Issuu

FRIDAY 23rd October, 2020

' No.106161

Guyana becoming investment magnet SEE PAGE 03

–– major oilfield service providers ‘migrating’ to Guyana

Getting back to normalcy –– laboratory, x-ray and other vital SEE services restored in Region Six PAGE

One arrested following attack on Chief Justice’s residence

PAGE

AFC wanted power but PNC wanted its destruction 02 PAGE

–– AFC activist, Abel Seetaram

20,000 antigen tests being sourced for 14 hinterland communities PAGE

A laboratory technician at work at the Port Mourant Hospital (Photo courtesy of Port Mourant Hospital)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

AFC wanted power but PNC wanted its destruction –– AFC activist Abel Seetaram ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) member and former Region Five Councillor, Abel Seetaram, said his party will soon be covered in a “grave” as the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) has absorbed and neutralised the AFC leadership, rendering it toothless. In a letter to the press on Thursday, Seetaram said the PNC/R leaders had the AFC leadership in their hands from the inception and this was shown in simple decision-making processes, which can be judged by all and sundry. For five years, he said “we sat and allowed the nonsense that PNC/APNU has been doing in this country as a government. I must accept that I was part of sitting down and allowing it to happen, because, as Charandass Persaud mentioned on the night of the successful passage of the no confidence motion, we all had to be

“Yes Men”. He explained that all in the AFC were made into “Yes Men” because most persons assumed that the leaders wanted to see Guyana become better, and would stand up for law and order, development and integrity. “But it was soon known to us that they were not what we had thought or assumed they were. The PNC/APNU, before the Cummingsburg Accord was signed, had a planned agenda to destroy the AFC, and that planned agenda kicked in the very moment the Cummingsburg Accord was signed between the PNC/APNU and AFC. Many fought against it, but two people in that room at Georgetown Club are the ones who pushed it to happen. Please note that Nagamootoo was playing his deadly role behind the scene. I will deal with that later,” Seetaram reflected. Further, he said that the PNC/R started to ensure that their plans to destroy the AFC was immediate as AFC leaders and membership worked to win government, the PNC/R was busily working to win over AFC memberships. This, he said, continued even during the 2020 elections, pointing out that while the AFC was fighting to regain power with PNC/R, the PNC/R was fighting to take more membership from the

AFC. In the 2015 elections, a prominent AFC leader was not allowed to speak at a Linden rally. “Why? Because the PNC/R knows that that very man was making positive inroads for the AFC in Linden, and the PNC/R would have lost a lot of support in that region, which at that time they considered their very strong support base. I won’t mention the name of that man, but that is the very man the PNC/R are running to now to defend them as they are being charged for electoral fraud,” the AFC member explained. WICKED AGENDA The PNC/R, he said, then started to display more of their heavy biases and kept executing their planned agenda to destroy the AFC. “I can recall that I was invited to speak at a public meeting at Stabroek Square, and when I tell the people that Burnham was a dictator and the days for dictatorship are over, I was cussed out by Michael Carrington and Neilson McKenzie for saying such in that place. In fact, I was never invited again to speak in Region Four. The issue was taken to one of the founders of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, and I told him to his face that I did say that and it’s the truth that Burnham was a dictator, and let them prove me wrong,”

AFC executive and former Region Five Councillor, Abel Seetaram

Seetaram said. Seetaram noted that many persons in the PNC/R, who were at the meeting, were really upset, and it was taken to their leadership, but he stood his ground and maintained that the late President, Forbes Burnham, was a dictator. In Region Five, Seetaram explained that AFC representatives experienced daily abuses from PNC/R officials during the 2015 campaign. “The campaign manager would turn up at public meetings and cuss out the AFC personnel because the meeting wasn’t being kept at the spot she wanted. We had to endure because our leaders were not doing anything. There is more to tell, but I will keep it there,” he said. Recently, he said that the stance taken by former AFC General-Secretary, David Patterson, because of a breached agreement signed between the PNC/R and AFC, which would enable the AFC to have regional vice-chairs and regional councilors, is one of many the party dealt with until its demise. “The table turned in 2020… God doesn’t sleep, and it doesn’t seem as if the PNC/R are sleeping over the AFC’s destruction. How can we, as a nation, now allow the PNC/R to talk to us about morals when they themselves have none at all,” Seetaram questioned. He continued: “They could not even honour a simple agreement between two parties that they signed onto. How can they lead when they cannot be trusted with any promise they made, either literally or signed on to; the PNC/R cannot lecture anyone on mortals and promises because they have none.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Guyana becoming investment magnet

–– major oilfield service providers ‘migrating’ to Guyana By Navendra Seoraj SEEN as the new investment capital of the Region, Guyana, a fledgling petroleum state, is fast becoming a magnet for major investors in the oil and gas sector, attracting even some Fortune 500 companies which have started to ‘migrate’ here from Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago. With a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 26.2 per cent for 2020, Guyana, being one of the only countries in this hemisphere expected to see positive growth, is seen as the ideal investment destination. It was already reported that the Government of Guyana is actively encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and offering tax concessions for priority projects through its Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest). “Already, a lot of current foreign direct investors are expanding their services to Guyana… they are even moving their headquarters to this country… these are being moved from Trinidad and Tobago, and even Brazil, to Guyana,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday.

Most of these companies are focused on offering oilfield support services to the offshore operations in the oil and gas sector. Oil and gas services are considered to be a supportive part for the oil exploration and production companies. They are services that include oil well maintenance, completion, production, supply, and logistical support services in both onshore and offshore activities. These services will be offered directly to ExxonMobil, the company operating in the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur Blocks, offshore Guyana. Some 18 discoveries have so far been made in the Stabroek Block since 2015, but just three projects have so far been sanctioned – Liza One, Two and Payara. The operator, ExxonMobil, expects this to ramp up to around five by 2026, generating more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day. Since 2015, ExxonMobil has increased its estimated recoverable resource base in Guyana to more than eight billion oil-equivalent barrels. Among some of the companies already servicing ExxonMobil’s operations are Schlumberger and Halliburton, both Fortune 500 companies. While not referring specifically to those companies,

Dr. Ramsaroop said existing service providers are moving their regional hub to Guyana.

partnerships with these major companies. “We hope it is not what I

CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop

This, he said, will improve the country’s image, attract more major companies and create employment. LOCAL CONTENT The migration of such large companies is a positive sign for Guyana, and while acknowledging the benefits it would present to the country, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Nicholas Boyer, said local content must be promoted through joint ventures and

would call a wholesale move, where companies think they will set up in Guyana without any sort of partnerships or joint ventures, or local content in their operations,” said Boyer. Government has already initiated the process of crafting a comprehensive local content policy which will form the basis for local content legislation. But even in the absence of a comprehensive policy, it has been reported that Guy-

anese businesses have been contributing to the oil and gas supply chain which includes services such as transportation and even professional services ranging from lawyers, accountants and even auditors. It is also reported that ExxonMobil and its prime contractors have spent over $300 million with more than 700 local companies since 2015. Also, more than 2,500 Guyanese companies are registered with the Centre for Local Business Development, which was founded by ExxonMobil and its partners in 2017, to build local business capacity to support global competitiveness. A lot more investors are expected in the coming years, and Guyanese have been positioning themselves to capitalise on the imminent opportunities. JOINT VENTURES “We have seen a number of joint ventures becoming members of the various business service organisation… we have seen companies positively taking these steps,” said Boyer. The idea of partnerships and joint ventures is also being encouraged by Go-Invest, said Dr. Ramsaroop, who added: “Our goal is to

ensure we push local content and ensure that if a foreign investor comes here, we do our best to match them with a local provider.” Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had said for Guyanese to truly benefit from the oil and gas sector, legislation must be implemented to effect mandatory local involvement, not a policy. He was reported as saying: “We have to have legislation. The legislation is what matters, not the policy. People can ignore that because it has no effect of law. When you pass the legislation – and we’re going to do it – you have to simplify it: what is it that we’re looking for from these oil companies to do? First of all, to make sure that they spend more in Guyana, using Guyanese labour and using Guyanese businesses. More business has to flow to our people, that is the purpose of local content policy. It’s a simple thing.” Jagdeo said that in order to craft a robust piece of legislation, the government must bring all the “local people” together and examine where there is the capacity and where there is none. By examining which sectors lack the capacity, only then can the government be “liberal” in allowing foreign investors to operate.

COVID-19 tents for Stabroek Market Square TENTS will be placed at various bus parks at the Stabroek Market Square to facilitate hand sanitising and provision of face masks to keep COVID-19 at bay. This was disclosed by Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, on Wednesday, when he held the first in a series of discussions with minibus operators, vendors, and other stakeholders to address traffic congestion and road safety issues at Stabroek Market Square. The meeting was held at the Saint Stanislaus College Brickdam. At the meeting were Minibus Association President, Eon Andrews; minibus operators from the various routes; vendors; Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentor; Senior Engineer, Kabila Hollingsworth of the Mayor and City Counsel; engineer

meeting included the demarcating of road lanes, implementation of a turn system at the bus parks, completion of road maintenance work around the Stabroek area, and re-installation of barriers at the Kitty/Campbellville bus park. Several concerns were also raised by the stakeholder such as police relations with minibus operators, touts at the bus parks, “hot plate” buses, and the disrespect for police

Some of the stakeholders at the meeting hosted by Home Affairs Minister, Roberson Benn, at Saint Stanislaus College, Brickdam, on Wednesday

at Ministry of Public Works, Kester Hinds and team; Commander of ‘A’ Division, Assistant Commissioner, Simon Mc Bean and team; and Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle. Minister Benn, in his opening remarks, noted that

the engagement was geared towards fixing transportation and congestion issues at the Stabroek Market Square. “It is not our fundamental interest in moving people. The fundamental interest is to bring order, optimal effi-

ciency and safety out there,” he said. The minister also emphasised the need for minibus operators and passengers to wear face mask in adherence to COVID-19 regulations. Matters discussed at the

officers at many bus parks. Minister Benn assured the stakeholders that their concerns will be addressed as the Ministry continues its stakeholder engagement. He also thanked all the stakeholders for their commitment and cooperation in working towards meaningful solutions to remedy the traffic congestion and road safety issues at the Stabroek Market Square.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

CJ nixes request for separate hearing of election petitions

AT the commencement of the case management conference (CMC) on Thursday, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire raised several issues into the APNU+AFC’s Elections Petition which seeks to challenge the validity of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. On August 31, the Coalition, through its lawyer,

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Roysdale Forde, filed the documents on behalf of Claudette Thorne while on September 17, Attorney Mayo Robertson filed documents on behalf of Heston Bostwick, who both want the High Court to determine the legality of the elections, and the results that led to the declaration and allocation of seats in the National

Former President David Granger

Friday, October 23, 10:30hrs - 12:00hrs

Assembly. Other attorneys who are part of the case are Raphael Trotman, Olayne Joseph, and Trinidad Senior Counsel, John Jeremie. Also sitting in the case was Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall. The Coalition had named several respondents, among them Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; Vice-Pres-

the winner of the March 2 elections. To this, she further observed that Granger is listed as a respondent in the case at hand, and questioned if he could have an interest that can cause conflict with the petition. She also quoted Section 4 (2) of chapter 104 of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act which provides

Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire

Attorney Mayo Robertson

ident Bharrat Jagdeo as well as representatives of several political parties that contested the elections, as it wants the High Court to cancel the polls and order fresh elections within 90 days. The PPP/C emerged victorious in the aftermath of those elections. The applicants have also named former President, David Granger, as a respondent to the petitions. During the CMC hearing, the Chief Justice observed that both petitions are seeking an order which will direct the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to declare former President, David Granger

that a respondent would be a person representing a list whose interest conflicts with the petition. The Chief Justice, in her preliminary views stated that she does not consider that another party can raise objections to an application for the production of the elections documents or papers or to inspect same. Attorneys Forde and Robertson requested that both petitions be heard separately. However the Chief Justice replied by saying that the petitions are almost identical and was like “taking two different routes but hoping to arrive at the same destination”.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall and Trinidad’s Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes During the hearing, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo’s Attorney, Douglas Mendes, a Trinidadian Senior Counsel, argued that the petitions are null since his client was not served the applications in accordance with established procedures. He was asked by the Chief Justice to make applications/submissions on this matter on or before November 5. The case comes up again on November 24 for the preliminary hearing. Attorney Roysdale According to Guyana’s Forde laws, the validity of votes Robertson however ar- can be challenged only gued that it would lead through an election petition to confusion if both peti- after the overall election retions are tried together but sult has been declared, and the Chief Justice remained a Government is in place. unbending and said, “it At this point, an invesmakes no sense where we tigation will be done, and have petitions asking for the case tried in court, the exact same reliefs tried based on the evidence separately.” presented.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

T&T: Deyalsingh’s warning as COVID-19 deaths hit 101 (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Trinidad and Tobago has now recorded over 100 COVID-19 deaths since its first infection was recorded almost eight months ago on March 12. The latest deaths recorded yesterday by the Ministry of Health were an elderly male and female with pre-existing medical conditions and one female. Their deaths took the toll up to 101, 93 of which occurred over the country’s second phase of infection which began on July 20 with case 139. The first death locally was recorded on March 25. Commenting on the unfortunate milestone shortly after the update was given, Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh told Guardian Media it was another wakeup call. “My condolences go

out to all the families. With each death, a family loses a loved one. It’s not a statistic to us,” he said. “I am hoping number 100 would resonate with people who are still not taking this virus seriously and are still not doing the simple things like wearing masks, social distancing and so on.” He urged the public to adhere to the health protocols and keep their “home environment - especially if there are elderly people - free from visitors. Don’t let the virus come into your home and infect the elderly.” The majority of fatalities from the virus have so far been elderly, male and those with pre-existing medical conditions. His appeal comes as three major events are in citizens’ sights - Hallow-

een, Divali and Christmas and New Years - activities which entail visiting households. But Deyalsingh warned, “This year has to be a year where we give up these things otherwise the death toll will continue to go up.” Despite the increase in deaths, Deyalsingh said there is some light at the end of the tunnel - a decrease in the average number of cases being reported daily. “That’s a good thing to be celebrated but we must continue with the public health measures,” he said “Some people are interpreting this drop in cases to mean I don’t have to wear a mask, I don’t have to social distance. But as we move forward, we have to continue with the simple public health measures as slightly inconvenient as they may

be. “ The Ministry of Health confirmed 59 additional infections yesterday but noted this does not represent an increase over a 24-hour period, as it included sample results taken between October 18-20. The number of active cases decreased yesterday to 1,459 after 74 people were released from the ministry’s care - 10 were discharged from public health facilities while 64 were released from home self-isolation as recovered community cases. Of the remaining active cases, 1,334 are in home self-isolation. The released patients brought the total number of recovered patients up to 3,832. There were 75 patients at hospitals, 50 at step-down/transitional facilities and 280 in state quarantine facilities.

Teen succumbs to stab wounds POLICE are currently investigating the murder of 18-year-old Adrian Purlett, called “Vulture”, who was fatally stabbed on Wednesday night at D’Urban and Hadfield Streets, Lodge. Regional Commander, Simon McBean confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that around 21:00 hours, Purlett was involved in an argument with three males, who reportedly demanded money from him. But as the teen turned to walk away, after telling them that he did not have cash on him, the men stabbed him about the body with a sharp object before makAdrian Purlett, called ing good their escape. ‘Vulture’ Purlett was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but succumbed in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday. A police investigation is still ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Endeavour Builds Success CRIMINALITY in the youthful population hardly escapes attention and the apologists for their destructive, thieving, sometimes murderous forays often cite poverty as the causative factor for the evil they perpetrate on society. Attorney Sase Gunraj recently posted a picture of a young final-year law student with a tray of pizzas that he was selling to fund his education. The Gafsons Group of Companies traditionally hosts its annual dinner to honour long-serving employees in December each year. In an era where staff turnover is a critical concern of most companies, because there is a dearth of skilled and efficient human resources, Sattaur Gafoor and his family are on these occasions surrounded by employees who have served them for as long as 45 years. Many of the awardees joined the group from their teenage years, worked diligently and were trained to optimise their skills un-

til, after honing those skills, they have reached managerial positions where they contribute to policy decisions of the company. What is more, they are treated more as family members than employees, and they encompass every ethnic and religious configuration. What stands out on these occasions is the fact that there is never any discrimination in the awards, in that the Gafoor home-help, or gardener, or driver, if meritorious is awarded in tandem with its managerial and other staff members. Also, the line-up of most depended-on staff members, honoured as such by chairman of the group, are mostly young people and females. The highest-ranking staffer, second to Mr. Gafoor, is a young female, as is the company’s accountant. On these occasions the scion of the Gafoor family, Omar Gafoor, along with his family, joins his parents at the head table. The younger Gafoor, who took over the reins of and expanded the

group’s CARICOM holdings, once brought the house down when he related an incident that is an indication of the discipline, sacrifices and hard work that made the Gafoor achievements so superlative – he was suspended by his father for a week because he took a Sunday off the job. Most of Guyana’s billionaires started from humble beginnings but, by dint of hard work, unremitting efforts, and great sacrifices they have reached the zenith of enterprise and industry. Notable among them are the Gafoors, Toolsie Persaud, Edward Beharry, John Fernandes, Bish Panday, Peter D’Aguiar, Kayman Sankar, Johnny Kowlessar, Kamal Kanhai – all legendary figures in Guyana’s entrepreneurial world. Like Sattaur Gafoor, who did not own a pair of shoes until he was 11-years-old and either did not acqire a formal education; or acquired their formal education in difficult ways (Mr. Gafoor attained formal education to Higher

Senior Cambridge), most of these men evolved from an ethos where they could not approach banks for loans and had to scrimp and save to accumulate seed capital, gradually re-investing in their portfolios until they themselves cannot estimate their true worth; so great is their success. Today, when the education sector offers ample opportunities – including skills training for school drop-outs -- various organisations, including the Gafoor-chaired Small Business Development Fund, offer low-interest loans for budding businesses, as well as grant-aid for vulnerable groups, there is a proliferation of criminals who claim poverty, marginalisation and lack of opportunities for upward mobility, using these false claims to excuse their predatory actions and criminal, even murderous tendencies. However, the giants of industry have proven that anyone can achieve, because they walked the hard roads to reach their ultimate

destination and, subsequent to their success, provided the requisite opportunities through job-creation via their wealth-creational endeavours; and they facilitate the upward mobility of those who are willing to stay the course. They are also social benefactors in a multiplicity of ways; and Director of Gafsons, Mrs. Ameena Gafoor, in thanking the Gafsons’ employees, once mentioned some of the beneficiaries – so many that would fill volumes, except that she named only a few institutions -- that their hard work has helped to provide assistance to. Guyana’s industrial and manufacturing sectors constitute the engine of growth for individuals, families, communities and the nation at large; and they are the job-creators of the nation. Only by dint of much personal effort and sacrifice were these companies established.

The psycho-social impact of online learning on youth Dear editor,

THE pandemic has brought an abundance of challenges along with it and that fact is not debatable. From worldwide chaos in the form of fear of the spread of the disease to the negative impacts on workplaces, sleep patterns and bank accounts, the coronavirus is the thing that many of us never thought would happen, but came along and brought our worst, unknown fears to life. In response to the pandemic, the option of online learning was concocted as a valuable method to curb any issues relating to children and their schooling. Despite how you may feel about

online learning, the system is the very best since it keeps you and your family safe, and makes certain that your children do not fall behind in their classes. The parents’ role is of paramount importance in this new process and while the schooling may be for your children, this is also an opportunity for you to learn new skills that can assist you even after the children have returned to school. First, parents, be sure to change the way you refer to the process of learning. It should not be school work or any type of work, since we already associate work with fatigue and low gains. Instead, alter your perspective by referring to it as more

open-ended terms like class time, learning hour, brain power hour or something else that you made up that sounds more fun. After that is done, you now have a different perspective and will show interest in the class and the child. The children will notice the interest given and whether it is welcomed or not; they will always do their very best when they see their parents motivated and those around them motivated and happy about the lessons. We are social beings, and thus, the normal forms of socialising in the classroom is over for now, so while they are at home, make sure that you socialise and play, talk and learn along with them. Seek out activities in the home

that will connect to the topics being taught. For example, if they are learning a new language, then label the items around the house in that new language and greet each family member using this new language as much as you can. This will show the child that the lessons are not just class work, but are applicable in real life. It will also show you the same and encourage further engagement. Children can get distracted easily and sitting, staring at a screen may be against the nature of all children, who are active by nature. Make sure you allot breaks for them from that screen and encourage them to be active, even if you have to whip out your old running shoes and

take a few laps with them around the house, or outside. Bonding is everything so bond, bond, bond. Be on the lookout for explicit or inappropriate content, including cyber-bullying, scammers, grooming, etc. Children may be oblivious to the dangers of the internet but as adults, some of us may see danger, even if we have little or no clue how to operate the internet. Finally, be open to learning from your child. Give yourself mental space to understand that they are in a new era and some of the things they may know, you may not be good at. Use whatever time you have to brush up on your tech skills. Find videos on You-

Tube where you can learn new teaching skills or elsewhere (ask friends or teachers) to help both you and your child get the best out of the teaching and learning experience at home. Make sure the furniture and surroundings are as comfortable as possible and don’t forget to be patient. Your child is as unhappy being stuck at home as you are, so don’t forget to work together on this. Yours respectfully, Khadidja Ba Communications Associate ChildLinK Inc

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

The PNC has no morals to lead

Dear editor,

FOR five years we sat and allowed the nonsense that PNC+APNU has been doing in this country as a government. I must accept that I was part of sitting down and allowing it to happen, because, as Charandass Persaud mentioned on the night of the successful passage of the no-confidence motion, we all had to be “YES MEN.” We had to be “YES MEN” because we were in a political party that made us think or assume that the leaders wanted to see Guyana become better, and would stand up for our rights; but it was soon known to us that they were not what we had thought or assumed they were. The PNC/APNU, before the Cummingsburg Accord was signed, had a planned agenda to destroy the AFC and that planned agenda kicked in the very moment the Cummingsburg Accord was signed between the PNC/APNU and AFC. Many fought against it, but two people in that room at the Georgetown Club are the ones who pushed it to happen. Please note that Naga-

mootoo was playing his deadly role behind the scenes. I will deal with that later. So, the PNC started to ensure that their plans to destroy the AFC started working. While the AFC’s leaders and membership were working to win a government, the PNC was busily working to win over the AFC membership; and yes, they did well in doing that since. Even during the 2020 elections, while AFC was fighting to regain power with PNC, the PNC was fighting to take more membership from the AFC. The PNC leaders had the AFC’s leadership in their hands from the inception, because those in the PNC started to object to the proposed speakers that the AFC gave to them to speak at rallies and public meetings. The Linden rally in 2015 is evidence of such, when one of the most vocal leaders in the AFC was put to sit in the crowd and was denied opportunity to speak at that rally. Why? Because the PNC knows that that very man was making positive inroads for the AFC in Linden, and the PNC would have lost a lot of support in that region, which at that time they considered their very strong support

base. I won’t mention the name of that man, but that is the very man the PNC are running to now to defend them as they are being charged for electoral fraud. The PNC then started to display more and more of their ways and kept executing their planned agenda to destroy the AFC. I can recall that I was invited to speak at a public meeting at the Stabroek Market Square, and when I told the people that Burnham was a dictator and the days for dictatorship are over, I was cussed out by Michael Carrington and Neilson McKenzie for saying such in that place. In fact, I was never invited again to speak in Region Four. The issue was taken to one of the founders of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, and I told him to his face that I did say that and it’s the truth that Burnham was a dictator, and let them prove me wrong. Some in the PNC who were there at the meeting were really upset, and took it back to their leadership, but I stood my ground and will keep saying that Burnham was a dictator; let them prove me wrong. The PNC started to have their way into the AFC be-

The abominable artificial insemination of food animals

UNFORTUNATELY, mankind seems to have lost its humanity and its empathy, particularly towards our fellow creatures, the animals - one of the most significant co-inhabitants of our beloved Earth. We, as humans, seem to think only of ourselves and not of God’s other creatures. We are so used to seeing ourselves as part of something greater than ourselves, that we forget how valuable and precious all life really is. I pen this missive after noting a feature that was broadcasted on LRTVS Newswatch on Tuesday, 20th October, 2020, titled, ‘GLDA ups artificial insemination capacity,’ in which it was noted that they are now in a position to meet farmers’ demands for artificial insemination (AI) services on cattle, swine, and small ruminants.

Artificial insemination, as defined by Wikipedia, is the “deliberate injection of sperm, in ways other than sexual intercourse, into the female reproductive organ for the purpose of fertilisation. It is a medical fertility treatment for humans and is a popular practice in animal-breeding, particularly in dairy cattle and pigs.” W. Ombelet and J. Van Robays, in an article, “Artificial insemination history: hurdles and milestones,” clarified that, “the chain of events leading to today’s general use of artificial insemination in animals date back to studies a few centuries ago. The idea was taken from a cattle study by farmers wishing to develop the dairy industry by using artificial insemination with the sperm of special bulls with carefully selected genetic traits.” However, over

the decades, because of its unethical, moral, and religious issues to say the least, this method has been strongly criticised and restricted in some countries. Another key reason behind this criticism is that this practice does not provide any real benefits to the animals. This is the point of my essay, dear readers, as I am of the view that artificial insemination is one of the most controversial methods in animal welfare. The aim of artificial insemination is breeding and so farmers take advantage of the female reproductive organ to keep up a constant inflow of new victims whom they are able to turn into “commodities” for sale. What they fail to recognise is that animals, much like humans, have emotions too. TURN TO PAGE

cause the AFC leadership had no plans, but just joined the PNC/APNU because one man was crying for political power like a baby. That is the very man who became the snake which destroyed the AFC, and today that very man sits quietly in his corner as the AFC is about to be covered in the grave. The PNC is not what the AFC think they are. I can recall being at a very important meeting at the APNU/ AFC campaign headquarters in 2015, a few days before elections were held. Volda Lawrence, Hamilton Green and some powerful ones in PNC/APNU were there, while the AFC’s Dominic Gaskin, yours truly and a few others were sitting and putting things together. I was representing the AFC as the co-campaign manager for Region Five, (will talk about that later also), while the PNC petroleum adviser from Region Five (no need to mention his name) was the campaign manager. As we were putting plans together, I objected to a few things that were not right, and the PNC Region Five campaign manager was really upset, grabbed me, and we had a cuff-out. That meeting was broken up by AFC treasurer Domini Gaskin after that incident started to escalate, and the very woman started to cuss out everyone. Dominic stood his ground for

an apology to be made, and it wasn’t coming, so he walked out, along with me. I was encouraged to lodge a complaint at the Alberttown Police Station that I was physically abused by that woman of the PNC, but I was thinking of the big picture. I was thinking: ‘What if this goes public, what will the Indians in the AFC think?’ I was asking myself, ‘Are they going to still vote for us, or walk away,’ because I know that most of them know that the PNC is a bullying party. I declined to go to the station, and tell you what: Mr Gaskin was upset, but I told him what I am looking at, and after the elections we should deal with that matter; but after the elections, the matter became dead because the PNC was in power. In Region Five we had to put up with the daily abuses of the PNC during the 2015 campaign. The campaign manager would turn up at public meetings and cuss out the AFC personnel because the meeting wasn’t being kept at the spot she wanted. We had to endure because our leaders were not doing anything. There is more to tell, but I will keep it there and jump into 2020. Recently we saw the stand taken by the AFC General-Secretary David Patterson because PNC/APNU breached the very agree-

ment they had signed, which would enable the AFC to have regional vice-chairs and regional councillors. But Mr. Patterson should have taken that very stand when the PNC did the same with the help of an AFC executive who was also elected to RDC Four in 2015. That very councillor voted with the very PNC against the AFC choice of Anil Mohanlal to become VC of Region Four and allow the PNC to have control in both chair and vice-chair positions. The table turned in 2020, and David Patterson and the person that the AFC chose to be the Region Four VC are both crying foul, but could not have done that in 2015. God doesn’t sleep, and it doesn’t seem as if the PNC is sleeping over the AFC’s destruction. How can we, as a nation, now allow the PNC to talk to us about morals when they themselves have none at all? They could not even honour a simple agreement between two parties that they signed on to. How can they lead when they cannot be trusted with any promise they made, either literally or signed on to? The PNC cannot lecture anyone on morals and promises because they have none. Waiting for the attacks. Regards, Abel Seetaram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Getting back to normalcy

–– laboratory, x-ray and other vital services restored in Region Six

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur THE effective and efficient delivery of healthcare to residents of Region Six, East Berbice Corentyne, has been boosted with the restart of laboratory, x-ray and other vital services at hospitals in the region after years of neglect under the former government. Regional Chairman, David Armogan, related that many of the services that stopped have been restored at health institutions in the region and at the Skeldon and Port Mourant hospitals, diagnostic services have improved. X-ray services at the Skeldon Hospital have commenced after it was down for the past nine months. Over at the Port Mourant Hospital, emergency and scheduled

x-rays have re-started. The laboratory services at both hospitals have also been restored. Additionally, a specialist clinic will begin for residents of Skeldon, Port Mourant and neighbouring communities. They will no longer have to travel to the New Amsterdam Hospital to see a specialist. “They were very serious issues in the healthcare system when we came into government. We are working assiduously, tirelessly to address issues that are affecting the health of the people of the region. We are beginning to ease some of these problems and maybe not in the too distant future, all the services that we are supposed to give the people within the region; those services will be restored,” Armogan said.

Meanwhile, the computed tomography (CT) scanner at the New Amsterdam Hospital is expected to be in operation shorty. Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Vishalya Sharma, said the first calibration of the unit was done on Monday and services will begin this week or early next week. The regional chairman also announced the resumption of post mortem service in Region Six. He noted that Dr. Vivekanand Bridgemohan has been re-employed on contract to work with the region. For quite sometime, relatives of persons who passed away under suspicious circumstances or had a police-related issue, had to travel to Georgetown or Region Five to witness the autopsy. Screening for diabetic retinopathy will also be offered which will bring great relief to diabetic patients who have issues with their eyes. The chairman also announced that the region is working to improve capacity at the National Ophthalmology Centre at Port Mourant. “It has been operating at a low capacity, maybe 10-15 per cent. We are looking at bringing back the Ophthalmology Centre to what it was before. We are working on a way to ensure we bring all the equipment and all the sutures and kits to at least do cataract for the time be-

ing and other more serious operations,” the regional chairman said. To better improve the delivery of healthcare to the elderly, the region will begin to make a register of all persons who are bed-ridden and need medical attention. Fol-

lowing that, a medical doctor will be visiting the shut-in patients once a month. The chairman highlighted that the issue of drug shortage is still present; however, the government has ordered $3.2B in drugs and medical equipment and these are ex-

X-ray services have resumed at the Port Mourant Hospital (Photo courtesy of Port Mourant Hospital)

The abominable artificial insemination ... When a human is sexually assaulted forcefully and involuntarily, we call it “rape.” It also applies to animals in these farms that are sexually exploited involuntarily and forcefully. Female cows are continuously raped; their body parts are abused by artificial insemination. Farmers usually impregnate cows every year with the use of an uncomfortable instrument in order to compel them to supply as much milk as possible. To impregnate these cows, someone jams his or her arm a long way through the cow’s rectum in an attempt to locate and align the uterus, after which they drive the instrument into her vagina. The cow is defenceless

to avoid this assault. Female animals also undergo botched births, after which their babies are taken away soon after birth. Cows produce milk for the same reason as human beings: to feed their young. In an article from PETA, the writer correctly states, “We may also label cows that make milk “mothers,” but they do not really get to be moms because their babies are taken from them after birth. Unfortunately, they are not regarded with the honour that mothers deserve. Once their calves have been taken away, mother cows are fitted up to milking machines. Artificial insemination, among other procedures, is used to pressure them to supply extra

milk.” Physically, morally, and mentally, this exercise has a negative impact on these cows. Calves that were taken away from their mothers shortly after birth cause extreme pain to both mother and child. Mother cows can be heard crying for their calves for days. Male calves are doomed to end up in crowded cages or desolate feedlots where they could be fattened for veal and beef, and females are condemned to the same unhappy destiny as their mothers. The unfortunate truth is that mankind appears to think that they have the right to interfere with nature. I think that artificial insemination is going too far. We see forced

pected to arrive soon. “We can have a reasonable supply of drugs so that we can meet the needs of the people of this region, especially the chronic disease medication like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems,” he said.

breeding or rape in which humans determine which bull to breed the cow, rather than encouraging her to choose her mate. Animals, much like humans, have feelings too. Animals, like humans, do copulate, and they have breeding seasons. They rub, touch, and smell as part of their romance. However, all these farmers do is take a device, shove it into the reproductive part of the animals and press sperm into it. This is no satisfaction at all for the animal. Like a woman who has been raped forcibly, the animal looks forward to nothing. She may even dislike the baby after she gets pregnant and gives birth. Animals are known to be

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consumed by humans. Some religions have proven deeply that this is all appropriate, although some prove otherwise. The fact remains, however, that we have shifted from what is considered to be the mind of the Creator Lord God of the Worlds, as it relates to natural reproduction, to creating food and to enriching farmers and nations through artificial insemination, or, as I say, ‘rape,’ without any care or concern for the animals themselves. This begs one question as to whether our food commodities are the product of rape. Eating these animals and their meats can have a devastating domino effect. This may be one of the causes of all the

mental imbalances, illnesses, and trauma that have become epidemics in the world today. There is a growing dilemma in children’s and even adults’ emotional and mental well-being. The consumption of such meat may be one of the factors contributing to this. All in all, it is my desire that through their acts, people can make a difference in caring for our animals. I beseech us all to stop exploiting these animals just for profit-making. As I said above, animals have feelings too. Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

One arrested following attack on Chief Justice’s residence ONE person is in police custody following the attack on the residence of Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire on Wednesday by four suspects, two of whom entered her yard. One of the two who entered the Chief Justice’s yard was armed with an air pistol and he confronted two police ranks on duty. The attack happened one day before Justice George-Wiltshire was set to hear the case management conference (CMC) for the hearing of the election petitions filed by the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), challenging the results of the March 2 polls. Government, in a statement on Wednesday con-

demned the attack which is viewed as an assault on democracy in Guyana. “Such actions can only emanate from those who are fearful of the Constitution, the rule of law and sound rulings from the Judiciary,” the government said. Police have already commenced their investigations into the attack and the government has already advised the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure that the Chief Justice is provided with all the necessary security for the protection of her person, family and property. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, on Wednesday night, confirmed that the investigation will be spearheaded by the Major Crimes Investigation Unit “We have ranks on the

scene; they have already interviewed the two police ranks who were on the scene when four suspects, two of whom entered the Chief Justice’s yard and held the guard at gunpoint,” said the Crime Chief. He added: “The guard raised an alarm and her colleague went to her assistance, during which time the two suspects fled the yard and in the process, the suspect, who was armed, dropped the weapon.” Blanhum said that the cop gave chase and two other cops who were in the area on patrol also gave chase but the suspects managed to escape. Blanhum confirmed that the weapon the men showed up at the Chief justice’s home with was indeed an air pistol. The incident occurred

around 14:00 hours. At the time one of the guards, a female, had left the hut and went to the washroom where she was confronted by a man with a white jersey tied around his face and armed with what appeared to be a black handgun. “The said male approached the rank and pointed the object at her and fired a punch at her but missed her; she then called out for the other rank who was in the garage of the building and armed with a .38 revolver,” police said earlier in a statement. The policeman, having heard the call for help, went out to see who it was, when the intruder pointed the toy gun at him, causing the policeman to take cover. “The intruder then

Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire

dropped the object, ran in a northern direction, jumped over a fence and made good

his escape. No shots were fired and no one was injured,” the police said.

Sinking Venezuelan oil tanker unlikely to spill crude –– owners start offloading cargo

The Nabarima floating storage and offloading facility in the Gulf of Paria, between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago (Fishermen and Friends of the Sea photo/ October 16, 2020)

TRINIDAD and Tobago authorities have determined that the Venezuela oil tanker, sinking in the Gulf of Paria, presents minimal risk of an oil spill, considering the remedial work being conducted by the owners of the vessel. It was reported that the tanker, called the floating storage and offloading (FSO) Nabarima, was abandoned more than 20 months ago, following tightened U.S. sanctions. A report from the Miami Herald had stated that while Nabarima is flying under a Venezuelan flag, it is operated by the Petrosucre Company, a joint venture between the Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, PDVSA and the

Italian oil giant, Eni. After the Trump administration imposed sanctions on PDVSA in January 2019, Petrosucre stopped its oil extraction and the ship was left off the eastern coast of Venezuela/northern cost of Trinidad and Tobago. The Guardian Newspaper has since reported that the Venezuelans and PDVSA have started to offload the vessel, which has 1.3 million barrels of oil. This started on Tuesday with the arrival of PDVSA’s Aframax ship, Icaro - a much smaller vessel than Nabarima. With recent photos showing the vessel dangerously tilting to the side, concerns raised over its possible capsizing have been growing. But Trinidad and Toba-

go’s Energy Minister, Franklin Khan, was reported as saying: “the FSO Nabarima is upright and stable with no visible tilt and there is no imminent risk of tilting or sinking.” He said that a three-man team from Trinidad and Tobago, that assessed the situation, reported that major maintenance was ongoing on the vessel, with pumps and electrical motors being repaired and replaced as needed. The team’s report stated the maintenance programme as being “quite satisfactory.” It was recommended, however, that the transfer of oil from the vessel be done by a much larger vessel which will reduce the offload time and logistics of the transfer.

The local Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has assured that it will contin-

ue to liaise with its local, regional and international counterparts to ensure

the situation is adequately monitored and that Guyana is faced with no threats.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Pandemic has increased farmers’ challenges – Agri. Minister tells FAO regional conference

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

THE COVID-19 pandemic has increased the challenges faced by farmers and the agri-food system as people are living in unprecedented times that require agriculture to be sustainable and climate-resilient now more than ever before. This is according to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during his address on Day Two of the XXXVI FAO regional conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, hosted by the Government of Nicaragua. He said Guyana sees this as an opportunity to accelerate transformations in the food and agriculture sector by building the resilience of our farmers and the supply chain system. “We, therefore, prioritise initiatives that increase technological innovations, greater investment in research, human capital, and better policies and regulations. We are grateful to the strong commitment of the FAO over the years in their support to Latin America and Caribbean countries (including Guyana) as we work together to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the agriculture component outlined in the Paris Agreement and the many other agri-environmental agreements,” Minister Zulfikar said. The Agriculture Minister said the leading role of the FAO is recognised in supporting countries in their transitioning towards sustainable agriculture and food systems. “We are indeed thankful to the FAO for its tangible support to countries in accessing climate financing. In the Caribbean and Guyana, FAO has been working to scale up climate investment

for the agricultural sector,” he said. There must be much more urgency and vital importance of securing large scale climate financing, he said, such as Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund, which can support scaling up of good agriculture practices to have significant and transformational impact. Guyana, he said is currently partnering with the FAO in ‘Setting the Foundation for Strategic Climate Change Interventions for the Agricultural sector’ to strengthen its national designated authorities, and strategic frameworks, and support for accreditation and accredited direct access entities. Additionally, he said that, to mobilise funding from the Green Climate Fund, Guyana is working on project proposals for a multi-year, programmatic approach to invest in low-emission and climate-resilient development to deal with the issues of climate change. TRANSFORMATION With increased investment in crops with low carbon footprints, sectors, such as fruits and vegetables and aquaculture, Minister Zulfikar said Guyana envisions a transformation of the food system to include innovation and initiatives that drive changes at each stage of the production chain. Some of the sustainable climate-resilient productive agriculture systems, being undertaken in Guyana he said include crop diversification to adjust to the new temperature and precipitation patterns. Others, he said, include changing livestock breeding practices and shifting grazing patterns, developing and managing climate-resilient

food production systems, developing and using drought and flood-tolerant crop varieties and adopting water and soil moisture conservation measures. Further, he said Guyana is blessed with freshwater and there is potential for greater development in the fisheries industry. In 2016, Guyana signed onto the ‘Port of State Measures Agreement’ (PSMA) and, with the support of FAO, has been strengthening its capability to deal with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. “We request continued support in improving national systems for the evaluation and monitoring of fisheries resources and strengthening our aquaculture producers for sustainable and resilient value chains,” he said. Additionally, the minister noted that climate hazards are a cause of global food insecurity and hunger, particularly when they compound existing economic vulnerability. Guyana, he said, has long been classified as a high risk flood country and there is the risk of greater frequency and intensity, with the greatest vulnerability experienced within the coastal zone. “The coastal area accounts for around 90 per cent of the country’s population; this is the same area with most of the agricultural activities. Farmers who face increasing exposure to disaster can find themselves trapped in a cycle of food insecurity and poverty,” the Minister emphasised. Therefore, he said the high risk of climate-related disaster in agriculture activities requires enhanced mainstreaming of disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Two Lusignan prison escapees recaptured SWIFT and tactical action by members of the Joint Services resulted, on Thursday, in the recapture of two of three prisoners who escaped from the Holding Bay at Lusignan, on Wednesday. According to Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, back in custody are Alex Matthias and Arnold Kennedy. They were recaptured at Zeelugt Public Road, East Bank Essequibo. The prisoners will aid in the ongoing investigation to recapture the other escapee. They will also be processed for charges.

“Thanks to all those persons who helped to get the information about the escape out to the public, the support of the public for providing information on their location and the Joint Services’ members for conducting a clinical recapture,” the Prison Director said. Police are hunting for Mark Rafino of Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara. The public is asked to report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station or 2256411. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Wanted: Mark Rafino

Recaptured: Alex Matthias and Arnold Kennedy

27 new COVID-19 cases recorded in 24 hours

GUYANA continues to record a consistent rise in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with authorities detecting 27 new cases within the past 24 hours. Health authorities have so far tested 17,625 persons, with 13,748 being negative and 3,877 positive. Some 27 of those positive

cases were recorded within the past 24 hours. And while 2,853 persons have recovered from this scourge, 117 persons have lost their lives, and there are still 895 active cases. Of those active cases, 70 persons are in institutional isolation, 821in home isolation, and 16 in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Persons are being encour-

aged to take extra precaution, because there is no approved cure or specific treatment as yet for the disease. Guyanese are also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new-

ly-discovered coronavirus. Most people who become sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms, and recover without special treatment. The WHO had said that 81 per cent of the persons

who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms, and five per cent will need intensive care. Anyone who displays any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs

any additional information, can contact the COVID-19 Emergency numbers: 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately, or visit the ministry’s website at www. health.gov.gy.

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Young woman opens trendy cosmetics store

By Indrawattie Natram

TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Sony Maesh of Riverstown, Essequibo Coast, believes that dreams can be transformed into reality, when she opened a cosmetics store at Cotton Field, Region Two. The young entrepreneur exemplifies the true meaning of independence, determination and the power of a girl child. Sony’s Cosmetics Store, located at Cotton Field upstairs of Da Silva Optical and opposite Safeway Supermarket, is fitted with exclusive, trendy clothing, cosmetic jewellery, skincare products, fragrances, and the latest in footwear and hair accessories. During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Maesh said growing up in the Cinderella County, it was always her wish to provide fashionable items to young females like herself at an affordable price, noting that gone are the days when a female has to wait for a relative

to come from overseas to access a new make-up product. She said now one can access affordable new beauty products at just one visit to her store. The business is managed and owned by Maesh. She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology as well as business management. The young businesswoman is also certified in occupational health and safety. She related to the Guyana Chronicle that most of her shopping is done online. “I want to sell unique things when someone visits my store, they should feel comfortable, they should get everything they want plus a change in their pocket; as a businesswoman, I am not looking for a lot of profit, I am looking for customer satisfaction,” Maesh said. She wants to provide an opportunity to bring back a different platform of standard when it comes to beauty care and fashion on the Essequibo Coast. According to her, oftentimes many youths in

Region Two are told that all the opportunities are available in the City of GuyanaGeorgetown. Maesh wants to remove this perception. “I ventured into business because I believe this allows me to build an empire that will last for decades where my legacy will live on. When I taught of opening a business the first motivation I had was creating employment for my fellow Essequibians,” Maesh explained. She will soon be opening a Lux Beauty Bar at the same location. Sony Cosmetics Store has the latest in brand name cosmetics such as Jordana, Nickak, Milani, and LA girl. She also stocks the most fashionable clothing for ladies for any event. She also has top brands of male and female clothing such GAP, American Eagle, Hollister, Versace, Polo and Issey Miyake among others. Her store is also a distributor for the best Brazilian products such as Nasca, Novex, and Origem. She has her own Facebook page Sony’s Cosmetic

GTT zero rates several educational sites stated. Acting Chief Planning Officer at the MoE, Nicola Johnson, said the ministry is grateful for the company's partnership in helping to meet the learning needs of students and teachers across Guyana.

IN support of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education (MoE) to zero rate several educational websites on behalf of students and children in Guyana. According to a release, by zero-rating the websites, those visiting the websites would be able to browse – and learn- without an Internet data plan. Among the zero-rated websites are Education: profuturo.education, essentialschools.org, code.org, wikipedia.org, educationgy.

org, guyanalearningchannel. com and Weather: (entire site) hydromet.gov.gy. Chief Executive Officer at GTT, Justin Nedd, said the company is always willing to collaborate to rise above challenges in the society. “We are happy to partner with the ministry in supporting online learning during this pandemic. We acknowledge the effort of the ministry, those in the teaching profession, parents and guardians, to ensure that learning continues apace – it is therefore our hope that our contribution will go a long way in molding the minds of our future generation,” Nedd

Owner of Sony’s Cosmetic Store, Sony Maesh

Store. The budding businesswoman also used the opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month by offering special promotions and prize drawings in store.

A shopper at Sony’s Cosmetic Store, Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

20,000 antigen tests being sourced for hinterland communities

By Navendra Seoraj AS part of efforts to improve and increase testing for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in hinterland communities, the authorities have sourced 20,000 antigen tests, which will

produce results within minutes. Hinterland regions have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Regions One (Barima-Waini) recording 626 cases; Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), 352 cases; Eight

(Potaro-Siparuni), 127 cases; and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with 375 cases, accounting for over 38 per cent of the total cases in Guyana. And, as it is now, testing for COVID-19 is done centrally at the National Refer-

ence Laboratory in Georgetown. Authorities would first have to acquire a sample from a person suspected to have COVID-19 then send the sample to Georgetown, where medical professionals will conduct a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test,

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh

which takes hours to produce results. “We have ordered the antigen tests. This is not the PCR test… it is done right at the site once you suspect COVID-19… you run the test and get it back within 45 minutes,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during a COVID-19 update on Wednesday. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), rapid antigen tests are commonly used in the diagnosis of respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) for antigen tests that can identify SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The centre said antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of a specific viral antigen, which implies current viral infection. Antigen tests are currently authorised to be performed on nasopharyngeal or nasal swab specimens placed directly into the assay’s extraction buffer or reagent.

munity is already equipped with fixed sites for testing, but Minister Anthony said in cases where there is a high infection rate in a particular community, a mobile team will be deployed to conduct testing and contact tracing. Minister Anthony said trained COVID-19 personnel are in every region collaborating on the clinical aspects of treatment, conducting contact tracing and environmental sanitation to ensure the disease is being managed. DETECING CASES Detecting cases of COVID-19 in remote hinterland communities has, however, been a challenge for the Ministry of Health, but the ministry has since turned to toshaos and the Guyana Police Force to assist with contacting tracing. “We have a difficulty tracking people in hinterland regions because some of them do not have telephone or a formal address, or any other form of contact information… to find them and make contact is difficult, but we have been working collaboratively with the police and toshaos to find those people and get them isolated,” said Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Narine Singh in an invited comment on Wednesday. Considering the unavoidable challenges due to the remoteness of those communities, Dr. Singh advised persons in hinterland regions to adhere to the control measures, which also includes isolation once tested positive for COVID-19.

NOT RESTRICTED These antigen tests are not restricted to use on persons of a certain age. “20,000 such tests have been ordered and hopefully we get them in November… the idea is to address the challenge of getting tests done… once we get them, we will deploy them and it will improve testing cacpity in the region,” said Dr. Anthony. Each hinterland com-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Edghill reads riot act to contractors, project engineers –– warns he will not tolerate any slacking on the job nor shoddy work

THE Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) intends to take a zero tolerance approach to the practice among contractors to drag their feet so as to stretch out the job past the deadline after they would have secured the contract. The foregoing warning was issued on Wednes-

position where quality work and value for money were concerned, and warned that not just they, but project engineers as well will face the consequences for substandard work, as the Ministry will be paying close attention to quality control. “Collusion between contractors and project engi-

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, at Wednesday’s meeting with contractors at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

day by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, during a meeting with road contractors at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, on the lower East CoasT Demerara, which event also saw in attendance Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Mr. Deodat Indar, as well as MoPH technical officers. During the engagement, Minister Edghill outlined to the contractors what is expected of them, going forward, and urged that they ensure the services they offer were efficient and effective, as they, too, were partners in Guyana’s development. He also urged that they be ever mindful of the promises they make, and strive to make it their main priority as opposed to “looking to make a quick dollar”. “I want a new culture; whether it is a little village street, a major highway or an interior road, the quality of our work must be admired, and when examined, must pass the test not just at the lab, but the test of appreciation of the people for whom you are providing that service,” Minister Edghill said. He also reminded contractors of the government’s

neers and project managers will not be tolerated,” Minister Edghill warned. On a more positive note, he announced that the MoPW will also be moving towards the timely resolution of disputes so that projects could advance, warning that any obstruction to achieving this outcome will be dealt with swiftly. “You can’t have development being put on hold because of some problem with design, or engineer and contractor can’t agree on the way forward,” Minister Edghill said. Noting that the development of the country is of top priority to the government, and as such all resources will be made available so as to ensure that the process moves forward in a timely and efficient manner, he said, “Every complaint will be looked at with the level of seriousness it requires, and if there is culpability, the necessary action will be taken.” INFORMATION SHARING Minister Edghill further disclosed that one of the main strategies his ministry will be employing to deal

with delayed works will be to inform other ministries of any outstanding jobs a contractor may have for them, as many of them are in the habit of stalling work in one area, so as to complete another job at another ministry. TURN TO PAGE

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Mr. Deodat Indar, conversing with one of the contractors present at the meeting

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Prospect Housing Development receives potable water supply

RESIDENTS of Prospect Housing Development, East Bank Demerara can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has delivered potable water to the community. This is in keeping with a commitment made by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, during a visit to the community two weeks ago. The provision of water supply to the community, which consists approximately 90 households, was realised through the connection of transmission pipelines to the Covent Garden water supply system. In order to benefit from the water supply, residents are required to apply for their individual service connections, upon which time the installation will occur. Minister Rodrigues revisited the community on Thursday where a GWI East Bank team was working to conduct on-site applications and the installation of service connections simul-

Water flows from a newly-installed individual service connection. In the photo are: Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and GWI's East Bank Demerara Manager, Nishaul Samaroo

taneously. â€œTo facilitate the process, we thought instead of having these persons go to the office, we brought the office and we brought the service to the community,â€? Minister Rodrigues noted. This intervention will see residents benefitting from water supply at a stand pipe

level as a short-term solution. Minister Rodrigues reiterated however, that the community will have its own well within the coming months to further improve the water situation in the area. Residents eagerly completed the application process and were elated to finally receive water through their

GWI field staff work to install individual service connections at Prospect Housing Development

taps. One such resident was Tricia Williams, who said she has been residing in the area for two months and the provision of water is of great benefit. She noted that in the past she walked two streets to fetch water and had to make several trips in order to fill her barrel. Otherwise, she

depended on the rain. Sharon King-Harris related that she has been residing in the community since July 2019 and was accessing water from the back of her house. This, she said, was challenging due to the dangers posed by high vegetation. Another resident said

that she had, for over a year, delayed moving into her house due to the absence of a water supply. She said that she is now relieved that her water fetching days are over due to this timely intervention.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

C’tyne ‘bad-boys’ remanded to prison --for series of armed robbery offences

Joshua Beharry and Shawn Thompson

A CORENTYNE gang of misfits was, on Tuesday, remanded to prison on a series of armed robbery charges. Roopchand Thomas, called ‘Lil Shawn’, 19; and Shawn Thompson, 24, both residents of Rose Hall Town Corentyne, Berbice, were charged jointly with Kelvin Munsie, called ‘Snookey’, 20, and slapped with two counts of armed robbery when they appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Whim Magistrate’s Court. Particulars of the charges allege that on October 4, at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, the trio robbed one Soomdat Chattergoon, a 48-year-old security guard, and Mahendra Ramdayal, a

37-year-old canecutter, both residents of Miss Phobe, Port Mourant. The trio was remanded to prison and the case adjourned until November 10, 2020. Meanwhile, Thomas and Munsie, along with Joshua Beharry, 20, of Hampshire Village Corentyne, Berbice appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on two counts of armed robbery. Particulars of those charges allege that on October 13, while being armed with weapons, the trio robbed Asif Ghani and Nankumar Namoo. The men were remanded to prison, while that matter, too, was adjourned until November 10, 2020.

20,000 antigen ...

Min. Edghill reads ...

FROM PAGE

“We are trying to get community leaders to encourage persons to isolate themselves once they test positive for the disease or contact/visit a medical centre once you experience symptoms of the disease,” said the CMO. It was reported recently that Guyana will soon have nationwide capacity to provide intensive care to persons who experience severe forms of the novel

coronavirus (COVID-19), as the country received $122M worth of ventilators and other equipment from India and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) on Monday. As it is now, the country has only one COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and this is located at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but with the ‘timely’ donation, Guyana will be able to build its regional capacity. FROM PAGE

Minister Edghill also voiced his concern that projects which had been signed off on since the last day of 2019 under that year’s budget have, to date, not yet been started. “A contract is not a loan for you to finance other business; a contract and the monies paid in a contract are to get the job done,” he said, even as he emphasised the need for the timely implementation of projects. Just recently Minister Edghill was forced to issue an ultimatum to several contractors working on rehabilitating four streets in the East Bank Demerara (EBD) community of Diamond. The ultimatum, in the form

of a seven-day deadline, came after Minister Edghill realised that the contractors had been on the job since last year when they were awarded the contract by the past administration. Upon seeing for himself what obtained, Minister Edghill decreed that if the contractors cannot get the job done, the contract would have to be terminated with immediate effect, and just let staff of the Ministry’s Force Account Unit do it instead. “The people can’t be suffering all the time; they need proper roads and infrastructure, and with my team on the ground, they will get the job done,” Minister Edghill said.

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Setting the trend

-Shape Customz Creations launches virtual clothing line

here was no riveted audience or fantastic décor, but there was fashion and the pieces sizzled. Donna Ramsammy James set the virtual trend at the launched of her Shape Customz Creations 2021 Clothing line “Behind the Mask” on Sunday last at her home in Century Palm Gardens, Georgetown. It was definitely a first for Guyana, and quite possibly the Caribbean and further afield. “As far as I know, it’s the first virtual collection this side of the world. Nothing like this was done See page 19

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

(Photos by Amanda Richards)

Setting the...

From page 18

in the Caribbean or the Americas”. The seasoned fashion designer, whose intricate work transcends tailoring, said that the sombre mood created by the pandemic did not dent her spirit. She did however tone down her colours this year—but that did very little to the overall look. The clothing line has a rich fusion of cultures and expressions—and borrows from Donna’s time spent in India, Africa and the Caribbean. ' IMPROVISING At the launch, Donna was forced to navigate around the intricacies of the restrictions. She worked with a small team and opted to keep the show simple, yet elegant. “This show was particularly challenging. Normally

the team comprises of a display unit (models) of 16. We do choreography and we normally rehearse for months prior, but this year we had to tone it down.” To follow protocols, only nine models were used, practice sessions were reduced to weeks and only on the day of the show did they all assemble. The event was streamed live on social media and via the website. Unlike previous years where 120 pieces were created, this time the team only made 54. All of the clothing on display came with masks— it’s trending and necessary. The 2021 Shape Customz Creation clothing line still has its signature blend which can be described as sexy yet classy and ethnically-fused but chic. For more information, visit Shapescustomcreationz.com

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Looking to bring ‘creole’ flavour to dancehall music By Naomi Parris

elon Garraway is looking to bring a new flavour to Guyana’s music industry. The 24-year-old hopes he can be a trendsetter and build an empire to provide better opportunities for upcoming performers like himself.

Garraway, who goes by the stage name ‘Stiffy Stiff’ has always had a knack for music and the performing arts. He told the Buzz that he started writing and making music during his high school days and it was music he said that got him through some of the toughest times in his life. Garraway disclosed that he grew up in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, a village which is sometimes seen or stigmatised as a home for delinquents. “Growing up in Pouderoyen I was around a lot of bad influence, so I was engaging in a lot of negative activity.” Garraway was able to rise above the stereotype and with the help of his family and his music he convert into a ‘humble entertainer’ and a proud member of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF). As it relates to his music, he said, “The genre is basically dancehall but just to show my versatility I tend to mix it, so I would try a little bit of soca, a little bit of R&B crossover. “

It’s a new type of vibe I’m bringing to the table something called creole dancehall, Im trying to build our own culture, because Guyana when it comes to music we don’t really have our own thing.” Garraway noted that he is hoping to change the narrative of Guyanese artiste, who often adopt the sounds and cultures of other countries while telling a story. “We have to use our local slangs, we can’t be creole dancehall and sounding like Jamaican and sounding like Trinidadian. So I’m using our local slangs to tell a story which mainly is supposed to be funny.” While Garraway is currently at a high point in his career, he said that the climb was difficult. “At first I didn’t receive any support, it was like I had the raw talent, but no one really paid me no mind.” By the end of 2019, his fan level increased. “I start getting more support, producers start reaching out to me, sponsors start reaching out to me; I start getting radio plays and stuff like that.” Given the challenges he

faced at the beginning of his music career, Garraway noted that he is working to put young artiste on the international map. “My main target is to brand Guyanese music overall on an international level, I want to put all Guyanese artiste on streaming sites, like Spotify, iTunes and these different streaming sites that we could broadcast in Canada and these different places.” He disclosed that he and a few other friends banded together to host an open mic for young artiste to perform and showcase their talent, however due to the coronavirus pandemic the event has been postponed. ‘Stiffy Stiff’ feels that before artiste can move forward progressively in the industry, it is extremely important that Guyana revisits and reforms its copyright laws to protect artiste like himself. “We need to update the whole copyright laws, we do have a copyright law but it has not been updated for many years and it will also motivate artiste to put out their material.”

Delon Garraway also known as ‘Stiffy Stiff’

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Jr. Calypso Monarch Sumner intends to take over music industry By Jared Liddell

any talented individuals have been entering the local entertainment scene, making a splash with their music and increasingly becoming household names, and this is no different for Relon Sumner. The eighteen-year-old made his debut in February this year on the soca scene when he won the coveted title of Jr. Soca Monarch. Sumner gave an insight into his music journey prior to winning the competition. He stated that he always had a love for music, and for performing and entertaining. Sumner, who hails from the mining town of Linden, is visually impaired. He told ‘The Buzz’ that he has been singing for five years and had no fear entering the competition. Neither did he doubt his ability to take the title. He said he feels great knowing that he won, since this was the very first time he’d tried singing a soca song. It was also his very first time entering the competition. Relon Sumner giving an energetic performan ce at The teenager added that Soca Monarch Competition in February 2020 the Jr . in previous years, he wanted to enter but it wasn’t until music, disclosing that he 2019 that he decided to every year saying I want has already released a sinto be there. And to go officially be a part of the gle, “School is out” with his competition. He explained into the competition for brother. the first time and win it is that the feeling he had after He added that he has winning the competition something great.” been at home using this time Sumner stated that since was exhilarating. to perfect his craft. “I felt good, I was hap- the competition ended and Sumner said that folthe COVID pandemic began py to be a part of the comlowing his dream of music petition, I was happy to his music drive has slowed was not simple, but he down. He stated however win, because I used to be was able to overcome the at home watching soca that the pandemic has not hurdles. stopped him from making monarch for a few years, He told the Buzz that while he won the Jr. Soca Monarch title, he sees himself more as a dancehall artiste, but knows that he possess the skills to be versatile enough to be a part of multiple categories of music production. Additionally, the support he gets from his fans motivates him to push through and work to create more and better music. “The support from the day I started out and people noticed me, the support has been great, real great and the energy that they gave off is what I feed off.”

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Pompey to serve ... From Backpage K.A Juman Yassin, said Pompey's position on the World Olympians Association is a huge accomplishment for Guyana, taking the importance of the Association into consideration. This year’s World Olympians Association was opened with a special video message from Patron and five-time Olympian HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, who welcomed National Olympic Associations to the online Assembly. Joël Bouzou, who was voted to return as president of the World Olympians Association, updated members on the growth and development of the organization since the previous General Assembly in 2015. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President and World Olympians Association Honorary President Thomas Bach and IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell also addressed attendees, underlining the strength of the partnership between the two organ-

isations and highlighted future collaborations at both a national and international level including at next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games. During the previous World Olympians Association General Assembly in Moscow in 2015, the Executive Committee was expanded and a new World Olympians Association Constitution was passed. Since that time World Olympians Association has made significant strides, expanding its network of National Olympic Associations and enhancing its ability to serve and empower Olympians through initiatives like the post-nominal letters now used by over 13,500 Olympians worldwide, the National Olympic Associations development and projects Grants Programmes, the Olympians Health Survey and the award-winning Olympic House (formerly known as the Olympians Reunion Centre) at Gamestime.

ICC plans to split ... From page 25 have a realistic chance of playing all six of their respective WTC series. For England, that depends on whether their Sri Lanka tour goes ahead. Pakistan can play six series but one against Bangladesh wouldn't have been completed. Neither option is likely to feel satisfactory, not least for a side like Bangladesh, who could end this cycle having only played three of their six series. But a resolution is necessary given the push to complete this first WTC cycle. It was only last week that it emerged the final was going ahead at Lord's in June next year, when Tom Harrison, the ECB CEO, said his board had been in discussions with the ICC about its staging. That was the culmination of a few weeks of communications between the ICC and its members, in which some boards preferred to see the final postponed and others the cycle completed. One of the concerns cited by those wanting postponement was about the integrity of a league in which a final is held without all games in

the run-up to it being played. Those in favour stressed the importance of completing the inaugural cycle of a tournament that had unanimous backing when conceived, even with imperfections. Postponement was the favoured option, though when practicalities were explored, a workable alternative could not be found. The lack of space in the calendar, in fact, is one of the driving reasons why there is keenness to ensure a final takes place next June and the first cycle of the league is officially completed. Soon after the final, the second WTC cycle starts with India's Test series in England. After that, preparations - and attention - turns to the T20 World Cup in India and the year ends with the Ashes in Australia. Apart from the oddity of completing the first season of a league while the second is ongoing, there is a worry that between these high-profile events and series, the impact of a first World Test Championship final will be lost. With this in mind, and based on feedback from those in favour, the decision was taken to push ahead with the final.

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Assistant Commissioner Hicken approves Haledino Sports Initiative By Clifton Ross THE Haledino Sports Initiative recently received immense support from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) via Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken, who was in full support of the project which is geared towards reducing crime and creating employment; through sports. The brainchild of the project, Cadet Officer of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) Klalifa Hale, during an update with Chronicle Sport on Thursday, said the recent talks with Assistant Commissioner Hicken, bore positive results due to the blueprint of the project which is formulated in a way to ensure that players in every community are inevitably involved in sports and are paid for their talents. While the project has been gaining momentum and support from a number of premier athletes, businesses and regular sponsors of Guyanese

.. believes more outreach projects needed in communities sports since its birth almost 2 months ago. The plan is to have interested persons adopt community teams for the purpose to managing, maintaining and providing income to those players/ team on a semi-professional, semi-franchise level. The senior police officer

ship, creating more community and neighborhood teams, spreading the awareness of sports and education and most importantly; creating an avenue for players to earn money while engaging in sports on a semi-professional level. Assistant Commission-

Haledino Sports Initiative founder Cadet Klalifa Hale (left) and Assistant Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Mr. Clifton Hicken (right) following their successful meeting

according to Hale, supported the idea due to its overwhelming focus on reducing crime, promoting proprietor-

er Hicken, who is an avid lover of sports, has been heavily involved in such sports-oriented outreach

programs over the years; even serving as president of the Guyana Football Association (GFA) back in 2015. Hale stated that Mr. Hicken, was happy to lend any support to the project and believes that it is a good way to stem the flow of negativity in communities by using sports and a means of income; as premier tools for success. The Assistant Commissioner also lauded the ingenuity of the plan, adding that more outreach drives such as this is needed for the self-development of communities. Meanwhile, Hale said he has so far been gaining massive support from football dominant communities such as; Albouystown, North East, South Ruimveldt Gardens, which has a number of potential investors lined up to take control and ownership of whichever community team is in need of adoption.

World Test Championship:

ICC plans to split points for Covid-19-affected games to complete cycle

THE International Cricket Council( ICC) is considering splitting points for unplayed games in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, as it prepares to host the final in June next year. That is one of two options to be considered by its cricket committee next month, on how to manage the points system in a league disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic; the other option considers only those matches actually played by the end of March and bases final positions on the percentage of points sides have won from those that they've contested. The aim is to have clarity in place by the time the next WTC commitment begins, with West Indies' two-Test series in New Zealand in December this year. Any decision from the cricket committee would have to be signed off by the chief executives' committee. A significant number of Tests have been postponed this year because of the pan-

demic. In many cases, it isn't clear when they might be rescheduled to, let alone whether they can be squeezed in within this WTC league cycle, which concludes at the end of March 2021. That has thrown an already imperfect league structure where sides play a different number of total Tests and not every side plays the other - into further The World Test Championship points table, as of October 2020 ESPNcricinfo Ltd complications. But, as the decision has sides receive a third of the are aiming to host Sri Lanka been taken to conclude the points available for a Test and Australia between now league and play the final, (120 points are available for and next March. For now, what could be described as every series). Basing it on Pakistan expect to host South the "least bad" option is being percentages of points played Africa in January-February. sought to account for the imfor would require a tweak to Australia, England and India, pact of the disruption on the meanwhile, will complete existing regulations. points table. There remains hope that their commitments against Splitting the points would a substantial number of the each other by the end of be within the regulations remaining commitments until March. as they stand, whereby all As things stand, howevthe end of March will still Tests in the cycle that can't go ahead. New Zealand, for er, only India and England be played (through no fault example, have a full home of either side) are deemed See page 24 summer, and South Africa draws. In that scenario, both

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

India tour of Australia gets government green light

SYDNEY and Canberra will serve as the starting points of India's tour of Australia next month, after Cricket Australia (CA )and the New South Wales state government knitted together a deal for the touring team and Australian players returning from the IPL to quarantine in Sydney while also being granted access to nearby training facilities. Confirmation of quarantine protocols, which arrived after NSW government approval on Thursday but still require a final sign-off from the BCCI, will be a relief to all parties concerned. The first two ODIs on November 27 and 29 are set to be played at the SCG, the third ODI on December 1 and the first T20I on December 4 will take place at Canberra's Manuka Oval, before the teams return to Sydney for the final two T20Is at the SCG on December 6 and 8. A pink-ball Test is scheduled to be held at Adelaide Oval between December 17-21, with Ad-

…Sydney, Canberra to host white-ball leg

The tour involves three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests (Getty Images)

elaide also the backup option for the Boxing Day Test should the Covid-19 situation not allow it to be held at the MCG. Otherwise Melbourne will be the venue for Boxing Day (December 26-30) followed by Tests in Sydney (January 7-11) and finally Brisbane (January 15-19). CA and NSW were able to reach a quarantine and training agreement in a matter of days after interminable talks between CA and the Queensland state government and health department ran into a fifth week with no resolution in sight - largely due

to the fact Queensland Health seemed reluctant to agree to allow quarantining cricketers and staff to travel from the central Brisbane hotel CA had chosen to be able to train at Allan Border Field in the suburb of Albion. Instead, after rapid talks between CA, the NSW government, Destination NSW (chaired by the former Cricket NSW chairman John Warn) and the SCG Trust chaired by Tony Shepherd, the men's international season will commence in Sydney. Shepherd's interest in accommodating some extra

England to play limited-overs series in South Africa

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - England will travel to South Africa for a fourmatch limited overs tour starting in late November, with all matches to be played without spectators in Cape Town and nearby Paarl, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Wednesday. CSA has received government approval for the tour, which will consist of three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals between Nov. 27 and Dec. 9, with the players to

first face a 10-day quarantine period. CSA acting chief executive Kugandrie Govender said the governing body had drawn on the experience of England, who recently hosted Ireland, the West Indies, Pakistan and Australia in bio-bubble environments, to develop their own plans. “This is a first for us and we commit to learn quickly and with great responsiveness as we have an action-packed international season ahead of us,” Govender said in a media release from CSA on Wednesday.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday October 23, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Paul Valhaty-120* (King’s XI) (2) Ishant Sharma--5/12 (Deccan Chargers) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who struck the first century in IPL 2011? (2) How many centuries were recorded in IPL 2011? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

“The fact that England are the current (ODI) World Cup champions will add tremendously to the two series and will give our own players every motivation to perform at their very best to challenge the reigning champions.” Chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Tom Harrison, confirmed that the team would fly to Cape Town on a chartered flight and praised the plans of CSA for the bio-bubble. “I would like to personally thank Cricket South Africa for their efforts in ensuring this tour goes ahead and their diligent work to create an environment that is safe for our players and staff,” he said. “They are working tirelessly to pull together a bio-secure plan in Cape Town and Paarl. “We owe it to the sport that we do everything we can to keep international competition progressing during this pandemic.” England also toured South Africa in February. The three-match ODI series was draw 1-1, but England claimed the T20 honours with a 2-1 win.

cricket at the SCG arose more or less as soon as Sydney lost out to Brisbane for hosting the AFL Grand Final last month, although his initial thoughts were believed to be around stepping in to host the Boxing Day Test in place of a locked down Melbourne. Shepherd's interest, alongside the SCG Trust chief executive Kerrie Mather, was aided by the fact that relationships between the Trust and Cricket NSW have improved immeasurably in recent times after years of frosty relations. The ground's standing in the eyes of CA, meanwhile, was raised enormously last summer when its staff worked around the clock to successfully stage both the Big Bash League final and the women's T20 World Cup semi-final in the face of wretched amounts of rain. The latter game ensured Australia would reach the showpiece decider at the MCG.

Provisions for quarantine in Sydney's Olympic Park, with Cricket NSW's ample training facilities nearby, had already been pulled together ahead of the WBBL being hosted entirely in Sydney, and the gridlock between CA and Queensland Health opened an opportunity. The NSW tourism minister, Stuart Ayres, a former sports minister in the state, was heavily involved in getting the process moving at a pace after CA formally submitted plans on Monday. The connection of government, cricket and business networks in NSW ultimately proved crucial. Up to that point, CA had appeared to run afoul of circumstances in Queensland where the state government is less than two weeks away from an election, having kept its borders tight all year due to Covid-19. Though CA and the state government had already worked together on the successful staging of Aus-

tralia's women's white-ball matches against New Zealand at Allan Border Field, there was far greater difficulty in approving arrivals from out of the IPL bubble in the UAE. After the Western Australia state government blocked CA's initial approaches to start India's tour and also accommodate the Australian players returning home from the IPL in the UAE, the interim chief executive Nick Hockley had turned next to South Australia, whose state government allowed for the non-IPL component of the national white-ball squad to quarantine at the Adelaide Oval Hotel after the England tour. This arrangement was thought to be ideal for India's tourists also, but the SA government then baulked at the possibility of being the first port of entry for a far bigger party of overseas tourists.(ESPN Cricinfo)

Social media must do more to combat online abuse - Sterling (REUTERS) - Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling said social media companies have the technology to tackle online abuse but questioned whether they have the will to do so. Sterling was responding to the results of a Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) report here into messages sent on Twitter to 44 current and former players in England. The report said that during the six weeks of “Project Restart”, data science company Signify Group analysed 825,515 tweets directed at the players, identifying over 3,000 explicitly abusive messages. As much as 56% of all discriminatory abuse identified during the study was racist, with 43% of Premier League players in the group experiencing targeted and explicitly racist abuse. “I don’t know how many times I need to say this, but football and the social media platforms need to step up, show real leadership and take proper action in tackling online abuse,” Sterling told British media.

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling

“The technology is there to make a difference, but I’m increasingly questioning if there is the will.” The study, also backed by anti-discrimination body Kick It Out, called for stakeholders to fund a centralised artificial intelligence-driven system to monitor abusive users across social media. It recommended prosecutions, stadium bans and suspensions for abusers. “The recommendations we have announced today can make a real impact, but it needs everyone to work together to achieve change,” PFA head of equalities Simone Pound said. In response to the study, a Twitter representative told Sky Sports the

platform strongly condemned racist behaviour. “We want to reiterate that abusive and hateful conduct has no place on our service and we will continue to take swift action on the minority that try to undermine the conversation for the majority,” the representative said. Facebook said it had recently partnered with Kick it Out on its Take A Stand campaign. “We’ve also introduced technology to give people more control over their experience, including a setting for public figures to prevent people they don’t know from messaging them,” a Facebook representative said.

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, October 23, 2020

Cricket Clubs support recent ECCC General Meeting -Attendees eager to take East Coast cricket to next level WITH the local cricket fraEast Coast. ternity gearing up for fuThe clubs strongly agreed ture Guyana and Demerara that they reserved the right to Cricket Board elections, the select their representative for East Coast Cricket Committhe County Board by means tee (ECCC) is preparing for of a transparent process. The that crucial process, following attendees were also in favor a recent General Meeting of Minister of Sports Charles held on October 4. Ramson Jr. appointing a While the ECCC has openly capable person to verify the endorsed the passing of the active cricket clubs on the Guyana Cricket Administration East Coast as well as to invigAct (GCAA), which now paves ilate elections for East Coast the way for a fresh electoral cricket. process as well as a choosing East Coast Cricket Club (ECCC) held a general meeting Calls for verification that of an ombudsman ahead of the attended by a number of Clubs as they sought to get all persons seeking office in themselves in order ahead of cricket elections said elections; a recent meeting a cricket administration way, attended by a number of clubs will need to be members of an on the Coast, sought to get things into to perspective. active cricket club for a significant amount of years. These Among the 17 clubs present at the meeting with two calls come on the back of some 5 years of progress which the absentees in (Buxton Carl Hooper Sports Club and Better ECCC and not what they have deemed to be the purported Hope Cricket Club; Enmore Community Center Clubs East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), which they have been A/B, Enterprise Busta, Ogle Community Center Club, engaged in tussles with over the years with regard to the deIndustry Sports Club, Fairfield Cricket Club, Lusignan velopment of East Coast Cricket. Sports Club (A/B) among others were a part of the mini With a number of top Guyana and West Indies players summit which focused on the rehabilitation of their crick- the likes of Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chandraet. paul, Bhaskar Yadram and other talents being products Minutes from the meeting stated that the clubs were all of East Coast Cricket, the ECCC will be keen on ensuring in favor for a number of similar points regarding the future some stability is brought to their neck of the woods as it of East Coast and more so Guyanaâ€™s future as it relates to relates to the p[reservation of their upcoming and current Elections and the state of things, namely leadership on the stars.

Mpitsang replaces Linda Zondi as S.A. selection chief

VICTOR Mpitsang, the former South Africa medium pacer, has been appointed CSA's convenor of selectors, replacing Linda Zondi. He will start work on a full-time basis on November 2. Mpitsang's first assignment is likely to be to select a men's white-ball squad to play England. The series will start on November 27*, and will be the first international cricket in South Africa since March. He will also be responsible for choosing a new men's Test captain, after Faf du Plessis stepped down in January. At that time, Zondi was in the post as an independent selector, working alongside director of cricket Graeme Smith, head coach Mark Boucher and limited-overs captain Quinton de Kock. South Africa have not had a full selection panel since the 2019 World Cup. Instead, they have since sought to restructure the committee into a single office, with the convener responsible for selection of the men's, women's and Under-19 national sides, and for working with the high-performance structures. The position was advertised last year and interviews were held in September, with candidates including Lions selector Patrick Moroney and former national selector Hussein Manack. Zondi was not among those shortlisted for consideration. Mpitsang, who was the convener of selectors for this year's Under-19 World Cup squad, which placed eighth, was chosen for his knowledge of the system at all levels. Mpitsang, 40, played two ODIs in 1999, and retired from the game in his early 30s after a first-class career spanning 103 matches, in which he picked up 245 wickets at an average of 29.80. He also played 100 List A games and 23 T20s, in which he picked up 88 and 15 wickets respectively. Since hanging up his boots, he was worked as a commentator and coach, including as a bowling coach for the South African Under-19 side. "It's an honour to be called up for this role," he said. "For the last eight years since my retirement, I have consciously looked to learn as much as I can about this game and I have put in many hours gaining that knowledge and experience.

I'm really looking forward to this next chapter and all that it brings. The Proteas teams are a vital part of the cricket eco-system and there are areas that need our immediate attention, which I'm itching to get started on." Mptisang's appointment completed the full staff complement that will work under Smith and the raft of changes at CSA since December last year. Boucher was ap- Victor Mpitsang said he was 'itching to get started' pointment in December, with in his new job. (Photo Enoch Nkwe, Charl LanCricket South Africa) geveldt and Justin Ontong as his support staff, Hilton Moreeng was reappointed as national women's coach in July, and in September, Neil McKenzie was put in charge of all batting structures, Malibongwe Maketa given the reins at the national academy, and Shukri Conrad named Under-19 coach. At the administrative level, CSA are still without a permanent CEO, almost 11 months after Thabang Moroe was suspended. He has since been fired and the organisation has a second acting CEO at the helm. They also do not have an elected board president, after Chris Nenzani resigned in August and the September 5 AGM was postponed. And they remain at loggerheads with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), who have demanded that the board and executive step down while an investigation is held into CSA's affairs. CSA have six days to respond to convince South Africa's sports minister Nathi Mthethwa, who last week made public his intention to intervene in the organisation following their refusal to comply with SASCOC.(ESPN Cricinfo)

Semi-Professional Tournament a priority on BCB 2021 calendar THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will be sticking with plans to host their first ever Semi-Professional tournament in 2021, after COVID-19 ruined most of their plans for this year. Earlier this year the BCB unveiled plans to host the historic semi-professional cricket competition. Sadly, the BCB was forced to temporary shelve the plans due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The BCB 2020 cricket season was suspended in early March and is likely restart until the second quarter of 2021. BCB president The board has Hilbert Foster used the last eight months to put into place several plans with the objective of hitting the ground running whenever the Government gives the greenlight for sports to restart. The BCB has been involved in a Covid-19 response effort, county wide coaching programme, securing sponsorships, assisting clubs and youth players with cricket gears, equipment along with hosting several meetings with Government Officials. BCB President Hilbert Foster is heading a special committee to make sure that the proposed semi-professional tournament is successful. The tournament for the first season would be played on a knockout basis with twelve teams. The teams selected are Combined Upper Corentyne, Port Mourant, RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Albion, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, Police, Blairmont, West Berbice, East Bank Berbice and Berbice River. It would be the first time that East Bank Berbice and Berbice River would be playing in a BCB first division tournament. Foster disclosed that each player and team official would receive a financial stipend per match with the amount rising for every match in the tournament. A combined prize package of $1M is been proposed with the winner taking home $500,000.00. The grounds to be used are Albion, No# 69 Vikings, Rose Hall Canje and Port Mourant while two matches would be played at one venue for a day. The organisers are expected to cover the cost of cricket balls, transportation, meals, umpiring, scoring while the finals is expected to be broadcasted live via Facebook and radio. Foster disclosed that clubs if they so desire can have one non- Berbician player. One of the highlight of the tournament would be a Say No/ Say Yes campaign by the twelve teams. The main objectives would be to get youths to Say No to Drugs and Yes to Education. The BCB president expressed confidence that all of the plans would fall into place. Foster and his executives have already met with incoming Honorary Patron Vickram Bharrat, who committed himself to making the tournament a success. Meetings with potential sponsors would start shortly and Foster disclosed that several major companies have already indicated great interest. Funds raised from the hosting of the tournament would be used to expand the county coaching programme, assist weaker first division clubs, players and also to host the regular cricket tournaments at the junior, female and senior levels.

Jason Holder claimed 3-33 in his first game this season (Photo: IPL)

Pandey, Holder star to hand Sunrisers Hyderbad key win

UBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – West Indies Test captain Jason Holder made an instant impact in his first game of the Indian Premier League season, snatching three wickets to help fire Sunrisers Hyderabad to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Jofra Archer’s Rajasthan Royals here Thursday. A late call-up almost a month ago following an season-ending injury to Australian Mitchell Marsh, the topranked Test all-rounder grabbed three for 33 from his four overs and effected a run out to help restrict Royals to an inadequate 154 for six off their 20 overs. In reply, Manish Pandey struck a Man-of-the-Match unbeaten 83 and Vijay Shankar, 52 not out, to steer Sunrisers to only their fourth win of the season with 11 balls to spare. Speedster Archer, who bowled superbly to finish with two

for 21 off his four overs, removed both openers cheaply to reduce Sunrisers to 16 for two in the third over but Pandey and Shankar put on 140 in an unbroken third wicket stand to deny Royals. Sunrisers are fifth on eight points while Royals are also on eight points but one from bottom of the eight-team league on an inferior net run rate. Sent in at the Dubai International Stadium, Royals got 36 from Sanju Samson and 30 from Englishman Ben Stokes, the pair adding 56 for the second wicket after Holder had run out Robin Uthappa for 19 off his own bowling attempting to steal a sharp single. Seamer Holder eventually removed Samson in the 12th over, bowled by a slow off-cutter and without a run added in the next over, Stokes perished inside-edging leg-spinner Rashid Khan on to his stumps.

Man-of-the Match Manish Pandey hit an unbeaten 83

Holder then engineered a slide, accounting for Australian star Steve Smith (19) and Riyan Parag (20) off successive deliveries at the start of the 19th over as Royals lost five wickets for 49 runs. Archer, the Barbados-born England star, provided a flourish at the end, lashing a four and a six in the final over to finish on a seven-ball unbeaten 16. In reply, Archer removed Australian David Warner for four, caught at slip off the fourth ball of the innings before returning in the next over to claim England teammate Jonny Bairstow for 10, bowled by one that seamed back. However, Pandey launched a stunning counter-attack lashing four fours and eight sixes off 47 balls while Shankar supported in a 51-ball knock that included six fours, to put Sunrisers back on track.

Pompey to serve on World Olympians Association as Executive Committee Member By Rawle Toney

Guyana ‘s four- time Olympian Aliann Pompey

GUYANA's Aliann Pompey was yesterday, named on the World Olympians Association and will serve as the Executive Committee Member, representing female athletes in the Americas. Pompey, a four-time Olympian (London 2012, Beijing 2008, Athens 2004, Sydney 2000), was voted ahead of Freida Nicholls of Barbados at the World Olympians Association General Assembly, which was done virtually. The aim of the 2020 World Olympians Association General Assembly was to provide a platform for

members to share knowledge and highlight the benefits of the World Olympians Association strengthened role as an institution, while ensuring National Olympic Associations are equipped with the information and tools needed to operate and work to their full capacity in their own countries. The Assembly also heard about the development of a new strategic plan that will map out World Olympians Association's priorities for the next four years. "I'm just really grateful for the support I've received, especially from the other Member countries that voted for this position

in the elections and I look forward to working with each of them; making sure the continued progress and success of the Americas is noted internationally," Pompey told Chronicle Sport in an invited comment. The St John's University Coach said she's happy to be the representative for female athletes in the Americas on the prestigious association, adding that during her tenure, she will "make ensure the voice of the Americas is heard and counted at the World Olympians Association decision table and that means maintaining regular conversations with region-

al stakeholders as well as understanding their unique needs and vision." According to Pompey, will also "continue the work of fostering unity within the region, using all available resources and connections to achieve the goals on our regional wish-list and making sure our Olympians are routinely aware of opportunities available to them." Pompey, who also serves as the president of the Pan Am Sports Athletes Commission, received the support of the Guyana Olympic Association. President of the GOA, See page 24

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friday, oCTOBER 23, 2020