Issuu

FRIDAY 12th November, 2021

' No.106543

BOSAI employees to get two-year retroactive salary increase

Oil earnings could exceed G$6.7 03 trillion by 2035

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Qatar Investment 05 Over 200 Soesdyke 16 residents get first-time Authority hears of plans access to water for ‘agri’ development PAGE

South Ruimveldt top student: ‘You can excel anywhere’ 12 PAGE

South Ruimveldt Secondary School CSEC top student, Kwanza Bearam

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Good Samaritans save ‘juvie’ from prison on 18th birthday 04 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Oil earnings could exceed G$6.7 trillion by 2035 –– IDB projects, as existing funds in NRF reach US$534M

A REPORT compiled by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) early this year shows that earnings from Guyana’s oil and gas sector could reach US$31 billion (roughly G$7.4 trillion) by 2035. The IDB report, titled ‘Economic Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean,’ outlined that Guyana’s population of approximately 780,000 suggests that the level of reserves equates to 10,250 barrels per person.

Resources Fund (NRF) to US$534 million. The fund, lodged in the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, remains untouched owing to loopholes in the NRF legislation which was passed in January 2019 by the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government. When the Dr. Irfaan Aliled government assumed office in August 2021, efforts commenced to amend the act

“State-of-the-art advice based on international experience and good fiscal management principles emphasises simplicity, flexibility, transparency, and close integration with the budget and public asset-liability management,” and that the rule’s complexity may also “conspire against fiscal transparency and public understanding.” The Finance Ministry reminded that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic

Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund currently stands at US$534 million “Although this measure is lower than that of Kuwait with 24,000 barrels per person), it is higher than that of the United Arab Emirates with 10,100 barrels per person, Venezuela with 9,500 barrels per person, and Saudi Arabia with 8,100 barrels per person, making Guyana one of the richest countries in petroleum reserves in the world,” the IDB report said. It also highlighted that similarly, ExxonMobil has announced plans to reach a production rate of at least 750,000 barrels per day, which would make Guyana the largest oil producer on a per capita basis in the world. For October 2021 alone, Guyana earned in excess of US$20.4 million in oil profits; that, coupled with royalties and interest, brings the balance of the Natural

to ensure that withdrawals from the fund are transparent and in keeping with international fiscal regulations. It was only recently that the Ministry of Finance lamented the issues plaguing the NRF. More specifically, the ministry pointed to the very IDB publication which noted: “The fund on its own cannot achieve the objectives that have been set for it. The rigid withdrawal rules may do little to foster stabilisation or saving, but may entail fiscal costs.” The IDB report also outlined that the formula for the maximum permissible withdrawal is among the most complex operational rules for a resource fund in the world. “Its design departs from good practices,” the IDB argued. The report related:

(PPP/C) did not get to make proper contributions to the contents of the NRF Act, since it was “rushed through the National Assembly” by the APNU+AFC, which was already nullified by the passage of the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion (NCM). “In total disregard for the clear consequences that are constitutionally due to flow from a NCM, Jordan’s government rushed, in January 2019, to sneak the NRF Bill through Parliament with no opposition participation and no opposition input. Here again, his letter is replete with brazen misrepresentations,” the ministry posited. The Finance Ministry further related: “The NRF Act in its current formulation was a piece of legislation which was very poorly con-

ceived, and was ‘rammed down the throats’ of the nation during a period when the APNU+AFC was in a state of illegality and illegitimacy.” Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, had said that with amendments to the NRF, the government is seeking to ensure transparency and accountability in relation to withdrawals and deposits. DUTCH DISEASE He noted too that the government will be doing everything in its power to ensure that Guyana does not fall prey to the infamous Dutch Disease. Bharrat said that the government will be utilising the oil revenues to accelerate growth in critical non-oil sectors such as agriculture,

health, education and the social services. As part of a more shortterm projection, Guyana could begin facilitating up to 50 oil lifts per year at one million barrels per lift, thereby producing 50 million barrels of oil annually. These increased lifts, Minister Bharrat had indicated, are possible with the intended arrival and operation of three additional Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. Those include the Liza Unity, which is expected to arrive in November; the Prosperity FPSO which is currently under construction; and the Yellowtail FPSO which is slated to come on stream by 2026. Further, with crude prices hovering at US$80 a barrel, Guyana would earn as

much as US$4,000,000,000 (GYD$836,902,800,000) each year for its 50 oil lifts. “So, when you crunch the numbers, 50 lifts at a million barrels, and based on the oil price today, if it continues along that trend, you can see or get an idea of the direct proceeds coming to Guyana,” Minister Bharrat said in a recent interview with OilNow. He also reminded that the aforementioned earnings are outside of other benefits such as royalties, which could see a mammoth increase in the country’s overall oil earnings. “We are not even talking royalties yet,” Minister Bharrat related. To this end, he said that Guyana could comfortably close the year with close to US$600 million in the NRF.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Good samaritans save ‘juvie’ from prison on 18th birthday

THANKS to the support of public-spirited citizens, a young man, who on Thursday celebrated his 18th birthday, was released from the Juvenile Holding Centre in Sophia after finally making his bail at the police station. Without this act of kindness, the now 18-year-old youth would have been transferred to the prison system, but will instead be released into his family’s care, while his matter is still before the court, said Juvenile Justice Director at the Home Affairs Ministry, Joan Ann Edghill-Stuart. The group of citizens: Juan Edghill Jr., Xavier Mann, Joshua & Cristine Cummings, Jonathon Pooran,

and Marika Archer, were supported by the Juvenile Justice Department and the Centre’s Administrator, Nafeeza Rodrigues and staff in leading interactive sessions with the juveniles, all with the aim of motivating them to transform their lives, and reminding them that there are still persons in society who care about their well-being. The team of public-spirited citizens have reportedly never met the youth before, but saw this as an opportunity to give him a “second chance”, Director Edghill-Stuart said. She expressed gratitude for the support provided in reconnecting the youth with his family. “The released juvenile

Juveniles in an interactive session with representatives of the group at the Juvenile Detention Centre, in Sophia

is expected to be employed in the near future, and has vowed to make better decisions,” she said. Persons interested in supporting juveniles in the care of the State are asked to contact the Department directly on: 226-5306 or the Juvenile Holding Centre on: 219-4201.

The former juvenile delinquent receiving a birthday cake from Juan Edghill Jr., while being flanked by (From left) Juvenile Justice Director, Joan Ann Edghill, Joshua Cummings, Cristine Cummings, the holding centre’s Administrator, Nafeeza Rodrigues, and Deputy Director of Juvenile Justice, Andre Massiah-Gonsalves

Former St. Rose’s girl admitted to the bar LIVING by the mantra, ‘Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning”, young Fancius Gittens saw her childhood dream come true recently when she was admitted to the local bar to practise law here. Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-Law Aneesa Chow to Acting Chief Justice Roxane George at the Demerara High Court on Wednesday. Chow presented the court with a brief biography of Gittens, whom she described as “ambitious.” Gittens attended St.Rose’s High School, followed by the University of Guyana where she studied International Relations before switching to the Law Department to read for her Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB). She also did her in-service training at the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). After completing her LLB, she attended the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad, and was awarded her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) in September. The Chief Justice congratulated the young attorney, and advised her to always remember her oath, and to uphold the ethics of the profession. It was a bittersweet moment for Gittens when she addressed the court for the first time as an attorney. “My journey to the legal fraternity has been, in the words of Martin Carter, a carnival of misery,” she said. While chronicling her journey, the young attorney said that when she needed encouragement along the way, she always remembered a favourite saying of her

mother’s: “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Looking back over the years it took to come to this point, Gittens told the court that she is an attorney today due to the hard work, sacrifice and perseverance of not only herself, but also of her parents and sister. “When I was offered a place at the Hugh Wooding Law School, I felt as though I’d unveiled a new level of love, support and encouragement from my family, which was an obvious endorsement of my legal journey. So, to my immediate and extended family who couldn’t be here today, the ones joining me on Zoom, and the ones who couldn’t make it for whichever reason, I am grateful for you. I appreciate your words of wisdom, and even your new habit

Newly sworn-in Attorney-at-Law Fancius Gittens of calling me Counsel,” she said. Gittens also paid special homage to her alma mater, St. Rose’s High School, saying she prided herself in its Motto: “Serviam”, which, in Latin means: ‘I Will Serve’. “Moving forward in this profession, I intend to uphold the integrity of this profession, by following the Code of Ethics stipulated by the Legal Practitioners Act, and to emulate the stellar example set by my seniors. I intend to serve, and I will serve,” she said.

Mahdia, Lethem and Mabaruma fire stations 95 per cent complete By Jared Liddell

Friday, 12 November 11:00hrs - 12:30hrs

THE Guyana Fire Services’ new fire stations at Mabaruma, Region One; Mahdia, Region Eight and Lethem, Region Nine are on schedule for a December 2021 completion, according to acting Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo. The three new fire stations will create history as the first fire station to be established in each region. Currently, there are auxiliary units in operation in the regions. The new fire stations are expected to come on stream with permanent staff by the end of this year. Edoo in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle stated that currently all three stations are 95 per cent complete and are expected to be commissioned in December.

“They’re about 95 per cent completed and they’re on schedule to become operable between now and next month end, so we’re moving forward with that and we intend to have permanent teams at those locations,” said Edoo. He noted that these new stations are part of government’s commitment to improving the quality of service provided to the people of Guyana. According to the acting Fire Chief, each of the new fire stations will have one fire tender as part of its resources at the station. 10-POINT PLAN Earlier this year, Edoo had indicated that throughout 2021, the GFS will be employing a 10-point plan in its quest to improve the quality of service it provides

to the people of Guyana. Directly part of the plan was the establishment of several new fire stations which include the Mahdia, Lethem, and Mabaruma stations, and a fourth station which was expected to be established at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. All of these expansion efforts, the acting Fire Chief said, are geared at improving the infrastructural aspect of the GFS to make it better envision its role in providing a fire-prevention service and responding appropriately to other emergencies. The plan at reference entails the modernisation and renovation of existing fire stations; collaboration with government agencies; implementation of a fire service building code; establishment of a legal department; creation of an Occupational Safety and Health

Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo Department (OSHD); training courses for staff both locally and internationally; establishment of a public relations unit; operational pole training for all staff; and the expansion of emergency medical service. According to Edoo, the GFS also intends to increase its collaboration with other government agencies, to provide a high quality of service to the general public.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Qatar Investment Authority hears of plans for ‘agri’ development -during meeting with President Ali, other key stakeholders

IN what is seen as a step towards greater cooperation between Guyana and Qatar, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and a team of government and private-sector officials met with executives from the Qatar Investment Authority, who learnt of local plans for the advancement of agriculture and other economic sectors. During Thursday’s engagement with Abdulhadi F A Al-Hajri and Dany Farah Nakhoul of Qatar, President Ali related his government’s intention to make Guyana the hub for agriculture and food security in the Caribbean and farther afield. In his message to commemorate Agriculture Month in October, President Ali had said that the government envisions that Guyana will play its part in helping the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to reduce its food-importation bill by 25 per cent by 2025. “The envisaged transformation of the local agriculture sector will involve an inclusive approach, which will include the active participation of the government and the private sector, and continued engagements with farmers, agriculturalists, agronomists, veterinarians, food exporters, importers, academia, the scientific community and other stakeholders,” President Ali said. While specific details of the meeting between local stakeholders and officials from the Qatar Investment Authority were not immediately available, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that agriculture was among the main topics discussed on Thursday. It was reported too that President Ali pointed to numerous opportunities in other sectors which

would contribute to the overall growth and development of Guyana. President Ali told the gathering that the meeting was critical and could open up many opportunities for cooperation between the government, the local private sector and the Qatar Investment Authority. Last year, President Ali had met with the Emir of Qatar, His Royal Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and discussed areas for collaboration in the agricultural sector through investments in the Halaal industry, expansion of the housing programme, the strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and support in other critical sectors including energy, oil and gas, services and infrastructure. In 2019, Guyana and Qatar signed a Bilateral Air Services agreement which paved the way for future cooperation in investment, in trade, and air travel and also in the movement of people. Notably, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait are all major oil-producing countries and Guyana has had diplomatic ties with these counties since the 1990s. With the announcement of its oil finds, Guyana is expected

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (second from left) and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh (first from right), with officials from the Qatar Investment Authority, following a meeting at the Office of the President, on Thursday (DPI photo) to be ‘on par’ with these countries, on a per-capita basis. The team of high-level government ministers who met with the team from Qatar to advance further cooperation were Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Agriculture, Zukfikar Mustapha; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar.

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, Rafeek Khan; President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Timothy Tucker; President of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong; President of the Aircraft Owners Association, Gerald Gouveia jnr; and President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber, Manniram Prashad, were the private sector representatives. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Building capacity in the hospitality sector AS the country progresses to higher levels of development, the need to build and strengthen capacity to absorb developmental works becomes all the more necessary. This has to be done at several levels, including the development of our human capital, the upgrading of our physical and social infrastructure, and a strong and vibrant hospitality sector. Despite some progress in terms of hotel accommodation with recent years, the fact is that we are still lagging in terms of top- class hotel accommodation to cater for overseas dignitaries and business executives, many of whom are here in the country to do business, or have shown

an interest in investing in the country. We were told recently of a top African delegation to the country which was forced to be rescheduled, due to the failure to access enough hotel rooms. There were many who were critical of the government’s decision to invest in the Marriot Hotel, on the grounds that our occupancy rates were low, and that the money could have been better spent on other projects. They have all been proven wrong. Even with the construction of the Marriot Hotel and the expansion of the Pegasus Hotel, there is hardly enough room for the influx of guests to the country, especially following the discovery of oil.

The fact of the matter is that we are woefully lacking in quality hotel accommodation that visitors from abroad are looking for, especially high-priced consultants and other skilled personnel, not to mention top diplomats and other senior government functionaries. And while we may have enough rooms available at guest houses, and what is commonly referred as ‘short stay’ places, these are more appealing to locals, and certainly will not attract the level of overseas visitors whose skills and expertise are in short supply, and badly needed to drive the development processes. This is why the construc-

tion of new top-end hotels are so much welcome, and in fact could not have come at a better time in our country’s development. Several new hotels are scheduled for construction in several areas of the country, the most recent being a US$ 32.2 million Hyatt Place Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The spanking new 125room four-star hotel not far from the Princess Ramada Hotel at Providence would be a great boost to cricket lovers who would be coming to watch international cricket at the Providence Stadium, which was constructed by the PPP/C administration to accommodate visitors for the World Cup Cricket. Several

other hotels were upgraded and expanded, but these proved inadequate to meet the growing needs of overseas and local visitors. One indication of progress is when investors are prepared to invest in a country. Investor confidence in the PPP/C administration to manage the economy to ensure a fair return on investment is on a high, and, as pointed out by Minister of Trade and Tourism Oneidge Waldron, it is a natural and logical outcome of the philosophy of the government that economic development and growth must be inclusive and equitable. Similar sentiments were expressed by Senior Minister with Respon-

sibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who said that these projects are a culmination of strategic and visionary thinking on the part of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his PPP/C administration. Development, it must be said, is multi-dimensional. The PPP/C administration is fully cognisant of this reality, and is working on all fronts to advance the process, and to create the enabling environment for that development to materialise. The construction of the new Hyatt Place Hotel at Providence is yet another indication of the importance attached to the hospitality sector so needed to facilitate the transformational process currently underway.

Seems like Forde wasn’t afforded all the facts Dear Editor, I FOUND it very difficult to make sense out of an article I read in the November 7 edition of the Kaieteur News newspaper. The article was headlined, “Failing to audit Exxon’s US$10B spending is ‘dereliction of duty’- MP Forde”. In a nutshell, Roysdale Forde is claiming that the fact that the government has not yet done an audit into the US$9.5B in spending undertaken for the Liza I and II developments in the Stabroek

Block is “a massive financial failure”. In fact, the article quoted Forde as calling for “an independent investigation into this colossal act of incompetence”. I find it quite bemusing that such a statement could be made by Forde. In its November 10, 2021 edition, Kaieteur News carried another article headlined, “Savings from audit of Exxon’s US$9.5B bill could have paid every citizen’s income tax for 56 yrs – Forde”. In the article, it was revealed

that Forde did some “calculations” which showed that Guyana could have recouped approximately US$1.1B (G$235.2B), had the audit into Exxon’s oil concession been carried out. However, I believe it is very important for people to question this so-called “calculation” which Forde did to arrive at the figures. It is a known fact that Forde and his party, the APNU+AFC, did not conduct the audit themselves. As such, I am very curious as to where the US$1.1B figure

came from, especially since we all know that Math is not their strongest area. If Forde and his colleagues could not determine, for months, that 33 is the majority of 65, how is it that they can deal with figures like US$9.5B and US$1.1B and present accurate findings? Something isn’t adding up. Nevertheless, giving them the benefit of the doubt that they improved on their Math skills, it is even more perplexing that Forde chastises the PPP/C

Government for failing to meet the two-year audit deadline which he claims resulted in Guyana having to pay “US$9.5B for the Liza I and II projects”. I understand fully well that the APNU+AFC coalition is built on falsehoods, and they pride themselves on revealing little bits of information, at their convenience, to distract people from reality. However, it is public knowledge that it was the APNU+AFC coalition that negotiated the

contract with Exxon when they took office, and allowed the two-year limit for an audit to be done to remain unchanged. In fact, building on this, it meant that it was Forde’s own party which should have ensured that the audit was done within the two-year timeframe, from 2015-2018. Why was this not done, and why is there a change in the narrative now? Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Ramayah should visit Upper Corentyne Fishermen’s Co-op before making unfounded allegations

Dear Editor, THE Upper Corentyne Fishermen’s Co-operative Society wishes to refute the allegation made by Verasammy Ramayah on national television around October 6, 2021. For starters, he does not know what type of licence the fishermen who fish in Suriname’s waters have. Members of this co-op who fish in Suriname’s waters have S.K Licences which permit them to fish legally in Suriname’s waters, and an arrangement that allows them to land their catch at the Upper Corentyne Fishermen’s Co-op Society. Ninthly-five per cent of the catch landed is sold on the export market, thus earning Guyana valuable foreign exchange, while the remainder is sold for local consumption. As for his claim that the “big fishermen” who own 15-20 boats “eat out the small ones”, I’ll have him know that all members of this co-operative society enjoy the same privileges. All are

given access to all facilities at our landing site at Number 66 Village, Corentyne; all are treated equally, and given the same opportunity. And, No, Mr Ramayah, the government does not help us pay our bills; the co-op does not receive any subsidy from government and has not asked for any. What we did ask of the government was for it to look at the issue where fishermen were being asked to pay, and are paying, VAT on items that were listed as VAT-exempt. CLAIM: “The last 15 years, the same people became members. They rotate the members only.” RESPONSE: The co-op’s registered members are not rotating. The Committee of Management is duly elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting of the Co-operative Society. No selection is being done; all members have equal opportunity to be elected as committee members during a process which is transparent and supervised by the Co-op

Department, guided by the by-laws governing co-operative societies. CLAIM: “On a visit by the Vice-President of Guyana and team to the Number 66 in-shore fish port complex, only certain people were allowed to enter the compound, and be a part of the meeting, or to complain to the Vice-President; others were left outside of the entrance. RESPONSE: The Upper Corentyne Fishermen’s Co-operative Society categorically denies this allegation. No member, or member of the public, was denied entry to attend the meeting. The media was present, and can testify to this untruth being peddled by V. Ramayah. A notice inviting all to the meeting was placed on the Co-op Society’s bulletin board several days before the event, and on the day of the meeting, members were contacted, via telephone, reminding them of the meeting. The Upper Corentyne Fishermen’s Co-op Society

Limited has, over the years, become one of the better managed cooperative societies in Guyana. In 2018, it was awarded by the Ministry of Social Protection for being the “Most Compliant Co-operative Society in Guyana”; meaning that it has followed the best practices in record keeping, transparency and accountability, and in 2021, it was awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Division as the “Most Improved Co-operative Society of Guyana”. This co-operative has been “a role model” to other co-ops in the country, offering training, advice and other forms of assistance.

Its landing site is one of the largest in the country, and is famed for its quality of fresh fish, excellent hygienic practices, and being a safe and secure location to do business. Our achievements are too numerous to mention in this article, and we were astonished and deeply concerned by the disparaging remarks made by Verasammy Ramayah, and sought to set the record straight. We are deeply concerned that members of the public would get a false impression of this co-operative society, after hearing the comments by Ramayah, and do hope this article will serve to make up

for some of the damage done to our reputation. And to Verasammy Ramayah, so-called public activist, we would like you to come and visit our location and see for yourself how the affairs of the co-operative society is managed, before making any conclusion. Yours Sincerely, Pamashwar Jainarine Chairman, Upper Corentyne Fishermen’s Co-operative Society Limited On behalf of the Committee of Management

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

There is nothing wrong with borrowing that leads to sustained growth, increase in development Dear Editor, FORMER Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has blasted the PPP/C administration on planned borrowing. Borrowing has negatives and positives that I will address in a separate commentary. I am not familiar with the China or Islamic loans negotiations to comment on them. I do not know whether Jordan studied economics or mere bookkeeping. Suffice it to say that as someone who studied developmental economics, I know that poor countries like Guyana don’t have a choice but to borrow to finance capital expenditure, because they lack income to pay for infrastructure. The problem with

Jordan’s critique is that he, too, was engaged in heavy borrowing during his tenure as the Finance Minister of the ‘Coalition’, and he saw no problem with such huge borrowing and profligate spending. And the regime did not put structures in place to pay the debt. In addition, critics say that the ‘Coalition’ administration pursued policies that were not transparent, especially with regards to oil. And had the government not lost the no-confidence vote, it would have continued to borrow, tax, and spend. Jordan knew accounting on how to get the money that needed to be spent during the PPP/C administration from the 1990s thru 2015, and in balancing the book. But he didn’t know how to

create money to enlarge the pie without borrowing. He appeared weak in growth theory, as an economist should. When he was Finance Minister, he raised money and spent it as current expenditure, which does not create long- lasting wealth. His successors, Bishop Juan Edghill and Dr. Ashni Singh pursued infrastructure works that help to create wealth. The planned hydo-electric project and the bridge would lead to opportunities for wealth creation. There was no growth element coming from the debt that Jordan incurred as Finance Minister. Under his tenure as Finance Minister, the ‘Coalition’ regime did not produce any significant new infrastructure proj-

ect. It did some repaving of roads, widened some roads, and built arches and overhead passes. But some of these are not growth-oriented. The D’Urban Park structures are not wealth creating; they are rotting. There are questions about accountability of that park. The government raised taxes on everything in order to increase revenues for current expenditures. Money was quickly spent out. Productive workers who would have created wealth were terminated. Debt wasn’t created for capital expenditure, but for current expenditure.

And he did not minimise current expenditure. Every year, there was borrowing. Some US$500M (overdraft on Bank of Guyana) was spent on the domestic side, and there was at least $200M in external borrowing. These debts were not sustainable in the long term without some form of money coming in to service the debt. At that time, the oil proceeds were not guaranteed. Now, the country is assured of oil revenues to service deficits. Unlike the ‘Coalition’, the PPP/C has borrowed money for capital expenditure; to build new roads, hospitals, ho-

tels, farm roads, etc. These kinds of expenditures lead to sustainable growth, and increase development. There would be increase efficiency in production. New roads mean people will get to work faster, and goods will also move quicker, saving the country enormous amounts of money while increasing productivity. Jordan got pulled in to the race-bias politics of the ‘Coalition’. And that hurt his image as an objective critic of the PPP/C administration’s borrowing plan. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Not the trait of a professional Dear Editor, WINSTON Jordan, in a letter to the editor published in the Stabroek News (SN, November 10, 2021) stated, “I have no intention of responding to

the attacks; I do not wish to reduce myself to the mudslinging that characterises those who do not want to deal with the issue.” This is the same Jordan, in the Kaieteur News (KN,

November 8, 2021), who claimed without hesitation that it is illegal for a senior technical staff to sign a loan request, fully well knowing that the same practice was followed when he was Finance Minister. Jordan, how can you attack the credibility of a professional, as well as the professionalism of the staff of the Ministry of Finance, then cry wolf that you are the one being attacked? How can a so-called professional who claimed to have fond memories at the Ministry of Finance organisation, wilfully and wrongfully attack a colleague you worked with for decades for mere political points with the intention of deceiving the people of Guyana? This is unethical behaviour and certainly not the traits of a professional. I guess this should not be a surprise -- this is the same APNU+AFC who said 33 is not greater than 32 and attempted to steal the 2020 elections. – Jordan, your misinformation will continue to be exposed. Yours sincerely, Brian James

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

BOSAI employees to get two-year retroactive salary increase -following signing of MoU between company, NAACIE

WORKERS attached to the BOSAI Mineral Group (Guyana) Inc. are in line for a two-year retroactive salary increase, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the company and the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) at the Ministry of Labour on Thursday. According to a press release from the ministry, the signing of the MoU and salary increase follow industrial action by the employees of BOSAI last month. The statement did not state what percentage of increase the employees will be receiving. “This agreement will see employees receiving wages and salary increases, along with other benefits for the periods April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, and April 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022,” the ministry said in its statement. “It comes after several conciliation sessions that

were steered by the Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine, in a bid to bring both parties to an amicable resolution,” it added. Representing BOSAI at Thursday’s signing were General Manager, Eric Yu; Mr. George Zhou; Human Resources Manager, Truedel Marks; Chief Engineer, Orin Barnwell; and Chief Security Officer, John Domer. The Union was represented by its General Secretary, Karren Mapp; President Bernard Crawford; and Junior Vice-President Whitney Graham. The Ministry of Labour said it swiftly began engaging the Union and the company last month when the strike action was first reported, with the first meeting being held on October 22, and a Terms of Resumption (TOR) agreement being signed to pave the way for the workers’ immediate return to work. The TOR included a requirement that there be no victimisation by either party,

Representatives of BOSAI and NAACIE with their copies of the MoU and that the status quo shall ciliator, guiding the entire saying that it is cognisant thanked Bosai for its willremain. process. that all labour laws must be ingness to listen to the conFollowing the signing BOSAI’s management followed, and that it is will cerns that were raised, and of the TOR agreement, the also thanked the Chief La- always be open to dialogue the Chief Labour Officer ministry facilitated approxi- bour Officer for facilitating to sustain industrial relations. for facilitating the entire mately six hours of concili- the signing of the agreement, The Union reportedly process. ation. During Thursday’s signing, Deonarine thanked BOSAI’s management and the Union for their patience and understanding, while the ministry served as the con-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Bisram asks CCJ to ‘strike out’ key piece of legislation –– which empowers DPP to direct Magistrates

MURDER accused, Guyanese-American businessman, Marcus Bisram, through his attorney, Darshan Ramdhanie, QC, is petitioning the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to declare a section of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act unconstitutional. During the virtual hearing of the matter on Thursday, Ramdhanie put forward his arguments before the seven-member panel of judges at the CCJ in support of Bisram’s challenge of the Guyana Court of Appeal’s ruling that he stand trial for the 2016 murder of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt. Ramdhanie had in initially asked the CCJ to strike down Section 72 (1) and (2) (ii) (b) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act which empowers the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, to, inter alia, direct a magistrate to commit an accused person to stand trial in circumstances where said magistrate, after conducting a Preliminary Inquiry, discharges that accused person. His position is that the section upon which the DPP based her directive is unlawful, as it infringes Bis-

ram’s constitutional rights as provided for by Articles 122 (A) and 144 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, and the Separation of Powers doctrine. Article 122 (A) provides that, “All Courts and all persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their functions independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority; and shall be free and independent from political, executive, and any other form of direction and control.” According to Mr. Ramdhanie, the DPP, purportedly acting under the provisions of Section 72, had sought to exercise a judicial function by directing a magistrate to, in effect, ignore her [the magistrate’s] finding of the lack of evidence, and to commit Bisram to stand trial in the High Court. “The Learned DPP’s directive was based on her opinion that there was sufficient evidence to commit Bisram to stand trial,” Ramdhanie said, adding: “In other words, the Learned DPP, a part of the Executive arm of the State, was exercising a function vested solely in the judicial arm of the State.” OF FUNDAMENTAL IMORTANCE In what he deemed to be of “fundamental importance”, Ramdhanie said that all the appellant is asking of the the CCJ is to reverse and/or set aside the Order and Judgment of the Court of Appeal, and to declare Section 72 unconstitutional, in view

of Article 122 (A) (1) of the Constitution of Guyana. Another main thrust of the defence’s argument is whether the DPP’s directions/instructions offend the doctrine of Separation of Powers, and her actions infringe on the independence of the judiciary. Given the foregoing lines of argument, Ramdhanie put it to the CCJ that the power to adjudicate in criminal proceedings is vested exclusively in the courts, and no one else, and that the provisions of Section 72 not only have

“The DPP must act in an informed, fair and just manner when dealing with the case,” Ms. Ali-Hack said. She contended that there is sufficient evidence against Bisram to warrant a committal for him to face trial by a jury before a judge. The DPP contends that the evidence is sufficient, and any reasonable jury, if properly directed, can safely convict. Ali-Hack said that contrary to the appellant’s argument, she is legally empowered to order a magistrate to reinstitute charges on Bisram, under Section 72 of the Criminal Law Offences Act. Given this right to direct the Magistrate to reopen the Preliminary Inquiry (PI), and commit the accused to stand trial, the DPP said that her directive for Bisram to be committed to do so was proper, reasonable and lawfully made.

A REMARKABLE CONCEPT At this point, the CCJ’s Justice Jacob Wit interjected, saying: “This is a remarkable concept; I don’t know of any legal system where this happens.” When questioned directly by Justice Wit about Guyanese-American Section 72, and the “nature businessman Marcus and characteristics” of her Bisram function, as he was “puzzled” when it came to her the effect of undermining directing a Magistrate to the judicial power of the ju- commit a person, Ms. Alidiciary, but also impinge on Hack’s response was: the doctrine of Separation “The legislation was creof Powers and the indepen- ated, and that has been the dence of the judiciary. system here in Guyana all Ramdhanie, among oth- the years… The DPP had to er things, is contending that act from an informed posithe DPP’s directive was tion, based on the evidence, unlawful, as it infringed and this is in the public’s upon Bisram’s constitution- interest.” al rights, as provided for in Justice Denys Barrow, Articles 122 A and 144 (1) who cut to the chase very of the Constitution of Guy- quickly, said: “This is my ana, and the Separation of point; that the intention Powers doctrine. in Guyana was not for the However, this conten- DPP to be a judge over, or tion was roundly rejected to interfere with, the judicial by the DPP, who contended function of the magistrate, that when making the direc- but rather administratively.” tive, she’d acted within the And Ms. Ali-Hack’s ambit of the powers vested simple response was that in her under the Constitution the DPP’s administrative of Guyana and statute. function is also quasi-judiAccording to Ms. Ali- cial in nature. Hack, Section 72, entails It was at this point that a desecration of the DPP, the CCJ decided to reserve and it is not mandatory. its judgement in the appeal,

and asked the parties to file their submissions. Recently, during a case management hearing, the CCJ suspended the judgment of the Court of Appeal until it hears and determines the appeal that has been filed by Bisram. It also ordered the DPP not to take any additional steps in the existing criminal proceedings to further the prosecution of Bisram, including but not limited to any steps to detain him, pending the hearing and determination of the case before it. The CCJ further ordered that Bisram surrender his passport to the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana, and that he remains in Guyana and presents himself to the Divisional Commander or Deputy Commander of ‘B’ Division by 12:00 hours on every Monday until the determination of the appeal. BACKGROUNDER On May 31, 2021, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of a case filed by the DPP to challenge the decision made by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall on June 1, 2020, to free Bisram. Justice Morris-Ramlall had granted several Orders, which led to Bisram’s release. The first Order granted by the trial judge was for the quashing of the decision the DPP made on or about March 30, 2020, directing Magistrate Renita Singh to reopen the preliminary inquiry into the charge against Bisram, with a view to committing him for the said charge, on the ground that the decision of the DPP was unreasonable, unlawful, and made by ignoring relevant considerations and ultra vires. The second was an Order of Certiorari for the quashing of the decision of the DPP, directing Magistrate Singh to commit Bisram for trial in the High Court. Additionally, the judge granted an order which prohibited the DPP from proffering an indictment in the High Court charging Bisram. Following the judge’s ruling, Bisram walked out

Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack of the Camp Street Prison on June 2, 2020, after the final documents were signed. Dissatisfied with this turn of events, the DPP then moved to the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the ruling. In delivering the court’s unanimous decision in May, Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards said: “We are of the view that the committal proceedings by the magistrate, and the direction by the Director of Public Prosecutions would not have been invalid.” In the circumstances, Bisram had to turn himself over to the police, and was placed on remand to stand trial for the capital offence of murder before the High Court. Bisram is accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, on October 31, 2016. Narinedatt’s body was found on the Number 70 Village Public Road in Berbice. The next day, police arrested his alleged assailants, who subsequently confessed that the flamboyant Bisram had ordered them to commit the killing. It is alleged that it was because the carpenter spurned his sexual advances that Bisram ordered the hit on him. Bisram had returned to the United States after the crime was committed, but was extradited to Guyana in November 2019, after spending over two years in prison. (Clestine Juan)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Harmon, Norton go head to head in PNC/R leadership race

SOME of the “big guns” of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) will gather at Congress Place, Sophia, Georgetown today to nominate contenders for the party’s leadership, ahead of its 22nd Biennial Congress slated for December 11. Among the major contenders are Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon and party executives Aubrey Norton and Dr. Van West Charles. On Thursday, Harmon, via his official Facebook page, announced his teammates heading into the party’s internal election. They include Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul as the party’s proposed General Secretary, along with his colleagues, Jermaine Figuei-

ra, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Dr. Karen Cummings, Geeta Chandan-Edmond and Bobby Veira, among others. Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones was also included on Harmon’s initial list, but was removed after Jones took to his Facebook page denying endorsement for any of the contenders. Meanwhile, online media outlet News Room has reported that so far Norton has picked up the majority of nominations for leader, from party groups across the country. Norton is said to also have the backing of party stalwart, Volda Lawrence, who, according to reports, have been nominated to return to her post as party Chair. In addition to the nom-

PNC/R Executive Aubrey Norton ination of Dr. Charles, former party Chairman Basil Williams had also received a nomination from one group to be Leader of the PNC/R. The current leader of the party is former Presi-

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

dent, David Granger, who is said to be on sabbatical. It is unclear whether the retired Brigadier will be defending his seat at the helm of the long-standing political party. As many eagerly

await the PNC/R congress, the contenders for the party’s leadership have been going head-tohead, publicly criticising each other. Much to the irony of thousands, the PNC/R

members have even been pointing fingers at each other, suggesting that the internal ballots may be under threat. This bares a striking resemblance to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, which saw the then governing A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), a coalition in which the PNC/R comprised the majority, being accused of attempting to rig both the elections and the subsequent recount. Having overcome the five-month long fiasco, stakeholders will now be looking on as the PNC/R addresses issues relating to the integrity of its own electoral process.

‘You-sayscan excel anywhere’ South Ruimveldt top student

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

By Jared Liddell SOUTH Ruimveldt Secondary School top student at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Kwanza Bearam, is using his journey to remind students that they can succeed regardless of which school they attend, reminding them that it is their duty to shatter the glass ceiling and aim for the stars. The teen, who managed to secure seven passes at the 2021 examinations, believes students should be proud of their school, even if it is not one of the top schools in the country. They should keep their eyes focused on their goals, he said. “Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes you don’t have the resources or the support

and he was forced to move into his grandmother’s home to attend school. He remarked that while this move affected him, he still used it to his advantage. He said that the move to his grandmother’s house significantly shortened his travel time, which allowed him more time to study, as he was able to get home faster and take a few minutes to relax before he began studying. Bearam believes prioritising tasks is key to ensuring enough attention is given to what is necessary. Before preparations for the CSEC examinations, he was involved largely in singing, dancing, and athletics, but decided to put them on pause while he prepared for the exams. “I have always loved what I did as hobbies, I

to achieve your goal. I didn’t have the support from a few of my teachers, but I never allowed that to stop me. I got emotional about moving, but I never allowed it to take me off my focus. I never allowed those things or the fact that I wasn’t going to one of the top schools to stop me,” said Bearam told the Guyana Chronicle that while he had goals set for how he wanted to perform at the 2021 examinations, there were several obstacles that he had to overcome to achieve his goals. One of the biggest challenges he faced was having to relocate to complete school. He noted that while in the Fifth Form, just months before the examinations, his family was uprooted from their home,

South Ruimveldt Secondary School CSEC top student, Kwanza Bearam

loved singing, dancing and athletics and I was good at it too, but coming close to the examinations I started to prioritise. I knew that we were out of school for some time and I wanted to make sure I gave myself enough time to cover all of my materials, so I decided that I would take some time away from my hobbies and focus on my studies until after the exams.” When asked what piece of advice he would give to students sitting the 2022 CSEC examinations, the teen said they must first believe in themselves. He further reminded them to set goals and work towards them, regardless of their school, circumstances or access to resources. “Improvise and overcome,” he advised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Successful simulation exercise held at CJIA By Jared Liddell

THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday staged a full-scale emergency exercise as part of its disaster preparedness simulation activity. In accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, the CJIA is expected to conduct an Airport Emergency Full-Scale exercise every two years. The last full-scale emergency exercise was conducted on November 1, 2019. The exercise commenced on Wednesday at 14:00hrs and concluded at 16:00hrs. It

One of the GDF ranks being lifted out of the ambulance during the disaster preparedness simulation exercise on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

saw soldiers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) simulating a high-stakes operation whereby ranks became ill while on an aircraft and were forced to make an emergency landing at the CJIA. The operation saw CJIA Port Health staff members quickly fly into action as they raced to safely remove the ailing passengers from the aircraft. Notably, all medical personnel were seen wearing Hazmat suits, to protect personnel from potentially contracting any diseases. This simulation reflected the real-life issue of the COVID-19 and as such, See page 14

CJIA Director of Operations, Andre Kelson

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Successful simulation...

From page 13

systems were put in place to ensure that all persons dealing with passengers were protected. During the exercise, the two Guyana Fire Service fire tenders with water cannons arrived at the landing point within minutes, prepared to extinguish any potential blaze within the aircraft. CJIA Director of Operations, Andre Kelson, called the exercise a “fact-finding

mission,” noting that the purpose of the exercise was not to give the team a pass or fail grade but to identify areas of weakness in the response to disasters. He noted that it is important to identify those areas of weakness to improve on the response and effectiveness to any real disaster or accident. “We don’t know exactly what will happen, we can stage, we can draw a number

of things to make it look as though we are prepared, but this afternoon, we recognised with the assistance of port health, the army, and the police that we are pretty compliant with what our expectations are. However, we did learn here and we are not short of what we learned. There were some little hiccups, but it’s nothing that you can’t correct and we intend to correct that,” said Kelson.

Medical staff from CJIA’s Port Health Department attending to a “sick” person during the simulation exercise (Adrian Narine photo) He noted that the airport is equipped with an adequate number of port health staff who could spring into action should the need arise, but assured in the eventuality that there is a need for additional medical support, the CJIA has contingency plans in place to quickly have those persons transported to the airport. Kelson further noted that in terms of prioritised firefighting resources, the airport has a high category eight, low category nine priority rate, meaning that the airport has been marked as a high-priority area for fire prevention.

He also explained that the tenders at the airport can cater to 767-type aircraft should the need arise. According to a press release from the CJIA, CEO Ramesh Ghir disclosed that the exercise is in keeping with the standards and recommended practices outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, with the objective being “to test our response capabilities in the event of any medical emergency.” He further noted that with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operations

of the airport, preparedness is paramount in ensuring efficiency and safety for passengers, stakeholders and employees of the airport. Among the agencies that participated in Wednesday’s exercise were CJIA Port Health, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, the Airport Aviation Security Department, the Special Constabulary, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

GWI’s CEO, Shaik Baksh engaging residents of Gooharoo Road recently

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Over 200 Soesdyke residents get first-time access to water SOME 225 residents of Gooharoo and Grant Sand Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, now have access to potable water, following the investment of $6 million by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) into the expansion of the water distribution network which serves those communities. According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the water distribution network was expanded by over 1,000 meters, while the works were executed by Amit General Supplies and Construction Services. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GWI, Shaik Baksh, on Wednesday led a team to the area, where they met with residents who have not yet been connected to the extended distribution network. He informed the residents that they will have to produce the relevant documentation to apply for individual service con-

nections in order to benefit from access to potable water for the first time. In this regard, the company’s East Bank Demerara team will be collaborating with the Soesdyke/ Coverden Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to take this service to the residents today, so as to ensure they have water access within the soonest possible time. Baksh related that the GWI is committed to providing access to potable water for all Guyanese, since this is a basic human right, which will greatly improve their quality of life. The residents expressed gratitude for this timely intervention by the GWI to provide this much-needed resource. In the coming days, the GWI will also be conducting assessments, as part of an effort to ensure that residents who live aback the Grant Sand Road get access to potable water too.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 12, 2021

Body found floating in trench at Bush Lot

THE body of a 61-yearold man was found motionless in a trench near his home at Bush Lot, Berbice. According to a police report, Heraganesh Permauloo was found face down by his brother around 07:15hrs, on Thursday. “At 07:15hrs he went over to Heraganesh’s home to carry breakfast as usual and noticed he was not there. The brother began making checks for Heraganesh and subsequently noticed him floating in a nearby trench, faced down and motionless,” the police report noted. Permauloo’s brother alerted the police and the man’s body was removed from the trench. The police report stated that no marks of violence were observed during a preliminary examination of the body. According to the police, the brother, who also lives next door to Permauloo, had last seen his sibling alive the day before at 17:00 hrs. The man was escorted to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body was then transferred to Ramoo’s Funeral Home, in anticipation of a post-mortem.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Shuman suggests looking outside of Guyana for support in GECOM hiring

WITH the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) still vetting candidates for major positions in the organisation’s administrative hierarchy, Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman, is urging the statutory body to look towards international partners for assistance in this process. “I am imploring you to guide the commission to solicit and accept support from our international partners to conduct this process to fill these important offices and restore the integrity, credibility and [the] public’s confidence in the commission that is so desperately needed at this juncture,” Shuman said in a letter to Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d)

Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman Claudette Singh. smaller political parties which Shuman, the first leader merged their acquired votes to to represent the joinder of secure one seat in the National

Assembly, is also the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana’s 12th Parliament. Shuman cautioned in his letter that if his recommendation is not followed, “there exists a public fear that the status quo will once again lend itself to political manipulation as we have seen in the past and that will further undermine [the] institution that was meant to fortify democracy in Guyana.” Shuman’s qualm, however, is not solely with the hiring process at the elections body. He hinted at a number of changes that should be made, which he said are included in the reports from election observer missions for national and regional elections since the early 2000s. “Were we to set aside

those recommendations,” he said, adding: “It would demonstrate the respect we have for our international partners, the value we place on their work, and it has the potential of painting Guyana as finding friends of convenience instead of friends with mutual values and respect.” The rest of the world watched and weighed in with shock at the prolonged 2020 general and regional elections of Guyana which, because of a myriad of challenges, were delayed for five months. Coming out of the 2020 elections, the Dr. Irfaan Aliled People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has committed to a number of reforms to electoral laws. This work could also, possibly, be supported by the Law

Reform Commission which was activated after this current government took office. The draft proposed amendments of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), one of the pieces of legislation that governs elections in Guyana, seeks to remedy the deficiencies of the present law and to strengthen and make more transparent the country’s electoral machinery. The RoPA is an Act to make provision for the election of members of the National Assembly under a system of Proportional Representation and for purposes connected therewith. The draft proposed amendments of the Act are currently out for consultation, before being presented to the National Assembly for debate.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Guyana Restaurant Week begins today! Some of the wines that are going to be available at participating restaurants during Guyana Restaurant Week

Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Industry, Oniedge Walrond (left) and THAG President, Harrinand Persaud enjoy a light moment during the GRW launch at Hard Rock Café on Thursday (Delano Williams photos) Over the next 10 days, be sure to indulge in the tantalizing wines and scrumptious foods being served at several of Guyana’s highend restaurants, because starting today, is the 13th edition of Guyana Restaurant Week (GRW), which was officially launched on Thursday at the reputable Hard Rock Café located in the MovieTowne Mall. The international franchise is one of 22 high-end restaurants across Guyana that will be participating in the culinary tourism event which is slated to run from

November 12 – 22. The highly-anticipated activity will see these sophisticated bistros serving up some of their most tantalizing delicacies at standard and affordable prices. This time around, the cost to enjoy a delectable lunch in an elegant setting was set at a standard low of $3,000, while dinners, which will comprise of a full three-course meal, was set at $5,000 - $6,000 per person, depending on the restaurant. This year will see two newcomers to the list of participating establishments,

namely Heliconia located at the Emerge Building on Robb and Camp Streets in Georgetown, and Taco Loco Mexican Restaurant, located on Durey Lane. Officially declaring the activity open was Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who called on the restaurants to “up their ante” this year, as Guyana continues to develop and promote its tourism product. Sharing anecdotes of her own recent trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Walrond pointed to the fact

that culinary tourism was an important component of the country’s outstanding marketing strategy, and that going forward, Guyana will have to adopt a similar approach. “I want to underscore the importance of the culinary experience for an international tourism approach. Here in Guyana, we have been stressing ecotourism and adventure tourism. The culinary and the dining experience adds to the hospitality and value of the destination Guyana that we are promoting, so don’t think that your establishment

doesn’t add value or doesn’t matter,” Walrond noted. Also delivering remarks at the launch was Harrinand Persaud, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), who thanked the event sponsors for coming on board with their continued support. He also hinted at some of the exciting things that patrons, including wine loves, can expect in the coming days from GRW. This year’s sponsors include Republic Bank, along

with wine importer, LEHR Incorporated, as well as Presidente Beer, and Guyana Undiscovered. Nonetheless, as the launch wrapped up, attendees were treated to some of the wines and delicious foods that are likely to dominate this year’s GRW. The full list of participating restaurants, and their menus, could be viewed on the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) website at https:// www.thag.co/grw/main.

Guyana Restaurant Week officially begins from Friday

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Raphael Eurus’ ‘Love and Light’ set for November 30 release

‘Love and Light’, the latest music video by local musician Dillon ‘Raphael Eurus’ Mohamed, will release at the end of this month. The contemporary pop song depicts a celebration of life and happiness. Raphael is a Guyanese creative who is very passionate about the arts and uses his music as a way to cope and escape certain tough realities of life. In an interview with Buzz this week, the 28-year-old said that his new song is all about enjoying life and freeing up the mind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lyrics were inspired by least two of his recent experiences with colleagues and friends. The first has to do with the feeling of joy and fulfillment that came from working with a group of people to create one of his previous songs. “The actors, dancers and everyone else were like a family having fun together,” Raphael reflected. The second experience, he said, was drawn from spending a day with a group of friends at the Pandama Retreat and Winery on the Linden highway. “We actually spent time swimming, hiking; it was a very beautiful experience being in nature and just enjoying the love of friends.” While many persons are struggling with their mental health, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Raphael is hoping that his music

Raphael (center) during a virtual performance alongside Alana Warde and Isaiah Humphrey would help those persons to “pull through.” “Times are challenging with the pandemic and the economy around the world. So, I thought I would take a break from all of the seriousness and focus on peace and harmony and freeing the mind and enjoying the moment,” he expressed. While the song features a party vibe that may give the impression of a club setting, Raphael said it is really intended to capture the joys of being outdoor and having fun with nature. “I hope that it will help persons who are feeling down and out; persons who are not seeing a way to enjoy life through the difficulties,” Raphael shared. He believes that even in the worst circumstances, a person can still manage to enjoy the little moments that come up. He also feels that people need to come together more often and focus on common objectives as opposed to dwelling on their differences. “Of course when you’re working with people there may be a lot of differences but at the end of the day, having that common goal is what brings you together. I hope that across the country, we can develop this spirt of togetherness and camaraderie again because we seem to be such a divided country. We can only accomplish and achieve together,” he said candidly. Over the years, Raphael has gotten much of his motivation from singing in church and doing Music Turn to page 22

A day at the Pandama Retreat and Winery helped inspire Raphael’s new song

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

The adventures of my tastebuds…

Trying Tacoma worms for the first time

By Naomi Parris

Food is not something that many would see as an adventure since a lot of people can be quite picky with what they consume. While I too

am a picky eater and there are some things that I just would not eat, I have started to become a little more adventurous with my tastebuds, especially as it relates to embracing

our culinary heritage. I won’t lie to you; it can be scary to try new foods, but as I have come to realise, it can also be deliciously rewarding. As it is, my food pal-

ate is pretty basic, consisting of the typical rice and curries or stews, chowmein, macaroni, fruits and fast food once in a while; however, I am happy to inform you, our valued readers, that I have recently added a new favorite to my list -

the Tacuma worm, a delicacy of our indigenous peoples. During a recent trip to the beautiful and serene Amerindian community of St. Cuthbert’s Mission on the Soeskdye Highway, I had the opportunity to take my first bite

of the exotic dish. The Tacoma worms are found in the heart of the Ite palm tree; they measure about the size of an average thumb and can be eaten alive or cooked, but of course, as a first-timer, I opted to Turn to page 23

The Tacuma worm

Raphael Eurus... From page 21 as a beloved subject at Queen’s College. “During that time in school, I not only learned the theory but took some time outside of the class during breaks to learn to play instruments. I took it upon myself to start learning to play the piano and guitar on my own,” he noted. In his music career so far, Raphael has performed several times at the National Music Festival, and at many art events across the country. While he has been around music all his life, he has only been on the professional scene for a short while. As a matter of fact, he only released his first music video “One” last February, and a second video called “Fly” in July. He admitted that the journey so far has not been easy, especially as it relates to securing finances and other resources needed to get things done. But, because of his love for creating music,

Dillon ‘Raphael Eurus’ Mohamed Raphael said he is able to continue. He has his heart set on becoming an international artiste; he wants to tour the world and sing

in various languages as a means of bridging barriers and connecting with listeners from all walks of life residing in all parts of the world.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Trying Tacoma worms for the first... From page 22

A quick snap before I devoured my first piece of the delightful Tacoma worm

try them cooked. In most cases, it is usually placed in a large enamel container and sprinkled with alcohol and well-seasoned with a little salt and pepper. It is then fried or roasted, until they are plump and brown all over. It is often served on an enamel saucer with casareep sauce, wild red cherries and small red wirri-wirri pepper for the added kick. The fried worm is also sometimes dipped in a cassava sauce before eating. During my visit, I was happy to watch the worm being prepared; it only sought to enhance the experience altogether. I looked on keenly as one of the villagers soaked the worms in a bowl of alcohol, and proceeded to thread them onto a stick like a Shish kebab. The stomach of the worms were then slit for the intake of a pinch of salt. They were then placed over a small bonfire and roasted for about 20 minutes, after which I took my

first bite. To my surprise, it tasted a lot like a well-seasoned piece of chicken, but truth be told, it was far more delicious. As I chewed away at the scrumptious dish, I realized that most of my initial fears were in my head, and trying the Tacuma worm awakened a new adventurous side of my tastebuds. I also learnt that indulging in unknown cuisines can be much like a geography lesson. It gives an insight into different cultures, while providing a solid introduction to new ingredients and spices that are more popular in other parts of the country. As we continue to observe Tourism Aw a r e n e s s M o n t h 2021, I want to urge all picky eaters to be more open and allow yourselves the benefits of trying new foods. You don’t have to be as bold as me, but be adventurous this month and try something new; you won’t regret it.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

PM Softball Cup swings...

FROM BACK PAGE

In the afternoon fixtures starting at 13:30hrs, Speedboat battle with Airport at Police, Regal All Stars engage Ariel also at Police and Name Brand take on Success at DCC. In the Masters Over-45, the morning fixtures are NY Doctors vs Regal Masters at Ogle, Fisherman Masters vs Success Masters at Lusignan Number 1 and Ariel Masters vs Essequibo Masters at Lusignan Number 2. Afternoon – NY Doctors vs Essequibo Masters at Lusignan Number 1, Ariel Masters vs Success Masters Lusignan Number 2 and Fisherman Masters vs Regal Masters at Ogle. The Legends Over-50 has been divided into two groups. In Group A – morning – Floodlights vs Mikes Wellman at Liliendaal Park, Regal Legends vs NY Hustlers at MYO; Group B – Orlando Legends vs Rockaway at GDF Number 1 NYSCL Legends vs Carpet

Doctor at GDF Number 2. Afternoon – Regal Legends vs Wellman Legends at Liliendaal, Floodlights vs NY Hustlers at MYO; Group B – Orlando Legends vs Carpet Doctors at GDF Number 1, NYSCL vs Rockaway Legends at GDF Number 2. Among the several sponsors are Banks DIH, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Regal Sports, Tourism Guyana, Yamin Investment, Shahab Hack, Associated Brands Guyana Inc., Pro Signs, Lucky Star Boutique, Global Office Solutions, Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop, It’s Our Life ARD Youtuber, Crown Mining, Dinar Trading, Dyna’s Embroidery, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Permaul’s Trading, Rajiv Gandhi University, P&P Insurance, Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall, Lucky Star Boutique and Price Chopper.

Guyana bounce into action today at FIBA AmeriCup 3x3 tournament in Miami By Rawle Toney in Miami (Compliments of National Sports Commission & Guyana Lottery) GUYANA will hoop into action today at the inaugural FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup tournament. Set for Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida, the first-of-itskind event will conclude on Sunday. Guyana’s male team will

come from Ryan Stephney, Tyron Hamid, Travis Burnett, and Timothy Thompson. Spain-based professional Joy Adams will lead Jada Mohan, Kesann Charles and Tamara Hunter into action. The Guyanese women will start the day’s proceedings against Guatemala at 10:40hrs, followed by Jamaica at 12:05hrs. The top two teams will move on to the Main Draw tomorrow. The men’s team will hoop into action from 11:05hrs against Guatemala and will close the opening day against Trinidad and Tobago at 12:30hrs If victorious, the team will move on to play the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. According to FIBA, the event is being conducted in partnership with Vaunt Inc. (Vaunt), a sports and entertainment intellectual property (IP) developmental company that creates and produces alternative competitions and culturally relevant content. The tournament marks FIBA 3x3’s return to Miami nine years after the city hosted the final of the first-ever FIBA 3x3 World Tour and commences Vaunt’s multiyear relationship as the Local Organising Committee with FIBA for the exclusive rights to the 3x3 AmeriCup in the Americas. As it is the case for every FIBA 3x3 national team official competition, the event will feature the same number of men and women’s teams, who will play alternatively

Spain-based Guyanese professional player Joy Adams will be in action today in Miami at the FIBA AmeriCup 3x3 Tournament

on the same court in front of the same fans. Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball halfcourt. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour and national-team FIBA 3x3 World & Continental Cups. On June 9, 2017, 3x3 was added to the Olympic Programme, starting at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Root urges Yorkshire action over current racism crisis

ENGLAND Test captain Joe Root has called for change at Yorkshire in response to the racism crisis that has “fractured our game and torn lives apart” but says he cannot recall any discrimination during his long career with the club. Root is the best, and best known, Yorkshire player of his generation but his voice had been largely absent from the story that started over a year ago with Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of institutional racism but has escalated to engulf the White Rose in recent weeks. He chose to enter the fray yesterday, issuing a statement from England’s Ashes training camp on the Gold Coast, in which he condemned all racism as “intolerable” and called for direct action at Yorkshire. The 30-year-old, who made his second XI debut for the club in 2007, also offered his assistance to newly-appointed chair Lord Kamlesh Patel as he attempts to pick up the pieces amid a slew of fresh claims from former players. Root wrote: “In my capacity as England captain and as a senior player at Yorkshire, I feel compelled to address the current situation that has consumed the sport and YCCC. “I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting. There is no debate about racism, no one side or other. It is simply intolerable. “These events have fractured our game and torn lives apart. I want to see change and actions that will see YCCC rise from this with a culture that harnesses a diverse environment with trust across all communities that support cricket in the county. “I will reach out to YCCC new chair, Lord Patel, to offer support however I’m able. I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I think we need to educate more and earlier; we must call it out straightaway and have our eyes and ears open more. “Inclusivity, diversity and anti-discrimination is some-

Yorkshire and England Test captain Joe Root

thing over the past few years the England teams I have been involved in have spent a lot of time talking about and are very passionate about improving and making a big difference.” Some of the biggest names during Root’s time with Yorkshire have seen claims made against them. His friend and mentor Michael Vaughan completely denies making an offensive comment to a group of Asian team-mates over a decade ago, former flat-mate Gary Ballance has admitted using a “racial slur” against Rafiq during a close friendship and former club captain Andrew Gale is currently suspended from his post as head coach pending the investigation of an offensive historic tweet.

But Root made it clear he had not personally witnessed any such behaviour. During a video conference call with the media he said: “Not that I can recall, no. I think when I look back now, I can’t. “I can only speak from my personal experiences. But it is clear things have happened at the club and we have to make sure we eradicate it. We look to find ways to make sure this never happens again in the sport and, beyond that, in society. “The thing that’s really disappointing is that this has happened, and we have to find a way to move forward. We have to look at finding a way to educate as much as we can and make sure these are hard learnings that we can eradicate from the sport, and make sure that moving forward as a county we really can make a difference in this area.” A slew of commercial sponsors have severed ties with the club over the past fortnight but Root has not been tempted to take his own powerful brand as English cricket’s figurehead elsewhere. “It’s obviously deeply hurtful that it’s happened at a club that I’m so close to,” he said. “But in terms of my position, if you’re not at the club, how can you make any change? How can you help move things forward? That’s my position on things and we’ll see how that happens in the future.” One of Root’s current team-mates in Australia, Ollie Robinson, found himself at the centre of a discrimination storm earlier this year following the emergence of his own historic tweets. He went on to offer several apologies, stressed that he is now a different person and worked with the Professional Cricketers’ Association on inclusivity training. “I do think people deserve a second chance,” Root added on the subjects of potential punishments. (PA Sport)

Yorkshire CEO Mark Arthur resigns with immediate effect amidst racism row

YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club’s (YCCC) Chief Executive Officer, Mark Arthur, resigned yesterday, as the club’s struggle amid the Azeem Rafiq racism row continues. Arthur’s is the second high-profile resignation this week after the club chairman Roger Hutton stepped down from his position on November 5. The club, in an official release yesterday, confirmed the appointment of Paul Hudson, Finance Director, as the acting CEO, while iterating “that recruitment process for the appointment of a full-time chief executive will begin in due course.” “Today (November 11) the Board at Yorkshire County Cricket Club has accepted the resignation of Mark Arthur as CEO. We thank him for his tenure,” Lord Kamlesh Patel, the new chairman, said in the release. “This is an important moment for the Club which is ready to move forward with new leadership, which will be vital in driving the change we urgently need,” he added. “We know there is still much work to be done and (there are) more difficult decisions to be made. We need to rebuild the trust of the fans, the cricketing world and the public”.

The outgoing CEO Arthur, who was appointed in 2013, thanked the club as he looked back at his eight “fantastic years”, during which he oversaw several projects and back-to-back County Championship victories. “I’ve had eight fantastic years at the YCCC, working alongside an outstanding group of people, and together achieving many highlights. I would like to thank the members for their support over this period and wish the club all the very best in the years to come,” Arthur said while highlighting his achievements including the introduction of professional women’s cricket to Headingley and first-class cricket to York, apart from the redevelopment of Bradford Park Avenue for the benefit of the community. During his tenure, the club also saw a £7M reduction in their long-term debts, while he also was responsible for Yorkshire gaining a contract that granted them a 50% share of catering at the Headingley Stadium. The Yorkshire CCC has been in severe turmoil after its questionable handling of Rafiq’s racism row. (CricTracker)

Yorkshire CEO Mark Arthur

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

ANSA McAl launches Heineken non-alcoholic beer under slogan `Now you can’ … caters to athletes, non-athletes alike ANSA McAL broke some new ground yesterday with the official launch of its Heineken 0.0, a non-alcoholic lager, brewed with the aim of allowing persons to consume the beverage anytime of the day at any location. During yesterday's launch at the company's Beterverwagting head office, Kenisha Wills, Heineken Brand coordinator, broke down the intricacies of how the product came about and what spectrum of audience it's set to target. It is operating under the slogan ‘Now You Can’, due to the beer's alcoholic content being removed during brewing to cre-

ate a product which tastes like a beer but without the alcoholic properties and effects. Bottled at 330ml, a few millilitres more than the average bottle, Wills added that the beer will target the sports area locally, as athletes can now consume the beverage without any fear of hindrance to their game. More so, the beer is set to be brewed to a much healthier point, making for a low calorie drink for consumers across the board. While ANSA McAl is a major sponsor of sports around the world, backing events like Formula 1 and Premier League soccer, locally the company has also been one of Guyana’s big-

Kenisha Wills -(left)- Heineken Brand coordinator and Mark Nelson, Divisional Head for Beverages, display the newly launched Non-alcoholic Heineken 0.0 beer (Adrian Narine Photo)

gest contributors to sports development. In acknowledging the company's role in the development of sports like soccer, golf among others, Wills noted that this new beverage will further be introduced into the arena of sports where it will likely become a favourite within the fraternity. Meanwhile, both Wills and Mr Mark Nelson ANSA's Divisional Head for Beverages, lauded the product for its unique characteristics and its possible upward movement, given it's official launch which will further play a huge role in the realm of sports. (Clifton Ross)

Rizwan becomes first player to score 1000 T20I runs in a calendar year MOHAMMAD Rizwan’s purple patch continues as he scripts history at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Facing Australian bowlers in the semi-final of T20 World Cup 2021, the wicketkeeper-batter slammed 67 off just 52 deliveries. During the course of his sensational knock, Rizwan also became the first batter ever to score 1 000 T20I runs in a calendar year. The dasher got the feat after reaching the 35-run mark. 2021 has indeed been a year to remember for Rizwan as he made his bat talk consistently. Having batted in the middle-order for the major part of his career, Rizwan was given the opening slot in T20Is last year. The decision proved to be spot-on as Rizwan didn’t look back after that and played one astonishing knock after another. He formed a formidable pair with skipper Babar Azam and tormented many prominent bowling line-ups. As far as his numbers are concerned, the wicketkeeper has so far slammed 1 033 runs in 23 T20I appearances this year. In this duration, his average and strike rate has been a staggering 86.08 and 136.45. Not to forget, he has slammed as many as 10 half-centuries and a hundred in 2021. Mohammad Rizwan in 2021 T20Is 23

Runs 1033

HS 104*

Speaking of Rizwan’s latest blitzes, he opened alongside Babar Azam after Australia elected to bowl in the knock-out game. The wicketkeeper didn’t attack bowlers from the outset but took a decent amount of time to assess the conditions.

all over the park. He eventually fell prey to Mitchell Starc in the 18th over but not before scoring 67 crucial runs. Besides him, Fakhar Zaman also came to the party and

Arab Emirates Racing Tips Jebel Ali 07:45 hrs Remorse 08:15 hrs Torno Subito 08:45 hrs Al Marqab Pakistan batsman Mohammad Rizwan

He added 71 runs alongside Babar before the latter got dismissed for 39. However, Rizwan didn’t lose his concentration and continued his merry way of scoring runs. Notably, Pakistan’s batting consultant Matthew Hayden revealed that Rizwan was suffering with fever last night but it didn’t restrict him from showcasing his blitzes. Ave 86.08

SR 136.45

100/ 50 1/ 10

4s/ 6s 88/ 37

“Rizwan was in hospital a night ago, suffering from a bronchitis condition, but this is a warrior, a quiet start to tonight’s campaign, but he has great courage,” said Hayden after the conclusion of the first innings. The dasher shifted gears in the death overs and played some delightful shots

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slammed an unbeaten 55 off 32 deliveries. As a result, the Men in Green posted 176-4 in their allotted 20 overs and would be confident of defending this total. (CricTracker)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Guyana to now host Matthews inspires Windies to ODI series win CARIFTA Games in 2023

KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC) – Hayley Matthews starred as West Indies Women wrapped up their second One-Day International series victory over Pakistan Women in five months, when they beat the hosts by 37 runs in a low-scoring affair here yesterday. The Caribbean side managed only 153 after being asked to bat in the second ODI at the National Stadium but then bundled Pakistan Women out for 116 in the 40th over, to follow up on Monday’s 45-run victory in the opener. Last July, West Indies edged the Pakistanis 3-2 in a five-match series in the Caribbean. “We wanted to not only win the series but have a clean sweep and win it 3-0,” Player-ofthe-Match Matthews said afterwards. “The girls are really into winning that third game (on Sunday).” Pakistan Women appeared poised for victory when they cruised to 67 for two in the 25th over with top-scorer Omaima Sohail (27) and captain Javeria Khan (24) involved in a 28-run, third-wicket stand. However, Matthews’ intervention triggered the slide, the right-arm off-spinner snatching four for 26 as the last eight wickets tumbled for 49 runs. She was supported by new-ball pacer Shamilia Connell who was brilliant in a 9.2 over spell, taking three for 18. Matthews had earlier struck 26 and Deandra Dottin, coming off her career-best century in the first ODI, top-scored with 34, while Shemaine Campbelle and Stafanie Taylor both chipped in with 23. Dottin gave the side a decent start, posting 31 for the first wicket with Rashada Williams (14) and a further 33 for the third wicket with Taylor, after Williams and Kyshona Knight (0) both perished in the 12th over without a run added.

Hayley Matthews was outstanding with bat and ball for West Indies Women (Photo: CWI Media)

When Dottin was tragically run-out in the 20th over, Taylor, who counted two fours in a 46-ball knock, then kept the innings going in a 33-run, fourth-wicket stand with Matthews, whose 47-ball stay also included a brace of fours. Both Taylor and Matthews fell in the space of five overs to leave West Indies Women on 114 for five in the 34th over and it was left to Campbelle to shepherd the lower order with her unbeaten knock off 43 deliveries. In reply, openers Muneeba Ali (17) and Sidra Ameen (11) batted slowly and by the time both perished, Pakistan Women were only 39 for two in the 18th over. Omaima and Javeria attempted to repair the damage but once Javeria was run-out in the 25th, Matthews and Connell combined to destroy the middle and lower order.

GFF expands COVID-19 vaccination drive in preparation for year-end festival THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will accelerate its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive tomorrow, as the football community continues to join forces with national health authorities to protect players, match officials, coaches, staff and fans in the run-up to the hotly-anticipated year-end football bonanza. The GFF has scheduled three tournaments for its COVID-secure “return to play” programme to mark the resumption of senior competitive football during the Christmas holiday season: the GFF-Kashif and Shanghai Super 16 Cup, the GFF Women’s Super 16 Cup and the GFF Futsal Championship Cup. All competition participants and fans will be required to show official proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to access all tournament venues. Tomorrow, players, match officials, coaches, staff and fans will be able to attend Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Centre vaccination sites in Berbice, Linden

and West Coast Demerara, as follows: Berbice Football Association New Amsterdam Scotts School ground – 10:00hrs to 15:00hrs Corriverton

Guyana is now scheduled to host the CARIFTA Track and Field Championship in 2023

FIRST, it was 2021, then 2022 when Guyana was scheduled to host the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Track and Field Championships but the COVID-19 pandemic forced postponements. However, with Jamaica set to host the 49th edition in 2022, Guyana is locked into hosting the Games in the following year. According to News Room, president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, on Wednesday, clarified Guyana was still offered to host the event in 2022, but tinstead took the decision to host it one year later. In discussion with the Minister (Charles Ramson Jr) it was decided that Guyana preferred to have the 50th running of CARIFTA and doesn’t have a problem waiting another year, and that information was passed on to NACAC.”

The CARIFTA Games was scheduled to be held in Bermuda earlier this year but was eventually cancelled because of spikes in the spread of the COVID-19 virus in that country. Usually held during the Easter weekend, the Games was first moved to July 2-4 and then to August 13-15 before it was eventually cancelled in May. The CARIFTA Track and Field championship caters to Under-17 and Under-20 athletes, meaning it is considered a junior athletic event, and most countries have begun implementing vaccinations for persons 18 years and younger. There is a strong possibility that vaccination will be a requirement for the Games next year, and according to the article, Hutson said he believes “unvaccinated athletes should not be on the team.”

Springlands – FACT Pavement – 10:00hrs must be able to show proof of vaccination to to 15:00hrs access these competitions,” Forde said. West Coast Demerara Football Asso“As such, we kindly urge our entire ciation community to get vaccinated, both to pro10:00hrs to 15:00hrs tect our loved ones and to help us safely Upper Demerara Football Association deliver a memorable return to play for Linden Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and senior men’s and women’s football during Conference Centre – 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs this end-of-the-year celebration.” The expansion of the vaccination programme builds on CRICKET QUIZ CORNER clinics held last weekend at the (Friday November 12, 2021) GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank DeCOMPLIMENTS OF merara, and in Linden. CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD “We want to extend our 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) heartfelt thanks to the public, the football community, the Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Government of Guyana and (1) Virat Kohli (IND) our frontline health workers for the incredible support they (2) WI & SA (Johannesburg, 2007) have shown for this crucial vaccination campaign so far,” Today’s Quiz: said GFF president Wayne (1) Which two teams are the losing semi-finalists in Forde. the Men’s T20 World Cup 2021? “Everyone who wants to (2) Which two teams are scheduled to contest the take part in our year-end fesfinal? tival of football, including players, match officials, staff, Answers in tomorrow’s issue coaches, fans and vendors,

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

Wade, Stoinis heroics send Aussies into T20 World Cup final

A MAIDEN men’s T20 title is within Australia’s grasp after Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis dragged Australia to their most famous victory in the format and derailed Pakistan’s World Cup juggernaut. Six years on from playing in the 50-over World Cup final, Australia and New Zealand will once again face-off in a trans-Tasman decider after Wade (41 n.o. off 17 balls) iced the semi-final in Dubai with an astonishing innings. Needing 22 to win with two overs to spare, Wade needed just one as he hit three breathtaking consecutive sixes (two of them scoops over the keeper’s head) off as many Shaheen Shah Afridi deliveries following a crucial dropped catch by Hasan Ali on the leg-side boundary. It was a remarkable hand, set up by Marcus Stoinis (40 n.o. off 31) who hit two sixes of his own after Australia had needed 62 off the final five overs. The pair put on an unbroken 81-run stand from just 40 balls to finish the game. Mohammad Rizwan (67 off 52 balls), who recovered to play after spending two nights in a hospital ICU this week with a chest infection, and Fakhar Zaman (55 n.o. from 32) slammed four sixes each to lift Pakistan to an imposing total of 176-4. It is just the second time Australia have made the decider of a T20 World Cup, with both their semi-final wins coming at Pakistan's expense after Mike Hussey's memorable efforts in 2010, but Australia have never won the men's tournament, having lost the final of that tournament to England. Australia’s victory marks the second semi-final boilover in as many nights after the Kiwis knocked over heavyweights England in Abu Dhabi to win through to the final to be played in Dubai on Sunday. David Warner (49 off 30) had singlehandedly kept his side in the hunt but his caught-behind dismissal, which replays suggested could have been overturned had he reviewed, followed by Glenn Maxwell’s exit looked to have buried Australia. After Shaheen (1-35) sent the Dubai crowd into a frenzy with a captivating opening over, Shadab Khan (4-26) ripped the heart out of the Australian top-order as he dismissed Warner, Maxwell, Mitch Marsh and Steve Smith in a mesmerising spell. Australia put in a sloppy

Australia’s Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade celebrate a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup semi-final

fielding performance that saw three catches put down and bowled two waist-high beamers, and were fortunate their ill-discipline did not cost them the match. But there were big-game jitters from their opponents too; Mohammad Hafeez inexplicably bowled a double-bouncer with his first ball (which Warner did well to hit for six) while Hasan’s drop will be a major talking point in the wash-up. The game had earlier erupted over the course of two consecutive overs split by the innings break. Fakhar blasted Mitchell Starc into the stands twice in as many balls during the final over of Pakistan’s innings before Afridi somehow turned up the dial further with an electric opening over of unplayable in-swing. He had Aaron Finch plumb lbw for a golden duck while Marsh (28 off 22) nearly suffered the same fate when he was hit on the toe first ball. Given not out, the review spared him by the barest of margins. The momentum appeared to be heading all Paksitan’s way until Stoinis put the heat back on Hasan and Haris Rauf in the closing overs while Wade then also took aim at Hasan as 40 came off the three overs leading into the remarkable penultimate over from Afridi. Earlier, captain Aaron Finch could hardly get the words ‘we’ll have a bowl first’ out faster after the coin fell in his favour on a balmy desert evening, safe in the knowledge 10 of the 11 World Cup matches held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium have been won by the chasing team. Babar Azam looked the more fluent of the Pakistan openers as he caressed a series of boundaries to continue his strong tournament before spinners Glenn Maxwell

(0-20 from three) and Zampa tightened the screws. Rizwan overcame a nervy start and two lives in the Powerplay as he shamelessly targeted the leg-side, where almost 80 per cent of his runs have come during the tournament, with all of his sixes hit to that side. Fakhar too struggled for early rhythm, managing only 17 off his first 17 balls and getting a life went Smith put him down at long-on , before unleashing with a devastating late blitz including two final-over sixes off Starc to send the crowd into raptures. Australia’s bowling at the back-end was hit and miss; Cummins conceded just three from the penultimate over and should have had two wickets from it if not for Smith putting down a sitter off Fakhar, a ball after he had caught Asif Ali in the same spot. Adam Zampa was again outstanding with the ball for Australia, taking 1-22 from four overs and taking the prized wicket of captain Babar Azam, and Starc was Australia's only multiple wicket-taker with 2-38. (Cricket.com.au)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 12, 2021

PM Softball Cup swings into gear today Georgetown Cricket League Inc. president Ian John receives the trophies from Devi Sunich of Trophy Stall, sponsors of the trophies.

... Fierce competition expected as teams vie for supremacy By Frederick Halley STARVED of competitive cricket on the local scene since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, softball fans are expected to turn out in their numbers over the next three days, as the fifth edition of the Prime Minister Softball Cup swings into gear today at several venues across the city and on the East Coast, Demerara. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is scheduled to meet the 20 teams and officials at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground at 08:30hrs this morning before declaring the tournament open and delivering the ceremonial first ball. All participating teams are therefore required to be at the ground properly attired for the occasion. However, mindful of the health issues, only 40 per cent spectator capacity will be allowed at the venues and also at the Guyana National Stadium where the three finals in the respective divisions - Over-50, Over-45 and Open - will be staged on Sunday. Those who are unable to attend Sunday's finals are guaranteed live radio commentary while

there will be live action via Facebook. The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc.-organised tournament, which was in limbo for several months, has received the blessings of the Prime Minister's Office and the National COVID-19 Task Force with the stipulation that all players and spectators must be fully vaccinated. Fierce competition is expected in all three categories as teams vie for the top prize of $300 000 in each with the runners-up earning $50 000. In addition, several incentive prizes will be up for grabs and these include three flat screen Smart televisions for the respective Most Valuable Players (MVPs).at Lusignan In today’s opening fixtures in the Open Division (Group A) defending champions Speedboat take on Ariel All Stars at the Police Sports Club ground, Regal All Stars meet Success All Stars at the same venue while Name Brand and Airport clash at DCC. Starting time is 09.30hrs. TURN TO PAGE 27

Director of Sport pays visit to Kaikan in Region Seven DIRECTOR of Sport Steve Ninvalle visited Kaikan (Region Seven) yesterday as part of a two-man team from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to look at issues relating to Sport and Youth affairs. Ninvalle was accompanied by Director of Youth (ag) Suresh Singh. In brief remarks to a gathering of approximately 100 residents the Director of Sport noted that it was only last December that His Excellency President Irfaan Ali promised that Kaikan would not be left out of Guyana’s development agenda. He pointed out that his and the Director of Youth's visit to the community is a small part of fulfilling the president's promise. The DOS later made a donation of sport gear to Village Toshao Marlon Willams and promised further support. Here, Ninvalle (seated right) holds discussion with Tashao Williams (seated left) while other villagers look on.

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Spain-based Guyanese professional player Joy Adams will be in action today in Miami at the FIBA AmeriCup 3x3 Tournament

Guyana bounce into action today at FIBA AmeriCup 3x3 tournament in Miami

Wade, Stoinis heroics send Aussies into T20 World Cup final 23 PAGE

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 2021