Issuu

SATURDAY ,

12th December, 2020

No. 106211 |

US$20M ‘Marriott Courtyard’ to employ over 300 SEE PAGE 3

SEE PAGE 9

JetBlue lands

Guyana-Venezuela border case: ruling on jurisdiction set for Dec. 18 CDB approves

US$190M

SEE PAGE 13

Linden to Mabura road project

Granger requests deferral of meeting to open formal engagement with gov’t SEE PAGE 12

JetBlue, a major US airline touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on its inaugural flight to Guyana on Friday night. The airline is providing non-stop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (Carl Croker photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

Aquaculture sector to become ‘economic powerhouse’ –– ‘Sat Sawh’ station to be expanded, zoning to take place By Navendra Seoraj THE hidden potential of aquaculture in Guyana will soon be revealed as the government moves to make this sector globally competitive and a key contributor to economic growth, through several initiatives like the expansion of the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station

and aquaculture zoning, both on land and in water. The aquaculture sector in Guyana is still relatively small, with production occupying only about 350 hectares of land around the country. Aquaculture, a component of the agriculture sector, is the process of rearing, breeding and harvesting of aquatic species, both animals and plants,

in controlled aquatic environments like the oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. Aquaculture in Guyana occurs in both brackish and freshwater earthen ponds from extensive to semi-intensive operations. “Aquaculture in Guyana shows strong potential since the country has relatively large acres of flat lands with

suitable soil types and access to large quantities and good quality freshwater (water conservancies)… moreso there are existing drainage and irrigation infrastructure in some areas, sub-tropical temperatures for shrimp and fish production and good availability of agricultural/ fisheries by-products for the formulation and manufactur-

ing of aquafeed,” said Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday. He said too that there is also a great degree of unskilled and, to a lesser extent, skilled labour available for aqua-farming. A National Development Strategy on aquaculture, prepared in 1996, states that with a transfer of technology, a propitious policy environment, and entrepreneur-

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha ship, it is conceivable that by the year 2004, Guyana would have 3,000 hectares of ponds producing 2,500 metric tonnes of freshwater finfish annually, for the local market. This would have seen

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali the development of approximately 100 freshwater farms and the employment of about 1,000 Guyanese. “In addition, if only a portion of the coastal area is developed in a semi-intensive way, the potential for coastal brackish water development by 2004 was conceived at 2,000 ha under semi-intensive operation, producing 4,000 metric tonnes of cultured shrimp from 200 farms and employing 2,000 Guyanese. “However, the same strategy estimated potential capture fishery production from the 50,000 km2 of Guyana’s river floodplains at 100 tonne/ km2/annum which equates to five million tonnes per annum,” said Minister See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

US$20M ‘Marriott Courtyard’ to employ over 300

–– six-storey, 140-room facility set for 2023 completion

By Navendra Seoraj MAJOR infrastructural projects, particularly those related to the hospitality sector, have, in most cases, been limited to the City over the past years, but R. Bassoo and Sons Limited has partnered with the world-renowned Marriott Hotels International to construct a US$20M (G$4.3B) hotel next to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). According to information shared with the Guyana Chronicle, the Guyanese-owned R. Bassoo and Sons Limited has already entered into an agreement with Marriott Hotels International and the Government of Guyana to design and build a facility called the Marriott Courtyard next to the country’s largest airport. The government had recently put out an advertisement for expressions of interest and requests for proposals for investors to build hotels in Guyana. The aim, as outlined by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is to provide at least 2,000 firstclass rooms, making Guyana “a conventional destination.” R. Bassoo and Sons capitalised on this opportunity

and amenities. The hotel will be a one-minute drive from the entrance of the CJIA and is expected to accommodate airline crews and staff, business personnel, diplomats, and other travellers. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, has said that the hotel will not only benefit the airport and its stakeholders, but will create employment opportunities for over 300 persons living along the upper East Bank/ Timehri area.

Signing and handing over of the MoU. From left: CEO of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir; Managing Director of R. Bassoo and Sons Limited, Roy Bassoo; and CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop by submitted a proposal to the government which included a joint Letter of Intent (LoI) with Marriott; a market study conducted by Hotel Valuation Services (HVS); and a conceptual design done by Urbahn Architects (New York’s 2019 Design Firm of the Year). The company, in a statement, said Republic Bank, Trinidad and Tobago, has already made an indicative offer of financing.

Republic Bank has arranged over US$100 million financing for other real estate projects in Guyana including Movietowne, the Pegasus Corporate Offices and Suites and the Georgetown Marriott hotel. The Marriott Courtyard at the CJIA will be the second Marriott hotel brand in Guyana and is anticipated to be open by 2023. The facility will be six storeys equipped with 140 rooms

WORK BEGINS NEXT YEAR Construction is expected to begin in mid-2021 and will be led by Bassoo Building and Civil Engineering Contractors with support from qualified sub-contractors with technical experience in hotel construction. A Memorandum of Understanding for this project was signed by the owner of R. Bassoo and Sons, Roy Bassoo and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop. The company has been a key player in Guyana’s commercial, educational,

and healthcare sectors for over 20 years, participating in the construction of bridges, hospitals, secondary and primary schools, university facilities, gas stations and warehouses. R. Bassoo & Sons Limited has maintained a presence at the CJIA with The Lotus Restaurant, which it has operated for more than 20 years. Bassoo believes that recent discoveries of oil and gas reserves by Exxon Mobil have renewed interest in local investment opportunities. He predicted that the anticipated economic growth following petroleum exploration and mining, and government-led initiatives in housing and agriculture will likely increase the number of travellers to and from Guyana. A partnership with Marriott to build a hotel will, therefore, successfully expand the company’s portfolio into the hospitality sector. It was reported that close to US$1 billion (G$215B) will soon be injected into Guyana’s economy in the form of world-class hotels which will be constructed across the country to cater for the anticipated increase in visitors, who are being attracted by the nation’s bur-

geoning oil and gas sector and its spill-off benefits. A business-friendly climate supplemented by the anticipated economic ascension is being credited for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry such as, Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others. According to a study by Oxford Economics, hotel operations and guest spending, support eight million jobs across the US alone. The same study found that a typical hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports 230 local jobs every year. And the nation’s hotel and lodging industry brings other important benefits to local communities. These businesses are a cornerstone for local economic activity, providing increased tax revenue, capital investment, tourism-related development and promotion, civic leadership, charitable contributions and sponsorship. These benefits are also expected to accrue to Guyana, as the country continues to function as an investment magnet.

$825M in contracts awarded to develop housing sector

TWENTY-FOUR contracts valued at $825M were awarded to contractors at a simple ceremony at the Ministry of Housing and Water, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Friday. Contracts were signed for six projects under the Inter America Development Bank (IDB) programme to the tune of $512M. These projects include infrastructure upgrade at Sophia Housing area, Georgetown, in lots one to six. These contracts have been awarded to S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services, GuyAmerica Construction Inc., H. Nauth and Sons, Colin Talbot Contracting Services,

and Purans Bros. Disposal. Another 18 contracts were awarded under the Government of Guyana 2020 Programme to the tune of $313M. These projects include road upgrade works at EE Eccles, Providence, Prospect, Cummings Lodge, land preparation at Prospect, Cummings Lodge, Providence, and infrastructure at Little and Great Diamond lots One to Seven. These works are expected to commence in the new week and with a completion deadline of six weeks save and except for the land preparation projects. The contractors were urged by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sher-

wyn Greaves, to execute their work with expediency. Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, said it is part of the ministry’s approach to achieving its mandate of providing better housing opportunities for Guyanese. It is also a step closer to fulfilling the government’s promise of 50,000 house lots over the next five years. “We want contractors to immediately mobilise and commence construction, I am aware that some contractors are thinking that it is year-end and want to collect their mobilisation advance and wait until the new year, but there are timelines for completion and the contract will be fulfilled which all contractors will be

Housing Ministers Colin Croal and Susan Rodrigues and CH&PA CEO, Sherwyn Greaves during the award of the 24 contracts (DPI photo) signing,” he said. Minister within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, called on the contractors to see themselves as partners and stakeholders in infrastructural de-

velopment. She charged the contractors to execute their duties to the best of their ability and to ensure Guyanese are able to achieve their dream of home-

ownership. Greaves said the projects will see road construction and upgrades, land preparations and a number of infrastructural works.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

Minister Persaud ‘talks up’ art/culture network, inter-cultural dialogue –– at Pre-Pravasi Bhartiya Divas ‘confab’

THE Indian Diaspora and various other diasporan organisations have played a very important role in spreading Indian culture in different parts of the world. This was underscored when Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud represented Guyana on Wednesday at a Pre-Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) Conference on the “Role of Diaspora in Promotion of Indian Culture Abroad”. The ‘confab’ was set by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Antar Rashtriya Sahyog Parishad (Diaspora Research and Resource Centre), New Delhi. According to the In-

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud during her participation at the Pre-Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) Conference dian High Commission, ture to discuss innovative the conference is aimed ways of leveraging the at creating cultural bonds, diaspora to enhance Inand an ecosystem for cul- dia’s soft power. India’s tural propagation among partnership with Indian dithe diaspora. aspora for cultural preser“ T h i s c o n f e r e n c e vation and promotion has brought together eminent worked very well. Builddiaspora personalities and ing on this strength, it is associations involved in high time to explore the propagation of Indian cul- new ways of enhancing the diaspora’s role in further deepening and expanding the Indian culture abroad and also establish a better connect with the millenni-

Saturday, December 12, 02:00hrs - 03:30hrs

als,” the High Commission noted. It was emphasised that the Indian Diaspora represents valuable bridges of goodwill for strengthening the Indian connect with the world, as full partners in the process of growth and development for wider well-being and prosperity. With its civilisational values of peace, plurality and universal fraternity in the true spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is one Family), India has traditionally been a pivot of soft power exercise for promoting global peace and progress, and the diaspora has played that role to its true meaning. Minister Persaud addressed the gathering remotely as Guest of Honour, enumerating the rich cultural legacy of India in Guyana, the extravagance of Holi and Diwali celebrations, the enduring romance of Indian dance, music and vocal languages in Guyana. She emphasised the need to build an “art/culture network” across the globe and to promote inter-cultural dialogue. The virtual conference had eminent speakers from more than 15 countries from all over the world along with speakers from

India who shared their experiences and suggested ways and means to promote Indian culture abroad and role of diaspora; improving cultural exchanges between India and other countries; projection of India’s soft power abroad, along with engaging the youths. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the Conference and addressed the inaugural session. SECOND LARGEST IN THE WORLD He said that the Indian Diaspora is the second largest diaspora in the world, and is counted among the most successful expat communities anywhere in the world. Today, the Minister of State explained that they occupy high positions in the fields of politics, economy, industry, technology and education. “This heterogeneous group drawn from different historical and cultural contexts of migration are identified and held together by their ‘Indianess’ and a deep cultural and emotional attachment towards Mother India,” Minister Muraleedharan noted. He explained that the Indian diaspora living abroad has provided a global identity to India as a land of flavours, rich heritage - through its music, dance, Bollywood amongst others and they have been in the forefront in passing Indian

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa participating in the PBD conference traditions, culture, values, morals and mores from one generation to another. “They have also encouraged their host country to adopt many aspects of Indian culture and heritage. India is recognised internationally for its intellect, scientific temper, way of life through Ayurveda, Yoga amongst many such examples. While diasporas have seamlessly integrated with the countries of their adoption, they have also maintained very close links with their ethno-cultural roots in India,” the External Affairs Minister emphasised. Minister Muraleedharan said that the Indian Government programmes and schemes have always been based on regular consultations with the diaspora and one of the most effective initiatives for this has been the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). Adding that the next PBD is scheduled on January 9, 2021, he said that “we were looking forward to receiving all of you again to carry forward this important dialogue. There is a definite advantage and charm of in-person interaction. However, the exceptional circumstances due to COVID-19 have forced us to go virtual.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

Mother of three killed in West Coast Berbice accident

A FORTY-THREEyear-old woman who was on her way to work has lost her life after the minibus she was travelling in crashed into a fence at Britannia, West Coast Berbice on Friday morning. Dead is Deoranie Suknanan called “Julie” of Airy Hall Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. She was the passenger in the

front seat of the minibus driven by her brother. According to police, at about 06:20 hours at Brittania Public Road, West Coast Berbice, minibus bearing registration number BPP 7638 owned and driven by Sukhram Tillack of No# Seven Village, WCB, was proceeding east along the northern driving lane at a high rate of speed.

At the time the time the road was wet. He was at the time approaching a right bend when he suddenly lost control of the said minibus and collided with a fence on the northern side of the road. As result of the impact, the driver and passengers, Deoranie Suknanan and Neola Barnwell, 38, of El Dorado, West Coast Berbice, received inju-

The damaged fence and the mangled minibus

ries about their bodies and were taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where Suknanan succumbed to her injuries. Meanwhile, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the distraught son, Sumant Suknanan, 20, was barely able to control his grief as he related that it is customary for his mother to leave early on Fridays. The young man related that the family received a call from his uncle, the minibus driver, informing them of the accident. He stated that his dad answered the phone and since then he has been in a state of shock. The victim works with her brother as a baby sit-

ter and was on her way to work when the incident occurred. She leaves to mourn her husband and three sons. Suknanan was described as a hardworking, caring and loving woman. Up to press time the driver remained in police custody assisting with investigation.

Dead: Deoranie Suknanan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

More than just sugar

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) has been in operation since 1976. It has been the main source of income for lower to middle-class families along the years, birthing to many highly-educated professionals across Guyana. GuySuCo is known for producing mainly sugar, along with such by-products as molasses, bagasse and the lesser-known filtered cake mud. It exports raw sugar in bulk, along with packaged processed sugar to the EU markets, the USA, and the Caribbean. The bagasse is used as fuel for the boilers for the factories as well as to power the national grid in Berbice, through the establishment of Skeldon Energy Incorporated, which is a co-generation power plant attached to the Skeldon Sugar Factory. Filtered cake mud is derived from the filtration process and treatment of the sugarcane. This is used as fertiliser in the cane fields, since it has minerals and organic matter nutritious to plants. Over the years, many have seen the company declining in performance, and making constant losses. In 2015, when the APNU+AFC Government took office, four of the seven operating sugar estates, Wales, Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon, were closed. This was clearly a political decision, as the Commission of Inquiry that was conducted did not recommend the estates to be closed. However, what was not taken into consideration is the

impact that these closures would have on the economy as a whole, despite not being profitable. These four estates were located in key areas of the country, where they were the main source of income for breadwinners in the communities. No proper succession plans were made to accommodate these thousands of workers who had lost their jobs. Many would have seen the impact of these closures on the communities. The areas became isolated, squatting areas increased, small businesses closed, children dropped out of schools, increase in children begging along the roadsides, breadwinners committing suicide in instances where they were unable to make ends meet for their families, while at the same time, the crime rate increased. Many of these workers also had credit terms and loans to be paid off. Even though they received a severance package, it would not have been enough to maintain their lives for a long period, and since alternative employment opportunities were hard to come by, this just compounded the situation. Based on an analysis carried out during the period 2015-2019, sugar production dropped by 60 per cent, and its target declined by 51 per cent. In 2015, the actual production was 231,145 tonnes of sugar, which was 5.1 per cent more than the target that was set of 219,913 tonnes. In 2019, the actual production was 92,232 tonnes, which was 13.8 per cent less than the target of 106,997

tonnes. The major cause of this drastic reduction in production in just four years is the closure of the four estates. In 2015, the export earnings from sugar amounted to US$80.9 million, where 216,613 metric tonnes of sugar were exported to the EU and CARICOM markets. However, in 2019, the export earnings from sugar were US$27.8 million, with an export volume of 78,071 metric tonnes. This resulted in a 65.6 per cent decline in foreign exchange earnings, along with a 64 per cent decrease in production, which could have increased the country’s GDP. As can be seen from the above analysis, even though GuySuCo was making a loss, the economy still benefitted from its production, and stayed afloat. Needless to say that a proper inquiry was not done for the company. The main focus should have been on how the company can be better able to improve to become profitable again, as can be seen in the step that is being undertaken by the current government. Additionally, GuySuCo is not only important to its workers and export markets, but also to other local industries, such as the beverage companies. These companies need molasses and sugar, which are key ingredients of their products. Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) is a major consumer of GuySuCo’s molasses. Due to the closure of estates in the last four years, DDL was forced

to import molasses from countries such as Guatemala and Mexico among others, as the amount received locally from the Uitvlugt Estate was insufficient. This would have increased the company’s production costs. Over 5,000 persons were jobless after the closure, and the majority of them have still not been able to recuperate. With the current government’s plan of reopening three of the closed estates, many jobs will be available, which will assist families in getting back their ‘good life for all’, which they have been deprived of for the last five years. The entrepreneurs in these communities will be able to reopen their businesses, and have the economy flowing again. The new administration is taking many steps to turn the industry around, while understanding that the industry is in need of modernization, and to do so, investors are required. There are currently a few investors who have shown an interest in the company, and in the coming years, the industry will hopefully reinvent itself in ways which the previous administration believed was impossible. GuySuCo is also looking at new marketing strategies to increase their market share, and also revise their operational plans, which will assist the company in achieving their objective in moving forward for the benefit of all stakeholders. Let us all look forward to a new and improved GuySuCo!

Ramjattan is coming to town

Dear Editor, WHILE Mr. Ramjattan is braving the cold and facing the heat on the granting of licences, perhaps he will weather the storm and muster up the courage to throw some light on the following. During his budget debate presentation, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn stated that Ramjattan was issuing firearm licences without any engagement with the Firearm Licensing Board, and moreso while his Government

was in caretaker mode following the no-confidence motion. Minister Benn said, “It appears as though 2020 was a banner year for the issuance of firearms at the hand of the minister, without the engagement of the Firearm Licensing Board. Sixty-one per cent of all firearms issued in 2020 were issued at the hands of the Minister, without the engaging of the Firearm Licensing Board.” Okay, Mr. Ramjattan, let’s give our mouths licence to wag. Earlier in March, when asked what intelligence was, he said, “In-

telligence means intelligence,” not even offering a synonym for further explanation. The trouble is, Guyana never heard the “real t’ing” about “From Russia with Love”. During the elections, Hughes and Ramjattan had damning evidence about a Russian, American, Libyan and a Russian/ American who were attempting to tamper with the integrity of the Guyana Elections, in collaboration with the PPP/C. Police reportedly seized a number of flash drives, computers, tablets, and

other electronic items from the men. Those items have been lodged. It was reported that Ramjattan had relayed that they were forced to deport the foreign nationals after their “intelligence realised that there was some conspiracy to tap into GECOM’s computer system”. Can someone check the police records to verify the lodging of those equipment, and where are they? Perhaps, he can now tell the full story? Respectfully, Jai Lall.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

Kacey Heyliger charged for ‘gunning down’ of contractor ONE year after being freed from a murder charge, Kacey Heyliger has found himself on the wrong side of the law again, this time for the fatal shooting of 60-year-old contractor, Peter Gonsalves, during a robbery. The Guyana Police Force, on Friday, received advice from the Director of Public Prosecution to charge Heyliger, 28, of Shell Road, Kitty for the capital offence of murder. Heyliger is expected to be arraigned before a City magistrate for the indictment soon.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Heyliger was positively pointed out during an identification parade held by the police. This publication had reported that, on December 7, 2020, Gonsalves was ‘gunned down’ in front of a liquor restaurant in Garnett Street, Kitty, during a confrontation with bandits, who made good their escape with his black and white Honda XR motorcycle, CJ 600. Reports indicated that Gonsalves, who was shot multiple times, was pronounced dead by the

Kacey Heyliger Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) who visited the scene. Gonsalves had left home on his motor-

cycle with one of his colleagues as a pillion rider to make a purchase when he was attacked. The pillion rider escaped unharmed when Gonsalves decided to stop in front of the bar after he realised he was being followed by the bandits. Soon after stopping, he was confronted by the robbers. Police said the motorcyclist was proceeding west along Garnett Street when he was attacked by two men on a motorcycle, one of whom was armed with a hand gun. He was shot several times, after which he fell to the

ground. Further information revealed that after the victim was shot and the pillion rider fell to the ground, the motorcycle was taken by the two bandits who made good their escape. On August 30, 2019, Heyliger was freed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the murder of America Street ‘money-changer’ Shawn Nurse, known as “Fabulous”, who was gunned down in Georgetown in 2018. However, his two co-accused Kerwin DosSantos called “Buffy” and George Hope called

Dead: Peter Gonsalves “Gregory”, both 25 years old are to stand trial before a judge and jury at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assize.

Aquaculture sector to become ... From page 2

Mustapha, who was, at the time, making reference to the national strategy. Those levels have clearly not been achieved, but such calculations highlight that, in Guyana, production increases for aquaculture (or inland capture fisheries) depend more on social and economic factors, and policies and an enabling environment, not particularly constrained by resource (area) limitations. ENABLING AND SUSTAINABLE The government, through its updated inland and aquaculture strategy, 2021-2026, plans to address the challenges plaguing the aquaculture industry and create an enabling and sustainable environment for investments. Among some of the initiatives that will drive development in this industry, is the expansion of the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station by four acres, to accommodate research on the arapaima and local species that have potential to become aquaculture species. There are also plans to develop a project for aquaculture zoning both on land and in water. The zoning of lands for aquaculture would allow investors to easily identify and access land. Ahead of anticipated investments in this sector, the government plans to prepare reports on market identification and competitiveness of aquaculture and key inland species. There are also plans to create investment guidelines for sustainable aquaculture. A small-scale aquaculture development project, which would be funded through local or international agencies, will also be established. “The project will seek to boost production through providing support for pond construction, drainage and irrigation, fingerling and feed supply, extension, training, market studies to develop access and processing facility,” said Minister Mustapha. This will pave the way for the re-

suscitation of the National Aquaculture Association (NAAG) and cooperatives. The establishment of NAAG will serve as a primary catalyst to the development of Guyana’s aquaculture sector, through the establishment an organised representative body for aquaculture farmers. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, explained to this publication that freshwater aquaculture has used semi-intensive pond rearing practices to farm the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus); Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus); Jamaican red tilapia; and armoured catfish (Hoplosternum littorale). The Amazonian Tambaqui or pacu (Colossoma macropomum), he said, was introduced into aquaculture around 2012 and is one of the main farmed species currently. Aquaculture is practised mainly along the coast of Guyana. There are also some aquaculture activities in the North Rupununi. The aquaculture systems on the coast generally use freshwater supplied from a number of “water-trapping” structures referred to locally as conservancies. These conservancies, the Boaserie Conservancy, East Demerara Conservancy and Canje Creek, release water into a system of irrigation canals draining ultimately into the Atlantic Ocean. Irrigated farming systems include mainly rice and sugar cane cultivation. In the Rupununi, rain-fed ponds are used and supplemented by pumping water from nearby rivers. The freshwater culture of tilapia uses rice bran, wheat bran, chicken starter and tilapia grower feeds, some of which are locally produced and some imported. “The aquaculture sector in Guyana is still relatively small and, therefore, differences in the performance of individual producers, fingerling production or individual species, can make relatively large differences to total production in the sector,” said Minister Mustapha. Consequently, production figures vary considerably between years. For

example, for 2019 it was reported to be about 246 metric tonnes, but in 2017 it was 696 metric tonnes. HIGH LEVEL CONFERENCE The imminent plans for aquaculture will see those figures increasing tremendously, and, to start progress on this front, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has announced that there will be a high-level conference with all stakeholders next week. “It (aquaculture) has important and recognisable benefits for Guyana… we are positioned to become a major player in aquaculture… and, with the anticipated reduced cost of energy, we need to start preparing for the benefits,” said President Ali during a press briefing at the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Fernando Ponz Canto’s residence, on Thursday. The President said the conference will bring together stakeholders to discuss the potential benefits and create a defined pathway to develop aquaculture and make

it globally competitive. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has already provided US$100,000 to Guyana in 2019, to strengthen the strategic and regulatory framework for inland fisheries and aquaculture development in Guyana. The Fisheries Department in collaboration with the FAO is expected to convert a draft aquaculture regulation to a legal document in 2021. Compliance with this regulation and the relevant authorities like the Environmental Protection Agency, Veterinary Public Health Unit and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority will be requirements for aquaculture operations. The fishing industry is a significant economic earner for the country. It values approximately $8.3Billion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs over 15,000 persons, directly and indirectly, boosting rural development. It is an important contributor to Guyana’s export earnings.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

Energy, physical infrastructure, housing –– among other areas discussed at inaugural “Growth in the Americas” Working Group meeting

The inaugural US- Guyana Growth in the Americas Working Group during their first meeting held virtually on Friday FINANCE and procurement, energy and power generation, physical infrastructure, information technology and housing were discussed at the inaugural US - Guyana Growth in the Americas Working Group meeting on Friday According to the US Embassy, the meeting is a product of the Growth in the Americas Initiative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and Guyanese Minister of Foreign International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, on September 18, 2020 in Georgetown. The MoU aims to facilitate bilateral collaboration in the areas of finance, energy and infrastructure, and identify ways to catalyse private capital for programmatic and project-specific investment opportunities. It further seeks to address technical, regulatory, structural, systemic, economic, and financial obstacles and propose solutions intended to attract the investment necessary to advance Guyana’s prosperity. The US representatives noted the technical assistance the US Government was able to provide in these areas as well as Sovereign Wealth and Public Finance Management to ensure that Guyana’s regulations and business climate stimulate domestic and foreign investment.

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, led the Guyanese delegation and the United States delegation was headed by NSC Senior Director, Josh Hodges, and Treasury Assistant Secretary for International Markets, Mitchell Silk. The US delegation included representatives from the Departments of State, Energy, Commerce, Transportation, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, USAID, the Development Finance Corporation, the National Secu-

rity Council and the U.S. Embassy in Guyana. The Guyanese delegation included representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Public Works, Natural Resources, Housing and Water, and Tourism, Industry and Commerce, as well as representatives from the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Power and Light, and the Telecommunications Agency in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Guyana-Venezuela border case: ruling on jurisdiction set for Dec. 18

ON December 18, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will deliver its decision on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the Guyana-Venezuela border case. The judgement will be delivered by President of the ICJ, Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, at a public sitting at the Peace Palace in the Hague, Netherland, at 15:00 hours. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, representation at the reading will be limited to two per State. The Government of Guyana will be represented at these hearings by David Hales, Ambassador of Guyana to Belgium and non-resident Ambassador to the Netherlands and Lloyd Gunraj, First Secretary, Embassy of Guyana, Brussels. In March 2018, Guyana filed its application in the ICJ seeking an affirmation of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the international boundary that it established. On June 30, Guyana, in its virtual presentation in the Arbitral Award of October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) case said that, not only is Venezuela’s current interpretation of the

Geneva Agreement illogical and erroneous, but it is in stark contrast to the interpretation the Spanish-speaking country had when it signed the very agreement in February, 1966. Represented by a battery of international lawyers, Guyana said that the agreement, in unambiguous terms, empowered the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General to determine an appropriate dispute resolution mechanism to enable a peaceful settlement, which is the ICJ. Distinguished Guyanese Diplomat and CoAgent, Sir Shridath Ramphal, who had led the arguments before the ICJ said the case was of significant importance to the people of Guyana, who are united in defence of their sovereignty and territorial integrity of their homeland. Guyana is seeking to obtain a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela.

The International Court of Justice ( UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Frank van Beek)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

Police, Prison, Fire services meet to enhance collaboration

FIFTY senior officers met with Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, to explore initiatives for development using an inter-agency approach. The “Performance Improvement” meeting was hosted by the Home Affairs Ministry with the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service at the Officers Training Centre (OTC), Camp Road, Georgetown. The meeting was aimed at identifying current issues affecting the agencies and exploring new initiatives in which the three agencies can improve on their service delivery to

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, interacts with one of the groups attending the performance improvement meeting the citizenry, such as safety and security, infrastructural development.

Emphasis was also placed on greater collaboration among Government

agencies and regional and international training for staff, among others.

Man chopped to death at home, suspect arrested A MAN was found dead after an argument and scuffle at his Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) house, on Friday, and the suspect was subsequently arrested. Dead is Christopher Findlay, 50, called “Andy” of Lot 25 Agriculture Road, Triumph, ECD. He suffered chop wounds to the head and other parts of his body. Police who visited the scene found the suspected murder weapon in the yard. Reports indicated that Findlay, who lives alone at the lower flat of a two-storey wooden and concrete structure was last seen alive Friday morning by his neighbor, after he had an argument at his home with his friend known as “Flushing” over some stolen articles. At midday, the neighbour decided to call on Findlay but received no re-

Dead: Christopher Findlay sponse and, upon checking his premises, the neighbour discovered him lying motionless on a bed. The police was contacted and the suspect was arrested. The suspect was identified as a 29-year-old of Kadoo Street, Triumph Village, ECD. The dead man is the brother of former Permanent Secretary and Pastor, Patrick Findlay.

Arakaka Police Outpost set ablaze

A section of the burnt Arakaka Police Outpost POLICE are investigating an arson attempt at the Arakaka Police Outpost, Arakaka, North West District by unknown persons in the wee hours of Friday morning. Reports indicate that the fire occurred at 02:30 hours and investigations by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service have commenced. “Ranks were performing duties in the enquiries office when they heard a loud explosion and instantaneously saw a huge blaze to the front door of the build-

ing following which they immediately rushed and extinguished same with water,” Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor, said He continued: “further checks disclosed that the front door of the building was scorched and a partly burnt five gallon bottle was at the front door. They made further checks around the building but no one was seen around the area. No one was injured during the incident.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

Drugs, alcohol blamed for spike in murders in Region Three By Tamica Garnett REGION Three, thus far in the year, has recorded a 100 per cent increase in murders compared to the previous year and Regional Commander, Errol Watts, blamed the situation on drugs and alcohol consumption. Thus far in the year, 23 murders were recorded in the region, compared to 12 murders in 2019 and 11 the year before. “The bottom line of all these murders has to do with alcohol consumption and abuse, persons engaged in selling drugs. We also have a domestic violence situation in this region. Instead of people sitting down and talking about their matters, they go to the extreme,” explained Watts, who took over as commander of the region in August of this year. One of the most recent murders in the region occurred on November 27 where Jennifer “Judith” Anderson, 62, was allegedly murdered by her son, Devon Anderson, 38, who is said to be a drug addict, and regularly abused his mother. Watts shared that thus far, police in the region have been able to solve 95 per cent of the murders. Of the 23 murders that have occurred thus far in the region, 17 persons have been charged for murder, four for manslaughter and two inquests were held. Watts shared that improved measures are being put in place to tackle crime in the region and the police has a handle on the situation. “I am satisfied as the commander that we are set to ensuring crime and security is kept under control. We have our 31 anti-crime booths set up across the region. We have seen a significant reduction in the occurrences of crime. Importantly and strategically, we have our fixed point anti-crime monitoring going on at the Harbour Bridge. We also monitor the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, the Parika Ferry Stelling, and we work with the COVID-19 team,” Watts said.

NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL The region’s police force has also already worked out its security plans for the Christmas season and has warned residents that it will not be business as usual, particularly given the COVID-19 restrictions in effect. “Christmas eve night we will have a special operation at Vreed-en-Hoop, where persons normally commute. This year will not be normal, we will not allow persons to come out in large numbers because of COVID-19. So we are going to prevent that early. As well these explosives those persons are using and is customary around this time, we will have systems in place to counter that,” he said. Since assuming the post, Watts said the police have also been going out into the fields to meet with the residents of the various communities across the region, to get their say and see what ideas and suggestions could be garnered for the police to incorporate into the plans they implement going forward. “For the year 2020, we have created a crime plan which includes community meetings. We went all across the region where we engaged persons throughout. We listened to their concerns and received valid information from them and based on those information received, we are rolling out our raids and anti-crime measures to ensure we intercept persons, especially those engaging in illegal activities involving marijuana, alcohol or stolen articles,” Watts explained. FULL SUPPORT He added that: “We have gotten the full support of the citizenry in Region Three and police administration in terms of giving us encouragement. And we are open to objective criticism, as long as we see positive in them we will change to suit what is going on.” Watts said various training has also been ongoing with the ranks in the region to better equip them with the skills to handle situa-

Region Three Regional Commander, Errol Watts tions that arise. A number of ranks were recently involved in noise nuisance training with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) while a number of ranks have also been trained in first aid assistance. “Under the leadership of a doctor and his team from GPHC Emergency, the

ranks were certified and are now qualified to render firstaid in cases where needed,” Watts shared. Robust efforts are also being made to tackle the traffic situation in the region where death by dangerous driving is one of the most prevalent crimes. “We have established six traffic booths throughout the West Bank and West Coast. The booths are strategically placed and have been proving to be very effective with a positive effect on slowing down the traffic,” Watts said. The commander explained that the focus in the region is wider than just charging errant drivers, but is more focused on changing the overall culture of drivers in the region. “We believe in education, encouragement, enforcement, our last intention is to charge. We believe if we can change the culture we can get more compliance,” Watts said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

Granger requests deferral of meeting to open formal engagement with gov’t

New Amsterdam mayor, deputy re-elected

FORMER President, David Granger, has requested more information pertaining to a ‘working lunch’ set by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s at 12:00 hours on Tuesday December 15 at State House. President Ali recently invited all former presidents to meet at State House to share and generate ideas while talking about Guyana’s future development. The former Presidents are Bharrat Jagdeo (currently Vice-President), Donald Ramotar, Samuel Hinds and Ali’s immediate predecessor, David Granger. Granger acknowledged receipt of a letter dated December 4 from Gail Teixeira, Minister of Governance inviting

MAYOR Winifred Haywood and her deputy, Mr. Wainwright McIntosh were nominated unopposed to continue serving the township of New Amsterdam township in their respective

Former President, David Granger him, but noted that the meeting should be deferred until the important issues for the meet-

ing could be on an agenda and satisfactorily settled. “There was no indication of the preparation that would be needed, the relevance of the engagement to government policies and the outcome that would be expected from deliberations. The President’s intention, on the other hand, according to newspaper reports is to generate ideas on ‘Guyana’s development’,” Granger noted in a press release. Minister Teixeira on Friday explained that the meeting on December 15 is expected to open up an avenue for formal engagement with Mr Granger, and as such, no formal agenda at that time would be required beforehand.

President, Irfaan Ali Granger, in the release, claimed that there is public concern about certain governmental actions – including the high rates of deaths as a result of the pandemic; unwarranted dismissals of public servants; harassment of Elections Commission officials and human rights violations – which can have consequences for Guyana’s short-, medium- and long-term national development.

Mayoress Winifred Heywood and her deputy, Mr. Wainwright McIntosh posts for another year. Haywood has pledged to move the Council forward with the support of its councillors as well as the citizens of New Amsterdam. The mayor and her deputy are both veteran educators, having collectively served for over 55 years within the Ministry of Education. The election process, which started minutes after the scheduled 10:00hrs it was due to commence, saw observers being drawn from the Guyana Police Force and the Regional Democratic Council. Earlier in the day, Returning Officer and Acting Town Clerk, Ms. Kerryanne Edwards informed those present that she was in receipt of excuses from two councillors, namely, Dr. Orville Grayson Halley and Mr. Quacy Isaacs, the representatives of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) respectively. Consequently, those present opted to vote by a show of hands, moments after Councillor Keith Mayers moved to nominate Heywood as mayor. The vote was supported by Councillors Sheanta Lambert and Pollyann Shultz, and shortly thereafter, Councillor McIntosh asked that nominations be closed. No sooner had he done so than the elected mayor, ably supported by fellow A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Councillor, Mr. Kirt Fraser, nominated him to return as her deputy. The PPP/C’s Councillor Zabarally Armogan requested that nominations be closed, even as he pledged his party’s full support.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

CDB approves US$190M Linden to Mabura road project THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding for the upgrading of 121 kilometres of road from the town of Linden to Mabura Hill, so as to improve connectivity between Guyana’s hinterland and the coastal cities. The project at reference is the first phase of a wider plan to develop a transportation corridor from Georgetown, the capital City, to Lethem on the southwest border, thereby connecting the port in Georgetown with northern Brazil, the Bank says in a release. “The upgrading of this portion of the largely unpaved road from Linden to Mabura Hill is more than an infrastructure project; it will include social safeguards that will ensure residents benefit from the road development, and environmental protections to preserve the ecosystem. The project will also include activities to mitigate risks associated with increased development, which will build social resilience in the communities along the corridor, and preserve the rights of vulnerable groups,” CDB’s acting Vice-President (Operations), Diana Wilson Patrick is quoted as saying in the release. The US$190M project is being funded with the aid of a US$g112M loan from CDB, a £50 million (US$66 million) grant from the Government of the United Kingdom through the CDB-administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, and a contribution of US$12 million from the Government of Guyana. It represents the largest project that the CDB has ever financed in its 50 years of existence.

“The UK’s support to the Linden to Mabura Hill Road Project demonstrates our strong commitment to Guyana, a key partner for the UK. This transformative project will be critical for the development of Guyana’s north-south connection; it will contribute significantly to economic development and social inclusion, while being climate resilient,” said Acting British High Commissioner to Guyana Ray Davidson. The unpaved 450-kilometre road from Linden to Lethem is often impassable in the rainy season, due to flooding along low-lying sections of it. The upgrading of the corridor will provide year-round connectivity between Linden and Mabura Hill, improving conditions for local and long-haul transport, which can increase trade between Guyana and Brazil. In addition, residents in the remote communities along the Linden to Mabura Hill corridor will see immediate benefits from improved access to basic essential services, and an expansion in economic activity. The project will also bolster ecotourism along the corridor, by improving access to several nature reserves, such as the Iwokrama Rain Forest. As an additional benefit, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing poverty in the country, the road project will provide both short and long-term direct employment in a region characterised by high unemployment. It will also advance sustainable livelihoods of small and medium-scale enterprises, by facilitating access to financing, markets, and capacity-building services for residents in the project area, includ-

ing Indigenous Peoples. The project will promote the improved social resilience of communities through capacity-building sessions. This will help to

mitigate risks that could result from increased construction activity, and heightened development of the area. The sessions will increase awareness

about critical social issues such as gender equality, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the welfare of people with disabilities, children, youth, and the

elderly. The project will also include an essential road safety component to protect road users and communities along the route.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 12, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 12, 2020

Over 30 to battle tonight at ‘Resilience’ bodybuilding competition THIRTY-ONE bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts are set to take the stage tonight at the National Cultural Centre for the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport ‘Resilience’ competition. The event, which is the first for the sport since February, will be spectator-free, since organisers are looking to follow COVID-19 regulations. According to the president of GBBFF, Keavon Bess, over $1M will be up for grabs. Bodybuilding Lightweights (athletes at 165 pounds and lower), Bodybuilding Heavyweights (athletes at 166 pounds and higher), Ms Bikini and Men’s Physique will have $100 000 as the first prize, while the second-place winners will collect $70 000 and third-placers $50 000. Additionally, the overall winner of the Bodybuilding segment would receive $200 000. Along with the ministry, Fitness Express is also a sponsor of the event. Both reigning Mr Guyana Marlon ‘Bolo’ Bennett and National Bikini champion Rosanna Fung are scheduled to compete. Bennett would have stiff competition from the likes of former Mr Guyana Clint Duke, Caerus Cipriani, CAC finalist Darius Ramsammy, Guyana’s Strong Man winner Carlos Petterson-Griffith and several other seasoned bodybuilders and up-and-coming

competitors looking to make their names. Fung is scheduled to compete against four other ladies, including the 2020 Novice champion Ashanti Conway and first runner-up Christina Ramsammy. None of the top three from the 2019 Senior National Championships Men’s Physique will battle tonight, but several talented and well defined competitors will look to take centre stage. Among the likes are 2020 Novice champion Jonathan Jeffrey and the talented Renaldo Caldeira, who is being trained by former Senior National Mr Physique winner Yannick Grimes. Information from the federation indicates that the event would now start at 20:00hrs and can be viewed live on the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Facebook page, HJTV, NCN Channel 11, Channel 28 and NTN. “The time for the competition has been changed from 19:00hrs and to 20:00hrs. This slight change is to accommodate the synchronisation of the different TV stations and media outlets.” The two-hour competition will be judged by three of Guyana’s top judges: Frank Tucker (Chief Judge), Franklyn Brisport and Aubrey Henry. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, will be in attendance. All videography and production will be handled and facilitated by the Hits and Jams team.

GCB Tropical Spring T20 Over-40 Tournament semis …

WD Masters, Regal to tussle in today’s final

WEST Demerara (WD) Masters and Regal Masters will face each other in today’s final of GCB Tropical Spring T20 Over40 tourney, after completing resounding semi-final wins yesterday. In the first match in the semis reduced to 15 overs per side, WD Mavericks, having won the toss, elected to bat first. After stumbling to 33 for 2 from 7.2 overs, before rain interrupted once again, Muneshwar Balgobin and middle-order batsman Sohan Bedasi were unbeaten on 17 and 10 respectively. Ramesh Thakur had taken both wickets to fall at this stage. Following a prompt restart after the short interruption in play which lasted less than 10 minutes, the inform Muneshwar Balgobin sought to propel the score, hitting a six before he was out for 24 with the score on 41 for 3. However, with the overs dwindling WD Mavericks found it difficult to post a challenging total, closing their innings at 67 for 8 off 15 overs. Sohan Bedasi was the only other major contributor with the bat with 20, a knock which included 2 sixes. Bowling for WD Masters, Chabiraj Ramcharran had exceptional figures of 3 for 8 from 3 overs and Ramesh Thakur 2 for 12 from 3 overs. Steve Haripaul and Seenarine Mathura took 1 for 12 and 1 for 14 respectively. In reply, WD Masters

lost wickets periodically to give WD Mavericks a glimmer of hope, However Masters were eventually able to surpass the WD Mavericks’ score, reaching for 68 for 5 from 12.4 overs. Captain Sudesh Persaud was the most instrumental with the bat, stroking an unbeaten 21, while Patrick Khan was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 11 not out. WD Mavericks bowling was led by Devendra Ramdehol’s magical figures of 2 for 3 from 3 overs, while Lalta Suknanan and David Albert claimed 2 for 18 from 3 overs and 1 for 12 from 2 overs respectively. WD Masters won by 5 wickets. In the second semi-final match, Regal Masters won the toss and inserted Jai Hind to bat. Regal’s decision appeared a favourable one, as they sent back the first 5 Jai Hind batsmen without any of them being able to reach double figures. Veerapen Moonsammy stroked 31 before being run-out for 38, while the in-form Anil Beharry, batting in the lower order on this occasion, supported with 21. Jai Hind managed to make 97 all out from their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Regal raced to 43 for 2 from 3.5, before rain interrupted play Number 2 opening batsman David Dick slammed 18, inclusive of 2 sixes before being caught off the bowling of Deonarine. At the interruption, the

number 1 opening batsman, Chien Gittens was unbeaten on 16, a knock that included 2 fours, while middle-order batsman Ejaz Mohammed was yet to face a ball. With play scheduled to restart, it was initially reduced to 15 overs with Regal needing 80 to win. However, Jai Hind having first stepped into the field, initially refused to play due to what they called wet and slippery conditions. However, the call on conditions, weather and light, resided with the umpires, and by the time, they were able to ascertain the reason for Jai Hind’s unwillingness to remain on the field, and a decision to play was agreed to, by Jai Hind, the overs had to be further reduced to 8, with Regal needing only 47 to win. Regal, already 43 for 2, needed only 4 runs from 4.1 overs. This Duckworth

Lewis and Stern calculation had the writing on the wall for Jai Hind, in what can be considered resilient attempts by the fielding side to indicate unfavourable fielding conditions - one bowler attempting to bowl, from the southern end aborting his run and the other sliding as he approached the crease to deliver. However, Jai Hind’s attempts for the umpires to abandon the match failed, as the match officials eventually awarded the match to Regal Masters, as Jai Hind refused to continue play.. WD Masters will oppose Regal Masters today from 12:00hrs at Everest, with the Enmore Community Centre ground being the alternative venue reserved, should weather threaten play in the city.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Saturday, December 12, 2020 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) 19 (2) 16

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI has scored most centuries in WI/NZ Tests in the WI to date? (2) Which NZ player has registered most hundreds in WI/NZ Tests in the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 12, 2020

Fisherman Masters hoping GBA hosts successful General Meeting to continue winning streak Biennial … Air Badminton to be

REIGNING Over-45 Prime Minister’s T20 Cup champions Fisherman Masters are hoping that their victory in the prestigious competition would not only announce them as an elite team to the softball community (both locally and in the U.S.), but will also promote a sense of confidence in the squad going forward. Skipper of the team, Zameer Hassan, said that the team could not truly consider themselves great, unless they had won this competition. Once the pandemic is over and the sport returns to normal, the side would look to take to the field to compete both locally and overseas. According to Hassan, the team have been constantly improving. In 2019, they won several local competitions including the Trophy Stall Mash Softball title and the Enterprise Busta Sports Club Softball title, before they travelled to the U.S. to compete in the New York Softball Cricket League. They grew with players from several different areas, including Mahaica, East Bank, Parika and Essequibo. Hassan, who lives in Eccles, said that despite their

dominance in 2019, this year has brought them more joy on the field. “I have been playing softball since I was a teenager, winning this final is a great feeling for me and the team, because our team made it to

Floodlight Guyana Cup final three times and never pulled it off.” In the final of the PM Cup, Fisherman Masters entered with a balanced side. Players like Keith Fraser, Stanley Mohabir, R. Malone, Jagdesh

Owner of Fisherman Masters, Pooran Singh, (left) and captain Zameer Hassan pose with the prestigious 2020 PM T20 Cup trophy

Persaud, Pooran Singh and Hassan were able to give the side that needed edge. Despite the lack of practice, Fisherman Masters had a feeling that 2020 was going to be their year to win the title in the T20 competition. The road to victory was clearer when they defeated defending champions Regal in their second game in the six-team battle. In the final against Wellman Masters they had a dream start when Fraser slammed the highest individual score to date, 178 not out, to push them to 240-5, but Greg De Franca with a century and Troy Lewis with a half-century also spoiled their party. In the end it was Mohabir who was able to keep his nerve in the last over to restrict Wellman for 237-4, which handed Fisherman Masters the title. Hassan said that this year’s team would not have been successful without their sponsors Payless Variety Store, Satrohan Sookdeo, RockAway, Stars Party Rentals, KFC, Perfect Print, P. Singh and Son, Fishing Depot, Factory Price and their supporters, including regular scorer Ramesh Parsaram.

UEFA, CONCACAF support GFF through ‘Bounceback’ initiative

GUYANA Football Federation is primed to resume football activities in a safe and responsible way as soon as approval is granted by the authorities, thanks to capacity-building and technical support from the ‘Bounceback’ partnership between UEFA and CONCACAF, according to president Wayne Forde.

support and expert guidance of the UEFA Assist team, and CONCACAF, during this crucial phase of planning have been invaluable as we prepare to navigate the next steps towards the careful resumption of football. This programme has enabled us to accelerate our preparations with confidence and to strength-

en our administration and management capabilities in order to ensure that our community feels safe and confident to return to the field of play.” Through the ‘Bounceback’ programme, European football administration experts work with partner associations around the world to de-

velop an action plan for the resumption of football and focus on four key areas: technical development, league and clubs, commercial, governance and administration.

Stewart Regan - UEFA consultant Eva Pasquier - UEFA Head of International Relations

During a virtual press conference that also featured Eva Pasquier - UEFA Head of International Relations, Howard McIntosh Senior Projects manager at CONCACAF, and UEFA consultant and former Scottish Football Association CEO Stewart Regan, president Forde said: “The

Howard McIntosh - CONCACAF Senior Projects manager (left) and GFF president Wayne Forde

Within the programme, GFF has established a COVID-19 Task Force to oversee and implement the safe and responsible return of football when conditions and permissions allow. Detailed ’return to train’ and ‘return to play’ protocols have also been developed for national teams, regional associations and clubs, and community football.

launched December 17

GUYANA Badminton Association (GBA) held its Biennial General Meeting on Thursday at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) with long-serving president Gokarn Ramdhani re-elected as head. GBA also plans to kick-start one of its programmes, an Air Badminton format, on December 17, at the National Park It hopes to launch with Demos and the general public is invited along with badminton players. The programme will start at 16:00hrs and end at 18:00hrs. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) and HSBC jointly launched a new outdoor game, Air Badminton, and a new outdoor shuttlecock, the Air Shuttle, at a global launch ceremony outside the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China, yesterday. Air Badminton is an ambitious new development project in partnership with HSBC, BWF’s Global Development Partner, designed to create opportunities for people of all ages and ability to play badminton on hard, grass and sand surfaces in parks, gardens, streets, playgrounds and beaches around the world. The project has been five years in the making, starting with a vision to develop a new outdoor shuttlecock with increased durability, stability and wind resistance to allow people to have a more positive experience of badminton outdoors. “This is a momentous occasion for badminton. Strategically, Air Badminton will allow us to fulfil our overall objective of putting a badminton racquet in the hands of as many persons as possible. “Given that most people’s first experience with badminton comes in an outdoor environment, we are now making it easier for everyone to access the sport through a new outdoor game and new shuttlecock, the Air Shuttle. “In the future, we see Air Badminton as an exciting, new, energetic version of the sport. Overall, the aim is to inspire more people to play more badminton in more places.” said Ramdhani. Meanwhile the executive members elected include Sub-Committee, Emergency Committee (Disciplinary) - Dr Anna Perreira; Selection Committee (Players/ Teams) - Chet Bowlen; Fixtures Committee (Matches & Competitions) - Dr Easa Sanichara; Fund-Raising Committee: Christine Kumar; National captain Akili Haynes; International captain: Narayan Ramdhani. The GFF has sought approval for a return to action from the National COVID-19 Task Force – a step that is seen as crucial in order to give the Golden Jaguars enough time to prepare for their historic return to the CONCACAF Gold Cup next year. Rival nations have already started their own preparations. Speaking on behalf of UEFA, Pasquier said: “The president and leadership team at the GFF have put a huge amount of work into the UEFA Assist Bounceback initiative and we are delighted to see the quality of their action plan. “It is very rewarding to see their determination to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and we will be by their side on their journey.” As part of the programme, GFF has also launched an engagement strategy to keep the football community connected during the lockdown, featuring a

social media campaign “#wecare,” which features football drills and exercises conducted by GFF ambassador, players and coaches. “CONCACAF is fully committed to supporting its member associations through a variety of capacity-building initiatives. We have teamedup with UEFA Assist to deliver a structured programme called Bounceback to help the GFF recover from the impact of COVID-19,” said McIntosh. “We are very impressed with their work ethic, and their leadership, through their president. Wayne Forde will be a key contributory factor in their progress during 2021 and beyond. We wish them every success.” GFF is only the second member association in the CONCACAF region, after Mexico, to be selected for the UEFA Assist programme.

Nicholls, Wagner punish West Indies HENRY Nicholls moved past 150 and found excellent lower-order support from Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner as New Zealand pushed towards a formidable first-innings total on a pitch that still has plenty to offer the fast bowlers. With the West Indies fielders continuing to put chances down, New Zealand added 128 runs at 5.12 an over during a punishing first session to go to lunch at 422 for 8. Sixty-three of those runs came during an unbroken ninth-wicket stand between Nicholls and Wagner, the latter going after the predominantly short-ball tactics of the West Indies fast bowlers and rushing to 48 off 33 balls

before the lunch interval interrupted his quest for a maiden Test-match fifty. It would be a most appropriate way for Wagner to celebrate his 50th Test. New Zealand lost two wickets in the session, both to Alzarri Joseph, who came on immediately after the drinks break and created chances with his angle from wide of the crease. Jamieson nicked him to second slip, and Tim Southee played on - much like BJ Watling on day one - while cramped for room by the angle and extra bounce. Either side of that, though, it was all New Zealand, with Nicholls adding just 43 to his overnight score but gluing the lower order

together and shutting West Indies down entirely from one end. The luck that defined his batting on day one seemed to continue through the start of the day's play, when he inside-edged Shannon Gabriel past his stumps, but as the morning went on he grew increasingly fluent. He picked up frequent singles and twos to the deep fielders square on both sides of the wicket - the in-out fields Jason Holder set for Nicholls seemed a tad defensive since he wasn't actively going after the bowling - and unfurling some attractive strokes too, none better than a wristy on-drive off Joseph that bisected mid-on and midwicket.

Over 30 to battle tonight at ‘Resilience’ bodybuilding competition

SEE PAGE 22

Henry Nicholls raises his bat and acknowledges the crown has he moved past 150

GBA hosts successful Biennial General Meeting … Air Badminton to be launched December 17

SEE PAGE 23

Proprietor of Fitness Express, Jamie McDonald, left, presents the sponsorship cheque to president of GBBFF, Keavon Bess. Fitness Express is one of the sponsors of tonight’s event SEE PAGE 22

Left to right, Emelia Ramdhani - secretary, Darrell Carpenay - treasurer, Ayanna Watson- vice-president, Gokarn Ramdhani-president, Dr Shivannie Persaud - Asst. secretary Marlon Chung-Asst. treasurer and Ryan Chang - Committee Member

WD Masters, Regal to tussle in today’s final

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020