dubai against England. Former champions India and Pakistan face off on October 24 in Dubai. Those unable to travel to the UAE and Oman for the highly anticipated tournament will be able to watch matches live on television and by engaging across all of ICC’s digital and social media channels. An announcement regarding the tournament’s global broadcast coverage will follow soon, the ICC said.

Bassarath to seek fifth term as president of T&T Cricket Board PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Long-serving Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) President Azim Bassarath will be seeking a fifth term in office when elections are held at month-end. According to the Trinidad Express newspaper, Bassarath said he has “unfinished business” and will be in search of a fresh mandate to continue the work done by his executive when members vote on October 30. “We wanted to do much more development work during this term, but because of COVID, it curtailed our activities. The cricket was now getting back on stream to where we wanted it to be and we have seen great progress from some of the young cricketers, so that has motivated me to go back again,” Bassarath said. “We have 16 young players who were engaged in the West Indies Rising Stars Un-

Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board president, Azim Bassarath

der-19 camp, so that has motivated a lot of people who will be seeking re-election.” The election date was set on Saturday, according to the newspaper, at a virtual special general meeting during which proposed changes to the TTCB constitution were discussed and approved. The changes included

extending the term of the president from three to four years, and limiting a president’s time in office to two consecutive terms, while allowing them to run again once they have been out of office for at least one term. There will also be no same-day nominations for elections, and contenders for posts must be submitted two weeks before the vote. October 14 and 15 have been set as the nomination days for the upcoming elections. An elections committee will also now oversee the elections. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced on the same day of the TTCB meeting that his government was giving consideration to allowing some sporting activity to resume, and said that matter would be addressed in another two weeks. There has been no local cricket competition since March 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 5, 2021

'It was destined for us': The victories that founded West Indies' growing T20WC legacy WEST Indies and T20I cricket – no nation is quite as synonymous with the format and no team has enjoyed as much success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. “We get the opportunity to express ourselves in a short period of time,” ICC Live the Game ambassador and West Indies captain Kieron Pollard said of his team’s fondness and acumen in T20 cricket. “That’s something we like to do." But make no mistake, expressing themselves is just one part of the West Indies’ brand of T20I cricket and their status as a powerhouse in the format. Pollard was 22 when West Indies won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time in Sri Lanka. Already an established member of the team, he had stamped his mark on the tournament with a rapid 38 off 15 in the semi-final against Australia – the kind of innings he was and continues to be known for. They blasted 205/4 in

that semi-final and took out the match by 74 runs. They had a much tougher time of it in the decider, where they were held to 137/6 by Sri Lanka before bouncing back with the ball. As Pollard sees it, "it was destined for us to win that World Cup." It wasn’t the start of an era of West Indian T20I dominance, but those two matches were indicative of the type of cricket they can play and have continued to play. That monster total of 205/4, a glimpse of the heights they could and continue reach when all the pieces fall in the right place; a ceiling few teams can reliably match, and the “expression” Pollard is referencing. The victory against Sri Lanka however is evidence of something much bigger: a team that knows how to win when their backs are against the wall. A team blessed with gumption and know-how. “We are an exciting bunch of cricketers. Having said that over the years we have gained a lot of knowl-

West Indies T20 captain Kieron Pollard

edge of how to play T20 and the different changes and what is needed at different times in order to be successful. "All those things come into play and our attributes of being strong and athletic and things like that – we have really enjoyed that format and we’re looking forward to this T20 World Cup again. Hopefully, we can show our worth and continue

to prove, especially when it comes to T20 cricket, that we are a step above the rest.” That knowledge Pollard references will be front and centre in October-November when West Indies look to become the first men’s team to defend their T20 World Cup crown, and in doing so become the first to win the trophy three times. As things stand, they are the only side to have won it twice across

the six editions. The team boasts the two highest run-scorers in T20 cricket history in Chris Gayle (14,276) and Pollard (11,217) and the format’s top wicket-taker in Dwayne Bravo (546). Respectively, Pollard, Bravo and Gayle, sit first, second and third for the most T20 matches with 1,515 games between the three of them. That trio don’t sit quite

as high on the parallel T20I records, but what those numbers point to is the wealth of experience West Indies are bringing into this tournament. That’s without mentioning Andre Russell, he of nearly 400 T20s and more than 6000 runs and 300 wickets. Earlier this year, Pollard won his 15th T20 title, drawing level as the most decorated player in T20 history. The player he sits alongside is Bravo. This is a squad packed full of not just match-winners, but tournament winners. In a 15-man group featuring many yet to compete in a T20 World Cup, that’s knowledge that could prove invaluable. “It’s great to have all these guys and myself playing together again," Pollard said. "This hasn’t happened in a very long time. “No matter which way you look at it you can’t beat experience because we have seen different scenarios time and time again. (Turn to page 27)

Delhi Capitals beat CSK to boost IPL top-two hopes DELHI Capitals beat (DC) three-time Indian Premier League winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to close in on a place in this year's top two. Chasing 137 to win, Shikhar Dhawan made 39 before West Indies' Shimron Hetmyer composed an unbeaten 28 from 18 balls as Delhi won with two balls left. Chennai made 136-5 with Ambati Rayudu top scoring with 55. A top-two finish means teams have two opportunities to qualify for the final, which is on 15 October. Delhi move to 20 points, above Chennai on 16, but both can be caught by Royal Challengers Bangalore, who play the Capitals in their final group game. Demoted Hetmyer sees

Shimron Hetmyer had only scored 131 runs in this season's IPL before Monday's game. (IPL Photo)

his side home Delhi always seemed to be in control of their chase until Dhawan, who took 21 off Deepak Chahar's third over, was caught in the covers by Moeen Ali to leave last year's runners-up 99-6. It was the second wicket in a Shardul Thakur over that also saw Ravichandran Ashwin bowled by a superb yorker. Ashwin, who was part of a match-winning partnership in Delhi's last game, was promoted up the order and above Hetmyer - with captain Rishabh Pant saying afterwards it was to keep a left and right-hand combination - but the move was unsuccessful with the spinner making only two. The left-hander, who had been in poor form, hit a

glorious straight drive to the boundary before getting a slice of fortune when he was dropped by substitute fielder Krishnappa Gowtham at long-on. Hetmyer made the most of his life to whip a massive six over square leg and his partnership of 36 with Axar Patel got Delhi into a position where Kagiso Rabada could come in and flick to the boundary for the win. Chennai's middle-order get rare chance As well as a consistent team and brand of cricket, Chennai's success in this year's IPL has been built on a successful opening partnership between Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gikwad. Going into Monday's game they had scored 968 of (Turn to page 27)

Upskilling of Coaches to be done for Elite Training Academies

Local boxers have chance at big money

– Sport Minister

FLASHBACK: GBA president Steve Ninvalle (centre), along with boxers (from left) Colin Lewis, Dennis Thomas, Keevin Allicock and Desmond Amsterdam.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, has indicated the Ministry will be working on ensuring the coaches who are facilitating the “finessing” of the Elite Athletes are upskilled to the level of Elite Coaches. The Minister made this announcement while speaking at the inaugural Sport Conference on Saturday last at the National Cultural Centre. The coaching will form a key component to the Elite Training Programme of the Sport Academy which is built on three pillars: Nursey, Tournaments and Elite Training. “What is important for you to understand is that this requires Elite Coaching, Elite Coaching is key here”, the Minister asserted. “You are not going to be able to get in most instances and probably all instances, your nursery coaches or organisers to be your Elite Coaches.” The Minister indicated Elite Coaches in some cases will have to come from the players who are already successful in a particular or the coaches will come from overseas. Minister Ramson has also engaged with a number of Foreign Diplomats in order to get support for either the training of the Elite Coaches or for the Elite Coaches to come to Guyana and be part of the programme for that period. “Upskilling is also an important part for our coaches and for that period when the Elite Training programme is undertaken, the Sport Associations and Federations have to appreciate this is a very serious part of how we are going to transform talent TURN TO PAGE 27 ►

KEEVIN Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam, Colin Lewis and Dennis Thomas will have a chance that only few Guyanese professional and no boxers have had before. The four senior fighters are scheduled to compete at this year’s AIBA World Championship with each having the opportunity to win twenty million Guyana dollars or US$100,000. President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle yesterday confirmed to Chronicle Sport that AIBA will pay out US$100,000 to each gold medal winner, US$50,000 for silver and US$25,000 for bronze medal winners at the World Championship sched-

uled for October 26 to November 6 in Belgrade, Serbia. It is the first time in the 75-year history of AIBA that prize money is up for grabs at the World Championship. According to Ninvalle the prize money is another delivered promise of AIBA president Umar Kremlev. President Kremlev has remained true to his word. AIBA boxers can now earn money equal to that of professionals. This is a welcomed input to our sport and one that should result in even more determined efforts and heightened interest from athletes”, Ninvalle said. The GBA, Ninvalle added, will follow suit and have monetary prizes at its National Championship. This

year Guyana will be sending its largest team ever to the championship. The four boxers will be accompanied by AIBA Three Star coach Sebert Blake. Arrangements are being finalised for the boxing quartet to attend a training camp in Serbia. Meanwhile, the GBA boss explained that recently every boxing gym across Guyana has been donated a quantity of gear. During the last three weeks all gyms were given Heavy bags, speed balls, gloves (10, 12 and 14 ounces), skipping ropes, mouth guards, hand wraps and groin protectors among others. This became possible following a donation from AIBA.

Reggae Boyz to play before sold-out crowd when World Cup Qualifiers resume TEXAS, (CMC) – Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will play the United States in front of a sold-out crowd when the next round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers kicks off on Thursday. CONCACAF and FIFA have confirmed the schedule for the region’s World Cup Qualifying matches taking place during the FIFA Match Window next month, and US media reports indicate tickets are sold out for the Jamaica-US encounter in Austin, Texas. Eight national teams are playing

each other home and away in the Octagonal which kicked off last month and will resume play on Thursday, during the FIFA Match Window of October. Three days after facing off with the US, Jamaica will play at home against Canada before playing Honduras in San Pedro Sula on October 13. Jamaica heads into the Octagonal bottom of the eight-team table on one point. The US is third on five points. Mexico leads the standings on seven

points. The last three rounds of the region’s World Cup Qualifying will take place during the FIFA Match Windows of November 2021, and January and March 2022. At the end of qualifying, the top three finishing teams will guarantee their participation in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The fourthplaced team will advance to a FIFA Intercontinental Playoff, scheduled to be played in June 2022.

Bassarath to seek fifth term as president of T&T Cricket Board 30

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021