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FRIDAY 27th November, 2020

' No.106196 Brazil’s Minister of External Relations, Ernesto Araújo, is all smiles as President, Dr Irfaan Ali, is greeted by an official from the Brazilian delegation at the Pegasus Hotel, on Thursday (Department of Public Information photo)

State-of-the-art hospital for Providence

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Orealla/ Siparuta on lockdown for two weeks

Cementing links, expanding trade

–– discussion on Guyana-Brazil road project revived –– countries explore opportunities in investment, health, agriculture, energy, tourism and security SEE PAGE 03

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Health workers to receive year-end bonus

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Cementing links, expanding trade ― discussion on Guyana-Brazil road project revived

― countries explore opportunities in investment, health, agriculture, energy, tourism and security FOR decades, Guyana and Brazil have discussed the possibility of linking the two nations through the construction of a paved road, and while there has been more rhetoric than action on this front, there seems to be a clear path now, as both nations have agreed to restart tangible discussions on this project. Guyana is linked directly to Brazil through Lethem, which lies just on the edge of the border between the nations. The journey from Lethem to Georgetown takes as many as 13 hours depending on the state of the road. It recently became impassable. But, once paved, the projection is that the trip will take no more than five hours. This piece of infrastructure will not just improve transportation, but it will also augment trade and tourism, increase land value, among other things. Those and other possibilities were discussed on Thursday when, high-level officials of the Government, including President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, met with a visiting team from Brazil, which included the country’s Minister of External Relations, Ernesto Araújo and senior officials of the Ministry of External Relations and the Federal Police of Brazil. The visiting team also held discussions with Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Attorney General, Anil Nandlall; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. President Ali, in a statement issued subsequent to the meeting, said the paving of the Linden to Lethem road, which will facilitate trade and investments between the two nations, was high on the agenda. “That road link is linked to the port development, so for that issue, we have set up a special committee that will be led by the ministers’ technical teams, so we can advance the work and move, not only to the conceptuali-

sation, but closer to the implementation of this project. Both sides have committed fully to this development— via a joint approach,” said the President. IMPLEMENTATION Both countries also

connecting at many levels. “We’re talking about the integration of the Guiana Shield and link to Brazil. That discussion started in Suriname,” said the President. President Ali said that the discussions were rivet-

initiatives forward,” said President Ali. The President added that the idea was to have an investment arrangement, where potential investors can have an understanding of the opportunities that exist in Guyana and how

to access them. It is common knowledge that investments could only be successfully made in a safe environment, so, both parties discussed pertinent areas and issues like security and the pervasive novel

President Irfaan Ali engages Brazil’s Minister of External Relations, Ernesto Araújo, and other members of the delegation from Brazil (Office of the President photo)

agreed to the implementation of an “International Road Transport Agreement”. Additionally, the two sides reviewed the existing programme of cooperation between Guyana and Brazil and agreed to the implementation of a number of measures aimed at expanding and strengthening collaboration at the bilateral and regional levels, within the context of existing cooperation mechanisms. Following positive discussions, both parties also agreed on modalities for advancing the cooperation agenda in trade and investment, health, agriculture, energy, tourism and security. President Ali, who returned on Thursday from Suriname, after a four-day State visit, said the meeting was a follow up to what started in Suriname and will see all three countries

ing and included key areas of focus, including discussions to expand the partial scope agreement (PSA), energy, Guyana’s oil and gas sector and other energy potentials which can be exported to the Portuguese speaking nation. VISIT He said that the aim is to develop these areas in anticipation of a visit by Brazil’s President, Jair Bolsonaro, early next year. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the technical feasibility studies for the installation of optical network from Boa Vista, Brazil to Georgetown, Guyana was also signed during the visit. “There will be a number of teams that will commence work almost immediately leading up to the visit of the President (Bolsonaro), so that you can advance these

coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Areas of security, according to the President, included: integration of our security efforts, targeting drugs and securing the borders. “We’ve also set up a high-level team to look at the security concern and integrating what we’re doing into the regional programme. So, that was also an area that we discussed,” said President Ali. Meanwhile, according to the President, a MoU was also expected to be signed between the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Brazilians. President Ali said that, coming from a previous discussion with President Bolsonaro, it was agreed that the two countries will also work closely to fight COVID-19. “Brazil has been developing its own vaccines, so, it will be manufacturing nationally… In my discussions with President Bolsonaro, we’ve talked about this, and Brazil supporting Guyana with our vaccination programme when it comes around,” said President Ali.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

State-of-the-art hospital for Providence By Vishani Ragobeer PLANS are underway for the construction of a 150-bed hospital at Providence, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) as part of the efforts of the Texila American University (TAU) geared at improving education delivery and contributing to the local health sector. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, TAU’s Director Recruitment and Public Relation, Sreebala Kumar, disclosed that the university is planning for the construction of the hospital at the university’s Providence campus. He explained that the 120,000 square feet university building at the Providence campus was constructed on five acres of land, but the entire landmass was not used. The remaining land, which is just over half of the five acres, is the proposed construction site for the hospital. This hospital is expected to serve the training needs of the students who are part

of the university’s medical and clinical programmes, but it will also contribute to the healthcare needs of Guyana. Chief Executive Officer of the University, Syam Kumar told this publication that currently, the university is “in discussion” with leading healthcare service providers, who are expected to become strategy partners with the university. “We want strategy partners who will come in and contribute to the healthcare system in Guyana,” the CEO emphasised, adding, “We should have some announcements or some plans in the next few months.” The TAU was established in 2010 as a medical school with only seven students. Over the past 10 years, the university has grown and now has its own campus at Providence. Today, some 659 local and foreign students are pursuing programmes in medicine, business management and public health at TAU. The campus is outfitted with modern laboratories and a

Friday November 27, 2020 –– 2:30 & 13:30 HRS

Chief Executive Officer of the Texila American University (TAU), Syam Kumar

patient simulation centre. Significant investments have been made by this university in Guyana, and Sreebala Kumar related that the country has always been welcoming to investors. He highlighted the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) as bodies which provided valuable support to TAU. And the construction of the hospital signals the university’s commitment

to Guyana’s development, according to Syam Kumar. “We invested in Guyana starting from 2010 when Guyana was not as interesting or popular in terms of its economic growth, and we believed in Guyana at that time,” he said. “We started to invest in Guyana and now, we want to be part of Guyana’s growth also.” The university also offers an oil and gas specialisation in its business programme, which Syam Kumar said caters to the current need of Guyana, as it develops its human resource potential for the nascent oil and gas industry. He also indicated that public health programmes are being offered, due to cognisance of the local public health demand. “If you look at schools in the history of medical schools in the Caribbean, they are offshore medical schools. Students from all over the world come (there) but from day one our primary goal has been to be part of the Guyana system,” the CEO said, stressing, “We are a Caribbean or a Guyanese university… most students are either from the Caribbean or Guyana.”

Drug addict allegedly kills mother, stuffs her body in wardrobe A DRUG addict allegedly beat his mother to death and stuffed her body in her wardrobe while assaulting and injuring his four-year-old niece, on Thursday, at Murphy Street, Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD) Dead is 62-year-old Jennifer Anderson, called “Judith”. The four-yearold managed to leave the house and visit a neighbour, who later alerted relatives, resulting in the discovery of the body in the wardrobe. Neighbours claimed that they did not hear any noise emanating from the house. Her body was found by the relative who visited the house. Police are on the hunt for 38-year-old Devon Anderson of Goed Intent, WBD. The child was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital with injuries to her abdomen; she was hospitalised. Reports indicated that Anderson was home alone with the four-year-old when her son arrived behaving in a manner that would indicate he was “high on drugs”. It is believed that he committed the acts and escaped. Residents said that the

drug addict would normally steal items from his mother. Mark Anderson, 42, called “Dan”, a mason of the said address (second house on same land) claimed that he was at home and was contacted by an individual, who related that Kemaya Anderson (the grand-daughter of the deceased) related to him that the suspect assaulted her and her grandmother. He also stated that he saw that Kemaya had injuries (digs) to her right side jaw and chest area. As a result, Mark went to the deceased home where he made checks for her and discovered her lying motionless face downwards on the floor in her north eastern bedroom. The police were immediately summoned to the scene. The body of the deceased was examined for any marks of violence and several small circular injuries were seen on the face and chest area. Several persons were questioned in the area but no useful information was received.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Fisherman sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for rape, murder

A 45-year-old fisherman was, on Thursday, sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after he confessed to the gruesome killing and rape of 65-year-old Bibi Keniez whose lifeless body was found in her Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home, four years ago. Jaipaul Hitlall called “Latta”, formerly of

Anna Catherina, Sea View, WCD, was on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court. However, during the hearing on Thursday, he confessed to the offence and the trial was aborted. He opted to plead guilty

Dead: Bibi Keniez

Jaipaul Hitlall called ‘Latta’

Six police ranks under close arrest over missing firearms WITH an audit into the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealing that over 150 firearms had vanished from police safekeeping, six police ranks are under close arrest, and more are likely to be netted in the investigations. Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum has confirmed that two subordinate officers and four constables from the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) are under close arrest. Reports indicate that the missing weapons, which are all handguns, were either seized from criminals, exhibits in

cases, or had been lodged by private citizens. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had confirmed that the collection of weapons were missing, and noted that efforts will be made to track

down the firearms and hold those guilty accountable. The guns went missing under the watch of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maxine Graham, who was in control of ‘Operations’. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is also assisting with the investigations. Additionally, the audit also uncovered the disappearance of $80M from the Force’s Accounts Department, which resulted in four senior officers being sent on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

to the lesser count of manslaughter which alleged that, between October 2 and October 3, 2016, he unlawfully killed Keniez. While confessing to the crime, his attorney told the court that Hitlall was under the influence of alcohol when he committed the heinous act.

State Prosecutor, Tyra Bakker, asked the court to consider, before passing sentence, that Hitlall went into Keniez’s home, raped her and after committing the heinous act he stabbed her 21 times. The judge sentenced Hitlall to serve 20 years in prison.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Local elections

WITHOUT a doubt, elections in Guyana have always been controversial, mirroring what the former leader of the defunct Soviet Union’s Joseph Stalin once said: “those who cast votes decide nothing; those who count the votes decide everything.” We would like these views to be buried, like Stalin, in the trash can of history anywhere, any place, at any time when elections are being held. We prefer the will of voters to be counted in tandem with the basic tenets of democracy. We detest the urgency to plant cabals of dissidence within specific agencies of the electoral machinery to twist, thwart, and tweak the outcomes of general elections to meet the desires of demagogues to remain in power. Unfortunately, the latter point, in some developing countries such as Guyana, is merely an exercise in reverie; a state of pleasant daydreaming. Any modicum of a fair election is awash with semantics, providing heavy fodder for the clumsiest of comedians. That said, it boggles the mind, given the attempts of supporters of the APNC+AFC coalition to barefacedly steal the 2020 general election in front of millions of people

watching on social media, that the opposition is calling for local elections to be held later next year. At this juncture, one is forced to ask: Why would anyone want to conduct an even mock election to test the circumstances to reveal any semblance of integrity? Apart from the simmering disappointment of some, nothing has changed since the failed attempt to steal the 2020 general election, and the fanatical fiasco of despair, anxiety, dishonesty, and distrust that demoralised the nation for over five months will not simply go away by themselves. Allowing the citizenry to go to the polls again will be tantamount to placing them in a boat on the Essequibo River with no paddles. We wish, instead, for the right mechanisms to be implemented first and foremost to avoid hearing “dey election going to be rigged again, man.” This is the burden and weight we cannot get off our shoulders; this is the perception we cannot erase. The rigging label is here to stay, unfortunately. The label has embarked on a journey of its own, and has become synonymous with the name, Guyana. But unlike the good image of the ‘Land of many beautiful rivers, landscapes, and people’, the klutzy rigging label rings hollow; a hallmark

of human indecency. Local elections, of course, are not like general elections that determine the outcome of the changing of the guard at the national level, so to speak; local elections determine who will be placed in the mantle of leadership at the local level, so much so that the chain of command in a democracy is practised. Arguably, the leaders at the local level have more knowledge of their communities than anyone else, and so, implicitly, they have more substance to bring to the table in exchange with their leaders at the national level in pursuant of equitable growth and development for all of Guyana. Understandably, there are caveats associated with local elections, and if memory serves well, there have been only three or four local elections since the 1970s. This does not bode well for a country that functions in a top-down approach. More power should be diffused and disseminated from the top to the local level, with purpose and intent to empower the people in their own communities. We are, therefore, unsurprised that the population is not impressed with local elections, believing that local elections are merely decorative and void of

substance. We recommend that policies and programmes should be in place to inform and sensitise the populace of the importance of local elections. The above caveats are, however, only the tip of the iceberg when compared with the shenanigans emanating from the general election, after which local elections are modeled. And herein lies the crux of the challenge. We certainly need effective reforms at GECOM; we anticipate that reforms will be pursued soon, but the fundamental question is: Would the positioned people in the electoral machinery observe, obey, and abide by the reformed rules and regulations of GECOM? We are sitting on the fence with this mandate; the pangs of disappointment run deep in GECOM, especially for those who believed that they have failed their macabre masters. We have hit a dead-end in terms of conducting reliable elections in Guyana; until and unless reform, compliance, and dedicated honesty have become the guiding and gilded principles, anything else will be a playbook for electoral mayhem and rigging.

Reducing penal overcrowding and IDB funding Dear Editor, I ATTENDED that press conference last Monday on reforming the prison system to reduce jail overcrowding, using alternatives to imprisonment (as reported in GC Nov. 25). Excellent report from your reporter. The Attorney-General, Hon. Anil Nandlall, SC, was the main speaker. The Director of Prisons and a lawyer were also speakers. The AG was absolutely brilliant in his ideas of prison reform and inmate reduction. He expressed his commitment to make the project work. Does he have the right and committed people to make it work? Are the people in the project working with criminologists? Is there an effective programme

(of carrot and stick and of counseling, for example) to restrict criminality? The press conference was related to a prison over-crowding project in Guyana funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with a US$8M grant. The project started in 2017 with some quarter of the funds already expended, but nothing significant achieved over that three-year period; not even a policy framework or working paper on how to reduce prison overcrowding. Was the money properly spent? Was an audit done? The IDB’s auditor should be called in! My investigation into ersons involved in the project from 2017 reveal that the bulk of the money was spent on rental and paying personnel; some of whom seem to have

been cronies of the predecessor regime. Rental cost of the private property of a supporter of the previous Government is huge. The intention of the IDB funding was not and is not to enrich political people, but to create a workable system to reduce criminals in incarceration. Virtually little has been undertaken on reforming the prison system to reduce overcrowding. Guyana is known to have one of the highest overcrowding (140 per cent) of prisoners in the world, as well as among the highest incidence of criminals in incarceration. I have a doctorate in sociology, among multiple PhDs; criminology is a mandatory sub-field in the study of sociology. My recent readings on criminology suggest that countries around the

world have been moving towards alternatives to imprisonment to reduce jail over-crowding. The European Union and the US have expended huge amounts of money on alternatives to imprisonment to reduce the number of criminals in the lock-ups. Non-threatening criminals are given alternative punishment; money is spent on retraining police officers, judges, prison officials, etc. and on offering counseling to criminals etc. so as to reduce the numbers of inmates in jail. I applaud the IDB for funding this experimental project in Guyana. In my teaching in NY (taught for some 40 years), with training in conflict resolution, I chaired a committee in my school, as head of my union, on alternatives to student suspension (akin to criminality, and

some students were indeed involved in criminal or deviant behaviour for which alternatives to court trial or jail or suspension were considered). My committee looked at reparation and compensation and other alternatives to repairing relationships and the victims of deviant acts. There was significant success in reducing suspensions, and lowering court cases. It is unfortunate that this project was not adequately advertised by the previous regime, and that experts in the field were not consulted for ideas. Money was expended, and little achieved; fat salaries were paid to cronies. A studious policy on this project is needed. The government should seek expert advice from sociologists at UG or the diaspora on ideas or a policy framework. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Health workers to receive year-end bonus GUYANA’S ability to battle the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and other existing ailments hinges on the work of health workers, who the Government is seeking to recognise and encourage with the payment of a year-end bonus. “Healthcare professionals will get two weeks equivalent bonus pay before the end of the year,” said President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during his remarks at a ceremony to initiate the retrofitting of the Leonora Diagnostic Hospital, on Thursday. Health workers, in October, had protested for better pay, risk allowances, among other things. But the Government had called for patience, considering the dire state of the local economy, which

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

was rattled by the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 and a prolonged General and Regional Elections, which ended on August 2, 2020. Despite the existing challenges, the President assured

Reducing penal... I listened attentively to the AG at the press conference. First, he read a very well-written speech, giving the background to the project and aims and objectives. He did not address money, staff, and costs. I picked up that information from investigative work as someone trained in journalism (been in the media for some 45 years; so I know tips on gathering information). It was a well-written, prepared, delivered speech. But I thought the AG was more impressive when he spoke without prepared notes, off the cuff. He was very articulate, fluent, eloquent, compendious, sharp, crisp, pithy, roundly, cogent using criminology terms I had long forgotten during my courses in sociology many years ago. I can see why everywhere I traveled and queried respondents in a poll, there was a positive rating of the performance of the AG Anil Nandlall; almost 100 per cent, including among those who voted for APNU. In reforming the prison system to reduce overcrowding, one has to reduce deviant behaviour or pursue alternatives to court and jail. To do so, one must be cognisant of history and culture of criminal jurisprudence and laws, mores, traditions, and social discipline within society. I have not studied criminology in Guyana, but it is important to get experts in a committee or commission to prepare a policy paper on the subject. As I learn from my studies, imprisonment and confinement of deviants or sociopaths or psychopaths are not always effective. The purpose of imprisonment is not to torture the prisoners but to change his or her mindset so as to stop

committing crimes. It is also not to make prison a five star hotel with prisoners as tourist guests. Alternatives to imprisonment are not to let the criminal get off scotch free but to reform them and it is for ‘soft criminals’. Basic intent of law is not to terrorise people into following the law. The punitive system must instill a value system in them so that they aspire to reform themselves. To reduce prison overcrowding, one must pursue a policy to deter criminals from returning to jail -- reforming the criminals. Criminals must be provided some kind of vocational training or skill set so that they can earn a living after spending time in jail rather than become dependents of the state or having to return to stealing or drug trafficking to survive. At the same time, criminals must be schooled into making amends to society and to their victims; victims must be compensated. There must be mandatory duties or volunteerism to repair society and victims. On reforming criminals, the ultimate objective is to lessen incidence of crime and to convince criminals that “crime does not pay” which must be pursued simultaneously with rehabilitation of prisoners. It may not work with dangerous criminals and psychopaths who may have to be locked away. There is no doubt that imprisonment is costly to the state – in confining and feeding criminals and looking after their health and security. The numbers in the prison must be reduced as it is among the highest in the world in terms of number of criminals in prison per100K of the country’s population. Alternatives to

that “all health workers” will receive the bonus. He said all health workers, in this case, will be classified as “frontline workers.” Government, in the recently-presented 2020 Budget allocated some $150 million for frontline health workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It was reported that the frontline workers had called on the Ministry of Health to provide them with an equitable working wage, as well as a risk allowance for the ‘extraordinary’ job they have been doing on a daily basis, particularly in the COVID-19 fight. The President was, however, confident that there are strong independent actors who were looking to ex-

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prison are welcomed. Civic conflict resolution to minor, non-violent crimes should be experimented. There should be judicious mix pf carrot and stick, not just jail alone. And victims must be compensated from the labor of the perpetrators. A detailed study of Guyana’s criminal jurisprudence is required. One need to know what classes, regions, communities are in crime – identify the people, socio-eco groups, ethnicity, and nature of criminality. A holistic policy on crime reduction is needed, not piecemeal reform. The entire system must be reformed. One needs to know what was the motif behind the crime – pecuniary, racial, and social aspects, etc. The varied aspects of criminology have to be understood and a policy developed. One can look at what other countries are doing about reducing prison overcrowding. Have a study done and apply to our society! Otherwise the remaining US$6M will be spent and there would be no progress in reducing prison overcrowding. The expended funds should be audited and the programme evaluated for its progress and re-oriented to achieve IDB goal. The AG is on the right trajectory. He needs a team of experts to study and propose workable tested solutions to prison overcrowding overseas and commence an experiment in Guyana. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (PhD)

ploit these circumstances. But regardless of the motive, the President maintained that Government, as part of its five-year programme, is looking at improvement on a macro level. “We are looking at assistance in the housing programme, not only increases in salary… better working

conditions, better add-on benefits… nurses with children would benefit from the cash incentive, the cash grants; they will benefit from the uniform allowance, and the removal of VAT on electricity and water,” said President Ali in a previous report. The President said he understands that every

category of worker wants more, and wants better. And, he assured that the Government has better to deliver, and that the authorities are committed to ensuring that all categories of workers have a better standard of living, better opportunities, and greater prospects in the future.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Fraud charges expected against Bond, London FRAUD charges are expected to be instituted against People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) member and attorney, James Bond and NICIL’s former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colvin Heath-London, as police continue their probe into the award of State lands at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Bond, who is at the centre of several “deals”, remains in police custody and is being questioned in relation to conspiracy to defraud the State. Heath-London was released from police custody on Tuesday last. Bond is accused of benefitting from land deals emanating from the sale of State lands while purportedly looking after the interest of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) which was presiding over the leasing of the lands.

Meanwhile, NICIL has formally requested that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) investigates a document as an alleged forgery after it was circulated in defence of its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colvin Heath-London. Heath-London was arrested on November 20, 2020. London’s legal team has laid all wrongdoings at the feet of former CEO, Horace James, now deceased. Two businessmen embroiled in the scandal – Life 1 Pharms Inc. Director, Avalon Jagnandan, and Director of A-Z Pharmaceuticals Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc., Eddie Doolal were arrested and reportedly told investigators that it was Bond who facilitated the deals which saw 30 acres of prime State lands being transferred to Chinese national, Jianfen Yu. Furthermore, the busi-

nessmen reportedly also disclosed to police that it was Bond, not them, who received a hefty payoff from both deals, amounting to more than $100M. Bond also reportedly received a US$1M payment from Trinidad logistics company, Lennox Petroleum, for the sale of 10 acres of land leased to ARKEN Group Inc. In that deal, ARKEN and its principal leased from NICIL 20.3 acres of land at Peter’s Hall on May 9, 2018, for a 20-year period at US$16,224 per year. ARKEN later sold the 10 acres to local logistics company, GLASS Holdings Inc. on October 10, 2019, for $200M. Like the other deals, instead of the principals of the companies receiving the payment, it was Bond who received the funds. In the aftermath of President Irfaan Ali’s Govern-

Colvin Heath-London

James Bond

ment taking office after a five-month battle following the March 2 elections, several companies have already returned lands, which were supposed to be developed. This occurred after a significant number of irregular land transactions involving State properties, including former sugar lands worth billions of dollars, were discovered. In these instances, investigators found that NICIL, as the representative of the people of Guyana for the transactions, did not even

collect all the money when it transferred lands into the recipients’ names. The police and its Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are involved in the investigations. SOCU’s role may involve investigating whether crimes relating to money laundering were committed. The land transactions, which span Wales, Peter’s Hall and Ogle, have placed attention on a number of former ministers within the Coalition Government of David Granger, now in Opposition.

Meanwhile, Bond in a statement released to the media stated: “Eddie Doolall and Avalon Jagnandan have told some unbelievable untruths and have clearly succumbed to political pressure and greed. I think I’ve grown accustomed to betrayal by these Judas types… Their lying statements amount to nothing, I will be vindicated. I know they intend to charge myself and Mr London and use these Judases as witnesses. But I will prevail.”

Beware of online scams, police warns THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is alerting citizens, particularly females, not to be duped into online scams. According to the GPF, the latest scam involves persons pretending to be of Nigerian nationality. “The modus operandi observed is that the mastermind would send a FaceBook Friend Request to the intended victim. After being accepted, he subsequently requests their phone number for communication via WhatsApp,” Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor said. He said that as time progresses, the mastermind, who apparently resides overseas, expresses an amorous interest in the intended victim, and indicates that he would be

Police PRO, Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor

sending some gifts for her, including jewellery. “She would later receive a call from someone purporting to be employed at a shipping company, saying that a box

has arrived at the airport for her. However, custom officials have scanned it, and observed that it contains money and are threatening prosecution,” the Assistant Commissioner noted. He explained that at this juncture, the intended victim is informed that she will have to pay various sums of money to a number of individuals in order to avoid prosecution and uplift the box. These monies, he said, are to be sent to persons through Money Transfer Services or a Post Office. “Once complied with and the monies are sent, the mastermind is never heard from again, and the victim is defrauded of the money sent,” the Assistant Commissioner said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Bridging gaps between hinterland, coastland schools –– among top priorities of new DCEO for Amerindian and Hinterland Development

By Telesha Ramnarine A NEW position within the structure of the Ministry of Education – that of Deputy Chief Education Officer for Amerindian and Hinterland Development – has been created to better meet the needs of those in such communities and afford them equal opportunities. Hailing from Santa Rosa Village, Moruca, Region One (Barima/Waini), Marti De Souza, who has been chosen to act in the position, could not be happier. “Coming from the hinterland myself, I know of the challenges in these communities,” De Souza has said. His role will be to ensure that education policies and goals are established, defined and operable in the hinterland. He is tasked with ensuring that the gap between hinterland and coastal education is bridged, so far as the inequities and inequalities are concerned. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, he said he has personally seen how many indigenous communities are shortchanged when a comparison is done with the opportunities afforded to coastland schools and those in the

Acting DCEO for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti De Souza

hinterland. “I am definitely happy to be sitting in this position where I can actually make a difference,” he said. Although there may be many issues to iron out, De Souza spoke about two main ones that he said he wants to go after immediately. A lack of access to education and limited human resources are two of the challenges that especially plague the hinterland communities. “Even though we have secondary schools in the hinterland, if we look

at the facilities we have as compared to those on the coast, you can simply see that they’re not equal. There are also high percentages of untrained people in the schools.” De Souza noted that teachers must be provided with opportunities for upgrading, irrespective of where they are in Guyana. “What we are looking at here is devising programmes; devising training programmes that include many of our teachers. And we have to be creative… keeping in mind the logistics involved.” De Souza said he will also be paying attention to how best partnerships can be created with sister agencies and even non-governmental organisations to ensure that the hinterland is adequately cared for. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education said it understands the importance of capacity building and thus continues to improve its structure to serve the needs of the nation. “It is no secret that one of Guyana’s greatest challenges is ensuring that persons residing in the hinterland communities can access and benefit from the same opportunities and quality of education as those

Dharmic Sabha hosts Kartik Purnima aarti on Sunday KARTIK SNAAN or Kartik Purnima will be observed on Sunday, November 29, 2020, by the Hindu community, a release from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said. This sacred day is observed by fasting, prayers and puja at the foreshores across the country. Traditionally, Ganga Ma and Bhagwan Shiva are worshipped. It is a day for internal purification, cleansing and reflection and a reminder to rid oneself of negative energies and qualities. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will be holding Kartik Purnima aarti from 16:30 hrs at the Kitty Seawall and foreshore, adjoining the roundabout. To avoid crowding and congestion, aarti will be done at 17:30 hrs, 18:00 hrs and 18:30 hrs. “Please note that you can participate at any of these times. There will be consistent kirtan, bhajans and prayers. The organisation is advising persons to wear their masks to attend and maintain six feet social distancing. Sanitisers will be provided. Strict COVID-19 protocols will be observed,” the release noted. The Sabha is also encouraging persons not to crowd the area but to maintain a free flow by coming at staggered times within the period and to bring their thalis/diyas to participate in the aarti. As part of their drive to encourage a clean and healthy environment, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is reminding the Hindu Community to keep the seawalls, foreshores and water in their pristine state. “We are appealing to persons not to leave cloth, plastic, flags or any other item which is not biodegradable on the seawalls and foreshores after their puja. Offer flowers, leaves

Kartik Snaan or Kartik Purnima will be observed on Sunday

and fruit and other bio-degradable items in the deeper waters so that they will not be washed ashore. Hindus are urged to be conscious of their external and internal environment and to be very conscious of their responsibility to keep their surroundings for and after puja clean and tidy and in no way to contribute to pollution of the water and foreshores/seawalls. Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha wishes everyone a blissful and divine Kartik Purnima,” the release concluded.

living on the coast,” the ministry said in a statement. The aim of the newly-created post is to prepare, and place on equal footing, the children of the hinterland so that all the economic, growth, development and other opportunities arising now, and in the future, will be available equally to them and their families, resulting in Guyana developing at a faster rate.

As such, the ministry said De Souza will be tasked with the effective management and coordination of education programmes in the hinterland. De Souza is the holder of a Bachelor of Education Degree – Administration with Distinction from the University of Guyana (UG). He served in the capacities of Coordinator for the Institute of Distance and Continuing

Education (IDCE) and as a Science Lecturer for the CPCE Distance Education Programme. He brings to the post a wealth of knowledge, experience and fresh ideas that will help to drive the development of the education sector in the hinterland regions as the Ministry of Education works to bridge the gap between these communities and the coast.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Orealla/Siparuta on lockdown for two weeks TODAY, the indigenous communities of Orealla and Siparuta, in East Berbice, Corentyne will go on a total lockdown following a surge in the number of COVID -19 cases in the villages. This information was disclosed to the Guyana Chronicle by the Toshoa, Mr. Carl Peneux on Thursday evening. According to Mr. Peneux, the decision was taken to shut down the villages for two weeks and let the law enforcement officials deal with residents who refuse to adhere to the numerous warnings to adhere to the gazetted COVID-19 guidelines. Within the past 24 hours, there were 12 and 10 new COVID-19 cases from Siparuta and Orealla respectively, taking the total number of positive cases to 53, with one death. This number, according to the toshao, is

expected to rise further from outstanding results of the mass testing conducted, and the fact that the residents are close-knit. “The numbers are very worrying, and for the safety of everyone, the Council has taken the decision to lockdown the villages from tomorrow morning. I am preparing a script as we speak to broadcast on Radio Orealla. If we don’t do this, it will continue to spread and more people will get it,” the toshao said. Further, he explained that members of the village council have given the matter serious thought, and taken it upon themselves to provide hampers with basic food items to supplement what the residents already have. “When we made this decision, the Council made a plan, and the village council

will sponsor the foodstuff for every household. In fact, tomorrow (Friday), Siparuta Village will be receiving their package for every household. And in Orealla, the Council will purchase the foodstuff early next week, more than likely Monday, to distribute on Tuesday or Wednesday. And if there is any assistance coming from anywhere else, like the CDC or Task Force, we will welcome it,” he said. The worried community leader said that despite sensitisation via Radio Orealla daily since the beginning of the outbreak in March, and the use of the public address system around the village, residents are still taking the pandemic lightly. “Residents, please come to your senses and adhere to the restrictions; comply with the restrictions, and it will make a big difference to you.

To those who are positive, you will need to isolate and comply with the instructions of the medical team that is here,” he said. Health officials have remained in the communities conducting testing. According to the national dashboard on Thursday evening, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has 182 positive cases, with six deaths. The figures from March to Thursday last, stood at 91, and have doubled within the past seven days. Apart from Siparuta and Orealla, New Amsterdam and Canje have been identified as the other hotspots in the region. Meanwhile, mass testing was conducted in another community in the region after a number of residents have complained of feeling unwell. Those samples have been sent for analysis, and the results are expected soon.

A sanitisation exercise being done at Orealla

Essequibo make-up artist opens clothing store

By Indrawattie Natram

THE fashion business in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is getting competitive with each passing day, as more and more young women are opening businesses. One such woman is 22-year-old Malesha Deonarine of Windsor Castle, Essequibo. On Monday, Deonarine fulfilled her dream when she opened the doors to her clothing store. Located in the bottom flat of Barakat Mall in Henrietta, “Sassy Store” is offering the region’s residents trendy and brand name clothing, accessories, and cosmetics at an affordable cost. Men’s clothing and fragrances will soon be available. A make-up artist by profession, Deonarine said that it was always her passion and dream to own her own business, and, with sacrifice, dedication and determination, she has proudly accomplished that dream. She recalled that she had less than two weeks to paint and decorate her store so that it could have been transformed into a comfortable space to provide trendy styles

Malesha Deonarine, the owner of Sassy Store

to women. Persons can also have their make-up done at the store. Speaking at the simple opening ceremony, the young entrepreneur said that she plans to take fashion to another level, particularly with women in mind. Deonarine said that often persons want to “dress up” and look good but there are not many options on the Essequibo Coast, mainly because of its geographic location. She assured that

with the appropriate venue at Barakat Mall, women will be able to find what they are looking for during one visit. The young woman who lives by the motto, “Always be exclusive, be divine and be yourself,” encouraged persons to shop at her store where quality never goes out of style. During the opening, special promotions for customers were revealed. The promotions will be offered during the upcoming Christmas season.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

UG to introduce fully on-line courses

By Richard Bhainie EDUCATION MINISTER, Priya Manickchand, has disclosed that efforts are underway to implement fully online courses at the University of Guyana (UG) during an interview with the National Communications Network (NCN) on Tuesday. The minister made the remarks when asked to offer some clarity in relation to the Government engaging the University of the West Indies (UWI) to train over 20,000 Guyanese, over the next five years. The engagement generated criticism within the public domain; with some persons pronouncing that the Government should invest more into the University of Guyana, rather than partnering with the University of the West Indies. However, Manickchand explained that this is a misunderstanding as there is no intention to replace the University of Guyana, just to complement its efforts; to which the introduction of online learning will aid. “We have the University of Guyana, treasured by us, that we believe needs to be

enhanced and developed and facilitated in getting better, and every effort will be made to do that, especially going forward and having online education delivered through the University of Guyana,” she explained. Since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, the University of Guyana has moved to conduct classes online; however, Manickchand explained that online learning is much more than just teaching online. “Delivering fully online courses requires far more than just teaching in front of a camera, you have to have resources online, libraries, tutoring, different things that will constitute an online type university,” Manickchand explained. The minister explained that the initiative will be conducted collaboratively with other universities throughout the world, including the University of the West Indies. “We have spoken so far to the University of the West Indies, China, the University of India or Gandhi Open University, UK Open, Nigeria and several other universities about adopting or partnering with them to provide online learning opportunities

to people in Guyana, old, young, middle-aged, rural, hinterland, coastal, men, women, boys and girls,” she explained. EXPANDING ACCESS Manickchand explained that with the introduction of fully online courses at the University of Guyana, there will be the possibility of persons from other countries enrolling with the University. A number of factors will be taken into consideration when determining what courses will be offered, including courses that are most beneficial to the Guyanese society, along with the cost to conduct the courses. “What we have to look at is, who is offering which courses that might be relevant to us, that our people want to study, as well as price, because that’s going to be an important thing. If you have two or three universities offering the same course we will obviously go with the one that’s the most cost effective to us,” Manickchand explained. The decision to implement fully online courses at the University of Guyana has been made by the People’s Progressive Party

Duo arrested in assault on police at Stabroek Market

TWO persons who were seen throwing missiles at police ranks on Stabroek Market, Georgetown, on Wednesday evening, were arrested Thursday after they also assisted in preventing the arrest of a man wanted for assaulting a police officer. Reports indicated that ranks of regional police division number 4 ‘A’, while on patrol duty Wednesday, came under attack as they were trying to arrest a suspect at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, around 18:25hrs. The ranks, during a routine patrol in the area, ob-

served an individual who was wanted by the police, for allegedly assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest, on November 19, 2020, at Longden Street, Georgetown. As the ranks were attempting to arrest the suspect, a barricade was made around him by several individuals, making it difficult for the ranks to effect the arrest. Subsequently, a large crowd gathered and threw missiles at the ranks during which the patrol commander received injuries to his back and neck.

The patrol vehicle was also damaged and several other ranks received minor injuries. As a result, several shots were discharged in the air by the ranks in an attempt to control the situation and to prevent innocent bystanders from being injured, as a result of the missiles being thrown. A 39-year-old vendor of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, and a 17-yearold unemployed teen, were arrested, after they were seen throwing missiles at the ranks and the patrol vehicles.

Tuschen landlord finds tenant dead A LANDLORD in Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, discovered his tenant lying motionless on a bed in his apartment, after calling out to him several times, on Wednesday. Dead is Azad Khan, 54. The unemployed man was discovered at 17:00hrs. Reports indicated that Khan lived alone and was last seen alive on Wednesday about 07:00hrs by his

landlord. The landlord at the time was heading to work. On his return home, around 17:00hrs, he called out several times for Khan but got no response. Subsequently, the landlord, while looking through a window situated by the bedroom of Khan, observed him lying motionless. The police were then contacted and the body was examined by detectives and

no marks of violence were found. However, what appears to be ejected matter from the stomach was seen on his bed and his mouth. The body was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where it was examined and pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. It was subsequently taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour awaiting autopsy as investigation continues.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand

Civic (PPP/C) Government after nationwide consultation, from which persons expressed their desire to educate themselves online. As a result, as part of its manifesto, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) promised to deliver at least

20,000 online learning opportunities within their first five years of office. The minister, during the interview, also highlighted that, with all that is being done at the university, there is still room for improvement.

Manickchand acknowledged a number of concerns frequently raised within the public domain in relation to the University of Guyana, which the Government is currently working on. “We can’t close our eyes to the complaints that have been made. People complain about having to wait lengthy time for grades; people complain about having to wait on answers regarding queries they made; people complain about some of the facilities and condition of the university,” she explained. She added: “We can’t pretend that the university is more than it is. It has done well but there is so much more room for improvement, like I said, it will be supported fully by us to get along in those efforts to improve.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

GDF recruit dies while undergoing training A GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) recruit, who was undergoing the recruitment training, died Thursday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He was identified as 20-year-old Orwin Reynolds. “Orwin Reynolds was deemed fit for military training by the Force Medical Officer, having successfully passed the Force’s Medical Examination. Approximately two weeks into training, he complained of feeling unwell, and was treated according to his symptoms by GDF medical personnel,” the GDF noted in a statement. According to the Army, all internal protocols for the delivery of medical care for

DEAD: Orwin Reynolds

Reynolds were followed prior to his transfer to the GPHC, where he succumbed. “The Force extends deepest condolences to the parents, siblings and other relatives of Recruit Orwin Reynolds,” the GDF noted.

Lusignan prisoner stabbed during argument

AN ARGUMENT between two robbery accused resulted in one being stabbed about the body, at the Lusignan Prison Holding Bay, on Thursday. Reports indicated that convicted prisoner, Diquan Hamilton, who is currently serving a two-year sentence for attempted robbery was in an argument with convicted prisoner, Shadrack King called “Mark King”, who is serving two years for robbery. That argument resulted in a fight. An alarm was raised and both prisoners were taken to the prison infirmary where it was dis-

covered that Shadrack King had received a stab wound to his left forearm and Diquan Hamilton had received a single penetrating wound to the left lateral thorax. Hamilton was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for further medical attention. He was admitted for 24 hours’ observation. Prison officials noted that his injury is considered non-life-threatening. The police were immediately informed of the incident and have launched an investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Hotel investors relinquish land acquired under Coalition Gov’t –– looking forward to working with new Gov’t By Navendra Seoraj THE owners of Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Incorporated (CMEI) have relinquished the 21 acres of land at Ogle, East Coast Demerara they acquired under the former APNU+AFC administration subsequent to the passage of the No-Confidence Motion in December 2018. The Motion, which was tabled in December 2018 by then Parliamentary Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), received the support of former Government Parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, who voted in favour of it. Following the passage of this motion, it was implied that the sitting government would assume a ‘caretaker’ role until a national election was held. But a slew of legal challenges prolonged the process, affording the former government the time to conduct transactions, which were ultimately still viewed as illicit. The CMEI group was one such company which conducted transactions with the former administration; its directors are Mike Elliot, Edmond Braithwaite, Ray Murphy, Roy Clauss and Gary Gilbert. It was reported in February this year that the company had acquired land in Ogle to construct two five-star hotels. The company had even announced that construction would have commenced in April this year, after all the requisite documents were finalised. The company, in a press statement on Thursday, said they became interested in Guyana based on the recommendation of the owners of Hilton and Marriott Hotels. “In 2016, we attempted to engage the previous administration on the purchase of the Marriot Hotel, but this was unsuccessful. In mid-2018, we engaged NICIL in relation to the acquisition of real estate in the Ogle area, as this was in close proximity to one of our major clients. “Admittedly, this was a very lengthy, tedious and transparent process, with its fair share of frustrations, coupled with ongoing costs and redundant paperwork. Notwithstanding these issues, we were finally able to complete the acquisition of twenty-one acres of real estate in the Ogle area,” said CMEI. The conclusion of this

process was timed with the five-month elections delay following polling day on March 2, 2020, and the novel coronavirus pandemic. UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION “These combined conditions have placed us in a very unfamiliar and uncomfortable position. It is these prevailing conditions, coupled with the spirit of cooperation, goodwill and support of the new Guyana Government that we have chosen to relinquish the twenty-one acres of land obtained by us to NICIL’s possession, with our return of capital invested,” said CMEI. The company became inclined to do this after ‘recognising’ that the new Government of Guyana has the best interest of the Guyanese people at heart. “As US nationals, some with Guyanese heritage, we are confident on the way forward, and believe that our multinational team and associated partners can be a world-class partner for Guyana. We have committed to support the Government as they embark on the journey to develop Guyana and improve the lives of the people,” CMEI assured its target audience. Further development plans, according to the company, will be discussed with the new Government. It was reported recently that the government will be taking legal action against former Finance Minister Winston Jordan and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London for lands vested to private investors by the past administration during its time as a “caretaker government”. Based on a list issued by the Attorney- General’s (AG) Chambers recently, lands valuing $2,383,390,759 were issued by the former administration to eight private investors, while only $64,623,276 was paid over, which is a mere two per cent of the consolidated total. Further, each of those titles was vested after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and each Agreement of Sale was entered into after the former government was toppled by the successful passage of the no-confidence motion. ACTED RECKLESSLY “The Office of the Attor-

ney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs has sought and received independent legal advice on this matter, and the advice is that Minister Winston Jordan and Mr. Colvin Heath-London have acted recklessly, in bad faith with full knowledge of the flagrant illegalities which have resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the State,” said the AG’s Chambers. Nandlall was clear that no actions would be taken

against companies that surrender their allotted lands to the State. Already, Navigant Builders, Corum Group, Cardiology Services Inc., Supergraphic, American Marine Services Inc., and GUYOIL have voluntarily offered to surrender lands vested to them. The Attorney-General, however, committed to releasing information related to more infractions committed, allegedly, by Jordan and

London. Heath-London was arrested on Friday last as investigations continue into the prime State lands, but has since been released. London’s legal team has laid all wrongdoings at the feet of the former CEO of NICIL, Mr. Horace James, who is now deceased. Prominent People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) member and Attorney-at-Law James Bond, has also been arrested as the probe into the award of State lands at Peter’s Hall, on the

East Bank Demerara (EBD) widens. Bond, who is at the centre of several ‘deals’, is being questioned in relation to conspiracy to defraud the State. He is accused of benefitting from land deals emanating from the sale of State lands while purportedly looking after the interest of NICIL, which was presiding over the leasing of the lands.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

‘Bring 5000 and 4 Frenz’ CARIBBEAN renowned hair and beauty expo Curl Fete has been cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, but the organisers have something else that’s just as fun in mind – a scavenger hunt that will no doubt promote small businesses. Tamika Henry-Fraser is the Chief Executive Officer of Curl Fete and she believes that such an activity, which is quite

with people you care about, compete against total strangers, win prizes and have a blast with the Curl Fete team. This is also the first time an event of this kind is being done in Guyana because we are using smartphone apps to run the

A scavenger hunt is expected to provide as much fun as Curl Fete

Curl Fete is an annual Natural Hair and Beauty Expo

new to Guyana, is timely especially as people need some fun in their lives due to all of the restrictions that the virus has imposed. Curl Fete is an annual Natural Hair and Beauty Expo that was launched in 2016 to empower women, encourage self-love and celebrate the beauty of curly and kinky hair. “It has since evolved into the largest trade show for hair and beauty in the Caribbean, as well as now the largest expo in Guyana. We are especially proud that Curl Fete is a massive platform for small businesses to market their goods and services, especially women-led start-ups,” Henry-Fraser has expressed. A huge event was planned to celebrate Curl Fete’s fifth anniversary this year, but be-

cause of the virus, it had to be cancelled. However, the organisers thought of an innovative way to still promote small businesses, have fun, and give back to the Curl Fete family. And that’s when the scavenger hunt was announced. It is an activity where participants complete challenges, find clues, solve riddles, and collect random items to score points and win prizes. It allows many persons to be involved in one activity but at separate locations throughout the day with no large crowds so that everyone can be safe. What is more, businesses are promoted when participants visit their locations or use their products to complete challenges in the scavenger hunt.

“It’s called ‘Bring 5000 and 4 Frenz’ which refers to the cost to play: $5,000 per team of five persons. Yes, this is a team event and teams are made up of family members, workmates or close friends who share the same space, again due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Henry-Fraser explained. The scavenger hunt will be held on December 6 in Georgetown, starting at Massy Mega Store at MovieTowne. Teams must sign up beforehand to play and have a chance to win the grand prize of $200,000, plus special prizes throughout the game. For example, best team name, best team outfit and even best team masks. To sign up, persons can contact the Curl Fete team on 661 5760. Teams are made up of both women and men who will be competing in the hunt. “We are also collaborating with some of our favourite brands to make the game and prizes even more exciting! These include BiP, Guinness, Hop House 13, Triskits, D’Aguiars Wines, Demico Premium Ice Cream, Biore, Jergens, Seven Seas and Garnier Fructis. Small businesses will be participating as ‘mobile’ vendors who the participants will discover as they collect clues that lead to them,” Henry-Fraser further explained. The event is also being organised by Digicel, Banks DIH and Massy Distribution. “It’s a safe way to get outside, be active, spend time

scavenger hunt so that there are limited physical interactions and no shared materials. So by participating you get to be a part of history,” she pointed out. Strict COVID-19 protocols will be enforced and

the team is seeking advice from medical professionals and the COVID-19 Task Force to ensure that this is done. Small businesses who would like to get involved as vendors are urged to make contact with the team.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Aneesa Badshan

― Canadian-based Guyanese artiste making her way to the big stage Music for many is more than just about the lyrics and rhythm; it is a solace and in some cases the calm in a storm. F o r 2 5 - y e a r- o l d Aneesa Badshan, a Canadian born with Guyanese roots, music was a comforter for her during some of the

toughest and uncertain times of her life. Badshan, who is a model, creative director and musician, told this week’s Buzz that it was her love for creating music that helped her cope with the demons of anxiety and depression. “I can’t place when music itself started being an important part of my life - as early as I can remember; music has really helped me through my anxiety and depression... It relaxes my soul, it gives me inspiration,” she said. The young woman disclosed that she began taking her music career seriously a few years back after she was faced with the trauma of losing two of her closest family members in a tragic accident in Guyana. “I been taking my career seriously right at the ending of 2014 after I had gone through a traumatic situation with my dad and aunt getting into a fatal car accident at Mabura Road, Upper Demerara, Region 10, on September 14, 2014,” she told the Buzz. The young musician disclosed that she hopes to make music one day that will do the same for others as it did for during her troubling times. “I aspire to be someone that people could look up to. I want people to realise that once you put your mind up to something, you can have anything in this world, and putting things in the atmosphere definitely plays a big part in my

life as well,” she said. The young artiste disclosed that her talents go far beyond the art of making music since she is not one to put herself in a box and limit her talents. “I like to create all types of genres especially when it comes to music... So far, I have been

working on Dancehall, RnB, Hip-hop, EDM, and Indian music. Even when it comes to my modeling life, I was featured in all genres of music videos as well,” she said. “I don’t believe in sticking to just one thing, I feel like it’s great to be as creative as you can.” Badshan, like many others, is hoping to put Guyana on the big stage in the international arena. “My greatest achievement thus far with music would be creating a buzz in the Caribbean industry, especially in Guyana. I feel like Guyana needs to be put more on the

map b e cause w e have so much hidden talent; I also love where I come from and the Guyana culture,” she stated. Additionally, the artist disclosed that she is currently working to release an album/EP by next year 2021, and to launch her clothing line/merchandise under the brand, ‘The Billionaire Mob.’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Local artiste Jumo Primo

opening for the holidays LOCAL singing sensation Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo is opening his 592 Bar and Grill in time for the holidays, and he has his heart set on offering “something different” to his customers. “When last you was on the outside and feel like you in the inside? Just a few more days trying to make it perfect for you guys,” Jumo expressed on social media as he was addressing his supporters.

food and so he is in the process of creating a delivery service that will be right there on spot. The reason is also that the sitting area at the bar is very small and caters to only a small number of people. “We’re trying to keep the social distancing, masks of course. We will be sanitizing people to ensure we follow the rules as much as we can. That’s all we can do; we all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves. We will try to

to drive, we have a taxi service on the premises. We also have a super bet.” Persons can also order vegetarian meals. “As we establish ourselves, we want to be more creative and do more things. As we go, we will experiment with different types of lunches and so forth. We want to make sure that what we’re doing is a little different and works for Jumo is one of the local artistes who have been severely affected by the Coronavirus

The bar and grill at John and Norton Streets will open from December 4

The facility is shaping up nicely, according to him, and if all goes as planned, the opening will be on December 4 at the Lot 23 John and Norton Street location. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Guyana, Jumo decided to close his night club, which is located at the same address. “But things have been rough since then. As an artiste, the entertainment world has suffered since then; no work, but you still have bills to pay and all that.” So as the holiday season approaches, Jumo decided that he can operate a different business in the meantime. “And that’s how the bar and grill came up; every day from 12 noon to the curfew. You can order lunch such as BBQ, fries, wings, and fish.” However, Jumo prefers that people take away their

The sitting area at the bar will be very small, in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines

put all measures in place. Only a certain amount of people can sit down in keeping with COVID rules. We have plans to provide masks for people who don’t have.” He reminded that the facility is mainly outdoors. “This is not indoors. We closed the night club, so this is outdoor. And if you think you had enough to drink and you don’t want

Pandemic. His livelihood has practically been halted, as he continues to try to find alternatives means of bringing in an income for him and his family. Jumo said he has so far refused to open his night club and studio for work as he does not want to contribute to the number of COVID-19 cases in Guyana. He has so far observed that many persons in his

line of business are continuing to do as they please. For persons like him who want to adhere to the guidelines, though, life is very difficult at the moment, financially. “Music is my daily bread and knowing that you cannot perform, travel, earn money for your family, it’s hard. The entertainment business in the whole is suffering because there is nothing in place for ar-

tistes. Some of us might be having a day time job, but I invested in my studio, in my night club. So it’s been hard for me; every day you have to study your kids, mortgage, etc.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Golden Boy Diego ... TURN FROM PAGE 25 ensure a successful title defence as West Germany prevailed in the final. Italian football saw the best of Maradona, whom Franco Baresi described as his toughest opponent - “when he was on form, there was almost no way of stopping him,” the Milan legend said. Yet it also saw significant offfield struggles and he left Napoli after serving a 15-month ban for failing a drug test for cocaine, battling his addiction to the drug and alcohol until 2004. He returned to Argentina by signing for Newell’s Old Boys after a turbulent spell with Sevilla, with his international career ending in the wake of a positive test for ephedrine doping during the 1994 World Cup that resulted in his being sent home from the United States. Retirement came on the back of a second two-year stint at Boca, but Maradona was rarely out of the spotlight even as he fought addiction and struggles with obesity, undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2005. His post-playing career also saw a string of brief coaching tenures, which included leading Argentina to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, where they were thumped 4-0 by Germany. Maradona made sure his departure

was fittingly acrimonious, levelling accusations of betrayal at the national team’s hierarchy. Maradona had seemingly found some stability in his coaching career at Gimnasia y Esgrima de la Plata when he was admitted to hospital this month having recently renewed his contract through the 2020-21 season. “We live an unforgettable story,” Gimnasia posted in a tribute on Twitter. Blessed but troubled, tempestuous yet utterly bewitching to watch! Gimnasia’s words struck the right chord. His story was undeniably unforgettable and it is telling that, despite Lionel Messi’s other worldly exploits, it is Maradona who stands as the symbol of Argentinian football for so many. As Messi wrote of Maradona on Instagram: “He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.” Whether it’s the Hand of God or the Goal of the Century, his presentation to hordes of Napoli fans or that goal celebration at the ’94 World Cup, Maradona was the artist behind so many of the game’s indelible images. Football is mourning the premature passing of an all-time great, but his legacy and impact will endure for decades to come.

Brathwaite’s unbeaten 183 ... a deuce off New Zealand ‘A’ captain Cole McConchie, plying his uncomplicated off-spin. Brathwaite got strong support from the rest of the top order – Darren Bravo, batting at three, continued his rich vein

TURN FROM PAGE 27 of form with 93, missing on his second hundred of the tour, and fellow left-hander John Campbell eased a few concerns about his durability in the No.2 opening slot with 45. Head coach Phil Simmons said before the match that it was important for the West Indies batsmen to spend valuable time at the crease ahead of higher intensity tussles with the Black Caps in the two Tests – which count towards the ICC World Test Championships – and his side also needed to win this match for a boost of confidence. Simmons got the first part of his wish with Bravo and Campbell sharing successive century-stands with Brathwaite in a rare show of force from the Windies batting – and the approach of the three batsmen to the task may very well see the second part of the coach’s challenge come true in the next few days. In a volley of strokes, Brathwaite and Campbell carried West Indies to 75 without loss after the first hour and needed only an hour-and-a-half to post the visitors’ hundred. They shared 111 for the first wicket before Campbell was bowled about 15 minutes before lunch, playing down the wrong line to a delivery that moved back from outside the off-stump and extracted his middle stump.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Pele mourns Maradona: ‘I hope we’ll play soccer together in the sky’

PELE hopes he will one day “play ball together in the sky” with “great friend” Diego Maradona after the Argentina legend died at the age of 60. Maradona’s passing was confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), with tributes soon flooding in for a much-loved sporting figure. The Argentina and Napoli great had undergone a routine operation for a subdural haematoma after being admitted to hospital due to concerns over anaemia and dehydration. B u t o n We d n e s d a y, two weeks after being discharged, the AFA announced Maradona had died, with

Brazil icon Pele quickly taking to Twitter to show his respect for man who is widely regarded as the greatest rival to his own claim as the best of all-time. “What sad news,” Pele wrote. “I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. “There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. “One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky.” No cause of death was stated, but it has been reported he suffered a heart attack. Maradona, the captain and inspiration behind Argentina’s World Cup success in 1986 before go-

ing on to coach his country, had been hospitalised just days after turning 60. He appeared in a fragile state when he briefly made an appearance as his Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata side played a match on the evening of his birthday last month. The mercurial Maradona won 91 caps for his country between 1977 and 1994, scoring 34 goals at international level. He started his career with Argentinos Juniors before joining Boca Juniors and went on to play for Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys before retiring.

Dodson successfully defends title ADRIAN Dodson (Carew) once trained out of the West End Gym in Tiger Bay and was noted for being a fierce body attacker. He successfully defended the World Boxing Organisation Inter-Continental super welterweight (junior middleweight) title on November 27, 1996 with a TKO of Anthony Joseph in England. Dodson improved his unbeaten record to 16 after stopping Joseph in the first round. He won his 17 professional fights and remained unbeaten when his opponent Rachid Serdjane was disqualified in

round five for ungentlemanly conduct. The fight was staged on January 29, 1997 at the York Hall in London, England. Referee Marcus McDonnell called a halt to the contest at two minutes and 41 seconds of the fifth round after the Algerian-born Serdjane failed to get up from a low blow. The Algerian would be TKOed by another Guyanese in his next fight, as Howard Eastman won in the seventh round. Born in Guyana before taking up residence in England the southpaw Dodson was undefeated in 18 fights when

he met World Boxing Organisation super welterweight champion Ronald `Winky’ Wright in December 1997 but was forced to retire in the fifth round. . He later challenged for the Commonwealth title in October 1999 but was disqualified in the 12th round for biting Canadian Alain Bonnamie. Dodson won the lowly regarded International Boxing Organisation (IBO) super middleweight title on March 3, 2001 following a thirdround knock-out of Paul Jones. He lost the crown in his first defence.

Huge crowds bid farewell as Argentina grieves

HUGE crowds of fans have been paying their final respects to football legend Diego Maradona in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. Thousands filed past the footballer ’s coffin, weeping, blowing kisses and praying. Later people lined the streets as his funeral cortege passed by. But there were tense scenes as police tried to control unruly crowds. Three days of national mourning have begun after the national hero died of a heart attack on Wednesday aged 60. Maradona’s coffin draped in Argentina’s national flag and football shirt, bearing his trademark number 10 on the back - was on public display at the presidential palace yesterday. But by mid-afternoon queues stretched back for

more than a kilometre and police clashed with mourners as they tried to close off the palace in anticipation of the wake scheduled for 16:00hrs local time (19:00 GMT). There were reports of tear gas being used as officers in riot gear struggled to hold back the crowd. O n e w e l l - w i s h e r, Rubén Hernández, thought the police had overreacted. “We were calm lining up and suddenly, the police started to fire rubber bullets,” he said, quoted by Reuters news agency. “Crazy, I just want to say goodbye to Diego.” The authorities then extended access to the casket for a couple more hours. After that the motorised funeral cortege set out for the Bella Vista cemetery on the outskirts of the city. Maradona’s family and

former teammates took part in a private ceremony earlier in the day.

‘HE WAS EVERYTHING FOR US’ Meanwhile at the Italian club Napoli, where Maradona played for seven years and was assigned God-like status, fans flocked to the stadium to pay their respects chanting “Diego, Diego!” It is the second day people have defied a coronavirus lockdown to pay tribute, ahead of Napoli’s closed-door Europa League fixture against the Croatian team Rijeka. He was unique, he represented everything, everything for us Neapolitans,” fan Gianni Autiero told Reuters. “I have cried for only a few people in my life, and Diego is one of them.” (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Golden Boy Diego Maradona leaves an eternal legacy FOOTBALL has produced few more divisive figures than Diego Maradona. The Argentina great died on Wednesday at the age of 60, following a cardiac arrest and while opinions on his legacy may differ depending on where you live, his remarkable impression on the game is undoubted. The abiding image of Maradona, most likely, stems from the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and England. For so many in England, he will forever be remembered for arguably the most controversial

but troubled life”. Raised in a poor family in Villa Fiorito, a shantytown on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Maradona’s blessings were evident from an early age. At just eight years old, his promise was discovered by a scout, Francisco Cornejo, and he was signed to the youth team of Argentinos Juniors. “He did things that I have never seen anyone else do,” Cornejo, who died in 2008, later said of Maradona. Maradona made his Argentinos debut 10 days before turning 16 and marked it in

Diego Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 goal in the history of football, which saw the diminutive Maradona somehow rise above the comparatively towering figure of Peter Shilton and divert a sliced clearance from Steve Hodge into the empty net with his hand. But that act of what can at best be considered deceit did not take away from the majesty of his ultimately decisive second goal, dubbed the ‘Goal of the Century’, with the balletic grace with which he weaved past the helpless England defenders before rounding Shilton and slotting home the defining memory of Maradona for his adoring fans in his home country and scores of fans around the world. That game perhaps encapsulated the man known as El Pibe de Oro (The Golden Boy). As England striker Gary Lineker, who scored the goal overshadowed by Maradona’s brace at Estadio Azteca, said in a tweet paying tribute following news of his death, the Albiceleste legend led a “blessed

fitting fashion by nutmegging an opponent within minutes of entering the pitch. One hundred and sixteen goals in 166 games for Argentinos followed and resulted in Maradona receiving a dream move to Boca Juniors, though his spell at La Bombonera yielded only one league title and was marked by a difficult relationship with coach Silvio Marzolini before he moved to Barcelona in a world-record transfer in 1982. Barca did not see Maradona at his best at the 1982 World Cup in Spain that preceded his debut for the Blaugrana, yet the impact he had on his cohorts at Camp Nou was stark. “He had complete mastery of the ball,” former team-mate Lobo Carrasco remarked. “When Maradona ran with the ball or dribbled through the defence, he seemed to have the ball tied to his boots.” His time in Catalonia delivered both brilliance and tumult

in equal measure. Maradona became the first Barca player to receive a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu in 1983, but sustained a career-threatening ankle injury against Athletic Bilbao and was then involved in a brawl against

the same opposition in the 1984 Copa del Rey final that hastened his exit from the club. It was perhaps no surprise that the pinnacle of his international career coincided with that of his club career at Napoli, for whom Maradona will forever be an icon.

After being named player-of-the-tournament at the ‘86 World Cup, Maradona inspired Napoli to their first Serie A title and triumph in the Coppa Italia. UEFA Cup glory followed in 1989 prior to a second league title a year later.

Napoli’s Stadio San Paolo was the scene of glory for Argentina in a World Cup semi-final win over Italy, in which Maradona scored the ultimately decisive penalty in the shoot-out, though he could not

TURN TO PAGE 24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Windies trio nominated for ICC award DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – Talismanic West Indies batsman Chris Gayle, as well as West Indies Women captain Stafanie Taylor and her teammate, Deandra Dottin, has been nominated for ICC Awards of the Decade. The Awards of the Decade, a special edition of ICC annual awards, will celebrate and reward top performances in the sport from January 1, 2011 to October 7 this year from both the men’s and women’s game. The ICC, the sport’s World governing body, said in a media release that the nominees for each of the categories have been determined by an awards nominations committee, according to on-field performances and overall achievements for at least five years during the period under review. Former West Indies fast bowler and TV commentator Ian Bishop, a member of the committee, said it was tough shortlisting the candidates for the awards. “It is extremely challenging to shortlist any group of excellent players over an extended period,” he said. “In making these choices we have tried to put context

to performances, even as the different formats have evolved in pace and style in a 10-year period.” Bishop said: “Some of your favourite names may have missed out, but not gone without recognition.

performer in the men’s T20I format during the performance period. He is challenged in the category by Australia opener Aaron Finch, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, India batting machine Virat

From left: Chris Gayle, Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin

“We hope that this is seen as an opportunity to discuss, celebrate and rejoice in the many great players who have entertained us on the field in the last decade.” Gayle, the self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’, no doubt, has been nominated for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer-of-the-Decade. It is recognition of the best overall

Kohli, Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga, India opener Rohit Sharma and retired South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir. Gayle, 41, has built a reputation around the World for being the most destructive batsman in the format and now holds the record for the most sixes in the T20 format overall. He played in the Indian

Brathwaite’s unbeaten 183, Bravo’s 93, put West Indies in command against NZ ‘A’

QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand (CMC) – Opener Kraigg Brathwaite gave proof that he may be running into form ahead of the two-Test series against New Zealand, with a masterly hundred to give West Indies a strong start against the Blackcaps’ reserves in a tour match yesterday. Brathwaite batted through the opening day of the fourday, first-class match against New Zealand ‘A’ at the picturesque John Davies Oval to lead strong Windies batting with a dominant, undefeated 183 that propelled the Caribbean side to 353 for three in their first innings at the close, after they decided to bat.

It was Brathwaite’s first hundred in a first-class match

Century-maker Kraigg Brathwaite (right) scored an unbeaten 183 and Darren Bravo who hit 93 (Photo: CWI Media)

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Glamorgan in Division 2 of the English County Championship in September last year at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. There were few signs of the unimaginative batting that has plagued Brathwaite over the past year and led to questions about his place in the side. He has so far cracked 14 fours and one six from 262 balls in his time at the crease. He showed the kind of steely resolve for which he had become known from his schooldays and reached his hundred in the final half-hour before tea, when he punched the 139th ball of his innings to deep cover for

TURN TO PAGE 24

Premier League, (IPL) which ended earlier this month in the United Arab Emirates, turning up for Kings XI Punjab, where he was not a regular starter, but still prove he was capable of extraordinary hitting. Taylor, the Windies Women captain for the past four years, has been nominated for the prestigious Rachel Heyhoe-Flint Award for the ICC Women’s Cricketer-of-the-Decade, which recognises the best overall performer in women’s international cricket – across all formats – Tests, One-day Internationals and T20Is – during the performance period. Taylor, 29, has played 126 ODIs and 108 T20Is for Windies Women, since making her international debut at the age of 17 in June 2008. Her 4 754 runs at an average of 44.01 in ODIs and 3 062 at an average of 36.02 in T20Is are the most by a West Indies Women batter in the sport. She has also taken 142 ODI wickets – the second highest for Windies Women, nine behind fellow off-spinner Anisa Mohammed – at an average of 21.35 each and 94 T20I wickets – 26 fewer than Mohammed – at an average of 16.88 apiece.

Taylor may, however, lose out on the award because unlike all of her challengers, she has never been able to fulfil her long-cherished dream of playing a Women’s Test due to Cricket West Indies’ failure to make this format a priority for its women’s players. The other players nominated in the category are former New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, Australia captain Meg Lanning, her teammate Ellyse Perry, former India captain Mithali Raj and England batting star Sarah Taylor. Dottin, a cousin of former West Indies pacer and head coach, Ottis Gibson, has been nominated for the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer-of-the-Decade, which recognises the best overall performer in women’s T20Is during the performance period. Dottin, also 29, has played 117 ODIs and 118 T20Is – the third highest overall – for Windies Women, since she also made her international debut at the age of 17 in June 2008. She has scored 2 833 runs at an average of 28.33 in ODIs and 2 565 runs at an average of 26.44 in T20Is. Her aggressive batting style

has often been compared to Gayle’s and has earned the title of ;World Boss’ from her peers. Her maiden T20I hundred of 112 not out against South Africa Women in the opening match of ICC Women’s World T20 2010 West Indies at Warner Park in St. Kitts was the first by a woman in the sport. Coming in to bat at six, Dottin reached the milestone in 38 balls, which still remains the record for the fastest T20I hundred by either a man or woman. The ICC said for the first time the fans’ voice will be heard in selecting the winners across categories, including the Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Men’s Cricketer-of-the-Decade. The fan vote, ICC said, will make up 10 percent of the voting, while votes from an expert panel will make up the remaining 90 percent. Award winners will be announced next month and will culminate in a special ICC Awards-of-the-Decade digital show, to be broadcast on ICC’s digital channels and will take into account the fans’ votes, as well as those by a global panel of journalists and broadcasters.

Kohli baffled by Rohit’s absence in Australia, Ishant ruled out of Tests

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - India captain Virat Kohli said he was kept in the dark about deputy Rohit Sharma’s hamstring injury and believes the opener should have travelled to Australia to boost his chances of playing in the Test series against Tim Paine’s men. Rohit was initially ruled out of the entire Australia tour with the injury which kept him out of four Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in the United Arab Emirates. The 33-year-old, however, returned to lead Mumbai Indians to a record fifth IPL title, prompting questions about the extent of his injury. The Indian board subsequently added him to the Test squad, while monitoring his recovery at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, having deemed him still unfit to travel with the rest of the team to Australia. “It’s been very confusing and there’s been a lot of uncertainty ... around the situation,” Kohli said ahead of today’s one-day series opener in Sydney. “After that (injury), he played in the IPL, so we all thought that he was going to be on that flight to Australia,

but he wasn’t. “So from the time that the selection meeting happened ... there’s been no information, there’s been a lack of clarity. And we’ve been playing the waiting game on this issue for a while now which is not ideal at all.”

India opener Rohit Sharma

The BCCI said later yesterday that Rohit returned to Mumbai after the IPL to visit his ailing father before heading to the NCA. Rohit will be reassessed on December 11 before the board takes a call on his participation in the four-Test series which begins in Adelaide on December 17. However, fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been ruled out

of the tour despite recovering from his side strain. “While he’s building up his workload in order to achieve Test-match fitness, Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” BCCI added. Meanwhile, fast bowler T. Natarajan has been added to the ODI squad as backup after Navdeep Saini complained of back spasms. The India captain was also unhappy with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to change rules to determine the finalists for next year’s World Test Championship (WTC). Considering the matches that could not be played because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ICC has decided to rank teams based on the percentage of points won, instead of accumulated points, from completed matches. “It’s definitely surprising,” said Kohli, whose team led the points table but have now slipped to second place, behind Australia, who have a higher percentage of points. “It’s happened out of nowhere and I think further questions about this should be asked to the ICC and understand why this has been done.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 27, 2020

Napoli players paid tribute to Maradona by wearing number 10 shirts

Napoli win emotional first match after Maradona’s death

NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) Napoli overcame Croatian side Rijeka 2-0 on Thursday in their first match since the death of Diego Maradona, the Italian club’s greatest and most popular player. On an emotionally-charged evening, the Napoli team took the field for the Europa League game wearing number 10 shirts with Maradona’s name emblazoned on the back, while a photograph of the Argentine idol stared down from the electronic scoreboard. Banners showing images of Maradona, who led Napoli to two Serie A titles during

seven extraordinary seasons at the club in the 1980s, were placed around the San Paolo stadium, which was eerily empty and quiet due to COVID-19 regulations. Although spectators were not allowed into the ground itself, however, fans gathered outside the stadium chanting “Diego, Diego” and other anthems. Hundreds of blue and white Napoli scarves were tied to railings outside the stadium, and flowers, children’s pictures, church candles and even a bottle of wine were laid out along the pavement in a makeshift shrine. Maradona died of a

heart attack on Wednesday at the age of 60. Once the game started, Napoli dominated and created several chances before Rijeka full back Armando Anastasio, under pressure from Matteo Politano, turned Piotr Zielinski’s shot into his own net five minutes before halftime. Hirving Lozano made the result safe in the 75th minute, controlling Lorenzo Insigne’s pass before slotting the ball past Ivan Nevistic to leave Napoli top of Group F with nine points from four games, two ahead of AZ Alkmaar and Real Sociedad.

Pele mourns Maradona: ‘I hope we’ll play soccer together in the sky’

FLASHBACK:

Football legends Pele (R) and Diego Maradona at an advertising soccer event on the eve of the opening of the UEFA 2016 European Championship in Paris, France, June 9, 2016 (REUTERS REUTERS))

SEE PAGE 24 SEE PAGE 24

Huge crowds bid farewell as Argentina grieves

This Day in History SEE PAGE 24

Dodson successfully defends title

Police struggled to control the crowds as they queued to see the coffin Police struggled to control the crowds as they queued to see the coffin

BCB cancels remainder of 2020 plans due to rise in COVID-19 cases THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has cancelled its cricket plans for the remainder of 2020, following a surge of COVID-19 cases in the Ancient County. BCB public relations officer, Simon Naidu, via social media said the board, despite acquiring the necessary permission, has decided to postpone its cricket for the remainder of the year. “It is with great regret that the BCB has decided to call off cricket for the rest of the year (2020). We had sought and gotten permission from the Government but the president and secretary consulted the executives based on the rising COVID-19 cases in Berbice. “The BCB had hoped to complete ten unfinished tournaments but we have decided that the health of our players is more important,” Naidu SEE PAGE 27

said. Looking ahead, those cancelled tournaments will now be completed in 2021 along with the planned 30 tournaments. Naidu further stated that BCB president Hilbert Foster has made it quite clear that the health and the welfare of our players are important at this moment. He added that the board will go ahead with the Under-19 sessions tomorrow If the GCB calls off the intercounty tournament, the trials would be stopped immediately. “It is our hope that clubs in the county will be very careful in how they respond to the COVID-19 problem. Please feel free to contact BCB president Foster and me on 337-4562 or Secretary Angela Haniff on 333-3905 for more information,” he ended.

Adrian Dodson (Carew) successfully defended his boxing title on November 27, 1996

Napoli win emotional first match after Maradona’s death

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020