Issuu

THURSDAY 11th November, 2021

No. 106542

Opposition, GECOM invited for consultation on proposed amendments to electoral laws

Major developments not for capital city alone SEE PAGE

-authorities urge, as sod turned for multimillion-dollar Hyatt Hotel at Providence

SEE PAGE

Essequibo teen credits sacrifice of single-parent mom for success at CSEC SEE PAGE

Over 700 more small businesses to Quick action by get grants next year

From L-R: Principal of SIR Investments Guyana Inc., Imtiaz Ahamad; Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Kwame McCoy, and a co-investor turn the sod for the new hotel at Providence (Adrian Narine Photo)

firefighters saves four-storey building from destruction

SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Quick action by firefighters saves four-storey building from destruction --owner says damaged upper flat is a ‘fixable problem,’ tenants count losses

FACED with a complex s i t u a t i o n , f i re f i g h t e r s were forced to act swiftly and cunningly to save a four-storey building at Lot 248 Duncan Street from being completely ravaged by a fire, which started in the upper flat of the structure. Although the upper flat of the building, which is owned by Forbes Garraway, was destroyed by the fire of unknown origin, Divisional Officer in Charge of Operations, Andrew Holder, said he was pleased with the work of his team, as they were able to contain the blaze and restrict the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. Using a hydraulic ladder, the fire service was able to contain the blaze within a few hours, and restrict the spread of the fire. “The fire department arrived at this address within four minutes. When we got here, the top floor was well alight, and our initial response was to contain the blaze, but we had some major difficulties accessing water with prolonged efforts to access unlimited or open

Thick smoke can be seen emanating from the top flat of the four-storey Duncan Street building (Elvin Croker photo) sources of water. from a canal but within they were not working. was happening, I immedi“ T h e c l o s e s t w a t e r minutes that was exhaust“Fire hydrants were ately called for our specialsource to here is way on ed,” Holder told reporters non-functional. The Fire ised vehicle, which is the Laluni Street, which is a at the scene, on Wednesday. Service currently is in the hydraulic platform with the considerable distance from He related that although mode of inspecting and long ladder, and that is what here. We tried to get water there were fire hydrants, operationalising hydrants saved the day,” Holder said. throughout the city, but toGarraway related that day the fire hydrants failed he was pleased with the us,” Holder lamented. firefighting efforts of the The situation was even fire service, but he, howevmore challenging because er, had concerns that some of how the building was of the firefighters were not situated. Being a high-rise properly equipped with the building in a residential necessary protective gears. area, the structure created This aside, he said that some complications for 12 persons have been ocfirefighters who were trying cupying the building, which to access the section where also houses the popular the fire was raging. Forbes Vulcanising Shop. Holder said the way the While the ground floor building was constructed is housed the “tyre shop,” a cause for concern to the the other sections of the fire service. building were utilised as “Our initial access to the apartment complexes. fire was gained by climbing Although no one was nearby roofs. It was when I injured as a result of the got on the scene and got a fire, several Venezuelan Owner of the building, Forbes Garraway proper appreciation of what nationals, who occupied the (Elvin Croker photo)

upper flat of the building, lost much of their belongings. As the owner of the complex, Garraway said he could not estimate his losses, but he related that the building is insured, and given that only the top flat was destroyed, he is optimistic about repairing the damaged area and restoring his building. “This is a fixable problem, it’s not a major problem for me. This problem is going to be fixed and I will pick it up and move on from here,” Garraway related. Occupants of the apartment which was below the section of the building that was destroyed, 22-year-old Alexander Nievezz and 37-year-old Marvelis Diazez, both said that they were not able to save anything immediately. But they were hopeful that they could still recover some amount of their things when allowed to go back into the building. T h e e ff e c t s o f t h e fire, though not physical, stretched beyond the occupants of the building, as 52-year-old Maureen Khan, who lives next door, was fearful that her house would be destroyed. “I was so scared. All I was doing was praying for God to take control of this fire. The fire truck tried to out the fire but the fire keep coming and coming again. So I was just praying and trusting God that my house and the house around would be protected,” Khan related. Her prays were answered and outside of her house being soaked during efforts to extinguish the blaze, no damages were sustained.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Major developments not for capital city alone -authorities urge, as sod turned for multimillion-dollar Hyatt Hotel at Providence

WITH Guyana slated for massive growth and development as a result of its burgeoning oil and gas sector and other productive sectors, local authorities have urged existing and potential stakeholders to look at investment opportunities outside of Georgetown, so as to ensure that advancement is widespread. This was advice of Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who both spoke at a ceremonial sod-turning exercise for a US$32.2 million Hyatt Place Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara, on Wednesday. The spanking new 125room four-star Hyatt Place Georgetown Hotel, being developed along Red Road, Providence, just between Qualfon Guyana and Texila American University, is expected to add to the transformation of the East Bank of Demerara corridor. “The fact that we have encouraged and facilitated the construction of major internationally branded hotels here outside of Georgetown is no accident. It is a natural and logical outcome of the philosophy of our government that economic development and growth must be inclusive and equitable,” Walrond said. She added: “Major developments are not for the capital city alone. We wish to see major developments in every region of the country and within

these regions development must be widespread and across the board.” Walrond reminded that the Hyatt Place Hotel joins the US$20 million Marriott-branded hotel being constructed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA); that was another project being developed outside of Central Georgetown. Additionally, the project also supplements the US$15 million Aiden Hotel, under the Best Western Hotel & Resorts network, being erected at Robb and Oronoque streets, Georgetown, for which the sod was turned in July, 2021. Dr. Singh said that the locality surrounding the site for the construction of the Hyattbranded hotel was once sugarcane fields, and it was a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government which opened vast new areas of land to facilitate development. He reminded that the now thriving Eccles Housing area, and Eccles Industrial Site were once non-existent; and this was also the case with the Providence locality, and Diamond area, which now house thousands of residents, and services. “We are now on the homestretch, approaching the tape, approaching the culmination of what has been a long journey born out of tremendous vision for the future,” Dr. Singh said, while speaking of the strategic location of the Hyatt Place Hotel. He highlighted that the hotel was a “stone’s throw”

away from established housing schemes; the Texila America University, an international university; Qualfon Guyana, a business process outsourcing establishment; the Massy Stores; the Amazonia Mall and Guyana’s National Stadium, among other developments. ABUNDANCE OF ACTIVITIES “We are literally a few minutes’ drive from major shore base development, and hundreds of millions of dollars in investments to supply services to the sector,” Dr. Singh said, referring to recent major developments which have flocked the East Bank Demerara corridor. The hotel development is being pursued by SIR Investments Guyana Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Investments Limited, a company registered in 1976 in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Hyatt Place Georgetown is its first investment outside of Trinidad and Tobago. Situated on three acres of land, the hotel is poised to feature standard amenities such as different guest room options that are friendly to persons with disabilities; guest laundry and room services; meeting rooms, a restaurant, bar and social lounge, as well as a fitness centre and pool. Construction of the facility is expected to commence shortly, as the franchise agreement has been executed, a project manager, architectural and other services contracted, and financial arrangements approved,

The three acres of land at Red Road, Providence, just between Qualfon Guyana and Texila American University, where the hotel is to be constructed (Adrian Narine photo) Imtiaz Ahamad, one of the proprietors, disclosed. The project has a 36-month timeline and is expected to be completed in 2024. During construction, some 300 Guyanese from the surrounding communities of the project site will be employed, and some 70 to 80 are expected to be employed upon completion of the facility. “You can remember I said this today [Wednesday]; without a doubt, there will be oppor-

tunities for local partnerships, partnerships which will result in huge dividends for the country and the people of Guyana,” Ahamad said. He added: “The construction of the Hyatt Place Hotel shows our confidence in the economy, the tourism sector and of course business in Guyana. We are so pleased to participate in further growth and development in this country; we look forward to a long and fruitful

relationship.” Also present at the engagement were Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Information, Kwame McCoy; Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop and Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud.

Essequibo teen credits sacrifice of single-parent mom for success at CSEC -longs for scholarship to pursue engineering studies

A composite photo of Yogendra Rampersaud and his mother, Purnima Ragunauth

DESPITE many challenges, including his single mother’s struggle to pay for private lessons, Anna Regina Secondary School student, Yogendra Rampersaud, was able to obtain 13 Grade Ones and 3 Grade Twos at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Rampersaud said that he could not have done it without the sacrifices of his single mother, Purnima Raghunauth, and the moral support from his maternal grandparents, Jasmin and Chintaman Raghunauth. The proud teen said that his mother was his biggest motivation in the lead-up to the examinations and he knew that he had to perform well.

“I admired the support given by my mother, especially to stay up late at nights and to ensure that I got the money to attend extra lessons; single handedly she did it,” Rampersaud said. The Science student said that his mother guided him especially during the pandemic when he was forced to stay home. He said that she ensured that he attended private lessons and she found the money to pay for the classes. “As a student, I strongly believe that education is the most powerful weapon to break the pot of poverty and, as such, I ensured that I remained determined especially during the pandemic. I paid keen attention and showed maximum interest in the teachings and learning

process,” he said. Some of the challenges Rampersaud faced included access to reliable internet for research and the lack of finances to purchase reading materials. He said that despite the challenges he faced, he had to remain focused and find a balance in his life. His mother, he said, is a seamstress and she plied her trade to provide for him. Rampersaud told this publication that his father left the family when he was two years old and ever since his mother took on the role of both father and mother for him and his older brother. Rampersaud said that he prayed regularly and ensured that he attended the temple. He strongly believes that spirituality is equally impor-

tant as academic work. He, therefore, advises youths to make time to visit their places of worship and to find a balance between spirituality and academics. Rampersaud is aspiring to become an engineer. He is hoping that he can secure a scholarship that will help him further his studies at a reputable university. Meanwhile, his mother Purnima Raghunauth, said that she is proud of her son’s achievement. She told this publication that she ensured that she supported her two sons after their father left her. She expressed gratitude to relatives for the support they have given, which has allowed both of her children to successfully complete their secondary education.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

U.S. and China unveil deal to ramp up co-operation on climate change “Together we set out our support for a successful COP26, including certain elements which will promote ambition,” Kerry told a news conference. “Every step matters right now, and we have a long journey ahead of us.” Speaking through an interpreter, Xie told reporters that the deal would see China strengthening its emissions-cutting targets and develop a national plan on methane. He also said both

A swan floats as the early morning sun shines on the River Clyde and the venue for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, November 10, 2021 (REUTERS/ Dylan Martinez) (Reuters) - The United States and China, the world’s two largest emitters of carbon dioxide, unveiled a deal to ramp up co-operation tackling climate change, including by reducing methane emissions, protecting forests and phasing out coal.

The framework agreement was announced by U.S. climate envoy, John Kerry, and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, at the U.N. climate conference in Scotland, and was billed by both as a way to tip the summit toward success.

countries wanted to do more to stop deforestation. “Both sides will work jointly and with other parties to ensure a successful COP26 and to facilitate an outcome that is both ambitious and balanced,” Xie said. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement between China and the United States. “Tackling the climate crisis requires international collaboration and solidarity, and

this is an important step in the right direction,” Guterres posted on Twitter. Britain has organised the COP 26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, which aims to secure net zero carbon emissions pledges and keep the Paris Agreement target of a 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature rise within reach to curb the impact of global warming. Chinese President Xi Jinping is not attending the United Nations meeting in

person. Instead, last week he delivered a written statement to the opening session of the summit, when leaders usually give speeches. In it, he offered no additional pledges, while urging countries to keep their promises and “strengthen mutual trust and co-operation”. Xi pledged, at the U.N. General Assembly in September, that China would achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

UK PM Johnson: World leaders must go further to limit warming climate

(Reuters) - British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, urged world leaders to go further in their climate pledges at the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow, saying that the goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celcius remained alive. “We’re now finding things are tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible,” Johnson told reporters. “It doesn’t mean that we can’t keep 1.5 alive. I think with sufficient energy and commitment, and with leaders from around the world now ringing up their negotiators and asking them to move in the ways that they know they can move, and should move, I still think we can achieve it.”

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a news conference during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, November 10, 2021 (REUTERS/Phil Noble)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

AG asks court to throw out ‘dead’ PSC case -says end of commission’s life nullifies proceedings

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C By Clestine Juan GIVEN that the life of the Police Service Commission (PSC) ended on August 8, the case it has before the court cannot be allowed to continue, as any judgement rendered would be void, AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has argued. Nandlall was, at the time, making oral submissions during a virtual hearing of his application to strike out the challenge which was filed by the commission . High Court Judge Gino Persaud, who is hearing Nandlall’s matter, said that his judgement will be delivered before the end of the year. During the hearing, Nandlall urged the court to discontinue the substantive matter which is also being heard by Justice Persaud. He argued that this step should be taken as the PSC is not properly constituted since its life came to an end on August 8. “It is our submission that, as a result of that fact, these proceedings cannot be

proceeded with by this honorable court,” he said. It was explained to the court that the PSC is a body constituted in a manner prescribed by the Constitution of Guyana, and its functions are subjected to constitutional provisions. The Attorney-General went on to explain that according to Article 226 of the Constitution, the decisions of the PSC are made by way of votes and that the commission can only act if there is a “quorum.” “The commission can only act if it has a quorum. Despite vacancies, decisions may be made but provided that there is a quorum… Inferentially, if the commission is not constituted, it cannot have a quorum in law, and therefore it cannot act,” Nandlall submitted. According to the Attorney-General, when legal proceedings are launched, it cannot continue on “autopilot.” He explained that legal

proceedings, however, must be “continued as a result of the presence of the parties who have a capacity in law to continue those proceedings... That submission is two-fold: one, it affects the validity of the proceedings themselves, and secondly, it affects the capacity of the lawyers to continue appearing in the proceedings.” He further explained that at the time his application was filed, the commission was already “dead and non-existent in law.” As a result of the aforementioned, Nandlall said it would have affected the capacity of the PSC’s lawyers, Selwyn Pieters and Dexter Smartt, who could not have been authorised to appear since their [the lawyers] contracts came to an end upon the expiration of the life of the commission. “When the life of the commission expired, it has the same effect to when a party who is before the court in the form of a human being dies. The proceedings in such an instance is not defeated but it is abated and unless someone is substituted, the proceedings become defective,” he added. The Attorney-General listed a plethora of legal precedents and authorities to explain that this was decided by Guyana’s Full Court in 1956 in the case, Spence verses Hoppie in the British Law Report. LEGAL DEFECTS As it relates to the “dead” PSC, Nandlall explained that because the commission is a “constitutional creature” the court would not be able to appoint a substitute in its place. According to him, the PSC is “uniquely and pe-

culiarly constituted in a particular way and by a particular legal process, that is, by a process that involves the executive and the parliament -- the two other arms of government-and the judiciary has no part to play in the constitution of the Commission.” “ That fundamental principle would prohibit this court from doing what this court may have had the power to do were the parties ordinary regular citizens. That is to entertain an application from either party to substitute as we all know can be done but here the body, that is the applicant, is one that is a constitutional creature that has its own peculiar rules and laws that governs its composition and functioning…” he added. The AG went on to explain that the case laws dictate that should proceedings continue with legal defects, the judgement that comes after is void. “ The other limb of our Turn to page 9

Attorney-at-law Dexter Smartt

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Joining hands

THE newly-accredited Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan has called on all Guyanese to join hands in advancing Guyana’s development, especially at this exciting period in our country’s history. This call was made during the presentation of her Letter of Credence to His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Ambassador Guo Haiyan is the first female envoy to represent the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Guyana, and it is also her first working experience in Latin America and the Caribbean. As pointed out by Ambassador Guo Haiyan, Guyana is an import-

ant country in the region, with a diversified culture, beautiful environment, and huge development opportunities. This is especially so with rapid developments in the oil-andgas sector. The country is now experiencing robust growth, one of the highest in the world, thanks to the impact of oil on the local economy. The ambassador also made reference to the fact that the Guyana Government has piloted the people of the nation to respond to several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the recent flood situation, and the boosting of economic recovery. Guyana, she said, has also been actively participating

in regional and international affairs, and is playing an increasingly important role in upholding multilateralism and promoting equal and friendly international relations. These are indeed refreshing and reassuring sentiments expressed by the envoy, who, even though fresh to the region and the country, is sufficiently knowledgeable of the significant strides the country has been making to enhance the quality of life of the Guyanese people. This is Guyana’s finest era, she said, quoting President Ali, under whose administration she said she is “lucky to be witnessing Guyana’s national transformation”.

Guyana and China have a long history of friendship, and both countries have lots in common, in terms of history and culture. Guyana is home to a significant number of people of Chinese origin, who are today making a substantial contribution to the country’s development. The Chinese have graduated from the days of ‘bottom house’ Chinese cook-shops, and are now playing a key, if not dominant, role in some aspects of the country’s economic life, particularly in areas of trade, commerce, construction, and the services industry. At the diplomatic and bilateral levels, relations between the two countries

are founded on the basis of the ‘One China Policy’, which was reaffirmed by the PPP/C administration. In fact, in 1971, Guyana voted in favour of Resolution No. 2758 in the United Nations, which contributed to the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations. Only recently, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Chinese President Xi Jinping talked on the phone, during which conversation, consensus was reached on a new blueprint for the development of Guyana-China relations. Both countries will next year celebrate 50 years of relations at the diplomatic level. China is a friend of

the Guyanese people, and has, over the decades, provided significant assistance to Guyana in several areas, including training, capacity-building, infrastructural development, and technical assistance. Founded in 1949, China, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, has been transformed into a world power today, even though it still considers itself as being part of the developing world. Its meteoric rise as an economic powerhouse came about largely from sustained high growth rates over the past decades; something which Guyana is now in the process of experiencing.

Glenn Lall’s claims on Amaila Falls Project defy logic and commonsense

Dear Editor, ON his recent radio programme, Mr. Glenn Lall, in his usual ill-informed style, described the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project as a Ponzi Scheme. During the programme, Mr. Lall embellished his story with several inaccurate statements regarding cost of electricity in other Caribbean countries and the proposed construction cost of the project by the successful bidder. Editor, it is important to set the record straight, not necessarily for [the] . benefit of the average Guyanese, but Mr. Lall, who is either not acquainted with facts or totally in the dark with respect to this project. Firstly, the successful company was not hand-

picked because it was previously involved in the project, as claimed by Mr. Lall. The fact is the company was selected because it submitted the lowest cost per KWh project in an open and competitive process where any company from any part of the world was allowed to participate. Even Mr. Lall and his associates could have participated in the process, which, according to him, will generate extraordinary returns to the successful bidder. Why Mr. Lall refused to participate in the process or encourage others to take advantage of the opportunity to earn super profits is as mysterious as his proclivity for telling lies. Secondly, contrary to the claim by Mr. Lall that the bidder proposed to

construct the project for US$300 million, the costs submitted by the bidder were US$706.03 million and US$682.6 million under the Design-Build-Operate and Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) financing models, respectively. A simple search on the NPTAB website would have helped Mr. Lall to get the correct information. However, it was clear from his programme that he is not interested in facts but in perpetuating his fallacies. Thirdly, the information regarding the cost per KWh for Trinidad and Suriname is equally baseless. According to Mr. Lall, the cost per kWh of electricity in Trinidad and Suriname are US$0.04 and US$0.02 respectively. However, a more credible report published by

the US Department of Energy-on-Energy Transition Initiative (2020) shows that: Average rates for commercial and industrial in Suriname is US$0.07 KWh and average rates for commercial and industrial in Trinidad & Tobago are US$0.08 kWh and US$0.03 per kWh. Hence, the US$0.07 for Guyana in the Amaila Falls project’s current arrangement is in line with Suriname and lower than Trinidad & Tobago, which heavily subsidises electricity. If the subsidy was discounted, the cost of electricity in Suriname and Trinidad would be much higher than the rates reported in the US Department of Energy-on-Energy Transition Initiative (2020). According to J.A. Colo-

mina of the IDB, the cost of electricity in Suriname was about 13 cents per KWh in 2019 which is almost double the cost per KWh as offered successful bidder. Equally important is the fact that the cost proposed by the successful bidder is significantly below the average price per KWh over the last 10 years, which approximated [to] US$0.12 and the current cost of US$0.16.

It is sad, Mr. Editor, that instead of embracing this critical project, Mr. Lall continues to spread misinformation about it. Fortunately, the Guyanese people are much more intelligent than Mr. Lall believes. For this reason, the majority who voted at the last election returned PPP/C to office because

they understood the benefits and importance of the hydro project that the party, in its manifesto, promised. No amount of misinformation can change this fact. I would like to encourage Mr. Lall should join the majority of Guyanese and come out of the dark. In his ‘An Essay on Criticism’ done in 1709, Alexander Pope said “A little learning is a dangerous thing”. Mr. Glen Lall, in his “Glen Lall Show” of 8th November 2021, displays a profound deficit of learning and understanding of the energy system, project finance and commonsense principles of economic development. Yours sincerely, J.C. Bhagwandin

COP26: Urgent action needed to make agriculture greener, more resilient

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

ELIMINATING world hunger by the end of the decade requires urgent action and innovative solutions to the way food is produced, distributed and consumed, QU Dongyu, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), said in a message to the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP26). The number of undernourished people rose to 811 million last year, and the climate crisis is just another major driver of malnutrition and poverty, along with conflict and other humanitarian emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has extended the list, pushing the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals further away. “If we want to meet our global commitments to end world hunger by 2030, we need to accelerate the transformation to greener, more inclusive, resilient, efficient and sustainable agri-food systems,” Qu Dongyu said in a video message to participants in Glasgow. Agri-food systems -the systems by which food, feed and fibre are grown, produced and distributed – are responsible for about a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. But they are also extremely vulnerable

Researchers monitoring crop varieties (FAO photo) to climate change, particularly in countries where food security is already low. The degradation of ecosystem and the loss of biodiversity are also increasing at an alarming rate, providing additional threats to agri-food systems and the people depending on them. That is why “we need innovation and technology

to help us produce more with less,” Qu Dongyu said in a keynote address to the 12th Sustainable Innovation Forum, a side event at COP26 whose participants included business leaders, experts, and representatives of at-risk countries, such as the Small Island Developing States. FAO’s Director-General said the forum had highlighted the vast, “untapped

potential for technological innovation and digitalisation” that can help us build green and climate-resilient agri-food systems. “We need innovations that span across agri-food systems, from food production to consumption and waste management, as well as policy and financing,” Qu Dongyu said. As a knowledge-based institution, FAO is already

Corentyne farmers welcome agriculture access road

Dear Editor, I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, MP, and his ministry for ensuring that farmers on the Corentyne are being given a brand new access dam in the Number 52 Village area so that they can traverse in a more timely and safe manner. Over the years, that dam was in a very deplorable state, especially when

the rains were upon us and farmers had to struggle to get to their fields and back. Farmers used to have a very hard time taking their paddies, workmen and machinery to the backlands because of the condition of the Number 52 dam. I have visited that one-mile stretch of dam that is under construction and is very pleased with the work being done by Associated Construction

Services. I must also commend Mr. Peter Lewis for ensuring that the road is done to specifications and standard. When that one-mile stretch of dam is completed, it will be fully associated and farmers are going to have better access to their farms and therefore it will become easier for them to traverse with their produce, workers, machinery, etc. I would once again like to thank the minister

for ensuring that access to farmlands in Region Six is being made easy by providing such dams to farmers and I am sure all the farmers using the dam will be very happy and welcome that new dam. Thanks to the PPP government for caring for our farmers. Yours truly, Indira Ibrahim-Jaffarally

leading a number of projects and initiatives in the area of technology and digital innovation. These include the use of drones, satellite imaging, remote sensors and mobile applications to help smallholder farmers improve productivity and access to markets; the Green Cities Initiative, which aims to improve the livelihoods and well-being of urban populations; the 1000 Digital Villages Initiative, which boosts farmers’ use of digital technologies; Earth Map, a real-time big data tool developed in collaboration with Google (Hand in Hand initiative); and an International Platform for Digital Food and Agriculture to harness digital tools The Director-General

also addressed Green and Climate Resilient Agriculture - Supporting action at global level and on the ground, a COP26 high level event that also featured keynote speeches from John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and Xie Zhenhua, China Special Envoy for Climate Change. Qu Dongyu emphasised the role of leveraging finance, noting FAO’s close relationship with the Global Environment Facility, the Green Climate Fund, and other key international financial institutions and partners. Over the last 15 years, FAO and the GEF helped more than 130 countries access $1.2 billion to tackle agri-food systems and environmental challenges. Improving the resilience of agri-food systems while reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires combining supply-side actions such as efficient production, transport, and processing with demand-side interventions such as modification of food choices, elimination of deforestation and reduction of food loss and waste. Innovative practices such as climate-smart agriculture, biotechnology, sustainable forestry, fisheries and soil management, and disaster risk management are part of the solutions. “ We c a n h e l p l a y the groundwork,” Qu Dongyu said. “Let us work together for the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Amendments seek to remedy deficiencies in elections laws -Attorney-General

By Richard Bhainie THE draft proposed amendments of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), one of the pieces of legislation which governs elections in Guyana, seeks to remedy the deficiencies of the present law, and to strengthen and make more transparent the country’s electoral machinery. This was highlighted by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., while appearing on a National Communication Network (NCN) television programme on

Tuesday evening. The RoPA is an Act to make provision for the election of members of the National Assembly under a system of Proportional Representation and for purposes connected therewith. The draft proposed amendments of the Act are currently out for consultation, before being presented to the National Assembly for debate. These draft proposed amendments are in keeping with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) commitment to electoral reform against the backdrop of the five-month-long shenanigans

which followed the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and saw a number of allegations of electoral fraud. “What we witnessed there was Guyana’s electoral foundation, Guyana’s electoral edifice, Guyana’s electoral machinery – as ensconced and entrenched in the various statutory provisions and the Constitution, but in the main in the RoPA and the National Registration Act – being shaken, being attacked, to it’s very core,” Nandlall said. He reminded that where gaps existed within the legal framework governing the electoral process and especially where there was

discretion and latitude to interpret such legislation, the law was exploited during that five-month period, through a series of court action. “Whatever weaknesses were in the law, they were exploited to their hilt. Wherever there was discretion, it was abused. Wherever there was latitude, interpretative latitude, it was vulgarised. Wherever there was an opportunity to bend the law to the repulsive end, it was exploited,” he said The amendments of the Act, just one of the several pieces of legislation slated for amendment, are intended to address some of those exploitations, absurdities and vulgarities, which were revealed during the five-month period, the Attorney-General highlighted. “We are duty-bound to ensure that whatever weaknesses we can identify, and whatever weaknesses we saw being exploited during that period, to take the necessary steps to rectify and remedy those deficiencies, and these amendments are largely designed to achieve that purpose,” Nandlall said. While briefly touching on some of the main proposed amendments, Nandlall said they are all intended to strengthen the democratic process, make the process more transparent and to make the electoral machinery accountable. One of the most pertinent issues which arose following polling day on March 2, 2020 was the tabulation of results which saw a number of irregularities, particularly with District Four, especially the tabulation of the results being stopped due to disagreements on how they ought to be tabulated and the unavailability of staff. SUBDIVIDING “District number Four is a special district in the electoral equation of our country. It is the most populated. It always has the greatest number of controversy so what we are proposing in these amendments, we are subdividing it,” Nandlall said. The four proposed subdistricts are East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara, North Georgetown and South Georgetown, with each district to have its own staff, infrastructure, regulations and systems and procedures to operate as an electoral

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. district by itself. polling stations within an The amendments also electoral division, nor how seek to clarify how the tabu- many people are to be listed lation is to be done, who to vote at a particular polling are to be present during that station. process, what role they must “Those issues have been play and when the tabulation clarified. We know what are process must begin. the criteria that will be used Further, the amendments to establish a polling station make explicit that the State- within a division, what facments of Poll (SoPs) must be tors you must take into acused for the tabulation of the count – you have to look at elections results, and as made the number of voters likely available, those SoPs will be to vote there and we have a posted on the Guyana Elec- number that we stipulated,” tions Commission (GECOM) Nandlall said. website. The SoPs must also The drafters of the be returned to the Chief Elec- amendments have also taken tions Officer and the Chair- into consideration that the man of the Commission. environment of some comNO MORE munities may deter persons “The era of the spread- from other communities sheet and the bedsheet has to want to vote there, and come to an end,” Nandlall recommended persons vote said, referencing the utilisa- within their own village, tion of a spreadsheet with which will also minimise numbers which did not corre- controversy. spond with those on the copThe Attorney-General ies of SoPs of observers and emphasised that great care agents of political parties, to and circumspection were tabulate the elections results employed when drafting at the office of the Returning the proposed amendments Officer for Region Four. to ensure that the amended “One hundred years ago sections are not intended or when the law was drafted, designed to give any political we did not have Internet party an electoral advantage, so nailing that statement of but only to make the elecpoll on a conspicuous part toral machinery stronger. of the building that was used “The purpose of this is as a polling station was the to strengthen the machinpublication of that result,” ery to make our democratic Nandlall said. process more durable, make “All we are doing now our democratic machinery is to get that done but using more impenetrable, to make the technology advances and it modern, to make it responapparatus that are available, sive and responsible, to make so no one can say we are officers who are employed in introducing any new element the process accountable, to into it, the idea behind the make their actions transparlaw was to make the results ent,” Nandlall said. public as quickly as possiHe reminded that the ble,” he added. process of strengthening The amendments also the electoral machinery is a address the issues of polling national one and urged civil stations, whereby usually the society and citizens at large CEO determined where poll- to get copies of the draft ing stations are to be located, amendments to peruse and with no clear criteria to guide offer criticism and advice to the exercise of discretion further bridge existing gaps in relation to the number of in the electoral process.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Man gets 3 years for chopping neighbour

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Wednesday, sentenced a 31-year-old labourer, to three years in prison after he confessed to chopping his neighbour

with a cutlass. Royen Singh appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and admitted that on October 29, at his Seaforth Street, Georgetown home, he

unlawfully and maliciously inflicted bodily harm on Chris Balkarran. According to the case facts, both men are known to each other since they are neighbours and

reside in the same yard. It is alleged that, on the date in question, Singh and the victim had a misunderstanding. Singh armed himself with a cutlass and chopped Balkar-

ran about his hands. Balkarran was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and later sent away. Singh was later arrested, and, under caution, admitted to the

crime. The Chief Magistrate, after considering Singh’s plea and the seriousness of the offence, sentenced him to three years in prison.

AG asks court to throw out...

From page 5 argument has to do with the attorney-at-law relationship. A lawyer cannot join a case. It is a client that carries the case forward. The lawyer-client relationship is one of agency. You cannot have an agent if there is no principal. The lawyer is the agent of the client and the client is the principal. There is no principal anymore, ” Nandlall submitted. He further explained that “After the expiry of the commission, ex-commissioner [Clinton] Conway purported to file and swear an affidavit- in-answer to this application. That application is [a] nullity because ex-commissioner Conway has no authority in law.”

“My learned friends [Pieters and Smartt] who are appearing here today has no one to instruct them to even speak in this case….Their client is dead,” Nandlall said as he explained that the attorneys, as they continue to appear, are opening themselves up for a loss. “ They are on a frolic of their own in the most classic and purest form of the concept,” he added. NEED FOR FINALITY Meanwhile, in his reply to the AG’s submissions, Smartt said,“ I do admit that the commission expired on the 8th of August… It is our respectful submission to this court that matters to be dealt with are matters that need

finality.” According to Smartt, the PSC case touches on key issues such as the supreme power of the land, and the power of the president. “ It is a matter of public importance and interest,” the attorney said as he explained that the case is a “peculiar proceeding.” After listening to both sides, Justice Persaud reserved his judgement, which he said is expected to be given before the end of the year. In September, Justice Persaud ruled in favour of an interlocutory application filed by Nandlall, and ordered the removal of President Irfaan Ali as a respondent in the substan-

tive case filed by the PSC. The PSC’s application was filed in July, after President Ali, based on advice from Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and in accordance with Article 225 of the Constitution of Guyana, suspended the PSC Chairman and its members, pending the findings of a tribunal that was to be established. The PSC is praying that the court grants a declaration that the purported June 16 suspension of its Chairman, Paul Slowe and commissioners, Michael Somersall, Claire Alexis Jarvis, Vesta Adams, and Conway, from performing the functions of their respective offices in the

Commission, were in violation of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Articles 225(6) and 210(3), and therefore of no force or effect. Additionally, the applicant is seeking a further declaration from the court that the Prime Minister’s recommendations to the President for the removal of the PSC Chairman and its members from their respective offices at the commission were in violation of, and ultra vires, the Constitution and, in particular, Article 225(2), being made on grounds other than inability to discharge the functions of office or misbehaviour. In June, Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George S.C., had struck out the

legal challenge brought by five senior police officers against the PSC over the 2020 year-end police promotions. Following the CJ’s ruling, the Government of Guyana through the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs issued a statement rejecting the PSC’s promotion list as unlawful and illegal. It noted that in the circumstances, the purported list of promotions will be ignored since the PSC was suspended. Finally, on August 8, the life of the five member PSC expired. The commission was sworn in by then President, David Granger, to serve for a period of three years – 2018 to 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Third edition of ‘Who’s Who in Guyana Business’ launched

From left: Executive Chairman of ActionINVEST, Vishnu Doerga; British High Commissioner, Jane Miller; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and Britain’s Deputy Trade Commissioner (HMDTC) for Latin America and the Caribbean, Spencer Mahoney, display copies of the directory (Adrian Narine photo) C O V E R I N G i n f o rmation on 14 sectors and over 70 businesses and organisations in Guyana, the third edition of the ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc.’s “Who’s Who in Guyana Business” directory was launched on Tuesday evening, at the Bel Air residence of British High Commissioner, Jane Miller. The 138-page magazine, which also has a website, is geared at giving Guyanese businesses visibility on the international scene as they seek to partner with international companies for maximum capitalization of Guyana’s fast-growing economy. The publication features many leading business and public sector organisations in Guyana. “The third edition of the Who’s Who continues to place the focus on organisations primed for service to the Guyanese economy. In this edition, we have 25 per cent more companies than the second edition, in a format that our readers have become very familiar with and have grown to trust,” noted Vishnu Doerga, publisher of the magazine and Executive Chairman of ActionINVEST. Noting that the magazine has become a pivotal tool for international businesses to find out about local businesses, Doerga said that the attention the directory has been getting is testament in the over 100,000 site visits that the magazine’s website has garnered

over the past year from an array of countries. “The top 10 visits were coming from Trinidad, US, Suriname, Barbados, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, Guyana, India and Brazil and this is where the highest level of interest is coming from,” Doerga noted. Tuesday’s launch was attended by a number of leading persons connected to Guyana’s business scene as well as Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond. Over the past year, Guyana has become a hotspot for investors from all across the globe given the burgeoning oil and gas industry that has placed Guyana among the fastest growing economies in the world. Doerga thanked the British High Commission, the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) and other supporters that came on board to support the publication and to assist in its distribution. Successive British High Commissioners, have supported the magazine since the inaugural edition was launched in 2018. Delivering remarks at the launch ceremony, High Commissioner Miller described it as “an exciting time to be in Guyana” given the massive opportunities for economic growth and development for businesses, both local and foreign. “I did have a sneak preview of the ‘Who’s Who’ and what an exciting country to be in. It feels like Guyana is open for business, and the UK is really keen to find ways in which we can bring in British businesses here to Guyana to partner and bring our expertise and bring our talents, to really be part of this economic growth story of Guyana,” Miller conveyed. Over the past few d a y s , M i l l e r, a l o n g Britain’s Deputy Trade Commissioner (HMDTC) for Latin Amer-

ica and the Caribbean, Spencer Mahoney, have been conducting a round of bilateral trade talks with the government and businesses, as the UK seeks to create business opportunities here in Guyana. Mahoney was also present at Tuesday’s launch and commended the warm welcome he has been getting as he conducts talks with representatives of the various organisations. “I’m here to learn about your wonderful country, to learn about your business [and] to see if we can get more UK companies to come here to partner with you so that together we can prosper. It has been so wonderful and refreshing hearing of the openness to business and a commitment to helping us partner together,” Spencer noted. Also making remarks was Minister Walrond, who commended the magazine for covering a diverse array of sectors in keeping with the government’s commitment to ensuring that the focus is not solely on the oil and gas sector. She stressed the significance of the magazine in contributing to creating linkages between local and international businesses. “We realise that, at this stage of our development, we require external partners to bring capabilities we are lacking. The importance of Who’s Who cannot be overstated. What this publication does is provide much needed visibility to our local businesses. It gives valuable information to international and even local partners about what is available right here in Guyana today,” she noted. “From that visibility afforded to us by Who’s Who’s successful partnership will emerge and persist into the future, providing that foundation on which our private sector can grow and flourish. Given the chance, our local firms will step up to the plate and be up to the task,” the minister added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

UK stakeholders examine opportunities in natural resources sector

OPPORTUNITIES for investment in Guyana’s natural resources sector were examined by stakeholders from the United Kingdom (UK), who met recently with local authorities at the Ministry of Natural Resources. According to information from the ministry, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and his team held discussions with a high-level team from the UK, which included Her Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner (HMDTC) for Latin America and the Caribbean Department for International Trade (DIT), Spencer Mahoney, and the Caribbean Regional Director (DIT) Laura Ferguson. The visiting delegation was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, OBE. Discussions were centered on bilateral trade

relations between the UK and Guyana, with specific focus being placed on opportunities for collaboration, and partnership on projects and other opportunities for UK investment in Guyana. According to local authorities, this engagement will serve as a platform to facilitate a greater understanding of the trade relations, and Guyana’s interests and priorities. President Dr. Irfaan Ali was reported recently as saying that the UK has been supportive of Guyana’s development efforts through numerous programmes of co-operation, including debt relief, education, water supply, restructuring of the sugar industry, public sector reform, and strengthening of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. He also applauded its continued support of Guyana’s economic de-

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and a team from the ministry engaging stakeholders from the United Kingdom on Wednesday velopment, including its assistance with strengthening the country’s infrastructure.

Miner who allegedly murdered ‘DJ Chappy’ remanded

Kurt Simeron ONE week after Andre Collison called “DJ Chappy” was fatally stabbed at a restaurant, during an altercation over an outstanding debt, his alleged killer was, on Wednesday, remanded to prison. Kurt Simeron, a 26-yearold miner of Parfait Harmony, West Bank Demerara, was arraigned before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. Simeron was not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that, on November 4, at Puruni

Dead: Andre Collison called ‘DJ Chappy’ Landing, Middle Mazaruni, he murdered Collison. The accused who was represented by attorney-atlaw Bernard DaSilva will return to court on December 3. According to reports, on the date in question, at about 01:00 hours, Collison, who lived in Bartica, left his room in search of food. He ended up at the Two Blessed Sisters Restaurant where he placed an order. While waiting to collect the order, it is alleged that Simeron went into the es-

tablishment and an argument later ensued between the two over monies owed. The argument became heated and Simeron drew a knife from his pants waist and allegedly stabbed the victim to his abdomen and thereafter made good his escape. Collison was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Puruni Health Post where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. Simeron was later arrested and charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Opposition, GECOM invited for consultation on proposed amendments to electoral laws

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira

THE government has invited the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and members of the political opposition to consult on the proposed amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA). Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Texeira says that the consultation process has already commenced. The government is expecting to hear from GECOM, as well as former President David Granger, and Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon. “Of course, GECOM itself has the opportunity to submit its recommendations as well, if it so wishes, as a unit in itself or individuals in the Commission… I’ve

sent to Mr. Granger, I’ve sent to Mr. Harmon, I’ve sent to Mrs. Lawrence… I have sent to the AFC as a distinct [party]. I’ve tried to ensure that no one would say, from that grouping, that they weren’t met. I wanted to recognise each in their own right,” Minister Teixeira told the DPI on Wednesday. She said her ministry has been tasked with executing and supervising the process, and, according to her, the consultation is expected to reach a vast section of society, including members of the diaspora. “We will [continue to] post these up electronically, as well as communicating with the political parties and stakeholders by email and with hardcopies where pos-

sible. So, that has already started,” Minister Teixeira said. She said the consultation will stretch over a six-week period, and stakeholders and the public would be able to make comments and give suggestions via email or posting on the ministry’s social media page. One of the main purposes of the proposed amendments, Minister Teixeira reminded, is to avoid a recurrence of the events which followed the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. “We want people to look at those and see what they feel and ask themselves: Are the recommendations sufficient? Are there areas in terms of the process of elections from registration

through to proclamation? Have we covered all the corners, in terms of what may be ambiguities or opportunities for people to do things that would harm or undermine the rights of the Guyanese people to vote and elect the representatives of their choice? So, we are trying to prevent what happened in 2020 [from] happening again,” the minister reiterated. The government is also expected to release two other proposals relating to amendments of the laws governing the electoral process for consultation with members of civil society, as “there is nothing to hide”, Minister Teixeira said. (DPI)

CARICOM, Pacific Island Forum top diplomats express concern on climate financing

THE Secretaries-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr Carla Barnett; and the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), Mr Henry Puna, met on the sidelines of the conference in Glasgow, Scotland, on Monday, to find areas of cooperation on climate financing. Global leaders, the private sector and civil society are currently engaged in talks on climate financing at the 26th meeting of the Congress of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Scotland. A statement from the CARICOM Secretariat said financing for adaptation to climate change was a major focus of discussions between the SecretariesGeneral of CARICOM and the PIF in Glasgow. The two heads agreed on the urgency for the developed countries to fulfil their pledge of providing US$100 billion a year to help developing countries, including Small Island and low-lying coastal Developing States (SIDS), combat the challenge of climate change. Dr Barnett stressed the

Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr Carla Barnett (left), and her PIF counterpart, Mr Henry Puna (right) importance of limiting global warming to a minimum of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, the release said. The CARICOM SG reportedly expressed concern that there were early warning signs of a limited commitment from major climate change contributors to shift the planet from its future of increasing

global temperature over 2 degrees by the end of the century. Mr Puna, for his part, identified sea-level rise as a potent threat to the security and wellbeing of the Pacific Islands, the release continued, while adding that the PIF SG cited a number of examples, in recent years, where entire islands were

already submerged or rendered uninhabitable due to rising sea levels. The two SecretariesGeneral focused attention on financing for climate resilience and mitigation initiatives, specifically the challenges of accessing climate financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a means of funding ad-

aptation. Both CARICOM and the PIF, in meetings with the GCF, have called for the Fund to establish a presence in their regions, the CARICOM Secretariat stated. The Secretaries-General also lamented the lack of access to favourable financing options due to graduation of their Member States

to Middle-Income status. Dr Barnett reportedly plugged CARICOM’s advocacy of a multi-dimensional vulnerability index which would change the major requirement for accessing concessional development financing from Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This index, the statement continued, would take into account the acute vulnerability of SIDS to natural disasters and global economic shocks. Mr Puna believes the COVID-19 Pandemic increased understanding of how major development partners in the global north respond to the vulnerabilities of SIDS and fragilities of their economic sectors, particularly tourism. The two SecretariesGeneral expressed concern at the direction of the postCotonou relations with the European Union (EU) which appear to be favouring bilateral arrangements as opposed to regional programmes, the CARICOM Secretariat noted. The two high-level public servants agreed to continue engagement on matters that concern both their blocs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Over 700 more small businesses to get grants next year

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, has said that, in the coming year, over 700 small businesses are set to benefit from grants to enhance their capacity. She made the announcement on Tuesday, during the launch of the Who’s Who in Guyana Magazine, at the residence of the British High Commissioner, Bel Air. “Since returning to office, government has already assisted 700 small businesses with grants to enhance capacity. I am pleased to say that an equal, and possibly higher number, will benefit in 2022. We will continue to offer training and support to our small businesses so that their capacity to undertake larger projects is enhanced,” Minister Walrond related. She said the government is proactively working to improve the ease of doing business by reforming policies. “These policies include funding of major infrastructural works, regulatory reform and investing in human capacity,” Minister Walrond said. With respect to regulatory reforms, the minister said the government continues to enhance systems and processes to align them with modern, global expectations of the business environment. To this end, she said single windows for trade and construction permits remains a key priority of the government, as it seeks to significantly reduce the time and cost of doing business. The minister commended the production Turn to page 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

UK delegation tours young professionals, low-income housing units

MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, on Wednesday, led a visiting delegation from the United Kingdom (UK) on a brief tour of the agency’s housing units along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). The UK delegation comprised Her Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner (HMDTC) for Latin America and the Caribbean Department for International Trade (DIT), Spencer Mahoney; British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller; Caribbean Regional Director, Laura Ferguson and the Guyana Country Director of the Department of International Trade at the British High Commission, Sherwyn Naughton. The officials first visited Providence, EBD, where a walkthrough of the three-bedroom elevated and flat young professional homes was facilitated. During the tour, the delegation was also able

to receive insight from Minister Croal regarding the government’s national housing policy and supporting programmes implemented through CH&PA for sustainable housing schemes. The site visit concluded at the agency’s low-income units being constructed at Prospect. Some 50 low-income two-bedroom homes are being built in the area and another 200 threebedroom young professional homes. The guided tour also follows a courtesy call paid to the minister at his Brickdam Secretariat on Tuesday. During the engagement, the team from the UK was also briefed on the thriving housing drive and discussions were held on possible areas for future collaboration and investment opportunities. The trade team is currently visiting Guyana to facilitate discussions on the UKGuyana Bilateral Trade Relations, partnerships and increase knowledge and understanding of Guyana as a trading destination.

Over 700 more... From page 13 of the Who’s Who in Guyana Magazine, noting that it gives valuable information to the international community about local businesses. It also encourages investment which, she noted, is something the government is seeking for the agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and financial sectors, and other services, for a truly diversified economy. “The fact that the Who’s Who publication covers all these sectors and indeed many more is testimony to the breadth of opportunity that awaits the serious

investor here in Guyana. “You will notice that I do not differentiate between foreign and local investment, for we believe that there is no sustainable development without deep and meaningful participation in the economy by local businesses,” Minister Walrond reasoned. The minister expressed her desire to see local businesses become globally competitive, and said the government stands ready to work with anyone committed to Guyana’s sustainable development. (DPI)

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (right), interacts with British High Commissioner, Jane Miller (left), and Caribbean Regional Director, Laura Ferguson, during a brief tour of the agency’s housing units along the East Bank of Demerara

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

NSC shoots support to GABF for FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 teams

… Teams depart today for Miami THE National Sports Commission (NSC) yesterday supported the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) with $875 000 towards sending a male and female team to represent Guyana at the FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 tournament. The two teams departed Guyana today for the tournament in Miami, Florida, which runs from November 12 to 14. Set for Bayfront Park, Guyana’s male team are drawn in Group C of the qualifying round alongside St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, while the women’s side will have to face Guatemala, Jamaica, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. According to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, NSC is committed to “raising the attitude, altitude and aptitude of sports in Guyana”. Ninvalle reasoned that the support is in keeping with the NSC, Ministry of Sport and the Government of Guyana’s mandate to ensure that national teams and national federations are assisted in their quests to compete both locally and internationally. “Over the last six months,

we’ve extended assistance to several sport disciplines. It is the belief of the Government of Guyana that we need to keep injecting this sort of support and that is what we will be doing; even though sometimes, coming down to this part of the year, finances are not so readily available, we thought it’s appropriate to dig deep in order to help the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation,” Ninvalle said. Basketball is listed as one of the ‘core sports’ identified by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. “We expect them to do well and we hope that come next year, we can assist in a much more robust way,” the Director of Sport added. Michael Singh, president of the GABF, lauded the NSC for its continued support, while reminding of its tangible assistance in April when Guyana competed at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Pre-Qualifiers in El Salvador. “These two players over a period of time have been assisting basketball tremendously at various levels. It basically shows the level of financial injection the government is capable of doing,” Singh said. Guyana’s male team will come from Ryan Stephney, Tyron Hamid, Travis Burnett, and Timothy Thompson. Spain-based professional Joy Adams will lead Jada Mohan, Kesann Charles and Tamara Hunter into action. The men’s team will bounce into action on Saturday against Trinidad and Tobago from 11:25hrs, followed by St Lucia at 12:15hrs. If successful, Guyana will then move on to face Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the tournament’s main draw. Meanwhile, the women’s team will play on tomorrow; first against Trinidad and Tobago at 10:15hrs, followed by Jamaica at 11:40grs and Guatemala at 13:05hrs. The Guyanese women will be hoping to join Brazil and Dominican Republic in Group D of the main draw.

Markram rises to number three in T20I batting

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Aiden Markram's unbeaten 52 off 25 in South Africa's win against England in their last group match of the T20 World Cup has helped him attain a career-best No.3 position in the T20I batting rankings. He has also broken into the Top 10 All-rounders’ list, rising seven places to No.7. His team-mate Rassie van der Dussen, who scored an unbeaten 94 in the same match, has also broken into the Top 10 rankings for batters, moving six spots up to No.10. Markram gained 84 points to achieve 794 rating points and climb three spots and is now behind Pakistan's Babar Azam and England's Dawid Malan, who are the top two batters in the format. van der Dussen, meanwhile, gained 74 points following his Player-of-the-Match performance against England. Among bowlers, the Australian duo of Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood, who have played key roles in Australia's qualification to the semi-final in the tourna-

Aiden Markram slaps one away (AFP/Getty Images)

ment, have climbed up the charts. Zampa, who took a fivefor against Bangladesh, has moved to No.5 while Hazlewood, who picked up four wickets against West Indies, gained 11 places to reach No.8. New Zealand's Tim Southee, who has picked up seven wickets in the tournament so far, moved three places up to No.9.

In the All-rounders' rankings, Australia's Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh made gains, with Maxwell jumping three places to No.4 and Marsh moving from No.14 to No.9. Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga achieved a career-high rating of 173 for all-rounders and moved to the third position.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Wolff admits Mercedes have ‘catching up to do’ (SKYSPORTS) - Toto Wolff says Mercedes have some "catching up to do" and hopes the team can "break the pattern" at an Interlagos track he expects to suit Red Bull again for this weekend's Sao Paulo GP - although he believes the third and final F1 Sprint of the season presents a vital opportunity. Mercedes head into the final four rounds of an epic 2021 season on the back foot after seeing their constructors' advantage cut to just one point by Red Bull, while Lewis Hamilton has slipped 19 points behind Max Verstappen, who was dominant in Mexico at the weekend. That has raised the stakes for Brazil; a 10th win of the season for Verstappen would mean he could afford to finish second in the three remaining races and still clinch a maiden title. Verstappen said after Sunday's race that he "doesn't believe in momentum" and that the two teams will be much closer in Brazil, but Wolff fears that the iconic Interlagos track will favour Red Bull again. "I hope we can break the pattern because it was a Red Bull track," Wolff told Sky F1. "But we're going to give it all we can and try to fight back." In the last four GPs in Brazil, Verstappen and Hamilton have won two apiece - although there is an added twist this weekend with the return of the Sprint. The short Saturday race will set the grid for Sunday's Grand Prix. "It's not been our strongest track in recent seasons and has tended to suit Red Bull more, but this year has proved anything can happen," said Wolff. "It's the last Sprint race weekend, too, which opens up more opportunity." The Sprint format not only brought added action and excitement to its previous weekends in Silverstone and Monza, but drama for the title rivals. Verstappen and Hamilton had their two big 2021 crashes on the Sundays

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff

following the Sprint. Hamilton said he and Mercedes would "be in trouble" if Red Bull kept up their Mexico form, but he, his team boss and Verstappen all expect the title fight to go down to the wire. "It's going to be really tight and exciting to the end," stated Verstappen. Wolff added: "We'll be throwing everything we've got at the Brazilian Grand Prix and the races beyond. "We're privileged to still be in the fight so late in the season and expect these titles to go right down to the wire, with both teams fighting hard to the very last lap. "We've got some catching up to do and know it'll be an intense battle, but we'll continue to push hard and keep our eyes firmly set on the end goal."

Short-term contract extensions for selectors – Grave (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive Johnny Grave has confirmed short-term contract extensions for under-fire, chief selector Roger Harper and his panel, but said the move was simply to minimise disruption amidst a heavy volume of international commitments and the ongoing review of the selection process. Speaking in the wake of West Indies’ Twenty20 World Cup travesty, Grave said the two-year contracts of selectors, along with those of team management, had been extended only until year-end, and that an announcement on any new appointments or renewals would be made by CWI following that period. “There has not been an extension (long term). The team management as well as selectors were coming up to the end of contracts signed two years ago, and we’ve extended most of them just until the end of the year. They’re going through a review period at the moment,” Grave told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket show. “We didn’t really want to be reviewing

CWI CEO Johnny Grave

performances and extending or not extending contracts during a World Cup. With the amount of cricket we’ve got going on at the moment, we’ve just extended everyone until the end of the year.” Chief selector Roger Harper (right) makes a point to West Indies white-ball skipper Kieron Pollard during the recent home series.

He added: “Because of the volume of cricket we’ve had this summer in particular, with almost non-stop cricket from June all the way through to the selection of the World Cup squad (in September) … there just hasn’t been enough time for us to go through the process as a management group as well as making recommendations to the board.” Harper and the panel, comprising Miles Bascombe and head coach Phil Simmons, were appointed in October 2019 following an overhaul of the selection process carried out by the-then newly-elected Ricky Skerritt administration. The members, however, have found themselves at the centre of heavy public criticism and the subject of calls from some pundits for their sacking, following West Indies’ abysmal outing at the T20 World Cup which saw the Kieron Pollard-led unit lose four of their five group games to finish one from bottom of Group 1. Prior to the tournament, selectors had also come under fire for the 15-man squad chosen, with ageing players like Chris Gayle, Lendl

Simmons, Ravi Rampaul and Dwayne Bravo all included at the expense of younger talent. But Grave argued that despite the public outcry, it was important CWI remained focused on their long-term vision of implementing strong systems for West Indies cricket. “I understand why fans are talking about selection and why they’re talking about people but we’re more focused as a management group on continuing to improve the systems of West Indies cricket,” he pointed out. “This isn’t really about recycling people through a system. We have done that before and I would argue with limited success. What we actually need to focus on is improving the system in which we are producing players and preparing players on that world stage “That’s where the focus is. It’s not, in my opinion, about changing one player or changing a selector or changing a member of the management group; it’s about making long-term structural changes to our system so we can better produce winning teams to compete on that international stage.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup .…

New Zealand move into final after brushing off England

(ESPNCRICINFO) - James Neesham contemplated retirement in 2017. He didn't. Daryl Mitchell never contemplated opening the batting. He did. And together they dragged a New Zealand side adamantly trying to lose all the way to a T20 World Cup final. It was utter madness. And it came from out of nowhere. England, much like they did five years ago on a sparkling night in Kolkata, had the game in their hands. And not one but two big-hitting all-rounders took it away from them. The equation was 57 off 24. More than two runs a ball. As much as conditions in this tournament have favoured the team batting second, here there was no dew. The single biggest thing that made run-scoring easy on these dry UAE pitches was nowhere to be found. That's why Mitchell - the best T20 six-hitter in New Zealand's domestic circuit for the last five years - could find only one boundary in the first 10 overs of a 167 chase. That's why Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson were dismissed for single-digits. That's why Liam Livingstone could bowl four overs of his part-time all-sorts for just 22 runs. When he finished his spell - after taking out New Zealand's then top-scorer Devon Conway for 46 - England's chance of victory

according to ESPNcricinfo's forecaster was nudging 80%. Neesham has had enough of these games. His Twitter timeline is a tribute to his wit - yes - but also to how badly that 2019 World Cup final broke him. He was out there in the Super Over. He hit Jofra Archer for a six. He ignited New Zealand's hopes when they really shouldn't have had any on that night, only for them to fall so agonisingly short. Just as Neesham and everyone watching were reeling from the deja vu, Chris Jordan came up to bowl and leaked a monster six over square leg. That shot became the centrepiece of New Zealand's breathtaking resurrection, 23 runs coming off an eight-ball 17th over - including a relay catch that quickly morphed into another monster six - as one of England's go-to men just crumbled under pressure. Suddenly New Zealand only needed 34 off 18 balls. And it was Mitchell's cue to wind up. He set up deep in his crease. His front leg had the good sense to keep away. Chris Woakes missed his lengths. And three brutal hits in the 19th over - two over the ropes and one onto it - brought sweet, unbelievable and everlasting victory.

ENGLAND CHANGE IT UP This semi-final had all the feels of two heavyweight boxers sizing each other up. But there was no real KO punch. Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow were rather cautious at the top, their gameplan dictated in equal parts by the early swing on offer and the big occasion they found themselves in. England went away from their typical T20 template - attack every ball - to a more nuanced one - respect every ball. For the first time since 2014, they had to wait till after the 15th over of the game to pick up their first six.

Arsenal women thrash Koge

liamson and again saved well from Miedema, the WSL all-time top scorer who was among six changes made for the trip to Denmark after Arsenal beat West Ham on Sunday to restore their three-point lead at the top of the domestic table. Parris punished Koge for their inability to clear the danger to double the lead after the hour and Foord got on the end of a Nobbs shot that rebounded off the woodwork to head home the third.

Steph Catley joined Arsenal in the summer of 2020, but her influence at the Gunners has been limited by injury

(BBC) - Steph Catley scored a stunning first goal for Arsenal to help them outclass a stubborn Koge side in the Women's Champions League. Catley found the top corner with a freekick to put Arsenal ahead against the Danish champions before the break. Nikita Parris, who had a first-half penalty saved, pounced to make it 2-0 with Caitlin Foord nodding in a third. Anna Patten and Jordan Nobbs added late goals to complete the win after Maddie Pokorny pulled one back. It was ultimately a comfortable win for Jonas Eidevall's Gunners, who controlled 80% possession, but they were made to work hard by a side against whom they had previously failed to score in the competition proper. Eidevall praised his players for being "brilliant and magnificent" for sticking to the gameplan against a side that defended in numbers. "I was proud of our performance," he said.

"It's not an easy team to break down, you need lots of patience." While Koge managed to hold out for 63 minutes against European champions Barcelona in a 2-0 defeat in their previous group game - a showing which earned them much praise - the Danish side failed to contain the Gunners for nearly as long. The hosts managed to limit Arsenal early on, but Cecilie Floe Nielsen's exuberance in defence saw her bring down Parris for a penalty in the 15th minute. Kaylan Marckese denied the England forward with an excellent diving save to her right, then kept out a flicked Vivianne Miedema header soon after, but there was nothing she could do to reach Catley's brilliantly struck free-kick into the top corner. It was a long-awaited first Gunners goal for the Australian whose time in English football since arriving last season has been hampered by injury. The excellent Marckese foiled Leah Wil-

MALAN AND MOEEN ADAPT England's approach protected them from early wickets, but that left a lot on the middle-order's shoulders - a middle order that hasn't had too much time in the middle at this tournament. But Dawid Malan controlled things beautifully. If you're in any doubt about that, pull up clips of his cover drives. With flowing hands and sublime timing, he guided England through the middle overs and was unlucky to miss out on a half-century. Moeen Ali didn't make that mistake. Playing the world's most elegant leg-side slogs, his 51* off 37 provided the finishing kick that took a

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good total to a defendable one. With most of England's batting tonight revolving around left-handed blades, New Zealand's best spinner Mitchell Santner bowled only one of his four overs. NO DEW Guptill was caught off a flick. Williamson was caught off a scoop. Now those shots come off when there's pace in the pitch. And there's always pace in the pitch if there's dew around. New Zealand expected it to come. But it stood them up instead. Woakes - who before this World Cup was left in T20I wilderness for five-and-a-half years - picked up both those wickets and set England on their victory march. This team prides itself in being on cutting edge of both batting and bowling. But in Abu Dhabi - where cricket takes a time machine back to the 90s - they realised knocking it around for 160 and building on scoreboard pressure with tight Test-match lengths had the better chance of success. And all of that would have worked a treat if a big-hitting all-rounder hadn't decided to turn everything on its head. Again. Pokorny coolly scored with Koge's first and only attempt on goal after a poor backpass from Catley gifted the American possession. Arsenal, however, went on to secure their second convincing group win thanks to neatly taken finishes from Patten and Nobbs in the final five minutes. "We can't take for granted how big these wins are each time that we are in a group like this," said Nobbs. "It's an exciting time for us."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

Gayle signs for Stars in Lanka Premier League (CMC) – Veteran Chris Gayle is set for a frolic in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) next month, after being signed by Colombo Stars. The 42-year-old left-hander joins the South African trio of Imran Tahir, Faf du Plessis and Tabraiz Shamsi, along with the Pakistani star duo of Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, as the high profile players announced following Tuesday’s draft. Gayle will be one of four West Indies players on show with fast-bowling all-rounder Odean Smith turning out for Dambulla Giants, batter Rovman Powell featuring for Kandy Warriors and 20-yearold fast bowler Jayden Seales doing battle for Jaffna Kings.

The tournament, which takes place December 4-23, runs parallel with West Indies’ white-ball tour of Pakistan from December 13 to 22. Gayle endured a dreadful campaign at the Twenty20 World Cup in United Arab Emirates, (UAE) managing only 45 runs from his five innings as West Indies lost four of their five group games. The Jamaican was picked in the 15-man T20 World Cup squad after averaging 17 from 16 T20 Internationals this year and 18 in nine innings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Despite his woes, Gayle said last week he would not follow all-rounder Dwayne

Bravo’s lead in retiring from international cricket just yet, as he hoped for a farewell before his home fans in Kingston. Seales, meanwhile, will be getting his first taste of global T20 franchise cricket after making his debut for his native Trinbago Knight Riders in last year’s CPL. He has so far impressed in the longest format where he has taken 16 wickets from four matches, after making his debut as a 19-year-old against South Africa last June. Smith was unlucky not to make the cut for the T20 World Cup after an outstanding haul of 18 wickets in the CPL. Selectors cited fitness grounds for his exclusion.

Veteran left-hander Chris Gayle

Balgobin wins International Cricketer award at MMZ NY ceremony … Mohammed adjudged Cricketer-of-the-Year, Chinkoo MVP in 40-over, T30 competitions DEMERARA Youth player Ushardeva Balgobin walked away with the International Cricketer Award when the Meten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) Cricket Club New York held their annual Award Ceremony this week in New Jersey. The overseas-based Guyanese club honoured several Guyanese-born cricketers at the event, but it was Trinidadian Azurdeen Mohammed, who was named CricketerThe respective winners at the 2021 MMZ Cricket Club New York Award Ceremony Ushardeva Balgobin was adjudged best International Cricketer

Looknauth Chinkoo finished as the MVP in the 40-over and T30 competitions

of-the-Year. The 31-year-old, who represented the U.S. at the U19 level, finished with the most runs for the club in the T20 and T30 divisions. The opening batter also registered the best batting average in the club (45.5), while he was also stifling with his left-arm orthodox spin. Eighteen-year-old Balgobin, who played in the NYNCL for the first time, proved instrumental with both bat and ball. His leg-spin earned him an award, while he also scored T20 and T30 half-centuries for the team.

In an invited comment, the Everest Cricket Club senior cricketer noted that the four-month trip was a learning experience. “It was hard work against tough players. I'm thankful for the opportunity and the experience.” Balgobin, who is looking to advance his cricketing career locally, is hoping to have another stint with the club, next season. MMZ were instrumental this season in the NYNCL. They finished second in the 40-over competition, while they lost the semi-finals of the 20-over and 30-over competitions. Balgobin’s teammate, former Guyana U19 cricketer

Looknauth Chinkoo was also rewarded for his outstanding performances in both the 40over and T30 competitions. The MVP (in both competitions), registered 1 579 points in the 40-over competition and 2 191 points in the T30 competition for his runs and wickets combined. Off-spinner Ansaar Yasim, who finished with the most T20 wickets, was adjudged as Youth Cricketer-of-the-Year, while Mark Fredericks finished as Most Improved Cricketer-of-theYear. Troy Mars and Kevin Shewprasad were named the Most Disciplined Cricketers and Abdulla Khan as the Rising Star. Several cricketers were

also rewarded for their outstanding performances. Keith Edie finished with the most half-centuries in the 40over tournament; Matthew Lutchena for a five-wicket haul and best bowling figures in the 40-over tournament; Mars with the T20 half-centuries award; Samuel Raghubir for the most T20 wickets and Joe Knights for the Best T20 bowling figures. Meanwhile, the Manager of the team, former national U19 cricketer, Ajaz Asgarally, his brother Fiaz Asgarally and Ricky Kissoon received honorary plaques for their hard work and services to the club behind the scene.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021

No let-up for Windies women in second ODI today

(CMC) – There will be no letup from West Indies Women despite their comfortable win over Pakistan in Monday’s opener, as the Caribbean side chase a series victory when the two teams meet in the second One-Day International today. West Indies Women romped to a convincing 45-run victory at the National Stadium, behind opener Deandra Dottin’s career-best 132, which allowed the touring side to pile up 253 for eight. However, assistant coach Robert Samuels said yesterday the squad had been warned against complacency, stressing the coaching staff was demanding the same high levels of performance. “We are trying to eliminate complacency, we are also trying to better our performance,” Samuels said in a media conference. “We’re looking to score 250-plus, we’re looking for centuries from our top batters,

Stroke-maker Deandra Dottin hit a career-best hundred in the first ODI

we’re looking for top class performances. We’ve had three centuries so far this season – we’re looking for more. “We’re looking for more performances like Hayley Matthews’, with and with ball, and congratulations to Deandra Dottin for scoring her highest international (score).

“We’re looking for everything – the same, similar or better – but we’re also trying to eliminate complacency because you know after good performances, some teams tend to drop their guard a little bit but we can’t afford to do that.” West Indies Women have served up a mixed bag in ODIs

this year, beating Pakistan Women 3-2 in a five-match series in the Caribbean but then suffering a 4-1 hammering

at the hands of South Africa Women also at home. And the Stafanie Taylor-led side will be cognizant of the fact that in the previous ODI series against Pakistan, played in United Arab Emirates back in 2019, they also won the first game before losing the next two to surrender the series. Samuels said it is important that West Indies Women should be ruthless in the coming games as they press for even higher margins of victory. “We’re always asking for more so I would’ve loved for us to have restricted (Pakistan) to under 180 or just about 180,” he pointed out. “They got to 200 runs (208 for nine) and they will feel as if they restrict us to less runs they will get it. But it’s our first

outing in Pakistan, the girls are getting acclimatised, they have to get accustomed to playing in Pakistan under different conditions.” West Indies are using the three-match series as preparation for their campaign in the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe later this month, as they look to secure a berth in next year’s showpiece in New Zealand. The qualifiers run from November 21 to December 5. SQUAD – Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 11, 2021 PAGE

NSC shoots support to GABF for FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 teams … Teams depart today for Miami

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, makes the NSC’s contribution of $875,000 to GABF president Michael Singh

Short-term contract extensions for selectors – Grave

CWI selector, Roger Harper

PAGE 20

No let-up for Windies women in second ODI today

PAGE

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup…

New Zealand move into final after brushing off England PAGE

No let-up for Windies women in second ODI today

The New Zealand dugout erupts as victory is secured vs England, Men's T20 World Cup 2021, 1st semi-final, Abu Dhabi, yesterday (ICC/Getty Images)

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021