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TUESDAY 24th November, 2020

US$1B in hotels No.106193

–– Sheraton, Best Western, Delta Marriott among other big names expected here

SEE STORIES ON PAGES 02 & 03

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Construction of US$90M Hilton Hotel begins next year

A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MoU) to

construct a 289-room, Hilton-branded nine-storey

Chairman and CEO of TOTALTEC, Lars Mangal (centre) signs the agreement in the presence of the other signatories, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop (Adrian Narine photo)

hotel to the tune of US$90M was signed on Monday with the site identified in Guyana’s oil-and-gas hub at Houston/ Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara. The documents were signed in the board room of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, South Road, Georgetown. The signatories were subject Minister Oneidge

An artist’s impression of what the Hilton hotel would look like

Walrond; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop and Chairman and CEO of TOTALTEC, Lars Mangal. The project is expected to be completed in two years and construction is planned for commencement in January of 2021. The project will consist of a 161-room Hilton Garden Inn with programming of a further 128 suites. The building will feature a variety of on-site dining options, conference facilities, a pool, and 24-hour fitness facility. The architectural design will bring in the best of modern smart, Scandinavian minimalistic concepts incorporating regional and local environmental and aesthetically stunning features including spectacular landscaping of the grounds. The project is led by

658 Guyana Holdings, a joint-venture company, managed by 1503 Partners, who are joined by TOTALTEC Oilfield Services Guyana Inc and GREC Investment Group as key stakeholders in the project. Representing 658 Guyana Holdings at the signing ceremony was Mr Mangal. “This will be [a] great addition to Guyana, boosting the development of local capacity in support of its indigenous oil-and-gas sector along with offering additional room capacity to serve the tourism sector”, said Mangal. He continued: “Our development will not only create jobs in the construction sector, but also create several opportunities for Guyanese contractors and suppliers to be involved in another world-class development for Guyana. We will see in-

vestments being made in the training and development of staff to serve in hospitality and catering departments as the construction phase nears completion on this fast track development concept.” He explained that the investment partners appreciate the support and progress by the Government of Guyana following the recent Expression of Interest, to expedite the process with outstanding support from its team at the Guyana Office for Investment, Go-Invest. “We also look forward to developing a strong partnership with the Ministry of Tourism in offering more world-class accommodation to boost growth of that sector,” Mangal said.

US$1B in hotels

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

–– Sheraton, Best Western, Delta Marriott among other big names expected here

By Navendra Seoraj CLOSE to US$1 billion (G$215B) will soon be injected into Guyana’s economy in the form of world-class hotels which will be constructed across the country to cater for the anticipated increase in visitors, who are being attracted by the nation’s burgeoning oil and gas sector and its spill-off benefits. A business-friendly climate supplemented by the anticipated economic ascension is being credited for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry such as, Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others. The Government had recently put out an advertisement for expressions of interest and requests for proposals for investors to build hotels in Guyana. The aim, as outlined by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is to provide at least 2,000 firstclass rooms, making Guyana “a conventional destination”. According to a study by Oxford Economics, hotel operations and guest spending support eight million jobs across the U.S. alone. The same study found that a typical hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports 230 local jobs every year. And the nation's hotel and lodging industry brings other important benefits to local communities. These businesses are a cornerstone for local economic activity, providing increased tax revenue, capital investment, tourism-related development and promotion, civic leadership, charitable contributions and sponsorship. These benefits are also expected to accrue to Guyana, as

Principals of the H-Towers Luxury Hotel, Rawle Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers, signing the MoU with CEO of the Guyana Office for Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop

the country continues to function as an investment magnet. “Guyana is leap frogging in growth and development and this is creating new investment opportunities… and our attractive investment regime is what is making investors want to participate in Guyana,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, in an invited comment, on Monday. Dr. Ramsaroop, on Monday, signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with investors who are eyeing the hotel industry. The Guyana Chronicle understands that MoUs were signed for the construction of a 289-room Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites; a 255-room Delta Marriott Hotel, close to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport; a 400room H-Tower Luxury Hotel; and an 80-room Best Western Hotel under the name SureStay Plus Hotel.

DUAL-BRANDED Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, one of the investors for the H-Towers Luxury Hotel, Kerwin Bollers of Hits and Jams Entertainment, said this hotel will be a dual-branded hotel, housing the world-renowned Sheraton Hotel and the Element Hotel, both owned by the Marriott. This is said to be the first of its kind in Guyana and even the Caribbean. The intended investment for this facility will be close to US$125 million, said Bollers, adding that construction is expected to commence at Providence, East Bank Demerara, in the first quarter of 2021. “It will have two towers, both over 20 storeys high, connected by an air bridge to form an H…. It will feature, collectively, 400 rooms,” said the investors. The Sheraton will be for short stays, while The Element will serve more as an apartment-like facility, to offer extended stays. The Element,

according to Bollers, will be equipped with a kitchen, living room, work stations and much more. “It will be a mixed-use concept so there will also be space for a spa, bars, shopping areas and restaurants,” said the investor. Another massive project, which will soon get underway, is the construction of the SureStay Plus Hotel. This hotel, according to the investors (unnamed) will open its doors to guests, showcasing sleek design, modern amenities and superior service that are synonymous with the Best Western brand. An initial capital investment of US$15 million will go into the construction of the first hotel, with more investments to be made in the future. With the construction of its first hotel, the Best Western Georgetown Hotel is anticipated to offer the perfect décor for today’s modern traveler, balancing excitement of the developing Georgetown district

with a comfortable and inviting place to rest. This brand-new property, with modern features and a friendly and knowledgeable staff, will be an exceptional lodging option for business travellers and casual guests, said the investor. The property will feature over 80 spacious rooms with detailed finishes and will be equipped with all state-of-theart facilities. It will also house conferencing facilities and flexible meeting spaces. HIGHEST GUEST SATISFACTION Dr. Rosh Khan, head of the SocialRank - Business & Consultancy Unit, a local firm hired to assist with Public Relations, also explained: “Best Western was voted the #1 Mid-Scale Hotel. JD Power also presented the brand with the ‘Highest Guest Satisfaction among Economy Hotel Chains’ award. Best Western offers exceptional value – modern amenities at an afford-

able rate.” These potential investments are seen as timely, because Guyana, which sits on the edge of South America and has a population of about 750,000 people, is expected to ‘boom’ with its new-found oil wealth, which is expected to drive infrastructural development and other sectoral advancements. According to reports, the country has already raked in close to US$150 million from its oil-and-gas sector, with lots more to be earned. But the focus, as outlined by the new People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, will be on maintaining a diversified economy. President Ali had said that progress is expected on all fronts in 2021, which has since been designated as the Year of Investments and Development. “What you will see next year is a flurry of development; there will be active work on the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the new four-lane road, new hotels, and the creation of 50,000 homes,” said the President. He said work will commence on the construction and rehabilitation of roads in hundreds of communities; new infrastructure will be created, and there will be major developments in every sector. Additionally, private-sector investments are expected to increase, stretching from the construction of new shore bases to service the oil-and-gas sector, to new office complexes and other private development projects. The President anticipates that, with increased construction, there will be an increased demand for quarry and construction materials and labour. This view was shared by Dr. Ramsaroop.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

10 major international investors signal interest in sugar –– sugar refinery, distillery among proposed projects

By Navendra Seoraj IT is common knowledge that the resuscitation of Guyana’s ailing sugar industry will have to be done through a Public Private Partnership, and, already, investors from Asia, North America, the Caribbean and Guyana have formally signalled their intention to join this process. The Government of Guyana, in September, had advertised for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from financiers who are not just interested in investing in sugar, but in being part of the industry’s resuscitation. In 2017, the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government had announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country. The move saw

CEO of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh four sugar estates being closed, and 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs. Plans are afoot to not just rehire persons, but to return this industry to viability through coordinated and prudent management, which is expected to come from both private and pub-

lic stakeholders. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Sasenarine Singh has said that the government has received ten EoIs from foreign companies, and one proposal from a local investor. Information on the investors’ identities remain confidential at this time, but Singh, during a press briefing at GuySuCo on Monday, said the proposals will soon be reviewed. Singh, while not delving into the details of the actual proposals, said interests have been expressed in sugar refinery, ethanol production, agro-energy, a distillery and packaged sugar among other things. “I am happy to see that there are private sector participants who are serious about value-added products coming out of Guyana,” said the CEO. Singh, after being appointed to the helm of GuySuCo in September, had said that the Corporation is banking on value-added to help return sugar to profitability. NEW APPROACH “GuySuCo is on a change plan; we have refashioned the way we are doing things.

Tuesday, November 24, 01:00hrs - 02:30hrs

FLASHBACK: GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Sasenarine Singh, assisting in packing the first batch of packaged sugar at the Enmore Packaging Plant We have re-engineered the way we are thinking at GuySuCo; the whole vision at GuySuCo right now is to move up the value chain as fast as we can within the constraints of finances, and, in addition to that, we are opening three estates. So it’s going up, and it’s going broader,” said the CEO in a previous report. He reiterated this position on Monday, noting that GuySuCo has restarted the production of packaged sugar, and will be focusing heavily on this aspect of pro-

duction, instead of the traditional bulk production. “GuySuCo started production of packaged sugar; we are moving away from the dump market to go into packaged sugar, and this is the reality. We get double the value per tonne when we sell packet sugar, versus what we dump on the world market,” Singh said. Considering the substantial benefits of value-added production, the CEO believes it is a “no-brainer” situation when assessing which segments of the market to supply with Guyana’s sugar. The vision of GuySuCo, as outlined by the company’s management, is to focus on expanding the sale of packaged sugar in CARICOM, North America and the local markets. GuySuCo’s overarching plan for 2021 is to produce 97,000 tonnes of

sugar, a high percentage of which is expected to be packaged. “GuySuCo is making money on the packaged sugar, and losing on the bulk sugar, so we are moving away from the bulk sugar and focusing on the value-added products. We are building a short-term, medium-term and long-term plan; we are supplementing what Blairmont is producing. Blairmont is now focused exclusively on the export market for packaged sugar, while Enmore will focus on the local market,” Singh said in a past report. The Government has released $3B to the industry, of which sum, $2.2B will go towards the re-opening of the three estates, while the remaining $0.8B will be used to re-capitalise the current assets to help achieve outlined objectives.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Prison overcrowding at 51 per cent –– gov’t moves to address situation through IDB-funded programme By Richard Bhainie WITH prison overcrowding at 51 per cent, Government is hoping to reduce this number through the implementation of various initiatives through the US$8 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme. Speaking at a press briefing on the project on Monday, Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels said the current prison population stands at 1,884, of which 744 prisoners or 39.5 per cent are pre-trial detainees. “To further break that down, we have 340 prisoners who are currently remanded, and 404 who are awaiting trial. Our convicted population stands at 1140 prisoners; this includes 127 who would’ve since appealed the conviction they received,” Samuels said. “If we are to look at our prison locations, taking into consideration the holding bay [at Lusignan], which was not structurally designed as a prison, our physical capacity would be 1323 prisoners, giving an overcrowding population of 561 prisoners, or 29.7 per cent,” he added. However, he noted that if the holding bay which is used as a temporary facility is eliminated, it would mean that the actual physical capacity would be 923. This, he noted, would put the overcrowding population at 961, which represents 51 per cent of the current prison population. The IDB-funded Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme seeks to reduce Guyana’s prison population through various

initiatives. NOT A LENIENT APPROACH Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, who also addressed the press briefing, pointed out that the objective of the programme is not to go light on crime, but to address the issue of reducing the criminal population of non-violent offenders. In outlining the components of the programme, he explained that the first component seeks to reduce the use of pre-trial detention, especially for individuals accused of minor offences, while the second component will focus on alternative sentencing options. “The use of pre-trail detention is a contributing factor to the overcrowding conditions in the prisons, and constitutes a challenge,” Nandlall explained. Custodial sentences for minor offences also contribute significantly to this phenomenon. “The tendency for stricter law enforcement and sentencing is a specific problem that results in significant increases in prison population, by locking up persons charged with petty non-violent offences,” the Attorney-General explained. Nandlall explained that although the Laws of Guyana provide for a limited range of alternative sentencing options, these measures are scarcely utilised. “Persuasive evidence suggests escalating incidents of incarceration in Guyana is directly related to the over-reliance of the Criminal Justice System on incarceration as an effective tool for

addressing deviant conduct,” The Attorney-General told reporters. LITTLE EVIDENCE However, he noted that there is little evidence to suggest that incarceration results in the deterrent of crime, and non-custodial sentencing has a greater effect on the reduction and prevention of crime. “Prison sentencing seems to have no deterring effects when compared with alternative non-custodial sentences. In fact, custodial sentences increase recidivism, regardless of the sentence length, when compared with non-custodial sentences,” Nandlall explained. The Attorney-General acknowledged that there are a number of negative externalities associated with prison overcrowding, such as negative effects on the physical and mental well-being of the prisoners, violent incidents within the prisons and a magnitude of management challenges. He also explained that custodial sentencing for minor crimes may have drastic consequences, not only for prisoners who receive these sentences but society at large. “Negative consequences of incarceration have been associated with, (1) an individual’s future proclivity for crime, due mainly to social interaction in which persons in custody can learn new skills, as their human capital depreciates; (2) feelings of resentment against society, and the strengthening of an offender’s deviant identity; and (3) a decrease of bonds to institutions such as family, employment, school, and conventional norms,” Nandlall

At Monday’s press conference to talk about the proposed IDB-funded programme to overhaul the Criminal Justice System here. From left are: Project Manager, Olva McKenzie-Agard; Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels; Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; and Legal Aid Specialist, Orinthia Smith explained. It is mainly for the foregoing reasons that the Government has given full support for the Criminal Justice System Programme. The Government, through the programme, will also implement an initiative whereby Bachelor of Laws (LLB) graduates from the University of Guyana and other recognised universities will be able to become prosecutors at the magistracy level. To facilitate this, the Government will introduce a prosecutor training course at the University of Guyana, the consultations for which are currently underway to develop the course outline and syllabus. Currently, prosecutions at the magistracy level are conducted by policemen and women who have little to no training in prosecuting. The initiative will supplement the efforts of the police prosecutors, who themselves will be given an opportunity to enroll in the course.

GREATER BALANCE The Attorney-General explained that this will bring “greater balance to the scales of justice”, elaborating that often the defence is well equipped with attorneys with a depth of legal expertise, however, due to the lack of knowledge and training, police prosecutors are unable to represent the State in the same manner. Further, there will be an establishment of a functioning Law Reform Commission to keep the law under constant revision, and recommend necessary reforms to Parliament. The Attorney-General explained that while the programme administrators continue to work assiduously towards its goal, there has been and will continue to be wide public consultation with various stakeholders and criminal justice institutions. “The input from these stakeholders, and based on the research, the programme has employed a number of

measures, and embarked on a number of activities which will all culminate in addressing the general problem of the prison overcrowding,” he explained. A number of other initiatives are being undertaken to achieve the objectives of the programme. These include a legal aid clinic, which offers free legal representation to persons who are detained for minor non-violent offences; a Bail Bill as well as a Restorative Justice Bill, that are currently being drafted; revision of the Probation of Offenders Act; leadership development training for senior officers of the Criminal Justice System; and the drafting of Sentencing Guidelines. The Director of Prisons noted that overcrowding is due largely to the loss of the Georgetown Prison in 2017, and a large section the Lusignan Prison in July 2020, both by fire, which depleted the physical capacity of the Guyana Prison system.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Pointing Fingers

OPPOSITION leaders continue to foster their divisive, non-factual rhetoric against the President Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, ministers and other senior functionaries of the current government in their efforts to discredit them and derail their administrative programmes. One of their most deceptive allegations relates to increases in salaries of the Presidents, ministers and public servants over the years 1998 to 2014. An impartial observation would reveal the following: that if it is true that the salary increases given by the PPP/C to its senior government functionaries during its previous tenure in office was “unconscionable and disgraceful,” according to a former senior coalition minister, which they continue to peddle until today in their continuous attempts to misinform the nation, then the PNC-led government and former office-bearers like Hamilton Green, who has now positioned himself as an arbiter of fairness and holds himself

out as the epitome of decency, should have refused the increases in salary in 2015 and thereafter. This begs the question of what adjectives will adequately describe the huge salary increases that the APNU+AFC government gave themselves one month after being in office - indecent, reckless, and even deceptive; especially when this was disclosed by the media, denied by government spokespersons and subsequently discovered to be secretly done and gazetted. This matter was debated in the Parliament with then Opposition PPP/C calling for an annulment of the order granting the increases to the President, Prime Minister, Vice Presidents, Ministers and Junior Ministers, approximately 28 in number. This unpalatable situation festered and haunted the coalition administration, with even their members and supporters crying out against this betrayal of trust. The facts debunk what is being misconstrued and alleged to deceive a population now enjoying

NIS injustices to contributors are heart-rending Dear Editor, THE GAWU was disheartened when it read Mr Rudolph Singh’s letter, titled: “Worked 35 years at GuySuCo but got no NIS pension,” which appeared in the November 23, 2020 edition of the Stabroek News. The experience of Mr Frank Williams we must sadly share is not a new phenomenon. Many sugar workers and workers generally have and are experiencing similar situation arising from the poor record-keeping of the NIS. The GAWU, over the years, has continually represented these matters to the scheme with

varying degrees of success. The injustices meted out to many contributors in their golden years after their working lives are downright shameful and an indelible stain on the NIS. Our union, as it has done for many workers who have approached us, is willing to provide further representation to the NIS. We urge Mr Williams or Mr Singh to contact us at telephone numbers 227-2091/2, 225-5321 or 223-6523. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General-Secretary GAWU

the benefits of democratic norms and a caring government. In 1999 and 2000, the Armstrong tribunal recommendations were adopted by the PPP/C administration and public servants received increases of 31.06 per cent and 26.66 per cent respectively. Former Minister Winston Jordan’s enforced admission in Parliament disclosed that the Jagdeo government did not bureaucratically grab the opportunity to increase their salaries in tandem with that given to public servants. In essence, neither the President nor the ministers in the Jagdeo government were provided with similar increases enjoyed by public servants for that year. In the same answer, Jordan revealed that on no less than three occasions when public servants received annual salary increases and bonuses, then President Jagdeo nor his ministers gave themselves any salary increases whatsoever. Jordan was constrained to admit that former President Jagdeo’s salary was indexed in 2006 to that of the Chancellor of the Judiciary

and the Attorney General. The ministers’ salaries were indexed to that of permanent secretaries, although the records would show that the salary of some permanent secretaries; i.e., Office of the President and Minister of Finance, were far in excess of the remuneration received by PPP/C Cabinet ministers. The clear case in point is that the PPP/C took office in 1992 and it was not until 14 years later, after that government had reduced the crippling debt burden it had inherited and developed Guyana; repaired infrastructure; achieved debt relief; stabilised the economy; fixed health and education services; improved disposable income of the ordinary man; expanded the middle class; made significant investments in the development of the rural and hinterland communities; implemented policies for the revitalisation of the private sector; making Guyana attractive for investment and the overall improvement in the standard of living of all Guyanese, before correcting what can

be considered an anomaly. By that time the budget recurrent expenditure reflected a commitment to pro-poor expenditure to almost 60 per cent. It is important to note that there was no secrecy in relation to the PPP/C’s salary increases. This was gazetted, publicly known and not handled in an underhand and devious manner. The people saw a government prioritising taking care of the interests of the masses. In light of the foregoing, and the expose’s being highlighted of the massive and incredible instances and levels of corruption by those elected to serve the people during the last five years, but who instead served themselves to the nation’s bounties; as well as the failure of numerous CoIs that failed to establish any wrongdoing by PPP/C officials, it is unfortunate to continue alleging any misconduct by the party currently in government -- now or previously. All the allegations were proven by their own CoIs to be without merit.

Transfer is not dismissal Dear Editor, IT seems that any time a senior public servant is transferred or deployed to another department, PNC/APNU turns this into a political issue, throwing in a good dash of racism to sweeten it. Recently, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was deployed to another department because her ministry had been disbanded. PNC/APNU, in trying to mislead others, announced that this transfer was a dismissal and the permanent

secretary herself gave the impression that her salary was stopped, though she was receiving her full salary at all times. The truth is: I. The Public Service Commission (PSC) hires and dismisses public servants, not the government. ii. Deploying a permanent secretary, who is a public servant, is the responsibility of the PSC, not government iii. The permanent secretary, who is a public servant, never loses pay or benefits. It is only an ill-informed per-

son who could have been fooled to believe that the Permanent Secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry lost pay or was dismissed. It therefore behoves the former Permanent Secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry to explain to the media and the public that she was not dismissed, nor did she lose pay or benefits. Yours sincerely Paul Validum Ramlochan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Belgium cocaine ‘bust’ puts halt on scrap-metal trade here THE Guyana government has put a halt to the scrap-metal trade until there is policy reform to properly monitor the sector. This decision was taken in the aftermath of a massive drug “bust” found in a container of scrap iron metal which was shipped from Guyana to Belgium earlier this month. “I had a meeting with some scrap-metal traders last week who were anxious to get back into business and I said we couldn’t support that position because new protocols have to be put into place and some joint arrangements must come into place between the [Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit], [Guyana Revenue Authority] and others in respect to the surveillance and packing of the containers and the movement of the containers from the place of scanning to the port where they are loaded onto the vessels,” Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn told reporters on the sidelines

The cocaine was disguised as scrap metal and placed inside a steel container (Belgian media photos)

of an event on Monday. A number of exporters are suffering as investigators continue the search for local shipper Marlon Primo, who remains in hiding and is considered the main suspect in

the drug “bust.” The CANU has intensified the hunt for Primo as investigations continue into how 11.5 tonnes of cocaine managed to leave the ports of Guyana undetected and made

it all the way to Belgium. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Belgian police and CANU are working closely to find Primo. During the investigation,

detectives discovered that the scanned images of the shipping containers, which was conducted by customs officers of the GRA, were deleted from the system. These images could not

be retrieved after three GRA officers, including the one whose signature appeared on the documents, were taken into custody and questioned extensively. But after experts were unsuccessful in recovering the deleted scanned images, CANU had to release all the suspects, including a broker. The four containers reportedly left Guyana on September 25 and were shipped by Primo’s MA Trading of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, to the consignee, Lotraco Recycling BV, in the Netherlands. Primo is suspected to have fled to neighbouring Suriname. The CANU will be offering Primo protection and security, since he has expressed fear for his safety. His last known addresses are 701, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and 69 Atlantic Ville, ECD The 11.5 tonnes of cocaine was neatly packed into a safe inside the container, which was then covered with scrap metal.

US announces visa restrictions on wildlife, timber traffickers is now in effect. This new tool will help disrupt the movements and business of trans-national criminal organisations, making it harder for them to smuggle illegal wildlife and timber. “The Department of State

THE United States announced on Monday a firstof-its-kind visa restriction on wildlife and timber traffickers. According to the US embassy, wildlife and timber trafficking are serious trans-national organised crime activities that threaten national security, undermine economic prosperity, fuel corruption, and spread disease. “This new visa restriction, which relies on Section 212 (a) (3) (C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,

will also impose restrictions on the immediate family of traffickers, who are believed to be complicit or involved in wildlife and timber trafficking. “With the implementation of this new tool, the

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United States continues its leadership in strengthening law enforcement, countering corruption, combating organised crime, and protecting our precious natural world,” the US embassy noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Bill to remove jail time for small quantities of ‘ganja’ before Cabinet By Richard Bhainie A draft bill, which seeks to remove custodial sentences (time served in prison) for the possession of small quantities of marijuana, is currently before Cabinet, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, disclosed on Monday. During an event at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, Nandlall reiterated the commitment of the People’s Progressive Party/

Civic (PPP/C) government to remove the harsh sentences. He said Cabinet is now deliberating on the quantity of marijuana that will attract alternative sentencing. “We made a manifesto promise that we will remove custodial sentences from small quantities of marijuana. A bill is currently before cabinet and the issue that is under review is the quantum,” the Attorney General noted. He explained that Cabinet is also taking into consideration statistics from other

Caribbean countries where similar initiatives were implemented. “We have to be guided by the statistics that have been provided, we are still seeking guidance from similar legislative measures already implemented in the Caribbean. I would not want to preempt Cabinet’s deliberation, but all these factors are currently being taken into account,” the Attorney General posited. A custodial sentence is judicial sentence that involves imprisonment; these

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

sentences are reserved for offences so serious that neither a fine nor a community sentence can be justified, and are usually handed down for offences ranging from drug trafficking, firearm-related and homicide offences. It is the government’s view that the removal of custodial sentences for this type of offence will aid in the reduction of the prison population. The Attorney General said he has already consulted the Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, for information pertaining to the number of inmates incarcerated for possession of marijuana. The information has since been passed to Cabinet and the matter is under review. Nandlall further elucidated that the removal of custodial sentences for the said offences will not be equivalent to the offences

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels

being non-existent. “It does not mean that it will not constitute an offence; it will still remain a criminal offence but it will not carry custodial sentence as a penalty and that is what I understand we promised in our manifesto,” Nandlall explained. Meanwhile, the Prison Director, who was also present at the event, explained that there is a common misconception among society that a large section of the prison population is attributed to persons incarcerated for small quantities of marijuana. “When we look at the quantity of marijuana for which persons are charged, the smallest quantity we had someone in custody for was 4.5 grammes. After that, the next smallest quantity was 27.4 grammes. It therefore means that the belief that there are hundreds of prisoners languishing in prison for

possession of five grammes or less marijuana is absolutely a myth,” the Prison Director made clear. Samuels explained that in collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), efforts are being made for persons who were arrested for a “spliff” not to be sent to the prison system, especially in light of the diminished physical capacity and the COVID-19 pandemic. Pro-marijuana activists, such as the Guyana Rastafarian Council, have previously indicated their plans to lobby the government to move to decriminalise marijuana. In accordance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 1998, Section 4 (1), any person who has in his possession any narcotic, shall be liable (a) in respect of any narcotic (to which cannabis is included as per Section 3 of the First Schedule of the Act). (i) on summary conviction, to a fine of not less than $30,000, together with imprisonment for not less than 3 years nor more than 5 years; or (ii) on conviction on indictment, to a fine of not less than $30,000 or three times the market value of the narcotic, whichever is the greater, together with imprisonment for not less than five years nor more than ten years.

Taxi driver charged with murdering La Grange businesswoman A TAXI driver was on Monday charged with the brutal murder of 86-yearold businesswoman, Bibi Ramjit, and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Faith McGusty. Rishiram Singh was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The alleged murder occurred on October 25, 2020 at Ramjit’s Lot 63, La Grange, Old Road, West Bank Demerara residence between 15:00hrs and 17:00hrs. Investigators believe that Singh had taken a woman to Ramjit’s home prior to the discovery of her body, which is why the murder charge was laid against him. Ramjit, who lived alone, was the owner of a grocery shop located on the lower flat

Dead: Bibi Ramjit

of her house, and according to reports, on October 25, around 15:00 hours, a customer went there to purchase some eddoes, but having found that the she did not have enough change to give the man, an arrangement was made between he and the shopkeeper for him to return later for his money.

When the man did return about two hours later, he reportedly observed that both the shop door as well as the back door of the upper flat of the woman’s house had been prised open, so he called out for the elderly woman, but got no response. On deciding to enter the house to see if she was okay, he discovered Ramjit’s lifeless body on the bed with her feet and hands bound, and immediately raised an alarm, whereupon the police were summoned to the crime scene. The deceased was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. The matter has been adjourned to December 3, and was transferred to the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

33,000 Haitians ‘missing’ …in three-year period after arriving in Guyana

APPROXIMATELY 33,000 Haitians have been reported as “missing” in a three-year period following their arrival in Guyana. This is according to Minister of Home Affaion Robeson Benn, who told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday that there is a strong element of human trafficking related to the Haitians coming here. “There are 33,000 persons of Haitian citizenship who have come to Guyana over the last three years and 2020; 33,000 of those who arrived are missing; we know that they are not in Guyana. We know that they are reports of them going over the Corentyne River, perhaps to French Guiana, we know that many of them are said to be going to Brazil. “We understand and we believe that there is a strong

element of human trafficking and peoples-smuggling related to this matter,” Minister Benn told reporters. He said that there are reports of Haitians making attempts to travel through Barbados on smaller aircraft to enter Guyana after a chartered flight with Haitians was barred from entering the country. “I had refused the landing of a charter [sic] flight surprisingly from The Dominican Republic which consisted of all Haitians. It appears that after that refusal, there have been attempts to come through Barbados on smaller planes and on Caribbean Airlines to come to Guyana and continue what we view as trafficking.” Minister Benn’s comments come on the heels of 26 Haitians being placed in protective custody after they

likely be deported at the end of the investigation. “And so the investigations are underway and shortly we anticipate that we will have these people returned to their homes.” According to Minister Benn, Guyana will have to implement stricter measures,

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

were intercepted in Georgetown and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) about a week ago. Even though these 26 nationals have claimed that they entered Guyana legally, Minister Benn said they will

Trio who reportedly robbed businessman of over $3M granted bail

Quacy Fung-A-Fat

Afzal Khan

Jason Staunton

THREE men who allegedly robbed a Corentyne Berbice businessman of over $3M were granted bail when they appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Quacy Fung-A-Fat, 40, a labourer of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD); 58-year-old Afzal Khan, a taxi driver of Chateau Margot (ECD); and Jason Staunton, 32, a labourer of Samatta Point, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were all charged with simple larceny. They pleaded not guilty to the charge and were released on $250,000 bail each; the accused were ordered to lodge their passports and to report to the Brickdam Police Station every Friday. The case was transferred to the No. 51 Magistrate’s Court and the trio is slated to re-appear on December 23, 2020. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that quick action by ranks of the Guyana Police Force led to the arrest of

three suspects who allegedly robbed the 42-year-old businessman of over G$3 million, as well as $7,270 in Surinamese currency on Friday last. The theft occurred at Number 66 Village, Corentyne, Berbice around 10:15hrs. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that Deonarine Harripersaud, called “Chona”, who is a businessman and a boat owner, visited two commercial banks in Corentyne, Berbice, earlier in the day and withdrew the money, after which he made several payments to his employees in the Corentyne area. He left the cash in a haversack in the front seat of his vehicle as he made way into the Number 66 Fishing Complex to drop off a tool for his workers who were fixing his boat. Upon his return to the vehicle, the businessman noticed that the haversack was missing, and further checks found that the lock on the passenger side was tampered

with. Harripersaud received information that a white Toyota Allion car stopped next to his vehicle and someone went into the car and took out his haversack. The businessman then made a report at the #51 Police Station. Based on intelligence received, ranks went to Liverpool Village, Corentyne, Berbice and stopped a white Toyota Allion car, which was proceeding west on the said public road, with the suspects inside. “They were told of their suspicion, arrested and escorted to the Whim Police Station where a search was conducted on their persons and the said motor car. Police found, on the front passenger seat, a grey haversack which contained a quantity of Guyana and Suriname dollars,” the police report noted. Police also recovered Harripersaud’s passport and bank books.

such as a visa system for persons who wish to enter the country. “We will have to institute a system of visas being issued before any of those persons come to Guyana, to make sure that those who are coming to Guyana are coming for legitimate purposes, he said, adding: “We cannot continue with a situation where a number amounted [sic] to five per cent of our population passes

through the country in a few years and disappears. “There are international implications and other legal issues related to this matter to [sic] which we have to abide and so we are working to that issue to get it resolved.” The Haitians currently in custody include seven children and it appears as if the children are no relations to the persons they were travelling with.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

President Ali on first State visit to Suriname

President Irfaan Ali greets Suriname’s Minister of Foreign of Foreign Affairs, Albert Ramdin and other officials, upon his arrival in the neighbouring country on Monday night (Office of the President photo)

PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali departed Guyana on Monday for an official threeday visit to the Republic of Suriname, the Office of the President has announced. This is the President’s first State visit since he was sworn in on August 2, 2020. The Head of State will engage in discussions with President Chandrikapersad Santokhi to build on the issues advanced during the latter’s visit to Guyana last August, the President’s office noted. The two leaders are expected to finalise agreements to advance the proposal for the construction of the

Corentyne River bridge, and establish a new mechanism for enhanced dialogue and cooperation. “The Republic of Suriname will celebrate the 45th Anniversary of its Independence on November 25. An Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly will be convened, at which time President Ali will deliver a congratulatory message,” the release from Office of the President noted. The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, the members of which will also be engaging in discussions in several other areas of cooperation.

According to the release, President Ali said that both nations share “similar challenges, circumstances and opportunities, and as such, it is very critical and important for us to work together to find common solutions, to collaborate, and to support each other in tackling the challenges while at the same time confront the opportunities for the people of both countries will benefit from.” Formal diplomatic relations between Guyana and the Republic of Suriname were established on November 25, 1975.

Man found with illegal gun, ammunition in pants crotch granted bail A MAN, who was allegedly caught with an unlicenced firearm and matching ammunition hidden in his pants crotch, was, on Monday, granted $300,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus. Salim Azeez of North Section, Canal Number Two, pleaded not guilty to the two charges when he made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court. The first charge alleged that Azeez, on November 20, at Main Street, Georgetown, had, in his possession,

one .32 Taurus pistol when he was not the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time. The second charge alleged that he, on the same day, at the said location, had in his possession 13 live .32 ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time. Prosecutor Inniss told the court that, on the day in question, about 22:00hrs, police, while on patrol duty on Main Street, Georgetown, intercepted a motor vehicle which was being driven by

Azeez. A search was conducted on the vehicle. While subsequently executing a search on his person, the gun and ammunition were found hidden in his pants crotch. Azeez was asked to provide his firearm licence but was unable to do so. As a result he was arrested and later charged for the present offences. Magistrate Isaacs- Marcus granted Azeez $150,000 bail for each charge. The matter was adjourned to December 21.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Draft local content policy to be submitted to President Ali this week –– PSC says policy will serve as conduit for locals to enter various sectors By Navendra Seoraj BUILDING an inclusive environment, amidst increasing foreign investment and interest in Guyana, hinges on the implementation of a comprehensive Local Content Policy, a draft of which will be presented to the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, this week. Guyana, with its newfound oil wealth, is on the cusp of economic transformation and has already received the title of “investment capital” of the region and possibly the world. This title has served as a magnet for investors who are turning their attention to Guyana. Hoteliers, agro processors, key players in the global energy sector and many other investors are either already in Guyana or are interested in penetrating the country’s growing economy- which has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of about US$4 billion. And, outside of the overarching development, the lucrative oil and gas sector, which officially came on stream in 2015, has been productive, but there has been no regulatory/legal framework in place to guide the utilisation of local content in the sector. There is, however, a high level of confidence that this will no longer be the case, as the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, has said that President Ali will receive a draft Local Content Policy this week. The government, in September, had established an advisory panel on local content. The panel was tasked with undertaking a review of all existing initiatives and policies relating to local content in the petroleum sector and to provide guidance for the development of Guyana’s Local Content Policy and Legislation. The panel comprises Shyam Nokta (chair), Carl Greenidge, Anthony Paul, Kevin Ramnarine, Carville Duncan and Floyd Haynes. From all indications, the panel has completed its work, and, as said by Minister Bharrat in an invited comment on Sunday, the President will soon receive the product of the two-month deliberations. The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the panel, as part of its work, had engaged various stakeholders like the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), among other key stakeholders.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Nicholas Boyer

Chairman of the PSC, Nicholas Boyer, told the Guyana Chronicle, on Monday, that his organisation’s main concern was ensuring that there are precursors for Local Content Legislation. “We have asked for the architecture to take us from policy to legislation, and we are widening the scope and not just focusing on oil, but other sectors as well,” said Boyer. While the expectation is a broad policy, he said there were direct conversations about the inclusion of locals in Guyana’s nascent oil and gas sector. “The panel understood what we brought up with them…as locals we want to participate in the industry. This [the policy] will serve as an entry point for locals to become part of the industry and not just from a perspective of waiting for handouts,” Boyer reasoned. A top priority of the government, according to Minister Bharrat, is to ensure that as many Guyanese, including small businesses and semiskilled labourers benefit from the oil and gas industry. It was reported that the former government had created a local content policy after many consultations with various stakeholders. This policy framework recognises the broader goal of the previous administration to optimise national income from development of the country’s sovereign hydrocarbon resources, and prudently invest these revenues to transform the economy to the benefit of all Guyanese, now and in the future. The policy was designed to deliver both short-term opportunities for Guyanese citizens and Guyanese suppliers, and longer-term capacity building by raising the standards of Guyanese

industries to be internationally competitive. Despite the aims and objectives of the policy, Minister Bharrat is of the firm view that a policy is not enough. “The previous administration spoke about first oil; oil and gas, and all this talk about the industry, and there is no local-content legislation; no draft of it… There is a local-content policy, but you need a legal framework to ensure that things happen,” said the minister in a past report. He said that having a policy is not enough to hold a major player, or any player, in the oil-and-gas sector accountable, as there is nothing binding or regulating operations. Even the Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, was quoted by sections of the media as saying: “We have to have legislation. The legislation is what matters, not the policy. People can ignore that because it has no effect of law. When you pass the legislation – and we’re going to do it – you have to simplify it: what is it that we’re looking for from these oil companies to do? First of all, to make sure that they spend more in Guyana, using Guyanese labour and using Guyanese businesses. More business has to flow to our people and that is the purpose of local content policy. It’s a simple thing,” Jagdeo said that, in order to craft a robust piece of legislation, the government must bring all the “local people” together and examine where there is the capacity and where there is none. By examining which sectors lack the capacity, only then can the government be “liberal” in allowing foreign investors to operate.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

102 COVID-19 deaths at GPHC since March - Professor Misir knocks Guyana’s management of pandemic prior to August

By Vishani Ragobeer THERE have been 102 COVID-19 deaths recorded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) since March, according to the hospital’s Head of Medical Services, Dr Mahendra Carpen. At a recent training with members of the media, Dr. Carpen shared that 61 persons died in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 20 died in the emergency room, 17 in the transition ward and four in the regular wards. Combined, this shows that 102 deaths were recorded at the GPHC. As of November 20, a total of 245 persons were admitted to the COVID-19 ICU of which 233 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The COVID-19 ICU was developed as part

of the GPHC’s efforts to deal with the “sickest people with COVID-19”, according to Dr. Carpen. But a number of persons died due to COVID-19, and other complications (such as having co-morbidities), in other parts of the hospital. For the 20 persons who died in the emergency room, Dr. Carpen explained that this meant that persons would have been infected for a number of days before going to the hospital for treatment. If someone tests positive for COVID-19, current research shows that you would have been exposed to the virus at least about seven days before; symptoms are developed about a week or two after. “If someone comes to the emergency room at day one and [a COVID-19 test] comes back positive, there

is almost an impossible scientific way for them to be in the emergency room, to pick it up the same time and test positive at the same time. They would have come to hospital with it,” the doctor said. It is for this reason, he explained, that persons who die in the emergency room did not contract the deadly virus while there. ‘WORRISOME’ Meanwhile, Guyanese-born former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Prem Misir, said that Guyana’s COVID-19 numbers are worrisome. “It is important to understand if you didn’t do early interventions, you’re going to have some serious problems with COVID-19 and Guyana is a good case

GPHC Head of Medical Services, Dr Mahendra Carpen

in point and there were some troubling scenarios,” Professor Misir said at another recent health forum, which was organised by the Texila American University. According to recent figures provided by the Ministry of Health, Guyana’s positivity rate (or the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests) stands at about 18 per cent. This figure is much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO), which suggests that

Guyanese-born former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Prem Misir

the rate should be between three and ten per cent. “The per cent of COVID-19 positive [the positivity rate] is a key measure of virus prevalence in areas tested and if testing levels are in-step with levels of the virus spread,” the Professor explained, adding, “a low number of tests could yield a high per cent of COVID-19 positive, as may be Guyana’s case with only about approximately 1.3 per cent of tests being done.”

He stressed that high positivity rates could signal a high transmission rate, which may also mean that it is possible that there are more people who have COVID-19 in communities but who are not being tested. He later lamented that Guyana’s testing regime in the first few months of the pandemic was “very troubling” and emphasised that now, even as testing has been ‘ramped up,’ more testing should be done.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

First Lady opens up about losing baby during complicated pregnancy

–– shares details of upcoming projects for young children and persons with disabilities By Naomi Parris GUYANA’s youngest and newest First Lady, Arya Ali, recently shared with the nation, a tragedy which no mother should have to face – losing a child. In a sit-down interview, aired on the News Room on Sunday, Mrs. Ali disclosed that she lost her second son while seeking medical assistance overseas during the period when Guyana was embroiled in a bitter dispute over the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections. “At that time, I was pregnant with my second son and it was a devastating time actually because of the elections uncertainty and then my child not making it into the world. He died at five months,” First Lady Ali disclosed. She suffered this loss without the physical comfort of her husband, now President, Dr Irfaan Ali, and her one-year-old son, Zayd. Added to that, COVID-19 hit Guyana and the borders were closed. “It was a hard time, I left the country two days just before the borders closed and I was stuck for three months overseas and there was no Irfaan, there was no Zayd; my mom wasn’t even at my side when I really needed them. That was a hard time for me,” the First Lady recalled. During the early days of her pregnancy, Mrs. Ali learnt that her unborn child was suffering from a heart condition and so, she travelled to a medical facility overseas. “I found out that he had a heart condition and I needed to seek overseas medical attention. When I got there with the whole COVID and all things were delayed, so he just didn’t make it. I couldn’t even bring him back home. So it was very hard.” While still coping with the death of her unborn child, Mrs.Ali took up office as Guyana’s ninth First Lady after her husband was declared the winner of the elections, five months later. Recalling the events of the declaration, Mrs. Ali said she was in a state of disbelief

First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali

since there was so much uncertainty during the elections process. The First Lady admitted that taking up her new post was a challenge since she never had so many eyes on her. “It’s been four months, and I must say it’s a learning experience and there is so many emotions I can talk about, but to put it in a nutshell, it’s somewhat taxing, it can be very overwhelming. I do get frustrated, if there was a manual that said how to be a First Lady, I’d love to get my hands on one of those. There are so many challenges but they are so many great outcomes as well and I hope one day I can be someone a young girl can aspire to be.”

lined her plans for companies and members of the general public to be more considerate and to employ persons with disabilities. “I find that that particular group is very vulnerable and they need a lot of attention. How I look at it, is that they need the income to make them independent; it is not a case where they don’t want to work, it’s just that business are not willing to employ those people. I am here and I’m advocating that each business at least hire one differently-abled person.” She added, “There are quite a few large companies who are willing to tap into that project but I know that there is room for more.”

AN ADVOCATE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES The First Lady has several projects on her agenda and is currently working in phases to execute them. “I am very much passionate right now about our beautification projects…because I feel right now, we are going to have an influx of tourists and with foreign investors coming into the country, I find that we need a face lift and we need to be welcoming with our hospitality going side by side with how Guyana looks.” The First Lady also out-

ADOPT AN ORPHANAGE The First Lady is also engaging members of the private sector to partake in her ‘Adopt an Orphanage’ project to assist children. “We are asking the private sector to adopt an orphanage; each company should try to adopt an orphanage at least for six months and that is helping them with their overhead expenses.” The project, she added, “will give the children a little bit more than what is being offered on a daily basis.”

President Irfaan Ali with First Lady, Arya Ali and their son, Zayd

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Young teacher launches inspirational book

–– provides roadmap for a successful, purposeful life By Alisa Lashley RECOGNISING that young people need guidance to lead a successful and purposeful life, Cardel Hunte recently launched a book which sets out how such could be done. Through his book, “I Dare Me”, the 20-year-old has proven that he is an advocate for change and development of his peers. Apart from being a fulltime teacher and student, he is currently involved in numerous youth developmental activities and shares a love for singing, drama, music and poetry. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the youth leader articulated that his book seeks to dare the

average person to live a life in a way that serves him/her with happiness, self-fulfillment, and the achievement of dreams, goals, and purposes. “I always had a passion to inspire others and encourage them to be their best selves. Over the years it’s been through poetry, songs and motivational speeches. This idea came to me as I was thinking of ways to reach more youths with my purposeful messages. I wanted to create a piece that encompassed everything I wanted to say to a young person whom I believed in and wanted to see succeed in life. This is where the ‘I Dare Me’ story began. I relived my own experiences in coming into my divine calling, in living a life of purpose and the ways which I thought

Cardel Hunte and a supporter at the book launch

The book on display at the launch and book-signing event

of in achieving my goals and dreams,” Hunte said.

Author of “I Dare Me”, Cardel Hunte

“I Dare Me” is a motivational non-fiction that encourages readers to identify their God-given purpose and calling and apply them through the effective living and the achievement of goals and dreams. It is a compilation of guidelines for making this happen. It includes themes of spirituality, inspiration, transformation, perseverance and character. It combines psychological principles of understanding one’s own identity and uniqueness, biblical principles of Godly living and widely accepted moral values. It gives readers a challenge to have an introspection done of their own lives and character. The book targets persons who may just need a bit of motivation to get through each day, or persons who generally find it a bit difficult in making decisions --- even if it’s a young adult now learning his/her way around life and may want to know more about his/her identity and his/ her purpose, a person who has so many goals and dreams but just needs some advice on how to achieve them all and even someone who has lived his/her life and wants to continue doing so towards the fulfilment of their destiny. Hunte specified that after reading the aforementioned book, the average person should feel a sense of worth and completeness, a deeper desire for purpose and success and overall empowerment of his/her character. CHALLENGES When asked about the difficulties he faced during

the compilation of the book, Hunte expressed that he recalls numerous difficulties from the inception of the project up until its completion. “For starters, I had no prior knowledge of how to write a book. I was clueless about where to begin, how to continue and how to end. I truly believe that God was moving ‘the pen’ all along. There were times I faced writer’s block and I felt so out of ideas and lost in an incomplete story, but I found inspiration in the people I would interact with on a daily basis; my friends, family and various youth networks. In turn, they inspired me to keep on inspiring them. There were many times I got so engaged with other things that I almost forgot I was writing a book. I had to split my time into completing tasks for my job, and the three organisations that I run,” he added. Additionally, through the ‘purpose charge’ sessions at his Vocal Identity Series Club, the young man would find himself sharing chapters from the book and would take into account the responses and useful feedback from participants then continue writing. “At work, my daily interaction with children brought me the joy and mental stability I needed to do a bit more writing. All in all, I am truly thankful for each of these challenges as I believe the book bore sweet fruit in the midst of it all,” Hunte posited. When asked about his future plans in the writing arena, Hunte responded, “I do have another book in mind that I hope to release in the next year or so. This one really fills me with excitement as it won’t be just my story, but the thoughts, stories and pieces from many others. I’d love to keep the suspense so I’ll refrain from saying much more until then.” In advising up-and-coming young writes, Hunte implored them to face fear and doubt head-on and to never let it stop them from sharing their stories. “The thoughts of ‘will my piece be accepted’ or ‘will it have an impact’ are very frightful at times and can hold us hostage from releasing our voices to the world. And the self-doubt can grip us so tightly that we end up abandoning our work altogether. Future authors, don’t be afraid and don’t be worried. Believe in your piece and allow others the privilege of having a read,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

21 new COVID-19 Soesdyke businessman shot dead in home invasion cases from three regions THERE have been 21 new COVID-19 cases recorded from 241 tests, according to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard released on Monday afternoon. These 21 new cases take the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 5,154. Of that number, there have been 4,034 recoveries, including 15 new recoveries recorded over the 24-hour period. Based on these numbers, there is a recovery rate of approximately 78.3 percent. The death toll is currently at 146, with the latest death being an 88-year-old woman from Region 10. Additionally, there are eight persons in COVID-19 ICU, one more from the day before. The new cases were recorded from 11 men and 10 women. They were recorded in Region Three (one case), Region Four (one case) and Region Six (19 cases).

Currently, there are 85 persons in institutional isolation, 881 in home isolation and 31 in institutional quarantine. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Eight) will expire on November 30, 2020, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per these measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The curfew is now 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

POLICE are on the hunt for four bandits who reportedly shot and killed a 53-year-old businessman in his Public Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara house in the wee hours of Monday during a robbery. Dead is Terrence Dickie. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that Dickie lived with his 42-year-old wife-- a businesswoman-- his daughter and his 18-year-old nephew. According to the police, the nephew said he was awaken 30 minutes past mid-

Dead: Terrence Dickie

night by two of the suspects who pointed a gun to his chest and forced him to his uncle’s room. It is alleged that the bandits instructed him to tell Dickie to open his bedroom door; the businessman opened the door and he was confronted by the armed men. It is further alleged that a scuffle ensued between the bandits and the victim, during which they shot him to the chest. Dickie collapsed and the bandits then demanded money from his wife; they

also proceeded to ransack the rooms and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash through a door on the western side of the house. The victim was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by his wife and daughter. There, he was pronounced dead on arrival. The police, who processed the scene, revealed that the suspects entered the house from the lower flat through a northern window. Investigations are ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

42 businesses warned after flouting COVID-19 guidelines –– task force says 20 issued ‘final warning’ for non-compliance, not just Palm Court THE National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat (NCTFS) discovered that 42 businesses breached the COVID-19 emergency measures and 20 of those businesses have been issued final warning letters for continued breaches of the guidelines. This information was released Monday in a press statement from the NCTFS and the Ministry of Health in response to a letter written to the task force by Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Nicholas Boyer. Importantly, the busi-

nesses in contravention of the COVID-19 guidelines were not revealed but the statement did acknowledge that the Palm Court Restaurant and Bar was one such business. The Guyana Chronicle reported that a letter, dated November 21, 2020, was issued to the Palm Court Restaurant and Bar, a popular entertainment in Georgetown, stating that it is evident that despite being warned on October 30, 2020, the entertainment spot continues to defy the COVID-19 measures. The letter did not state specifical-

ly what measure (s) the night spot had breached. The management of the business denied that the entertainment spot was violating any of the COVID-19 guidelines which have been instituted by the NCTFS, as part of measures to help curb the adverse effects of the virus. In a letter addressed to the task force and seen by this newspaper, the PSC Chairman accused the task force of attempting to discredit the business by leaking the final warning to the media. He also posited that “hun-

dreds” of businesses operate similarly to the Palm Court, which made the Task Force’s actions seem discriminatory. Boyer even said that the PSC, a key business stakeholder on the task force, is “seriously and actively” considering withdrawing from the task force. Though the task force mentioned that 42 businesses were warned, and not the “hundreds” as Boyer contended, the COVID-19 planning and response body encouraged the PSC to remain part of the task force. This, the statement noted, was part

of the “inclusive approach” taken by the government. “The PSC plays a vital role as part of the Task Force and the Ministry believes that the matter concerning the Palm Court Restaurant and Bar could be resolved mutually and collaboratively as done by other businesses that were written to,” the task force said. The body also denied disclosing any information to the media about which businesses have been warned, and emphasised that this modus operandi will continue. “As the PSC correctly

pointed out, the mandate of the NCTFS was given by none other than the President of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and both the Task Force Chairman, Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d.) Mark Phillips, and Co-Chairman, Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, believe that every citizen and every sector, including the PSC Chairman and the entire Commission, must play their part to ensure this mandate is achieved,” the release contended.

Woman arrested for killing brother who was beating wife

Dead: Alex Morgow

The suspect, Lashena Morgow

The murder weapon

A 31-year-old woman has been taken into police custody after she reportedly stabbed her 20-year-old brother to death, on Sunday evening, at their Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo house. Dead is Alex Morgow, a fisherman. Police Headquarters, in a statement, said that the suspect, Lashena Morgow, stabbed her brother in an attempt to stop him from beating his wife. According to the police report, around 10:00hrs on Sunday, Morgow, his wife, his sister and her son visited a friend’s house at First Koker, Parika, where they were imbibing. Police said the family spent about two hours there and then left for home. When they arrived home about 17:30hrs, Morgow and his wife had an argument over the food that she prepared for him. During the argument, Morgow reportedly pushed

his wife to the ground, kicked and slapped her, in the presence of his sister. Police said Lashena intervened, which resulted in an argument and a physical altercation. It is alleged that the suspect then ran into the kitchen, picked up a knife and rushed back to her brother while continuing the argument. She then, allegedly, stabbed him to his left side chest and pulled out the knife. Morgow collapsed and the police were summoned. The police said that they found the murder weapon in a black and white hand bag that was in the possession of Lashena. Morgow was escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival about 20:30hrs. The body is at the Ezekiel Funeral home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Tour of Bangladesh in January is possible, Skerritt says ... safety of players will be of utmost importance

DHAKA, Bangladesh, (CMC) – A Tour of Bangla-

desh in January will usher in the new year for West Indies. But Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt said the safety of the players will be of utmost importance before it can take place. The Tour, part of the Future Tours Programme of the ICC, the sport’s World governing body, is currently scheduled to feature three Tests, which will count towards the ICC World Test Championship, three One-day and three Twenty20 Internationals, But officials from the two cricket boards are currently trying to iron out satisfactory safety protocols that will protect the players from the risk of catching the COVID-19 virus. “We want to be sure that the protocols established in Bangladesh meet the requirement that we have established so far in the various tours we have been on,” Skerritt told the Dhaka-based Maasranga TV. “There are case studies to benchmark from. This is not going to be the first overseas tour. As you know, we did the first overseas tour to England. “Certain standards were set, certain learnings were achieved, and I think once Bangladesh can meet those standards, I don’t think there’s going to be any major problem. “We just have to verify in our own way that the situation will be safe for all concerned.” Skerritt said once the safety standards are met, the “best available” West Indies team will make the trip to Bangladesh, and the Tests made be reduced to two. “There has been an option to reduce from three to two Tests, but it is not finalised yet,” Skerritt said. “It will be finalised within the next few days. The problem is [that] we have to

look at it from all perspectives, that of COVID-19, scheduling and cost.” He said: “These days, the pressures that COVID-19 have brought to world cricket are significant in terms of revenue. “We want to come to Bangladesh because we respect the relationship and the bilateral agreements that we have.” At the end of the month, it will be one full year since Bangladesh has played an international match. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is eager to bring that scenario to an end and they are considering all of the options to make things work. “I just want to assure you that we will always send the best available team to any tour that we undertake, including to Bangladesh,” Skerritt said. “We believe a tour to Bangladesh is always a challenging tour because it is an environment that’s very different to our own conditions. But we have always done well in Bangladesh. Our players enjoy playing against Bangladesh.” He said: “At the moment, we are fairly evenly-matched, and it is always a good series between West Indies and Bangladesh. “We are doing everything we can to participate in tours abroad and at home, but the COVID-19 pandemic is making it extremely difficult to implement our plans.” West Indies are currently on the Tour of New Zealand. It is their second tour during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, making the only international team to do so. They were the first international team to resume tours following a global lockdown because of the virus, when they visited England this past June for a series of three Tests.

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Kemo Paul-5/12 (vs BANG, Dhaka, 2018) (2) Tim Southee-5/18 (vs PAK, Auckland, 2010)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in T20 Int’ls to date? (2) Which NZ wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in T20 Int’ls to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Sydney Thunder & Perth Scorchers join Brisbane Heat & Melbourne Stars in semis SYDNEY Thunder and Perth Scorchers have joined Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash semi-finals on the final day of group games. Thunder face defending champions Brisbane Heat after a six-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes. The Scorchers edge into the knockout stage to play Stars despite a three-run loss to Adelaide Strikers. It was at the expense of Sydney Sixers who finished level on points with Perth but with an inferior net run-rate.

England captain Heather Knight top-scored for Sydney Thunder in the group stage with 403 runs. Brisbane and Melbourne had already comfortably qualified for the semi-finals prior to the last round of fixtures.

Medvedev excited to be part of new ... From page 26 number two Rafa Nadal and a group stage win over world number one Novak Djokovic, means he is only the fourth player ever to beat the top-three ranked men in a single event. It also means Medvedev heads into 2021 tipped as the most likely of the so-called next generation to win a Grand Slam. With Roger Federer now 39 and his fellow 20time Grand Slam champion Nadal 34 and 17-time major winner Djokovic 33, their incredible career-long rivalries have a limited time to run. The hope is that Medvedev, U.S. Open champion Thiem, 27, and the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Denis Shapovalov, will soon provide the same blockbuster rivalries. “Hopefully,” Medevedev told reporters when asked if his series with Thiem, which is 3-2 in the Austrian’s favour, could develop into something special. Thiem said “exciting times” are ahead for the men’s game and Medvedev said the young guns would keep pushing each other. “Hopefully we can be there for a long time, maybe let’s saypushing the other generations back,” he said. “The top three, they probably went through two, three generations without dropping their level, which is not easy. “But what is definitely good from us, from Dominic, from me, if we talk about this tournament, we managed both to beat Rafa and Novak, which is an amazing accomplishment.” Medvedev ends the year on a 10-match winning streak and with wins against Djokovic, Nadal and Thiem in London, he said he will head into the new season brimming with confidence. “To beat Dominic the way he played today and to manage to beat him is probably my best victory of my life.”

Six England players could feature in the semi-finals with all-rounder Nat Sciver and fast bowler Katherine Brunt for the Stars, spinner Sarah Glenn and wicketkeeper Amy Jones for the Scorchers and all-rounder Heather Knight and opening bat Tammy Beaumont for Thunder. Sciver, 28, who has 18 wickets in the Twenty20 competition so far, says a “change in personnel” has been the difference for the table-topping Stars this season, after they failed to make the play-offs in 2019.

“A lot of experience has been added with myself, Katherine and Meg [Lanning] so the experience we have in the WBBL and international teams has been really important, “ Sciver told BBC World Service. “Tournament cricket is never easy and we managed to get ion a role and make sure winning became a habit for us.” The bowler, who also contributed 194 runs with a highest score of 36 in the group stages, will face former side Perth in the semi-finals. (BBC Sport0

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Refreshed Rabada ready to take aim at England CAPE TOWN (Reuters) Kagiso Rabada has played down the significance of the battle between South Africa’s fast bowlers and the England speedsters in the limited overs series that starts at Newlands later this week. Rabada, 25, was the leading bowler in the 2020 Indian Premier League with

30 wickets in 17 games. He was particularly impressive with his ability at the death of the innings, forming a strong partnership with fellow fast bowler and compatriot Anrich Nortje for the Delhi Capitals. There has been much talk about their head-to-head battle with England’s Jofra Archer and Mark Wood in the series in South Africa, but

Rabada is only focusing on his own game. “I’m not looking at how they bowl and trying to do better, although Jofra and Mark are world-class fast bowlers and you have to appreciate the skill they bring,” he told reporters on Monday. “The IPL was great, but in cricket, especially at the Kagiso Rabada was the leading bowler in the recent Indian Premier League

international stage, you have to repeat constantly. It is not an easy place, you’re never in your comfort zone. But you have to keep coming back and doing the same thing. “Sometimes you hit a purple patch, but most of the other times you’re just scrapping and it’s never easy against England.” Rabada had a huge workload across all formats for South Africa before the COVID-19 pandemic and said he feels refreshed by the enforced break from cricket.

“I was able to take my mind off a lot of things, but I don’t know how many long breaks we’ll be able to have in future. The cricket just gets more and more and you’ve just got to find a way to take it in your stride,” he said. “Mark Boucher has said he wants to rotate a bit and we trust the coach’s philosophy and buy into it.” The first of three Twenty20s against England starts on Friday, with the series followed by three One-Day Internationals.

Liverpool go level with leaders Spurs, Arsenal held at Leeds By Simon Evans (REUTERS) - Liverpool moved level with leaders Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the Premier League after a club record-setting 3-0 victory over Leicester City at Anfield on Sunday. Ten-man Arsenal earlier hung on for a 0-0 draw at Leeds United after Nicolas Pepe was sent off for a headbutt early in the second half at Elland Road. Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice in their 3-2 win at struggling Fulham, while Sheffield United’s poor start continued with a 1-0 home defeat by West Ham United. Liverpool are now unbeaten in 64 league games at Anfield setting a new club record and they were full value for the win. The defending champions took the lead in the 21st minute when Leicester’s former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, under pressure from Sadio Mane, headed a James Milner corner into his own net. If that was a fortunate opener, the second was a trademark Liverpool goal with Andy Robertson’s perfect cross from the left turned in by an equally impressive glancing header from Diogo Jota. Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel kept his side in the game with some excellent saves before Roberto Firmino made sure of the three points with a header from a Milner corner. It was a deserved goal for the Brazilian who has struggled for goals and had twice hit the woodwork and also had an effort cleared off the line. The win took Liverpool level on 20 points with Spurs, who beat visiting Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday, leaving Chelsea and Leicester two points behind the leaders after nine games. MAD MOMENT Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was relieved to get a point from his side’s trip to Leeds after a moment of madness from Pepe left them a man down from the 51st minute. VAR officials spotted that the Arsenal winger had headbutted Ezgjan Alioski and referee Anthony Taylor took a quick look at the monitor before brandishing the red card. Leeds had been the more dangerous even before the sending off with striker Patrick Bamford twice bringing saves out of Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Leno did well again to keep out a fierce drive from Stuart Dallas and then substitute Rodrigo crashed a shot against the bar from the edge of the area. Arsenal nearly grabbed a winner, against the run of play, when Hector Bellerin put Bukayo Saka through on goal but Leeds keeper Illan Meslier did well to force him wide and then

Liverpool v Leicester City - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - November 22, 2020 Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring their third goal Pool via REUTERS/Laurence Griffiths palmed away the shot. Leeds struck the woodwork twice in the latter stages with Bamford heading against the post and Raphinha also striking the upright deep in stoppage time. CALVERT-LEWIN STRIKES After three straight losses, Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton were in need of a win at Fulham and it was the prolific Calvert-Lewin who delivered, opening the scoring after 42 seconds. Brazilian forward Richarlison, returning from a three-match ban, picked up a loose ball and ran wide to cross for England forward Calvert-Lewin who tapped in at Craven Cottage. Fulham hit back through Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s neat finish after 15 minutes but Everton continued to threaten and were unlucky not go 2-1 up as Calvert-Lewin’s effort was ruled out for offside. But the visitors did carve Fulham open again as Alex Iwobi switched play from the right and James Rodriguez fed Lucas Digne, whose first-time ball was met by Calvert-Lewin for his 10th goal this season as he moved top of the scoring charts. Abdoulaye Doucoure made it 3-1 with a 35th minute header and although Fulham’s Ivan Cavaleiro missed a penalty after the break, Scott Parker’s side did get a return for their efforts with a goal from substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek. West Ham striker Sebastien Haller’s powerful second-half strike condemned Sheffield United to a defeat that leaves them rooted to the bottom with one point after nine games.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

FIFA ban African football head for five years after ethics investigation MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - The head of African football, Ahmad Ahmad, has been banned from football for five years by FIFA following an ethics investigation by world soccer’s governing body. Ahmad, who is president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), had intended to stand in an election in March in which he would have faced a number of challengers. FIFA said in a statement the independent Ethics Committee has found Ahmad guilty of offering and accepting gifts and other benefits, and misappropriation of funds. FIFA had “sanctioned him with a ban from all

football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level for five years,” it said. It also fined him 200,000 Swiss francs ($200,000). Ahmad declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Former CAF general secretary Amr Fahmy, who died earlier this year from cancer, had been dismissed after he made corruption allegations against Ahmad last year in a document sent to FIFA. The document, sent on March 31 2019 by Fahmy to a FIFA investigations committee and seen by Reuters, accused Ahmad of ordering his secretary-general to pay $20,000 bribes into accounts of African foot-

ball association presidents. They included Cape Verde and Tanzania. The document also accused Ahmad of costing CAF an extra $830,000 by ordering equipment via a French intermediary company called Tactical Steel. The company denied any wrongdoing and said it had won the contract on merit. Furthermore, it accused him of harassing four female CAF staff, whom it did not name; violating statutes to increase Moroccan representation within the organisation; and over-spending more than $400,000 of CAF money on cars in Egypt and Madagascar, where a satellite office has been set up for him. enior CAF officials,

speaking on condition of anonymity at the time of his dismissal, said Fahmy was fired in reprisal for compiling the document with the allegations against Ahmad. Ahmad was questioned by French authorities in June, 2019 after he was taken from his Paris hotel and questioned by officers of OCLIF, the French police agency fighting financial crime and corruption, French media reports said. In August last year, FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura was appointed “general delegate” for Africa and took control of a large part of CAF’s affairs. In February, at the end of that process, a review of CAF’s finances by Price

Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) was highly critical of how the African organisation’s finances had been managed. A copy of the 55-page report was seen by Reuters and outlined a series of concerns about CAF’s book-keeping. “The accounting records of CAF are unreliable and not trustworthy,” said the PWC report. Based upon the procedures performed and documents reviewed, several red flags, potential elements of mismanagement and possible abuse of power were found in key areas of finance and operations of CAF. “Given the serious nature of certain findings and red flags identified from the preliminary due-dili-

President of the Confederation of African Football Ahmad Ahmad gence, we cannot rule out the possibility of potential irregularities.”

BCB aiming for 30 tournaments next year –– Cricket to re-start next month in the Ancient County GUYANA’s most prolific cricket organisation, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), plans to hold some 30 tournaments at various levels next year. The president of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, made the disclosure to representatives from several clubs, whom he met on Saturday last at the Albion Community Centre. At the meeting, it was agreed by the board’s executive members and the clubs that the season, which was scheduled to start this Saturday with the U-15-semifinals between Port Mourant and Tucber Park Cricket Club, and on Sunday with the Mike’s Pharmacy U-15 final between Albion and Port Mourant, would be pushed forward by two weeks. The decision was made to prepare the clubs mentally and physically for cricket

under the COVID-19 pandemic. According to information from the board’s PRO, Simon Naidu, “some clubs also suggested that the season restart with senior players”. FUTURE PLANS Besides discussions of re-starting the sport, the President also told the gathering that 2021 should be very active. Along with the 30 tournaments scheduled, Foster said that at least 100 youths would benefit from cricket gear. A commitment was also made by the BCB president to assist some clubs to resolve issues with their grounds. Foster also announced plans to assist three cricketers with scholarships in 2021. Meanwhile, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and the BCB also shared facemasks to clubs and players

The meeting took place at the Albion Community Centre on Saturday. who attended the meeting. The clubs that received face masks included: Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Canje, Edinburgh, No. 72 All Stars, Tucber Park, Radha Krishna Foundation, No. 73, Chesney, No. 69

Vikings, Police, University of Guyana, Canje Titans, Guymine, Achievers, Kendalls Union, Tamarind Root and Ramnarine Memorial. Ishwar Singh of Ishwar Guybiz Establishment donated the facemasks.

England to allow 4,000 fans at elite events in lowest-risk areas (REUTERS) - Up to 4,000 spectators will be allowed to attend outdoor elite sports events in lowest-risk tier one areas of England when a month-long national lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 is lifted on Dec. 2, the British government said on Monday. As part of new COVID-19 restrictions, 2,000 fans or 50% of a stadium’s capacity - whichever is lower - can attend sporting events in tier two areas but none can do so in tier three areas, Britain’s Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said in a statement. English Premier League matches have continued behind closed doors during the lockdown announced on Nov. 1. Supporters

have not been allowed into sporting venues since the first lockdown was announced in March, barring a few exceptions. “I can confirm the national restrictions will end on Dec. 2 ... People can leave their home, subject to the rule of six,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement to the House of Commons. “Wedding services, outdoor sports can resume. Leisure can resume. Sports will be able to resume inside in tier one and two with measures on social distancing. “Enforcement will be strengthened with new powers to close down premises that pose a risk to public health.”

Members of Parliament are set to cast a vote on plans before they are confirmed and the government will announce on Thursday which areas will go into which tier. Indoor sport and physical activity will also resume but with some restrictions on activities due to the higher transmission risk of the novel coronavirus. Organised grassroots sport will resume from Dec. 2 and gyms and leisure centres will be able to reopen across all tiers. “This is a big step forward for sport. Bringing grassroots sport back was my number one priority,” Dowden said.

“I’m confident sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe, and fans will play their part and look out for each other until we can safely get everyone back in.” The Football League (EFL) which organises football in the Championship and lower two divisions welcomed the decision. “Whilst today’s news is subject to regional restrictions, it is an important step in achieving a return to normal, alongside it being crucial to addressing the significant revenue gap left by a lack of spectators and other revenue streams as a result of the pandemic,” the league said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

NZ focus on T20 may change with Windies series: McCullum WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand’s Twenty20 series against West Indies starting on Friday should be a springboard for the home side to look to improve their results and build a squad for next year’s World Cup, former captain Brendon McCullum said. New Zealand are second in the International Cricket Council test rankings and third in one-day internationals, but struggle at sixth in Twenty20. The team lost their last two series at home and have won just seven of their last 20 matches in the shortest form of the game. McCullum, however, blamed the inconsistent results on the team’s efforts to succeed in the longer formats, using Twenty20 as a chance to develop new players or give veterans a rest. “T20 hasn’t been the best format for the New Zealand team of late and I know there is a deep desire to improve those results,” McCullum told reporters on a conference call on Monday. “I think with the T20 World Cup not

being far away, now is the time to really start to drill down what your best 11 will be and then you start to build a squad that will be competitive at the next World Cup. “That’s why these games are so vital.” While Kieron Pollard’s side are ranked ninth in Twenty20 cricket, they are the only side to have won the World Cup twice and are the defending champions for next year’s tournament in India. McCullum has an intimate knowledge of the West Indian talent, having guided the Trinbago Knight Riders to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title this year. “The West Indies are remarkable T20 cricketers,” said McCullum, who will also commentate on the series for new host broadcasters Spark Sports. “They have got immense flair right through their batting and bowling. They’re well led by Kieron Pollard and got a great mix of experience and youth. “I think they will be a very tough proposition.”

West Indies pose with their second ICC World T20 title in 2016 and are the defending champions for next year’s tournament. (Source: PTI)

Bravo confident bowlers, Blackwood and Campbell wil come good QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand, (CMC) – West Indies left-handed batsman Darren Bravo said he still had confidence in the West Indies Test bowling attack, though they struggled to get wickets during the side’s opening match on the Tour of New Zealand against the Blackcaps’ reserves. All of the bowlers in the official Test squad, except Test captain Jason Holder, had a run out during a drawn three-day, warmup match against New Zealand “A”, which ended on Sunday at John Davies Oval, but they could only capture four wickets between them. The Windies attack failed to make inroads into the home team’s batting, and they piled up totals of 308 for three declared and 124 for one. Holder is currently enduring managed isolation with nine other players in Christchurch under New Zealand’s COVID-19 protocols because they arrived from the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates unlike the rest of the squad. “To be honest, we did not test (the New Zealand “A” batsmen) enough with the new ball in the first innings – and we were a bit too wide and inconsistent,” Bravo told reporters during a video conference on Sunday, following his 135 in the three-day match. “We had a very good chat as a bowling unit and as a team before we went into the second innings,and you could have seen an improvement in the way we went about things. We obviously learnt from the New Zealand “A” bowlers as well.” Bravo said the bowling unit has also been putting the Windies batsmen under pressure in the nets and he expected them to stand up to the Test again in the forthcoming Tests against Blackcaps. “We did not get the success we wanted (in the three-day game), but if you look at our bowling record (in Tests) in the recent past – Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph – they have

middle, it is easier it is going to get, and that will give you confidence as a player. “I am sure they will get it right. As a team, we have been supporting each other every step of the way so far and I am quietly confident they will get it right.” As one of the most capped batsmen in the Test squad, Bravo said he was comfortable rising to the challenge of being the mainstay of the West Indies batting. He said he was also comfortable batting at three, although his preferred place in the line-up would be four, but he was willing to do whatever the team required for success. “At the end of the day, I must do what I am accustomed doing, give myself the best opportunity to get in, play to my strengths, don’t worry about anything, just enjoy my batting and take that responsibility,” he said. “I think that is very important. When you take that level of responsibility, that will help your game, and if I do well, that Darren Bravo hit 135 in the drawn will give the other batsmen confidence. I three-day match. will try my best to do that and try my best been exceptional for us over the last two to encourage each and every one.” to three years,” he said. He said: “For any innings to be suc“There is no need to think anything cessful, you need a very good foundation. negative. Even though they did not get the Batting at three, I have to set that foundation number of wickets they wanted, it was good for the rest of the middle order. I do not want the guys got a good run out and got a feel of to expose the middle order too early to the things out in the middle. I am sure they will new ball. Roston Chase and Shamarh Brooks continue to put in the work, and they will have been playing pretty well, so I am quite get it right. I am not really worried about our confident the guys will do well. bowling to be honest.” “But as a senior player, I have to set the Bravo also expressed confidence in tone. It will be an interesting series and we John Campbell and Jermaine Blackwood need to back ourselves as much as possible stepping up their game and being success- and believe in our ability. It is about time ful on the Tour of New Zealand. that we definitely show our worth.” “Blackwood and Campbell have been West Indies face the Blackcaps reputting in the work in the nets,” he said. “It serves again in a four-day match, starting is just a matter of concentration for Black- this coming Thursday at the same venue. wood and Campbell. It will be their final warm-up prior to “We all know how quickly they can the first Test, which starts on Thursday, score, but they just have to put a high December 3 at Seddon Park in Hamilton, price on their wicket and give themselves and the second Test, which begins on Fria chance.” day, December 11 at the Basin Reserve in He said: “The longer you stay in the Wellington.

Medvedev excited to be part of new men’s rivalries By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - Russian Daniil Medvedev said he wants to be part of a new series of long-running rivalries in men’s tennis after beating Dominic Thiem to win the ATP Finals title on Sunday. The 24-year-old completed a remarkable week with a 4-6 7-6(2) 6-4 victory to land the biggest title of his career to date. His victory over third-ranked Thiem, following a semi-final win over world See page 23

ATP Finals - The O2, London, Britain - November 22, 2020 Russia’s Daniil Medvedev celebrates with the trophy after winning the final match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem Action Images via Reuters/ Paul Childs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Imran Khan’s Kabul visit might help revive Afghanistan vs Pakistan bilateral cricket PAKISTAN Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Afghanistan last week could well pave the way for a revival of cricketing ties between the two neighbouring countries. The relations were severed in 2017 following a bomb blast in Kabul, for which the Afghan authorities had blamed Pakistan. Imran’s visit to Afghanistan, his first since forming the government in August 2018, was primarily to meet Ashraf Ghani, the Afghan president, with an eye on strengthening relations between the two countries. While in Kabul, former Pakistan captain Imran also met the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s chairman Farhan Yousafzai and a number of national team members Asghar Afghan and Mohammad Nabi among them - with the ACB expressing its desire to play bilateral cricket. As such, cricketing relations between the two

Imran Khan with members of the Afghanistan officials Afghanistan Cricket Board. countries go back a long cricket development and are way, with many prominent still open to extending our Afghanistan players hav- support whenever required,” ing learnt the basics of the Wasim Khan, the PCB chief game while being refugees executive officer, told ESin Pakistan during the war PNcricinfo. “They are Full years. Members at the ICC and one “We have played a ma- of the key players in South jor role in their [Afghan] Asia, and we are very much

cricket team and ACB looking forward to taking our relationship forward.” That, however, might not happen immediately, with the international cricket calendar being as packed as it is. “We are always open to talk to revive our ties and work out a slot for any series in our

FTP. But this year, or the next, it’s tough to make it,” Wasim said. “But Afghanistan playing Pakistan has a big [commercial] potential and a big viewership.” ESPNcricinfo understands that while the Pakistan foreign office or the prime minister’s office hasn’t discussed the matter with the PCB yet, Imran has noted the ACB’s request to play Pakistan. When it comes to playing Afghanistan (or India), the decision is left to the Pakistan government - and not the PCB - because of the often-strained political relationships with the countries concerned. Members of the PCB and the ACB were last seen together in 2017 at the PCB’s Gaddafi Stadium headquarters when they signed an agreement to play bilateral cricket starting with friendly T20s in Kabul and Lahore in July and August that year.

But then the deadly bombing incident happened on May 31 that year. The ACB released a statement soon after, saying “no agreement of friendly matches is possible between both parties. In light of the findings of security services and calls by the Afghan nation, the ACB hereby cancel all kinds of cricket matches agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board.” The PCB took exception to the comments, describing the allegations as “baseless” and “irresponsible”. Things then turned ugly when Afghanistan and Pakistan faced off at the 2019 ODI World Cup at Headingley, with reports of clashes between the two sets of fans in the stands and even outside the stadium. Now, with Imran taking the lead and the ACB willing to put cricket first, things might go back to the way they were.(ESPN Cricinfo).

GCB Tropical Springs Over-40 T20

Jai Hind Jaguars, West Berbice Masters headline second-round wins THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) -Tropical Spring T20 Over-40 Tournament continued on Sunday last, with exciting cricket at venues in Demerara and Berbice. BERBICE LEG OF MATCHES At Jai Hind ground in Berbice, Jai Hind batted first posting a competitive score of 154 for 7 off their allotted 20 overs. Opening batsman, Subramani Mangal, blazed 36, a knock which included 3 fours and a six. Number 3 batsman, Kemraj Sumair, was also aggressive, hitting 2 fours and 2 sixes in his score of 29, while middle-order batsman, Zahir Moakan, adapted a similar belligerent approach in his contribution of 18, which included 1 six and 1 four. Bowling for Sarjoo Tigers, David Perreira was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 19 from 3 overs. Mark Ferreira, Tagenarine Ramroop and Rohan Sarjoo each picked up a wicket. In reply, opening batsman, Surendra Hiralall, gave his team-- Sarjoo Tigers-- a glimmer of hope, with a composed 33, an innings which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. However, the only other major contribution with the bat in the Sarjoo Tigers’ insufficient total of 117, came from the consistent Tagenarine Ramroop, who, on this occasion, stroked a polish 39, which included 1 four and 3 sixes. Bowling for Jai Hind, Rafeek Kassim returned amazing figures of 2 for 2

from 2 overs, while all-rounder, Subramani Mangal, claimed 2 for 8 from his allotted 3 overs. Jai Hind won the match by 38 runs. In the second match over at Jai Hind ground, General Marine Masters batted first and posted a meagre score of 91 for 9 off their allotted 20 overs. Daiaram Hemraj top scored with 23, a knock which included 2 fours, while middle-order batsman, Mustak Shaw stroked 18, inclusive of 2 fours. Bowling for West Berbice, Rajban Hemraj turned in the excellent figures of 4 for 8 from his allotted 3 overs. In reply, West Berbice cleverly paced their way to their victory target by reaching 92 for 4 off 16 overs. Number 3 batsman, Jaipaul Hiralall, stroked a pugnacious unbeaten 44, an innings which included 1 four and 4 sixes. Rajban Hemraj supported well with his contribution of 11. Bowling for General Marine, Hemchan Persaud had excellent returns with 2 for 6 from his allotted 3 overs. West Berbice won by 6 wickets. DEMERARA LEG OF MATCHES The second match, slated for 13:45 hrs, was interrupted by intermittent rainfall, reducing the overs from 20 to 15 per side. Winning the toss and electing to bat, BelAir Rubis Utra Tec posted a meager 78-9 in their allotted overs. Richard Rambarran top scored for his team with 18, while Nadir Baksh added 11, while Nirmaldeo

Action in Sunday’s round of the GCB Over-40 T20 tourney Sarwan and Shauan Messiah both made 10. struction by virtue of Walk Over, whereas Mohamed Abit Haniff executed a fine task both matches at the Everest ground were at restricting the opposing side by picking abandoned due to heavy rainfall. up 2 for 5. 3rd Round Matches: In reply, West Demerara Masters The tournament continues today, with reached their target in the 13th over, with 7 matches in Demerara. The first match at wickets to spare. Key to WD Masters’ vic- the Enmore Community Centre will also tory was Ramesh Thakur (19) and Sudesh begin at 09:30 hours when West Demer(18) both of whom fell prey to Authur ara Mavericks will compete against West Duke’s skillful bowling with a hall of 2-16. Demerara Masters, while the afternoon Threading behind were Chabiraj will have RP Construction Legends versus Ramcharran and Patrick Khan who Everest Masters. each remained unbeaten on 17 to secure At the Everest Cricket club ground, their team’s victory. West Demerara Bel-Air Rubis Ultra Tec will battle Regal Masters secured a win by 7 wickets. Masters in the morning encounter which The first match at the Enmore Commu- begins at 09:30 hours, while at 13:45 nity Centre ground saw West Demerara hours, KV Construction Masters will Mavericks emerge winners over KV Con- compete against Sand Pipper Masters.

National Schools Championships ‘on the rails’

Flashback! District 10, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani, celebrates securing the overall title of the 59th National Schools Track and Field, Cycling and Swimming Championship. THE National Schools Track and Field, Cycling and Swimming Championships is the most incorporated event in the Education system’s extracurricular activities. It is the only functional sporting event to unite the schools in Guyana’s 10 Administrative Regions through competition. The 59th edition of the annual 5-day event was hosted in 2019, from November 17 – 22 at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, while swimming took place at the National Aquatic Centre, and cycling at the National Park’s inner cycling circuit. That edition was won by District 10, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani, which secured their fifth consecutive overall title, pushing the tally to an impressive 18 overall wins.

However, all evidence suggests that the staging of the 60th edition in the near future is quite improbable because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not since the 2003 Teachers’ strike has the championship taken such a serious hit. Since 2017, the highlight of the event-- the track and field aspect-- has been hosted at the Leonora Facility with over 1500 students, athletes and officials being housed at the Leonora Secondary, Uitvlugt Secondary and Stewartville Secondary schools. Realistically, with the implementation of the COVID-19 guidelines and no definite restart date to schools curricular activities, extracurricular activities, like every other sport in the world, will need a rigorous effort to seek a restart.

Added to that, guardian skepticism will also be on the cards that will no doubt hamper the turnout aspect of the event. Earlier this year, the cycling, athletics and swimming fraternities all cancelled their calendar of events until 2021 due to COVID-19. These fraternities all play a part in the hosting of the Education system’s most prestigious sporting activity. Conversely, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) revamped their efforts in surging ahead and recently made moves to stage competitions in the penultimate month of this year. The AAG thought it best to stage a long-distance event while the GCF reopened with a

time-trial model competition. However, though well contested, the participation bracket was affected by athletes who were not comfortable to participate during the pandemic and those who were inactive. Meanwhile, the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will have no moves being made until 2021 under their new administration. Hence, the few competitive swimming pools in the country remain closed. For those athletes, officials and fans who expectantly await this event may only see a realization if spread of the virus is completely mitigated and a workable vaccine is available. Until then, Linden will rightfully hold on to the championship trophy and bragging rights for an unknown extended period.

Minister Mustapha hands over funds for scholarship, cricket tournaments MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, in keeping with his promise, recently provided the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) with the funding for the player’s scholarship and future developmental tournaments. It was a month ago, at the Fyrish Primary School during one of his outreaches in Berbice where the Minister, who is a Berbician, had committed to playing a major role in the development of Berbice Cricket and the two delegation discussed a wide range of plans. However, on Thursday last, the Minister started to fulfil his commitments to the board by handing over two cheques, valued at $500,000.00 combined for a University of Guyana educational scholarship and the hosting of an Under 15 cricket tournament for clubs in the Ancient County. BCB president Hilbert Foster, who accepted the two cheques in the presence of Public Relations Officer, Simon Naidu, stated that the one-year educational scholarship was awarded to Naeem Khan of the Albion

BCB President, Hilbert Foster, accepts the sponsorship cheque from Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, in the presence of BCB PRO, Simon Naidu and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Nedd. Cricket Club. The 17- year-old all-rounder, who bowls offspin, attended the New Amsterdam Multilateral School and obtained ten subjects at the CSEC. He has been accepted at the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana to study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. Khan is the son of former Berbice all-rounder, Zamal Khan, and also plays part time for his home village of Chesney.

The Ministry of Agriculture Under 15 tournament would bowl off the BCB 2021 cricket season and would be played on a round robin 50-Over per side basis. About eighteen teams, drawn from across Berbice, are expected to participate in the tournament, which would be used to select the Berbice inter county team. Among the teams expected to participate are No73, Scottsburg, Port Mourant,

Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes, Albion Community Centre, No19 Kendall’s Union, Rose Hall Canje, Mt. Sinai, Edinburgh, East Bank Blazers, Blairmont, Achievers, Bush Lot United and Bush Lot All Stars. Foster stated that the tournament would be very important for the BCB because, after the enforced stoppage of over nine months, the board was uncertain of the current status of many of the players.

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The date of birth cut off period will be September 2006 and players are expected to be attending school if they desire to play in the tournament. The BCB president announced that 2021 would see a very active calendar for the board with the hosting of thirty cricket tournaments at the Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 19, Under 21, Female, Internal Zone, Intermediate, Second Division, Double Wicket and First Division Levels. Additionally, special emphasis would be placed on expanding the coaching

programmes of the BCB and providing assistance to clubs and less fortunate cricketers. Foster expects the BCB assistance programme to players and cricketers to exceed over $3M in 2021. The BCB president extended gratitude to Minister Mustapha and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Nedd, for their cooperation. He pledged that the tournament would be well organised while the BCB would monitor the performance of Mr. Naeem Khan on a regular basis to make sure that he upholds his required standards.

Tour of Bangladesh in January is possible, Skerritt says onSeepagestory22 ... safety of players will be of utmost importance

CWI president Ricky Skerritt TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2020