Issuu

WEDNESDAY 27th October, 2021

' No.106527

Act or consign humanity to doom PAGE

– President Ali tells high-level UN forum

Liza Unity arrives for testing ahead of 2022 start-up PAGE

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

FAO lauds Guyana’s approach 15 to agriculture PAGE

The Liza Unity being led into Guyana’s waters (DPI photo)

Vaccination ‘We are of children going around 5-11 years in circles’ 04 could begin –– AG says during appeal hearing next week 14 of dismissed elections petition PAGE

PAGE

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall

Liza Unity arrives for testing ahead of 2022 start-up

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

The Liza Unity FPSO, which has the capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of oil, is currently in the Stabroek Block being prepared for testing and commissioning (Department of Public Information photo) TWICE the size of the first, Guyana’s second oil ship, the Liza Unity, has arrived in the Stabroek Block alongside its sister vessel, the Liza Destiny. This was confirmed on Tuesday by the Ministry of Natural Resources which said that the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel had been travelling for 53 days and covered more than 11,000 nautical miles since it departed the Keppel shipyard in Singapore. Mike Ryan, the Production Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana has confirmed that the Liza Unity FPSO, christened by First Lady, Arya Ali, earlier in the year, is on schedule for an early 2022 start-up. “I’m so proud of the Unity team. The sail itself is long. The advent of COVID-19 was challenging, but the team was resilient, pushed through and delivered a beautiful FPSO that’s here in Guyana,” Ryan said in a statement to the media. He explained that the fully certified vessel will now be connected to the spread mooring before preparation for testing and commissioning. “We’re all really excited that she’s joined the neighbourhood next to Liza Destiny, and we’re really looking forward to the next few phases as we bring this FPSO online into 2022,” Ryan noted. According to ExxonMobil Guyana, the Liza Unity FPSO is the world’s first FPSO to be awarded for its sustainable design, documentation and operational procedures. The vessel has been awarded the SUSTAIN-1 notation by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), which is the Classification Society for the unit. “This means that the design and construction of the unit is assessed against and adheres to the requirements of the ABS Guide for Sustainability Notations, aligned with the applicable United Nations Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs),” the oil company said in a statement. Ryan believes that the standard for operational excellence set with the construction of the Liza Unity demonstrates the level of quality that ExxonMobil Guyana aspires to meet on every aspect of its projects. “We remain committed to producing the energy which is essential to modern life and economic development, in a way that helps protect people and the environment,” Ryan added. ENDURING VALUES He continued: “The development concept and our work on the Liza Unity FPSO has been guided by our enduring values: personnel safety, operational quality, executing on commitments to shareholders and resource owners, and bringing energy to the world while respecting our commitment to the environment and communities in which we operate.” Meanwhile, with oil earnings already exceeding US$1 billion at half-year, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, has projected that the industry will benefit from mammoth revenue increases, owing to the operations of additional FPSOs. “Now imagine, this [the US$1B] is just what we are earning from the Liza Destiny alone; that is our small FPSO; that is our baby,” Bharrat emphasised. He said that by 2026, the oil and gas industry will be serviced by a fleet of four FPSOs, which would have the capacity to facilitate as much as 50 oil lifts per year, at one million barrels per lift. As it is, the Liza Unity is built to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day with an overall storage volume of up to two million barrels. In the coming years, both the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity will be supported by the Prosperity See page 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Act or consign humanity to doom

– President Ali tells high-level UN forum DELAYED climate action is unthinkable, said President Dr. Irfaan Ali as he addressed a high-level thematic debate on ‘Delivering Climate Action for People, Planet & Prosperity’, which was convened virtually by the United Nations’ General Assembly on Tuesday. Emphasising the fact that climate change continues to be one of humanity’s foremost existential threats, the Head of State told world leaders, “We are faced with no other choice but to act now, or consign humanity to doom.” He stressed that the world’s failure to ramp up its overall ambitions will result in higher and more unbearable economic and environmental costs. Further, President Ali recognised that despite setbacks occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic, global greenhouse gas emissions have rebounded. “Even more disturbing is that the world is not on track to achieve the global temperature goals set under the Paris Agreement on climate change,” the Guyanese leader posited. He noted, too, that science has emphasised the importance and urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century to avoid irreversible changes in the environment.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (Office of the President photo) “Deep emission reduc- knowledged, too, that failure COP26 should be strategic tions are needed; and needed to agree, and take bold and in focusing on. now if we are to limit global ambitious action against cliRESTORE warming to 1.5 degrees Cel- mate change will be tragic CONFIDENCE sius by the end of the centu- for all, especially for Small “COP26 must restore ry,” Dr. Ali noted. Island Developing and confidence in international He said that the forum is a Low-Lying Coastal States. much-welcomed curtain-rais“Already, Small-Island cooperation such as that er ahead of the 26th Session Developing and Low-Lying which led to the historic of the Conference of Parties Coastal States are threat- Paris Agreement on climate of the United Nations Frame- ened by dangerously ris- change; COP26 must maniwork Convention on Climate ing sea levels, and extreme fest a revitalised spirit of inChange (COP26). weather events, includ- ternational solidarity, and President Ali said, point- ing flooding, droughts and more equitable sharing of edly, that the world must more intense hurricanes, responsibilities, particulardeliver an outcome at COP26 and by the destruction ly on the part of the world’s that demonstrates a global of critical economic as- largest emitters; COP26 resolve to protect human sets,” Dr. Ali posited, as he must be underscored by an life and biodiversity. He ac- highlighted key areas that emphasis on implementa-

tion and honouring commitments; COP26 must result in decisions that would allow for the transfer of financing and technologies to support mitigation and adaptation in small states,” President Ali affirmed. He said that Guyana will continue to play its part in reducing emissions, and providing the world with critical climate and ecosystem services. He made specific reference to the country’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which stands as a model of the significant contributions small states can make in promoting climate action aimed at reducing emissions and increasing climate resilience. “Guyana is expanding its Low-Carbon Development Strategy into a comprehensive framework to include protection of biodiversity, freshwater management, and the protection of the marine economy,” Dr. Ali noted. Last month, during his attendance at the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), President Ali restated Guyana’s commitment to providing strong leadership on issues such as climate change and food security. At the forum in Mexico, President Ali said that ahead of COP26, a systemic

approach in dealing with issues of the environment and climate change should be agreed on. “This approach must speak to issues of access to resources to address adaption and mitigation, establishment of a climate vulnerability fund, and fulfilment of pledges made by the developed world,” Dr. Ali said. Additionally, in his address to the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders’ Summit, held amid the high-level segment of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr. Ali stressed the need for improved financing for mitigation and adaptation of climate change measures, and efforts to decarbonise economies. More specifically, the President also underscored that there is need for developed countries to honour their pledge of US$100 billion annually, under the Paris Agreement, and to commit to unlocking simplified and direct access to concessional finance for climate-vulnerable economies through the use of a Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). In wrapping up his latest climate change meeting, President Ali told his fellow leaders that “the fate of humanity is in our hands,” and stressed, “We must not disappoint. The time for action is now!”

Liza Unity arrives for testing ahead... From page 2

FPSO which is under construction in Singapore and the Yellowtail FPSO, which is slated to come on stream by 2026. Minister Bharrat had said that with the Liza Unity FPSO, Guyana’s annual oil lifts could grow from five to as much as 12. Additionally, he said that when the Payara Development Project comes on stream, the country would benefit from yet another 10 to 12 oil lifts per year. “That is in total close to 30 lifts per year with Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity,” Minister Bharrat noted. MIND-BLOWING Moreover, by 2026, the operations of the Yellowtail FPSO will increase the

annual oil lifts to approximately 50. “The proceeds from oil and gas will be mind-blowing,” Bharrat surmised. With crude prices hovering at US$80 a barrel, Guyana is poised to earn as much as US$4,000,000,000 (GYD$836,902,800,000) each year for those projected 50 oil lifts. To paint an even clearer picture, it was explained that oil proceeds will be twice the 2021 national budget by 2026, which totalled $383 billion. Minister Bharrat had also reminded that the aforementioned earnings are outside of other benefits such as royalties, which could see the Natural Resources Fund closing off the year with US$600 million, which re-

mains untouched. Nonetheless, ExxonMobil has said that its overall operations have so far provided employment for more than 2,860 Guyanese who work on various oil exploration and development activities offshore Guyana. Exxon’s Ryan has also commended the work of the company’s Guyanese staff. “Guyana should be very proud of the Guyanese who are offshore,” Ryan said. The 30-well Liza Phase 2 development, which will be served by the Liza Unity, will produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, with the support of six drill centres. This includes 15 production wells, nine water injection wells and six gas injection wells. Phase 2 start-up

The Liza Unity being led into Guyana’s waters (DPI photo) is expected in early 2022 and will develop approximately 600 million barrels of oil.

Liza Phase 2 is expected to cost $6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of

approximately $1.6 billion for the Liza Unity FPSO vessel, ExxonMobil said.

‘We are going around in circles’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

–– AG says during appeal hearing of dismissed elections petition

ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Tuesday, insisted that the Opposition’s appeal of the Chief Justice’s dismissal of Elections Petition 99 of 2020, is a waste of the Court of Appeal’s time. On January 18, 2021, Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George had struck out Elections Petition 99 of 2020, which had been filed by Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse. They were asking the court to nullify the outcome of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and declare that President Dr. Irfaan Ali is illegally occupying office. The appeal is being heard by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices

of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud. During the last hearing, Justice Persaud’s had inquired as to whether the appeal should have been filed in the Full Court of the High Court instead of the Court of Appeal. APNU’s attorneys-at-law Roysdale Forde, S.C., and Trinidadian attorney, John Jeremie, S.C., had argued that the Appellate Court has jurisdiction to hear the appeal of the petition. Jeremie had even asked the court to reinstate the petition, which was thrown out by the CJ on procedural grounds. However, the AG in response had rejected the lawyers’ contentions, saying that the Court of Appeal does not have jurisdiction to hear the case, since the matter

Wednesday, 27 October 09:30hrs - 11:00hrs

was thrown out by the High Court, and no evidence was heard. Nandlall submitted that based on the uniqueness of the case, like the Appeal Court, the Full Court also has no jurisdiction to hear the case. As such, the Appeal Court had asked the parties to lay over written submissions and replies on this issue. On Monday, Forde asked the court for time to file additional submissions in the case while Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes, who is representing VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo, asked the court to reject the request. According to Mendes, Forde’s submissions that he had laid over to the court were mostly focused on the jurisdiction of the Appeal Court and not the Full Court as is required. In brief oral remarks, Nandlall urged the judges to bring an end to the matter by ruling on the issue of jurisdiction since the case might be a “clog” in the judicial system. “Respectfully, I believe we are going around in circles,” the AG said as he ad-

dressed the issue of whether the Full Court has any jurisdiction in appeal proceedings regarding election petition litigation “ Our respectful answer to that question is a resounding No !” the AG said before explaining that, “ One would arrive at such a conclusion if one understands carefully the historical evolution of the jurisdiction, something that we have said over and over again, and the nature, extent and special limited aspect of that jurisdiction are being described repeatedly as ‘sui generis’. ” The Attorney-General drew to the court’s attention Section 79 of the High Court Act, which reads “An appeal shall lie to the Full Court from any judgment given or order made by a single judge of the Court in the exercise of its civil jurisdiction in respect of which there is no appeal to the Court of Appeal.” He submitted that one would interpret this section to mean that in the appeal of elections petitions matters, the Full Court cannot exercise its civil jurisdiction. “We have put forward court cases after cases explaining the nature and type

of jurisdiction that was received by the High Court … but this is a jurisdiction that the court never had,” the AG said. He explained that the Parliament of Guyana had given such power to resolve elections disputes to the High Court and when a decision is made in this “narrow” jurisdiction it can only be appealed at the Court of Appeal. “One cannot wander outside of that narrow corridor…We cannot eke out a jurisdiction where one does not exist…Mr. Forde cannot confer jurisdiction where one does not exist,” the AG said. Nevertheless, the Chancellor said that she believed that the matter was of national importance and the issues of all parties needed to be properly heard. The Chancellor then adjourned the case until November 26 for report, after which a timeline for submissions and ruling will be set. In January, Forde had moved to the Court of Appeal to have the Chief Justice’s decision set aside. The appeal, among other things, is contending that she erred in law, and misdirected herself when she misapplied the doctrine of strict compliance, by holding that such compliance is related to the contents of the Affidavit of Service instead of the filing of the Affidavit of Service in a timely manner. Another ground claims that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself when she failed to consider the objective of the petition in making her decision on the

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall content of the Affidavit of Service. Aside from Jagdeo, the Coalition has named Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield, representatives of several political parties and former President, David Granger, as respondents. In June, the Coalition appealed the second elections petition case, 88 of 2020, which was filed by Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick. That petition was dismissed on April 26 by the CJ, on the grounds of serious non-compliance with the Constitution of Guyana, and electoral laws as it relates to GECOM’s conduct of those elections. The Chief Justice held that the petitioners failed to present evidence to support that the conduct of those elections contravened the Constitution and electoral laws.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Grade Six teachers urged to assist all pupils, based on their individual weaknesses years prior, the statement said. Monday’s meeting is expected to be the first of several that the minister plans to have with teachers, as the ministry works towards helping to prepare pupils to perform better

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand (top left) and the MoE’s Dr. Marcel Hutson (top row, centre), other MoE officials and Grade Six teachers during the virtual meeting MINISTER of Education Priya Manickchand has charged Grade Six teachers all across the country to individually assist their pupils in the areas where they are weakest, as they prepare for the 2022 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Minister Manickchand and several senior Ministry of Education (MoE) officials, including Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcel Hutson, met virtually with the teachers on Monday.

During the meeting, the results of the 2021 NGSA were discussed. The ministry officials and the teachers also looked at ways of improving the performance of pupils writing the 2022 exams, a release from the Ministry of Education said. “Think of each student, and devise a plan to assist each child, based on their weaknesses. Our aim is to ensure every secondary school child is prepared for secondary school. Please look at your children with a

different eye, so that you can prepare your children to enjoy a better life in the future,” Manickchand is quoted as saying in the release. The teachers were also asked to make a note of the students in their class who need textbooks, so that the items can be sourced and provided. Manickchand thanked the teachers for the tremendous work that they have done over the past year, and also during the

through collaborative efforts. The 2022 NGSA has already been set for July 6 and 7. However, the ministry has noted that the dates can change, pending any new development in the COVID-19

pandemic, which has been ongoing since early 2020. Again, in 2022, the exam papers will be prepared covering topics only up to the Grade Five level, based on a consolidated curriculum.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Sophia Core Homes

HE Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, (CH&PA) has signed contracts to the tune of $136M for the construction of core homes in Sophia, Greater Georgetown. The homes are constructed under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP). This programme is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which, in addition to the construction of core homes, also provide for the basic infrastructural works. Several other communities have already benefitted from this facility and other low income areas are also being targeted. This is yet another manifestation of the interventions made by the PPP/C administration to address the housing needs of Guyanese, especially low income earners who are challenged financially to build their own homes. This facility will be of tremendous benefit to the residents, who until the regularisation programme initiated by the PPP, were squatting on state lands.

Many residents in the Sophia area were forced to squat on State lands due mainly to the then PNC’s regime inability to satisfy the housing needs of Guyanese, especially low income earners. It remains a lasting shame on the part of the then PNC regime that it ignored the cries of the Guyanese people for a piece of land on which to build their homes in a country where there is no shortage of land for housing purposes. Guyana is endowed with one of the highest ratio of land per head of population in the Anglo-phone Caribbean. Yet, a significant number of Guyanese were forced to squat on State lands without any form of social infrastructure such as water, electricity and basic sanitation. Sophia became the largest squatting community in the country, ironically a mere stone’s throw away from the headquarters of the PNC. The cries of the ordinary people were largely ignored by Congress Place and at one time housing was removed as a line item in the budget estimates! The PNC regime, during its tenure in office, had a dismal record when it comes to providing for the housing

needs of the population. Under its ‘Food, Clothe and House the Nation’ programme during the 1972-76 period, a mere 13,000 housing units were developed out a promised 65,000 units. As a result, a significant backlog of unfulfilled housing needs accumulated over the years resulting in the development of slums and squatting. Sophia was one such area, which, under the PPP/C, was not only regularised but several infrastructural works were done to make life easier for residents. More remains to be done but the current administration has commenced the process of putting the necessary facilities in place to cater for the health and recreational needs of the community. It took the return to office of the PPP/C on October 5, 1992 before housing was once again put on the front burner. Thousands of house lots were developed and given out to Guyanese from all strata of the society but more particularly working families who hitherto were unable to obtain house lots. The decision taken by the Ministry of Housing to construct core homes for residents of the Sophia community is a

commendable gesture and is part of the overall goal of the PPP/C administration to ensure a roof over the heads of all Guyanese families. And in a related development, a high level team from Barbados recently visited the country to explore investment opportunities in several areas including housing, fisheries, oil and gas, mining and forestry, among others. The team was led by Dr. William Duguid, Minister of Housing and was a follow up to a discussion held between President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Barbadian counterpart, Mia Mottley. Housing is definitively on the move. The PPP/C in its manifesto promise has undertook to make available 50,000 house lots to Guyanese during the life of its current term in office, especially low income families. This is in addition to the over 100,000 house lots distributed during its earlier stint in office. The housing landscape has changed in Guyana, thanks to the PPP/C government. Indeed, housing is one of the success stories of the current administration.

I will always uphold and respect the Laws of Guyana Dear Editor, IT is commendable that the Stabroek News Editor took the time to critically analyze and contextualize a UWI Cave Hill Campus virtual presentation by Political Scientist, Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles and Law Lecturer, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood, in its 24th October, 2021 Editorial Column titled, “Politics and the Courts.” Notably, the Editorial quoted Professor Barrow-Giles view that “it was GECOM which should have had an overriding role

to play in the developments that took place in the wake of the 2020 elections, but that it had been sidelined”. This statement is quite accurate; I dare say to those who understand, respect and are obligated to the Constitution. However, I am perplexed that the Stabroek News Editor, who seemingly does not understand the concept of obligation to the Constitution and respect for the Court, went on to express the view that, “it might be remarked that under the current arrangements, what matters is the resolve and fortitude of the Chairman, and under

extreme pressure, Justice Claudette Singh shied away from doing what was necessary at the very earliest stages of the crisis last year. As things stand, it is not a post for the faint-hearted.” Although the Commission has repeatedly justified its actions at that point, I believe the Stabroek News Editor has conveniently missed it. In this regard, I take this opportunity to remind all Guyanese that on 5th March, 2020, a mandatory injunction was granted by the Court against the Commission and Chief Election Officer which, as a consequence, impeded my intervention

and by extension that of the Commission to implement a legally guided decision and approach to finalise the electoral process. As a former law officer and a retired Justice of Appeal, I wish to categorically state that I will always uphold and respect the Laws of Guyana and whether strong or weak, whoever is the Chairperson of GECOM, must also abide by the Constitution and decisions of the Court. Yours sincerely, Justice (r’td) Claudette Singh Chairman of GECOM

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Kaieteur News must apologise and retract harmful, misleading article Dear Editor,

THE University of Guyana notes with great concern an erroneous article in Kaieteur News on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 which purports to report on the University of Guyana’s half-year spending for 2021. There are several glaring errors in this article with the potential to bring egregious harm to the reputation of the university and its officers through the following devices of misdirection and misinformation. 1. The article indicates the information published came from the university’s own website. This is un-factual. The university published no such information on its website or elsewhere. 2. The KN article actually misconstrues a procedural half-yearly report normally published by the Ministry of Finance on their website which states the following on page 21: “The University of Guyana has expended $1.5 billion on the maintenance and operations of its two campuses. Of note, all programmes are now being

delivered using an online platform, and for programmes that require laboratory sessions, a blended approach is being administered. A total of 8,610 students at the Turkeyen campus and 686 at the Tain campus are benefitting from online classes accessing over 1,558 courses”. This can be found by clicking the link here: https://finance. gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ Mid-Year%20Report%202021.pdf 1. The correct interpretation of the report is that the sum mentioned was spent for the first six months for the entire university operations including the operations of six Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) sites across the country delivering courses at the community level. It is a matter of public record that the university received $2.9 billion for its entire operations for 2021 in the last national budget. This was 60 per cent of what it needed. It is also a matter of public record that the university received no subvention from the Government of Guyana in 2021 for capital and physical maintenance projects since there were

three capital projects rolling over from 2020 due to COVID delays. Those projects are being completed this year. Therefore, the phrase “maintenance of its operations” mentioned in the Ministry of Finance’s report speaks to all the university’s costs including salaries, online services, maintaining the physical plant which service staff are using and which must still be maintained in good order for return, upgrades, etc. This is on target with the approved spending as the originating report would have indicated. 2. The editors of the KN have been kindly asked to correct the article now that they have been [apprised] of the facts, issue an apology, and to give the correction the same prominence as the erroneous item they created and published. 3. The university once again wishes to draw attention to the exercise of

best practices in journalism in checking sources, reporting accurately, and valid contextualisation so as to avoid causing harm and eliciting legal action. The university values its relationship with all its stakeholder’s including the media and the public and therefore reminds that any fact relating to the university or its operations can be fact-checked with the university 24/7 through the following avenues via its website at https://www.uog.edu.gy/ or the Public Relations Unit on 6235104 or via email at publicity.decc@uog. edu.gy. Yours sincere, University of Guyana, Department of Events, Conferences, and Communication (DECC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

25 influential women leaders honoured

GUYANA celebrated the achievements and contributions of 25 outstanding women at the second annual 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center last Saturday. According to a release, this elegant evening put the spotlight on women who were nominated by their peers, colleagues and residents of their communities because of their outstanding contributions to Guyana and Guyanese. Inaugurated in 2019 by female entrepreneurs and exemplary leaders in their own

right, Michelle A. Nicholas of The NICO Consulting Inc. and Lyndell Danzie-Black of Cerulean Inc., the awards honoured women who have impressed their peers and neighbours with their commendable contributions and hard work in varied areas, including business, community service, health services and other areas of development. The 2021 Class of 25 women were selected after an exhaustive evaluation process by judges based both in Guyana and in the diaspora. This year’s honorees range from community leaders and CEOs to small business entrepreneurs and nonprofit

social advocates, including Abeena Gomes, Anju Vivekanandaraj, Candace Forde, Deepa Sukha, Elizabeth Cox, Elsie A. Harry, Gabriella Xavier, Hazel Vanessa Munroe, Jamicia McCalman, Joyce WhyteChin, Karen Williams, Kimberly Manbodh, Marilyn Greene, Marva Langevine, Omattie Madray, Pamela Vaughn, Patricee Douglas, Renatha Exeter, Sancha Halley, Sonya Forrester, Stephanie Simon, Theresa Jn-JulesWilson, Valini Leitch, Vanessa Glasgow, and Waneka Arrindell now join the sisterhood of outstanding women leaders across Guyana.

Hosted by radio and television personality Feliz Robertson, the event took the form of a vaccinated-only gathering of the awardees, sponsors and special invitees, including members of the diplomatic corps, including representatives from the United States Embassy in Guyana, High Commission of Canada to Guyana, High Commission of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, and the British High Commission. The event catered to the inclusion of all of Guyana through an expansive presentation on live television and Facebook. Lloyd Bart, Chief Executive Officer of the Presenting Sponsor Symmetry Brokerage and Holdings, commended the co-creators of the unique award before offering hearty congratulations to the 25 awardees being hon-

oured for their passion and commitment to uplifting the business sector, their communities and society. Similar sentiments were expressed by other sponsors, among them SBM Offshore, ExxonMobil, the Small Business Bureau, Republic Bank, and Eon and Marthia Nichols. As the only forum for showcasing the immense contributions of women locally, 25IWLA aims to recognise women leaders who have achieved success in a wide range of fields, and redress the underrepresentation of women and transform how women leaders are viewed in Guyana by highlighting their value, achievements and contributions, the release said. The 25 Influential Women Leaders is the only award of its kind in Guyana to focus on women from a variety of sectors, rather

than in a single industry, making the award a unique and important milestone in the recognition of women as leaders. NOT YET REALISED High Commissioner of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto remarked on the fact that not only in Guyana but across the world equity for women is not yet realised. He referenced the importance of honouring successful women, stating that “it is even more important to honour the contributions because, the contributions, irrespective of whether they are successful or not, is what really matters. We are all here to try to make a contribution to this See page 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

25 influential women ... From page 8

common enterprise which is equality, equity.” A special contribution from the podium was made by Jane Miller, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Guyana, who at the outset stated her admiration for Guyanese women. “Gender issues are very important to me, and very important to the UK Government, but I have been blown away in the three months I have been here by the most incredi-

ble women leaders in this country. They are the most incredible women,” the diplomat said. Sharing that she is the first female High Commissioner from the United Kingdom to Guyana, Miller spoke on the importance of female leaders claiming their seat at the table, seeking out a mentor and being mentors themselves as well as to call out and celebrate other women.

EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS Co-creator of the awards Michelle A. Nicholas in her opening comments shared the origins of the awards and the importance of creating an award that is committed to the goal of redressing gender inequality and empowering women and girls everywhere, stating that “In 2019, this award started a new and needed conversation. This award took ac-

tion. And it is important in this respect that we consolidate and develop the institutions that guarantee the integration of women and gender issues.” In speaking of working together, she said, “I am confident that we can work together today, and the days beyond, building on the gains already made and realising new strengths towards women’s empowerment and gender equality.” In her inspiring closing remarks, Co-creator

Lyndell Danzie-Black stated that the awards would not have been possible without the persons who recognised the work of the awardees and nominated them for this award. She charged the awardees with focused words of encouragement, “Keep on educating yourself and elevating your knowledge. We want you to show up powerfully, with humility, originality and always standing in your truth, even if you are the last one stand-

Twenty of the 25 outstanding women who were honoured last Saturday

ing.” She closed by encouraging the awardees to go into their communities and find other women to build up, remarking that “the mentee must become the mentor”. Reaching almost 5,000 viewers on Facebook LIVE and thousands countrywide on NCN Channel 11, supporters cheered on these exemplary women as they were recognized for their sterling contributions to Guyana, the release concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

CARICOM Heads engage Green Climate Fund

AS the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continued its preparations for the United Nations COP 26, Heads of Government met on Tuesday with the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Yannick Glemarec. According to a release from CARICOM, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 26th Conference of the Parties (COP 26) takes place in Glasgow, United Kingdom from October 31 to November 12, 2021. The release noted that the Heads of Government, in their discussions with Glemarec, called for a sim-

plification of the process to access funds under the GCF as well as for an increase in the percentage allocated to adaptation to climate change by the Fund. The CARICOM leaders also urged Glemarec to establish an office of the GCF in the region in order to enhance interaction between the fund and the community. Tuesday’s meeting was the latest in a series of activities to prepare the community’s case for actions to be taken at COP 26 which

would redound to the benefit of the region. Earlier this month, Heads of Government had met in special session to discuss plans for COP 26.

Ministers of the Environment met in special session on October 15 to finalise positions for the negotiations at COP 26 and to hold discussions with a representative of the COP Presidency, Wendy Morton. Last Thursday the ministers met virtually with the United States Special Envoy on Climate Change Secretary, John Kerry to exchange views on the possible outcomes of COP 26, the release noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Government’s energy plans will improve standard of living – Prime Minister

PRIME Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Tuesday said his government is committed to pursuing an energy transition plan that is centred on providing affordable, stable and reliable energy. The clean-energy mix would also aid in eradicating poverty, while improving the standard of living of Guyanese. The Prime Minister made these comments while delivering remarks at the third meeting of the Global Commission on People- Centred Clean Energy Transitions. Prime Minister Phillips, who represents Guyana on the Commission, said that his government has begun the implementation process of several clean-energy programmes, particularly in remote hinterland communities, which are too far away to connect to the national grid. He said, too, that community members will be trained in installing and maintaining the technology as part of an initiative to create jobs. The initiative would also link energy access projects to productive activities such as ICT, commerce, and agro-processing to allow for greater community

ownership and sustainability. “Specifically, the projects entail the installation of 13 solar PV farms; the provision of 30,000 solar home systems for hinterland communities; the installation of 20 mini-grid solar PV

are expected to be commissioned within two years. Additionally, the government would continue to push ahead with its hydropower projects, including the 165 MW Amaila Falls project. “Ongoing hydropower projects include the installation of a 150-KW hydropower station at

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips systems for public and community buildings; the installation of more than 180 solar PV standalone systems for the government’s ICT hubs; and the installation of a three MW grid-connected solar PV system at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport,” the PM said. He noted that the solar PV installations will result in approximately 46.4 MW of installed solar PV capacity, and

the Kato Falls that will be completed in 2022; the rehabilitation of the Moco-Moco hydropower project with an installed capacity of 0.7 MW; and the construction of a 1.5 MW hydropower station at Kumu,” he said. The Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions brings together 30 government leaders, ministers and prominent thinkers to discuss clean energy solutions. The

Commission was convened by the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA),- Dr. Fatih Birol in January of this year. On Tuesday, the body

launched 12 recommendations for a people-centred transition to clean energy. The recommendations were divided into four key areas: Decent

jobs and worker protection; social and economic development; equity, social inclusion and fairness; and people as active participants. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

GTI students, staff access free services at Annual Health and Wellness Fair

DOZENS of students and staff of the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) were able to conveniently take various health tests when the institution held its Annual Health and Wellness Day Fair at its Woolford Avenue location on Tuesday. Eye tests, compliments of Da Silva’s Optical, dental checkups, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) which tests for cervical cancer, and clinical breast exams were done during the event.

A mental health support counselor was also on site to speak to the students, and to conduct one-on-one sessions with those who were facing challenges in their lives. Additionally, a COVID-19 vaccination booth was set up by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to offer vaccines to staff and students. Eighteen-year-olds, Morando Edwards and Christopher McKay, who are both First Year Computer Science

Dr. Shannon Da Silva of Da Silva’s Optical testing a student’s eyes (Delano Williams photo)

GTI Welfare Officer, Alero Procter students, signed up for the eye test. They praised the school for making this and the other services accessible to students. McKay shared that he suffers from myopia, and was in need of a test for some time now. Thanks to the institution, he no longer has to delay getting the test. “I used to wear glasses, but I don’t anymore because the last time I did, my eyes got worse really fast. So today, I just want to check to see if my eyes got worse

over the period that I didn’t wear glasses, or if it’s just the same,” McKay said. Edwards noted that he, too, has concerns about his eyesight, and has been planning for some time now to have his eyes checked. He said he was grateful that GTI has given him the opportunity to get this done. “At times, my eyes would hurt, and, as of recent, I had an episode where there was a week where looking around was very painful. I didn’t get a chance to get it checked, but now that I have the opportunity to get it checked, I want to get it checked,” Edwards said. Describing the experience at the health fair as “comfortable”, he noted that he would often feel dissuaded from getting medical checkups and tests, because of the painstaking amount of time it could sometimes take. “I don’t get tested unless it’s a very serious problem. It would be very long and stressful, which is why I don’t go to them in the first place; which is why I’m glad to be here today,” Edwards said. EARLY DETECTION During an opening ceremony for the event, GTI Principal, Renita Crandon-Duncan emphasised the importance of early detection, and called on the students to ensure that they utilise as much of the services as they could at the health fair, regardless of how healthy they felt. “I want to encourage you all to make use of these services. Sometimes we look all strong and healthy,

A student receiving a dental exam at the GTI Health and Wellness Fair but we are not necessarily healthy. So, take this opportunity to find out exactly what is going on with you, and deal with it early,” she urged. She added: “Sometimes we tend to not pay attention to ourselves. Aside from that, as Guyanese, we tend to have this fear that when you go to the doctor, they are going to find something wrong with you, so you should probably not go there, and you will be healthy all the time. But don’t wait until it gets out of hand,

and then there is nothing you can do about it.” She noted that holding the fair during Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a deliberate move, as the institution would have had members who would’ve been affected by cancer, and so GTI wanted to do its part in bringing awareness to the illness. “There are people sitting among us who might be suffering; persons who would have gone through procedures, and this is the time we rally around persons dealing with it,” Ms. Crandon-Duncan said. Also making remarks was GTI’s Welfare Officer, Alero Procter, who shared a touching story of losing her aunt to Breast Cancer, which was already at Stage Four when it was finally detected. She noted that the hosting of the fair is part of the institution’s goal to look after the overall well-being of its students and staff. “We usually have this every year, and we think Breast Cancer Month is the opportune time to do it. We believe in a holistic education for our students, because our vision and mission is to ensure that we produce all-round, well-skilled graduates, and health, well-being, and welfare are all part of creating that all-rounded student,” Ms. Procter said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Yawong women get help to start up small projects

RESIDENTS of Yawong, Region Eight, recently received $1.2M to aid in the construction of a centre that will be used as a base for craft production and as a sewing centre. Women engaged in sewing will receive further assistance from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for the establishment of a business. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, during a recent visit to the region, urged residents to ensure the facility is completed on time. “I want to ask you, you and the people, that when you collect this sum that you

will ensure that you complete this building because we have a proposal from a group of women here who have asked us over-time, that they want to do some sewing,” the minister said. She added that the ministry has been successful in getting a small sum of money to help women in the Yawong settlement to start their own small businesses. “I want to give them a kickstart in creating a small business for some of the very interested and hard-working women in this settlement,” she said. She said sewing machines have already been distributed

in the village for everyone’s use. Additionally, a $3.8 million pick-up truck has also been purchased to be used in the village. The minister said the investments must be able to generate an income for maintenance and other purposes. “The purpose of the funding we gave you is to invest in a business that will bring in money to the council, that should bring in money to cover its maintenance and to bring in extra dollars so the council can have some change in their treasury,” Minister Sukhai said. (DPI)

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, handing over the cheque to the village council (DPI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Vaccination of children 5-11 years could begin next week CHILDREN ages five to 11 could begin receiving the Pfizer vaccine as early as next week once approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony said. The minister was, at the time, speaking during the daily COVID-19 update on Tuesday. “Starting from next

nursing women. On Monday, the Health Minister noted the disparity in children 12-18 years taking the second dose of the vaccine. He said that there needs to be more uptake of the first dose of the vaccine, with the current fully vaccinated rate of 17,498 or 24 per cent of the adolescent population. “Our approach has been that once we go to

Health worker prepares to administer a vaccine (DPI photo) week, we are examining the possibility of doing the vaccination of the five to 11 age group because we are anticipating that the US FDA would approve the Pfizer vaccine for this age group as well; so we will have another cohort of people that we will have to work on,” Dr. Anthony said. According to CBS news, Pfizer’s request to roll out COVID-19 vaccines for Americans as young as five years old cleared a key regulatory hurdle Tuesday, after a panel of the Food and Drug Administration’s outside vaccine advisers voted by a majority to back Pfizer’s request. Top US infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said vaccines for the five to 11 age group could likely be available in the first half of November, and could see many children getting fully vaccinated before the end of the year. Guyana is currently administering the vaccine to children 12 to 18 years, along with pregnant and

a school, open it up to the entire community so anybody within that age group can come to the school that we are operating in and they can get vaccinated. We have seen some of that but in other cases, I think people felt that only people going to that school can come and I think that has caused some confusion; so we are working with the Ministry of Education to correct that so that we can appeal to more people,” Dr. Anthony said. The Health Minister said the ministry will continue going into schools and working with the Education Ministry to ensure children of that age group are vaccinated. He is also advising parents to ensure their children are immunised so that they could return to school. An analysis from the Food and Drug Administration suggested that the benefits of vaccinating children younger than 12 far outweigh the risks. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

FAO lauds Guyana’s approach to agriculture

GOVERNMENT’S strategic approach to transforming the agriculture industry has come in for commendations from both the country and regional representatives of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Following a webinar hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture on Monday, Dr. Gillian Smith, the Jamaican who, in 2018, was appointed FAO Representative in Guyana, took to social media platform, Twitter, to point out the fact that Guyana is transforming its food systems for sustainability.

It was recognised that employing agriculture technologies and lowering the region’s food importation bill should be of utmost importance for the region. In a local context, Guyana has already embarked on a mission to tap into at least 15 per cent of the US$4 billion regional food import bill. POTENTIAL TO SUPPLY As it is, most of the commodities which form part of this huge bill, are sourced from the “developed world” while Guyana, a member state of the

Representatives of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, Mr. Julio Berdegué and Dr. Gillian Smith (Adrian Narine file photo) Her post was retweeted by the FAO’s Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Julio Berdegué, who went further to note that Guyana has aptly demonstrated how agriculture is to be transformed. “Guyana is showing us in very practical terms how to transform agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life,” Berdegué said. He added: “No more talk about if and when; Guyana is focused on how to do it well.” Since assuming office in August 2020, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led Government has pledged to ensure that agriculture remains a priority area. More importantly, President Ali has said that Guyana will utilise portions of its petroleum earnings to propel and accelerate the non-oil economy, especially agriculture, which is not only a major income earner, but a critical source of survival. In recognising the effects and impact of climate change, President Ali has pointed to the need for transformation within the agriculture sector. Dr. Ali, who heads the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s Special Ministerial Taskforce (MTF) on Food Production and Food Security had also urged the region to prioritise the work taskforce, and to be serious about addressing the concerns plaguing the food systems.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has the potential to supply a sizeable amount of the imported products. It was reported that 10 commodities – food preparations, wheat, rice, chicken, non-alcoholic beverages, maize, soya bean, sugar and palm oil — account for more than 40 per cent of CARICOM’s food import bill. As a matter of fact, members of the local private sector have already answered President Ali’s call to supply the region with soya bean and corn, which are critical ingredients for poultry feed. A consortium has already embarked on a massive scale trial farm, which has already begun to reap positive results. In the meantime, as part of the 2021 national budget, the government has allocated an initial sum of GY$500M to kickstart infrastructural works to prepare the area that has been earmarked for commercial cultivation. “Agriculture, food security and our ability to service the regional market is our sustainable future, and all of our efforts will be to ensure we transfer enough resources to this sector to make it viable and resilient,” President Ali said during a recent visit to a trial farm located at Ebini in the Upper Berbice River. In addition to improved quality of produce and investments in value-added production, Guyana’s plans for a sustainable food system

also include implementation of climate-resilient farming. In a previous interview, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, had said that the government remains cognisant of the effects of climate change, and has been strategically working to combat its relating challenges. As far as the food production sector is concerned, Mustapha said that in addition to propagating climate-smart Agriculture, the ministry is also preparing to safeguard farmers and their produce, from the elements.

A key focus of the Agriculture Ministry is the promotion and adoption of climate-smart farming

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Two more COVID-19 deaths, 66 new cases recorded

TWO females have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 899, the Ministry of Health has reported. The latest deaths recorded are that of a 62-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Maha-

ica) whose vaccination status is unknown and a 60-year-old from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) who was said to be unvaccinated. Additionally, there are currently 3,5170 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition

of 66 new cases on October 26, 2021, after 1445 tests were conducted. Region Four accounted for 28 of the new cases. Region Two has 10 new cases; Region Three, three new cases; Region Five, one new case; Region Six,18 new cases; Region

Eight, five new cases and Region Nine, one new case. Additionally, there are 23 patients receiving treatment in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 76 individuals are in institutional isolation, 3,239 are in home isolation and

four are in institutional quarantine. A total of 30,933 people have recovered after they were infected with COVID-19. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until October 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the pre-

vailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Also, physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew period is 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 2267480; or 180/181 for assistance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Teen who stole bag with cash, valuables arrested

A teenager was arrested on Monday after he allegedly stole a bank card, an ID card, and a COVID vaccination card in a backpack that contained $172,000. Police Headquarters said that the items belonged to Manhar Ramratty, who was at the time drinking alcohol at Raja’s Bar in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, at around 21:00hrs.

Taxi driver accused of ganja trafficking granted $250,000 bail THIRTY-ONE-YEAROLD taxi driver, Roylon Adolph, who was allegedly nabbed with $1.8 million worth of cannabis in his car, was, on Tuesday released on $250,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Adolph of Industrial Area, McKenzie, Linden, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on October 22, at ‘D’ Field Sophia, Georgetown, he had 4.296 kilograms of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. The Chief Magistrate released Adolph on $250,000 bail on the condition that he reports to Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) headquarters every Friday, until completion of the case. The case was adjourned until November 22. According to a report from the agency, CANU officers, while conducting operations at ‘D’ Field, Sophia, searched Adolph’s white Toyota fielder wagon and discovered 4.296 kilograms of cannabis “poppy” in eight bulky parcels.

Ramratty took off the backpack and rest it on a stool beside him. His brother later joined him,

as well as the 19-yearold. Ramratty bought the teen a beer and he (the teen) subsequently

picked up the backpack and left. A police report was later made and the suspect was

contacted; the backpack was found in his home with the cards inside, but no money was found.

The teen was arrested, taken to the police station and placed in custody as investigations continue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

President of the People’s Republic of China At the Conference Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Lawful Seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations FIFTY years ago today, the 26th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted, with an overwhelming majority, Resolution 2758, and the decision was made to restore all rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and to recognise the representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of

China as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations. It was a victory for the Chinese people and a victory for people of the world. Today, on this special date, we are here to review the past history and look to the future, and that makes our gathering all the more significant. The restoration of New

China’s lawful seat in the United Nations was a momentous event for the world and the United Nations. It came as the result of joint efforts of all peace-loving countries that stood up for justice in the world. It marked the return of the Chinese people, or one-fourth of the world’s population, back to the UN stage. The importance was significant and

far-reaching for both China and the wider world. On this occasion, I wish to express, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, heartfelt gratitude to all countries that co-sponsored and supported UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, and to pay high tribute to all countries and people that stand on the side of justice.

The past five decades since New China restored its lawful seat in the United Nations have witnessed China’s peaceful development and its commitment and dedication to the welfare of all humanity. — For these 50 years, the Chinese people have demonstrated an untiring spirit and kept to the right direction of China’s development amidst

H.E. Xi Jinping changing circumstances, thus writing an epic chapter in the development of China and humanity. Building on achievements in national construction and development since the founding of New China, the Chinese people have started the new historical era of reform and opening-up, and successfully initiated and developed socialism with Chinese char-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

acteristics. We have continued to unleash and develop productivity and raise living standards, and achieved a historic breakthrough of leaping from a country with relatively low productivity to the second largest economy in the world. Through much hard work, the Chinese people have attained the goal of fully building a moderately prosperous society on the vast land of China, and won the battle against poverty, thus securing a historic success in eradicating absolute poverty. We have now embarked on a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country and opened up bright prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. — For these 50 years, the Chinese people have stood in solidarity and co-operation with people around the world and upheld international equity and justice, contributing significantly to world peace and development. The Chi-

nese people are peace-loving people and know well the value of peace and stability. We have unswervingly followed an independent foreign policy of peace, stood firm for fairness and justice, and resolutely opposed hegemony and power politics. The Chinese people are a strong supporter of other developing countries in their just struggle to safeguard sovereignty, security and development interests. The Chinese people are committed to achieving common development. From the Tazara Railway to the Belt and Road Initiative, we have done what we could to help other developing countries, and have offered the world new opportunities through our own development. During the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, China has been active in sharing COVID response experience with the world, and has sent large quantities of supplies, vaccines and

medicines to other countries, and deeply engaged in science-based co-operation on COVID-19 origins tracing, all in a sincere and proactive effort to contribute to humanity’s final victory over the pandemic. — For these 50 years, the Chinese people have upheld the authority and sanctity of the United Nations and practiced multilateralism, and China’s co-operation with the United Nations has deepened steadily. China has faithfully fulfilled its responsibility and mission as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, stayed true to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and upheld the central role of the United Nations in international affairs. China has stood actively for political settlement of disputes through peaceful means. It has sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping operations, and is now the second largest

financial contributor to both the United Nations and UN peacekeeping operations. China has been among the first of countries to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals. It has taken the lead in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, accounting for over 70 per cent of global poverty reduction. China has acted by the spirit of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and earnestly applied the universality of human rights in the Chinese context. It has blazed a path of human rights development that is consistent with the trend of the times and carries distinct Chinese features, thus making major contribution to human rights progress in China and the international human rights cause. The trend of the world, vast and mighty, prospers those who follow it and perishes those who go against

it. Over the last 50 years, for all the vicissitudes in the international landscape, the world has remained stable as a whole, thanks to the concerted efforts of people of all countries. The world economy has grown rapidly, and innovation in science and technology has kept breaking new ground. A large number of developing countries have grown stronger, over a billion people have walked out of poverty, and a population of several billion are moving toward modernisation. In the world today, changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and the force for peace, development and progress has continued to grow. It falls upon us to follow the prevailing trend of history, and choose co-operation over confrontation, openness over seclusion, and mutual benefit over zero-sum games. We shall be firm in opposing all forms of hegemony and power politics, as

well as all forms of unilateralism and protectionism. — We should vigorously advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are the common values of humanity, and work together to provide the right guiding philosophy for building a better world. Peace and development are our common cause, equity and justice our common aspiration, and democracy and freedom our common pursuit. The world we live in is diverse and colorful. Diversity makes human civilisation what it is, and provides a constant source of vitality and driving force for world development. As a Chinese saying goes, “Without achieving the good of one hundred various schools, the uniqueness of one individual cannot be achieved.” No civilisation in the world is superior to others; See page 20

President of the People’s ... From page 19

every civilisation is special and unique to its own region. Civilisations can achieve harmony only through communication, and can make progress only through harmonisation. Whether a country’s path of development works is judged, first and foremost, by whether it fits the country’s conditions; whether it follows the development trend of the times;

whether it brings about economic growth, social advancement, better livelihoods and social stability; whether it has the people’s endorsement and support; and whether it contributes to the progressive cause of humanity. — We should jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and work together to build an open, inclusive, clean and beauti-

ful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. The human race is an integral community and Earth is our common homeland. No person or country can thrive in isolation. Humanity should overcome difficulties in solidarity and pursue common development in harmony. We should keep moving toward a community with a shared future for mankind, and joint-

ly create a better future. To build a community with a shared future for mankind is not to replace one system or civilisation with another. Instead, it is about countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures and levels of development coming together for shared interests, shared rights and shared responsibilities in global affairs, and creating the greatest synergy for

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021 building a better world. — We should stay committed to mutual benefit and win-win results, and work together to promote economic and social development for the greater benefit of our people. As ancient Chinese observed, “The essence of governance is livelihood; and the essence of livelihood is adequacy.” Development and happy lives are the common aspirations of people in all countries. Development is meaningful only when it is for the people’s interest, and can sustain only when it is motivated by the people. Countries should put their people front and centre, and strive to realise development with a higher level of quality, efficiency, equity, sustainability and security. It is important to resolve the problem of unbalanced and inadequate development, and make development more balanced, coordinated and inclusive. It is also important to strengthen the people’s capacity for development, foster a development environment where everyone takes part and has a share, and create a development paradigm where its outcome benefits every person in every country more directly and fairly. Not long ago, at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, I proposed a Global Development Initiative with the hope that countries will work together to overcome impacts of COVID-19 on global development, accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and build a global community of development with a shared future. — We should step up co-operation, and work together to address the various challenges and global issues facing humanity. The international community is confronted by regional disputes as well as global issues such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity. Only with more inclusive global governance, more effective multilateral mechanisms and more active regional co-operation, can these issues be addressed effectively. Climate change is nature’s alarm bell to humanity. Countries need to take concrete actions to protect Mother Nature. We need to encourage green recovery, green production and green consumption, promote a civilised and healthy lifestyle, foster harmony between man and nature, and let a sound ecology and environment be

the inexhaustible source of sustainable development. — We should resolutely uphold the authority and standing of the United Nations, and work together to practice true multilateralism. Building a community with a shared future for mankind requires a strong United Nations and reform and development of the global governance system. Countries should uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. International rules can only be made by the 193 UN Member States together, and not decided by individual countries or blocs of countries. International rules should be observed by the 193 UN Member States, and there is and should be no exception. Countries should respect the United Nations, take good care of the UN family, refrain from exploiting the Organisation, still less abandoning it at one’s will, and make sure that the United Nations plays an even more positive role in advancing humanity’s noble cause of peace and development. China will be happy to work with all countries under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits to explore new ideas and new models of co-operation and keep enriching the practice of multilateralism under new circumstances. A review of the past can light the way forward. Standing at a new historical starting point, China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development and always be a builder of world peace. China will stay committed to the path of reform and opening-up and always be a contributor to global development. China will stay committed to the path of multilateralism and always be a defender of the international order. As an ancient Chinese poem reads, “Green hills immerse in the same cloud and rain. The same moon lights up towns however far away.” Let us join hands, stand on the right side of history and the side of human progress, and work tirelessly for the lasting and peaceful development of the world and for building a community with a shared future for mankind!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

GDF signs MoU to improve soldiers’ understanding of sexual harassment, assault

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, and DORCAS President, Kim Kyte -Thomas signing the MoU CHIEF-OF-STAFF of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DORCAS Mending Hearts Ministry, signalling the force’s commitment to improving knowledge of sexual harassment and sexual assault and domestic violence. DORCAS Mending Hearts Ministry (DMHM) – a non-profit organisation – is reaching out to victims of domestic violence to offer counselling, legal representation, medical assistance and even financial support. Signing the memorandum also signals the GDF’s resolve to provide a safe environment for all its employees and its resolve to change the perception, attitude and behaviours of its members. The partnership between the organisations began informally in March 2021 and has resulted in the crafting of a detailed and comprehensive policy on sexual harassment/ sexual assault and a training manual designed to change the perception, attitudes, and behaviours to sexual offences and violence. Inspector General, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, moments before the signing, explained that the policy is meant to assist in addressing sexual offences and domestic violence

while the training manual will assist in educating ranks to better understand these issues. He noted too that the material will be used by members of the welfare department during the relevant information sessions during the training. President of DORCUS Mending Hearts, Attorney Kim Kyte-Thomas said her organisation is happy to have been able to collaborate with the GDF and lend its expertise in shaping the force’s thrust in the fight against the societal scourge. “I envision that in the future this collaboration will be further expanded,” she stated. She revealed that ranks can benefit from a range of free services offered. These services, she stated, include provision of information, advocacy, legal representation, life skills training, empowerment, education, and the word of God. She expressed thanks to the force for agreeing to this partnership and for ensuring that the process moved from conception to reality. Also present at the simple yet significant ceremony were Lt Colonel, Lorraine Foster (Vice-President); Faye Barker (Treasurer) and members, Excellence Dazzell, Trevona Weekes, and Vanessa Graham of DORCAS Mending Heart Ministry.

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess interacts with members of DORCAS following the signing of the MoU

Grace Kennedy makes donation to Cancer Foundation

MEDICALLY uninsured and low-income women will now have greater access to free radiation therapy and mammograms services follow-

ing a $250,000 donation made to the Guyana Cancer Foundation by Grace Kennedy Money Services. The donation coin-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

cides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At the simple handing-over ceremony held on Tuesday, Founder and President of the foundaTina Seabra-Gibson, Marketing Assistant-Western Union/Grace Kennedy Money Services and Founder and President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Hassan, holding the cheque (Delano Williams photo) tion, Bibi Hassan, noted Meanwhile, Hassan that the money will go expressed gratitude to the towards covering the cost company for the contriof treatment for several bution. women. She noted that the fight “ T h i s w i l l g o t o - against cancer is made a wards our screening pro- little easier when compagramme…we have over nies join the fight. 300 women waiting to be Hassan added that the screened for breast cancer. foundation has teamed We will also be paying up with the Dr. Balwant for a fraction of radiology Singh Hospital to roll out therapy,” Hassan said. the free services.

Driver busted with over $4.7M in ganja A THIRTY-NINE-year-old man was, on Monday, arrested by ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) after more than $4.7 million worth of cannabis was found in the car he was driving. Duvendra Sukhdeo of Republic Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was intercepted by CANU ranks at Rahaman Park, Houston, also on the EBD. According to a report from the agency, ranks, acting on information received, intercepted the vehicle. During a search they discovered eight bulky parcels containing suspected local and foreign cannabis weighing 15.566 kilograms. Sukhdeo was arrested and is currently in custody at CANU headquarters.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Canada-funded sustainable agriculture project launched THE Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) project which will target over 12,000 farmers from marginalised groups in Guyana, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Suriname was launched on Tuesday. The project is being implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with $20 million Canadian in funding from the Government of Canada. It aims to provide training to farmers in the Caribbean and introduce them to climate-smart and sustainable practices in the agriculture sector.

is to integrate all of the agricultural stakeholders in the Caribbean nations, specifically women, youth and marginalised men. He explained that this will see the various agencies being able to identify and address barriers so as to increase productivity and profitability, mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, and foster climate-resilience across the agricultural markets. These will offer increased equitable, inclusive and sustainable economic benefits for women and

Students of the Guyana School of Agriculture tending to their cash crops (GSA photo) Speaking at the virtual launch, the Deputy Project Director of WUSC- Caribbean, Munish Persaud, said that 25 agricultural markets across the five countries will be engaged and local organisations will benefit from capacity-building sessions. “In this project, we are going to pursue the enhanced equitable economic prosperity first by ensuring that the perspectives of women and youth are informing the actions that we are going to be taking,” Persaud said. Persaud further said that the end game of the project

youth, he said. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, in his remarks, said that the project will increase opportunities and capacity for women and youths in various agricultural markets. “The Government of Guyana aims to help farmers grow more, be better connected to markets, thereby earning more and living better lives,” he said. The minister noted that the private sector also has a pivotal role to play. “At the same time, the private sector has a role to play as enablers in this sys-

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

tem to increase their productivity, improve the quality of their production and their reliability as suppliers, and help build strong producer organisations to access the markets,” he added. Also giving brief remarks at the launch was Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman, who said that Guyana’s agricultural sector is vulnerable to climate change. He said

projects such as the SAC are important to bolster the effects of climate change and economic resistance. He added that the project comes at a timely period as Guyana is currently recovering from the challenges brought on by the recent countrywide flooding, the COVID-19 global pandemic and climate change. “The launch of the SAC project is particularly timely

as we consider the challenge Guyana’s food production system faced in 2021 with the countrywide impact of the May to June 2021 flood, coupled with the ongoing global pandemic and the issues of climate change. As the sector charts a path to recovery and resilience, there is an urgent need to build back better,” the Canadian ambassador said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Medical laboratory, jewellery store receive GNBS certification

CARESWORTH Medical Centre Laboratory and D S Ramdeholl and Son Jewellery are the newest businesses to be certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). The GNBS certified Caresworth Medical Centre Laboratory on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 to the GYS 170:2009 Standard – “General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory”. The scope of the certifica-

deholl and Son Jewellery to the GYS 50:2010 Standard – “Specifications for gold articles”. The business, which is located at 74 Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was granted permission to use the GNBS Standards Mark on its 12 karat and 14 karat jewellery. Owner of the business, Deepnarine Ramdeholl and his son Sachin Ramdeholl expressed heartfelt gratitude to the GNBS for working

Business owner, Deepnarine Ramdeholl receiving his Certificate tion covers haematology, serology, urology, microbiology and immunology, a release said. The certificate, along with a plaque was handed over by head of the GNBS’ Certification Services Department, Andrea Mendonca, to General Manager of the laboratory, Bibi Nafeeza Bacchus, at the facility’s Carmichael Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown location. Bacchus, in an invited comment, said she is proud of this achievement since it will promote accuracy and efficiency, and increase clients’ confidence in the services offered by the laboratory. “It is indeed an excellent feeling to have been able to achieve certification, though we are such a small organisation. It was not an easy task but with the efforts from our staff and guidance from the GNBS, we were able to make it,” she said. The laboratory certification is valid for two years during which, the GNBS will routinely conduct audits to ensure that the clinical facility continue to maintain the requirements of the standard. Also on Tuesday, the GNBS certified D S Ram-

with them to achieve certification of their product. Deepnarine said he took over his business from his father who always insisted on acquiring and maintaining standards. “This is a wonderful feeling to receive this certificate and I see the confidence in my business increasing. Thanks to the GNBS for this great opportunity as well,” he said. Head of the GNBS Certification Services Department, Andrea Mendonca, congratulated both businesses for the efforts made to achieve certification of their services and product. “We want to thank you for choosing to uphold standards in your operations. We want to commend you and may you continue to strive for excellence and maintain this certification,” she encouraged. Other laboratories, which are not yet certified, are encouraged to engage the GNBS Certification Services Department to become recognised as meeting the requirements of the national standard. Surely, it will increase confidence in the test results provided. Finally, in addition to gold jewellery, the GNBS certifies PVC pipes, con-

crete hollow blocks and, bathtub and shower units under its Product Certification Programme. Businesses engaged in manufacturing these products are also urged to pursue certification to increase customers and confidence in the items produced, the release concluded.

Head of the GNBS’ Certification Services Department, Andrea Mendonca, hands over the certificate to General Manager, Bibi Nafeeza Bacchus

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 27, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 27, 2021

Windies staring at early... (From back page)

boundary. Nicholas Pooran came to the crease at No.3 ahead of Chris Gayle and took 12 from the bowling of Shamsi in the 12th over before his sprightly seven-ball cameo ended when he became Maharaj’s second victim. At the other end, Simmons was bowled by Rabada after a 35-ball vigil that produced just 16 runs and tied the record for the joint-longest innings without a boundary in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history. Gayle and captain Kieron Pollard shared a stand of 32 in just under four overs before both fell to Pretorious, who finished with three for 17 having bowled the key 18th and 20th overs. Gayle’s dismissal sparked a collapse of four for 22 as the West Indies finished on 143, well short of what they would have been expecting after Lewis’ pyrotechnics. South Africa’s chase got off to the worst possible start when Bavuma was run-out for two by a super Andre Russell direct hit from the last ball of the first over. But on his first appear-

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ance at the tournament, Hendricks looked especially fluent alongside Rassie van der Dussen as the Proteas made serene progress to get up to 42 for one at the end of the powerplay. The pair brought up their 50 partnership before the previously untroubled Hendricks was expertly caught by a diving Shimron Hetmyer in the deep off the bowling of Akeal Hosein. Hendricks’s 39 off 30 balls left South Africa 61 for two and firmly in touch with the required rate that was at that stage slightly more than 7.5 runs an over. Markram waltzed to the crease and, after making 40 against Australia, continued his fine form, rapidly finding himself on 22 off just 11 balls after some lusty blows put South Africa firmly in the driving seat. Van der Dussen, 43 off 51, anchored the innings perfectly as Markram added the fastest half-century of the competition so far as together they shared an unbeaten match-winning stand of 83 from 57 balls to earn South Africa their first win with ten balls to spare. (ICC Media)

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Amnesty urges Beckham to speak out on Qatar World Cup 2022 FORMER England captain David Beckham has been urged to speak out about the "deeply concerning" human rights situation in Qatar by Amnesty International. Beckham has signed a lucrative deal, to be a 2022 Qatar World Cup ambassador. Human rights issues in the host country have been under scrutiny since Qatar was awarded the tournament in 2010. "Qatar's human rights record is troubling, from the country's longstanding mistreatment of migrant workers, to its curbs on free speech and the criminalisation of same-sex relations," Amnesty's Sacha Deshmukh said. "It's not surprising that David Beckham wants to be involved in such a major football event, but we would urge him to learn about the deeply concerning human rights situation in Qatar and be prepared to speak out about it," he added. Qatar has brought in migrant workers to help build the infrastructure for the winter World Cup. Amnesty claim "thousands" of migrant deaths have not been properly investigated. A spokesperson for Beckham told BBC Sport: "David has been visiting Qatar regularly for over a decade and went on to play for (Qatar-owned) PSG - so he has seen the passion for football

Former England captain David Beckham

in the country and the longterm commitment that's been made to hosting the World Cup and delivering a lasting legacy for the region. "He's always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels. "As we reach the one year to go point he will join the wider football community that is coming together for the World Cup 2022 and he's looking forward to what he thinks will be a great tournament." Earlier this year, both Norway and Germany players wore T-shirts to show support for Qatar migrant workers before World Cup qualifying matches. According to a source close to the former Man-

chester United star, Beckham believes the first World Cup to be held in a predominantly Muslim country will be important to the region and will inspire positive change. They added: "Of course David wanted to ensure that he was informed about the facts and any concerns that he might have for his gay friends, football supporters and fans. "Some of the laws and beliefs in the region differ from his own but the Qataris have always said that everyone will be safe and welcome at the World Cup in 2022 and he believes that commitment is sincere and has seen evidence of proactive engagement with the international LBGTQ community by the World Cup organisers." UEFA established a working group in May to work with FIFA on the issue. Speaking in August, UEFA delegate Gijs de Jong said: "It is clear that Qatar has made significant positive progress with human rights legislation in the last three years. The challenge is the legislation is not yet universally adopted, and ... there is a need for further work." The Qatar government has previously said it "is committed to working closely with its international partners, including Amnesty International, to protect all workers and ensure the new laws are effectively implemented and enforced". (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 27, 2021

Spence wants title fight next against Ugas AMERICAN boxer, Errol Spence Jr, says he wants a title fight when he returns to the ring in early 2022. He says that tune-up fights are for fighters that lack confidence in themselves, and he’s not in that position. Still, Spence’s recent torn retina that he suffered last August while training for a fight with Manny Pacquiao is a bad enough injury to cast doubts on whether he can come back from it. Going straight into a title unification fight might not be the wisest decision for Spence to be making. Until the WBA upset his plans, the IBF/WBC welterweight champion Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) hoped to face World Boxing Association ‘Super World’ champion, Yordenis Ugas, in a unification fight. Instead, the WBA has ordered Ugas to defend against number one contender, Eimantas Stanionis, next as part of their four-person tournament to consolidate the titles at 147 within their organization. Spence’s recent eye injury may be one of the reasons the WBA chose not to give Ugas the green light to face him in a unification fight. They may be looking out for Spence’s health by their decision to have Ugas take part in their four-fighter tournament. Spence and Ugas aren’t happy at the WBA’s ruling, as they were planning on fighting on February 26 in a three-belt fight, but that’s not happening now.

American boxer, Errol Spence

Before Ugas is available to fight Spence in a unification, he’ll need to defeat the unbeaten Eimantas Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs) before the end of the year. If Ugas is victorious, he’ll battle the winner of the October 30 fight between WBA ‘regular’ welterweight champion Jamal James and #4 WBA Radzhab Butaev in the first quarter of 2022 in March. If Spence wants to fight in a unification match before Ugas is done with his 4-fighter tournament in 2022, he’ll need to take on the winner of the November 20 fight between WBO 147lb champion, Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford and ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter. Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs) and Porter (33-3-1, 17 KOs) would jump at the chance to fight Spence in a unification fight. Porter has been after Spence for a rematch since losing to him by a narrow 12 round split decision two years ago in September 2019.

It’s possible that Spence would have entertained the idea of fighting Porter again if not for the terrible car crash he was involved in on October 10, 2019, in Dallas, Texas. Spence was injured in the high-speed crash of his Ferrari 488 Spider. Spence has fought just once since the car crash, beating Danny Garcia by a 12 round unanimous decision in a lackluster performance last December. Suppose Spence’s performance against Garcia is an indication of the level that he’s now fighting at. In that case, he’s not going to beat Ugas, Crawford, Porter, or any of the top welterweight contenders. https://www.boxingnews24.com/2021/10/ will-the-welterweight-division-have-a-unification-champion-soon/Moreover, Spence’s eye injury makes it even less likely that he’ll hold onto his IBF/WBC titles for much longer. (BoxingNews24)

Budenholzer hails 'aggressive' Giannis: That's when Bucks are at our best MILWAUKEE Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer says Giannis Antetokounmpo had the "extra gear" required to get the reigning champions over the line in Monday's 119-109 win over Indiana Pacers. Antetokounmpo came close to his first triple-double of the new season, finishing with 30 points 10 rebounds and nine assists. Budenholzer said the two-time NBA MVP was in "attack mode" as the Bucks improved to a 3-1 record. "I think it was a really aggressive Giannis tonight but at

the same time he's still making great passes, great reads, great decisions," Budenholzer told reporters after the game. "When he's attacking and scoring and finding threepoint shooters, that's when we're at our best. He had that extra gear tonight and we needed it." He added: "Tonight he was special getting into the paint and creating some foul situations for them." The Bucks were without guard Jrue Holiday (ankle) and centre Brook Lopez (back) along with Bobby Portis, employing a shorter start-

ing line-up. Antetokounmpo admitted he was still getting used to handling Lopez's absence on court. "At the end of the day, sometimes I feel like not having Brook out there is hard for me," he told reporters. "Should I go screen, should I get out of the way, should I go for the dunk? It makes me second guess sometimes." Antetokounmpo was also full of praise for 23-yearold Bucks forward Jordan Nwora (9 points 4 rebounds 3 assists) who he said was "playing great" this season.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball in the second half against Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 27, 2021

We stand against any form of discrimination, says Jos Buttler JOS Buttler insisted England are “very passionate” about highlighting anti-discrimination causes but International Cricket Council ICC) rules prohibit them from conducting their full ‘Moment of Unity’ at the T20 World Cup. South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock’s refusal to take a knee in contravention of a directive from the country’s board and his withdrawal from a match against the West Indies placed the gesture into sharp focus. It has been conducted before matches by several teams in this tournament and England followed the lead of the West Indies in doing so on Saturday in Dubai, underlining their stance of respectfully reciprocating their opponents. England’s men’s side took the knee alongside the Windies and Ireland last year before the practice was quietly shelved, but they wore T-shirts carrying anti-discrimination messages in their home matches this summer. Captain Eoin Morgan stated last week “if we could do that every game, we would” and was backed up by vice-captain Buttler on the eve of the game against Bangladesh, but the kit regulations for ICC events preclude them from doing so. It is yet to be decided whether England will make an alternative gesture before the start of their match with Bangladesh, but Buttler

made it clear his side were against all expressions of intolerance. “Our position is we stand against any form of discrimination,” Buttler said. “What we’d like to do as a team is a ‘Moment of Unity’, which we did at times during our summer. “I think we’d have to get some clearance from the ICC for that. It’s something we’d like to do as a team but I don’t know the specifics around it. “We wanted to reciprocate the opposition. The West Indies like to take a knee so we wanted to reciprocate that in the first game. “As a side and our culture as a team, we of course stand against any form of discrimination and we are very passionate about that.” It is understood the ICC contacted the 16 teams ahead of the tournament about making anti-racism gestures, denying the England and Wales Cricket Board’s application for its players to wear their ‘Moment of Unity’ T-shirts. “After some teams expressed a desire to make a gesture against racism, the ICC offered all the teams the opportunity to do so if they wished,” an ICC spokesperson said. England started their campaign to become the first team to hold both World Cups simultaneously in dream fashion, with the 2019 50-over champions blowing away the Windies for 55 and then overhauling the target in

England vice-captain Jos Buttler

just 8.2 overs. Next up in the Super 12 stage are Bangladesh, who have never met England in a T20 while in the last five years the teams have only played against each other twice in any format. “We know the challenges they’ll pose. We’ve played against them lots in 50-over cricket and they’re a dangerous side, they are a team full of match-winners,” Buttler said. “The beauty of T20 cricket is anyone can beat anyone on their day, an individual can win a match for his team. “But we prepare well, we’re a very level team in that we don’t get too high or low. We’ll try to bring our level of intensity, which always gives us the best chance of winning the game.” Buttler sealed England’s six-wicket win in their tournament opener with 24 not out from 22 balls, having

made a sparkling 73 in a warm-up against New Zealand after deciding to skip the rest of the Indian Premier League (IPL). “I’m feeling good,” he added. “I enjoyed that break. I thought it was good for me. In an ideal world you’d probably come into a tournament like this with maybe a little bit more cricket behind you and the IPL being here in the UAE would be the perfect lead into a tournament. “But I think I’m in a position now where I’m experienced enough, I’ve played in these conditions before, I feel like I know what it takes in practice to get me in a position where I feel like I can go out there and perform.” England could opt for an unchanged XI in Abu Dhabi against Bangladesh, with pace bowler Mark Wood unlikely to be risked after having an injection in his left ankle last week.

Beijing Marathon postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 (REUTERS) - The Beijing Marathon has been postponed indefinitely after Sunday's race was called off amid rising COVID-19 cases in China, the BBC quoted organisers as saying. Organisers said they were

cancelling next weekend's race "in order to prevent the risk of the epidemic spreading (and) effectively protect the health and safety of the majority of runners, staff and residents," the BBC reported. The marathon was set to return this year after it was

suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19. The Wuhan Marathon, which was due to be held last Sunday, was also called off with a new date yet to be determined. China reported 43 new COVID-19 cases on Mon-

day, up from 39 cases a day earlier, the country's national health authority said yesterday. Confirmed cases in mainland China now total 96 840, while the death toll remains unchanged at 4 636.

Dravid formally applies to become India's head coach Mhambrey applies for bowling coach role; Abhay, Ratra among contenders for next fielding RAHUL Dravid formally applied for the position of the Indian team's head coach, yesterday, having been touted as the heavy favourite to get the role. In addition to Dravid, former pacer Paras Mhambrey, and former wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra have applied for the positions of India's bowling and fielding coach respectively, with incumbents Bharat Arun and R Sridhar also set to leave after the T20 World Cup 2021. Earlier, Abhay Sharma, who had worked with Dravid at the NCA, India A and India Women, also applied for the fielding coach's role. "Yes, Rahul has formally applied today as it is the deadline. His team at the NCA - bowling coach Paras (Mhambrey) and fielding coach Abhay (Sharma) have already applied. His application was just a formality," a senior BCCI official told PTI yesterday. Dravid had recently met BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah in Dubai on the sidelines of the IPL final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. Ganguly and Shah are understood to have spoken to him about taking up the position once Ravi Shastri steps down at the end of India's campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. Dravid is expected to take charge with India's home series against New Zealand that begins on November 17 with a T20I series, under a new captain, with Virat Kohli stepping down. Vice-captain Rohit Sharma will, in all likelihood, replace Kohli at the helm. Dravid's selection as coach would also mean the BCCI will need to appoint a new head for the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Ratra, who applied yesterday, told PTI, "It will be great if I can contribute in Team India's success if given a chance." Both Mhambrey and Ratra have been involved with the next rung of Indian

Former India captain Rahul Dravid

cricketers at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Mhambrey, one of those behind India's successful India A and U-19 team programmes, has worked extensively with Dravid at that level too. The coaching module prepared by the NCA to ensure a smooth transition from the U-19 to India A teams and then subsequently to the main squad, has been the handiwork of Dravid and Mhambrey. Mhambrey, 49, played two Tests and three ODIs for India between 1996 and 1998. He represented the Mumbai team in domestic cricket with distinction, and took 284 wickets in 91 firstclass games. He also took 111 wickets in 83 List A games. He has had success as coach too, steering Bengal to successive Ranji Trophy finals in 2005-6 and 2006-7, and also coaching Baroda. Ratra, 39, played six Tests and 12 ODIs for India, all in 2002. He represented Haryana in domestic cricket, playing 99 first-class games and 89 List A matches. Ratra is currently the head coach of Assam. He has worked with Delhi Capitals in the past in the IPL, and also been a regular at the NCA, where he worked with India keepers Wriddhiman Saha and Rishabh Pant. (Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 27, 2021

Pakistan beat New Zealand for second win in three days A SENSATIONAL and brutal partnership between Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali guided Pakistan to their second Men’s T20 World Cup victory in three days. After emphatically thrashing rivals India by 10 wickets, Pakistan edged a nervy game against New Zealand to win by five wickets in Sharjah. Chasing 135, Shoaib and Asif shared 48 to seal success with eight balls left. New Zealand, playing their first game in Group 2, were restricted to 134-8 with Haris Rauf taking 4-22. Asif, who twice had medical attention for concussion-like symptoms after top-edging a Tim Southee bouncer into his helmet, made an unbeaten 27 off just 12 balls, including three sixes. His 23-ball partnership with Shoaib, who made 26 off 20, saw them home and boosted Pakistan’s semi-final hopes with games against Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland to come. Black Caps pace bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the tournament

with a calf tear. They are now waiting approval for Adam Milne, who was the leading wicket-taker in the men’s Hundred this summer, to be able to replace Ferguson in their 15-man squad. ASIF AND SHOAIB SHINE There were hopes for another high-scoring game after Afghanistan made 190 at Sharjah on Monday but this game was a return to the slower pitches that we saw regularly throughout the Indian Premier League (IPL) when it took place in the UAE. Despite that, a target of 135 felt well within Pakistan’s reach, especially after their demolition job of India. But when Asif walked out with five wickets down, they required 48 from 31 balls and Shoaib – who has now been not out in 18 winning international chases – was only nine balls into his innings. Asif, who only averages 16.38 in international T20s, smashed his first ball for four

Pakistan's cricketers celebrate the dismissal of New Zealand's Martin Guptill during the ICC Men's Twenty20 World Cup cricket match vs New Zealand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah yesterday (Photo by Karim SAHIB/AFP)

through point before seizing control of the game in the 17th over. He planted Southee over long-off, before going straighter next ball, as he pulled the required run-rate down to almost a run-a-ball. The 30-year-old struggled following his head injury, but pulled another massive six over mid-wicket, with the next ball after receiving treatment, in a quite magnificent show of bravery and courage. Shoaib, 39, was a late call-up for the tournament,

but justified that by using all of his experience at the other end to rotate the strike and find the boundaries with the bad balls.

Ministers Croal, Rodrigues to be honoured by BCB, RHTYSC

SUBSTITUTE Calum Chambers scored within seconds of coming off the bench to help Arsenal see off Leeds United and reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Chambers' header crept over the line for the opener 10 minutes after the break, before former Leeds loanee Eddie Nketiah pounced to wrap up the tie. The forward cleverly flicked the ball over a stranded Illan Meslier and just did enough to nudge it over the line before the visiting keeper could recover. Leeds had looked the more threatening side until the first goal, in an open and entertaining game against a much-changed Arsenal side at Emirates Stadium. But Mikel Arteta's outfit were comfortable after establishing their lead as the visitors became stretched looking for a way back into the game. Arsenal, hoping to win the competition for the first time since 1993, will find out their last-eight opponents in Saturday's draw.

THE executives of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTYSC) and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will be hosting a special ceremony for Minis-

ters of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues, in the Ancient County of Berbice. Both RHTYSC and BCB are set to present both

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 27, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 27 (2007) (2) West Indies vs South Africa (Johannesburg, 2007) Today’s Quiz: (1) Ramnaresh Sarwan twice captained the WI in T20 World Cup matches. Who were the opposition? (2) How many teams have played T20 World Cup matches to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ministers with their highest awards. The BCB will also be hosting talks with the ministers following the presentation, as they continue efforts to lift Berbice cricket to even higher heights. Recently, BCB president Hilbert Foster and a few of his executives paid courtesy visits to the respective ministers as their ministries. Among the things discussed were: cricket development with the continued assistance of the Government of Guyana, exploring the possibilities of cricketers in Berbice having access to land and other aspects of overall development. Meanwhile, BCB and RHTYSC are asking all elected and appointed executives to be present and seated by 15:45hrs tomorrow at the St Francis Community Centre.

PAKISTAN BOWLERS EXCEL AGAIN Pakistan look well covered in the bowling

ranks, with the left-arm pace of Shaheen Afridi, Rauf - whose 4-22 were career-best T20 international figures - Hassan Ali and the spin of Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Hafeeez. Today was about Rauf and his raw pace. His first

ball was a searing yorker that cut though Martin Guptill, before he bowled him next ball off the inside edge. The 27-year-old dismissed Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips in the 18th over, allowing Pakistan to squeeze their opponents. Mitchell Santner gloriously drove him to the cover boundary but Rauf bowled him off the final ball of the innings to wrap up another solid performance with the ball by Pakistan, as they took five wickets for just 44 runs in the final seven overs. New Zealand, who also lost both of their warmup games, found batting difficult and will have to find a way to score more fluently in the conditions. (BBC Sport)

Arsenal beat Leeds to reach Carabao quarter-finals GUNNERS MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RUN VAR may not have been in use but Arsenal's opener still felt like it took an age to register as all eyes were fixed on referee Andre Marriner to see whether the ball had crossed the line. The official glanced at his watch, gave the signal that Chambers' header had squeezed in despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Meslier and the hosts' delayed celebrations began. It was the substitute's first touch of the ball, 23 seconds after entering the field, and he was only on the pitch because £50M defender Ben White had hobbled off moments earlier. That will be a worry for Arteta, with White one of just two players to keep their place following Arsenal's 3-1 win over Aston Villa last time out, the other being the lively Emile Smith Rowe. The Arsenal boss called on those coming into the starting XI to use their minutes wisely and young forward Nketiah did that by

continuing his prolific form in the competition. The 22-year-old has struggled for first-team opportunities but grabbed his seventh goal in eight EFL Cup appearances, two of those coming while on loan at Leeds, when he reacted to a mix-up in the visitors' defence to score the second. Arteta has already tasted success at Arsenal, winning the FA Cup as a player and coach, and the recent signs are encouraging for the Spaniard as his side made it eight games without defeat. Leeds have not won away against Arsenal since 2003 at Highbury and that wait goes on, but they were buoyed by a vocal travelling support and enjoyed the best of the first half. Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno had to get down quickly to palm Jack Harrison's fierce half-volley away and Daniel James proved a constant threat, but Bielsa's focus now returns to the Premier League and a trip to Norwich City on Sunday. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 27, 2021

‘Surprised and taken aback’, Bavuma on de Kock, ‘toughest day’ as captain ON a day when South Africa were clinical in getting their first win at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, captain Temba Bavuma was left dealing with the fallout of teammate Quinton de Kock’s decision to opt out of the game. Bavuma said he was “taken aback” at de Kock's decision, which he found out in the changing room just before the start of the match against West Indies in Dubai. And while Bavuma said his teammate is still “one of the boys” the team are bracing for challenging conversations in coming days. Although de Kock himself has not elaborated on missing the game, statements from Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Bavuma make it clear the decision had to do with CSA’s directive for all players to take the knee at the start of the game. "We as a team were surprised and taken aback by the news," Bavuma said. "Quinton is a big player for the team, not only with the bat but also the role he plays from an experience point of view. Not having that at my disposal as a captain was obviously not something I

was looking forward to. "In saying that, Quinton is an adult. He’s a man in his own shoes. We respect his decision, we respect his convictions.". Bavuma was pragmatic when quizzed about de Kock's future playing for South Africa. "It wouldn’t be my decision whether to replace Quinton or get a substitute," said Bavuma. "As far as we stand, Quinton is still one of the players, one of the boys. So whatever support that he needs, whatever shoulder that he requires from his teammates will be there for him. "And if there’s a need for further conversations to be had, those will definitely happen among the guys.". The skipper clarified that the instructions from the board to take the knee – "in a united and consistent stance" as the CSA statement later put it – was taken on the morning of the game. The message was passed on to them before they got on to the bus to travel to Dubai. "The trip was about an hour and half to two hours. In that trip I guess that’s where Quinton made his decision. I found out when we got to the changing room.

"(The timing) was probably not ideal," he added. "The good thing is we were still able to find a way to get on the field and represent our country the way we did." Quinton is still one of the players, one of the boys. So whatever support that he needs, whatever shoulder that he requires from his teammates will be there for him. And if there’s a need for further conversations to be had, those will definitely happen among the guys. The timing meant the team had not had the time to discuss the matter with de Kock and clear the air, he explained. "You've got to appreciate the fact that the instruction came this morning from the board and there wasn't a great deal of time for us to thoroughly discuss the matter. Unfortunately for us as players it was a matter of us digesting what we were told and finding a way for us to move forward. "We have a couple of days before the next game. Those days will be tough for the group but guys who want to know his decision they will use the time to find it out a bit better." At the start of the match, Darren Sammy, former West Indies captain, had said on

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma

commentary: "I don’t understand why it is so difficult to support this movement, if you understand what it stands for. There might be a lot of issues affecting the world, but I don’t understand why it’s so difficult." Bavuma, however, expanded on the complexity of the issue when pressed on the directive and related discussion. "I don't think it is as simple as taking the knee," he said. "We have to appreciate the fact that we live in a country like South Africa that has its own past. That is

diverse in its views and in the way people see things, their backgrounds, things that we support. "As much as we are a team, we wear the same shirt, we play for the badge. But outside of that, we live our own lives and those lives are different by the very nature that we live in South Africa. For me, I’ve learnt to appreciate it a lot more, try to widen your own perspective as an individual and not expect people to see the things the way I see things. "If there is a disagreement in terms of beliefs,

that’s why we have those hard conversations.".. Bavuma said although the bowlers and batters gave him plenty to celebrate, it was one of his “toughest days” as captain. "We still had to get the job done. There was still a game of cricket for our country. And it was important that as much as everything was happening, we found a way to get into the right mental space and take it home for our country," he said. "I was just glad we were able to get into the right frame of mind as a team and play the way we played." West Indies captain Kieron Pollard refused to speculate on the issue, but reiterated his team's commitment to taking the knee. "It's something that we feel strongly about as a team and as a people, as well, and we will continue to do it," he said. "Each and everyone has his own opinion on it, but as I've always said, once you're educated and you understand, we will understand you doing it, but I think education sort of is the key, and we don't want anyone doing it for us in solitude or to feel sorry for us." (South Africa News)

West Indies boosted by return of Taylor, Campbelle ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Outstanding all-rounder Stefanie Taylor has returned to lead West Indies Women in their all-important campaign at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 in Zimbabwe starting next month. Selectors yesterday named the 30-year-old Jamaican in a 15-member squad for the November 21 to December 5 tournament, and the preceding three-match One-Day International tour of Pakistan beginning November 8. Taylor missed South Africa Women’s recent tour of the Caribbean when West Indies Women drew the three-match Twenty20 series and suffered a 4-1 drubbing in the ODI phase.

She initially pulled out of the T20 Internationals after being forced to isolate due to being identified as a primary contact of a positive COVID-19 case in Jamaica, but subsequently returned home ahead of the ODI series on what Cricket West Indies (CWI) labelled a “personal leave of absence”. Chief selector Anne Browne-John said Taylor’s return would be a boost for the touring party. “The captain Stafanie Taylor who missed the South Africa Series is also back which also serves to strengthen both the batting and bowling,” Browne-John said. West Indies have also been lifted by the return of stroke-maker Shemaine Campbelle, who has been

Guyanese stroke-maker Shemaine Campbelle is once again fit after being out of action for over a year.

kept out of action by injury for over a year. The 29-year-old right-

Stefanie Taylor missed South Africa Women’s recent tour of the Caribbean.

hander joins a squad which features the experience of all-rounder Deandra Dottin and off-spinning vice-captain

Anisa Mohammed, along with opener Hayley Matthews and fast bowler Shamilia Connell. “The upcoming Pakistan series and World Cup qualifiers are crucial as the team works towards participation in the Cricket World Cup in 2022,” said Browne-John. “It is important to note that Shemaine Campbelle is once again fit and available after being away through injury. “She is one of the senior players and has shown herself to be one of the premier wicket-keepers in the world. She has scored runs in the practice match since her return.” She added: “The squad has a mix of senior and developing players and particular mention must be made of two young players, Qiana Joseph and Rashada Williams, who

had very encouraging series against South Africa and hopefully they will go from strength to strength.” The Caribbean side is set to arrive in Karachi on November 1 and will head directly to Zimbabwe following the conclusion of the final ODI. SQUAD – Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams Travelling reserves – Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Karishma Ramharack

West Indies players walk off the field after their second defeat (Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Opener Evin Lewis stylishly punches a delivery down the ground during his 56 against South Africa on Tuesday.

ICC T20 World Cup

Windies staring at early exit after South Africa canter to victory SOUTH Africa beat the West Indies at a canter to open their Super 12 account and leave their opponents staring at an early ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 exit. The Proteas limited the West Indies to 143 for eight as Dwaine Pretorious took three wickets late on to put the brakes on an innings which had looked set to reach a far more imposing total after opener Evin Lewis’s blistering 56. In reply, South Africa rallied well from the early loss of captain

Temba Bavuma and never looked in trouble in pursuit of the runs as Aiden Markram’s destructive 51 not out from just 26 balls broke the West Indies’ resolve en route to an eight-wicket win. Given the West Indies’ net run rate took a heavy hit in the six-wicket defeat to England, a second consecutive loss leaves the defending champions desperate for favourable results against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Australia if they are to stand a chance of making the semi-finals.

South Africa made one change from the defeat to Australia as Quinton de Kock was replaced at the top of the order by Reeza Hendricks, with Heinrich Klaasen taking the gloves. Unsurprisingly, Bavuma invited the West Indies to bat first at Dubai International Stadium, the same venue where they capitulated to 55 all out against England on Saturday. That performance appeared to still be fresh in their minds as they made a very cautious start, edging

GTT Guyana Open Golf Championship officially launched … 24 overseas players already in Guyana for weekend's tournament

GUYANA’S premier golfing event, the Guyana Open, was officially launched yesterday with title sponsor Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) handing over a sponsorship cheque valued at $3M to members of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC). President of the LGC, Patanjilee Persaud, said that the club was happy to collaborate with GTT and has rebranded the prestigious tournament this year as the GTT Guyana Open Golf Championships. “When we first approached GTT for the sponsorship, they welcomed this opportunity

to just six for none, off the first three overs, part-timer Markram even squeezing in a maiden. But then opener Lewis got going in some style, smashing three sixes and three fours, as his side blitzed 37 off 18 balls to reach 43 without loss at the end of a topsy-turvy powerplay. However, it was not without a scare, as Lendl Simmons - who was making exceptionally slow progress - benefitted from stand-in gloveman Klaasen shelling a dolly off Anrich

Nortje, whose pace forced an edge behind in the first over of a miserly spell of one for 14. Lewis kept sending balls flying into the stands and when he slogswept Tabraiz Shamsi into the crowd, he brought up a marvellous half-century from only 32 balls. Having registered a sixth maximum off Keshav Maharaj, Lewis perished the next ball when immediately looking for a seventh, Kagiso Rabada holding a catch out on the TURN TO PAGE 31 ►

GTT’s Orson Ferguson (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to LGC’s PRO Anasha Ally. Also in photo are president of the golf club, Patanjilee Persaud, and club captain Patrick Prashad (left).

to work together with the LGC for the premier event.” Persaud added that the executives have gone the extra mile to ensure that all systems are in place to run off a smooth tournament. Up to yesterday afternoon, some 66 players had already registered for the event, including 24 from outside of Guyana. The foreign players have travelled from North America and the Caribbean. The lone female in the travelling side is defending female champion, Julia Stephenson from Barbados. The Guyanese-born defeated former

Guyana Open champion Shanella London by a single stroke when the event was last held in 2019. This year, she will also have to contend with the likes of multi-time winner Christine Sukhram and another former champion, Joaan Deo. PARTNERSHIP Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions in GTT, Orson Ferguson, acknowledged the partnership and pointed out that GTT is “extremely proud to be the title

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sponsor for this tournament”. He added that the objective is to deepen the relationship with the golf club. “We think it’s a fantastic sport. It teaches people some valuable life lessons.” Ferguson added that the hope is to build the game from the youth level. “We will also challenge the Lusignan Golf Club to go even younger, to get into youth golf. We would like to see youth golf being played. We think again, it’s a fantastic sport and exposing kids to the sport is an important thing.” WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021