Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-10-2021

FRIDAY 1st October, 2021

' No.106501

Guyana to receive 100,000 Pfizer doses through COVAX

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Guyana wants to double fish production by 2025 03 PAGE

Fire at North West Secondary School was 08 deliberately set PAGE

An aerial view of the North West Secondary School, showing the damaged section of the facility

Grades 10, 11, 12 students COVID-19 survivor: ‘Around 19 companies express interest in Amaila 02 the clock medical return to face-to-face learning this month 05 service saved my life’ 04 Falls Hydro-Power Project PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 1, 2021

19 companies express interest in Amaila Falls Hydro-Power Project

By Jared Liddell THE revival of the Amaila Falls Hydro-Power Project is picking up steam, as the government has received expressions of interest from 19 companies for the construction of the hydro-power plant.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat

to reliable and affordable electricity across the country, the project which has an estimated 2025 completion and commissioning deadline is expected to produce 165 megawatts of power, significantly boosting the country’s total energy production.

Minister Indar called the project “monumental” for Guyana, noting that the

electricity to the nation at about US$0.33 per kWh, and this is expected to be reduced by 25 per cent within the first year of the operations of the Amaila Falls project, and by 50 per cent within five years.

At the end of 20 years, the cost could be reduced by as much as 80 per cent.

In 2014, the Government of Norway under the Guy-

An artist’s impression of the proposed Amaila Falls hydropower facility Indar, told this publication that bids for the project were opened in July 2021 and were closed on Thursday September 30, 2021.

As the government moves forward with its commitment of providing access

lives of all Guyanese will be significantly improved, as the project, once completed, would allow for a significant reduction in the cost of electricity.

Currently, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) sells

ana Redd+ Investment Fund (GRIF), transferred some US$80 million to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to fund the project.

In response to the country’s energy needs, the PPP/C

government, in 2009, had conceptualised the Amaila Falls hydropower project.

The initiative was launched in 2013, but it was voted down by the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) in the National Assembly, forcing its major investor, Sithe Global Incorporated, to withdraw from the initiative.

When the PPP/C returned to office in August 2020, it recommitted to the project, and went on to propose an energy mix aimed at utilising natural gas, heavy fuel oil, and renewables such as hydro, wind and solar.

EMISSION FREE In 2017, the Stabroek News released some of the findings of the review, which indicated that the only realistic path towards an “emission-free” electricity sector is via the development of Guyana’s hydro-power potential.

It was noted, too, that the fastest way forward is to maintain the Amaila Falls Hydro-Power Project as the first major step towards substituting its current oil-fired generation.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the Amaila Falls hydropower project is expected to cost just under US$1 billion, and will be able to generate 165 megawatts of stable and reliable electricity for 11 solid months of the year, with the additional month during the dry season being used for scheduled maintenance.

In the proposal document, the government said that it expects the country’s power demands to be met by 2026.

In moving forward with the project, the government has required that proposals clearly outline the developer’s capability and credibility to execute a project of this magnitude, as well as the present capital structure for financing.

Developers were also required to submit details of proposed local content, including sub-contractors, percentage of project costs that will be locally sourced, and supporting details of same.

The developers are also being asked to outline a projected timetable with key information for financial cost, commercial operations and commissioning of the project.

Added to that, the notice

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar says that there shall be provision for an international third-party operator, who will operate the facility on behalf of the project company or the government.

More specifically, the project will be executed via a new Special Purpose Company (SPC), and will be issued with all previous permits, licences, and permissions, as previously existed in April 2015, provided the developer shall have responsibility for any updates as required by law.

Guyana to receive 100,000 Pfizer doses through COVAX MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that an additional 100,000 doses of the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved Pfizer vaccine are expected to arrive in Guyana next week, as the country continues its fight against the deadly COVID-19.

“We are expected to get a number of vaccines…100,000 doses of vaccines through COVAX on October 4 and

it’s the first time that we’ll be receiving the vaccine from COVAX. Before this, we got AstraZeneca,” Minister Anthony said during Thursday’s COVID-19 update.

He said that on Wednesday, the country had recorded its highest vaccination rate in a given day, with some 9,946 persons taking either the first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Of that number 1,029 were adults and 530 children,

who took their first dose.

In terms of second dose, 6,655 persons were adults and 1,732 children.

Dr. Anthony commended the vaccination staff for a job well done, and also the public for being patient and maintaining order at the vaccination sites.

“I want to again commend the staff for being out there and working hard yesterday [Wednesday] and I want to commend the public because

although people had to wait, they did so in an orderly way and that facilitated everybody getting their vaccine,” he said.

A total of 358,237 or 69.8 per cent of the country’s adult population have taken the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while, 192,672 or 37.6 per cent took both doses.

Meanwhile, 24,194 or 33.2 per cent of the children population received the Pfizer vaccine.

The government had re-

ceived 146,250 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This specific vaccine is earmarked for children ages 12 to 18 years.

The vaccine given to Guyana was part of a donation of 5.5 million doses from the United States Government to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

This donation was intended to lend support to the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 1, 2021

Guyana wants to double fish production by 2025

BY 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture is looking to double the country’s fish production by comprehensively and sustainably developing the aquaculture industry.

This is according to subject minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who was, at the time, engaging the Japanese Ambassador to Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, Tatsuo Hirayama.

At his Regent Street, Georgetown Office, on Tuesday, Minister Mustapha informed the visiting ambassador that since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was elected to office, a lot more effort has been placed on ensuring sustainable fishing practices are employed so that the country’s stock could be sustained and eventually increased over time.

He also underscored the importance of pursuing sustainable fishing, against the backdrop of climate change, which has resulted in a noticeable depletion of fish stocks.

Recognising Japan to be a nation with many aquaculture successes, Minister Mustapha expressed hope that the Japanese government could assist Guyana by providing technical support to further develop Guyana’s aquaculture industry.

Ambassador Hirayama in turn said that he was pleased with the government’s emphasis on agriculture in Guyana, and underscored the importance for countries to manage their fishing resources in a sustainable manner.

Despite the climate change challenges, Guyana’s aquaculture industry continues to do well and maintains a high level of resilience. As a matter of fact, during the first half of 2021 alone, exports for the fisheries sector surpassed $4 billion.

The figures, previously provided by Minister Mustapha, show that during the first six months of the

Information shared with the Guyana Chronicle shows that production in the area of marine fisheries was just over 30,000 metric tonnes at the end of November 2020, but was projected to end the year at over 35,000 metric tonnes. Total production was just above 38,000 metric tonnes in 2019.

Also, last year, Guyana produced finfish (artisanal), finfish (industrial), red snapper, prawns, seabob (industrial), whitebelly, seabob (artisanal) and tuna. Of those varieties, finfish raked over $11 billion — the most Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha year, the fisheries industry cure revenue in excess of netted some $27 million in $16 billion, while aquaculrevenue. ture mustered $207,251,016.

To further improve the According to the Food sector’s earning capacity, and Agriculture Organisathe Ministry of Agriculture tion of the United Nations embarked on a series of (FAO), in Guyana, “capinitiatives, including the re- ture fisheries” is undertaken viewing and updating of the by artisanal fishers and by country’s Inland Fisheries an industrial fishing fleet and Aquaculture Strategy composed of trawlers and (2021-2026); the resuscita- hand-liners, including some tion of the National Fisher- foreign flagged, licensed folk Organisation; the de- vessels. velopment of a fishing vesThe organisation said sel inspection programme; most of Guyana’s fishing and, more importantly, the effort occurs in the relatively training of sector officials shallow waters of the conwho can further train local tinental shelf. In 2017, the fisherfolk. estimated fleet comprised Only recently, Minister an estimated 1,498 vessels Mustapha engaged the Unit- ranging in size from six to ed States Economic Affairs 24 metres, of which the great Department to address some majority (83 per cent) were of the challenges faced by gill netters. the players within the local Aquaculture, on the fishing industry. other hand, has been pracThe Agriculture Min- tised for many years using ister had also informed the mostly “low-input culture government’s Department method” in brackish water of Public Information that and freshwater ponds, emhe had been tasked with ploying cachama, tilapia, identifying focal points that and whiteleg shrimp as the could be discussed at a more major target species. technical level with the US officials.

MAJOR “We will be meeting -CONTRIBUTOR almost on a monthly or The consolidated conbi-monthly basis to deal tribution of both aspects of with these issues. But these this industry accounted for are very important trade is- two per cent of Guyana’s sues for us,” Mustapha said. overall Gross Domestic Las year, even without Product (GDP) and 12 per outside assistance, the fish- cent of the agricultural eries sector managed to se- GDP in 2020.

let, querriman, tambaqui and tilapia.

The aquaculture sector in Guyana is still relatively small, with production occupying only about 350 hectares of land around the country. But efforts are still ongoing to make the sector globally competitive and a key contributor to economic growth.

This is being realised through several initiatives such as the expansion of the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station, and aquaculture zoning – both on land and in water.

Guyana’s lucrative fisheries industry has already ‘netted’ some $4 billion in export revenues during the first half of the year revenue for this industry — while red snapper and seabob each earned stakeholders over $1 billion.

Production in the aquaculture sector, up to November last year, was 121,741 kilograms, but was projected to end the year at 137,626 kilograms. Total production was just above 246,919 kilograms in 2019. This sub-sector produces bashaw, black shrimps, hassar, mul-

Aquaculture is the process of rearing, breeding and harvesting of aquatic species, both animals and plants, in controlled aquatic environments like the oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams.

“Aquaculture in Guyana shows strong potential since the country has relatively large acres of flat lands with suitable soil types and access to large quantities and

good quality freshwater (water conservancies)… moreso there are existing drainage and irrigation infrastructure in some areas, sub-tropical temperatures for shrimp and fish production and good availability of agricultural/ fisheries by-products for the formulation and manufacturing of aqua feed,” Minister Mustapha said in a recent report.

The FAO had already provided US$100,000 to Guyana in 2019, to strengthen the strategic and regulatory framework for inland fisheries and aquaculture development in Guyana.

The fisheries department, in collaboration with the FAO, is expected to convert a draft aquaculture regulation to a legal document in 2021.

Compliance with this regulation and the relevant authorities like the Environmental Protection Agency, Veterinary Public Health Unit and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority will be requirements for aquaculture operations.

Added to that, the government has allocated, in its 2021 budget, $293 million to develop the fisheries sector.

This provision will be specifically directed towards facilitating feed-formulation research with the aim of reducing the cost of feed to below $200 per kilogramme, thereby encouraging increased investment and productivity.

Currently, the cost of production for aquaculture products is greatly impacted by the cost of feed, which accounts for some 60-70 per cent of overall production costs.

As it is, the fishing industry employs some 8,400 people in harvesting and 5,000 in processing and marketing, so more than 10,000 livelihoods depend directly on fishery, and many more benefit indirectly from fishing-related occupations such as boat building, gear supply and repair.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

‘Around-the-clock medical service saved my life’ -COVID-19 survivor says, as he recounts battle with the dreaded disease

WHEN Orin Boyce was putting together the design for the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, he had no intentions of physically testing its practicality.

However, a year later, he was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), having been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

In an interview with local journalist, Nakasia Logan, Boyce recalled that a couple weeks ago, he began to feel unwell, and embarked on his usual wellness regimen of fever grass and other ‘bush’ teas. But after

a week with no relief, Boyce said he realised something was not right.

“I couldn’t breathe properly,” the 43-yearold man recalled.

It was then that the engineer, accompanied by his wife, visited a private hospital for medical assistance.

“They put me on oxygen, and within half an hour, I got so weak.

When they took me to the x-ray room, I felt like my whole back fall out; I couldn’t get up,” Boyce said.

Soon after, his COVID-19 test would come back positive, and he was immediately taken to the Georgetown Pub-

COVID-19 survivor, Orin Boyce

lic Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where additional tests were done, and he was administered saline.

Boyce said that the doctors’ attempt to do a basic blood test sent shivers down his spine, as his blood began to clot.

“Frightening; my blood start to clot so fast,” Boyce recalled.

He was then transported to the Liliendaal facility, where he was admitted.

“When I was admitted, I could not breathe; I was on oxygen,” Boyce said.

Reflecting on his time as a patient there, Boyce said he was heartened to see how tirelessly the nurses and doctors worked to ensure patients pull through.

The doctors and nurses, he said, were always prompt in checking in on the patients, and ensuring that their vitals were in

order.

“They worked around-the-clock,” Boyce noted.

Asked about the treatment plan being administered at the hospital, the engineer said that treatments are customised to suit each individual patient; that every person is given medications and meals, based on the nature and seriousness of their condition.

But as more and more persons continue to lose their lives to the virus, Boyce said that he is beyond thankful to be alive, and to have been discharged from the hospital.

“It gives me a second chance at life; my faith. I get to realise that life is nothing. When I entered [the hospital], I said, ‘I am not dying in here,’” Boyce related.

He has now come to realise that even with the unwavering efforts of the public health team, the nature of COVID-19 makes it difficult for persons to benefit from the kind of comfort that comes from human contact.

“Some days I actually break down and crying,

‘cause is you alone. Persons who dying are giving up,” Boyce surmised.

He admitted that even though he was following rigid COVID-19 prevention protocols during the early stages of the virus, he “kind of lapsed”.

“Earlier in COVID, every time I came home, I would change my clothes before coming inside the house,” Boyce told the National Communications Network (NCN) reporter.

Looking back, Boyce said that he is happy that he made efforts to take at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

“This thing is not a myth; it is serious,” he emphasised.

Even though he has been discharged, Boyce will still have to be on medication for the next 69 days.

“The damage done to my lungs; the pneumonia. I got to build back; got to do some breathing exercises and so,” he said.

Boyce said, too, that an important part of his new recovery lifestyle includes a balanced diet and taking his Vitamin Cs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 1, 2021

Grades 10, 11, 12 students return to face-to-face learning this month

THE Ministry of Education has announced that Grades 10, 11 and 12 students will return to face-to-face learning during this month.

This announcement follows a statement by the ministry in September that secondary schools will be re-opened based on the rollout of the vaccination programme for children aged 12 to 17 years.

“There will not be one fixed date for the reopening of all secondary schools, since it is being done according to the vaccination programme,” the Education Ministry said.

The advice received from the Ministry of Health is that those students who were vaccinated should be given the time to be fully inoculated before entering the school environment.

Since students of the various secondary schools received their first and second

doses of the Pfizer vaccine on different dates, their reopening dates will also differ.

For an adolescent to be deemed fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, they must receive two doses 21-28 days apart, with an additional 10 days after the second dose to be fully protected.

This would mean that the different secondary schools will return to face-to-face instruction on different dates.

An example of this would be students of Queen’s College, St. Rose’s High School and the Bishops’ High School who received their first dose on September 1, 2021. Those students were administered their second dose on September 22, 2021.

Therefore, these schools will be reopened on a date not earlier than 10 days following September 22, 2021.

Each secondary school will be informed of their respective reopening dates. The

Ministry of Health has also advised that only students of these three grades at the secondary level should be allowed back into school for face-to-face learning.

Grades Seven to Nine will not be reopened physically at this time. As it relates to the other levels, the plans that were previously announced stand, without variation.

Schools will be reopened, based on the individualised programme established by the respective schools to facilitate face-to-face engagement.

All COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing masks, washing or sanitising hands, and being socially distanced will be observed.

“It must be noted that children who are not vaccinated will not be prevented from entering their school for instruction. However, we encourage as many par-

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony observes as 15-year-old Ramon Cummings prepares to take his first dose of the American-manufactured Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Delano Williams Photo) ents as possible to consent for their children aged 12 to 17 to receive the vaccine, which will serve to protect

Construction of another 100 houses begins at Cummings Lodge –– as part of phase two of the Ministry of Housing and Water’s programme for that area THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has started work on the second phase of the Cummings Lodge housing project, which will see an additional 100 homes being constructed.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said the additional houses will cater to the needs of Guyanese seeking to own their own homes.

He was speaking on Wednesday, at a graduation ceremony honouring Community Service Officers (CSOs) at the Hinterland Student Dormitory, Liliendaal.

“That is happening immediately because when the land is cleared the contractors will commence their work. So, we have the clearance for that, so it’s an ongoing process,” Minister Croal said.

For phase one of the project, the minister said that persons have already been pre-qualified and beneficiaries are awaiting access to their homes. Minister Croal said he is pleased with the progress of the project.

“There was a small portion of land that we had an issue with …, there’s concern

by the Ogle airport in terms of the flight path, but we have clearance for that area and so we’ll be building some flat houses there … So, we have to do the land preparation for that, we have about 30 acres there identified,” he said.

He added: “It’s moving according to plan, there was a slight delay for that part of Cummings Lodge 1,767 because remember we ran into a few persons who were illegally occupying the area, so we did the settlement, we went through the process because there were some farming activities taking place and so that is out of the way… so the clearance is continuing.”

In addition to the works being carried out in the Cummings Lodge area, land clearing for future developments is also ongoing on the East Bank of Demerara.

“This is for future developments. Recall that earlier in the year, you would have had the signing of contracts for infrastructure work and these are for areas where we’ve already allocated.

“So, what happens, for example, our budgetary allocation programme, our allocation exercises that we have now for areas that have been

identified, it forms part of our budgetary programme for 2022 because it informs us of areas that have to be developed in the coming year, so that is a cycle that continues,” Minister Croal said.

Further, he related that allottees for the first phase of the Cummings Lodge project would be able to access their homes very shortly.

In March, the CH&PA signed 51 contracts for the construction of 290 homes.

Included in that amount are the 190 elevated homes in Cummings Lodge, while another 100, two-bedroom flats will be constructed at Prospect, East Bank Demerara.

The houses are part of the 1,000 young professional, low-income and middle-income housing units, which the ministry plans to build this year as part of the CH&PA’s National Housing Development Programme.

The units are being built at Cummings Lodge, Prospect, Providence, Little Diamond and Great Diamond in Region Four; Onderneeming and Wales in Region Three; Ordnance/Fortlands, Hampshire and Williamsburg in Region Six and Amelia’s Ward in Region 10. (DPI)

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

them from the effects of COVID-19,” the Education Minister said, adding: “We also encourage our parents

and teachers who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated, so that we can protect each other.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 1, 2021

A Brighter Guyana THE return of democracy some 29 years ago has, in significant ways, resulted in the ushering in of a new era, one characterised by making the country better and brighter.

One of the first things the new PPP/C administration did after it was returned to power on October 5, 1992 was to rebuild the country and its collapsing infrastructure. The rehabilitation of the Guyana Power and Light Company and the electrification of the country was one such priority area, especially with respect to the hinterland communities, which for decades had to endure a period of darkness due to neglect by the previous PNC administration.

Electricity was not only a problem in the hinterland regions but the country as a whole. The supply of electricity was perhaps the most serious irritant faced by the Guyanese people. Power outages were so frequent that those who could have afforded had no choice but to resort to private generating plants. It was estimated that the combined electrical generation capacity of the private sector was nearly the same as that of the public sector.

In keeping with the objective of bringing electricity to hinterland communities, a US$7.2 million line of credit was signed between the Government of Guyana and the Indian Government to provide solar lights to hinterland communities. Some 30,000 hinterland households will benefit from this initiative.

The signing was done during the 57th anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) Day held by the Indian High Commission.

Signing the Line of Credit on behalf of Guyana was Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K J Srinivasa.

This Line of Credit Agreement forms part of a much broader co-operation agreement between the two countries in a variety of areas including technical training and capacity building of which Guyana has been a major beneficiary over the years. Over 600 Guyanese, including Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, have benefitted from such training which has impacted positively in terms of our overall human resource develop-

ment. According to Minister Singh, the ITEC has provided remarkable opportunities for Guyanese professionals to obtain world-class international training exposure and experience.

The installation of electricity panels in the homes of hinterland will certainly bring joy to these communities which for too long were denied such amenities. For one thing, it will allow for a much better quality of life for citizens as a whole but for children in particular who could now benefit from brighter lights to facilitate studies at nights. The entire profile of hinterland communities will be changed from an area of darkness to one of light.

Power is an important prerequisite for development and the more power generated; the better for the country. With the installation of cheap and reliable power, the country can become much more competitive on the world market due to lower energy charges which is an important factor in the overall cost structure. With the country now experiencing a tidal wave of transformative changes, the need for a more efficient, reliable and cheap power is all the more important. With the completion of the

Amaila Falls hydro-electric plant and the mix of other energy forms into the national power grid, that objective will soon become a reality.

In all of this, our hinterland communities are not being left behind. The installation of solar panels in the homes of our Amerindian and hinterland communities is indeed a welcome development for which the PPP/C administration must be highly commended. Already, a number of hinterland communities benefitted from solar electricity under the previous PPP/C administration but many of these were allowed to become dysfunctional because of incompetence and mismanagement of the Hinterland Electrification Programme by the previous APNU+AFC administration.

The Hinterland Electrification Programme was launched by the PPP/C administration in 2011 and was aimed at expanding access to clean and affordable energy throughout hinterland and deep riverine communities.

It is a shame that the programme was allowed to deteriorate due to mismanagement and incompetence by the previous administration.

Amerindians must get into extensive commercial farming

Dear Editor,

AS we wind down our celebration of Amerindian Heritage 2021, it would be amiss of me, an Amerindian, not to highlight the very important sector of agriculture, as it relates to Amerindian development.

Over a period of say, 10 years or more, there has been quite a shift from agriculture among youths in Amerindian communities; most opting to become employed in the mining and lumber industries, instead of finding themselves self-employed at home. The attitudinal change is in stark contrast from what it was in the past.

This nevertheless has been opening up opportunities for the older folks growing staple food crops, with very little for market, since the returns are low.

The perception, too, in some of our communities, especially those closer to the coast line of Guyana, is that farming is old-fashioned. “It is an old people ting and only old people must farm,” they say.

Putting that into perspective, Mr. Editor, I would like to posit that given the opportunity and expertise, most, if not all of our communities, could become better farming communities, once there is an attitudinal change, with some guidance being urgent and necessary.

Since our soils cannot be compared

with the rich alluvial soils of the coast of Guyana, returns are comparatively poor, resulting in lower incomes. Very simple.

The point is, and to be pragmatic about it, we the Amerindians cannot afford to continue with subsistence farming culture forever. Since we have vast uncultivated areas of land space, the position should be to exploit extensive, instead of intensive, farming techniques.

Extensive type farming would require larger land space, obviously, but with a possible bigger profit than in a smaller, subsistence farming context.

This of course would require the use of latest technology such as the use of chemical for weed and pest control, a culture that

may not sound quite ‘Amerindian’ as we are all accustomed to practising basically organic crop cultivation for ages on our subsistence plots. But as we weigh the economics between outdated, non-productive crop culture and the more advanced agricultural techniques, this might be the only way to go.

But technical help is needed.

With sound exposure to, and proper use of new technology, the prospect of a new generation of commercial farmers could soon be achieved for our own benefit and that of our own communities.

Yours faithfully, Rev’d. Joseph C. Atkinson

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 1, 2021

Vigil held in memory of Guyanese killed in Queens

By Vishnu Bisram

A PRESS conference and vigil was held on sundown last Sunday in memory of hit-and-run Guyanese victim, Ritawantee (Rita) Persaud of Ozone Park, Queens.

The event was organised by Assemblywoman of the district (38 – Greater Woodhaven/Ozone Park), Jenifer Rajkumar; community advocate, Romeo Hitlall, and others to thank law enforcement for their diligent work to arrest the alleged killer a few days ago, some nine months after the tragedy. The perpetrator was charged for vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. He was arraigned on four counts indictment. Last Friday, the arrest of the killer captured the attention of the President and Vice President of Guyana at their public engagement with the diaspora.

Rita or Aunty Rita, as she was popularly known, was riding in the back of a taxi when another vehicle, driven by the perpetrator, ‘broke’ or ran the red light and hit the Uber taxi. Rita, who was on her way to a temple for religious service Christmas Eve 2020, died.

Rita was very popular in the Indo-Caribbean Hindu community. A professional accountant, she worked constantly in service of others.

She was also gifted singer of bhajans and Bollywood songs. “She was a beautiful soul and a leader in the Guyanese community who devoted her life to seva or selfless service, and touched many lives,” said Assemblywoman Rajkumar.

The press conference and vigil were held outside of the Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 91st Street and Rockaway Boulevard, just a few yards away from where Rita was killed. Many Guyanese live in the area.

Rajkumar was joined

by Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, representatives of NYPD, the detective who pursued the investigation in the case; Community Leader Romeo Hitlall; District Leader Richard David; Community advocate, Jeanny Persaud; Fazal Joe Yussuf of the Guyana Consulate; Attorney Albert

Baldeo (himself a prominent activist); Rita’s family and friends and members of several mandirs including Pandit Ram Hardowar, who is President of Federation of Hindu Mandirs.

The Assembly woman said the conference and vigil was held “to honour the life of a remarkable woman, a beloved leader in the Guyanese-Hindu community”.

When she wasn’t working as an accountant, Rita was busy giving back to her community. Rajkumar said: “She was especially focused on uplifting the youth, and so many children, so many members of the community, have stories of how she touched their lives. From all accounts, she was truly a remarkable woman and a beautiful soul. As the first Hindu American elected official in this State, I personally remember her life with pride.

Because she exemplified the Hindu ideal of Seva, Selfless service for the community.

Aunty Rita was a Goddess on Earth. She was Devi Ji. She had the Strength of Goddess Durga, the loving heart of Parvati and Radha, bestowing wealth of love upon others like Goddess Laxmi.”

Rajkumar, as well as the Queens District Attorney (DA) and all other speakers, praised the work of the detectives who pursued and found the killer. Last Friday, when this writer brought the news of the arrest of the killer of the Guyanese woman to the President and Vice-President, they both cheered the two commanding officers who were present at the exchange with the diaspora at the Hilton hotel. The President announced he would look into the possibility of collaboration with NYPD in crime-fighting.

At Sunday’s press conference, Rajkumar said, “Be-

cause of the fine work of NPYD, we can finally have justice for her and her family. I only hope that after nine agonising months, the arrest brings comfort to the many people in mourning.”

She added: “I commend Ms. Persaud’s family for their strength and for their grace in the face of incredible tragedy. I will never forget the strength and grace they exhibited in the face of incredible tragedy and pain.”

Rajkumar also praised the Asian police task force that broke the case. The investigation was conducted

by Detective Kwang Choi of the Collision Investigation Squad under the supervision of Sergeant Robert Denig. A contingent of police officers from 102nd precinct was present as well as representatives of politicians.

Rajkumar profusely praised the police: “Thank you to the police for being an ally of the Indo-American community, protecting us. I am Grateful for the strong relationship the NYPD has with our South Asian and Indo Caribbean community, working together for our safety, for safe streets, working against hate crimes, and working for justice for Rita Persaud.”

Rajkumar also cheered District Attorney, Melinda Katz, who is prosecuting the case. “She is a leader with a long history of accomplishment for Queens. She leads with compassion and strength to advance justice in the borough of Queens, for immigrants, for women, for the disenfranchised. She was once an assemblywoman like me before becoming Borough President and now our distinguished District Attorney. She is an inspiring figure for women in government. She embraces diversity and is a great friend to

the South Asian and Indo Caribbean community. She has even hired many South Asian reps in her office. We wish District Attorney Katz Godspeed as she prosecutes this case.”

Katz promised justice.

The close-knit Indo-Caribbe-

an community has been demanding justice for Rita. The community leaders say they are committed to monitoring the prosecution of the case.

They note that this is one step towards justice. Justice can only be done when there is a conviction.

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Community leaders also issued a call to drivers to observe speed limits because they put themselves and the lives of others in danger.

Within the last week, four young Indo-Caribbean people in Queens were killed in accidents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 1, 2021

Fire at North West Secondary School was deliberately set –– Guyana Fire Service reveals after preliminary investigations

PRELIMINARY investigations carried out by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) have revealed that the fire which severely damaged the Mabaruma Secondary School on September 24, 2021, resulted from an act of arson.

According to a press release from the fire service, on the day of the incident, at around 21:20 hrs, a security guard attached to the school reported hearing three explosions and seeing smoke and fire emanating from the direction of the Head Teacher’s office.

Auxiliary firefighters in the area and other officials, along with public-spirited residents responded to the scene and managed to con-

tain the blaze to one section of the school, thereby preventing it from spreading to the dormitories, the Information Technology Department, and other nearby buildings.

Despite their efforts, however, the wooden and concrete building was mostly gutted as a result of the fire.

Though the community boasts a new fire station, which was recently completed, it is temporarily being used as a COVID-19 Quarantine Centre, while furnishings and equipment, inclusive of a water tender, are scheduled to be in place by late October.

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn; Fire

Chief Kalamadeen Edoo; Regional Executive Officer of Region One, Tikaram Bissessar; Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One, Brentnol Ashley; Headteacher (ag) of the Mabaruma Secondary School, Indra Chacon; Police Divisional Commander, Boodnarine Persaud, and fire investigators on Saturday last visited the school and examined the damage caused by the fire.

The Ministry of Education has since committed to providing support and alternative arrangements to facilitate the 600 students who attend the Mabaruma Secondary School.

A section of the North West Secondary School which was ravaged by fire on September 24, 2021 (Guyana Fire Service photo)

Health Ministry rubbishes ‘fake news’ about vaccines –– says no vaccine-related deaths or serious illnesses have occurred

GUYANA’S coronavirus immunisation efforts have not resulted in any deaths or serious illnesses anywhere in Guyana.

This clarification was provided by the Ministry of Health in its response to a social media video which purportedly shows a child suffering an instant and fatal reaction after receiving the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.

The ministry in its statement said that so far, 25,000 adolescents have received the aforementioned vaccine, and that no adverse effects have been recorded. “Those who are spreading such fake news, using a non-vaccine related tragedy, are guilty of dangerous, deadly mischief-making and propaganda,” the statement read.

It also condemned the authors of the post for seeking to capitalise on a family’s tragedy “to wickedly pro-

mote false stories about COVID-19 vaccines in an effort to derail the vaccine programme in Guyana.”

The statement advised those responsible for the post to desist from peddling misinformation, as their actions could have legal consequences. “The MoH intends to report this deliberate misinformation campaign to the [Guyana Police Force’s] Cybercrime Unit so that action can be taken to bring those responsible to justice,” the ministry said.

It also reiterated that all vaccines used for adolescents and adults are safe. “After more than 60,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, there have not been any serious negative reaction,” the ministry reassured the public.

It also repeated its plea for all eligible citizens to come forward and get vaccinated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 1, 2021

Three more COVID-19 deaths, 189 new cases recorded

THREE more persons have died after contract-

ing COVID-19, taking the total number of deaths for

the month of September to 161, and the overall death toll to 786.

According to the Ministry of Health, the latest fatalities are a 74-year-old woman from Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), who died on September 29; a 68-yearold man from Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica), who died on September 29, and a 69-year-old man from Region One (Barima-Waini), who died on September 26.

They were all unvaccinated.

Meanwhile, 189 new cases were recorded. Those new infections took the total number of cases recorded since March, 2020, to 31,827.

The new cases were recorded in Region One (three cases), Region Two (15 cases), Region Three (30 cases), Region Four (104 cases), Region Five (10 cases), Region Six (five cases), Region Seven (nine cases), Region Eight (one case), Region Nine (five cases) and Region 10 (seven cases).

There are 32 patients receiving care in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), nine people in institutional quarantine, 140 in institutional isolation and 3,839 people in home iso-

Suspects toss alleged cannabis while evading police POLICE, on Wednesday, retrieved over 14kg of suspected cannabis contained in bags, which were tossed into a clump of bushes by two male suspects who were evading police.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 11:15 hours at Parker Street, Providence, where officers on motorcycles were patrolling the

area and observed two males, holding black plastic bags, standing by a koker and acting suspicious.

“The ranks then proceeded in the direction of the men who threw the bags into a nearby clump of bushes and escaped on foot,” the police reported.

The officers managed to retrieve the two bags which contained collectively 14 blue,

white and pink transparent plastic bags with the suspected cannabis in them.

“The suspected narcotic was taken to the Golden Grove Police Station where it was weighed and it amounted to 14.497 kilograms,” the police said.

The suspects remain at large as investigations continue.

The bags of suspected cannabis which were retrieved by officers, on Wednesday

lation. Some 27,030 people have recovered after becoming infected with COVID-19.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO.21), which are in effect until September 30, 2021.

This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 IMMEDIATELY or visit us at www.health.gov.gy.

19-year-old dies after being shot by ‘chain snatcher’

NINETEEN-yearold Joshua Denny on Thursday morning lost his life after being shot during a robbery which happened a few steps away from his Festival City, North Ruimveldt home.

According to a report from the Guyana Police Force, the victim’s sister reported that shortly after he left home for work, she was told that he was 19-year-old shot. She related that this Joshua Denny happened just around 07:20 hrs.

Upon checking, she saw her brother lying on the roadway, bleeding from a wound to his chest.

As a result, she rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was undergoing surgery when he succumbed. Police are currently investigating the matter.

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Message from Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, to H.E. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, on the occasion of the 72nd Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China October 1, 2021 IT is my pleasure to extend sincere greetings and warm felicitations to you, the Government and the friendly people of China, on the occasion of the 72nd Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

As you celebrate your National Day with pride, we applaud the strides taken by the Chinese Government and the people of China towards the betterment of humanity, and for the well-being, progress and prosperity of the rest of the world.

Guyana cherishes its longstanding, vibrant and mutually beneficial friendship with China, which is anchored in shared principles of sovereignty, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs. Guyana also remains committed to the “One China Policy” as we continue to undertake every effort, to further strengthen and enhance our bilateral relationship and practical co-operation between our two countries.

Under the extraordinary circumstances faced by the global community due to the ongoing COVID-19

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Hilton Todd pandemic, the Government of Guyana applauds the leadership role taken by the People’s Republic of China, especially in the area of public health and in providing tangible assistance that has been crucial to combating the disease in Guyana.

I take this opportunity to wish you and the people of China good health, wellbeing and prosperity.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

Message by Chargé d’Affaires, Chen Xilai, on the occasion of the 72nd Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China October 1, 2021 ON the occasion of the 72nd Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, I am honoured to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, the warmest congratulations to the 72nd birthday of our motherland China, the sincere greetings to our compatriots living in Guyana, and heartfelt gratitude to our Guyanese friends who have long been caring and supporting China.

The past year has seen much good news from China. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has united and led the Chinese people in formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and the LongRange Objectives through the Year 2035, winning the fight against extreme poverty, building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, coordinating and promoting the fight against COVID-19 and highquality development. China’s economy grew by 12.7 per cent in the first half of 2021. Many achievements were also made in cutting-edge scientific and technological fields, including deep-sea exploration, Lunar and Mars exploration, space station construction, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence.

These achievements cannot be realised without the leadership of the CPC. Since its founding 100 years ago, the CPC has been seeking happiness for the Chinese people, rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, and the common good for the world. CPC’s leadership brought the tremendous

transformation of standing up, growing prosperous, and becoming strong. A new China was established. Nation’s independence was secured. People’s democracy was realised.

By reform and opening-up, China has become the second largest economy and uplifted 98.99 million people out of poverty. By implementing the new development philosophy and fostering a new development paradigm, the Chinese nation is going to be a proud and active

Chargé d’Affaires, Chen Xilai member of the community of nations.

These achievements demonstrate the people-centred development philosophy of the Chinese Government. What is people-centred development philosophy? It means putting people and people’s lives first in the once-in-a-century pandemic.

From babies born only 30 hours to elderly people in their 100s, from Chinese people to foreigners in China, we have been doing our best to protect every life.

It means the people’s aspirations to live a better life is the CPC’s ultimate goal. In 2020, China’s per capita disposable income reached 32,189 yuan, a nominal

increase of 4.7 per cent over the previous year. It also means that the gains of development can benefit all the people in a better and fairer way. China is working to further narrow down the gap between cities and rural areas and between rich and poor, and strives to achieve holistic development of human beings and shared prosperity for everyone.

These achievements reflect China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. To end the pandemic faster, China remains committed to making COVID-19 vaccines a global public good and will strive to provide two billion doses of vaccines to the world by the end of 2021. In addition to donating 100 million US dollars to COVAX, China will donate 100 million doses of vaccines to other developing countries in 2021 to help bridge the immunisation divide. To achieve economic recovery together, China will also continue to open up, deepen co-operation and share market opportunities with other countries so that we can build a broader development platform under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.

Over the past year, the pragmatic co-operation between China and Guyana has also made commendable progress due to the efforts of the two sides. In 2020, our bilateral trade volume has increased 78.7 per cent despite the COVID-19 impact. Standing in its friend’s shoes, the Chinese Government quickly responded to the request of the Guyanese Government and donated vaccines to Guyana when global supply was very tight. A Chinese technical team was sent to Guyana amid COVID-19 challenges and helped to repair a damaged submarine

cable. Fuzhou and Georgetown celebrated their Sister City 15th anniversary. Thirteen outstanding Guyanese students were awarded Chinese government scholarships. The 16th batch of the Chinese Medical Brigade provided daily medical services to the local patients in Georgetown and Linden. China and Guyana joined hands in setting up an example of mutual respect and win-win co-operation between big and small countries.

China and Guyana are important co-operative partners for each other. In March 2021, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, had a telephone conversation with President Ali, directing the development of the relations between the two countries. President Xi said that the two sides should take the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties next year as an opportunity to earnestly respect each other, expand co-operation, and lift bilateral relations to higher levels. President Ali reiterated that Guyana firmly abides by the one-China principle and considers China as the most important partner in its national development.

I am confident that, as both sides actively implement the consensuses reached by the two heads of state with concerted efforts, more new co-operation potentials will be released and new outcomes achieved. The traditional friendship between the two peoples will remain vibrant and continue to write new chapters.

On this auspicious occasion, let me extend my best wishes! May China and Guyana continue to prosper! May the Chinese and Guyanese people be happy and healthy forever! Long live the ChinaGuyana friendship!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 1, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

China issues white paper on Xinjiang’s demographic development

CHINA’S State Council Information Office Sunday issued a white paper detailing the demographic development in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The population growth in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2000 to 2020 was 1.15 percentage points higher than the national average in the compound annual growth rate (CAGR), said a white paper issued Sunday by the State Council Information Office.

According to data from the sixth national census conducted in 2010, the population in Xinjiang was 21.82 million, an increase of 3.36 million with a CAGR of 1.68 per cent over 2000, according to the white paper titled “Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data”.

Preliminary data from the seventh national census conducted in 2020 showed that the number increased by 4.04 million to reach 25.85 million with a CAGR of 1.71 per cent, said the document.

The infant mortality rate

in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region went down from 26.58 per 1,000 in 2010 to 6.75 per 1,000 in 2020.

The mortality rate for children under five years of age, and maternal mortality rate in the region declined from 31.95 per 1,000, and 43.41 per 100,000 in 2010 to 10.91 per 1,000, and 17.89 per 100,000 in 2020, respectively, according to the white paper titled “Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data.”

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Uygur population in China’s Xinjiang has maintained a relatively high growth rate, said a white paper issued Sunday by the State Council Information Office.

The Uygur population grew at a compound annual growth rate of 1.67 per cent during the first two decades in the 21st century from over 8.34 million to over 11.62 million, according to the white paper titled “Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data”.

The education level of the Uygur population in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has continued to improve.

According to data from the seventh national census in 2020, 8,944 per 100,000 Uygurs had received a university education, an increase of 6,540 compared to 2000, said the white paper titled “Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data.”

The average years in education for those aged 15 and above also grew from 7.06 to 9.19, it added.

The economic, social and family status of women of all ethnic groups in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has continued to improve.

The improved status has allowed them to have more opportunities to obtain secondary and higher education, and take an active part in economic and social life, according to the white paper, “Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data,” issued by the State Council

Information Office.

The number and proportion of women in employment have significantly increased. In 2019 for example, 228,100 women joined the workforce in cities and towns across Xinjiang, accounting for 47.43 per cent of the total newly employed in urban areas, the white paper said.

The population, in particular that of ethnic minority groups, in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, will continue to maintain steady growth in the near term.

The ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang have considerable potential to grow as they have a relatively young population and a large number of women

of childbearing age, according to the white paper, “Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data,” issued by the State Council Information Office.

Implementation of China’s new childbirth policy that allows a couple to have up to three children, and support measures to boost birth rates will also promote steady population growth in Xinjiang, the white paper said.

The right of ethnic minorities in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to learn and use their own languages are effectively protected and their cultures are well preserved.

While carrying out the teaching of standard Chinese,

Xinjiang also provides Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz, Mongolian, Xibe and other language courses at primary and secondary schools, said the white paper titled “Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data,” issued by the State Council Information Office.

Ethnic minority languages are extensively used in such areas as education, judicature, administration and public affairs, said the white paper.

The claim that Xinjiang’s efforts to promote standard Chinese represent a campaign of “cultural genocide” is a false accusation made by anti-China forces, said the white paper.

(Xinhua)

People attend a culture and tourism festival themed on Dolan and Qiuci culture in Awat County of Aksu Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region, Oct. 25, 2019. (Photo: Xinhua)

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GUYANA CHRONICLEM, Friday October 1, 2021

2,572nd Birthday of Confucius commemorated in Shandong

By Zhao Ruixue in Qufu

A CEREMONY was held on Tuesday morning to commemorate the 2,572nd birthday of Confucius in Qufu of Jining city, Shandong province, the home province of the great Chinese thinker.

People can also log on to a cloud platform launched

by Jining to pay respects to Confucius.

Confucius temples across China -- including those in Beijing, Shanghai, and the provinces of Zhejiang, Hunan and Sichuan -- also held ceremonies in recent days to remember the sage.

Confucius (551-479 BC) lived in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

He was the first Chinese person to set up private schools and enroll students from all walks of life. He is believed to have been born on Sept 28.

His disciples collected many of his sayings and quotations and compiled them into a book known in English as the Analects which has deep influence over Chinese culture and society.

What does China’s realisation of Xiaokang mean for its people and the world?

CGTN Xiaokang society, or “a moderately prosperous society in all respects,” is a term that carries a long-cherished dream of the Chinese nation. On July 1, China announced achieving its first centenary goal of building such a society. But what does it mean for a country of 1.4 billion people and the world at large?

A white paper titled “China’s Epic Journey from Poverty to Prosperity” released on Tuesday has the answers.

BY THE CHINESE PEOPLE, FOR THE CHINESE NATION In the traditional Confucian sense, Xiaokang is a state wherein, despite imperfections, everyone is adequately provided for. It was reintroduced into political discourse in the 1970s, and the Communist Party of China (CPC) has since led efforts to turn this concept into reality.

It is a “critical step towards national rejuvenation,” according to the white paper.

After realising Xiao-

kang, China has turned to the second centenary goal of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way by the middle of the century to celebrate the centenary of the People’s Republic of China.

Noting that all-round development is essential to moderate prosperity, the paper details the progress made in economic, political, cultural, social and ecoenvironmental fields in the process of building a moderately prosperous society.

For example, China’s economic strength has increased significantly, with its GDP soaring to about 101.6 trillion yuan (about $15.7 trillion) last year from 67.9 billion yuan ($10.53 billion) in 1952.

The paper also highlights the concept of “prosperity for all”, where all people share the fruits of development and “no individual, region or ethnic group is left behind” in this kind of society.

The living standards of the poor have risen substantially, achievements in rural infrastructure are great, and a new urban-rural relationship is taking shape, according to the paper.

A ceremony is held to commemorate the 2,572nd birthday of Confucius in Qufu, Jining, Shandong province, the home province of the great Chinese thinker, Sept 28, 2021.

[Photo by Yang Guoqing/for chinadaily.com.cn]

CARRYING TREMENDOUS GLOBAL WEIGHT As for the significance of Xiaokang society for the progress of mankind, the paper explains that a more prosperous and stable China – the world’s most populous and largest developing country – contributes to world peace and development in its own right.

In achieving a moderately prosperous society, China has helped to dramatically

reduce the world’s povertystricken population, it said.

In February, President Xi Jinping announced China’s eradication of extreme poverty, saying that more than 10 million impoverished people were lifted out of poverty on average each year since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012.

This means that China met the poverty eradication target set in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

10 years ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, the paper noted that China’s mutually beneficial opening-up policy will help build an even more open economy, so as to provide other countries with more opportunities in markets, investment and growth.

China’s experience offers a new option for those countries and peoples who are looking for both rapid growth and independence, said the paper. (chinadaily.com.cn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

Season Two of ‘‘ Get Real With Shameeza’‘ kicks off -to focus on domestic abuse, suicide

Overseas-based Guyanese Shameeza Ally

SEASON Two of “Get Real with Shameeza” kicked off last Wednesday night, with overseas-based Guyanese host Shameeza Ally promising lots of surprises and interesting episodes for the rest of the season.

The show will now be on National Television Network (NTN), Channel 18 Cable 69 every Wednesday starting from 20:00 hours. Almost half of the season has already been

planned, Ally told the Buzz in an interview this week.

Although many surprises are in store, she related that the shows will feature issues surrounding domestic abuse, suicide, and even different hosts of cooking shows who also have something to share.

According to Ally, the intention is to feature current issues that are being dealt with at a community level and to promote Guyana as an ideal tourism and investment

hub. Reflecting on all that this ‘Land of Many Waters’ has to offer, “Shameeza”, during her last visit to Guyana, was especially impressed to see the transformation taking place locally. “I was very happy to see what’s happening in Guyana with growth and improvement. It was a proud moment for me to see how great things have become, so I want to encourage others to visit and invest, if possible. That is our Turn to page 23

This brilliant and captivating 30 x 30 feet painting, done by local artist Ransford Simon, has been mounted in the compound of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos, ECD. It represents just some of the agricultural bounties that Guyana possesses, and we extend kudos to Simon for a job well done. These beautiful ‘before and after’ photos were clicked and posted on Facebook by Ms. Nikita Outar.

GUYANA CHRONICLEM, Friday October 1, 2021

Season Two...

From page 22

home,” she expressed.

Ally said she wants her show to feature all of the relevant information that people may need if they are deciding to come back to Guyana and invest. “I want to bring the best and most relevant information and guests on the show.”

Ally, a financial advisor who has also been very active in her community, launched the show earlier this year. A mother of four, she left Guyana in 2001 and is now residing in New York.

She related that her thriving career in finance for the past 16 years has allowed her to connect with her community on a personal and professional level and as such, she has been looking for ways to give back to that very community.

The intention behind her show, according to Ally, is to allow for open discussions on the roles of women in society; to allow them to express their struggles, and suggest ways how they can be supported and uplifted.

Her goal is to have men and women open up

about the struggles that prevent them from living their best life and to this end, she plans on inviting counsellors and therapists to assist.

She believes that every woman is beautiful in her own way and sometimes just need to be reminded of it. “I want our new generation to live in a world where they can openly speak of their feelings and not be afraid of having to suppress their feelings because of what society thinks of them,” she said, adding, “It is crazy enough that we live in a world where we have to struggle so much; if we can be more open and care less about judgment, we can all have more successful and happy lives,” she expressed in previous interview.

Outside of hosting her new show, Ally also enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. “I love getting away with family and friends and spending quality time where we can explore and be adventurous.” She also enjoys reading and is currently on “Think like a Monk” by Jay Shetty.

: Ally, a financial advisor who has also been very active in her community, launched the show earlier this year

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

Pacquiao hanging up boxing gloves

Manny Pacquiao retires with a record of 62 wins, eight defeats and two draws.

BOXING legend Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from the

sport to focus on his political career.

The multi-division world champion, who is a senator in his native Philippines, has already announced his intention to run for president in the country’s 2022 elections.

The 42-year-old’s final fight was a defeat by Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas last month.

“I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over,” said Pacquiao.

In a video posted on social media, Pacquiao described retiring as the “hardest decision” of his life, adding boxing had given him “the chance to fight my way out of poverty” and “the courage to change more lives”.

He also thanked his fans, friends and all those who supported him throughout his career, most notably long-time trainer Freddie Roach, whom he described as “my family, a brother and a friend”.

“I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life,” he said.

After growing up in poverty in the south of the Philippines, Pacquiao moved to the capital Manila as a teenager to start a boxing career that would make him one of the world’s most highly paid athletes.

He won his first major title in 1998 at the age of 19, defeating Thailand’s Chatchai Sasakul for the WBC flyweight title.

Within three years he was fighting in Las Vegas,

beating South Africa’s Lehlohonolo Ledwaba for the IBF super bantamweight title at the MGM Grand, the venue for most of his fights in the following two decades.

He is now regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time, winning 12 different titles across eight weight divisions and is the only boxer to hold world championships across four decades.

In July 2019, Pacquiao became the oldest welterweight world champion in history at the age of 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman to win the WBA (Super) welterweight title, though he was stripped of the title in January 2021 because of inactivity.

Speaking after his defeat to Ugas in August, Pacquiao said he was “60-40” in favour of quitting.

He retires with a record of 62 wins, eight defeats and two draws.

Pacquiao entered politics in 2010 when he won a seat in the lower house of the Philippines congress, before being elected for a six-year term in the upper chamber in 2016.

He confirmed earlier this month his intention to run for president after he was nominated as a candidate by a faction of the ruling party, PDP-Laban.

(BBC Sport).

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DeNobrega, Levius through to semis at COTECC/ITF U12 tournament GUYANA’s Nathan DeNobrega and Elwyn Levius’ unbeaten run at this year’s COTECC/ITF U12 tournament came to end when they both went down to their opponents from the Dominican Republic yesterday.

Both players lost their respective matches in straight sets, with Levius going down 6 – 1, 6 – 0 to Guillermo Rodriguez, while Emanuel Felix had the better DeNobrega 6 – 0, 6 – 2.

They also lost the Doubles clash 6 – 3, 7 – 5.

However, despite the result, the Guyanese pair will advance to the tournament’s semi-final round today.

Prior to their defeat to the home side, the Guyanese duo held a perfect record against Barbados, Haiti and the US Virgin Islands.

Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda and St Lucia are the other participating teams at the tournament that caters for players under the Central American Caribbean Tennis Confederation.

FROM BACK PAGE

Chennai Super...

2009 and 2019. But since the start of 2020, he has played 22 games, taking 24 wickets, including six in this debut IPL campaign.

Thursday's three wickets came from clever bowling. His first saw him pick up the crucial powerplay breakthrough after banging the ball into the pitch to the charging Jason Roy and the ball kept a little low to draw the bottom edge.

His second and third came in his final over, after he had been hit for six. They were reward for him executing his yorkers - both on the

stumps and wide outside off-stump - as Abhishek Sharma holed out to longon and Abdul Samad sliced to point.

Speaking in the interval, Hazlewood was asked about his T20 improvement and said: "It is just about bowling the right ball, at the right time, with the right field.

"It is probably just about trying to stay one step ahead of the batter and trying to get a feel for what he's going to do next and getting one step ahead of that.” (BBC Sport)

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Chalk Liberated Future InSunray

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

Warwickshire on brink of victory after Lancashire slip up again at Lord's

Warwickshire's Liam Norwell picked up the wickets of George Balderson and Josh Bohannon on day three.

WARWICKSHIRE are just four wickets away from adding the Bob Willis Trophy to their County Championship title after dominating Lancashire again on day three at Lord's.

Faced by a mammoth first-innings deficit of 440, Lancashire stumbled to 171-6 before bad light and light rain forced the players from the pitch at 4.15pm.

Seamer Liam Norwell (232) stood out in the gloomy conditions as the Red Rose county, bowled out for just 78 in their first innings, wilted under the weight of Warwickshire's 518 all out.

The County Champions began the day batting under the floodlights on 464-7 with a hefty lead of 386 and added 54 more to deepen Lancashire's gloom.

Captain Will Rhodes (156) showed no intention of declaring but added only five to his overnight 151 before Jack Blatherwick (3-80) produced a pearler of a delivery from around the wicket that ran down the slope to hit the top of off stump.

Norwell (2) was castled cheaply by the same bowler before Matt Parkinson (4-78) finally wrapped up the innings by bowling the advancing Manraj Johal, breaking a final-wicket stand of 31 with Craig Miles (30no).

Lancashire avoided a repeat of their first-innings implosion despite the early loss of Warwickshire-bound Alex Davies (11), who called for a

quick off-side single only to be run by Miles' direct hit in his final knock for his county before moving to Edgbaston.

A second-wicket stand of 71 between Luke Wells (41) and George Balderson (65) took the Red Rose county comfortably past their first-innings score but Warwickshire were quickly back chipping away Tim Bresnan broke the partnership with a delivery that bounced just enough to take the edge of Wells' bat and although Balderson brought up his fifty - his third in 11 first-class matches - off 111 balls with eight fours, the scoreboard soon read 120-3.

Josh Bohannon (8) was the third to fall - and in tame fashion, too, as he fenced at a Norwell delivery outside off stump and guided the ball into Sam Hain's hands at slip.

The fourth wicket was

a beauty - Norwell moving one away sufficiently to beat the edge and hit the top of off stump to leave Lancashire 288 behind at tea on 152-4.

Warwickshire bagged their fifth when Danny Briggs, with some extra flight, tempted Steven Croft to drive loosely and Bresnan snaffled the edge at slip - although subsequent replays suggested he may have hit ground rather than ba Skipper Dane Vilas (25) couldn't stop the rot, undone

by Miles' ability to move the ball both ways and playing indecisively outside off stump to present Hain with a second catch.

At that point the end looked nigh but with drizzle setting in and murky skies overhead, umpires David Millns and Mike Burns had little option but to head for the pavilion. (Sky Sports).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday October 01, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) WI: 10 (2) AUST: 6 Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI player has scored most T20 Int’l runs against AUST to date?

(2) Which AUST player has scored most T20 Int’l runs against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

Joshua says he has identified mistakes and learnt his lesson LONDON: (Reuters)- Anthony Joshua said on Thursday he knew where he went wrong in losing his world heavyweight boxing titles to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, and had learnt his lesson.

Usyk took the Briton's WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts on a unanimous points decision at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday.

"I’ve watched the fight, analysed my preparations & identified my mistakes.

I’ve learnt my lesson," Joshua posted on Instagram on Thursday.

"Don’t worry about me. My spirit is strong!"

A rematch is expected in February or March, with a possible world heavyweight unification fight between Joshua and compatriot Tyson Fury, the WBC champion, thrown into uncertainty.

Fury's promoter Frank Warren said on Monday he could not see it happening.

His boxer, who will defend his title in a rematch with American Deontay Wilder

Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (left) took the Briton's WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts on a unanimous points decision at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday.

in Las Vegas on Oct. 9, advised Joshua to take the fight to his opponent next time.

"My advice to Joshua in the rematch is get stuck in, the best way he knows how.

Put your best foot forward. Swing away, swing away," he said.

"Joshua has to do what he's got to do.

I can't say I'm interested because I've got 'the Bronze Bomber' next. Whoever's next?

We'll deal with them too."

Fury rubbed in Joshua's new status as a beaten champion by saying he had no interest in kicking people when they were down.

"I like to pick on people who are doing well, who are successful, on top of their game," he said.

"I don't like picking on people who are down, probably at their lowest point, and probably mentally unstable after a loss after a long reign."

Fury said he was ready for Wilder and reckoned his opponent was comfortably the best heavyweight out there.

Saqlain Mushtaq set to become Irish boxer feels vindicated by Pakistan’s head coach findings of report into Rio Games

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq

IN what can be called a significant development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to appoint Saqlain Mushtaq as Pakistan’s head coach for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2020.

The legendary off-spinner currently serves as the Head of International Player Development at the National High Performance Centre. However, he’s all but likely to take an even more significant role in Pakistan cricket.

Mushtaq was even supposed to lead the coaching staff Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand. However, the visiting team abandoned the tour due to security concerns.

This means the global will be Mushtaq’s maiden assignment as the head coach of the national team. With Mushtaq being one of the finest bowlers from the country and a proven coach as well, expectations would be high

from him.

Meanwhile, the major report was carried out by Cricket Pakistan. It also stated that the Pakistan team management is set to make the official announcement after getting approval from PCB chief Ramiz Raja.

It must be noted that former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden and former South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander have already been appointed batting and bowling consultants for the national side.

Hence, Pakistan’s coaching staff looks pretty formidable ahead of the gala competition. For the unversed, Misbah-ul-Haq was the national team’s previous head coach and he stepped down from the position earlier this month.

Alongside him, bowling coach Waqar Younis also ended his term. Notably, Misbah’s tenure was marred with numerous controversies and it would be interesting to see how Mushtaq goes about his business.

A veteran of 208 Test wickets and 288 ODI wickets, Mushtaq was nothing but a force to reckon with during his playing days.

After bidding adieu from all forms of cricket, the off-spinner became an active coach and served many teams. He has even worked with England, West Indies, and New Zealand teams as spin bowling coach/consultant.

Hence, PCB would want him to groom the players well during the high-profile competition.

Meanwhile, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team will kick-start their campaign against arch-rivals India on October 24.

Although the Men in Green have blown hot and cold lately, their squad is studded with T20 stars and other teams can’t afford to take them lightly. (CricTracker)

LONDON, (Reuters) - Irish boxer Michael Conlan said he felt vindicated by an independent report published on Thursday that found evidence of corruption and manipulation of bouts at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Conlan's quarter-final defeat in Rio triggered an outcry at the time, with the bantamweight blasting boxing's world body AIBA as 'corrupt', 'rotten to the core' and saying officials had robbed him of his dream.

The report, led by Richard McLaren and commissioned by AIBA, suggested at least nine bouts were suspicious while two bouts caused the system to "publicly collapse". read more One of those two was Conlan's against Russia's Vladimir Nikitin, who was so badly injured despite being declared the winner that he was unable to fight in the semi-final but still collected a bronze medal.

"It's been a long time coming but I'm delighted," Conlan told the BBC. "I didn't expect this to happen but the fact that it has and my fight has been called out, it's not news to me but it's good news.

"It's a massive day for amateur boxing and for Olympic sport, said the former amateur World, European and Commonwealth champion.

"I think if I hadn't said what I said and done what I did this probably wouldn't be happening now so it's a huge day, especially for the guys who suffered in Rio, including myself. It's vindication," he added.

Conlan, who turned professional after the Olympics, said the "black mark of Rio" and the thought of what might have been would always be there. He hoped decisions could be overturned and a medal awarded.

2016 Rio Olympics - Boxing - Quarterfinal - Men's Bantam (56kg) Quarterfinals Bout 223 - Riocentro - Pavilion 6 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 16/08/2016. Michael Conlan (IRL) of Ireland competes.

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

He said, however, that the injustice of Rio had probably benefitted his career more than winning gold and his earnings had not been affected.

Another Rio fight called into question was the super-heavyweight final between Britain's Joe Joyce and France's Tony Yoka, with the latter taking gold. Both are unbeaten as professionals.

30

One-off day-night women’s Test

Mandhana makes Test-high score but day one affected by rain

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

Atherton slams ECB chairman for empty apology

Former England captain Michael Atherton Australia handed test debuts to, (from left) Georgia Wareham, Stella campbell, Annabel Sutherland and Darcie brown

INDIA opener Smriti Mandhana made her highest score in Tests, but the first day of the one-off day-night women's Test against Australia was heavily affected by rain in Carrara.

India finished on 132-1, with Mandhana 80 not out - beating her 78 against England this summer.

Two hours were lost in the afternoon, then more rain after 28 balls meant only 44.1 overs were possible.

Teenager Shafali Verma was the only wicket to fall, for 31.

Mandhana, who has 15 fours and one six, will resume alongside Punam Raut, who is unbeaten on 16, when play resumes at 05:30 BST on Friday.

Verma was dropped three times - twice in

the slips by Australia captain Meg Lanning on two and 19, and then by debutant Annabel Sutherland at mid-on on 26 - before she sliced Sophie Molineux to Tahlia McGrath at mid-off.

All-rounder Sutherland is one of the four debutants - alongside leg-spinner Georgia Wareham and pace bowlers Stella Campbell and Darcie Brown - as Australia build towards this winter's Ashes.

The four-day Test forms part of a multi-format series that consists of three one-day internationals - won 2-1 by Australia, meaning they lead the series 4-2 on points - and is concluded by three Twenty20 internationals on 7, 9 and 10 October.

(BBC Sport)

Michael Atherton has once again slammed England Cricket Board (ECB) and its chairman Ian Watmore for not providing a solid justification behind the cancellation of the Pakistan tour. England’s men’s and women’s cricket team were scheduled to play a couple of T20Is in Pakistan in October. However, ECB shockingly cancelled the tour citing the physical and mental well being of the player.

The board’s reasoning didn’t go down well with many fans and experts including former England captain Michael Atherton. On

multiple occasions, Atherton has hit ECB hard for calling off the tour.

Although Watmore issued an apology and promise a ‘proper’ tour of Pakistan next year, Atherton wasn’t pleasant. The former cricketer claimed Ian Watmore’s press conference lacked answers and wasn’t focusing on the main issue.

“It was more of an obfuscation than an apology, and raised more questions than answers. Team England Player Participation (TEPP) held a number of meetings with the ECB over the tour and how Watmore can say the board made a decision

based on the players’ mental health without wider consultation is a mystery,” Atherton in an article published on The Times.

Notably, Watmore’s press conference took a strange turn when he dragged politics into the matter. “I don’t know if you read (US) President (Joe) Biden’s mind, but I didn’t know he was going to evacuate Afghanistan or that New Zealand would pull out of their tour while effectively warming up on the pitch,” Whatmore had said.

Taking a dig at his statement, Atherton said the ECB boss must have been ‘living under the rock.’ Meanwhile, like Atherton, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja was also left bewildered by Watmore’s statements.

“It is still a very confusing statement. Security was not discussed as a road block amongst us. Further, Christian Turner [the British high commissioner to Pakistan] nailed that argument by staying with an unchanged travel advisory for UK. And we know now that player welfare and security was not discussed with the team and, in fact, assumed as being compromised on the pretext of New Zealand withdrawing from the tour,” Ramiz was quoted as saying by The Times.

(CricTracker)

After 10,000 runs, 300 wickets, Windies big-hitter Pollard glad to show young players he still 'got it' AT 34-years-old, West Indies big-hitter Kieron Pollard admits these days there is great satisfaction in showing younger players he has plenty left in the tank, despite the realization that time is slowly catching up to him.

On Monday, the West Indian captain became the first player in history to take 300 wickets and make 10,000 runs in T20s, after taking two wickets and making 15 runs for Indian Premier League team Mumbai Indians.

Over an outstanding career, the all-rounder is now second behind Chris Gayle on the all-time list with 11,217 runs and 8th on the all-time bowling list in terms of wickets taken.

Perhaps fitting Gayle was among one of

the wickets he claimed on the way to the special milestone. While proud of what he has accomplished in the sport, the dynamic player is keenly aware of a new generation of cricketers eager to make their own mark on the sport.

“Age is catching up with me because (there are) young guys in the dressing room, so I have to continue to show them that, ‘listen, I still got it,” Pollard said after the game.

“So, most of the time, it’s just to show these young guys what I can do,” he added.

“For me, you are just supposed to do what the team requires. As an individual, I know what I can do in all the facets of the game, and whenever I get the opportunity just try to do my best.”(Sportsmax).

Kieron Pollard became the first player in history to take 300 wickets and make 10,000 runs in T20s.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 1, 2021

United cruise to victory in OMSCC Division Two final URGED on by their vociferous fans, United halted whatever dreams Seatown had of pulling off another upset when the Division Two final of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) took place last Sunday at the Ashtonbee Reservoir, Scarborough, Canada.

While United finished second in the overall standings among the five teams which battled in the division and earned a semi-final spot over third-placed Miracles the previous weekend, Seatown, who were fourth, provided a stunning upset over the previously unbeaten Ramblers.

Set 125 for victory, after restricting Seatown to 125 for six in their allotted 20 overs, United cruised to victory in 16.5 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

The victorious United team and supporters.

MVP Fazil Rasool (left) receives his trophy from OMSCC treasurer Orin O’Neil.

Despite Surujpaul Persaud (0) and Sunny Ramdahar (two) being dismissed early, opener Ganesh Ramraj took the attack to the bowlers, slamming two fours and three sixes in a quick-fire 43 and received admirable support from number

four batter Navin Misir whose 30 included three fours and a six, earning United a well-deserved win.

Geenarine Ram was Seatown’s best bowler with two for nine from two overs while Kumar Singh took one for19 and Monty Dass one for 17.

Earlier, Ram, who opened the batting for Seatown, was also among the runs, hitting a top score of 30 (three fours and two sixes). Jaydeo Singh (19 not out with one four and a six) and Narendra Buchanan with two sixes in an undefeated 17 flourished towards the end after their team was inserted to take first strike.

Fazil Rasool, who was later adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP), bowled impressively to capture three for eight from three overs while skipper Jano Panday and Arjune Persaud finished with one for four and 35 respectively, also from three overs.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, both the

Gayle leaves bio-bubble to refresh and recharge ahead of T20 WC

PUNJAB Kings (PBKS) have been dealt with a huge blow ahead of their next game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Chris Gayle has decided to leave the bio-bubble and won’t be available for the rest of the tournament.

The reason for the same is bubble fatigue and he wants to get refreshed ahead of the T20 World Cup which could be the swansong of his international career as well.

The Universe Boss wasn’t having a great IPL 2021 season and didn’t get off to a great start to the UAE leg as well.

Gayle scored 14 and 1 in his two appearances for the Kings since the tournament resumed.

However, the strict bubble due to COVID-19 has got to him it seems as the man was in the bubble during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as well and flew from West Indies to the UAE in a bubble to bubble transfer.

Chris Gayle is willing to get some break from the bubble to get refreshed mentally ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. “Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself,” he said according

The Universe boss Chris Gayle

to Cricbuzz.

Chris Gayle scored only 193 runs in 10 innings this season and his strikerate of 125.32 was also not up to his standards.

Punjab Kings are now left to ponder upon Chris Gayle’s replacement in the playing XI. There is no news yet if they will announce any replacement as only three league games with their playoff qualification not certain yet. Their batting options become significantly thin

now as they might have to play either Fabian Allen or Chris Jordan in the playing XI with the rest of batters moving up the order.

There is another option to retain Mandeep Singh in case Mayank Agarwal is fit and play with three overseas players. However, moving up the order might benefit Aiden Markram who is currently doing well at four but will get more chances at three as he is naturally an opener. (CricTracker)

winners and runners-up and regular season champs Ramblers were recipient of trophies. Medallions were also presented to members of the two finalists. The regular season champions trophy was sponsored by Ramesh Dukthu (GT Auto) while Nirad Lall sponsored Sunday’s winning trophy.

Ramblers’ Polly Shivrattan earned the Player of the Year award and also received a trophy for scoring the most runs (265). He also registered a century (118) in the Over-50 Division. The best bowler prize went to Misir (United) who claimed eight wickets.

The OMSCC had earlier took the opportunity to present plaques, as a token of appreciation, to all the umpires who officiated in matches during the 2021 season.

OMSCC President Paul Jaman also praised his executives for their sterling contributions during the season, taking into consideration there was no cricket in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Frederick Halley)

Fan who abused Kittitian midfielder jailed LONDON, (CMC) – A 50-year-old football fan who racially abused St Kitts & Nevis midfielder Romaine Sawyers on a social media site was jailed for eight weeks.

Birmingham Magistrates’ Court heard that Simon Silwood’s message was intentionally racist and not the result of autocorrect to “baboon” from “bafoon” as he had claimed.

Sawyers, 29, now on loan with Championship club Stoke City, became aware of the post after English club West Bromwich Albion, the club for which he previously played, lost 5-0 to Manchester City in January.

Silwood was also ordered to pay £500 (U.S. $672) in compensation to the player.

After Thursday’s sentencing, Sawyers urged his fellow professionals to report abuse hurled at them to police, having told the court: “The whole incident has left me extremely upset. I find it difficult to believe that in 2021 there are still people out in society

who believe it is acceptable to behave like this.”

Sentencing Silwood, district judge Briony Clarke, said: “There is no place for racism or racist abuse online.

This clearly, in my view, crosses the custody threshold.

“I assess the remorse you have for your actions as very minimal indeed.”

Silwood, a West Brom supporter, was charged following an investigation carried out by police constable Stuart Ward, the United Kingdom’s first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit.

After sentencing, Ward said: “Sadly, we’ve seen a rise in online hate crimes over the last 12 months and we won’t hesitate to take action against those responsible, as this case shows.”

After his conviction, West Brom issued Silwood with a lifetime ban.

The court heard previously that Sawyers was left feeling “harassed, alarmed and distressed” after reading Silwood’s post.

Chennai Super Kings opener Faf du Plessis has now scored 435 runs in this year's competition - the third most in the tournament.

Chennai Super Kings beat Sunrisers Hyderabad to reach IPL play-offs Programme THREE-time winners Chennai Super Kings became the first team to reach this season's Indian Premier League play-offs with a six-wicket win over bottom side Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Chasing 135, Chennai's Faf du Plessis (41) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (45) put on 75, before they slipped to 108-4.

Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni then added 31 as CSK won with two balls remaining.

Sunrisers made 134-7, with Wriddhiman Saha making 44, and Josh Hazlewood taking IPL-best figures of 3-24.

One more win from Chennai's final three games would now guarantee a place in the qual-

Pacquiao hanging up boxing gloves

ifier on Sunday, 10 October - and a chance to reach the final on 15 October.

If they lose that game they will have another chance in the second qualifier on 13 October.

Sunrisers, who are coached by England's 50-over World Cup-winning coach Trevor Bayliss, remain bottom of the table and have now just picked up two wins from their 11 games.

Hazlewood continues T20 rise Twenty20 cricket has not always been Hazlewood's forte, with his main traits being accuracy and movement, meaning comparisons have been drawn to Australia great Glenn McGrath.

It is a format he has barely played, having figured in 30 TURN TO PAGE 27 games across international and domestic cricket between

DeNobrega, Levius through to semis at COTECC/ITF U12 tournament

PAGE

27

Manny Pacquiao retires with a record of 62 wins, eight defeats and two draws.

Guyanese Elwyn Levius (L) and Nathan DeNobrega along with their opponents from the Dominican Republic.

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27 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021