Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-31-2020

SATURDAY 31st October, 2020

' No.106169

Guyana targets CARICOM US$4B food import bill GUYANA CHR

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SEE story inside

–– NAREI Director says country well-positioned to capture sizable share of market

Schools given greenlight to reopen SEE STORY ON PAGE 10 ►

New curfew hours 22:30 hrs-04:00 hrs

SEE STORY ON PAGE 2 ►

Christmas Kettle begins to boil SEE PAGE 03

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, officially started the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas appeal by making the first deposit into the kettle at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown on Friday (DPI photo)

Heath-London ‘jettisoned’ for alleged illegalities

SEE STORY ON PAGE 3 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Curfew hours now 22:30hrs-04:00hrs –– gyms to operate at 50 per cent capacity

GOVERNMENT has taken a decision to reduce the time for the national curfew, moving it from 21:00 hrs-04:00 hrs to 22:30 hrs-04:00 hrs.

This and other emergency measures were made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement –B, March 16, 2020.

According to health authorities, the COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. 8) will expire on November 30, 2020 unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions, created by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

pandemic.

These measures were adjusted by Government, following an assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the reduction

in the hours of the national curfew, Government has agreed that gyms and fitness centres may be opened, but only at 50 per cent capacity of the building and by appointments, to minimise the risk and spread

of the coronavirus.

The operator of a gym and fitness centre shall be responsible for ensuring that his/her staff and customers comply with the notice and any guidelines issued by the Ministry of

Health.

It was also decided that drive-in cinemas will be able to operate under strict guidelines, but other recreational facilities such as bars, clubs or discotheque will remain closed.

Government has also prohibited recreational activities at rivers, creeks, beaches, swimming pools and “internal waters”.

“If any person, organiser or operator who is allowed to host an event or operate a business under this paragraph (paragraph 2 of the orders), fails to comply with this notice or any guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, the Minister of Health may close the operations of that business or prohibit that event,” said

Government in its new gazetted orders.

While monitoring of the situation and enforcing these measures are easy in Region Four, access to certain hinterland areas is difficult, so Government, as part of an effort to contain the spread in those regions, has restricted non-essential travel in and out of Regions One and Nine, until November 30, 2020.

These control measures are often hard to cope with, but, considering the prevailing circumstances, persons must be cautious and vigilant, as they continue to do their part in the fight against COVID-19.

70-year-old dies from COVID-19

A SEV EN TY -year-old man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) died

while being treated for COVID-19 at a public health facility on Friday.

On Friday, Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Region Four were the only two areas to record new cases.

Some 45 such cases were recorded on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the country to date up to

4,143. However, another 38 persons have recovered from the virus, pushing the total number of recoveries to 3,192.

Three more persons have been admitted to the COVID-19 Intensive Care

Unit (ICU), taking the total current patients to 10, while 75 persons remain in institutional isolation and 740 persons are in home isolation.

Thirty-seven persons are in institutional quarantine.

To date, 19, 266 per-

sons have been tested for the virus and 78 per cent of those tests have produced negative results. Men account for some 2,185 of the positive cases and women 1, 958.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Christmas Kettle begins to boil

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–– President Ali makes first deposit, says charitable work vital for human development

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday praised the humanitarian efforts of the Salvation Army during the launch of the annual Christmas Kettle Appeal at the Duke Lodge, in Kingston.

President Ali officially started the Christmas appeal by making the first deposit into the kettle.

The Head of State was joined by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ms. Oneidge Walrond; National Security Adviser (NSA), Captain Jerry Gouveia; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr. Nicholas Boyer; and representatives from the Salvation Army.

“As I grew older and understood more, the level of respect for this organisation grew tremendously. You are much more than a spiritual body; you are much more than a social being, too.

You are an important link and asset in any society with the work that you have been doing,” he said.

President Ali added that

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Ms. Oneidge Walrond made the second donation into the Christmas Kettle as the season approaches

in Guyana, the Salvation Army restores hope when it is lost. He also pointed to the far-reaching benefits of the international charitable organisation, including its drug rehabilitation programme.

“I remember very clearly at a restaurant in Guyana, the restaurant manager

came up to former President Jagdeo, and he said, ‘Thank you; I am a product of the resources that were given to the Salvation Army in the rehabilitation programme,’”the President said.

The Head of State reiterated his Government’s commitment towards supporting such programmes, while he

pointed to the need for the services to be decentralised to benefit more communities.

“You have a Government that is ready and willing to partner with you and all other organisations…

There is much more that can be done, and there is much more support that needs to

be given; we are willing to give that support,” President Ali said.

He also urged all Guyanese to see the merits of giving beyond the Christmas season, and pointed to the need for long-term solutions.

“As we move forward,” he said, “I pray that our lives will continue to be blessed; all Guyanese families here and in the diaspora be blessed with goodness and mercy, and that our act of kindness will not only be rewarded with the blessings that come with it, but it will be rewarded by the transformation of lives, the delivery of hope, and the opening up of opportunities.”

In her remarks, Minister Walrond also recognised the spirit of selfless giving and love which the Salvation Army embodies, and commended them for their continued service to the less fortunate, as well as the benefits of the drug rehabilitation programme.

Minister Walrond called to attention the significance

of the Salvation Army’s work, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraged the business community and all Guyanese to “give generously”.

Gouveia, in his remarks, outlined the parallel responsibility of the NSA and the Salvation Army in waging war against poverty and making lives better, while Nicholas Boyer represented his father, Edward ‘Eddie’ Boyer, who is the chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board.

With the launch, Guyanese will now be greeted with the familiar sight of the red donation bucket.

The annual Christmas Appeal helps to meet the needs of the less fortunate through the provision of food, shelter, rehabilitation and much more.

Heath-London ‘jettisoned’ for alleged illegalities HEAD of the Special Purpose Unit (SPU), Colvin Heath-London, was, on Friday, dismissed with immediate effect, for alleged illegalities, misconduct and serious failures in performance.

Health-London was employed by the Government to head SPU for the privatisation and divestment of identified assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and was later tasked with the responsibility of performing duties of the Chief Executive Officer of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

A review of NICIL’s and SPU’s operations revealed several illegalities and failures

by London in the performance of his duties which have had a detrimental effect on the Government’s and NICIL’s business.

Some of the issues include the issuance of various leases of NICIL properties located in Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara without public tender, valuations, board approval and Cabinet approval among other derelictions.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, on Wednesday, formally wrote to the Spe-

of duty generally, not only breaching applicable laws and violating policies established by the Government and NICIL, but causing NICIL and the Government to lose

Former SPU Head, Colvin Heath-London

cial Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Crime Chief to investigate a lawyer closely attached to the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) over the sale of State lands at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara.

Further, government, in a press statement, noted the issuance of approximately 14 agreements of sale and leases for NICIL lands located at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (the “Ogle Transactions”), and the subsequent vesting of seven tracts of land without ensuring that full payments were received.

These transactions it was noted were done without ensuring the vesting orders issued were drafted by ap-

proved NICIL counsel or contained the usual and customary language, sufficient to protect NICIL’s interests.

London, it was noted, also failed to facilitate and procure the auditing of SPU’s accounts by the Auditor General.

“Failing to facilitate and procure the necessary NICIL account reconciliations in order to allow the Auditor General to audit NICIL’s accounts from 2014 to 2019, these reconciliations being performed within six weeks of the appointment of new management. Mr. London’s failure to properly perform his duties and referenced transgressions constitute serious misconduct and dereliction

millions of dollars,” Government noted.

His actions, the Government noted, also amount to a breach of the fiduciary duties and duty of care owed

to NICIL imposed by the relevant provisions of the Companies Act 1991 and generally, warranting his immediate termination.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

President has power to confer 'silk' –– AG Nandlall tells High Court

THE President, as Guyana’s supreme executive authority, is vested with the exclusive prerogative to confer legal practitioners with silk, according to Attorney General and Minster of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall made this argument in his written submissions in response to the application filed by Attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas, challenging the four Senior Counsel (SC) appointments that were made by former President David Granger last year. Jonas wants the court to revoke the appointments.

The AG’s statement was submitted to the High Court

by Assistant Solicitor General Beverley Bishop-Cheddie and State Counsel Chevy Devonish.

Jonas, an Executive Member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) is asking the court to grant an Order of Certiorari to quash

the SC appointments of Attorneys-at-Law Jamila Ali, Roysdale Forde, Mursalene Bacchus and Stanley Moore.

The Attorney General was named as the respondent in the matter.

The Attorney General, contended that proceedings like these give rise to novel issues in Guyanese jurisprudence not previously canvassed in a significant way.

He argued that the President, as the supreme executive authority, is vested with the exclusive prerogative and such a power was never vested in the Judiciary of Guyana.

Additionally, he said that the President’s prerogative to confer silk does not infringe on judicial independence, nor is it unconstitutional in any other way.

To this backdrop, Nandlall pointed out that Jones, in his submissions, claims that the court has an inherent jurisdiction to confer silk.

Saturday, October 31, 2020 -- 05:00 HRS

“This is emphatically denied, and the Applicant has not provided evidence of this,” the AG argued in his submissions.

He noted that the power to appoint Queen’s/King’s Counsel originated with the Monarch, and in Guyana’s case, was exercisable by the Governor, who was the Queen’s representative in British Guiana.

The powers of the Queen were exercisable by the Governor-General by virtue of the Guyana Independence Ordinance 1966, which powers included the prerogative to appoint silk.

Additionally, the common law of England, which included the prerogative of the Monarch to confer silk became the common law of Guyana since 1917 by virtue of the Civil Law of Guyana Act. The Republic Act then captured the, inter alia, prerogatives of the Queen, and vested same in the President of Guyana in 1970.

The President, he reiterated has the power to confer silk as part of his prerogative to confer honours.

“It is respectfully submitted that the dignity of Silk has become, by evolution of the convention, an honour. If we accept that the dignity of Silk is an honour conferred upon

the dignity of Senior Counsel, and the decision by the President as communicated in the said publication is entirely void and of no effect,” Jonas submitted to the court.

He added: “Insofar as the (former) President, a member of the executive, purports to make a decision within the province of the inherent discretion of the High Court, his trespass into the realm of the judiciary violates Article 122 of the Constitution, and is illegal and void.”

Oral submissions will be made virtually before Judge Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall Nareshwar Harnanan on and Attorney Timothy Jonas December 14 at 10:00 hours.

Attorneys-at-law as a mark Jonas in his grounds said The Guyana Bar Association of distinction, then it must “The power and discretion (GBA) and Attorney-at-law be accepted that the Pres- to admit persons at the Bar Hari Ramkarran SC were ident of Guyana, as the of Guyana, to preside over permitted to intervene, amfountainhead of honours in such persons, to discipline, icus curiae in the case.

Guyana has the power, or suspend and disbar such On Wednesday, the Ofprerogative, to confer Silk persons is conferred by the fice of the President (OP) as an honour,” the AG said provisions of the Legal Prac- announced that Nandlall titioners Act and common in his submission. and Jonas will be appointed The AG also cited Ar- law on the High Court of the Senior Counsel with effect ticle 193 (Vii) of the Con- Supreme Court of Judicature from October 30, 2020. stitution of Guyana which of Guyana.”

The announcement, OP He noted that the Full contemplates the power said followed consultations of the President to bestow Bench of the High Court, between Chancellor of the had from time to time, exerhonours.

Judiciary (ag), Yonette The Article states, “The cised a discretion to confer Cummings and His Excelon Attorneys-at-law who Ombudsman shall not inlency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan vestigate any such action, have practised with distinc- Ali. tion before the court, the or action taken with respect “Their appointments dignity of ‘Senior Counsel.’ to any such matter, as is are due to their demonAs such, he is of the described hereunder: the opinion that Granger’s an- strable knowledge of, and grant of honours, awards or nouncement last December learning in, the law, and privileges within the gift of that Forde, Ali, Bacchus and on account of their exthe President.”

Moore be appointed SC with emplary erudition and effect from January 1, 2020 diligence in the practice of UNLAWFUL the law, and, by virtue of was unlawful.

“There is no statutory or their distinguished contriother power conferred on the butions to the growth and President of Guyana whether development of Guyana’s as President or otherwise to jurisprudence and constimake such a decision or to tutional democracy,” the appoint Attorneys-at-law to OP statement noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Cambio dealer, boutique owner robbed at gunpoint

POLICE are hunting for a male who robbed a money changer and a businessman at gunpoint and carted off over $500,000 in cash and other valuables, on Friday morning.

The incident occurred at around 08:00 hrs. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Daneshwar Panalall, 48, a money changer at the Skeldon Market, East Berbice, Corentyne, said he was sitting in front of the market with a businessman when he noticed a male wearing a mask, a blue hat and a bag strung over his shoulder

walking coming towards their direction.

He noted that he did not pay much attention nor suspect anything since everyone was required to wear a mask, but as the man got closer to them, he pulled out a handgun, cranked it, pointed at him and relieved him of everything he had in his possession.

“We did sitting here talking when we see the person with a blue hat and mask coming but we did not think anything cause it look like he just coming out. Next thing

he pull out a gun and clack! clack! he crank it and tek way the money I had in me hand and start run through me pockets them and put everything in the bag,” Panalall related.

He said he had in his possession $500,000 that he uses for his cambio business which the robber took while relieving his businessman friend of his cell phone and some cash.

The businessman, Vibert Dan, a boutique owner, said he had been doing business at the market for over 20 years and never witnessed such a

brazen robbery.

He told reporters that he was relieved of his wallet with $25,000 in cash along with his National ID card and other documents. In addition, he had some smaller bills that he used for change and his cellphone taken from him by the gunman.

During the robbery, a $1000 bill fell to the ground as the lone gunman was making his escape but he turned back and quickly grabbed it and got away.

After relieving the men of their valuables, the bandit then stole a bicycle that was

‘Glad to remain in the CARICOM family’ Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname, Lilian Chatterjee said she is “glad to remain in the CARICOM family” in a Twitter post on Friday, following the announcement that she had been reassigned as Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados.

The reassignment was announced on Friday, among a number of other new diplomatic appointments, in a statement from the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, François-Philippe Champagne.

Chatterjee will now replace Marie Legault in Barbados while her replacement

to Guyana has not yet been announced.

“Sorry to leave Guyana and Suriname but glad to remain in the @CARICOMorg family with my new appointment as High Commissioner to Barbados. A privilege to represent Canada,” Chatterjee expressed.

Chatterjee has served as High Commissioner to Guyana since 2017, with concurrent accreditation as ambassador to Suriname and as the plenipotentiary representative of Canada to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Chatterjee has had a long career within Global Affairs Canada. She served as Di-

rector-General of the Strategic Integration, Europe, Middle East and Maghreb Branch, and prior to that she held the position of Director-General for Social Development in the Partnerships for Development Innovation Branch.

In 2003, Chatterjee had joined the Canadian International Development Agency, where she later became the Director-General of the Canadian Partnership Branch.

Chatterjee was among other diplomats who featured prominently during the 2020 elections stalemate, in their call for democracy to prevail in Guyana. President Irfaan Ali has expressed

profound gratitude to the Canadian Government and Chatterjee for their unwavering support for democracy in Guyana.

Chatterjee had met with President Ali last month, where the two sides discussed strengthening relations in several key areas across all sectors in Guyana, including oil and gas, agriculture, training and capacity building and investment opportunities.

parked nearby and rode off in a southern direction.

The two men gave chase on their motorcycles shortly after but by then the man had made good his escape.

Meanwhile, Panalall was at a loss as to how he will continue his business and take care of family since that was the second robbery he suffered for the year and it had rendered him bankrupt.

In February, Panalall was knocked off his motorcycle a short distance away from his home by three men. During that ordeal, he lost over $3M. Since then, with assistance

from his parents and other relatives, he was able to raise some money which he had been using to ply his trade.

“When you is a money changer and you get rob nobody don’t want lend you money or help you, is me father back me up cause me get family and suh to feed now and we raise the $500,000 now me ain’t know what I gun do,” said Panalall.

The matter has since been reported to the police who are on the hunt for the robber.

–– says Canadian High Commissioner on reassignment to Barbados Earlier this month, Chatterjee had offered her country’s assistance to help Guyana to develop the legislative sector, particularly with the reforming of electoral statutes.

Canada-Guyana business relations encompass a plethora of trade initiatives which include, but are not limited to, agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The two countries

also share extensive people-to-people ties. The Guyanese diaspora in Canada, in 2018, was estimated to be around 200,000.

Guyana also benefits from bilateral funding through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives; and Canada’s Caribbean Regional Development programme, which also supports Caribbean collaboration and integration efforts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Juvenile delinquency JUVENILE delinquency has evolved from playing truant to indulging in harmless pastimes, such as going fishing or swimming during school hours, or picking fruits from burgeoning trees of absentee homeowners, to stealing and even murder.

Recently, police reported that a juvenile was apprehended for the murder of La Grange businesswoman Bibi Ramjit, aged 86, at her home at La Grange, West Bank Demerara. He has confessed to complicity in the crime. This follows a plethora of reports on such heinous actions by young adults, and even children in their early teens.

The first teachers of children are family members, essentially parents and primary caregiver, from whose interrelations they learn to socialise in the wider world. Behavioural patterns are imbibed from babyhood through observing the actions and listening

to the utterings of the elders, even older siblings within their existential milieu.

Teachers and school environments provide their secondary learning landscapes. Upon attaining adolescence, the parameters widen; and this is the danger age, when emotions become very volatile, and when the urgings and opinions of peers prove more influential and impactful than those of parents. And if a child does not have a strong moral compass, their entire world can be turned upside down, if they choose the wrong ‘friends’ on whom they base their behavioural patterns.

Sound family environments could inculcate the requisite groundings that could armour a child against peer pressure that encourages wrongdoing, where observing and experiencing parental and/or primary caregivers who live decent, law-abiding lives invest in their personality a self-confidence

that can strengthen their resolve to tread on the right path to adulthood, even if the consequences include alienation and exclusion from popular groups, members of which may have no scruples in doing prohibited things, and engaging in aberrant behaviour.

One study posited: “Broken families, single- parent families, separated families, frequent parents fight, lack of trust and confidence among the parents, criminal parents or psychological problems in parents can be the most important reason behind juvenile delinquency. The other reason can be sibling rivalry or unequal treatment between children. Parents and elder siblings have the responsibility to mould the personality of the children. When parents or siblings do not show moral behavior, or they commit crime, children or younger siblings also get motivation to do something bad, and engage in delinquent behaviour.

Continuing, the article hypothesised: “Often, the cause of juvenile delinquency is economic problems in family. Youths coming from poor economic status easily get involved in criminal activities; they want to improve their status, and for this purpose they use negative paths.”

Children who belong to a lower social and economic order are often ostracised in society, and this can leave ineradicable scars, creating dysfunctional adults.

Anti-social actions are learned behaviour. In the Guyana landscape, children often emulate their parents’ actions during protest demonstrations encouraged by their political or union leaders.

This aberrant behaviour witnessed by minors could potentially socialise them, at formative stages of their growth, into behaviour not conducive to acceptance by well-behaved peers.

The aberrant parenting style of

US election and impact on Guyanese migration

Dear editor,

THE US election is on Tuesday; the outcome would have far-reaching consequences for emigration, in addition to other aspects of relations from Guyana and the rest of the world. Trump plans to erect hurdles for aspiring legal immigrants and visitors and professionals seeking employment in the US. Guyana normally sends about 10K immigrants a year into the US as permanent residents. Over the last several years, many also got visitors and students visas, adding to the ‘green-card’ recipients.

The number was much higher in preceding years.

Between 2012 and 2015, in addition to ‘green-cards’,

over 30K visitor’s visas were granted to Guyanese, the overwhelming majority being given to Indians to reduce their presence in the 2015 Elections that helped to bring about the ouster of the Ramotar Administration. That number of green cards and visitors visas could be reduced to a trickle, should Trump win re-election; only selected immigrants would be allowed into the country.

Since early this year, the Trump administration has frozen immigration into the US, and has announced on Thursday stricter rules for immigration into the US were he to win another term. A Biden Administration promises to reverse the Trump policy on immigration, continuing the liberal policy of the

past, and restoring DACA, the Dream Act that allows undocumented college students to remain and work in the US, providing they have no criminal record.

Opinion polls put Biden in the lead to defeat Trump.

While Biden leads in overall popular support, the contest is much closer in some swing states that would determine which candidate would become President. Based on my own assessment of opinion polls and conversations with voters, Biden is projected to defeat Trump.

The Trump Administration has made anti-immigration a centerpiece of its policy, hoping it can take it to victory in the elections in which he is trailing in support. On Thursday, President Don-

ald Trump's senior adviser, Stephen Miller told a news outlet that if the President wins re-election, he will take a harder line on immigration; limiting political asylum, punishing and outlawing so-called sanctuary cities that give protection to illegals, expanding travel entry bans, limiting visitors visas, and slapping new limits on work visas. Tens of thousands of professionals, most IT workers and engineers, came to the US annually.

Most were from India.

The Trump Administration ended the practice, saying preference should be given to American skilled workers. But the US has a shortage of STEM workers.

Miller said the objective behind a new immigration policy is "rais-

ing and enhancing the standard for entry to the United States”. Unskilled immigrants would be excluded from coming to the US, preventing many from uniting with families.

Chain migration through family sponsorship would be reduced, if not altogether eliminated.

Immigration, keeping out Minorities, was central to Trump’s victory in 2016. The campaign is playing the immigration card again in 2020, hoping it pays political dividends. The race is tightening. A significant number of Guyanese, over 20 per cent, is supporting Trump.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

delinquent adults is often passed from generation to generation, with teenagers bearing children, absentee fathers, families deserted by fathers, single mothers who, in efforts to earn an income, are often forced to leave, unsupervised, very young children who become prey to predators in their existential milieu, sometimes introduced to illicit drug usage and criminal activities that catalyses a medley of anti-social behaviour, sometimes leading to murder, as in the case of the allegedly young murderer of the 86-year-old robbery victim from La Grange.

The current Government is orchestrating programmes to address issues of school drop-outs, poverty-eradication in families and communities, and eventually create for Guyana a haven for its citizens, where no-one is left destitute, or feel inferior in a social and/or economic context.

James Bond missing in action Dear editor, JUST a brief enquiry; haven’t heard from the political spy chief, James Bond, since the USD1 million disclosure or is it a “bust” which is so strange as he is such an informative chap to hear from.

Come on, Jamsie boy, all Guyana is anxiously waiting to hear your outburst, and please bring in the racial overtones of victimisation.

By the way, I see your party has thrown you under the bus.

I hear other disclosures are to follow.

Best regards, HN Nawbatt

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Grade Ten, CXC students returning to classroom in two weeks

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–– most schools are ready, Education Minister says

EDUCATION Minister Priya Manickhand on Friday disclosed that school for all students preparing for next year’s Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations and those in Grade 10 will be reopened within two weeks.

She was at the time addressing teachers, parents, and other Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam) residents at the Johanna Cecilia Secondary School.

Minister Manickchand told the sizeable gathering that while an exact date is still to be identified, parents are urged to be prepared.

Schools will be reopened to those who will be writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in 2021, and also Grade 10 students who will write CSEC in 2022.

Those gathered were assured that this move was made by the Ministry of Education to ensure all students are prepared for the examinations, even as she reiterated that the Ministry has no control over the setting of the exam dates.

She emphasised that all can be assured that students will be returning to a safe environment.

It was explained that schools are currently being outfitted with appropriate signage that is required for the adherence of the COVID-19 guidelines. Aside from signs, sanitising agents, masks and face shields will be made available to all teachers and students. Most of the schools, Minister Manickchand said, are in a state of readiness, and that within two weeks,

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand addressing the gathering

Some of the teachers, parents, and residents who attended the meeting

everything will be in place.

She explained that while many parents prefer at home learning for their children, the completion of the SchoolBased Assessment (SBA) and practical laboratory works cannot be conducted in such an environment, as faced-to-face teaching is required.

As such, Minister Manickchand said that teachers are responsible for the creation of timetables, which will permit themselves and students to work comfortably. She warned that if schools do not undertake

A parent, who is also a teacher, raises a concern

this task, then the respective Departments of Education will step in.

“Secondary schools will have full licence to open any day; you will have to keep the children engaged at your own time. You can choose when you want to make teachings available, but it must be done efficiently; the partnership is needed,” Minister Manickchand said.

DEALING WITH COVID-19 Addressing the pandemic, the Minister stressed that the coronavirus will be around

Teacher charged with murdering cousin

A 23-year-old teacher was, on Friday, remanded to prison for the murder of his cousin, 35-year-old Kamal Wilson.

Samuel Henry appeared via Skype before Magistrate Rabindranath Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, on October 26, 2020, at Kwebana Village, North West District, he murdered Wilson.

Henry was remanded to prison until January 4, 2021, and the case was transferred to the Acquero Magistrate’s Court.

According to reports,

around 19:30 hours on the day in question, Wilson went to the back of his yard to check his generator.

While doing so, he saw Henry walking towards him with a cutlass. The men reportedly never had any problems prior to the incident.

Using the said cutlass, Henry allegedly dealt Wilson several chops to his head, neck and shoulder.

Wilson screamed for help and ran into his house, locking the door behind him, while his attacker ran away.

Wilson’s father heard his cries for help and went to his aid.

On arrival, the man found his son lying on the floor with

several chop wounds and covered in what appeared to be blood.

It is alleged that Wilson told his father what the suspect did to him, which resulted in a report being made at Acquero Police Station.

When police ranks visited the scene, Wilson was escorted to the Kumaka District Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and admitted. However, he succumbed to his injuries about 23:16 hours that day.

Subsequently, ranks arrested Henry and escorted him to Acquero Police Station, where he, reportedly, confessed under caution.

for as long as three years. In this regard, she said the Ministry cannot afford to keep children home, especially those that will be writing the

CXC examinations. She said that studies have proven that children who are not engaged academically tend to have learning loss, which eventually leads to school dropouts.

Accordingly, the Ministry is working feverishly to engage children at all levels, and thus far has placed a lot of emphasis on the content aired on the Guyana Learning Channel.

The channel is focusing on work that should be done by teachers at the various levels, and each week a different topic is dealt with. The minister used the opportunity to encourage parents to let their children tune in to the Learning Channel.

It was explained that while the ministry cannot replace the value of a teacher in front of the classroom, emphasis is placed on having teaching disseminated through various communication mediums, such as radio and television.

Minister Manickchand told the parents that for those who have a loss of Internet connectivity in their community, the Ministry will be providing worksheets.

The worksheets which are being distributed in every region, were “beautifully” done and focused on lessons, questions, and exercises, she added.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the reopening of primary schools, Minister Manickchand said this will not be possible for 2020, but commended the efforts of some schools, including CV Nunes Primary, that are currently working with their pupils.

It was also mentioned that children will undergo wellness screening through the Ministry whenever they return to school. Also, counsellors will be at various schools assessing the mental health of children, and based on their findings, a team will be dispatched from the Ministry to assist those who require help.

In responding to parents who asked if grades can be repeated, the minister said that she remains positive that children, parents and teachers will partner to ensure this does not happen.

Region Two Chairwoman, Vilma De Silva; Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Odit and PPP/C councillor, Arnold Adams also attended the meeting.

Other meetings were conducted at Aurora, Anna Regina, and Charity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

'Agri' Ministry moves to stop smuggling of chemicals

–– ‘fly by night’ operators reportedly flooding market with inferior products IN an effort to ensure farmers receive value for their money when purchasing fertilisers, chemicals and other agriculture inputs, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, is sounding a call to importers to ensure they supply quality products.

According to a release, on Friday, Minister Mustapha met with officials from Caribbean Chemicals Guyana Limited, to discuss a number of important issues.

During the meeting, minister raised the issue of poor quality of chemicals and fertilisers currently on the market.

“When I was in Essequibo a few weeks ago, farmers raised the issue of inferior fertilisers and chemicals. This was not an isolated incident.

Other farmers have complained about the quality of chemicals coming into Guyana. I raised the issue with officials from the Guyana Bureau of Standards (GBS) and asked that they improve their monitoring and evaluation systems when testing these products. Now that we are officially meeting since

and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB),” Minister Mustapha said.

Martin Brock presenting a sample of the yellow watermelon to Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in the presence of other Ministry and Caribbean Chemicals officials

I’ve taken up the portfolio as Minister of Agriculture, I think it’s a good opportunity for us to discuss it,” Minister Mustapha said.

Caribbean Chemicals Managing Director, Victor Pires, told the minister that his products go through a series of testing and that they come with a certificate of analysis.

“By law, these chemicals are supposed to be coming with a certificate of analysis

and our products have all the necessary paper work to certify their quality. What I can say minister, is that, over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of fertilisers and other chemicals on the market without any form of traceability. The problem is that we have too many ‘fly by night’ operations and this has resulted in a lot of inferior products flooding the market,” Pires said.

Minister Mustapha said

that Government is working to enforce systems against smuggling of chemicals and other inputs. He also said that when the new Board of Directors is in place at the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), there will be a lot more work done as it relates to monitoring these products.

With the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) preparing to launch its Smart

Agriculture Initiative, Minister Mustapha said the ministry will be engaging the private sector during the procurement process.

“We’ve budgeted just about $18 million to purchase shadehouse materials that will be sold to farmers at cost price. We have already advertised for persons to submit proposals to supply these materials. The tenders are currently being reviewed at the National Procurement

EXPANDED SERVICES Martin Brock of Caribbean Chemicals informed the minister that the company has expanded its range of services in order to cater to the needs of its clients.

“With the Government’s support for the advancement of the agriculture sector in a short period, we’ve decided to extend our product line. We are no longer only dealing with supplying agro-chemicals. We have moved into equipment supplies and we are now looking to get involved in drip irrigation. As you would know, drip irrigation is not something that is generally practised. Farmers usually use a sprinkler system, but with climate change and the shift towards things like shade houses, we are now seeing a movement towards things like drip irrigation and all the other things that come along with it,” Martin said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Spread ‘moonshot mindset’ –– now is the time to harness collective energy of Caribbean people, President tells IDB forum

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, has urged participants of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Pivot Programme to share, not only their plans for the future, but also their moonshot mindset.

President Ali gave this charge virtually on Friday during the bank’s unveiling of the moonshot ideas, which are radical solutions to huge problems.

“I'm very thankful for the invitation in today’s unveiling of our moonshots, the first step of many to creating a more vibrant and resilient Caribbean… Today, I'm proud to be part of such a movement, such a shift in direction that will only do well for us in the future.”

The Head of State noted that the moonshots developed at the pivotal event represent deliberate and cooperative actions that we as Caribbean nations can use to make the future better for this generation and those that follow.

President Ali also urged participants to learn from best practices and to harness the opportunities available in these trying times. He alluded to the common threads which continue to bind Caribbean nations together even in the wake of our distinctive differences.

“In making these moonshots for the Caribbean, when one idea succeeds, we all succeed. When we embrace our visionaries and innovators and encourage them to dream big we can make the impossible possible….This is our moment to make moonshots.

This is a moment to harness the collective energy of all Caribbean people. This is our moment to change the world.

This is our time to shine.”

The President recalled one of the greatest feats in Caribbean history which he

gural pivot event, where leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs were invited to plan a vision for the Caribbean in the next decade.

From October 15-30 partic-

President Irfaan Ali

associates with the idea of moonshot, when the West Indies cricket team defeated England for the first time at Lord's on June 29, 1950.

“I use this cricket example to demonstrate to you how through sport, men came together, players came together, went to Lord’s and won a cricket series that none expected them to win. That inspired not only Caribbean people, but inspired people all across the world. It inspired the South Africans. It inspired Africa, and it placed the West Indies cricket team and the Caribbean people in a different light.”

ACTION He noted too that while the greatest move towards technological advancement and innovation is the development of an idea, ideas remain just dreams unless we act on them and move in a conscious way to implement programmes and plans that would realise those dreams.

On this note, he said leaders of governments and industries are therefore obligated to create environments in which persons have the freedom to

generate new ideas and build on them.

He said, too, that a thriving workforce was critically important for Guyana moving forward.

“Here in Guyana, as our economy transforms and we welcome more foreign investment, we will use some of these new resources to foster local innovation, creativity, and research, but policy is nothing without the people to drive it….This is our moment to make moonshots.”

Meanwhile, General Manager of the IDB’s Country Department Caribbean Group (CCB), Therese Turner-Jones said that “The Pivot Movement is a vehicle for Caribbean transformation driven by ideas. It gives anyone, anywhere, the opportunity to help shape the future of our region.

We are creating an innovative space where pioneering minds will discuss moonshot ideas to drive a more resilient and secure future for all Caribbean people”.

Moonshot thinking is an approach entrenched by Singularity University, which facilitated sessions at the inau-

Agri Ministry moves to stop ...

Pires also took the opportunity to speak about working with farmers to tap into new markets by cultivating different varieties of fruits and vegetables.

“I’ve been following your engagements with farmers and I like that you’ve been encouraging them to expand their cultivation with new commodities in order to tap into new markets. I think corporate businesses can also play a role in this. I brought a few samples of the yellow watermelon here for you. It is a new variety that is sweeter.

We don’t want to limit our farmers to one variety. The common pink or red variety

can be used to supply the wider market while this variety can be used to target a specialised market both locally and regionally,” Pires said.

The minister told the team that his ministry has a lot of progressive plans on stream that will be rolled out over the next five years, and that the private sector will be able to play a part in the development.

“We have a lot of people who have indicated their interest to invest in agriculture, so Government will be giving the kind of support to ensure there are no unnecessary systems in place

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to discourage investment.

Over the last five years there were a lot of missed opportunities because previous administration implemented a lot of unfavourable systems that caused investors to back out from projects that would’ve benefitted our farmers. Now that we are back in Government and we understand the importance of investment as a developing nation, we will make it easier for persons to come and invest. My aim is to facilitate production and job creation within the sector,” Minister Mustapha said.

ipants in the virtual event considered exponential ideas for electric vehicles, digital transformation and tourism.? They combined thoughts and concepts and

have created a manifesto of nine moonshots for the Caribbean.

They will now work together to create a roadmap for access to funding.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Schools given greenlight to reopen THE reopening of schools was given the greenlight under the latest COVID-19 Emergency Measures that were gazetted on Friday.

The announcement comes following a week-long consul-

(CSEC) level have been lobbying the ministry for permission to return to school so that they can conduct face-to-face teaching and properly assist students with their School-Based As-

A contractor working on one of the many water troughs being constructed at a secondary school in Region Five (Ministry of Education photo)

tation series that the Ministry of Education (MoE) held with teachers, parents and other stakeholders, from each of the education districts, to discuss their concerns and answer questions that they may have on the partial reopening of schools.

The gazetted measures noted that, in addition to complying with mandatory measures listed in the notice, schools will also have to comply with any guidelines or instructions issued by the MoE. “Schools may be re-opened by the Ministry of Education subject to compliance with the measures under this Notice and the MoE may issue guidelines or give any instruction to minimise the risks of coronavirus transmission in schools,” the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No. 11) reads.

Schools in Guyana have been closed physically since March, as part of a slew of measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, after the first case was recorded in Guyana on March 11.

Though the schools have remained closed since, the ministry, nonetheless, officially began re-engaging students, virtually, in September, using a multifaceted approach. Nonetheless cognisant of the learning loss and disadvantage facing the students, the ministry has been actively assessing schools and addressing deficiencies for an eventual reopening.

However, for some weeks now, teachers at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

sessments (SBAs) and Internal Assessments (IAs). As such, the ministry began looking into considerations of reopening schools for these students first.

During discussions with parents, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, had explained that, for the opening, the ministry will not be rolling out any standardised plan for all schools.

Each school will be expected to craft, and submit to the ministry, a proposal that best suits it, based on the number of CSEC students and space available to adhere to social distancing and safety protocols.

“We don’t want for the MoE to do one size fits all. We’re saying to schools set your timetable.

One school may want some students from 1pm to 5pm, or want students to come in on Saturdays. It may say some students come Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and other students come Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

We are leaving it up to the schools,” the minister had said during a meeting with parents earlier this week.

Works have been ongoing at several schools across the country to build water troughs and sinks for sanitisation purposes.

No official date has yet been announced for when schools will be reopened; however, at several schools, students and teachers had taken it upon themselves to begin returning to the school buildings, out of desperation to their needs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Jarvis Small wrongly tried for Neesa Gopaul murder –– lawyer argues as appeal hearing begins

THE Appeal Court, on Friday, heard from Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes, that Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small should not have been tried in the High Court for the murder of Neesa Gopaul, given the lack of evidence against him.

Hughes and attorney, Arud Gossai, who is representing Bibi Shareema Gopaul, made oral submissions when the court commenced, via Zoom, the full hearing of an appeal filed by the ex-lovers.

The attorney also said that the only evidence led during trial against his client was a pair of dumbbells

DEAD Neesa Gopaul

which are before Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette

Bibi Shareema Gopaul called ‘Naree’

Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small

The two were convicted of the gruesome murder of 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul which occurred in 2010.

They have appealed their conviction and the combined total of 202 years’ imprisonment which was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh in March 2015. Bibi Gopaul, the mother of the teen was sentenced to 106 years while Small was given 96 years.

In their appeal documents

Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal, Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory, they are contending that the trial was unfair and that the trial judge erred in law.

Hughes, during the hearing, argued that the indictment should have been severed, allowing for two separate trials to be conducted.

However, since that was not done, the evidence led by the prosecutor against Bibi Gopaul was prejudicial to Small.

which was found at the crime scene by the police which they assumed belonged to Small.

Additionally, he argued that there was no nexus between the dumbbells and Neesa’s death, nor was there any direct or circumstantial evidence linking his client to the crime.

Against that background, the attorney argued that his

client should not have been committed to stand trial at the High Court, given the insufficient evidence which was presented during the Preliminary Inquiry at the Magistrates’ Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Illegal miners encroach on Iwokrama reservation

–– centre warns against practice, offering rewards to locate perpetrators

A mining pit within Iwokrama forest

THE Iwokrama International Centre has issued a stern warning against illegal activities within the reservation, following the discovery of illegal mining operations, not only in the centre’s protected forest but also within its one-kilometer buffer zone.

Iwokrama, in a release, said the illegal activities would be subject to the application of the law, inclusive of penalties outlined in the Iwokrama Act. As part of a planned programme of monitoring and enforcement, Iwokrama staffers, along with full support from the Ministry of Natural Resources Corp of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force, in the week of October 16, 2020, witnessed more intrusions of illegal mining operations.

According to the release, these operations happened not only in the Iwokrama protected forest, but also in the one-kilometer buffer zone on the other side of the Siparuni River.

These activities, the centre believes, are being perpetuated by individuals taking advantage of the current restrictions and lockdown protocols established to combat the COVID-19 virus.

PERMISSION MUST BE GIVEN “The centre would like to, once again, remind the public and other stakeholders that these activities are not allowed in the Iwokrama Forest, unless the cen-

Illegal mining found within the buffer zone on the other side of Siparuni River

tre gives express written permission for any of these activities to be undertaken,” the release said.

Section 2 of the clause titled “Control of the Programme Site” of the Iwokrama Act states: “Subject to section 6 (1), and notwithstanding anything in any other written law (a) no mining, forestry or other resources utilisation activity shall be carried out on the Programme Site by any person other than the Centre, except with the prior written permission of the Centre; and (b) no lease of land or permission to use land in the Programme Site shall be issued by any person other than the Centre, and all activities on the Programme Site shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed therefor under this Act. SECTION 3 OF THE ACT PRESCRIBES PENALTIES.

“Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (2) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period of one year, and where the offence is of a continuing nature, to a further fine not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars for each day during which the offence continues after conviction.”

In September 2019, a miner was arrested for illegal mining in the Iwokrama forest and was placed before the courts. In May 2020, two ‘four inch’ dredges were found, although no one was apprehended.

Last week, the team noted even more significant damage and clear indications of preparations for further mining in the forest. The team also noted the burning of large trees, no doubt to aid in felling to enhance mining activity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Infrastructure upgrades for Zeelugt and Tuschen HOUSING and Water Minister, Collin Croal, has assured residents of Zeelugt and Tuschen Housing Schemes, East Bank Essequibo, that works to improve the current infrastructure will commence soon.

The minister met with residents of the communities on Friday, after an invitation from Region Three Chairman, Inshan Ayube.

Meetings were held in Zeelugt, Tuschen and Parika where there was a repeated call for infrastructural development in existing schemes.

While residents lauded the Government’s effort to working on the development of new housing schemes to meet the housing demand, they noted that several existing schemes were left without basic infrastructure.

Speaking to the issues raised, Minister Croal pointed out that the community of Zeelugt will benefit from road upgrade works in the coming weeks.

Further, he said that, under the Ministry’s 2020 work programme, the sum of $40M has been committed for road upgrades in the Tuschen Scheme.

Contracts for these works are expected to be signed in

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, assisting residents of Zeelugt Housing Scheme with their queries

Residents met at the Tuschen Primary School where Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, discussed government’s plans for development

the new week as works are expected to begin after.

Those and other communities within the region will also benefit from other social infrastructural development projects, inclusive of the installation of solar street lights.

Additionally, citizens were also told of the regional authority’s development plan for their respective schemes.

These works are expected to fast track the Government’s housing drive and should aid in reducing the number of oc-

cupied lots found in schemes owned by the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

Meanwhile, persons used the opportunity to raise several other issues affecting them, including the need for a health centre to better serve the growing population in those schemes and improved access to potable and quality water.

Additionally, residents called for recreational facilities and police outposts in the Tuschen and Zeelugt schemes.

With regards to improved

access to potable water, the minister committed to examining existing systems in a move to find long and short-term solutions.

The minister also spoke of the Government’s plan to emphasise better filtration systems for water systems throughout the country.

In response to the other issues raised, Minister Croal told residents that those will be forwarded to the respective subject ministers for their intervention.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Tour guides prepared for Tourism Awareness Month

By Jared Liddell

WITH November being Tourism Awareness Month, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) facilitated a two-day training exercise with 20 City tour guides as part of the preparation for the reopening of the tourism sector.

The two-day activity saw tour guides being trained on basic tour guiding skills; they were also trained on safety procedures for working through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Guyana chronicle reached out to GTA Training and Tourism Development Officer, Chetnauth Persaud, who said that the training is expected to elevate the performance levels of the tour operators in the City.

He stated that the activity is one of many to improve the tourism sector, and that while it usually focusses on the Rupunini tourism destinations, with the present restrictions brought by COVID-19, the GTA has decided to focus on tour guides in the City.

He said that since George-

town is the capital of the country, there are many areas therein that would attract persons.

“Given all that has happened, it has really changed the way in which we do training. We are more into virtual training, which has opened up so much more horizons for us, because we are able to reach persons in any part of Guyana right now,” Persaud said.

He said that these training exercises are in keeping with the GTA’s goal of improving Guyana’s tourism sector.

Training facilitator of the programme, Kenneth Shivdyal said the exercise was an important part of getting the sector back up and running.

He added that the tour guides are an important part of the tourism sector, and should be equipped with the necessary resources that would allow them to perfect their craft.

“We need to ensure that the persons who are out there are properly equipped to change the mindset of persons when they come to Guyana, and help them have the best possible experience when they are on tour; not just on

the Georgetown city tour, but Guyana in general,” he explained.

Shivdyal said the training is particularly important now, as it also gave the GTA an opportunity to test the COVID-19 preventative

measures.

“Given COVID-19, this also gives us the opportunity to test some of the protocols that we have put in place to ensure that our guests remain safe, but also to train the new persons on how to safely

engage with their guests,” he added.

Shivdyal further gave some insight into the training, stating that it was “impactful”. He told the Guyana Chronicle that although the training was just two

days, he believes that the tour operators are equipped with resources to better their services, especially during the circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Jarvis Small wrongly tried ...

Meanwhile, Gossai contended that the evidence of the main witness, Simone DeNobrega, during the trial was highly prejudicial to his client.

DeNobrega was the former cellmate of Bibi Gopaul and she had testified during trial that the woman confided in her that it was Small who

killed the teen.

Gossai further argued that the trial judge failed to warn the jury how to treat with the evidence of DeNobrega which

had many discrepancies.

According to Gossai, the trial judge failed to inform the jury that DeNobrega was not a reliable witness since she was convicted for fraud-related crimes, which were of a “dishonest nature.”

Both attorneys submitted that the sentence imposed by Justice Singh was severe and not within the guidelines of modern sentencing principles.

According to Hughes, the trial judge did not give an analysis of how he arrived at a base of 60 years for the sentence imposed on Small which was beyond the natural life span of the average Guyanese.

Gossai on this point, ar-

gued that instead of starting at a base of 60 years, the trial judge should have started at 10 years.

“Even for a life sentence, the starting point is 15 years.

The learned trial judge is plucking numbers from the air,” Gossai told the court.

Attorneys-at-law, Ronald Daniels and Sophia Findlay are also representing Small while State is being represented by prosecutor, Stacy Goodings.

Arguments will continue on November 11.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that, on October 2, 2010, the remains of Neesa Gopaul were discovered at a location along the Soesdyke/

Illegal miners ...

GUN FIRE Due to the unexpected nature of the operation, the team found itself targetted by gunfire from miners who quickly scampered away into the forest. One arrest was made and the person is before the courts, the centre said.

In the buffer zone, miners claimed, as they often do, that they did not realise that they were in the one-Km buffer zone and that they received approval to be there following a deal with a miner that had claim at the location.

Iwokrama noted that, in that case, there was an excavator and small dredges working the area and the illegal operators were given two days to remove from the area as there was absolutely no mining allowed in the buffer zone.

“Iwokrama has spent enough time and resources

on education and awareness with regard to these illegal activities. As such, Iwokrama management is continuing its zero-tolerance approach to these activities, especially gold mining and other illegal activities. With the recent support including the acquisition of the high-tech drone funded by ExxonMobil, monitoring and enforcement operations will be scaled up and the Minister of Natural Resources and the Guyana Police Force have given their full support towards stamping out these illegal activities,” the release said.

The Iwokrama team also noted that there were several persons fishing in the buffer zone of the Iwokrama Forest, some claiming to be engaging in sport fishing, yet large seines were encountered within waterways in the Iwokrama protected

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Linden Highway tucked inside a suitcase that was partially submerged in a creek.

A rope had been wrapped around the suitcase, and dumbbells were attached at one end, apparently in an effort to keep the body under water.

Besides the body, a passport bearing the name, Neesa Lalita Gopaul, was found. The teenager was reported missing just days before the gruesome discovery was made.

Subsequent to the discovery of the body, Bibi and Small were arrested and charged with murder.

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area, even after being told by some of these fisherfolk that they had placed no seines in the area.

In this regard, Iwokrama is reminding fisherfolk that the protected area buffer also applies to them and commercial fishing is prohibited in the buffer zone as well.

Meanwhile, the centre is offering a reward for any information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of persons(s) involved in illegal activities in the Iwokrama Forest.

“For further information on the management of the Iwokrama Forest and to report any illegal activities in the forest, please contact only Dr Raquel Thomas, Director Resource Management on rthomas@ iwokrama.org.,” the release concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Gayle Cameo fails ...

FROM PAGE 24 and two fours in an over which cost 14 runs.

He reached his second straight half-century and third in six matches in style off 33 balls, dispatching leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia over long on for six and needed only another 30 deliveries to race to 99.

When Rahul perished in the 15th over, Gayle paired with Pooran to add another 41 runs for the third wicket, the Trinidadian hitting three sixes in his cameo before falling at the end of the 18th over.

Gayle moved into the 90s in the penultimate over when he cleared the leg-side boundary with Tyagi to mark his 1000th sixth and started the final over from Archer on 92.

He managed a single off the first ball but then whacked the third delivery – a high full toss – over long on to move to the brink of his landmark.

However, Archer proved too much for Gayle with his next delivery, yorking the Jamaican to end an outstanding innings.

Gayle, who struggled to break into the Kings XI side this season, now has 276 runs from six innings at an average of 46.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Pep leading charge to return to five-sub games (BBC) - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the Premier League should allow five substitutes per match again because of a rise in muscle injuries this season.

Guardiola said there has been “47% more muscular injuries” this year compared with the same stage last season.

Premier League clubs voted against continuing to permit five substitutions for the 2020-21 season in August.

to protect one team.

“Hopefully they can reconsider and do what the rest of the world does because we have to adjust to the pandemic situation.”

Fifa allowed the continued use of five substitutes in competitions this season but many Premier League members are believed to have felt it unfairly benefited major clubs.

Other Premier League managers backed Guardiola’s call for the rule to be re-

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero sustained a leg muscle injury against West Ham on Saturday

The rule was brought in when the 2019-20 season restarted after lockdown in June to protect player welfare.

When asked if the Premier League should revert to allowing five substitutions instead of three, Guardiola said: “They should 100%.”

City have been affected by injuries to several players this season, including Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Benjamin Mendy and Nathan Ake. “It is not about one club,” added Guardiola.

“In the Premier League players have 47% more muscular injuries than the previous season, due to no preparation for most of the teams and the amount of games.

“All the leagues - Germany, Spain, everywhere - allow five substitutions to protect the players, not

versed.

M a n chester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “I don’t understand and cannot believe that the vote went against because we have to look after the players.

“I can see why clubs voted against but if you take a step back and think about these footballers and their mental and physical health, the only sensible solution would have been to give us the opportunity to rest a few more.”

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said “the ball was firmly dropped” when clubs voted against having five substitutes.

“I’m not just talking about my club, I’m talking about every player, who is asked to play day after day, putting themselves at injury risk,” he said.

“We have a big squad here, but the pressure is

on the players and it could certainly have a big effect this year more than any other year.”

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce said soft-tissue injuries were proving “a problem” this season.

“But we are not alone, there are other teams who are finding it a struggle,” he added.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said the packed fixture schedule leaves his side susceptible to injuries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Gayle Cameo fails to save Kings XI

CMC – Veteran superstar Chris Gayle agonisingly missed out on a 23rd Twenty20 hundred when he was bowled by Barbados-born England speedster Jofra Archer for 99, as Kings XI Punjab saw their five-game winning streak snapped with a seven-wicket defeat to Rajasthan

Royals here Friday.

The 41-year-old Gayle faced just 63 balls and belted half-dozen fours and eight sixes to pass 1 000 career sixes in T20s. laying the platform for Kings XI’s challenging 185 for four after being asked to bat first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Captain KL Rahul got 46 at the top of the order

while dashing West Indies left-hander Nicholas Pooran weighed in with a 10-ball 22 towards the end.

Archer bowled brilliantly to finish with two for 26 and take his tally for the Indian Premier League season to 19 wickets and 18 runs apiece.

“I just have to give thanks.

Have to give thanks for hitting

it well at age 41,” Gayle said afterwards.

“A lot of dedication and hard work has paid off over the years. Still here, still doing it, same way. Very grateful.”

In reply, however, English talisman Ben Stokes belted 50 off 26 balls in a 60-run opening stand with Robin Uthappa who hit 30, as Royals kept

their playoff hopes alive by overhauling their target with 15 balls to spare.

Sanju Samson struck 48 off 25 balls in a 51-run, second wicket stand with Uthappa while captain Steve Smith stroked an unbeaten 31 off 20 deliveries, in an unbroken fourth wicket 41-run partnership with Jos Butter (22 not out), to see Royals over the line.

for a first-ball ‘duck’ in the opening over, caught by Stokes fending off a short ball from the pacy Archer, but Gayle and Rahul combined in a 120-run partnership to rally the innings.

KL counted three fours and two sixes in a patient 41ball innings, playing the supporting role to the inform Gayle who dominated proceedings.

Entering at number three, Gayl e

Chris Gayle - sixes unleashed, Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2020, Abu Dhabi, October 30, 2020

The victory put Royals fifth on 12 points with a game remaining while Kings XI remained fourth, also on 12 points, with one game left.

Requiring a sixth straight win to sew up a playoff spot, Kings XI lost Mandeep Singh

teed o f f in the third o v e r when he swung new ball seamer Varun Aaron over the ropes at square leg before following up in the fifth over by hammering 19-year-old seamer Kartik Tyagi for a six TURN TO PAGE 22

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Saturday, October 31, 2020 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Chris Gayle-128* (RCB vs DD) (2) Ravendra Jadeja-5/15 (CSK vs DC)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who struck the first century in IPL 2012?

(2) How many centuries were recorded in IPL 2012?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Pakistan withstand Zimbabwe fightback to snag win (ESPNCRICINFO) - Pakistan withstood a stunning fightback led by Brendan Taylor to hang on for a thrilling win in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi on Friday. Shaheen Afridi was the architect of the victory, carving chunks out of the Zimbabwean batting line-up when the others appeared to have run out of ideas, and finishing with yet another five-wicket haul, while Wahab Riaz chipped in with four wickets to stop the visiting sides 26 short.

The result might appear somewhat routine, but it was anything but guaranteed when Taylor was at the crease, on his way to stroking a glorious century that, alongside a fighting half-century from Wesley Madhevere, took Zimbabwe to the brink of a famous win.

But, as the final five overs loomed and the asking rate began to creep up, Madhevere chopped Riaz on to end a 119run fifth-wicket partnership.

Taylor was undone by a slower Afridi delivery soon after, and things unravelled quickly thereafter.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 255, and in a game of fine margins, Pakistan’s wagging tail earlier on made all the difference.

Set 282 to win, Zimbabwe looked to have a structured sense of pacing the chase, going hard in the powerplay at debutant Haris Rauf, undeterred by the loss of Brain Chari in the first over. While Afridi, who was tremendous throughout the innings whenever called upon, gave them little to attack, some loose deliveries from the other end were all they needed, and Chamu Chibhabha, followed

by Craig Ervine and Taylor, made the most of the fielding restrictions, speeding to 56 in the powerplay. It was well over what Pakistan had managed, and set Zimbabwe the base from which they moulded their chase.

While Taylor looked comfortable for much of the innings, Ervine found himself flustered by Pakistan’s tightness in the middle overs, and a rash reverse sweep spelt the end of him. Sean Williams never looked up to the mark on the day, meaning 20-year-old Madhevere was tasked with being the support act for Taylor. He did that with immense class,

showcasing an attractive batting technique and, when things got hairier, a certain steel that bodes well for the Shaheen Afridi sent back the career Zimbabwe openers by the fifth that over (AFP via Getty Images)

lies ahead of him.

The punches off the back foot against pace were especially eye-catching, and out of nowhere, it seemed, he had brought up a half-century.

By this time, Taylor had found the zone he occasionally enters, which marks him out as one of the most inventive shotmakers of this generation.

The uppercut off the short ball was nigh-on perfect each time, while a scoop over short third-man off a 149kph Afridi yorker is destined to be one of the shots of the series, and when he brought up his 11th ODI hundred, Zimbabwe looked like they were ahead of the chase.

That’s when Riaz returned to show why he still remains a firm part of Pakistan’s plans, his sheer pace accounting for Madhevere before the Afridi show took over. Once Sikandar Raza was felled by Riaz, Afridi took charge against the tail, removing Carl Mumba to complete a five-for he richly deserved. By this time, the game was done, and Pakistan would walk away with a win, and a bit of a scare.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and batted, but the rustiness of not having played an ODI for 13 months was evident. They stuttered their way to 281 for 8, getting there in the end thanks to some untidiness on the part of the visitors at the death after an exceptionally disciplined bowling performance for the best part.

Half-centuries from Imamul-Haq and Haris Sohail kept

Pakistan chugging along without ever really moving through the gears. Zimbabwe picked up wickets quietly from time to time, and, all of a sudden, Pakistan found themselves six down for 205, and facing a battle to post a total their bowlers would feel comfortable defending.

They had opted for the more circumspect Abid Ali in place of Fakhar Zaman at the top, and as such, while they made a solid start, there was no evidence of the powerplay aggression that has become the norm for successful ODI sides. It helped Zimbabwe that Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani - back after two years away from the national side - were very disciplined, giving little by way of extras or loose deliveries to either batsman. And when Ali tried to play across the line to Mumba, he was trapped in front.

What would - or should - disappoint Pakistan is their overall approach. For all the talk of this series being the beginning of the next fouryear ODI cycle, there are few signs that with it has come a change in their philosophical approach to the format, and the lack of intent in the first ten overs was followed by similar wariness through the middle overs. Only Babar Azam tried to up the ante, but crucially for Zimbabwe, he wasn’t at the crease for long, a poke at an outswinger from Muzarabani

bringing about his downfall.

Thereon, Zimbabwe were on top as Pakistan went into a shell that they really should have

stayed away from for much of the innings. Imam and Sohail began a rebuild that ended in a mix of

farce and comedy when they found themselves at the same end, both diving to get ahead of the other and survive at the keeper’s end while Raza whipped off the bails at the other. Imam was the unlucky one, allowing Sohail to anchor the innings as Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan came and went.

Despite all that, Pakistan ended with a decent total, with the late sloppiness from the Zimbabwe death bowlers proving decisive. At 203 for 6, getting bowled out was a keen possibility, but Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf ensured a sharp uptick in runs that seemed to ward off any Zimbabwean ideas of aggression, sending them into run-preservation mode instead. That allowed Pakistan to get to their final tally, setting up a win that might provide them more relief than delight.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

GGA presents Cancer Institute with donations following fundraiser ― Ex-Prime Minister Hinds keeping fit during COVID with golf As Cancer Awareness month came to an end, The Guyana Cancer Institute were recipients of last Sunday’s Guyana Golf Association’s (GGA) fundraiser purse which will now be used towards the ongoing against the disease.

A larger number of local, Guyanese-Canadian, Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) and GGA pro golfers came out last weekend in an effort to provide further assistance to the local Cancer Institute, with GGA president Aleem Hussain stating that they will continue all efforts through golf in order to bring awareness and raise funds.

On hand for the presentation to Ms. Harry of the

Cancer Institute was former President and Prime Minister Sam Hinds who said that he was pleased to be part of both the golf event and the fight against cancer.

“I have always been a strong advocate of the search for a cure and am happy to see that this young organization has stepped up to play a role in this particular issue. Both myself and young Marcus participated in the event but unfortunately did not win. “ Ms. Monette Harry of the Institution, thanked the organization and especially the players and companies that participated to make the event a success.

“We understand that it was a challenge to organize a covid compliant event and are grateful to all those who took part, and contributed in whatever manner to our ongoing efforts to win our battle against cancer.”

The contribution to the Guyana Cancer Institute was made possible by the joint efforts of: CIMGRO Maraiko Bay Golf Resort; Trophy Stall; Assuria General; Sissoons Paint; AR Printery; Survival Shopping Complex; Guyana Beverages; Vivaanta Spa & Salon through the Nexgen Golf Academy & Driving Range.

In many ways, we have been prepared for our current

England World Cup winner dies (BBC) - World Cup-winning England midfielder Nobby Stiles has died aged 78 after a long illness.

The former Manchester United player had prostate cancer and advanced dementia.

Stiles is the seventh member of the England team that started the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany to die, after captain Bobby Moore, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson, Gordon Banks, Martin Peters and Jack Charlton.

Manchester-born Stiles was made an MBE in 2000.

A statement issued by his family said: “The Stiles family are sad to announce that Nobby Stiles passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family after a long illness.

“The family kindly ask for privacy at this sad time.”

Stiles won 28 caps for England and played a key role in neutralising Portugal star Eusebio in the 1966 semi-final, before another fine showing in the dramatic 4-2 extra-time win over West Germany.

“Hugely sad to hear Nobby has passed away,” said Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hattrick in the final.

“Great character, and the heart and soul of the team, he will be sorely missed.”

At club level, Stiles won two English league titles and the 1968 European Cup during

an 11-year career with Manchester United.

He made almost 400 appearances for the Red Devils between 1960 and 1971, going on to play for Middlesbrough and Preston North End before retiring in 1975.

He moved into management with Preston between 1977 and 1981, then had a brief and unsuccessful spell in charge at West Bromwich Albion during the 1985-86 season.

World Cup winning heroes leaves us. He had a heart that was even bigger than the gap in his teeth. RIP Nobby.”

The England national team said they were “incredibly saddened” to learn of Stiles’ death and that “all of our thoughts are with Nobby’s loved ones”.

Brian Kidd, who was one of the goalscorers when United won the European Cup in 1968, told BBC Sport: “It is so sad. We went to the

fight against the covid-19 virus by our constant battle against cancer.

“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live”, said Stuart Scott, and we have to adopt a similar attitude to our current health crisis.

Recently, Sports Minister Charles Ramson said in a meeting with GGA President Hussain, said they must learn to live with covid

and figure out a way to move forward in a manner that allows us to continue our lives without fear.

“We should plan for the worst, pray for the best but always live for the moment because the memories we create are all that we leave behind,” said Hussain.

Mr. Hinds, who recently was introduced to the game

by Hussain is now using the sport as a way of bonding

with his young grandson, Samuel Marcus Hinds, Jr. as well as getting regular exercise several times weekly.

“This is an opportunity for everyone of all ages to participate in a physical activity that is covid-19 compliant and helps to relieve stress and improve concentration. I wish that I could have started years ago!” said the former President/Prime Minister.

(Clifton Ross)

Ait-Nouri scores on debut as Wolves thump Palace (BBC) - Teenager Rayan Ait-Nouri scored on his Wolves debut as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side moved joint top of the Premier League with a deserved victory over Crystal Palace at Molineux.

The France Under-21 leftback, 19, joined the club on a season-long loan - with an option to buy - from Ligue 1 Angers this month and took just 18 minutes to announce himself with a first-time strike from Cheikhou Kouyate’s headed clearance.

Portuguese winger Daniel Podence doubled the hosts’ advantage nine minutes later, carefully guiding in Pedro Neto’s cross at the back post.

a frustrated Wilfried Zaha had a penalty appeal dismissed and a disappointing night for Roy Hodgson’s side was compounded when Luka Milivojevic was shown a red card for a tackle on Joao Moutinho in the closing stages.

A fourth victory from seven games moved Wolves up to third in the standings, level on 13 points with Everton and Liverpool who both have a game in hand.

Ait-Nouri typifies confident Wolves display.

While his last match in an Angers shirt was a 6-1 defeat b y Paris

free-kick.

Only the bottom three sides had scored fewer Premier League goals than Wolves prior to kick-off, while another well-documented concern has been their slow starts to matches.

But debutant Ait Nouri’s goal - Wolves’ first in the first half since the opening day - marked the start of a pleasing evening for the Portuguese coach.

Podence, whose two Premier League goals have both come against Palace, led the early Wolves charge as his curling shot forced Vicente Guaita to tip over, after Dendoncker had earlier headed on to the post from his cross.

D e n doncker struck the

Stiles, alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton, helped United beat Benfica at Wembley to become European champions for the first time

In 1989, United asked him to return as youth team coach, and he helped develop players such as Red Devils legends Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.

“Rest in Peace Nobby.

Thank you for all you did for us. You taught us how to fight for everything in that red shirt,” said Neville.

“Saddened to hear that Nobby Stiles has passed away,” said former England striker Gary Lineker.

“Another of our 1966

same school and he was in the same class as my brother, so I have known him since I was a young boy.

“What you saw was him - a humble and modest human being. He was so down to earth.

“He was a very demanding team-mate. He expected you to produce, he didn’t mollycoddle you.

“As a coach he was unbelievable. He was an icon at the club and the kids all looked up to him.”

Wolves went close to more first-half joy as Nelson Semedo and Leander Dendoncker went close with efforts from outside the box, while the video assistant referee denied Palace a lifeline from the penalty spot when Patrick van Aanholt was found to be offside, prior to being felled by Willy Boly.

Palace were much improved after the break but

Rayan Ait Nouri is the youngest Frenchman to score on his Premier League debut

St-Germain, this was a night that will live long in the impressive Ait-Nouri’s memory.

Manager Nuno had challenged his side to become much more clinical after they were held 1-1 by Newcastle last weekend, their failure to kill the game punished by Jacob Murphy’s 89th-minute

bar b e f o r e denying Scott Dann from a corner at the other end as Wolves effectively kept Palace at bay - and though they were forced to work much harder after the interval, they never looked at risk of relinquishing their lead.

With Podence’s goal proving crucial in avoiding another nervous finish, Nuno will be eager for his team build on their rapid start at Molineux going forward.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 31, 2020

Crucial New Zealand series looms for Guyanese trio ― Jaguars players could be X-Factors for Windies

By Clifton Ross

of 6 victims.

Another player with form coming off the CPL, Paul’s The Guyana Jaguars core of stars in Shimron Hetmyer, international T20 record is far more impressive, averagKeemo Paul and Romario Shepherd are set to face their ing 22.50 with 25 wickets from 18 games and a career-best biggest international challenge yet, when the West Indies of 5-15. It is likely that Paul will be keen on upping his tackle New Zealand in next month’s Test/T20 series. stats with the bat and break his current best of 29.

After opting out of England’s tour during the summer Shepherd, the hulking fast-bowling, hard-hitting when the first biosecure tour amidst the covid-19 pandemic all-rounder has by far the most to prove this upcoming sewas successfully hosted. ries. After Bravo pulled out due to injury, Shepherd another Skip to the Hero CPL which also adapted a bubble Guyana Jaguars key player and a recent favorite weapon for setting and all three players were among the consistent Windies in ODI cricket, was drafted as cover. performers with Hetmyer leading the batting while ShepHowever, with just 2 games to his credit, the former herd and Paul had some limelight with the ball.

Windies U19 player could use this series to get his T20 Now with the West Indies looking to shrug off their mixed career off to a better start. Wit 2 wickets and a best of series against England, selectors have once again decided 1-37 and a completely blank batting stat record, replacto put trust in the Guyanese trio of players; with Paul and ing a veteran piece like Bravo could inspire Shepherd to Hetymer having more responsibility being named in both the bring his A-Game against the Kiwis.

Test and T20 teams while Shepherd will have big shoes to One key factor for the trio is readjusting to the life inside fill after being named as replacement for the injured veteran, a Bubble, as the pandemic persists players were quarantined Dwayne Bravo. and placed under strict biosecure guidelines immediately Shai Hope’s poor series in England cost him his place upon arrival. in the Test team with ex-Windies players even calling for Although the players were housed in a Bubble during him to permanently give up T20 cricket to focus on the CPL, which provides some mental reassurance for this longer format. important series; getting their minds back to playing in Hope’s exit places more pressure on Hetmyer, who has quarantine as well as a completely different scenario. yet to score a Test century with 93 being his highest after Given the nature of the competition, being an interna16 games. tional series and not franchise cricket; the trio will need to His strike-rate of 122 and one half-century score, cou- tap into their experience and provide support to each other pled with his stinging form in the CPL where he at one away from home for the first time together overseas during the leading run-scorer, still ending his campaign in the Covid-19. top 5, will be a huge plus for his confidence in the T20I’s.

Also, with the backing of head selector Roger Harper Paul will have additional opportunities to perform in who said a few weeks ago that he was rooting for the both teams, given his role as an all-rounder. Arguably one team to do well given the return of a few key players; of the West Indies’ premier prospects with the ball across the Jaguars trio will be well aware of their impending all formats, Paul with just 3 Tests under his belt, will want responsibilities when the tour officially bowls off on Frito better his top-score of 47 while adding to his current tally day November 27 with the first T20.

Estwick backing Pooran for test series CMC – West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick wants to see highly regarded left-hander Nicholas Pooran playing the longest format within a year.

The 25-year-old has so far only played international white ball cricket for West Indies but Estwick said the Trinidadian was a “tremendous player” who possessed the ability to excel in Tests.

“I saw him at age 17 play one of the best innings I’ve probably ever seen, in Sharjah in the 2014 [Under-19] World Cup,” Estwick said ahead of West Indies’ departure for the tour of New Zealand.

“How exciting was that carrying the team on his own and making [143] out of 208 and it just shows you what a tremendous player he is, and he’s just gone from strength to strength.”

Pooran has emerged as one of the West Indies’ most consistent batsmen of recent in One-Day Internationals where he averages 49 from 25 matches.

Ironically, he made a ‘duck’ on his debut last year

January against England but went on to hit a hundred and five half-centuries en route to averaging 44 in the calendar year.

His form has prompted calls from legendary former players like Michael Holding for his inclusion in the Test team, despite having played only three first class matches six years ago.

Estwick, who was head coach of the West Indies Under-19 squad at the 2014 ICC event in the United Arab Emirates, said the quality of Pooran’s preparation made him the ideal candidate for the longest version.

“What I like about him is his preparation – his attention to detail,” Estwick explained.

“He’s a hard-working guy and he wants to learn, he wants to talk, he wants to discuss cricket and for any young man, that’s the way forward.

“My dream would be to see Nicholas Pooran playing Test cricket within the next 12 months because I think he is that good where he can

play all formats of cricket.”

Pooran has been named in the Twenty20 squad for next month’s three-match series against New Zealand, and is expected to join the Caribbean side after fulfilling his commitments to Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League.

White ball captain, Kieron Pol-

West Indies will also play two Tests against the Black Caps in the tour which runs from November 27 to December 15.

The Caribbean-based players departed the region on Tuesday.

lard, along with Test captain Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Oshane Thomas are all also campaigning in the IPL, and will also join the touring party in New Zealand afterwards.

Nicholas Pooran

Sports events will now be permitted subject to approval ― Gyms can re-open at 50% THE long awaited return to sports was approved yesterday by the Government of Guyana, but it would be subjected to approval by the Ministry of Health.

This is expected to bring much need satisfactions to sportsmen and sportswomen who have been restricted from playing their respective sports for several months.

A number of sporting associations and federations have had discussions with the Minister of Sport Charles Ramson (Jr) about the possibility of a restart.

With the new measures in place this would be very possible at least for outdoor sports, including the likes of cricket and football.

“Sporting events are permitted subject to the approval of the Minister of Health and compliance with any guidelines that the Ministry of Health may issue and every person or organiser hosting an approved sporting event shall be responsible for ensuring that the measures under this Notice as well as any guidelines that the Ministry of Health may issue are complied with.”

Additionally gyms have also been given the greenlight to resume operations, but that will be done at half capacity and only by appointment.

The two announcements were officially gazette for the month of November, which among other things will see the national curfew being pushed to 22:30h to 4:00h.

“A gym or fitness centre maybe opened

but only at fifty percent capacity of the building and by appointments only to minimise the risk and spread of Coronavirus. The operator of the gym or fitness centre shall be responsible for ensuring that their staff and customers comply with this Notice and any guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.”

During late March many gyms had begun shutting down due to the rise of the COVID-19.

Space Gym, one the country’s top fitness entity, had initially closed for 12 days from March 20.

Buddy’s Gym and Fitness53 at Providence (two of the other top gyms in the country) had also shut their doors waiting for the “Covid storm” to pass, but it has not, which resulted in over seven months of downtime.

Gyms and sports are inter-connected. Sports like bodybuilding, powerlifting and weightlifting all need the gym. In fact the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation were counting down the days for the reopening of gyms to prepare competitors for the December’s ‘Resistance’ competition, which will be a spectator free event.

Many sportsmen and sportswomen also hit the weights to maximise their physical potential.

The November guidelines also stated that physical exercise is permitted only in parks, on roads, seawalls, beaches and by rivers and creeks, and where group exercise is conducted persons shall maintain a physical distance of six feet from each other.

GGA presents Cancer Institute with donations following fundraiser

PAGE 26

Winner of the Women's Amateur division Leota King, ex-Prime Minister Sam Hinds hands over the check to Ms. Monette Harry of the Guyana Cancer Institute , Marcus Hinds Jr., GGA President Aleem Hussain

― Ex-Prime Minister Hinds keeping fit during

COVID with golf

Sports events will now be permitted subject to approval ― Gyms can re-open at 50%

Crucial New Zealand series looms for Guyanese trio PAGE 27

― Jaguars players could be X-Factors for Windies

PAGE 27

Cricket could resume at grounds around the country

Some members of the West Indies team

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020