Issuu

TUESDAY 8th December, 2020

' No.106207

Easier market access, better prices SEE PAGE 03

–– as Guyana, Suriname sign ‘open skies’ air-services agreement

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Suriname’s Minister of Communication, Transport and Tourism, Albert Jubithana hold the newly sanctioned ‘open skies’ air-services agreement (Delano Williams photo)

GuySuCo on course to achieving production target PAGE

An Uitvlugt cane harvester resorts to the cut-and-carry method to salvage cane ahead of a heavy downpour (GuySuCo photo)

Resumption of Guyana/Suriname ‘No singling out of bars’ regulations aim to curb spread of 13 ferry service postponed again 02 –coronavirus – says Task Force Director PAGE

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

GuySuCo on course to achieving production target

PRODUCTION of sugar at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) at the Uitvlugt Estate, West Coast Demerara is rapidly winding down for the second crop of 2020, bringing the Corporation’s total annual production of sugar to 85,531 Metric Tonnes (MT) as of December 6, 2020. This is on course to achieving GuySuCo’s target of 89,000 MT of sugar before the crop closes in two weeks, a release from the corporation said. Uitvlugt Estate, one of the three operational estates managed by GuySuCo, has concluded its production for the second crop of 2020 with a total of 18,599.4 MT as of December 6, 2020. Estate Manager, Yudhisthira Mana, explained that while the estate experienced several challenges in the cultivation as a result of inclement weather during the latter part of the crop and the factory due to a lack of timely access to spare parts, employees of the estate must be commended for working diligently for harvesting all of the available sugar cane on the estate, resulting in zero amounts being carried over into the first crop of 2021. The Uitvlugt Estate cultivates and manages a total of 6,006 hectares of sugar cane, of which several members of the Private Cane Farmers’ Association are controlling 1,750 hectares. In outlining the challenges

of the second crop, the estate manager informed that as a result of the massive factory downtime earlier in the crop (some 430 hours mainly due to lack of spares), sugar cane grinding was stalled for more than eight days which impacted the tonnes cane to tonnes sugar ratio (tc/ts).

fore harvesting and operation of the bell loaders. “In acknowledging the favourable industrial relations climate, the corporation wishes to express profound gratitude to all workers for their commitment to improving sugar production despite the many

Uitvlugt parked bell loaders due to heavy rains and flooded fields (GuySuCo photo)

However, the Corporation said all technical issues are actively being addressed going forward with the support of G$3 billion in capital investments from the Government of Guyana. In 2021, there will be a continuation of these capital investments after three years of minimal investments under the prior administration. During the latter stage of harvesting, sugar production at the estate was also threatened due to the inclement weather that prevailed resulting in the fields being inundated and the inability to burn the canes be-

challenges and assures that all measures are taken to

Uitvlugt team works hard to restore mechanical parts (GuySuCo photo)

improve both infrastructure and other conditions for

2021 and beyond. At present, Uitvlugt Estate employs a

total of 1,403 workers,” the release concluded.

Resumption of Guyana/Suriname ferry service postponed again - countries working to address gathering of Cubans in Suriname PERSONS eager to travel between Guyana and Suriname will have to wait a bit longer after the plan to recommence marine travel between the two countries have been postponed indefinitely. The Moleson Creek crossing was slated for reopening this Saturday, December 12 after its closure several months ago; however, following the announcement of the resump-

tion of service, it has been reported that a number of Cubans have been camping out at South Drain in Suriname, waiting to travel to Guyana. Due to that large gathering, the two countries have postponed the marine travel. This postponement was confirmed by Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on the sidelines of an event on Monday. TURN TO PAGE

The Canawaima ferry

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Easier market access, better prices –– as Guyana, Suriname sign ‘open skies’ air services agreement

By Navendra Seoraj THE Governments of Guyana and Suriname have taken yet another step towards strengthening bilateral relations and increasing physical connectivity between the two nations and their people, with the signing of an “open skies” air services agreement, which paves the way for easier market access for airline operators, and reduced costs for air travel. Guyana and Suriname are both on the cusp of economic transformation and advancement, because of their new-found oil wealth. But those countries, instead of being competitors, have chosen to work collaboratively to achieve common goals. The new air services agreement is seen as a move towards collective advancement, as both countries anticipate an increase in air traffic, and vast improvements in the general aviation sector, which is a key contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of both nations. Studies show that the most direct activities associated with aviation create some G$20.7 billion in annual economic activity. This represents 3.2 per cent of Guyana’s total gross domestic product (GDP). Moreover, nearly 12,000 Guyanese jobs are supported by the aviation industry, the majority in either transportation or tourism. This accounts for nearly one in twenty jobs in Guyana. Air passengers also generate roughly G$1.7 billion in travel tax revenue for the government. Those figures are anticipated to improve exponentially in the coming years,

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Suriname’s Minister of Communication, Transport and Tourism, Mr. Albert Jubithana signing the new ‘open skies’ air services agreement at the Pegasus Hotel on Monday (Delano Williams photo)

especially now with Guyana and Suriname laying the foundation for the collective advancement of aviation in both countries. The new agreement, signed by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Suriname’s Minister of Communication, Transport and Tourism, Mr. Albert Jubithana at the Pegasus Hotel here in Guyana on Monday, paves the way for the removal of all restrictions on market access for airline operators, and the cap on capacity and pricing, and gives “route rights” to respective airlines. This, in effect, creates an open market between the two countries. The idea of establishing such as a unit was birthed when President Irfaan Ali and other high-level local officials, including Minister Edghill, visited Suriname on November 23, for a three-day trip, to join in that country’s In-

dependence Day celebrations and discuss matters of mutual importance. “What we are doing now is putting words into action, and this agreement is truly a historic agreement; it is an unimpeded move to ensure there is collaboration between both countries…We must be able to operate flights within CARICOM and outside of CARICOM,” said Minister Edghill prior to the signing of the agreement. This new air services agreement will complement the CARICOM multilateral air services agreement, said the minister. The CARICOM multilateral air services agreement expands the scope for airlines owned by CARICOM nationals to provide air services throughout the Community. It allows for no restriction on routes, capacity or traffic rights, and should facilitate increased intra-regional travel,

Resumption of Guyana/Suriname ... “At the diplomatic level, it is being handled and as soon as the issue of the congregating and a determination in terms of what will take place with the Cubans that are at the South Drain on the Suriname side, as soon as that is resolved, we are ready,” Edghill said. The minister also related that the Directors of the Canawaima Ferry Inc and the Canawaima Management Committee will be meeting on Friday in Guyana at

10:00hrs and in Suriname at 13:00hrs. He however emphasised that the matter is being handled by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs that are both collaborating with the United Nations (UN). Both countries had closed their borders in March as part of efforts to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Irfaan Ali and the President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi however agreed that

FROM PAGE

the ferry service between Guyana and Suriname will recommence. This decision was made when President Ali and other high-level officials from Guyana visited Suriname on November 23 for a three-day trip, to join in that country’s Independence Day celebrations and discussed matters of mutual importance.

and provide more cargo options for exporters and importers, with resulting cost savings. Those conditions are mirrored in the agreement between Suriname and Guyana, but, instead of having discretionary clauses, the bilateral agreement serves as an obligatory legal framework. “Airlines from Guyana and Suriname operated previously under different multilateral agreements; where there were deficiencies in facilitating traffic rights, those were granted on a reciprocal basis, and were, at times, granted on a discretionary basis. But today, we are signing this bilateral agreement to continue the reciprocal exchange, but under an obligatory legal framework, which is not discretionary,” said Minister Edghill. This new system instills more confidence in the minds of investors who are looking to pump their money into both nations. Surinam Airways and

Trans Guyana Airways are among the airline operators which already fly between both countries, and provide connecting flights. Guyana is popular for having flights to North America, while Suriname is known for its relationship with Europe. Fly All Ways, which operated between both countries in the past, is already set to return to Guyana very soon. “For airlines like Fly All Ways, this agreement will aid application efforts; it is an important strategy and policy for making Guyana a hub for air travel… Airlines stand to benefit from the traffic, but the ultimate beneficiaries will be our people; they will be able to travel with ease, and in a cost-effective manner,” said Minister Edghill. Minister Jubithana echoed similar sentiments as Minister Edghill, but like Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. Egbert Field, he was amazed by the expedience in preparing everything regarding the open- skies agreement, and having it ready for World Aviation Day 2020, which was commemorated on Monday. He said the importance of such an agreement cannot be understated, as there is no productivity without connectivity. “The open-skies agreement is one of our furthermost agreements to connect communities, create economic growth, and contribute to sustainable development on both sides,” said Minister Jubithana. The agreement, he said, “will serve as an air bridge, to make both markets accessible, and encourage optimal use of air traffic in a safe and secure manner.”

This agreement is seen as timely for both countries, as aviation, globally, has taken a hit because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has discouraged travel among countries. The local aviation industry, after declining significantly over the past nine months because of the pandemic, is, however, on the road to recovery, with over 5,000 persons arriving in Guyana since the country opened its international airports on October 5, 2020. Guyana’s two international airports, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Eugene F. Correia International Airport (ECIA), were closed to incoming commercial international flights on March 18, 2020, after Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case on March 11. The airports were initially scheduled to close for a two-week period, however, as cases in the country increased, the closure continued to be extended. But the new Government, after an analysis of the situation, thought it best to reopen the airports under strict conditions aimed at reducing the possibility of Guyana recording imported cases of COVID-19.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

‘Managing City Hall gave me grey hairs’

- Narine re-elected as City Mayor By Telesha Ramnarine UBRAJ Narine has been re-elected Mayor of Georgetown for the third consecutive time, with his Deputy, Alfred Mentore, also being returned to his post by councillors of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-led City Council. The elections took place

Monday afternoon in the compound of the municipality with only 18 councillors showing for APNU and four representing the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The PPP abstained in all of the voting processes. A new Finance Committee was also installed and People’s National Congress (PNC) stalwart, Oscar Clarke,

Tuesday December 8, 2020 –– 11:00 HRS

was returned as its chairman, with other elected members being Ivelaw Henry, Alfred Mentore, Yvonne Ferguson, Clayton Hinds, and Heston Bostwick. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, who was absent from the proceedings, had requested that the elections be held during the period of December 9 and 16, but the City Council went ahead with selecting its own date. In an invited comment, Dharamlall said such a move by the City Council does not augur well for a good relationship moving forward. Following his re-election, the mayor started his presentation by noting that his two years in office so far have not been easy. “It…got me grey hairs but I believe grey hair is wisdom,” he said, adding that the period has also seen “lots of misunderstandings” between him and the deputy mayor. “But we have to disagree to agree.” Narine and the council has been criticised for not coming up with any new or improved policies since taking office, but the mayor named three policies (filming, leasing, and pile driving) that he said they have been able to implement so far. He said the by-laws governing the City Council need to be revised and reformed as they are outdated, especially when it comes to building codes and taxes, and he chid-

Mayor Ubraj Narine (centre); Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore (right) and Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke (left) following their re-election

ed the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), along with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for yielding to politics. He said the good relationship that existed between the council and these agencies came to an end once the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) took office. As it relates to his relationship with the administrative arm of the City Council, led by Town Clerk (ag), Sherry Jerrick, Narine said: “I don’t hold any grudge to administration. Administration may have their views while councillors and myself have our views.” But he advised those officers to be neutral. “Do not play politics. Do not get yourselves involved in politics. Work for the council. Stick to 28:01.” The City Council, according to him, is opposed to the use of a landfill facility.

“We believe that landfills will cause harm to our water, our environment; and diseases can also emerge from these. I believe the way to go is clean up and ‘green up’. We need a recycling plant in our country. We need a national solid waste management plan and I call on the local government minister to take note.” Narine again complained about the City Engineers’ Department and accused the chief engineer of taking political directives. “They are doing lots of nonsense and it needs proper management. If the engineers have political friends, what you expect that council will do? The engineer seems to be taking political directions right now. There is a lot of work happening in the city that we are not aware of.” Meanwhile, Minister Dharamlall said APNU has not done well in terms of leadership at the level of the city council, and that he is hoping the council will use the next year leading up to Local Government Elections to do much more. “They’ve failed as a coun-

cil when it comes to transparency and accountability.” Dharamlall said the city council seems adamant that it will work against the efforts of the government, and that since the PPP/C took office last August, the mayor has been unable to do any substantive work to transform the city. Councillor Dimitri Ali offered that while the PPP/C councillors expect that the council will always elect people from its own political party, he was disappointed that it didn’t choose at least one PPP councillor to sit on the Finance Committee. The deputy mayor thanked former minister, Volda Lawrence, who was in attendance, for being a rock and support to the council, and he urged that the work of the council is recognised, and not just for something sensational or contentious. The mayor announced that staff of the municipality, along with Constabulary officers will receive all of their back pay before end of this year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Crabwood Creek residents Police takes girl, 14, into custody over ganja find want NDC Chairman removed -- NDC chairman contends some residents are on a personal crusade against him

A small group of protesters in front of the Crabwood Creek NDC on Monday

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sukar

“WE need a new chairman!” were the shouts of a group of Crabwood Creek (CWC) residents on Monday morning as they made known their discontent with the management of the Crabwood Creek Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), East Berbice, Corentyne. The group initially lit tires, briefly blocking the roadway in front of the CWC NDC; however, quick response by the police resulted in the extinguishing of the fire and removal of obstacles from the roadway, allowing for a free-flow of traffic. The residents, bearing placards, lined the roadway calling for the removal of Teerbhawandat “Tero” Arjun, the NDC chairman of 13 years whom they are accus-

ing of stymieing development for the masses, while paying attention to only a select few. “When you call on him or the council for something, he does nothing for us but when some people call him, he run and fix them problem. He always ask what he can do when you bring a problem to him or if you can do he job. Well, I can do better than dem and I know there are more qualified people than him. If he know he can’t do nothing then step down and let someone else do the job,” said Bibi Ali. Others noted that for the 13 years since Arjun has been NDC chairman, very little was done for the residents and he does not listen to the concerns of the residents. “He is a dictator! He does what he wants to do and when you tell him he is

wrong he ask if you want do he job. Well they had a lady who was a Justice of Peace that was the chairperson for one year and the work she did, he nah do half of that in his 13 years. We want someone who is for the people not someone who sit in them office and dictate,” said RP Bharrat of Grant 1804. Residents decried the poor state of drainage, streets and garbage disposal to which the chairman is allegedly turning a blind eye. They are calling on the authorities to have him removed from his posit and make way for someone with vision. Further, the residents stated that despite several complaints to high ranking officials, the chairman remains in office. They have since signed a petition which has over 200 signatures. The

petition will be submitted to Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall. Meanwhile, in an invited comment, the chairman refuted the residents’ allegations. He believes that the action of the protestors stem from a decision that was made to deny a permit for the construction of a poultry farm in a residential area. “The leader of the protest was constructing a chicken pen without the permission of the NDC and when we asked him he said ‘we can’t stop him’. The sanitary officer explained to him and followed protocol and the matter eventually went to court and he lost the case because a chicken pen of that size cannot be constructed in a residential area, so since then, he has been criticising me and the NDC and now he has a group of them that join he,” the chairman said. Arjun added that he conducts his duty as per the Laws of Guyana and for that he has been called several names because it does not find favour with some residents. The CWC NDC council is expected to meet on Wednesday to elect office bearers, including the chairman.

The suspected cannabis found under the bed

A FOURTEEEN-year-old girl was taken into police custody after police found a wash tub filled with cannabis at a West Ruimveldt, Georgetown house on Thursday last. Police said that the juvenile and the cannabis were taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where the drugs were weighed in her presence and amounted to 11.352 pounds. According to Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Assistant Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor, the detention of the juvenile was in keeping with the Force’s Standard Operating Procedures. “At no time was the juvenile placed in any lock-ups; at no time was the juvenile questioned by any male detective; and at no time was the juvenile handcuffed,” Andries-Junor said in a statement. He noted that the investigation has been completed

and the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for advice. On Thursday last, ranks of Regional Division Four 'A', acting upon information received, conducted the search at the West Ruimveldt residence which was solely occupied, at the time, by the teenager. They found her on a bed and during the search. Ranks discovered a wash tub containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis, under the said bed. According to the statement, shortly after they arrived at the house, the ranks were approached by a 26-year-old female who claimed to be the daughter of the owner of the property and the sister of the juvenile in the house. The woman claimed that the mother was out of town; the 14-year-old was subsequently released from custody after four days.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Building Trust ANY construct led by the PPP -- in or out of government as PPP or PPP/C -- always engaged in inclusionary politics, and President Irfaan Ali’s leap of faith in including former President David Granger in a confab with all living former Presidents has a precedent in Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s untiring pursuit of his vision for fraternal leadership in the national political configuration. This was partly realised with the PPP partnering in a highly successful coalition with civil society with the formulation of the PPP/C, preluding the 1992 elections. Promoting ethnic conflict as a political strategy is a destructive tool some politicians use to optimise their chances at elections, without consideration of the very debilitative effect disunity in the land can have, and has had, in the socio-economic dynamics in the national developmental landscape. Dr. Cheddi Jagan always advocated ‘shared governance’ as a way of forging national unity, which could have ensued in once again achieving a political ethos of united striving and struggles for human rights and freedom of 1950.

However, trust is a major factor in any partnership, especially where an entire nation’s welfare is of paramount importance and should be the primary consideration, taking precedence over any other determinant. Constant betrayals and reneging on promises cannot engender the requisite degree of trust, enough to gamble with national social development and economic growth; so models of shared governance were formulated by the PPP/C Government to enjoin opposition parties in national governance by way of parliamentary committees and the entire nation in the formulation of policies via civil society/stakeholder fora. The bond formed between Dr Jagan and the young, dynamic, charismatic Dr. Walter Rodney had the promise and the potential of once again uniting the nation, but this hope was blasted by an assassin’s bomb when Dr. Rodney was killed; but Dr Jagan and the PPP continued pursuing the fructification of his dream of unity. The PPP Government has always been open to dialogue that could eventuate in the implementation of Dr Jagan’s vision of shared governance. The

PPP Government tried, time and again, but failed when elements being engaged became confrontational and/or reneged on decisions made jointly – in parliamentary committees or at other fora, The concept of unity through shared governance was not even a consideration when Dr. Jagan first entered the realm of politics, because the working-class people – race regardless, embraced him as a champion fighting for a new dispensation of freedom and human rights for all and rallied around him, until the split in the PPP. President Jimmy Carter endorsed the concept of shared governance, which he rightly surmised can bring an end to racial divisions in our country, which is a severe inhibitor to the development paradigm in Guyana. Mahatma Gandhi once philosophised that there is the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven in its inner workings to bring morality, honesty and courage to the human equation. If this great thought can actualise in the political arena of nations what peace, progress and contentment can enrich lives within the family of humanity. It is a vision of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and Pres-

ident Ali is determined to pursue this course in attempting to unite the nation by bringing leaders together to have dialogue in charting the way forward in the country’s socio-economic development path and to build trust in the resonances of the collective Guyanese psyche. Under the watch of the PPP/C Government of the past, there has been decentralism of governance and local and regional authorities have much more say and power to implement developmental projects and programmes to benefit individuals and communities in equitable measure Currently, Cabinet outreaches have been re-energised, and the engagements between the people and their government has resulted in a re-vitalisation of village life, where concerns are being addressed and needs are being met, with fiscal space being created to address pressing social needs and extant existential challenges created largely by widespread job losses and the COVID-19 pandemic. President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s invitation to Guyana’s former Presidents to meet officially on December 15, 2020, to chart a way forward and build a better nation is

a continuum of the PPP/C’s efforts to build bridges in the nation. President Ali in his first address as Head of State of Guyana, had committed to working in the best interest of the people of Guyana. He said: “There is only one future, and that requires a united, strong Guyana. That future requires every Guyanese to play a part in building our country, and ensuring we leave a better Guyana for the next generation. We are in this together; we are not separated by class, by ethnicity, religion or political persuasion. We are united in the true Guyanese spirit.” According to the President, his administration will be focused on a development agenda that will reflect the priorities of every Guyanese, and assured the nation, “We are building a country for every Guyanese. There is no need for fear; there is no need for distinction based on political persuasion, religious belief or ethnicity. This is a Government for all of Guyana.” The ball is now in former President David Granger’s court. President Ali has opened the innings.

GECOM operatives seem to be playing for time and ‘playing forget’! Dear Editor, SOME operatives at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) seem to be playing for time. In the last few days we have witnessed a galore of GECOM advertisements in the widely circulated print and social media. No doubt, players in the secretariat have been at the forefront of several suspicious activities without providing any clarifications in the past and remained silent even when relevant questions were asked. It leaves one pensive about the source of the directives, while the CEO and many under his control increasingly shows that they had no care about transparency, or the need to have policies acceptable to our citizenry. In the lead-up to and after the March 2020 elections, key operators within the GECOM staff at the secretariat demonstrated regrettable defiance that even overwhelmed the constitutional requirements of the organisation. They openly usurped the role of the GECOM Commission,

while showing disrespect to anyone who dared to query as they manoeuvred every advantage with the support of the PNC commissioners. There were certainly more questions than answers from the commission and secretariat levels as PNC commissioners provided various irrational open-ended counter positions that defied reason. Of course, there were some definitive interventions by Madam Claudette Singh who was appointed the new chairperson, following the heavy damage allowed by Mr. Granger’s unilateral appointee James Patterson, who had to be removed by the Caribbean Court of Justice. The termination of what was becoming a very contaminated house-to-house exercise was certainly necessary and appropriately done. The expressed confidence in Lowenfield however, proved to be almost fatal as he imposed initially, subtle manoeuvres which later became flagrant and outlandish. Nevertheless, many other areas required interventions and clarity as CEO Keith Lowenfield did his

‘salsa dance’ to the drums of Vincent Alexander, et.al. The now exposed fraudulent attempts demand a thorough clean-up approach led by the chairperson and commission. Such undertakings cannot be acceptably pursued in the presence of the now charged secretariat employees. Aside from the ongoing court matters, the Guyanese nation is not aware of any reasonable remedial actions being taken by the GECOM Commission. The position seems to be taken by GECOM that our people may soon forget the traumatic period of March to August 2020. Evidencing the foregoing are several hefty advertisements in the print media regarding contracts for things to be done at GECOM. The ‘Million-dollar question’ on the streets, however, is in which hotel and bar these contracts will be awarded? Further, all those who are before the courts must be sent on administrative leave and consideration for replacement options considered. These people are not working and not at their desks and at the same time, ac-

cumulating annual leave. Editor, everything regarding the failed coup in the 2020 national and regional elections must be fully ventilated. It is of course unprecedented that the CEO of the GECOM Secretariat would fail to produce his copies of the Statements of Poll. GECOM also remained silent on the fearful blocking of the Carter Center from returning to Guyana to scrutinise the ‘Re-count,’ and this must not be forgotten. Further, the genuine attempts to stop the Caribbean Community CARICOM initiative to resolve the issues surrounding the elections must be uncovered. Other critical observations and areas which merit a closer and detailed examination include the mysterious calls directing the Foreign Minister to throw out the observers, and the crude approach by GECOM and PNC personnel to block the imminent local and international observers from overlooking the counting process. The issue of the Commissioner of Police certifying that hundreds of voters were out of the country who

turned up in their numbers to verify that they were legitimate voters on Election Day is of significant concern. Very serious was the unavailability and disappearance of the Chairperson of GECOM and her locking up in a room at the Ashmin’s building. Editor, the nation demands the truth and there are no longer avenues for the contaminated to shield themselves with the veil of constitutional autonomy. Much has been overdone and the organisation must be thoroughly cleaned before it qualifies to be veiled once again. It is now imperative that all GECOM-related events which took place from the 21st December 2018, and, particularly within the last five months before the swearing in of Dr. Irfaan Ali as President, are fully examined to ensure that appropriate systems are put in place to prevent Guyana from being exposed to such ordeals in the future. The current status quo of “playing forget” and playing for time will not work! Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

‘Econs’ students hail investment drive in Guyana –– but emphasise that economic growth does not guarantee better quality of life By Vishani Ragobeer THERE has been an evident investment thrust in Guyana, attributed largely to the country’s burgeoning oil-and-gas sector, and Economics majors at the University of Guyana (UG) affirm that this is good for the local economy. In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, UG student Govindra Raghubansi posited that the investments being made in Guyana illustrate that there is high investor confidence, and this allows the country to record economic growth, even as numerous other countries are plagued by economic downturns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Investment will generate other economic benefits such as jobs, both directly and indirectly, and the investments, whether local or foreign, would bring capital,” Raghubansi said, adding: “Over time, these skills (brought by foreign investors) could be passed down to the local talent and the local population.” Though he acknowledged that there is much more scope for locals to get involved in Guyana’s economic development, he opined that the relief given through the 2020 Emergency Budget was a “start in the right direction” to create opportunities for local investors and entrepreneurs to kick-start their own ventures.

HOTEL DEVELOPMENT Over the past few weeks, hotel development has been a hot topic locally, following the announcement of billions of dollars in investments for new hotels. These were frugal investments, according to Raghubansi, since the country has a growing demand for accommodation, due to its recognised tourism sector and nascent oil-and-gas sector. “We need the hotels because we are a budding tourism and oil country as well, and we will be having a lot of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). And as these multinationals grow, they would obviously require more accommodation for their workers,” the student explained. He also reasoned that as Guyana continues to develop, Guyanese themselves will begin to seek out “finer things”, and they, too, would demand such luxury accommodation. His colleague, Yasmin Fazil, also explained that tourism is one of the most viable tax-raising alternatives for oil-producing nations, as shown in other, more developed oil-producing countries. And considerable investment in the infrastructure for tourism, such as the construction of hotels, would help to boost the local economy’s revenues and capacity for a sizable inflow of visitors. She also emphasised that tourism is a more sustainable

industry, as opposed to the finite oil-and-gas resources. “I think that we would’ve learnt from (other oil-producing countries) that we can’t keep our focus just on the oil,” Fazil lamented. “We have seen countries focused on getting revenue from the oil alone and they have failed,” she said. Raghubansi also posited that efforts should be made to develop the rice and mining sectors in Guyana, since these have been sectors which have augured well for the country. He also suggested that careful consideration be given to positioning the country to satisfy gaps which exist in the global market, such as the hemp industry or bamboo farming. ‘WELL-BEING PARAMOUNT’ Miko McIntosh, another Economics major, however emphasised, “The oil-and-gas sector plays an important role in our economy, in terms of achieving overall economic growth, but what I always say is that growth is not development.” He highlighted that it is important to focus on providing a better quality of life for the citizens of a country, since productivity and economic growth may not automatically translate into gains for people’s well-being. He advocated for a much broader approach to development, an approach that is aimed at harnessing natural wealth in order to provide a better quality

Consultants from China to repair severed submarine cable

––works to last two weeks

By Navendra Seoraj

CONSULTANTS from China are expected in Guyana soon, to start repairs on the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL’s) severed 69kV submarine cable, which links the Kingston and Vreed-en-Hoop substations. The cable, which was destroyed twice in 2019, was struck recently by a ship’s anchor, resulting in severe damage to an existing splicing joint. Repairing such a cable is complex, so it would require technical intervention from the manufacturers and consultants from China, said Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, in an invited comment on Monday. “It has not been restored and for that to be repaired it is technical…we need manufacturers and consultants from China and they should leave Wednesday to come here,” said Minister Indar. He said the consultants would have been here sooner had they not been constrained by the preventative measures in place to guard against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But, once here, the

consultants are expected to complete work on the cable after two weeks of commencement. “They told me that when they start, they are looking at two weeks, but it is technical, you need subsea divers and so to go fix that,” said Minister Indar. Although plans are in place to have the cable repaired, the minister believes it is economical to have stricter systems in place to prevent the cables from being severed again. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has already employed strict measures to ensure that ships do not ‘anchor’ in the area next to the cables. Additional measures have also been implemented to boost surveillance in order to detect unauthorised ships and have them removed quickly. “This is important because we not only have to protect the 69kV cable which brings over base load, but the 13.9kV capable which is also important,” said Minister Indar. It is important to protect both cables because a damaged line had created an unsustainable situation in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

As it is now, the national grid is providing 120 megawatts of electricity, an amount which is equal to the consumer demand of 117-120 megawatts of power. And, with persons growing weary of constant ‘blackouts,’ Minister Indar, has assured that the current administration is working “aggressively” to supply reliable electricity to Guyanese. GPL, on Saturday, announced that ten 1.6 Megawatt (MW) Caterpillar Units were acquired to boost the company’s generating capacity for the holiday season. It was reported that three of the units will be installed at GPL’s Sophia, Georgetown location, while another three will be placed at GPL’s Onverwagt (West Berbice) location, a release from the company said. The remaining four are backup sets, in case there is a failure of any of the other six units; they each carry a generating capacity of 1.6 megawatts. All ten units are expected to boost the generation capacity in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System, which should provide customers with reliable electricity.

of life for Guyanese. McIntosh’s sentiments were shared recently by Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo. Though the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a positive growth rate of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Jagdeo stated that the government is keener on improving the well-being of Guyanese. Greater well-being for Guyanese, he explained, includes increasing employment, ensuring that individuals have greater disposable income, and that there are direct interventions, such as the COVID-19 cash grant geared at providing relief. “That is why we have focused heavily, in this 2020 Emergency Budget, on restarting the economy through a series of concessions to reduce costs to the Private Sector, and to also leave more money in people’s pockets through lower taxes, and to spend more directly on welfare,” the Vice-President told this newspaper.

Two charged with rape of girl, 7 THE two suspects who were arrested for the rape of a seven-year-old girl in Region Seven, have been charged with the offence; they will be placed before the court on Tuesday. The police on Monday received advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to institute the charges. Reports indicate that the child’s mother retired to bed just around 22:00hrs Friday last with her youngest child, while the seven-year-old and her brother went to sleep in a separate room. In another section of the media, the mother related that she was awakened at around 03:00hrs and noticed her son in her bed and upon checking on her daughter, she discovered her missing. The mother of three said neighbours formed a search party since the area was bushy. However, the mother expressed her dissatisfaction over the response of the police who were contacted to help the family in the search. She was told by the ranks that a missing person’s

report will have to be filed after 24 hours before their intervention. Subsequently, two police officers arrived at the location to take the mother to the police station to file the report, but she refused to leave the search for her daughter. The child was later found naked by relatives in a bushy area leading to a creek. The mother wrapped her daughter in a towel and travelled to the police station in an attempt to get the matter sorted out as soon as possible, so she could then transport the child to seek medical attention. However, because of the delay in taking the statement at the police station, the mother took the seven-yearold to the hospital where she was admitted in a stable condition. Residents of the community had related that the suspect was a known character in the community and was involved in thefts at multiple homes in the district.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Dindyal back as GPL CEO

- main focus is fixing damaged submarine cable GOVERNMENT rehired Bharat Dindyal as Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) with effect from December 7, 2020 and his main focus is fixing the damaged 69kV submarine cable, as communicated to this newspaper in a brief comment on Monday. Dindyal’s service was terminated under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) in August 2015. A search was launched

to fill the position, after the CEO at the time, Jamaican Albert Gordon, indicated that he was not seeking a contract renewal. Gordon served as GPL’s CEO since February, 2018. “The appointment of Mr. Dindyal forms part of the plans of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to modernise, expand and improve electricity supply in support of the development of Guyana. Mr. Dindyal has over 26 years’ experience in engineering services and

operation of electric utilities, and is no stranger to GPL, having served as CEO from 2006-2015. “In support of this, we are confident in Mr. Dindyal’s leadership and his return to our Company,” the State owned power company noted in a statement to the media. Meanwhile, reports indicated that due to the travelling restrictions ‘imposed’ by the COVID-19 pandemic, GPL could not source engineers and repair kits from China National Machinery

Bharat Dindyal

Import & Export Corporation (CNMIEC), the company that laid the cable in 2012. Hence, GPL has now sought the assistance from the United States and Canada. This submarine cable was part of a US$40M project to build new transmission lines, seven new sub-stations and two submarine cables – one each across the Demerara River and Berbice River. The GPL recently held a meeting with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) on measures to prevent a third occurrence of vessels damaging the 69kV cable.

City Hall yet to receive funds for annual Christmas clean-up - says Mayor MAYOR of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, has said that City Hall is yet to receive the promised funds from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to commence clean-up exercises for the Christmas season. Subject minister, Nigel Dharamlall, on Tuesday last, announced that $75 million will be allocated towards Christmas clean-up activities nationwide this year. “We have not received any correspondence; we have not received any money. We normally would receive some finances from the ministry to conduct our annual Christmas clean-up of the city, but we are yet to receive such finances,” Mayor Narine told this newspaper on Monday. The Mayor further noted that he was contacted on Monday morning by the Advisor to the Public Security Minister, Harry Gill,

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine

who indicated his interest in meeting with the Mayor to further discuss the City’s Christmas clean-up exercise. “I wanted to know if the Ministries are doing the cleanup exercise. I don’t know exactly what is happening but it seems like the ministries have a collective way to move forward. I am here to support, I am ready to meet and I am ready to commence the annual Christmas clean-up but I need funding to do so” Mayor Narine posited.

Dead: Chubbylall Kumar

Body of ex-GuySuCo worker found in canal

THE body of Chubbylall Kumar, 52, called “Gomes”, of New Area Canefield, East Canje, Region Six, was discovered in a canal at Bamfield Village, Number 19 Road, East Coast Berbice, on Monday. Police Commander Jairam Ramlakhan said the discovery was made just after 07:30hrs. According to reports, Kumar was employed as a plumber by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and was attached to the Rose Hall Estate where he worked until the entity was closed by the previous administration. According to relatives, he experienced a mental breakdown and had wandered off on Sunday. A search was launched but he was not found until Monday morning. According to Ramlakhan, no marks of violence were visible on the parts of his body that were exposed. Kumar was clad in cream short pants, multi-coloured brief and a green face mask, which covered perfectly his nose and mouth. A dark blue vest and a peach shirt were seen a few meters away from the body. The body was taken to Arokium Funeral Home pending a post-mortem. Kumar leaves to mourn his wife and two daughters.

Venezuelan woman dies in Cuyuni River boat collision A SEVENTY-FOUR-year-old Venezuelan woman lost her life on Sunday following a boat collision in the Cuyuni River opposite Linette Shop at Eteringbang Landing. Dead is Maria Williams, of San Martin, Venezuela. The accident occurred at about 16:00 hours. Reports indicate that Maria and another woman was in a canoe paddling from San Martin Landing to Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni Riv,er when a “Ballahoo” (another vessel), which was proceeding in the eastern direction, collided with them. Police said that the women fell overboard, during which the propeller of the other vessel chopped Maria several times about her body; her right leg received the brunt of the injuries. Maria was rushed to the San Martin

Maria Williams before she succumbed to her injuries in Venezuela

Landing to seek medical attention in Venezuela. She succumbed to her injuries Sunday evening. The matter was reported to the police and investigations are ongoing. No one has been arrested.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

DPP appeals case against former army chief THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn or set aside the decision of Magistrate Rondell Weever to dismiss the charge of causing death by dangerous driving against former Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Rear Admiral (ret’d), Gary Best. On Friday, December 3, Magistrate Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, upheld the no-case submission made by Best’s attorney Nigel Hughes and dismissed the charge on several grounds, including that the prosecution failed to prove that Best drove in a dangerous manner which resulted in the death of national cyclist Jude

Bentley. Hughes had argued that the prosecution failed to establish evidence to prove its case. The DPP, dissatisfied with the magistrate’s ruling, moved to the appeal court seeking to have it reversed or overturned. The Notice of Appeal read: “Take notice that this Court will be moved on a day and at an hour of which you shall be informed by the Registrar by Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, Director of Public Prosecutions, Counsel on behalf of the Appellant that the decision given in the above matter by Her Worship. Magistrate Ms Rhondel Weever at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on the 3rd December, 2020, be set aside and/or reversed and the Respondent be made to pay the costs of this appeal.”

The late former national cyclist Jude Bentley

Best, 61, was on trial before Magistrate Weever for the offence, which stated that on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Greater Georgetown, he drove motor car PRR 8182 in a dangerous manner which resulted in Bentley’s

Cotonou Agreement extended to November 2021 --as negotiators reach political deal for new agreement AFTER more than two years of intense negotiations, stakeholders from the European Union (EU) and Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) have arrived at a political deal for a new agreement, which will soon replace the existing Cotonou Partnership Agreement that has since been extended to November 30, 2021, to facilitate the promulgation of the new pact. The Cotonou Agreement is a treaty between the EU and ACP, which was ratified by 78 ACP countries in June, 2000, in Cotonou, Benin's largest city. With the agreement initially slated to expire on December 31, 2020, countries had started discussions two years ago to formulate a new deal, which would encompass contemporary issues and maintain the cohesive relationship between the two blocs. Those discussions concluded on December 3, 2020, with Chief negotiators of the EU-- Jutta Urpilainen and the Organization of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Robert Dussey-- arriving at a political deal on the text for the new agreement to replace the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. The deal, which will require initialing, signature and ratification by the parties, was the product of intense negotiations covering several areas of mutual interest including human rights, democracy and governance; peace and security; human and social development; environmental sustainability and climate

change; inclusive sustainable economic growth and development; and migration and mobility. According to a press statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the preliminary text will be subjected to legal verification before the agreement is initialed by the chief negotiators, marking the end of the negotiations. Signing of the agreement is set to take place in Apia, Samoa in the second half of 2021. The new Partnership Agreement paves the way for an unprecedented regional focus by combining the ‘common foundation’ with three specific, action-oriented regional protocols (Africa-EU, Caribbean-EU, Pacific-EU) which focus on the priorities of each region. The regional protocols will be annexed to the common foundation and contain their own specific governance to manage and steer the relations with the EU and the different regions involved, including through joint parliamentary committees. There will also be an overarching joint OACPSEU framework with a strong parliamentary dimension. Serving in the capacity of Vice-chair of the OACPS Central Negotiating Group and Lead negotiator for the Caribbean-EU Regional Protocol at Ambassadorial level, Guyana, through its Embassy in Belgium, played a lead role in the achievement of convergence on several sensitive issues throughout the negotiating process. Together, Member States

of the EU and OACPS represent over 1.5 billion people and more than half of the seats at the United Nations. Upon its entry into force, the new agreement will replace the Cotonou Partnership Agreement as the legal framework to inform political and economic cooperation between the EU and the 79-member countries of the OACPS, and equip them to address emerging needs and global challenges over the next 20 years. Georgetown was the site for the signing of the “Georgetown Agreement” on June 6, 1975. This agreement marked the conception of the ACP which has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the EU, commencing with the first Lomé Convention in 1975. The Cotonou Agreement, the successor to the Lomé convention, broadened the scope of this partnership to encompass development cooperation, economic and trade cooperation and political dialogue. Guyana’s position has been that the new agreement should aim to transform the ACP economies through investments in industries, infrastructure and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The new agreement should also address expanding market access for ACP products and services while also ensuring environmental security, particularly for the ACP’s small-island developing and low-lying coastal states.

death. Bentley, 41, a businessman and national cyclist, was riding along the highway as part of his training when he was struck down in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy, at approximately 05:00hr by a black Land Cruiser. Reports indicated that Bentley and Best were heading east along the road, and that

Former GDF Chief-of-Staff Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Gary Best

Best reportedly tried to avoid hitting Bentley and struck a utility pole, but still managed to hit the cyclist and drag him several feet from the point of impact. Best was arrested at the scene, and two breathalyser tests were administered. Both tests reportedly revealed that he was way above the legally-prescribed alcohol limit.

Best still has a pending matter before City Magistrate, Clive Nurse, for driving under the influence of alcohol in relation to the said accident. The particulars of that charge allege that Best had a breath alcohol level of .85 microgrammes at the time of the accident. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on self-bail.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Another 1,900 COVID-19 grants for Reg. 3

–– over 40,000 grants distributed so far By Tamica Garnett AS distribution of the national COVID-19 household grants continue, approximately 1,900 more packages are expected to be sent to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). Regional Chairman, Ishan Ayube, told the Guyana Chronicle during a telephone interview, on Monday, that this second tranche of $25,000 grants will be for those households that have to be revisited. Ayube noted that over 40,000 grants have been distributed in the region thus far during the initial distribution exercise, but a number of persons reached out to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) claiming they did not receive any such grants. As such, the Council has been coordinating with the project’s Regional Coordi-

nator, to ensure the issues are addressed. “Based upon my understanding, the money was already paid out and these are outstanding names. I’m made to understand that another 1,900 packages are expected to come into the region. We are still awaiting it to address the persons who say they are not recipients of the packages,” Ayube explained. The Regional Chairman noted that in cases where persons make claims of not receiving the grant, the region investigates to verify whether the claim is true. “They’re still taking information about persons that they have to revisit; address, name, telephone number. Most people come into the regional office, or we take it by telephone and then we verify it. They would come in and give us the information, we take it here but we verify it,” Ayube said.

Ayube reminded that only one grant per lot is being allowed at this time. In cases where multiple families live at one location, secondary households would have to wait until provisions are made for those recipients. The secondary household, however, is required to fill out a pink form, and a verification will be done later prior to the issuance of the grant. “We first have to understand if these people meet the criteria for the first round,” Ayube conveyed, “For example, if I live in the home with my wife, and my son live in the home with his wife, then the package only comes to me, but his name will be on a pink form, to get the package later. A lot of persons may claim that they are not recipient of the package, but they have to full out the pink slip. Those are the fineries that we need to understand of the guideline

A resident of Region Six collects his COVID-19 cash grant

that govern the distribution of these packages.” Ayube also noted that the region is only helping to facilitate the distribution exercise by working alongside the committee that is distributing the packages; he made it clear that the RDC is

not directly in charge of the distribution exercise. “There are three ministries in charge of ensuring the grant is distributed. In the region, you have a regional coordinator and then we have distributors, which have teams working in a spe-

cific geographical location,” Ayube said. Ayube noted that the RDC works within the limits of the procedures set out for the distribution of the grants.

Strong health and family life programme needed in schools …says Manager of Gender-Affairs Bureau By Rehana Ahamad THE Gender Affairs Bureau (GAB) is convinced that targeting the school system is the most effective

way to reduce instances of violence against women, and create an environment for men to express themselves in a healthy manner. The Bureau’s Manager,

Adel Lilly, says that even though GAB has several programmes targeting secondary schools, it is not enough to cultivate a country that thrives on equality and respect for all

Manager of the Gender Affairs Bureau, Adel Lilly

genders. “We have to really look at a strong health and family life programme in the schools,” Lily posited. Should such a programme materialise, Lily believes that self-awareness ought to be a major component. “Part of it would have to be teaching boys and girls who they are, about appreciating differences…about self-respect, what is good touch, bad touch…we have to teach them about domestic violence, sexual violence… about empowerment,” Lilly stressed. He noted that while his recommended programme would entail comprehensive sex education, its contents would have to be disseminated in a manner that is age

appropriate and culturally relevant. “For instance, discussions of good touch and bad touch should start from as early as nursery school, so that our children grow up knowing these things,” Lilly noted. The GAB manager believes that this would even result in children becoming more vocal in highlighting sexual violations. As it relates to the GAB’s secondary school programme, Lilly noted that this targets both boys and girls. “For our boys, our outreaches focus on the use of drugs, anger management, understanding their roles as boys, and understanding what it means to be a man, understanding gender roles and so on,” Lilly posited.

He said that the emphasis of the programmes is to redefine masculinity. “Manhood in my mind is someone who is responsible, accountable, someone who is driven by a particular goal… someone who is concerned about the people in his square of influence,” Lilly said. The programmes, Lilly noted, also teaches boys how to accept and express their emotions in a healthy manner. “Part of our conversation with men and boys is that it is okay to cry, it is okay to talk, it is okay to express your emotions, because at the end of the day, we are all human, and if men are bottling up their emotions, eventually they will explode,” Lilly posited. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Race relations, education & business key priorities for youth

By Vishani Ragobeer

IMPROVING race and ethnic relations in Guyana, education, technology and youth in business were identified as the three main priority areas for a number of youth in political organisations and civil society. At least 11 Community Service Organisations (CSOs) and four youth arms of political parties participated in a first Generation in Action Youth Summit, organised by the International Republican Institute (IRI), during November 2020. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the young people benefitted from a series of virtual training

modules and thereafter, each

policies. On Sunday night,

Kenny Valladares, who

group developed a set of

youth representatives present-

presented on the need to im-

youth priorities which are

ed on these priority areas via a

prove race and ethnic rela-

informed by existing youth

virtual summit.

tions in Guyana, said: “This

problem has robbed Guyana of much of its potential and has kept us from the goal of unity and development for far too long.” He lamented that division of Guyanese people along the lines of race has persisted for decades, deepening racial mistrust and strife. He also lamented that there is a seemingly pervasive political culture that exacerbates the racial mistrust. He contended that when racial or bigoted politicians form the government, the policies implemented would reflect their views or attitudes, potentially constraining development for all. While politics may have had a detrimental effect on real cohesion in Guyana, he posited that politics could also be a powerful tool to bridge the divide and build skills to exist in a multicultural society. “We believe that Guyanese could learn, understand and share feelings for our fellow citizens through education where our differences are taught as Guyanese culture,” he emphasised. “We also believe that social campaigns and other programmes of government should directly target the public fear; efforts and efforts should be made to build trust and eradicate fear.” The young man also said that legislation should be enacted to build social cohesion; voter education should be done to foster issue-based voting instead of race-based voting; and that focus should be placed on building a culture of bridging differences. Meanwhile, Vishaul Mohabir, who is visually-impaired, called for there to be greater focus on creating an education system which is conducive for persons with disabilities (PWDs). While speaking on the second priority area-- education and technology-- Mohabir highlighted that there are only 10 special schools and three special-needs classrooms in Guyana. According to him, this limits the access to educational opportunities by PWDs. “Special-needs children in the other regions have limited or no opportunities to enter the school system or gain

an education,” he lamented, adding, “There are many children with education who are capable and have a desire to learn, however, they still encounter tremendous difficulties in accessing education at all levels.” He called on the Ministry of Education to direct more focus towards bridging that gap for PWDs. Mohabir also said that teachers should be trained to teach children with special needs, there should be learning material which caters for such children and schools should be made more accessible for children with wheelchairs. And finally, David McLean shared that the young people were interested in: increased access to land for young business owners, increased finance for start-up and business expansion and government partnerships with financing institutions to create financing options for persons who intend to start a business. These solutions, he reasoned, would help to improve the third priority area: youth in business. “There is a need for innovation among young people so that they can remain competitive with the influx of foreign professionals and investors that would be coming to Guyana,” McLean stressed. The IRI said that these stories will be shared with key national and international stakeholders, including the IRI Guyana team’s Resident Program Director, Dorota Ryzy and members of USAID, the United States diplomatic team and the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC). At the forum, President of the GNYC, Dr. Quacy Grant, called on policy makers and political leaders to shape these priorities into policies as part of efforts geared at improving Guyana. Resident Programme Director of the IRI, Dorota Ryzy, also said, “I would like to encourage the Guyanese leaders in our audience to think about how these brave and hardworking youth leaders’ priorities and ideas can be incorporated into policies and actions of the governments and political parties alike.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

‘No singling Woman 34 dies from COVID-19 –– 32 new cases recorded out of bars’ –– regulations aim to curb spread of coronavirus – says Task Force Director

Director of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), Colonel Nazrul Hussain

By Vishani Ragobeer AMIDST complaints from small bar owners that they are suffering immense losses after being closed for about eight months, Director of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), Colonel Nazrul Hussain, emphasised that the body is only trying to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Recently, the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, contended that bars should not be operational because one would have to remove one’s mask in order to drink, and most bars are based indoors where the potential for spread is much greater. Subsequently, several small bar owners complained that the extended closure has been affecting their livelihoods, resulting in the need to furlough some employees. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, the Colonel said, “We are cognisant of their (bar owners and employees) livelihoods but that activity is not conducive to restricting the spread of COVID-19.” He emphasised that while there are no restrictions on the sale of alcohol, the public imbibing of alcohol and gathering in public spaces present the issue. This, he said, can contribute to the spread of the virus. Successive gazetted COVID-19 orders have stated that these places are to remain closed. According to Paragraph Two (2) Section One (1) of the current COVID-19 emergency measures, bars and rum shops are to remain closed until the end of the year. But Colonel Hussain emphasised that there is no “singling out” of bars; the emphasis, he said, is on try-

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar

ing to reduce the spread of the infection. Colonel Hussain also related that so far, 68 bars have been issued with warning letters from the task force for breaching the COVID-19 measures. The Guyana Chronicle understands that less than half of these bars have been issued with their second and final warning letter. The next course of action, after being issued with the final warning letter, is for the task force to close these businesses. It is the responsibility of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure the citizens and businesses comply with the COVID-19 measures. These enforcement measures have not, however, been very stringent. President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, also told this newspaper that the body did not advocate for the reopening of bars since this could potentially place a lot of persons in danger. “A lot of times when people start drinking, they get very relaxed and you almost forget all of the rules and that’s where the virus could take over,” Ramkumar posited. THAG has been advocating for the relief of the tourism and hospitality industry, which bars and entertainment spots fall under the purview of. However, the body was mainly interested in the reopening of interior lodges, which cater to small groups of people. The body also advocated for restaurants to operate at 50 percent capacity for indoor dining. “We didn’t want to advocate for something that would put people at great danger,” Mitra said.

A 34-year-old woman from Region Four died after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus, taking the local death toll to 154, according to the Ministry of Health The Ministry related that the woman died while receiving care at the ministry’s medical care facility on December 5. It was also reported that officials of the Ministry have contacted all relatives and persons to fa-

cilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who may have been exposed to the now-deceased person. Additionally, 32 new cases were recorded from 210 tests conducted, taking the overall known cases in the country to 5,697. These new cases were recorded from 13 males and 19 females. These cases were also distributed across Region One (three cases), Region Two (11 cases), Region

Four (three cases), Region Six (four cases), Region Seven (seven cases), Region Nine (one case) and Region 10 (three cases). So far, 4,779 infected persons have recovered, an additional 20 persons over the 24-hour period. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, exhibiting no symptoms. However, four patients are being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases hospi-

tal at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. There are 44 persons in institutional quarantine, 40 in institutional isolation and 720 in home isolation. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Nine) are in force from December 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+HIV services being assessed By Richard Bhainie THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is conducting an assessment to evaluate the impact COVID-19 had on HIV services provided to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LBGTQ+) population during the pandemic. During an interview with this publication, Managing Director of SASOD, Joel Simpson, explained that the assessment will address the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in relation to accessing HIV services, the practices they utilised and their shortcomings during the pandemic. Simpson explained that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) employed measures to ensure the services they provide were not hampered, such as multimonth dispensation of drugs. Due to the challenges that came with the pandemic, the initiative by NAPS was seen as a step in the right direction by SASOD and the LGBTQ+ community-related positive feedback; this would have prompted the assessment. “We are sure that the pandemic came with a lot challenges, but I always say with every dark cloud there is a silver lining, so we thought to ourselves let’s do a study to look to see if there are any other good practices that emerged during the pandemic,” Simpson explained. He highlighted that there is need for urgent efforts to ensure the continuity of HIV preven-

Joel Simpson, Managing Director of SASOD Guyana

tion and treatment services in order to avert excess HIV-related deaths and to prevent an increase in HIV cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The assessment will focus on the full spectrum of HIV services relating to prevention, treatment, care and support. “On the prevention side, for the key population who are HIV negative, we’re interviewing them about how they experience HIV services during the pandemic; if people went for testing; what was the experience like; did you get condoms and lube; was the quality of service the same, etcetra,” Simpson explained. He added: “With respect to treatment, care and support, we’re interviewing MSM and Trans about their experiences accessing services during this time; whether they got medication; was there any problem with supplies; any service they needed that you couldn’t get”. From the data gathered, SASOD will compare the quality of services persons received before and after the pandemic

to assess if there are any differences. Based on the report, SASOD will advocate for the prioritisation of shoring up supply chains and ensuring that people already on treatment are able to stay on treatment, including by adopting or re-inforcing policies such as multi-month dispensing of anti-retroviral therapy in order to reduce requirements to access health-care facilities for routine maintenance, thereby reducing the burden on overwhelmed health-care systems. In a recent study conducted in the Caribbean by the University of the West Indies (UWI) and SASOD Guyana, with funding from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), persons recorded significant challenges in accessing health services in Guyana during the pandemic. SASOD acquired funding from Frontline AIDS, an international organisation, based in London, United Kingdom, to conduct the assessment, which commenced on November 1, 2020. The assessment will be conducted in the four most populous regions; Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6, with the key population being gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people and sex workers, all with an HIV prevalence of five per cent and over. The final report will be concluded by December 31, 2020 and will be launched in January, 2021. FROM PAGE

Strong health and ... Asked about programmes that are in place to tackle the elimination of stereotyping that prevents men from embracing their emotions, Lilly highlighted that girls too are schooled on masculinity. “Most of our sessions are with boys and girls…we address some topics together, and some we deal with separately,” Lilly noted. He believes that eliminating the stereotypes attached to the expression of male emotions will go a far way in cultivating a generation of emotionally mature men and women. “Our objective at the GAB is to start that conversation. It is an important one,” Lilly asserted. He is hopeful that the programmes being offered by both the government and various non-governmental organisations would also inspire more abused men to come forward and tell their

stories. Earlier this year, several countries across the world reported an increase in intimate partner violence and abuse. The increase has been mainly due to the various lockdowns and stay-at-home orders issued in an effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Lilly had previously told this newspaper that isolation, along with economic anxiety and joblessness had become stressors for many potentially aggressive and violent people. “I really believe that our programmes at the GAB are effective, and can make a big difference if replicated as part of our school curriculum,” Lilly maintained. Lilly’s call comes as Guyana continues its participating in the global 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Blackwood top Windies batsman, Holder loses top all-rounders spot DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Jason Holder has been knocked from the top of the all-rounders rankings and has also been overtaken by Jermaine Blackwood as the highest ranked West Indies batsman, following the first Test debacle against New Zealand last weekend in Hamilton. The 29-year-old Holder endured a lean time with both bat and ball as the Caribbean side suffered a chastening innings and 134-run defeat in the first Test at Seddon Park in less than four days, and has slipped to second in the all-rounders charts and 44th in the batting rankings – losing three spots. Opting to bowl first at Seddon Park, West Indies watched as New Zealand piled up 519 for seven declared, with Holder going wicketless. He then managed only 25 not out and eight as West Indies were bundled out for 138 and 247, to fall 1-0 behind in the two-Test series.

Captain Holder also suffered in the bowlers rankings, dropping two spots to seventh. He remained one of three Caribbean players in the top 20 with Kemar Roach slipping to 16th and Shannon Gabriel moving up to 19th. Both Roach and Holder finished with three wickets apiece during the New Zealand innings. Blackwood, meanwhile, climbed 17 places to 41st following his superb 104 in the second innings – his second Test hundred. The position is the Jamaican’s best since reaching 40th nearly 3-½ years ago. Blackwood was the only specialist West Indies batsman to pass 30 in the contest as West Indies’ inconsistent batting was once again exposed. Tail-ender Alzarri Joseph was the only other Windies player to pass 50 when he stroked a career-best 86 – his maiden Test half-century – in a 155-run, seventh wicket partnership with Blackwood

in the second innings. For his heroics, the 24-year-old Joseph jumped 31 spots to a career-best 123rd. Blackwood, Holder and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich – the latter of whom did not bat in either innings at Seddon Park due to injury – are the only West Indies batsmen in the top 50. For the Black Caps, captain Kane Williamson climbed to second following his monumental career-best 251, to be level with Indian maestro Virat Kohli, with Australian Steve Smith remaining top. Left-armer Neil Wagner jumped to second in the bowlers rankings after his six wickets in the first Test against the Windies while Tim Southee moved into fourth after taking five wickets in the match. Australian Pat Cummins heads the bowling rankings while England’s Ben Stokes has taken over from Holder at the top of the all-rounders list.

IOC bans Belarus president Lukashenko from Olympic Games BERLIN (Reuters) - Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko is banned from attending the Olympic Games as head of his country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) as part of provisional sanctions imposed by the International Olympic Committee on Monday.

The IOC banned two other officials from the NOC, including Lukashenko’s son, Viktor, who is the first vice- president of the national Olympic body. Belarus, a country of 9.5 million that Russia sees as a security buffer against NATO, has been rocked by mass protests since an Aug. 9 presidential election which Lukashenko said he won. His opponents claim the vote was rigged and want him to quit. Many Belarussian athletes have written to the IOC demanding urgent action, citing political discrimination and imprisonment by the authorities. “The IOC has come to the conclusion that it appears that the current leadership has not appropriately protected the Belarussian athletes from political discrimination within the NOC, their member federations or the sports movement,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. “This is contrary to the

fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter therefore seriously affecting the reputation of the Olympic movement,” he added, saying the measures were provisional. The IOC also froze any payments to the NOC while scholarships for athletes to prepare for the Olympics will now be paid directly to them. Any plans for events to be hosted in Belarus should also be put on ice by all international federations, Bach said. Belarus is scheduled to co-host the 2021 World Ice Hockey Championships. Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years, has shrugged off the scale of protests, saying they are sponsored by the West, and shown little signs of willingness to start a dialogue with the opposition. Tokyo will host the summer Olympics next year and China’s Beijing will stage the 2022 winter Olympics.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 8, 2020

England ODI series in South Africa Pogba ‘unhappy’ at Man Utd postponed over mental health fears and ‘has to leave’ - agent By Nick Said

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - England’s One-Day International series against South Africa has been postponed amid concerns over the mental and physical health of the players, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a joint statement on Monday. The anouncement comes after the players were subjected to a number of COVID-19 scares with potentially five cases inside the teams’ bio-secure environment in Cape Town, with one South Africa player and two hotel staff confirmed as positive. Two members of the England tour party also have “unconfirmed positive results” that require further investigation, the ECB said on Sunday. “The decision (to postpone the series) was taken jointly by the two Boards to ensure the mental and physical health and welfare of players from both teams,” the statement added. “The CSA and ECB will

now work together to determine when the three-match series, which forms part of the ICC Cricket Men’s Super League, can take place in the future.”

MENTAL HEALTH “The concern over the mental health impact of recent events on all involved is not one that we as CSA

Kugandrie Govender is the first woman to head the game’s governing body in South Africa (CSA photo)

The 50-over matches had been scheduled to get underway last Friday, with the final game in the series set for Wednesday. The news will be a massive financial blow to embattled Cricket South Africa and also casts doubt on their ability to host the planned future tours, with Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Australia all set to play in the country in the coming months.

or the ECB take lightly, and the decision to postpone the tour is the most responsible and reasonable course of action for us,” CSA Acting chief executive Kugandrie Govender said. “I would like to thank the ECB for the continued positive relations, and we look forward to hosting the England men’s team in the near future.” Her thoughts were

echoed by ECB chief executive Tom Harrison. “We were concerned about the potential impact that recent developments might have on the wellbeing of the touring party, and so after consultation with Cricket South Africa we have jointly made the decision to postpone the remaining matches in this Series, in the best interest of the players’ welfare,” Harrison said. CricInfo reported on Monday that England had been accused by Western Province Cricket Association officials of having used nets not authorised within the bio-secure environment for practice at Newlands on Thursday. But the ECB have denied any wrongdoing, saying they were given permission to use the nets and that a security cordon around them had been set up. The teams did manage to play a three-match Twenty20 series prior to the ODI games, which England won 3-0.

Green boosts Test chances with unbeaten 114 for Australia A against India A l l - ro u n d e r C a m e ro n Green has staked his claim for a Test spot, using the Australia A match against the Indian touring side to make an unbeaten century at Drummoyne Oval. Going into the game, the spotlight was on openers Will Pucovski and Joe Burns — but both failed in their bids to impress Australian selectors. Instead it was Green who made the runs, accumulating an impressive 114 not out by stumps on day two, with Australia A 8-286 in response to India’s 9-247 declared. The 198cm tall Western Australian showed poise, good foot movement and shot making, hitting 10 fours and a six against the Indian attack. He looked like he might run out of partners, but a spirited 33 from Michael Neser helped give Green time, and he eventually brought up his century with an off-drive off Hanuma Vihari. Earlier, Pucovski opened for Australia A after India’s declaration on the second morning of the three-day

warm-up game — but he only managed 1 off 22 deliveries before smoking his 23rd directly to point, where Shubman Gill took a sharp chance down low.

If he is fit, selectors will be forced to choose just one of the pair for the series opener, which starts in 10 days. Burns appears to be

Cameron Green drives down the ground in his unbeaten 114 (Getty Images)

Seamer Umesh Yadav doubled up when he got a ball to rise on Burns, who gloved through to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha two overs later for just 4. The pair could well open together in the first Test against India at the Adelaide Oval if David Warner does not recover from a groin injury in time.

the frontrunner with team management, having been backed by coach Justin Langer after finishing last summer as the incumbent. But he has passed 11 just once in his five Sheffield Shield innings so far this year, while 22-year-old Pucovski hit double centuries in two of his three innings for Victoria this summer and is seen as a star of

the future. But his attempt to press his case didn’t go to plan at Sydney’s Drummoyne Oval, surviving an LBW appeal from a Mohammed Siraj inswinger before being caught. Marcus Harris, who has played nine Tests and scored a double ton alongside Pucovski for Victoria earlier this year, was also pressing his claim for an opening spot but fell short. He was out for 35 after trying to cut off-spinner Ravi Ashwin, only to edge to Ajinkya Rahane at first slip. The Indians had earlier declared at 9-247 on the second morning of the tour match, with Rahane finishing unbeaten on 117. Australia A also lost Jackson Bird to a lower leg injury, after he limped off the field as he ran in to bowl just the third ball of the day. James Pattinson was the best of the bowlers with 3-58.

Paul Pogba contract runs until June 2022

PAUL Pogba is “unhappy” at Manchester United and “has to change teams” in the next transfer window, says his agent Mino Raiola. The France midfielder’s current contract runs until June 2022. Pogba, 27, has made only eight Premier League appearances this season, starting five, and scored his first goal of the campaign on Saturday. “Paul is unhappy. He is no longer able to express himself as he would like and as expected of him,” Raiola said. He told Tuttosport : “He has to change teams; he has to change the air. “He has a contract that will expire in a year and a half, but I think the best solution for the parties is to sell him in the next

market.” Raiola said it was not Pogba’s “intention” to extend his contract. Pogba, who rejoined United from Juventus for £89m in 2016, has made no secret of his desire to play for Real Madrid. In November, France manager Didier Deschamps said Pogba “cannot be happy” with his situation at United. Pogba made only 22 appearances in all competitions last season because of an ankle injury, but in August Raiola said new contract discussions would take place. But Raiola said on Monday that Pogba’s time at United is now “over”. “It is useless to go around it,” he said. “Better to speak clearly, look ahead and not waste time.”(BBC Sport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Tuesday, December 08, 2020

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Malcolm Marshall-27 wickets (4 Tests) (2) Bruce Taylor-27 wickets (4 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most Test dismissals against NZ in the WI to date? (2) Which NZ wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in WI/NZ Tests in the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Umpires need to call a dead ball if a batsman tries to switch switch--hit

By Ian Chappell -Former Australia captain

THE switch hit has attracted a lot of attention in cricket circles in the last week, fuelled mainly by Glenn Maxwell’s amazing exploit in depositing a ball in the back of the Bob Hawke stand at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. In this case, Maxwell faced up in his normal manner as a right-hander, but before Kuldeep Yadav delivered the ball, he altered his stance and grip on the bat to effectively become a left-hander. Maxwell’s shot was an amazing example of skill and superb hand-eye coordination, but was it fair? The answer is a resounding no, as far as I’m concerned. One of the main tasks of a cricket administrator is to frame laws that maintain a reasonable balance between bat and ball. If the laws or

World champions France handed comfortable draw in 2022 qualifiers ZURICH (Reuters) Wo r l d c h a m p i o n s France were handed an apparently comfortable draw in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers when they were placed with Ukraine, Finland, Bosnia and Kazakhstan in European Group D on Monday. The French recently beat Ukraine 7-1 in a friendly although their opponents were weakened by COVID-19 related absences. Old rivals England and Poland will face each other again as they were placed in Group I while Spain must get past Sweden, who qualified for the 2018 World Cup at the expense of Italy, in Group B. Italy themselves must face Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania in Group C. The winners of the 10 groups qualify directly, while the 10 runners-up go into a play-off system along with two teams from the Nations League. Three of those 12 teams also qualify.

playing conditions favour one or the other unfairly then the game becomes a diminished contest. In the case of the switch hit, the batsman has one prime objective in mind: to make the bowler’s field placings redundant. Considering the bowler - in consultation with his captain - places his field taking into account the batsman’s style, how can it then be fair that the batsman becomes the opposite type of player with the bowler having no recourse to a change of field? This obviously hands a huge advantage to a highly skilled switch-hitter. The respected former international umpire Simon Taufel suggested the already heavily burdened on-field officials would find it difficult to adjudicate on any switch of the hands or feet. With all due respect to a man who has done the job very effectively, I disagree. The square-leg umpire is

already paying close attention to the batsman’s feet in case there is a stumping, so he’ll notice any change of order. If a batsman changes the order of his feet, then the square-leg umpire ought to simply declare the ball dead and no runs result.

If this became the law then batsmen would have no incentive to switch-hit and balance would be restored in that individual contest. Referring to the switch hit after the game, Maxwell said: “It’s within the Laws, batting has evolved in such

What if bowlers refused to bowl when they saw a batsman switch up his hands and feet? Michael Dodge/© (Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

“Don’t worry, Glenn, history shows bowlers will move to combat the switch hit, but will it be in a manner that benefits the game?”

a way that it’s just got better and better over the years. [I] suppose it’s up to the bowlers to try and combat that.” There’s one sure way for bowlers to combat the switch

hit. They can simply refuse to deliver the ball every time a batsman starts to make a move to change his feet. This would further slow over rates that are already approaching glacial pace, but it would also send a strong message to any reluctant administrators. If the administrators’ prime concern is to favour hysterical commentary and please fans who only want to see a bowler’s head on a spike then they won’t budge. However, they should do so in the knowledge that bowlers will eventually say enough is enough and take the law into their own hands. The history of the game provides administrators with multiple examples of what happens when the balance between bat and ball gets seriously out of whack. Go back to the gradual evolution from underarm to sidearm to today’s overarm bowling. These changes were forced

on the game by bowlers determined to be involved in a fair contest. There are plenty more examples where bowlers have become fed up and declared war. These include the Bodyline series, chucking and ball-tampering, all of which were strong protests against a game that had become lopsided in favour of batsmen. Don’t worry, Glenn, history shows bowlers will move to combat the switch hit, but will it be in a manner that benefits the game? If batsmen want to reverse-sweep or play a ramp shot without changing the order of their feet, that’s fine. By playing in that manner, the contest remains roughly a fifty-fifty proposition. However switch-hitting greatly favours batsmen and therefore alters the balance of the contest. It’s very skillful, but it’s not fair. (Cricinfo)

Diamond League reinstates five disciplines discarded this season PARIS, France (AFP) — World Athletics said yesterday the five disciplines controversially omitted from the Diamond League meetings this year, including the 200 metres and triple jump, will be reinstated to the programme. The reintroduction of those two disciplines plus the 3000m steeplechase, the 5000m and the discus for the circuit of the world’s most prestigious meetings brings the number back up to 32, with 16 for men and 16 for women. The decision was wel-

World Athletics have reinstated five disciplines omitted from the League meets this year

comed by reigning world and Olympic triple jump champion Christian Taylor, one of the most vocal critics of the decision to remove his event this year. “The efforts made toward reinstating the previously removed disciplines are perceived as a tremendous success,” the American said in a statement from World Athletics. Field events will be given a new status in the meetings, packed into a two-hour window to “give them their own stand-alone moments of focus and drama”, World

Athletics said. A qualifying round followed by a final will be introduced for the long jump, triple jump, shot put, javelin and discus. The three athletes with the longest jumps and throws in the qualifying rounds will meet in a final where all previous results will be wiped from the board as they compete for first, second and third place. The 2021 Diamond League season is scheduled to begin in Rabat, Morocco on May 23 and will culminate in a two-day final in Zurich on September 8-9.

FA investigating fans who booed players taking a knee

LONDON (Reuters) - The Football Association on Monday said it is investigating crowd-related incidents at Millwall and Colchester United that involved supporters booing players taking a knee during their games on Saturday Millwall’s Championship (second-tier) home game against Derby County was among the first to see a return of supporters to stadiums since the start of Britain’s COVID restrictions in March but was marred by loud booing from 2,000 fans as players took a knee. Fans also booed the gesture at Colchester’s League Two (fourth-tier) match at home to Grimsby Town on

Saturday. “The FA can confirm that investigations are under way into crowd-related incidents at both The Den and JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday 5 December 2020,” the governing body said in a statement. “Observations have been sought from all of the relevant parties and they will have until Thursday 10 December 2020 to provide their respective responses.” Fans of Millwall were condemned by the FA, Kick it Out - a long-running campaign to rid the English game of racism - and many others. Millwall said they were “dismayed and saddened” by the booing while their official

fan club said their supporters were not motivated by racism and that the boos were aimed at the “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) organisation, which it said held “extreme political views”. “We fervently believe that the motives of those behind the booing were not racist,” the Supporters’ club said in a statement here. “However, at a time of heightened awareness, the choice of those individuals was always going to damage their club and be perceived by the media as racist. “Anyone who believes it was a racist act should read the views of those who booed and see they were doing it in reac-

tion to the war memorials and statues of (Winston) Churchill defaced by the BLM organisation and the extreme political views they hold and for which ‘taking the knee’ is associated with.” Players in England have been taking a knee before matches since June in support of the BLM movement, which spread around the world following protests over the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis in May. The Premier League and Football League have since linked the kneeling gesture to their own anti-racism campaigns, including “No Room for Racism”.

“These same fans have never booed the Kick It Out campaigns on our pitch or the huge work of the Millwall Community Trust and its many anti-racism campaigns,” added the supporters’ club. Colchester owner and chairman Robbie Cowling said those who wanted to show opposition were not welcome at games. “Maybe those that booed on Saturday might now understand what this gesture means to our club and will at the very least remain silent during future games whilst the players continue to take the knee before each kickoff,” he wrote in a statement here on the club’s website.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 8, 2020

GCB/Tropical Spring Over-40 T20 quarter-finals…

West Demerara Mavericks, Regal Masters chalk up resounding wins on Sunday

―Date for semi-finals to be announced soon

THE quarter finals of the GCB Tropical Spring T20 over-40 Tournament wrapped up on Sunday with commanding wins for WD Masters and Regal, who now prepare for the semi-final round, which will be announced in the near future. Action at the Jai Hind ground in Berbice, as well as at Enmore and the Everest cricket grounds, witnessed a number of teams vying for a chance in the important stages of the competition. WD Mavericks won by 24 runs At the Everest Cricket Club ground, West Demerara Masters won the toss and elected to bat, posting a massive 174-7 in 20 overs, a target seemingly well-beyond their competitor’s capability. Batting for the entirety of his team’s inning, Elroy Fernandes contributed 61 runs, stroking 6 sixes and 3 fours, with much excitement from his teammates. Opening batsman, Ra-

mesh Thakur contributed 27, Patrick Khan 24 and Deoram Persaud, steadily behind with 18 runs. Fazeer Khan, on the bowler’s end to collect more than a single wicket, returning figures of 2-13 in 3 overs.

1 four, to top his contribution at 20 runs. His team crumbled in 19.4 overs in which they scraped 84 runs, having exhausted their line-up. Over at the Enmore Community Centre ground, WD

The in-form Regal Masters have played themselves into the semis

Meanwhile, Imam Bacchus’ team quickly fell off the hands of the WD Masters, with Boodram Sugrim (3-12), proving a force to be reckoned with. Eager to restrict the opponents, and lending a helping hand to his colleague, Steve Haripal (2-18) also played an instrumental role. Ramnarine was the sole batsman to attain a reasonable score, hitting 2 sixes and

Mavericks decided to bat first, in a reduced-overs match due to scattered showers. At the end of the allotted 14 overs, the Mavericks collectively made 93-7, which they hoped would be an uphill battle for their opponents At number three, Lalta Sukhnanan, undefeated, hit 1 six and 2 fours, launching him to 45 runs, with David Albert, the only other major contributor, sweeping 14 runs

Hero CPL cops Social Media award from ISC THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has won the award for “Best Use of Social Media” from the prestigious International Sports Convention (ISC), for the league’s social media and content strategy during 2020, at the annual International Sports Awards.

views achieved during the tournament period alone. From the point that the lockdowns started earlier in 2020, Hero CPL worked tirelessly to keep fans entertained. From broadcasting archive matches with new commentary from the likes of Tom Moody and

Keemo Paul featured in the second CPL Life Stories episode

The tournament took place between August 18 and September 10 of this year, and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was played behind closed doors. Because of this, the use of social media to keep fans engaged was more important than ever. CPL achieved great results, with over one million new followers added and over 300 million social media video

under his name. The reliance bowlers were aggressive in their pursuit, namely Premnauth Persaud (2-17), Elroy Stephney (2-18) and Trevis Simon (2-23) to contain the batsmen, and ultimately the

Ian Bishop, to arranging for the player draft to be done remotely with a world-class punditry panel; keeping fans entertained and engaged were at the centre of the tournament’s thinking. During the tournament itself, live CPL games were broadcasted into 77 countries on Facebook and YouTube, as well as sending out highlights clips worldwide. The tournament also

worked with broadcast partners, Sunset+Vine, to create fun and engaging content so fans could learn what it was like inside the tournament’s bio-secure bubble. Added to that, Hero CPL also launched the “Life Stories” films on the tournament’s social media channels. These beautifully made films focused on the lives of up and coming Caribbean cricketers and won plaudits from around the world. The Life Story episodes focused on Jamaicans, Rovman Powell and Oshane Thomas, and Guyanese all-rounder, Keemo Paul. Hero CPL has also started sharing content on a number of new social media channels such as TikTok, Twitch, Triller and Instagram Reels. Hero CPL’s Head of Marketing, Chris Watson, said: “Hero CPL has always prided itself on being at the forefront of digital media and content creation, but in 2020, we realised it was even more important. Rather than scale down our digital output during the pandemic, we took the opposite approach to make sure our channels were more engaging than ever. To h a v e d e l i v e r e d 800million social media video views this year, including over 300m during the tournament, shows that this strategy was a successful one and to get recognition for this from ISC is a fantastic moment for the tournament.”

score they would have to chase. For the reply, the Reliance team made 69-8 in the allotted 14 overs. Top scorer, Teddy Manchal, made a meager 13 before being adjudged LBW off Devindra Ramdehol (1-20), and colleagues Elroy Stephney at 12, and Ramesh Narine 11, also adjudged LBW off Sohan Bedasi, who was one of the most dominant bowler,

returning figures of 4-4 runs. Mohan Chaitram, too, sent two batsmen on their way, conceding 18 runs. Regal Won by 9 wickets. The second scheduled match at Enmore featured West Berbice battling against Regal Masters, in which the former team won the toss and elected to bat. Their innings ended on 81-7 from the allotted 20 overs. Rajban Hemraj and Trevor Crawford, both opening batsmen, contributed the most significant scores for their inning with 29 and 26 runs, respectively. On the bowling end, Chien Gittens (2-9) collected a single additional wicket than his peers. Regal Masters raced to reach their target, which was achieved in just 9.1 overs to hand them a win by 9 wickets. Positioning his team for victory was Chien Gittens with 48 runs, before Rajban Hemraj (1-18) sent him on his way. Anthony Ifill and Roy Persaud together led the

way to victory, contributing 21 and 08 runs respectively. Over at Jai Hind Ground, West Berbice batted first, scoring 127-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Arthur Duke, 46, Oslyn Batson 26, and Richard Ramdeen 22, were among the top-scoring batsmen for their team. Narine Deonarine (2-7) and Deoprakash Ramdat (2-17) were the wicket-takers. In reply, Jai Hind Jaguars again added another win to their collection. Scoring 128-4 in 17.1 overs, with 6 wickets in hand, seemed too easy a win. Opener, Imran Hussain top scored with 45, drawing support from number three batsman, Kamraj Sumair with 39 and Anil Beharry, not out on 29 runs. Chandrite Jeenarine took 2-34. Meanwhile, the semi-finals will feature an exciting battle between West Demerara Masters and West Demerara Mavericks, while Jai Hind Jaguars will face Regal Masters.

Maiden fifty impetus for Joseph’s all-rounder hopes: Holder HAMILTON, New Zealand, (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder believes Alzarri Joseph’s maiden Test half-century at Seddon Park here last weekend will instill confidence in the 24-year-old he can become a genuine all-rounder.

get that milestone (century) and I think he really deserved it. For him, this will do him quite well knowing he can have that belief that he can go big. He’s gotten a half-century, he sees what it’s like and he’s a proper batsman in my opinion.

Tail-ender Alzarri Joseph bats during his 86 in the second innings of the first Test

The Antiguan Joseph, in the side as one of four fast bowlers, struck a superb 86 in his 12th Test to prop up West Indies in their second innings, in a 155-run, seventh wicket stand with Jermaine Blackwood who made 104. Batting at number eight, Joseph struck nine fours and three sixes in an accomplished effort which required 125 balls in just over 2-¾ hours. Alzarri is always keen on his batting. If you ask him, he’ll tell you that he’s a genuine all-rounder but it was really good to see him stay out there, fight [and] get a score,” Holder said. “I’m just disappointed for him more so because he didn’t

“He’s one if I know I’m batting with in the lower half, I give him as much responsibility as possible because he’s that good. So this is a stepping stone for him and I just hope he carries on in that vein.” Before last weekend, Joseph had notched three-half-centuries in 37 first class outings. He arrived at the crease with West Indies floundering on 89 for six in the final session of the third day and combined with Blackwood to see West Indies safely to the close on 196 without further loss, ending unbeaten on 59. The right-hander was assured in defence, and drove

and pulled with authority against New Zealand’s fivepronged seam attack. His dismissal, in the second over following the first drinks break on the penultimate day, triggered the final collapse as the tourists were dismissed for 247 to lose by an innings and 134 runs. “He supported Jermaine really really well and it was good to see that both of them were able to shepherd a really big partnership for us,” Holder said. Blackwood and Joseph were the only West Indies players to pass 30 in the game, underlying the dire batting performance on a grassy pitch. And Holder said while there was no defence for his side’s poor effort, he conceded West Indies had still not adjusted properly to the bouncier pitches in the south Pacific. “Not making an excuse but we’ve not had these kinds of pitches in the Caribbean for a long time and if we could probably have a few more conditions in the Caribbean to replicate such conditions here in New Zealand and maybe Australia where you get a bit more bounce and carry, then more often than not guys would get accustomed to seeing it,” he pointed out. “Having said that, we’re still international cricketers and we have to make the adjustment.” West Indies face New Zealand in the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington starting Friday.

ICC Test rankings

Blackwood

top Windies batsman, Holder loses top all-rounders spot PAGE 20

Jermaine Blackwood is now the highest ranked West Indies batsman

Joshua Da Silva called Bradman’s ‘baggy green’ cap up for second Test as from 1928 debut to be auctioned Roach, Dowrich head home

Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua DaSilva

YOUNG Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua DaSilva has been called to the West Indies as a replacement for wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, who along with faster bowler Kemar Roach, are returning home from New Zealand after being declared unavailable for the second Test starting Friday. Roach is returning home due to the death of his father, Andrew Smith, last week while Dowrich is said to be returning home for personal reasons. However, the duo are not the only concerns for the West Indies selectors. Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer is still under concussion protocols following the blow to his head sustained in the second T20 International, while all-rounder Keemo Paul is still being treated for a groin injury. They are both being closely monitored by the team’s medical staff and decisions on their availability will be made at a later date. As such, in addition to DaSilva being called up a replacement for Dowrich, middle-order batsman Nkrumah Bonner and left-arm fast bowler Preston McSween will remain with the squad as cover. The second Test will be played at the historic Basin Reserve in Wellington, starting on Friday (Thursday 6pm Eastern Caribbean Time/5pm Jamaica Time). West Indies trail 0-1 after New Zealand won the first match by an innings and 134 runs. Squad for the second Test: Jason Holder (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua DaSilva, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Chemar Holder, Alzarri Joseph and Keemo Paul. On standby: Nkrumah Bonner, Preston McSween. SEE PAGE 23

(REUTERS) - Late Austra- the Parade in Kensing- dens,” Pickles said in a lian cricketing great Don ton Garstatement. Bradman’s ‘baggy green’ “The Baggy cap from his Test debut Green has been against England in 1928 is on loan to being put up for auction the State this week, Pickles AucLibrary tions said. of South “The Don” went on Austrato become one of Auslia since tralia’s greatest cap2 0 0 3 tains and his remarkable and has consistency with the bat been ausaw him retire with a thenticated Test batting average of by Mr Barry 99.94, a mark that has not Gibbs (forbeen eclipsed in 72 years. mer manager “In 1959, Sir Donald of the State Ligifted the Baggy Green brary of South to his neighbour, Peter Australia’s BradDunham, whose house m a n backed onto the BradcolIn 1959, Sir Donald gifted the baggy green man’s family home on lecto his neighbor Peter Durham

tion).” AAP reported that Dunham, an accountant, was jailed for eight years and two months in May for scamming $1.3 million from investors, with some of his victims seeking access to the cap to help pay off his debts. Earlier this year, former spinner Shane Warne, Australia’s leading test wicket-taker, sold his prized baggy green for more than A$1 million ($743,000) to aid bushfire relief efforts. In 2003, Bradman’s last baggy green cap from his final tour of England in 1948 was sold for A$425,000 while his blazer from his first series as Test captain sold for A$132,000 in 2015.

IOC bans Belarus president Lukashenko from Olympic Games

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko

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West Demerara Mavericks, Regal Masters chalk up resounding wins on Sunday

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020