Guyana Chronicle E-paper10-03-2019

THURSDAY 3rd OCTOBER, 2019

' No.105779

‘All this agitation uncalled for’

…Foreign Affairs Minister says statements by diplomatic community unnecessary SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

…reminds that Guyana does not interfere in the political affairs of other countries

400 households

affected by flooding …gov’t to apply for additional funding to compensate farmers, seal sea breaches

Gandhi’s lessons

should guide governance

SEE STORY ON PAGE 09 PAGE

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Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo , Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J Srinivasa and his wife Ashwini paying tribute to the late Mahatma Gandhi on Wednesday (Delano Williams photo)

Contract signed for bigger hospital for Kamarang

SEE STORY ON PAGE 17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

Gandhi’s lessons should guide governance -says Prime Minister Nagamootoo AS the world celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of one of the world’s greatest social activists, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi), Prime Minister Nagamootoo said Gandhi’s teachings and lessons live on and should be used to guide governance.

Mahatma Gandhi, born in British India [now Gujarat], was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer who was widely revered both before and after his death. He was assassinated on January 30, 1948 at the age of 78, being shot by a fanatic at point-blank range while walking to his prayer meeting on the lawns of Birla House, New Delhi.

“We have learnt in the years of Gandhi’s life, tremendous lessons that will bind us, especially those in government…it will teach those in governance that we should always be above questioning and we should not be afraid to lift the hands and say the hands are clean,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo during his remarks at the Indian High Commission’s commemoration ceremony for Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary at the Promenade Gardens, on Tuesday.

Gratitude for Gandhi’s legacy was shown through various cultural activities, including dances, a skit and a rendition of the Mahatma’s favourite song, “Vaishnav

jan to tene re kahiye.”

Nagamootoo said Gandhi is deserving of every tribute because he was purposeful and he contributed in many ways to the shaping of today’s society. “Gandhi shocked the sensibilities of the world, he did not fight back and violently confront the enemy… he made war without violence,” said the prime minister, adding that Gandhi was truly extraordinary.

The mahatma, he said, used methods that had great persuasion and even if persons rejected Gandhi’s message there would be repercussions.

In recognition of Gandhi’s method, on June 15,

A section of the audience which gathered at the Promenade Gardens to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary (Delano Williams photo)

One of the many performances that was done during the celebration of Mahatma Ganhdi’s 150th birth anniversary (Delano Williams photo)

2007, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly voted to establish October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, commemorating Gandhi’s birthday, originally October 2, 1869.

“He was unique in trying to blend economics with ethics…he tried to demonstrate that the rich held the wealth for the poor…he analysed great theories of great revolutionaries and thinkers,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

Other speakers echoed the sentiments of the prime minister and spoke along the same line about Gandhi’s

life and his contribution to society. High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, said Gandhi belonged to India, but he influenced the lives of many persons from around the world.

Dr. Srinivasa said Gandhi never tried to make an impact from his life, but his life became an example and guide for many persons. “Gandhi had emphasised the power of democracy and taught people how to become self-reliant… he placed self-confidence in the common man and

encouraged them to fight against any wrong,” said the high commissioner.

Chairman of Demerara Bank, Dr. Yesu Persaud, said Gandhi served as an example to all of humanity of how peaceful resistance can crumble the barriers of racism and injustice.

In order to show further appreciation for the good work that Gandhi did, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the Guyana Post Office Corporation unveiled a Gandhi memorial postage stamp.

Guyana, TT working to address trade issues …Export of honey to TT remains a problem THOUGH a commitment was made by Trinidad and Tobago more than one year ago to remove swiftly, restrictions to commodities emanating out of Guyana such as honey, the trade issues between Guyana and the Twin Island Republic remain almost the same. However, Guyana’s

Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge, said technical experts from both sides are working to address the trade issues between the two countries.

Greenidge, on the margins of the just-concluded United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, met with Trinidad’s Minister

of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dennis Moses, and discussed the trade-related matters.

The export of certain agricultural products remains an issue, Greenidge said. “A number of products, which emanate from Guyana, have not been able to gain entry (into Trinidad and Tobago)

on circumstances that seem to be different from circumstances faced by other exporters into Trinidad and Tobago,” the foreign secretary said in response to a question posed by the Guyana Chronicle at a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

He noted that the issues surrounding the exportation of honey to Trinidad and Tobago are even more complex. “Honey, is perhaps for reasons that are not all

together clear, is in a different category from the others, at least, politically. So I don’t know where that one is going,” Greenidge told this newspaper.

Last September, during a State visit to Guyana by Trinidad’s Prime Minister, Keith Rowley, and his Ministers of Government, the Trinidadian Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Clarence Rambharat, said plans were in the works for the island to remove

restrictions on importation of honey from Grenada, Guyana and possibly other Caribbean countries.

The non-conformity of Trinidad and Tobago’s legislation governing the importation of honey has been a long-standing issue raised even at the 36th meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in 2013. Trinidad and Tobago’s honey, bees TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

‘All this agitation uncalled for’

…Foreign Affairs minister says statements by diplomatic community unnecessary …reminds that Guyana does not interfere in the political affairs of other countries MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, said the recent pronouncements by the diplomatic community were unnecessary as she addressed the current political situation in the country.

The United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom High Commission, the European Union (EU), the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organisation of American States (OAS), in light of the December 21 no-confidence motion, have all called for a restoration of the constitutional rule in Guyana, through the conduct of General and Regional Elections.

But the US, UK and EU, in their joint statement, went one step further, and accused the David Granger Administration of breaching the constitution – a statement that was highly condemned by sections of society. “We deeply regret that, by surpassing September 18, the government is currently in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on 18 June and its subsequent orders.

This situation comes at great cost to the people of

United States of America Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó; United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings

Guyana. The prevailing political uncertainty undermines Guyanese institutions, compromises economic opportunities and delays development across all areas including infrastructure, education, health, and social services. It also hinders our ability to support Guyana’s development needs,” US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch; UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; and the EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó had said in the joint statement.

That statement was issued hours after the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had advised President David Granger that it would be in a position to facilitate free, fair and credible elections by the

end of February, 2020, and days before the President had proclaimed March 2, 2020 for the conduction of General and Regional Elections.

But Minister Cummings, on Tuesday, in rejecting the statements made by the Diplomatic Community, said the pronouncements were uncalled for. “So all this agitation, I think it is uncalled for,” Minister Cummings told reporters during a press conference at her ministry.

The foreign affairs minister noted that since the no-confidence motion was passed on December 21, 2018, the government has been abiding by the Constitution of Guyana and the decisions of the court as she rejected claims of a breach.

“I don’t think that we need sanctions at this point in time because you know we are very peaceful citizens,” she posited, while adding that Guyana does not interfere in the political affairs of other countries.

“We strive to ensure that we don’t interfere with other person’s territory…and even CARICOM’s position is non-interference, non-intervention,” she said.

Minister Cummings, who just days ago returned from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, said she offered clarification on Guyana’s current political situation during meetings with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres; and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The RT Hon Patricia Scotland, QC. According to her, the UN Secretary-General said though Guyana has had some “hiccups” in recent times, he was “happy” that the country is not affected by wars and violent mass protests.

Alluding to her meeting with Baroness Scotland, the

foreign affairs minister said statements emanating from the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo’s Office, may have resulted in a misunderstanding of the situation. “As you know, people like to take first just, and our opposition leader, has been sending out signals…what you’ve heard first, that is what you may want to react to but when they would have looked and see Guyana, we are going ahead with our development agenda, and it is business as usual,” Minister Cummings explained.

Now that a date has been set, she said Guyana is preparing for elections, but until those elections are held, President Granger and his government remain intact in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the Constitution.

“We are a government, we remain in power until another President is sworn in – when the time comes – March 2 – wherever the chips fall that it is, and we will respect the rule of Law. But until such time, we will continue with our…developments in the country,”

Guyana, TT working to ...

◄ From page 02

and bee products are guided by the island’s ageold Food and Drug Act of 1960 and Beekeeping and Bee products Act of 1935.

Both of these, however, are not in keeping with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) as highlighted by COTED and has led to the total prohibition of honey from other countries to the island.

During a technical meeting of the experts on September 13, 2019, Trinidad said the trans-shipment of honey remains high on its agenda.

“Trinidad and Tobago reiterated the seriousness of this issue and indicated that the shipment of honey has attracted the attention of the Honourable Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament, all of which are active deliberations, within an update to be provided at the next meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic De-

velopment (COTED), scheduled for November 2019,” the Trinidadian experts had explained.

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary told reporters that the meeting of the technical experts, which saw discussions on issues related to the export of agricultural produce from Guyana to Trinidad and Tobago, was held ahead of the meeting in the US with the foreign affairs minister.

The senior officials having discussed the market access challenges related to the export of food and agricultural produce from Guyana to Trinidad reinforced the importance of bilateral trade in agricultural products to the two countries. They also made note of the challenges that could emerge due to poor communication and as such, reaffirmed their willingness to undertake dialogue on the challenges being faced.

Among the issues ad-

dressed during that meeting was the removal of crowns from pineapples. “It was agreed that changes to Import Permit requirements for all crops should be communicated by Trinidad and Tobago in a timely manner in keeping with International Standards,” a statement on the meeting read.

Guyana is expected to provide the measure of equivalence and process flow, and Trinidad, thereafter, is expected to consider the removal of the crowns of pineapples in line with Codex Standard for Pineapple 182-1993 (Rev. 1-1999) which allows for either removal or non-removal of crowns. Guyana has expressed concern with microbial decay and faster product deterioration associated with crown removal.

“The channel of communication will occur through the IPPC contact points; NAREI for Guyana (Mr. Brian

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge

Sears) and for Trinidad, Ms. Diane Ramroop and copied to PS. Sukhdeo. Ms. Ramroop will provide an acknowledgment of receipt within one week and following review of Guyana’s measure of equivalence and process flow, Trinidad will provide a technical response not exceeding three months. This will be the channel of communication for all matters related to PRAs,” the technical experts explained.

The same was agreed in principle as with pineapples.

On the issue of fumigation requirements, Guyana is

required to send a Diplomatic Note requesting written confirmation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago that methyl bromide is no longer required for QPS on crops exported from Guyana. According to reports, an alternative, Epoclorous, has been identified.

Additionally, Trinidad will review Guyana’s PRA for Eddoes and will provide communication on the rationale for the modalities for use of hypochlorous acid on eddoes.

Minister Cummings stated.

In July, President Granger had met with members of the Diplomatic Corps; executives of the private sector and civil society and leaders within the religious community to personally explain Guyana’s current political situation.

At that time, he had committed to upholding the Constitution; respecting the National Assembly and the courts; ensuring the rule of law; safeguarding human and civil rights and preserving democracy.

He gave a detailed review of the legal processes which began with the challenging of the passage of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 and ended with the ruling of Guyana’s highest appellate court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

To date, the President has maintained that commitment, and has since announced that elections will be held on Monday, March 2, 2019.

Guyana will also be providing cases to Trinidad to support its arguments that its items have been denied importation. “Guyana to submit to the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago, examples of cases of denials of entry at the border on grounds related to inconsistent interpretation of import permits. Trinidad to make cases known to its Trade Facilitation Committee and address issues related to standard operating procedures (SOPs), system of communication with customs authorities, validation of permit issues and redress for denials,” the teams explained.

One such recent issue was that of the ban imposed on the importation of poultry meat from Guyana. In justifying its action, Trinidad said the decision was taken in light of the Duck Hepatitis and other Poultry Related Diseases such as IBV- Infectious Bronchitis Virus.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

UK PM Johnson reveals Brexit plan The government has delivered its new Brexit proposals to the EU, including plans to replace the Irish backstop.

The plan, outlined in a seven-page document, would see Northern Ireland stay in the European single market for goods, but leave the customs union - resulting in new customs checks.

The Northern Ireland Assembly would get to approve the arrangements first and vote every four years on keeping them.

The European Commission said there had been progress but “problems” remained.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the new blueprint did not “fully meet the agreed objectives of the backstop”, in terms of upholding the EU’s single market, protecting peace in Northern Ireland and supporting economic co-operation with the Republic of Ireland.

But he said he wanted an agreement and talks would

Boris Johnson

continue.

The UK is set to leave the EU on 31 October and the government has insisted it will not negotiate a further delay beyond the Halloween deadline.

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference earlier on Wednesday, Boris Johnson said the only alternative to his Brexit plan was no-deal. In a letter to European Commission’s president, Jean-Claude Juncker, the prime minister said the new proposals “respect the decision taken by the people of the UK to leave the EU, while dealing pragmati-

03 October, 2019 - 05:00hrs ~ 06:30hrs

cally with that decision’s consequences in Northern Ireland and in Ireland”.

Government sources hoped the UK might be able to enter an intense 10-day period of negotiations with the EU almost immediately, with the aim of coming to a final agreement at an EU summit on 17 October.

Mr Juncker welcomed what he said were “positive advances” in some areas but he said the UK’s proposed system of “governance” of the new arrangements was “problematic” - and customs rules remained a concern.

Arlene Foster, leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, supported the plan, saying it would allow Northern Ireland to leave the customs union and single market at the same time as the rest of the UK. Several Conservative MPs who opposed Theresa May’s agreement also signalled their likely support, with leading Brexiteer Steve Baker saying he was “cautiously optimistic”.

But Sinn Fein said the plans were a “non-starter” and accused the DUP, their former power-sharing partners of “working against the interests of the people” of Northern Ireland.

And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the deal was “not acceptable” and “worse” than Theresa May’s agreement, as it “undermined” the Good Fri-

day Agreement that secured peace in Northern Ireland.

The prime minister has set out details of his plan to replace the Irish border “backstop” in the current Brexit agreement.

The backstop is the controversial “insurance policy” that is meant to keep a free-flowing border on the island of Ireland but which critics - including the PM - fear could trap the UK in EU trading rules indefinitely.

The government is also promising a “New Deal for Northern Ireland”, with financial commitments to help manage the changes. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has spoken to Mr Johnson, said the EU would study the proposals carefully. She said she “trusted” the bloc’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to maintain European unity.

But opponents of Brexit in Parliament indicated they would not support the proposals, unless they were accompanied by the promise of another referendum.

The Liberal Democrats, who want to stop Brexit, said the proposals would deal a “hammer blow” to the Northern Irish economy.

The Scottish National Party dismissed the proposals as “window dressing”.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

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Trump ‘suggested shooting migrants in the legs’ US President Donald Trump suggested shooting migrants in the legs to slow them down, according to a new book.

The book, by two New York Times journalists, says Mr Trump suggested extreme methods of deterring migrants from crossing the southern border.

They included building an electrified, spiked border wall and a snake or alligator-infested moat.

Calling the claims “fake news”, Mr Trump tweeted: “I may be tough on border security, but not that tough.”

Building a wall on the border with Mexico is one of Mr Trump’s main policy objectives.

The construction of the wall has now begun, with the Pentagon allocating $3.6bn (£2.9bn) of military funding towards its development.

The book - called Border Wars: Inside Trump’s Assault on Immigration, by reporters Michael Shear and Julie Davis, and based on interviews with more than a dozen unnamed officials

“Mr Trump’s order to close the border was a decision point that touched off a frenzied week of presidential rages, round-the-clock staff panic and far more White House turmoil than was known at the time,” the excerpt says.

US President Donald Trump

- was published by the New York Times.

It chronicles a week in March 2019 when Mr Trump reportedly tried to halt all southern migration to the US. According to an excerpt, the president privately suggested to aides that soldiers shoot migrants in the legs, but he was told it would be illegal.

Previously, Mr Trump had made a public statement suggesting soldiers shoot migrants who throw rocks.

Mr Trump suggested other extreme measures, according to the book.

“Privately, the president had often talked about fortifying a border wall with a water-filled trench, stocked with snakes or alligators, prompting aides to seek a

cost estimate. He wanted the wall electrified, with spikes on top that could pierce human flesh,” reads the extract.

The excerpt describes Mr Trump ordering aides to enforce a complete shutdown of the US-Mexico border by noon the following day, leaving advisers “in a near panic” and “desperately” trying to placate the president.

Aides reportedly managed to change Mr Trump’s idea of closing the border, but the president later pushed out a number of senior aides who he believed were frustrating his immigration crackdown, including Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

Mr Trump has made a crackdown on illegal migration a key priority of his presidency since his 2016 election campaign.

The Republican president’s stance has led to frequent run-ins with Democrats in Congress, with particular flashpoints including the conditions within migrant detention facilities and funding for the wall.

In February, Mr Trump declared an emergency on the US-Mexico border to

free up federal funding.

In June, he signed a 90day deal with Mexico aimed at reducing the flow of migrants crossing into the US. The deal involved initiatives like closer bilateral co-operation and Mexico deploying thousands of National Guard troops throughout the country.

Last month, Mexico reported that it had successfully curbed the number of undocumented migrants crossing into the US by 56% since May. However, while figures show that illegal border crossings into the US have seen an overall decline since 2000, they have been rising again since Mr Trump took office.

The current financial year has so far seen more than 800,000 people detained on the southern US border - already twice the total for 2018.

Many of those arriving are fleeing violence or poverty and travel north through Mexico until they reach the US border.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

Healthy eating for healthy living

THERE is a saying that we are what we eat. In simple, uncomplicated language and meaning this means that our choice of foods will have consequences for our health. It will determine our ailments or not; our productive years as a family provider, and how well we can enjoy life, right on to how long we will live.

We have lived in a part of the world where our traditional culinary experience for decades have mostly revolved around starchy foods such as rice and ground provisions; flour products such as bread and cakes of all make; meat products and sugary beverages. Of course, there were vegetables, which although have always been available at our markets, have also been popular. Good for salads, and steamed, it was a hit with most of our population, especially at their younger phase of life. These days, it is observed that many young children although enjoying a dish with stewed vegetables, tend to resist the latter when steamed, or even when done

in salads.

Today, it can be said that most of our mature-aged population were not as well informed in their younger years, as they are now, with regards the importance of healthy eating and the importance it played in their physical and mental lives.

Decades ago, “good eating”, or “eating well’’ used to be measured in the quantity of meat that one had on one’s plate; how well one’s bread had been lined with cheese and margarine; fried eggs were mostly the norm, rather than being boiled.

Fats and oil were used to prepare virtually every dish; the descriptions of soluble as against non-soluble were mostly unknown, and sugar especially was quite prominent in the taste of teas and beverages of all kinds. But salt was sparing in its use, lest it spoiled the meal.

The word cholesterol was unknown to most; much less that it was a primary factor with regards fatty and oily meals, and overconsumption of starchy foods. Again,

most were not knowledgeable about its centrality to hypertension and heart diseases; diabetes and renal failure, and strokes, or that too much of the above, led to those stated ailments that are all interlinked; and neither was being over-sized, fat, or obese, and pot-bellied linked to what was eaten, and was a sign of ill-health rather than the traditional view of “looking good”.

Of course, one would listen to relatives, and neighbours speak about their challenges with “sugar” and “pressure”, without the understanding and knowledge that these two illnesses were linked to high fats and starches in foods, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle.

But although such had been the case, it was definite that those ailments on the basis of empirical evidence were not as common as they have gradually become through the years.

With the passage of time, it is evident that more people have been falling ill, stricken with what has be-

Guyana Times’ attempt at news spinning Dear Editor, I HAVE read in Guyana Times (Wednesday, October, 2, 2019) a report on the US Senator Marco Rubio saying: “it’s in our strong interest to stand in support of the Guyanese people, as they seek to elect a new Government that can advance their security and prosperity”. (Page 3).

Strangely, in what is a vulgar spin of what the senator said, the Guyana Times

carried a banner headline: “New Gov’t needed to advance security, prosperity for Guyana”. It attribute the words in the headline to Senator Marco Rubio, in his capacity as Chair of US Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere.

It is clear that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) propaganda rag has twisted what the Senator actually said. Rubio is an experienced politician and one-time pres-

idential hopeful, and would not have made any remarks that constitute interference in the internal affairs of Guyana. “New Gov’t Needed” is language that resembles a call for regime change.

Had he intended that, he would never have described Guyana (under President Granger) as the “important regional ally” of the United States.

Regards Terrence Jaigobin

come known as lifestyle diseases, which include what is eaten for foods, and other habits, deemed not good for healthy living. Healthy eating has become the mantra of modern medical advice. In fact, hardly a visit to a doctor ends without this advice that has become critically necessary, against the background of the very high incidence of non-communicable diseases.

If we are to be guided by statistics from the Ministry of Public Health, there are in excess of 65,000 citizens who have been diagnosed with one of the following cases of non-communicable diseases: Hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, with its end result of renal failure. There may be a possible 10,000 to 15,000 more persons, waiting to be diagnosed on becoming ill.

Given such a high number of cases, and the fact that these medical incidents are often life threatening if left unchecked, and that they are linked in a significant way to what we eat, it is evident that renewed emphases must

be placed on highlighting what is sensible eating. We contend that this is necessary given the modern eating culture of fast foods, and their known harm to daily health.

What is healthy eating, and its guide to healthy living, should begin as early as the nursery and primary levels of school, with easy to follow and understand lessons, both by teachers and health professionals. For example, given the known resistance of children to eating vegetables, they must be taught from such an early stage of life, the importance of such a food, in daily diets, and what role it plays in protecting the body against possible illnesses, as well as the harm that its absence can cause.

It is not too early for them to be taught using modern visual aids with appropriate teaching aids, what eating healthy means for growing healthy and becoming productive adults with healthy families. But a greater role and responsibility must lie with parents and guardians,

towards this very critical initiative of inculcating in their young the importance of healthy eating for healthy living. For they must realise that it is in their hands lie the responsibility for being the first guides for their children, in this very important lesson in healthy eating.

For these parents, especially, healthy eating is also pivotal to their personal physical well-being, in being able to birth healthy offspring. It is instructive to note that there are more children, being found with congenital cardiac defects that necessitate surgical intervention for corrective purposes. This, from a layman’s perspective, seems linked to the health status of either one or both parents. Thus, healthy eating for healthy living must become the nation’s watchword, with such an orientation beginning almost from the cradle, and parents being its prime leaders. (Reprinted)

Letter writers need to do more research Dear Editor, I AM in a place where I have the opportunity to read the many reviews, letters and editorials appearing in the Guyana Mass Media.

Guyanese are now saturated or rather I should say, infested by a new breed of experts in the Constitution, oil, gas and governance.

It is clear that these persons are pen-in-hand, or devoid, of every form of reverence, research and reason.

Years ago, we read the wis-

dom that the ‘pen,’ is mightier than the sword. Because of this truism, these writers constitute a danger to society and in particular, the young generation who may be unaware of our history and our place among the Nations of the World.

To help them and to secure some sanity, I suggest as a start, that they need to read Lincoln Lewis’ article titled,“ US, UK & EU using falsehoods to call elections and threaten sanctions,” Sir. Ronald Sander’s article titled, “Winning elections is

everything.” and Dr. David Hind’s article “The PPP gambled and lost: It hid its political agenda behind the Constitution.”

A little later, I will deal with some of the absurdities and short memories, particularly, among those who, for years, have been in breach of our laws, moral and otherwise, the norms of decency.

Regards Hamilton Green

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

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President Granger remains the bona fide leader of Guyana Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me a space in your newspaper to respond to a letter that was published in the Guyana Times dated September 24, 2019 titled, “Granger unpatriotically pushed Guyana into a constitutional crisis”

by Annie Baliram.

In her letter, Ms. Baliram stated, “The world recently witnessed how Mr. David Granger unpatriotically pushed Guyana into a constitutional crisis when he used strongman politics to disrespect and deny the constitutional rights of Guyanese.” Ms. Baliram, you are either suffering from amnesia or have on your partisan blinkers because, Article 106(7) stipulates that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the Na-

tional Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.

Hence, the government is legally and constitutionally in caretaker/interim mode. However, as the government continues to govern, the caretaker/ interim Opposition Leader has abandoned his post along with his Members of Parliament (MP). These parliamentarians no longer care about day-to-day governance and the National Assembly, even though they continue to receive monthly salaries and daily enjoy the privileges/benefits of their office.

If the President is “illegal”, then, so is the Parliament and Leader of the Opposition and all the Opposition MPs are

tainted with such illegality.

President David Granger and the APNU/AFC government have demonstrated the respect for Guyanese and the Constitution by respecting the article 106 (6) and (7) which cannot undermine or subvert article 177 (6), entrenched in our Constitution at the second deepest level.

I urge Ms. Baliram to please awaken from your slumber of ignorance and let me remind you about strongman politics, since strongman politics are the hallmark of the PPP/C’s government. This strongman politics that you ascribe to President Granger was on full display outside and inside of the Pegasus by the PPP protesters on September 19. If strongman politics were in effect, the protestors would have been shot in their backs, tear gassed like the sugar workers from Wales Estate and the pro-

testors at Linden where Ron Sommerset, Shemroy Bouyea[and] Lyndon Lewis were shot dead. Lewis was shot in the back as were James Bond and ret’d Brigadier Edward Collins who have lived to tell the tale of strongman politics where there was no room for dissent.

These vengeful acts by the PPP government can clearly be articulated because during the Linden protests, the utility companies turned off water and electricity to Wismar and Linden to spite the protesters and violate their rights to protest.

Strongarm politics are a thing of the past under President Granger’s leadership and this government. I do not know of Forbes Burnham, suffice to say much has been written about him. However, anything coming from the PPP’s propaganda machine I will take with

a pinch of salt. I have lived in Guyana all my life and what had obtained under the PPP is far different from what they profess now that they are trying to woo people to vote for them, but I have lived under the PPP/C having been born in 1997 and cannot be fooled by people trying to rewrite history.

Just to remind Ms. Baliram that, following the letter to the President by Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh, on September 19, 2019, indicating that “the Guyana Elections Commission will be able to deliver credible elections by the end of February 2020”, President David Granger has issued two proclamations for the holding of General and Regional Elections on Monday, March 02, 2020.

The President, by the power vested in him by Article 61 of the Constitution of Guyana,

by proclamation, appointed the day for an election under Article 60 (2) and appointed March 02, 2020 as the day on which an election of members of the National Assembly shall be held.

So President Granger, by the power vested in him by the Constitution, is not squatting illegally nor has he undemocratically pushed Guyana into a constitutional crisis. Where is the crisis Ms Baliram? Is it a figment of you and your political handlers’ imagination?

President David Granger is the bona fide president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana “and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Regards Ceion Rollox

PPP/C land policy was discriminatory

Dear Editor WHILE downtown recently, I observed a PPP/C poster, nailed on to a power post with the markings “OWN YOUR LAND”.

Editor, this is most disgusting and an insult for what it conveys to those thousands of Guyanese, a reported 25000, whose applications for house lots date back as far as the 90s, and which had been inherited by the APNU+AFC coalition government.

In fact, there are no lands available in Region Four, for distribution to would-be home builders. However, with the help of the Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission, lands are being sought to continue government’s programme of housing Guyanese. Recently, government distributed in excess of 700 house lots to residents of Region Three, one of

the many geographic spaces where there is an urgent demand, compliments of the PPP/C policy of selling multi acreages to its friends and cronies. This, without any debate, was for the purpose of the latter clique to ‘make a killing’ by building homes for sale to the rich. This meant big money from the nouveau riche; the people with affordable dough.

First, the PPP was charging re-migrants $40,000US ($8M GYD) for a plot of land 100 ft by 80 ft. Meanwhile, Jagdeo got 2.2 acres of prime seaside land for a mere $5.5M GYD. The low income housing project was designed purposefully to deny the targeted population from acquiring lands and owning homes.

Second, after the 2015 elections, it was discovered that over 23,000 housing applications sat unprocessed dating

back almost the 23 years the PPP were in government.

Third, schemes like La Parfait Harmonie, Bare Root and Eccles New Housing Schemes, people were sold lands without the proper utilities and roads installed. Meanwhile, the current PPP presidential candidate ensured that millions of taxpayers’ money was used to properly drain Plantation Sparendam (aka Pradoville II), that the utilities were installed, and the roads were properly laid for Jagdeo and other top level PPP supporters.

Fourth, while the PPP made sure their sycophants and supporters had access to land, new squatting areas sprung up around the country. Such places as Angoy’s Avenue, the largest squatting area in Guyana Phase 1 & 2 East La Penitence Squatting areas

This is the time to come together and work with the CDC Dear Editor, SEVERAL areas of our coastal lands have been and continue to be affected by recent high tides. We have seen huge waves lashing our sea defences, damaging some sections of it.

We must take warning

that we are not safe from the disasters of Climate Change.

There is global warming that contributes to rising tides on the coast, and heavy rains lead to rivers overflowing there banks in the hinterland.

We have seen what storms and hurricanes

have caused in the Caribbean, and we must prepare ourselves. This is the time to come together and work with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and not for us to blame anyone.

Regards Indawattie Hardatt

Northeast La Penitence Squatting Area North Ruimveldt Squatting Area Princess Street Koker Squatting Area Plastic Bag City on the West Coast of Demerara near the Atlantic Container City, behind the old Giftland Store in Tiger Bay. Meanwhile, Tiger Bay, Lombard Street, Upper Punt Trench Dam, all remained neglected neighborhoods during the 23 years of PPP rule.

Some weeks ago, a shameless apologist, and defender of the PPP/C, in addition to being one of its trenchant liars, wrote a letter – he is vying for a place alongside Ananias and Sapphira–in which he accused the coalition government of creating a “feudal system”. One only has to examine his party’s

distribution of land, such as Bharat Jagdeo’s, reported in the Kaieteur News as giving 20 acres to his puppet, Irfaan Ali. Add the criminal underpricing of the Pradoville lands, and the selling/gifting of hundreds of acres to the well-to-do, and the mansions that have been built.

Thus, Editor, we clearly understand how the “feudal system” which this incorrigible liar mentioned, had been created, and by whom.

The cardinal focus of any government that embarks on such a programme as providing land for housing is ensuring that the working class sections of the particular society are given purchasing opportunities that are in keeping with their means. Also, the fact that the government had initiated a lands commission of inquiry is to unravel, and correct some shocking distribution of ances-

tral lands, especially, and other unfair practices that took place during the PPP/C regime.

Thus, its poster is not only bold for its contradiction’ and brazenness of intention to woo voters, but one which stands in conviction of a party that had not been genuine in its land policy towards ALL Guyanese. Instead, it pursued a wholly partisan and discriminatory land distribution policy.

The government outreaches continues to expose this injustice to the people, and therefore gives a lie to the PPP/C poster, which continues to mislead the people.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Why is the government spending so much money on ads?

Dear Editor, I HAVE read the explanations given by the government about the hundreds of millions of taxpayers monies being given to Stabroek News in advertising revenues. Why is the government spending so much money on ads? What is Stabroek News doing to report truthfully on the many development projects in the country? Why

has Stabroek News refused to carry statements from the presidential press unit?

Accountability requires that our taxpayers should get results for their monies. I feel that the Chronicle should publish all government ads, and that it should use the revenues to distribute the newspapers free of cost!

I also agree that the ads should be posted on the website of the ministries concerned, and ads should

be placed in the non-government papers to direct attention to these websites.

The government should also give a specified percentage of the ads pie to the private radio and television stations. I will start with 15%.

Let there be an even playing field!

Regards, Cheryl Campbell

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

More action needed to achieve gender equality in workplace

– forum told GUYANA needs more than the passage of legislation to change the negative stereotypes and practices which continue to hinder gender equity in the world of work.

This was the central message relayed by First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger; Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry and Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, on Wednesday. They all spoke at a Gender and Development Workshop for Permanent Secretaries hosted by the Women and Gender Equality Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at the Herdmanston Lodge.

Permanent secretaries attending were from all ministries and are in the strategic position to daily influence the experiences of women in their departments.

Speaking to the women and men present, the Frist Lady said that self-worth must be instilled in women to ensure they have the confidence in what they can accomplish.

She also pointed out that the current working environment must cater to the needs of women as they introduced the option of “flex time” which would allow women with young children to work from home in some cases.

She commended the Ministry of Public Health for raising the issue of ex-

tended maternity leave for women breastfeeding their babies The First Lady also highlighted the importance of increasing the education and training of women in the working world to shift from traditional careers to the careers now in demand.

“Our women and girls seem to be stuck in the traditional areas of employment while the technology-driven world around us is rapidly changing, therefore, there is a need for recalibration,” she said, noting that some 90 per cent of jobs that women do are becoming obsolete.

Also pointed out was the need for workplaces to safe guard against acts such as sexual harassment; the need for equal pay for work of equal value and the need for women to be visible.

A CHANGED MINDSET Meanwhile, Minister Sarabo-Halley stated that while gender equality is a human right and much progress has been made over the last few decades, women’s inequality continues to be nurtured by a historical existence of the patriarchal system.

Therefore, she expressed that it is necessary for institutions like the Women and Gender Equality Commission to point out existing gaps of inequality in systems and lobby for these to be filled.

Sarabo-Halley assured women in Guyana that they

who also said that the administration recognises that gender equality cannot be realised by only the passage of legislation. History proved this to be true. Instead there must be change of mindset,” she said.

First Lady, Sandra Granger (right) and Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry interact during the Gender and Development Workshop on Wednesday

Minister of the Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

Several permanent secretaries in attendance (Adrian Narine photos)

have the government’s full support towards working to address these issues and a great place to start is in the National Assembly.

“Even as we celebrate that both government and opposition Chief Whips are women and the present longest serving member of the National Assembly is also a woman – Minister Amna Ally – what is struggling is the fact that there exists no guarantee that gender equity will be achieved in

the National Assembly because since 1966 the average women representation has been below 20 per cent. It’s hearting to know though that at this 11th Parliament there was 31 per cent or 22 women members of the 65 elected members and, for the first time since independence, this government has seven women ministers and a total of 14 women MPs,” she said.

She also note that 12 out of the 17 permanent secre-

taries are women.

The minster explained that the more women at the front line of government means that it will be more likely that changes which positively affect women will be acted on.

At the same, time she called on women to desist from using their positions to negatively affect the lives of other women for one reason or the other.

“It was his Excellency, President David Granger,

EDUCATION IS KEY In her address, Minister Henry told the gathering that many negative stereotypes of women still exist but education remains the gateway through which countries can achieve gender equality.

“We must resist limitations and gender stereotypes and advance the role of women in leadership and decision making,” Minister Henry said.

“As an advocate for both education and gender equity, I genuinely believe that creating pathways towards quality education is one of the most valuable social and economic investments a nation can make.”

She stressed the need for the labour force to be constantly updated to meet the skills demanded by an ever-changing labour market.

Remarks came too from Secretary General of UNESCO, Patrice La Fleur, who stated that negative gender issues and behaviours are learned and can be unlearned with information sharing and discussions.

She expressed the hope that the workshop would encourage permanent secretaries to take time out from their schedules to engage in monthly discussions on gender equality.

Port Kaituma bus shed, toll gate repainted blue ….residents call for investigation into missing toll gate funds RESIDENTS of Port Kaituma, on Wednesday, welcomed the repainting of a bus shed and the community’s toll gate in a neutral colour.

On Tuesday, tempers flared at the North West District community after the chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Orlando Thorne, instructed a contractor to repaint the two facilities in red, the colours of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party.

On Wednesday, government Member of Parliament (MP), Richard Allen told the Guyana Chronicle that the authorities handed over several gallons of blue paint which was used to repaint the

two structures.

It was noted by a councillor on Tuesday that the NDC has not met since January this year, and as such no decisions were made regarding projects in the community. As such, Thorne’s decision saw persons in the area objecting to the move.

“The bus shed is not the property of, nor is it a donation from, the PPP; it must not be painted in any political party colours,” resident and market committee representative, Lex Barker noted.

On Tuesday, three NDC councillors were immediately contacted when residents observed the bus shed being repainted in red.

Reports are that when

The toll gate at Port Kaituma, one day after it was painted in red by a contractor who was hired by the chairman of the NDC

the councillors arrived at the location, the workers were

immediately advised to cease work until further notice.

Residents contacted Thorne and another councillor associated with the Opposition, and they both stated that they were busy. As such, the three councillors on the ground urged the contractor to cease all works being done to the bus shed.

Meanwhile, residents called for an investigation into the financial management of the toll gate, which is located on the periphery of the community. At the gate, motorists using the roadway which connects the mining community with Matthew’s Ridge and several other mining areas, pay a fee and according to residents, that facility is clouded with fraudulent activities.

They noted that the PPP members dominate the NDC’s make-up and friends and relatives of the party officials manage the toll gate.

Vehicles, such as trucks, pay as much as $75,000 per trip when using the roadway.

Reports are that there are no accounting systems in place at the NDC to account for the millions of dollars in revenue which the NDC earns from the toll gate.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the NDC is in the process of implementing a book-keeping system to trace the millions of dollars earned this year by the community from the toll gate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

Russia seems set to retract ‘baseless’ statement that Guyana was training Venezuelan militia MAINTAINING that the allegation that Venezuelans are being trained here to destabilise their country is “utterly false” and “baseless,” Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge, said within weeks the Russian Federation is expected to resolve the issue surrounding the statement.

On the sidelines of a youth forum in the Russian City of Orenburg on August 15, 2019, M. V. Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation, alleged that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was “completing the construction of a military base on one of the islands at the mouth of the Essequibo River under a plausible pretext – supposedly to stop the smuggling of weapons and drugs.”

She went on to say, “there have already arrived several

dozen so-called ‘Refugees’ from Venezuela to undergo training as part of reconnaissance and sabotage groups and then to be dispatched to Venezuelan territory in order to destabilise the situation and carry out appropriate actions – from extremist to terrorist.”

To date, the Russian Federation has not retracted that statement but Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, said he wrote the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov, on the “baseless” statement, and he has since responded. “Within the coming weeks, we would expect that we would resolve this matter,” Greenidge told reporters.

Though iterating that no retraction has been made thus far, the Foreign Secretary declined to disclose

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge

details on the process agreed upon. “We have agreed to a process, and that’s all I am prepared to say. I said to you that they responded and we have agreed that there will be a meeting with the Russian Minister that is the process, I can’t report more than that,” Greenidge told reporters when pressed for more answers.

The Guyana Government,

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings

one day after the statement was made, had called on Moscow to withdraw it, noting that it was unfortunate given that relations between Guyana and Russia have always been based on mutual respect, trust and friendship.

In the interim, Greenidge maintained that the allegation is without merit, noting that there is no evidence to support the claim. He noted,

too, that the British High Commission has also rejected the statement made by the Russian spokesperson. “The UK High Commission has indicated that no such plan is a foot; no such implementation has taken place and we have also done the same,” he said.

Weighing in on the issue, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings said Guyana strongly condemns

the statement. “It is not our goal to destabilize Maduro and cause any friction. We are a peaceful country, we abide by the rule of law but we strive at the same time to protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty, and that is our right,” she told reporters during the press conference.

Dr. Cummings said Guyana’s request for a retraction of the statement made by Zakharova still stands.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said Guyana has always been resolute in its advocacy for several principles of international law including, in particular, the sovereign equality of states.

As such, Guyana categorically rejects any suggestion that it would allow its sovereign territory to be used in a manner inconsistent with its neighbourly and peaceful relations with Venezuela.

400 households affected by flooding

…gov’t to apply for additional funding to compensate farmers, seal sea-defence breaches GOVERNMENT has activated the 24-hour National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) due to a breach of the sea defence, on the East Coast of Demerara, which resulted in flooding.

This is the second time since its formation in 2015 that the centre has been operationalised. The situation has affected approximately 400 households across 65 coastal communities. Responding to the situation on Tuesday, stakeholders from the various agencies apprised the media of the damage caused by floodwaters. The agencies also revealed the steps that are being taken to prevent a similar incident, as the next spring tide is expected on Saturday, October 26.

The issue was addressed at the level of the government, and an emergency press briefing was convened with relevant stakeholders, to address the media, on Tuesday, at the Civil Defence Commission’s (CDC) headquarters. Addressing the media and agencies present at the press conference, Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Hon Da-

vid Patterson indicated that keen attention is being paid to a particular stretch of sea defence in the Dantzig area, on the East Coast of Demerara.

He explained that his ministry has been undertaking corrective works since July of this year. “Since early on in the year, due to weather patterns, the land access to this area was compromised; therefore, we were carrying out interventions from March of 2019,” Minister Patterson explained.

At Tuesday’s briefing, the media operatives initially heard from the Ministry of the Presidency's Director-General, Joseph Harmon. He noted that a considerable amount of money has already been spent on the area, and an application will be made to secure additional monies via the Contingency Fund to continue the intervention. The monies, he noted, will only be requested once all of the ministries and agencies complete assessments, as it will cover interventions at all levels. These will apply not only to infrastructural

and emergency works, but will also bring much-needed relief to the citizens who are affected, but also health, among others.

Harmon emphasised that the assessments of all areas are necessary before a figure can be determined at this stage. “We want to be very clear and be very sure that what we are asking for has to do with this emergency...

So, at the level of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, at the level of the Ministry of Social Protection, at the Communities, at the level of Public Security, Public Health and the Civil Defence Commission, there are people who are working now to ascertain what is necessary to approach the Ministry of Finance.”

Taking into consideration the current situation of the spring tide, the fact that climate change is occurring and will continue in this century and beyond, and the fact that majority of the affected areas are low-lying, Minister Patterson spoke of what is needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“We have to build cli-

In the photo, from left to right]- Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lt. Col. Kester Craig and Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson.

mate-resilient infrastructure. Obviously, for the future, we need to anticipate how much higher the wave action will be in say another 20 or 30 years, to build our infrastructure to be able to withstand that. The shortterm issue is to close the breach. The long-term issue is to construct a full rip-rap structure along that entire stretch. Of course, that is an expensive undertaking.”

It was reported that the Opposition and members of civil society will be briefed on the efforts, flood impacts and updated on the situation as it unfolds.

Currently, the CDC and

ministerial teams are spearheading relief efforts in the affected areas. Works on a sea defence breach at Dantzig, Mahaicony, which was exacerbated by the spring tides, continue. Residents in low-lying and riverain areas are advised to take the necessary precautions during the next spring tide on Saturday, October 26.

They are being cautioned to heed any advice provided by the CDC in preparations of the expected tide.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is composed of a high-level committee comprising state agencies’

representatives. These include the Ministry of the Presidency, Public Infrastructure Ministry, Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Hydro-Met Office, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Public Health and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

The silent suffering of nurses -- authorities step up efforts to help those battling mental health issues

By Telesha Ramnarine WHILE nurses are always expected to conduct themselves professionally, there is no shortage of reports in Guyana about many who don’t. In many cases, authorities have found that the underlying reason for improper treatment of a patient really goes back to poor mental health.

For instance, Senior Government Psychologist at the Ministry of Public Health, Balogun Osunbiyi, sees about four nurses each month with mental health issues, and top among the complaints are nurses’ burnout and compassion fatigue.

Nurse burnout goes beyond feeling tired or experiencing a bad day at work. It is the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It impacts their personal lives, the patients they take care of, and the organisations they work for.

Compassion fatigue, on the other hand, can be experienced by nurses who are constantly seeing and hearing of extreme, at times unspeakable suffering to the point where it can create a secondary traumatic stress for them.

“It is well known in Guyana….members of the public are not treated in a humane manner by those who happen to be serving them,” Osunbiyi, who holds direct responsibility for the ‘Nurses Psychological Trauma Training Programme,’ told the Guyana Chronicle in an interview on Monday.

Speaking at his office, at the ministry’s Mental Health Unit, on Quamina Street, Georgetown, Osunbiyi explained that authorities in the health sector have been taking stringent measures to ensure that help is readily available for nurses in need.

For example, before the launch of the ‘Nurses Psychological Trauma Training Programme’ earlier this year, there was no clear-cut or standardised programme which helped nurses with their own mental wellbeing.

This programme is therefore groundbreaking in the health sector and is one that can help to push a revolutionised delivery of healthcare services in the country.

With hardly any assistance available in the past, Nurse Cleopatra Barkoye, who started as a nursing assistant 30 years ago and moved her way up to becoming the President of the Guyana Nurses and Midwife Association, knows the val-

ue of having a listening ear when the job becomes overwhelming.

In her experience, she has found that the patient load and not having enough materials to work with are two challenges that can put a strain on nurses’ mental health.

“It’s hard when you come and have to make stone out of bread. You have 20 patients but you only have 10 steroid sets which you have to make do with because you have to do the patients’ dressing. And then sometimes you come and your colleague is not there, so the load becomes heavier,” she observed during a recent interview at her office on East Street.

Mrs. Barkoye, also Principal Tutor of the Georgetown and New Amsterdam Schools of Nursing, recalls vividly the things that further caused her to become stressed on the job. “You don’t have to pay me a lot of money; I can eat two meals a day and I can walk to work, but when I come, I want things to work with. I don’t want that when I’m ready to work, I don’t have a computer, Internet, tutors, and sufficient books. Those kinds of things put a strain on me.”

Many days, Mrs. Barkoye would break down in tears when she realised that it was not within her power to help a patient simply because the right materials or machines were not available.

A case in point that she said she would possibly take with her to the grave was when she encountered a young woman some years ago who was badly burnt about her body, but who could not be treated in isolation because the burn unit was closed for repairs.

“Most of her body was burnt and at that time, we hadn’t a burns unit in operation. It hurts because she said to me, ‘I need to say something to you.’ I was feeding her and told her to take the tea first. I went to do something close by, and by the time I returned, she died. I felt that of utmost importance at that moment was for her to be hydrated, so I never got to hear what it was that she wanted to say,” Mrs. Barkoye recounted.

But the young woman’s death could have been avoided, Mrs. Barkoye believes, had the burns unit been up and running. “I don’t think she needed to die. If we had a unit, she could have been saved. She could have been secluded and treated.”

In instances like this, Mrs. Barkoye is grateful that

her husband patiently listened to her when she needed to talk. “I did a lot of talking.

Nurses need somebody to

it without any attachment of emotions; any attachment of attention from you in terms of communicating with patients.

man’s mortgage and gave her only a certain time within which to start construction.

“Balancing the program,

Senior Government Psychologist Balogun Osunbiyi President of the Guyana Nurses and Midwife Association, Nurse Cleopatra Barkoye

Chief Nursing Officer Linda Johnson

talk to. You have to talk; you can’t bottle it up inside because you may end up being abusive to patients and all sorts of things. You have to find a way to let out your hurt and anger.”

Jewel Rahaman, a nurse for the past 12 years, feels the same way. She has found that working extra hours contribute to her fatigue, but she makes it a point to speak to someone about her feelings and to ask for timeout when she feels she needs it the most.

THE ROBOTIC STATE Ms. Rahaman, who worked on the midwifery ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) before becoming a nursing tutor, feels that enough attention is not being paid to nurses’ mental health in Guyana.

Due to the pressures on the job, she noted that nurses can sometimes go into a robotic state in which they operate without any warmth and feelings towards their patients. “You have an assignment to do and you just do

Nurse Jewel Rahaman

You just do things because you have to do it.”

She referred to nurses’ burnout and fatigue which come about after nurses give so much of themselves to the system that they do not have time to care for their own health. “Nurses burnout is a more severe state where you are so exhausted that you cannot do anything but report sick for work, and that in turn puts a strain on your colleagues.”

Earlier in her career, when she was studying the midwifery programme, Ms. Rahaman experienced firsthand how personal issues can affect a person’s mental health and subsequently creep into their place of employment. “People have a perception that once you’re a nurse, you already know how to take care of yourself, but that might not always be true.”

When she started to study for the programme, there came a time when her daughter also needed help as she prepared for the Grade Six Assessment. Furthermore, a bank approved Ms. Raha-

along with my daughter and building, took a toll on me. I was really overwhelmed and anxiety kicked in. Some days I felt so stressed out,” she recalled, and to compound matters, she was a single parent at the time of dealing with it all.

Fortunately for Ms. Rahaman, she persevered and was able to tackle each issue one at a time. “I decided to challenge these separately.

I worked with my daughter first. I asked my supervisor in the maternity unity if I can go in late in the nights and they granted me that. I studied with her up to about 20:00hrs or 21:00hrs in the nights and then I would come into work.

She wrote her exam and got St. Joseph High School. I then looked at working out an arrangement with the contractors and then I worked out a schedule of how to study for the midwifery exams.”

Ms. Rahaman’s advice to fellow nurses is if they are not in a position to render optimum care, then it might be best for them to speak to a colleague or supervisor about getting help.

And this is what Dr. Osunbiyi, mentioned earlier, is advocating. “We want to say to people that it is ok in an emotional crisis to seek help.

You don’t have to wait until it becomes a chronic condition or a disorder or a fullblown mental health crisis for you to seek help,” he said.

ONGOING TRAINING Dr. Osunbiyi is one of the country’s two trainers on the ‘Nurses Psychological Trauma Training Programme’ which focuses extensively on how nurses provide for their own mental wellness during disasters and even on their day-to-day activities.

It’s a new programme out of the University of the West Indies School of Nursing, St. Augustine Campus, and is written by PAHO/WHO and UWISoN, led by Dr. Oscar Ocho, who is the director of UWISoN. It also has support from the Johnson and Johnson Foundation which has contributed to it financially.

The programme was rolled out earlier this year and just last week, Dr. Osunbiyi and others were able to complete the first component of training which included not only nurses, but doctors and social workers as well. This is going to be an ongoing training throughout Guyana.

“A nurse, like anyone of us, is a human being. And nurses operate in a very toxic environment; they are constantly faced with stressful situations. Professionally, we know that they are expected to go out there and do their job, but Guyana is now going forward and we need to look more to the mental wellbeing of our staff. Nurses are a critical element in our delivery of public healthcare for the population, so we have to find ways and means of caring for that vital component of our service provision,” Dr. Osunbiyi expressed.

He said the issue also has to do with the stigma attached as people tend to think that nurses are professionals and hence are not in need of any help. “No matter who you are, you are still a human being and from time to time, would need a time out and may need to seek help from an outside source.”

Once he is contacted for help, Dr. Osunbiyi said he would walk the individual through the process step by step to be able to properly advise them on the way forward. He would seek to gain a thorough understanding of what the problem really TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

NAREI conducts first Career Day at BV Secondary school

Agriculture Month activities highlight opportunities in agri sector for youths WHILE most of the world’s food is produced by (ageing) smallholder farmers in developing countries, older farmers are less likely to adopt the new technologies needed to sustainably increase agricultural production, which will eventually affect food security. Hence, the Ministry of Agriculture is seeking to pique the interest of youths towards careers in the agriculture sector.

As Agriculture Month activities are ramped up, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has begun hosting a series of Career Days with several schools, starting with the Beterverwagting Secondary School.

The career day exercises involve a presentation on the various occupations that can be found in the agriculture sector. The exercises were conducted by NAREI’s Training Officer Benjamin Frank,

who views this as an opportunity to rekindle youth interest in agriculture. “If we can get

Training Officer for NAREI, Benjamin Frank

them to appreciate the value of agriculture from a very young age, this [exercise] may encourage them to develop a liking for agriculture.”

This is one of several initiatives that will be conducted by NAREI to stimulate youth interest involvement

Family believes they were poisoned

POLICE are investigating the circumstances involving the suspected poisoning of a family of four of Number 64 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne.

Nikita Moniz, 26; her husband, Trevor Moniz, 28; and their two children, ages one and five, fell ill and had to be rushed to the Skeldon Hospital on Monday evening after consuming water that they filled to drink.

So far, the couple and their five-year-old were treated and kept for observation, but were later discharged on Wednesday. However, the condition of their one-year-old has been listed as critical.

Speaking to Guyana Chronicle, Nikita, who was still at the bedside of her son, said she is very worried as he is still experiencing shortness of breath, fever and trembling.

The police have visited the hospital and took statements from the family.

The mother strongly believes that her family was “poisoned” by persons known to her. In tears, she said if people wanted to hurt her or her husband, she would understand but not her children as she cannot bear to see them “punishing”.

She wants justice and for the authorities to get to the bottom of the incident.

On Monday afternoon, the family filled a container with water from a nearby source and shortly after consuming the water, they began feeling nauseous, vomiting and in pain.

According to a source, medical officials did not confirm the cause of the illness as poisoning but said the water is expected to be tested earliest.

Students of the Beterverwagting Secondary School listen attentively to Benjamin Frank’s presentation.

in agriculture. Other actions include field tours and trips to NAREI and other agencies to showcase the advanced technologies currently being used by agricultural officers. Benjamin pointed out that there is a pressing need to bolster the agri sector with more a more

youthful workforce.

“A lot of agriculture in Guyana is done by the older folks, and we know for a fact [that] they are not as energetic and strong as they once were.

So, if we can get youths to take the place of those older folks, we can have the assur-

CDC conducts mapping, monitoring exercise of communities hit by spring tides “WHAT we are doing right now is mapping, using a Geographical Information System [of] all of the areas that were impacted, to get an understanding of how the high tides are actually affecting the coastline.”

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Lt. Col. Kester Craig, explained during an interview with the Department of Public Information on Tuesday. “We will also be closely monitoring future high tides”, he noted, “to see if those same communities are going to be impacted.”

Following the recent high tides and taking climate

change into consideration, the Director-General said there is need to establish a long-term building agenda with respect to the country’s sea defences and communities.

With regard to residents in catchment areas, Lt. Col. Craig shared his observation, “I saw many of the homes. Many flat houses were severely impacted, and sometimes the homes were constructed below the level of the road. So, if you have an increase in water levels in the drain, those homes would be impacted.”

As head of the emergency relief efforts, the Director-General noted his

The silent suffering ... is before any treatment is suggested.

“We are now trying to have a structured programme for them. We want them to know that if anyone of them has a problem, there is help.

Sometimes they just need someone to talk to; someone to listen to them. So far, we have not included a mental health component in their training, but now, those responsible for nurses are in the process of getting that done.”

Even before a nurse

may request help, though, Chief Nursing Officer, Linda Johnson, said that once a superior notices a different work pattern in the individual, then counselling would be suggested.

In an interview with this newspaper, Mrs. Johnson said those who are in need of counselling are usually recognised due to a number of factors. “Something is usually different about them; their output, general commitment, and work pattern. They’re

ance that agriculture is going somewhere in Guyana.”

Today’s exercise was the first in several school visits slated for Agriculture Month.

It is aimed at showcasing, to the younger generation the importance and opportunities available in the agriculture

sector. Benjamin will be visiting the students at Covent Garden Secondary School on September 8, and the Hydrometeorological Department will host its Career Day on October 11 in the Hydromet compound.

Earlier this year, Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes met with Berbice farmers to introduce her ministry’s new initiative -- a mobile application for farmers. She also announced that specialised training for at least four weeks will be provided for the farmers to become acquainted with the mobile application to ensure it is fully utilised for their benefit.

It is hoped that with the rise of social media and its attraction among young people with access to the appropriate technologies, could be a route for youth into agriculture when the two are linked. (DPI)

always late or unkempt, and they may lash out at a patient or be short-tempered with their colleagues.”

Mrs. Johnson is especially happy that nurses can now be referred to Dr. Osunbiyi as many in the past did not feel comfortable discussing their issues with the social worker who was right there in their setting. “Most persons do not want to be counselled by persons in the system who they know very well; they prefer to be counselled by an

frustration with some of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) in alleviating the burden felt by the affected communities.

According to Lt. Col. Craig, “we had to clean drains during the actual response when that should have been done long before and not until these things happen. They [NDCs] have a responsibility to the residents… During the [CDC] response, then you see them [NDCs] come together to start getting their work done when they should have done that before.”

Last Sunday, the spring tide was at its strongest with a 3.36m recording.

FROM PAGE

outside source.”

A bed-side nurse, Mrs. Johnson knows what it feels like to lose a patient to death, or see their condition regress. “Over the period of weeks and even months, a nurse-patient relationship is built. If anything happens to them, you feel as if there was more that you could have done,” she offered.

At the moment, she observed that there is no mechanism in place for nurses who would have dealt with a

The CDC will conduct another aerial assessment on Tuesday with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Neighbourhoods along the coast of Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six were affected by floods during the spring tide.

However, floodwaters in most areas quickly receded during the low tide. Since then, there has been an ongoing exercise by the commission to distribute relief supplies to residents in the affected communities. The spring tide period is expected to end on Wednesday, October 2. (DPI)

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loss in this way. In fact, help is only available for someone who reaches out for it, or for those who show obvious signs of poor mental health.

There are, however, those who may be suffering silently, but not showing it.

Mrs. Johnson sits at the policy level of the Health Ministry, and she said that discussions have already been held about what needs to be put in place to better the system that is available.

In fact, she said Pub-

lic Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, only recently directed Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, and Head of GPHC, retired Brigadier George Lewis, to work out a plan to a have system in place for nurses to be able to access counselling. “They’re now working on how it’s going to be done because we recognise that there is a lot going on and they (the nurses) need help,” Mrs. Johnson said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

‘Agr-Ability Field School’ slated for October – to offer agricultural training to persons living with disabilities

AS part of this year’s Agriculture Month activities, the Ministry of Agriculture will be hosting an ‘Agr-Ability Field School’ for Persons Living with Disabilities(PLwD).

The event, which will be held at the Guyana School of Agriculture’s Mon Repos campus on October 9, will see participants engaging in a number of agriculture-related activities designed specifically for persons living with disabilities.

During a meeting with members of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with

responsibility for Rural Affairs, Valerie Adams-Yearwood said that it is important for persons with disabilities to be involved in agriculture.

“The logic behind this initiative is to ensure persons living with disabilities are empowered and can become self-sufficient. Agriculture in Guyana is on an upward trajectory and it is government’s intention to include every member of society with a genuine interest in agriculture to benefit,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

Additionally, some of the activities for the day include training in hydroponics, drip-irrigation, container gardening and composting. The

field school will be equipped with demonstration plots suitable for persons who are visually impaired and physically disabled, among others.

Programme Coordinator for the Guyana Council and Organisation of Persons with Disabilities(GCOPD), Ganesh Singh, who attended the meeting along with GCOPD representatives Cecil Morris and Theresa Pemperton, commended the Minister for her continued support to persons living with disabilities.

“I remember when you were at Housing and you pushed for us [persons living with disabilities] to be allotted house lots. That was the first time we felt included

Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood while meeting with representatives from the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (PlwDs)

in something of that nature.

Now that you are here, I see that you have not forgotten us and I can already anticipate the success of this event,” Singh said.

He also indicated that within the organisation, there are persons interested in agro-processing but are in need of financial and technical assistance to start their operations.

Minister Adams-Yearwood said that she intends to develop a proposal to have government set up a grant that would allow persons with disabilities to access

funds for agricultural purposes.

“I am working on putting forward recommendations for the development of a ‘Persons Living With Disabilities’ Grant. This will provide start-up capital for persons living with disabilities who want to get into agriculture. The aim is for you to be able to earn from what you produce so that you can sustain yourself,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

Additionally, the group took the opportunity to commend Minister Adam-Yearwood for the work she did

while serving as the Minister with responsibility for Housing at the Ministry of Communities, for the two disability houses that were built at Perseverance and Prospect Housing Schemes as was promised, adding that the structures they visited were well constructed.

They were also encouraged to develop a Co-op for this group of persons so that they can formally have representation for different areas for development.

(DPI)

Shairoon’s ‘killers’ finally before court

Devanand Rampersaud called ‘Juju’

THREE years after businesswoman Bibi Nesha Shairoon called 'Shakeela' was killed, during an invasion at her Novar, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara home, her ‘killer’, on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, confessed to the gruesome crime.

Devanand Rampersaud, called ‘Juju’, a 27-year-old former fisherman of Berbice, was charged with the capital offence.

However, on Wednesday, he opted to plead guilty to manslaughter. Rampersaud confessed that, on October 17, 2016, at Lot 4 Novar, Mahaicony, ECD, he unlawfully killed Ali Rampersaud’s attorney requested that a probation report on his client be prepared and presented before sentencing.

The matter was adjourned until October 15, 2019 for

Dead: Bibi Nesha Shairoon

hearing of the probation report and sentencing.

A 16-year-old young man, who is said to be the mastermind behind the businesswoman’s murder, was charged jointly in the indictment. He is set to return to court on Thursday, October 3, 2019. He is being held at the juvenile holding center.

Shairoon’s bound body was discovered in her Lot 3 Novar, Mahaicony East Coast Demerara home on October 17, 2016.

The dead woman operated a grocery store that also sold garden chemicals, cell phone cards and cell phones.

It was situated in the lower flat of her home, which was also ransacked.

The teenager became a suspect in the murder after residents revealed that he used to help the woman in the shop and he had an argument with her.

Meanwhile, reports also indicated that Rampersaud confessed to beating the woman in the head with a frying pan and accused the teen of being the mastermind of the murder and robbery.

The body of the woman, who lived alone, was found by a relative, who went to check on her after she was not seen since October 15, 2016.

The shop-owner was found with her feet and hands tied and with what appeared to be marks of violence on her body, primarily on her head.

The intruders gained access to the house by ripping out a few boards of the wall on the lower flat of the house after which they ransacked the place and carted off valuables, including money, phone cards among other things.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

Skeldon Heritage resort hosts judicial guests A RECENT tour by members of the judiciary to the Skeldon Heritage Resort on the Corentyne has been described as being very successful and the host is hoping that other entities will make bookings to see the tourism product the site has to offer .

Privatisation Specialist ag, Rachel Henry, of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), noted in a release that the judiciary recently held a three- day retreat at the resort. She said that the venue catered for some 70 members of the judiciary and she said that, despite a few challenges, the response to the facilities and opportunities being offered at the resort “are certainly of a high standard.”

She said the resort staff are confident that more similar retreats by various organisations and institutions will be held there.

“When we were ap-

NICIL privatisation specialist Rachel Henry

proached to host this retreat, we recognised immediately that there were a number of repairs, renovations and additions that we would have to do if we were going to be ready to effectively and efficiently cater for this very important retreat. I must confess however that while it took a few months to enhance and improve the facilities, we

were able to successfully pull it off,” an elated Henry said.

The privatisation specialist officer pointed out that repairs and renovations at the site amounted to millions, but she quickly stressed that the resort will benefit in the long run. “We spent millions to get this place ready and I am happy to say that we remain confident that in time, we will reap the long-term benefits of the works done. Skeldon Heritage Resort has not lost from this investment and fortunately we will continue to reap from this work and timely investment,” Henry noted.

She said the refurbishment will further enhance the marketability of the resort, so as to continue hosting and accommodating major events as the resort seeks to continue the economic viability within the community, despite the evident challenges.

Henry reiterated that because of the major renova-

The Heritage Resort at Skeldon close to the sugar factory.

tions and refurbishment, the resort stands firmly ready to host major and larger events.

She said that air condition units were installed in a number of rooms , while several of the rooms were transformed into self-contained rooms; this further enhanced the capability of the resort to be able to adequately and comfortably host guests.

The NICIL senior employee noted that those visiting the resort would view the venue as an ideal envi-

ronment, as it affords them an opportunity to enjoy the country breeze and calm atmosphere.

Patrons staying at the resort also are able to participate in both indoor and outdoor games, while being able to be part of a tour of the former sugar factory.

“Our efforts are geared towards further improving and increasing the standards so that persons, whether local or overseas, could experience what this heritage resort has

to offer. It is therefore our view that those who have never visited should take a trip so as to better understand the excellent and appealing scenery that Guyana has to offer,” she said.

She stressed that a number of additional works are being planned for the resort, declaring that NICIL’s intention is to ensure that their agency can garner needed finances to further develop their assets and properties.

Bartican launches award to inspire academic excellence

TAMYA HEALIS, a 24-year-old Bartician took up the initiative to motivate students in her hometown to strive for excellence.

At the Three Miles Secondary School graduation last week, Healis launched her award, “Tamya Healis Award”, abbreviated THA. In an interview with this newspaper, the young woman said the award was created with three objectives in mind.

These are: to bring awareness of the importance of investing positively in education; to encourage upcoming students to strive for academic excellence; and to attract students to the Social Sciences, with emphasis on economics, for the developments of self, Bartica and Guyana.

She further shared why she deems it important to do well in school.

“It first started out when I was in Prep B, I wasn’t much of a highflier but I did well, and one thing my mother always ensured was that we go to school every day. So I never missed a day. I can recall when I was in primary school, at the end of every school year there would be an award ceremony that they would give out trophies to students for different things. And I can remember sitting in the auditorium with my friends and my name called for one of the awards – best attendance.

Tamya Healis (left) handing over her award to Oureana Lake

I was shocked but happy at the same time,” Healis said.

She added: “I then realised how such a small gesture would have such a ripple effect, because after I got that award, as a child I kept thinking I wanted more awards. It felt good to be recognised. So I realised that I have to move from just

The Tamya Healis Award

going to school every day, to perform better in what I do in my work. And I did.

I aimed for top of the class, I graduated from primary school as third in the region, and from secondary school as first in the region,” she added.

Healis said as small as an award may seem, it really is a vast motivating factor for students.

Since she left Bartica to pursue higher education, she always thought about ways to give back to her community. Her passion for giving back, paired with her belief in awarding people for achievements, sparked the idea of creating her own award.

“The awards that I was given during my school life, aided in moulding me into the individual I am today.

And I want to provide that same motivator to other students because I know how it will impact their lives,” the young woman said.

The award that was launched was dedicated to the top performer in Business Studies. However, Healis said she intends to advance her award to several other areas of study, and include more than just a plaque as the award.

She did, however, explain that the current award comes with mentorship. The recipient of this year’s award will be given academic assistance.

“Since I graduated with

my degree in economics, the business field is where I’m most able to contribute mentorship to. So for right now, that’s where the focus is. As the years advance, the awards will advance. I’m currently fleshing out ideas to know what else to add to it in the coming years.

But I want to diversify into unique things like a business studies library or so. And I

will commit to keeping the recipients in check, keep supporting and helping them in the best of my best ability. I’m starting small, with hopes of having that ripple effect,” Healis said.

The award will be for students of Bartica but Healis has hopes of extending it to different parts of the region, and later, different regions in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

Not a job for the weak -- the enduring struggles of caring for the mentally ill

By Vanessa Braithwaite HOW do you describe the pain of a mother, looking at one of her son's in a casket and another in jail cell. Unimaginable! For New Yorkbased Guyanese mother Odessa Frith, this has been her dreadful reality.

On September 29, 2018, her oldest son, 20-year-old Shawn Smith, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, threw her youngest son, fouryear-old, Shimron Smith, off of their seven-storey 2425 Nostrand Avenue, apartment building. He died instantly.

Frith, a mother of six, was sleeping at the time. Never would she have thought of waking up the most painful, agonising news, that her little Shimron received such a horrible death.

As the pain crushed her body fibres and the despair choked her, with uncontrolled tears rolling down her face, Frith had to see her mentally ill son, whisked away by the police in handcuffs. Her motherly affection overpowered any feelings of anger and hostility toward him, for she knew, he could have never meant to commit such a gruesome act on his own baby brother.

Frith waited eight months before she visited Shawn in prison. "He said mommy when I hold Shimron, he said mommy I started screaming, he said mommy, he said you come to know what happen to Shimron? I said yes, son. He said mom, I didn't know was Shimron, he said mommy I didn't know was Shimron, he said I think was a bag. He said mommy, I'm so sorry.

I was hearing voices. I said Shawn, I forgave you, although I know it hurt me, I forgave you,� she told PIX 11 News, during an interview.

This was the climax of her battle with caring for a mentally ill child, a battle caregivers experience daily, but is often times overlooked by society. Shawn was diagnosed with schizophrenia earlier in 2018.

Schizophrenia is a longterm mental disorder involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behaviour, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion and a sense of mental fragmentation.

"On his 19th birthday, I saw the changes," Frith related to journalist, Mary Murphy.

DOWNHILL BATTLE Since then it was a down-

hill battle for her and her relatives. The very same roof Shawn threw Shimron off, a few months prior, he attempted to jump off, but his suicide attempt was thwarted by cops.

This regression was as a result of Shawn not taking his medication. In fact, he only took it for one week after being diagnosed and his family experienced grave difficulty in getting them to do so.

Physiatrist attached to the Mental Health Unit at the Linden Complex, Sandra Glasgow, related, that the most common cause of relapse in a mental condition, is the discontinuation of treatment. This is because mental health patients are often in denial of their sickness or may not even be aware that they are sick. This condition is called anosognosia. Forcing a mental health patient to take their pills, is just a fraction of the up-hill battle, faced by caregivers.

According to a 2015 study conducted by the National Institute of Health, only 50 per cent of schizophrenia patients actually followed their treatment regimen and took medication as it is prescribed to them. Another study in 2016 showed that between 10 and 60 per cent of patients did not take their medication regularly.

Frith is one in thousands of mothers of with mentally-ill children, whose struggle in caring for them, ended in death.

Tracy Bobbsemple shared a similar fate last year in Linden, when her son Allistare Bobbsemple, who was diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis, committed suicide. In sharing her story with this publication, Bobbsemple related that she had an uphill task in getting 22 year-old Bobbsemple to stay on his medication. His condition gradually worsened and he began to hallucinate and display several other behavioural patterns associated with his sickness.

NO CHOICE She had no choice but to admit him into a psychiatric clinic to receive help in caring for him. Even after his release, Bobbsemple, who was a student nurse at the time, continued to experience relapses and spoke often of wanting to die. Tracy, however, knew she tried her best, despite caring for him was one of the greatest challenges she experienced. In tears, she related how she battled work, caring for her other children, herself and giving Allistare the love and support he needed, since there is so much

stigma attached to mental illness. Even through his disapproval of some of her decisions, she mustered that motherly strength and love needed to see him through.

While Tracy may have displayed insurmountable strength to care for someone in such a severe state of mental illness, that is not always the case for many other caregivers and the frustration of dealing with their mentally-ill

show symptoms of depression with approximately a quarter of these caregivers meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression.

This may the case of Jackqlin DeSouza, a resident of Amelia's Ward Linden, whose 26-year-old son Jonathon has a plethora of mental and physical conditions.

Jonathon spends most of his day sitting in a bus shed at Lover's Lane Amelia's Ward. Jackqlin has no help in caring for Jonathon. She is a single mother who lives in a one-bedroom unfinished house and does odd jobs around the community to provide for them. Jonathon

Mental Health Nurse, Tricia Mckenzie

relatives, may affect their mental faculties as well.

This was highlighted by Marcia Yangapatty, a licensed counselling psychologist. She said the most common form of mental conditions that affect caregivers are depression, anxiety and sleeping disorders such as insomnia. The severity of these are developed due to the level of tolerance the caregiver would possess and the type of mental condition they are dealing with. Other factors include their financial situation to purchase medication, supplements and nutritious food, their support base and the cooperation level of the patient.

VULNERABLE "The caregivers' inability to sleep, they can't really sleep, they are exhausted, extremely tired because they will have their personal life as well, they will have things to do for themselves and so they can develop mental health disorders as well, because of the level of tolerance. If it was just one month, fine, but the continuous every-day care can really trigger these disorders," the psychologist explained.

According to the American Psychological Association, caregivers are at an elevated risk of developing mental health disorders and should also be screened for these conditions. In a study by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40-70 per cent of caregivers

Psychologist, Marcia Yangapatty

was not born mentally ill, but according to Jackqlin, he developed brain damage after being physically assaulted more than once.

"We were living in Berbice and me and my husband separated; we were staying in a house and this man on my husband side just came and beat up this boy, he was four. Lash him up all in his head, break up his two hand, his nose, beat him bad. I took him to the hospital and he get back good, good. Then when he grow big, he went into the bush to look work and a day I get a call, when I go, somebody beat this boy so bad, I couldn't even recognise him, was blood all over." They admit him for a long time and since then, he paralyse in his two hands and he sick in his head," she related.

Jonathon has been receiving treatment from the Mental Health Unit at the Linden Hospital Complex but according to Jackqlin, because of her financial situation, she cannot afford to take him for treatment often. In fact, she said, even if she gets a car fare, it is a difficulty to get him to the hospital because he would aggressively retaliate. Currently, he is off of treatment and she is unable to feed him properly, which too contributes to his regressing state. "I cook my poor food,

whatever I can catch from my lil day work and cook and he would eat," the visibly frustrated mother said.

HARD TO KEEP UP While the Mental Health Unit has played its part in trying to get Jonathon the care and medication he needs, Jackqlin said it is very hard to keep up, since she has no support base. "Is me alone, I can't even work for long because I can't leave him by himself too long, is hard for me to control him and get him settled and it does really, really frustrate me," she said.

There are many more cases as Jackqlin's in Linden and the Mental Health Unit at LHC has taken a proactive approach in dealing with the cases. Currently, the unit has 496 registered patients.

Despite such a heavy load, the team there, consisting of a resident physiatrist, Dr. Sandra Glasgow, three trained mental health nurses, two patientcare assistants and the social worker, has embarked on a home visit programme as a means of rendering support and educating caregivers on their role in providing efficient care to their relatives with mental health issues. The team is cognisant of the challenges caregivers experience, which can become harder with lack of knowledge.

Friday is the designated day for home care and targets caregivers having a difficult time, particularly with medicating the patient, those who have financial challenges in coming to the hospital to receive treatment and those who are noticed to be irregular in their clinic visits.

"We really need to know what is happening to them, it doesn't make sense we are working here from Monday- Friday here and there are patients out there getting relapses. Sometimes the caretaker doesn't really have the proper knowledge or patience to deal with their families; we understand that it can be quite hard on persons to deal with the patient but alienating them and neglecting them is not the solution; that is the most important thing with the home visit, to give them education. We let them know that with giving them love, you will see results," Dr. Sandra explained.

Many caretakers, she said, express their rise in frustration and want to give up, particularly with patients who have irreversible conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer. These informative sessions, she said, really help, particularly mothers.

"We let them understand

that not every mental health patient needs to be treated the same way. Though their situation may be irreversible, we let them know that they are still a part of the family; they are sick but they are still loved, they need care and love," she reiterated.

During psychotic episodes, Dr. Sandra said the caretakers are urged to remain calm and are taught techniques on what can be done until medical assistance is garnered.

Attending the home visits, is Mental Health Trained Nurse, Tricia Mckenzie. In her experience with caregivers over the years, she said the stress in caring for mental health relatives stems from not knowing how to handle the situation. In addition, they have to deal with the stigma and discrimination attached to mental health, in our society.

"It's strenuous on the carer, that is why we would educate them and tell them not to give up on them, if you see they have a relapse, bring them in, try to give them their medication on time, every time."

Mental health diseases, she said, are not like non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes and therefore should have no discrimination attached to it. To show caregivers that they too are important in the triangle of care, for Mental Health Week 2019, the unit hosted a patient appreciation event where the patients and caregivers were treated to a day of beautification and fun.

In addition to home visits, the unit, since January, has commenced school visits to sensitise youths on drug and alcohol abuse and the signs and symptoms of depression. An anti-bullying campaign has also commenced at the nursery level where teachers and parents are engaged on the issues that affect the child’s mental health. They are sensitised on the ways of identifying the negative effects of children who are bullied, abused and depressed. They are also taught how to teach their children not to bully and to support children who are mentally disabled. At the unit, 55 per cent of the patients suffer from drug-induced psychosis, 30 per cent suffer from depression and related illnesses and 15 per cent suffer from schizophrenia/bipolar-related illnesses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

Development under the Coalition continues as Guyana readies for elections –– “Agitation in-country uncalled for” – Foreign Minister says of naysayers WITH a date now confirmed for general and regional elections, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings, on Wednesday , reiterated that Guyana is in good and regular standing within the framework of its Constitution. She said the agitation around the country, being peddled by the political opposition, is uncalled for.

The minister also out rightly rejected statements by the ABE countries which claimed that the Coalition Government was in breach of the Constitution of Guyana.

While the statements were

made before the proclamation of the date of the elections by His Excellency, President David Granger, Minister Cummings today pointed out that the country has always been abiding by the rule of law.

Minister Cummings only recently represented Guyana at the just-concluded 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York. She met with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, and Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland while there, and was able to clear up several misconceptions being peddled by the opposition about

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings

the country’s state of affairs She related that the officials

have offered their assistance to Guyana in preparation for elections.

“When they would have looked and seen Guyana going ahead with our development agenda and is business as usual. We know a date has been fixed, we know elections are a part of our Constitution, and we will abide by that…

We [recently] met with all stakeholders, all members of the diplomatic corps where the president outlined the way forward. We have spoken at length, so all this agitation, I think, is uncalled for,” she said.

The Foreign Affairs Min-

ister said no issue in Guyana should warrant interference by other countries.

“In Guyana, there is no war. There is no protest; lives are not being lost. I don’t think we need sanctions at this point in time, because we are peaceful citizens. We [Guyanese] are going along our busy way, and so we have maintained the peace.”

His Excellency, President David Granger, on Tuesday, issued two proclamations officially naming March 02, 2020, as the date for both General and Regional Elections.

On September 25, the

Head of State announced that following discussions with (ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh, Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the earliest possible date for the holding of General and Regional Elections will be on Monday, March 02, 2020.

The president’s statement followed the GECOM Chair’s missive to him on September 19, 2019, indicating that “the Guyana Elections Commission will be able to deliver credible elections by the end of February 2020.” (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

Contracts inked for expansion of Kamarang hospital, new doctors’ living quarters THE village of Kamarang in the Upper Mazaruni has been earmarked to receive better health care

following the signing of a contract for extension of the village hospital.

A contract for the con-

struction of a new doctors’ living quarters in the community was also signed this week.

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford (left) stands alongside contractor J Jordan; Regional Executive Officer, Kerwin Ward (second right) and Regional Engineer Selwyn Charles (right).

According to the Regional Democratic Council, the contracts which were awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, are valued at a total of over

$42M. J’s General Store and Construction Company will undertake the construction works as per contract.

The Kamarang Hospital is the second largest in

the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, serving a community of about 1000 residents, along with persons of nearby villages and a steady stream of miners working in the area.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

Teen ‘slapped’ with several Former art teacher remanded for attempted murder charges released on bail A 19-year-old biker, who was seen in widely circulated video on social media, was on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, arraigned before Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Anthony Clarke of “B” field Sophia appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and admitted that, on September 28, 2019, at Robb and Wellington Streets, he assaulted Police Constable Joel Samuels.

Clarke also admitted that, on the same day and at the same location, in public hearing, he behaved disorderly.

However, Clarke denied the third charge which stated that, on the same day and at the same location, he used abusive language towards Police Constable Samuels.

Clarke also denied that,

Anthony Clarke

on the same day and at the same location, he damaged one flash valued at $2,400, property of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The teen cried throughout the court proceeding and stated that, “All I did was ask the police for my key.

Me and him start to ramp so I jump on pun the bike

and he start fuh ride but the traffic was busy so we ain’t reach far.”

Clarke, who was unrepresented, admitted that he was wrong and apologized to the police constable and offered to compensate the GPF for the damaged flashlight.

Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted. He stated that many young men like Clarke were disrespectful to the traffic ranks of GPF and Clarke should be used as an example to show that the consequences were grave.

However, Magistrate McGusty fined Clarke $20,000 for the two offences he admitted to committing and released him on $20,000 bail for the two offences he denied committing.

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, remanded a former art teacher of the New Campbellville Secondary School for the attempted murder of his neighbour.

44-year-old Brian Matheson of Wortmanville, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Matheson was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that, on September 27, 2019, at Wortmanville, Georgetown, he wounded Ronald Bettencourt with intent to murder him.

The unrepresented man told the court that Bettencourt attacked him first and threatened his life. Matheson also stated that he made several reports to the police against Bettencourt but he

44-year -old Brian Matheson

was ignored by the officers.

However, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers stated that, on the day in question, Matheson armed himself with a kitchen knife and went into Bettencourt’s yard and stabbed him to the abdomen.

Bettencourt was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted while Matheson was arrested and charged.

The prosecutor objected to bail being granted due to the serious nature of the offence and the fact that the victim was still hospitalized and was in a critical condition.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded Matheson to prison until October 16, 2019, and ordered a psychiatric evaluation for the man.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

Promenade Gardens robber remanded MAGISTRATE McGusty, on Wednesday October 2, 2019, remanded a 30-yearold labourer to prison on two counts of armed robbery.

Vishal Ramlall of East La Penitence appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court and pleaded not guilty to the two charges.

Particulars of the first charge stated that Ramlall, on August 16, 2019, at the Promenade Gardens, armed with a knife, robbed Yolanda Hector of one purse valued $1000, one Samsung cellular phone valued $50,000 and $5000 in cash.

Particulars of the second charge stated that, Ramlall, on the same day, and at the same location, armed with a knife, robbed Troy Sullivan of $7,500 cash and a Samsung cellular phone valued $90,000.

Police Prosecutor Brummell noted that, on the day in question, the virtual complainants were exiting the Promenade Gardens, when the defendant approached them and asked if they had any money. The virtual complainants then told the defen-

Vishal Ramlall

dant that they didn’t have any change.

It was then the defendant reached into a bag he had at his side and took out a long knife and instructed the virtual complainants to lay on the ground. He then relieved them of their cellphones and cash.

Sullivan, the second virtual complainant, was able to contact a police patrol and Ramlall was found in the gardens under a tree and

was positively identified by the virtual complainants. He was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station where he was charged.

Ramlall pleaded with the court to be lenient with him.

He added that, since he was arrested, his girlfriend left him and he had no relatives to turn to for help.

However Magistrate McGusty refused bail and remanded Ramlall to prison until October 23, 2019.

Homeless man sentenced to prison for robbing disabled pensioner A HOMELESS man was, on Wednesday October 2, 2019, arraigned before Magistrate Faith McGusty.

38-year-old Michael Whyte appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that, on September 27, 2019, at Robb Street Georgetown, he robbed Compton Caesar of $28,000 cash and his pension book.

Police Prosecutor Brummell stated that, on the day in question, the virtual complainant was in his wheelchair proceeding west on Robb Street, when the defendant who was walking a Pitbull dog, in the opposite direction, caused the said dog to attack the virtual complainant.

The virtual complainant then fell out of his wheelchair and the defendant went into his pocket and relieved him of his cash and pension book.

An alarm was raised and the defendant was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station where he was charged.

Whyte, however, told the court that he lost control of

Michael Whyte

the said Pitbull which ran and jumped on Caesar causing him

to fall to the grown.

He added that he went to assist the man and saw the money scattered on the ground and decided to take it, but, when he saw officers approaching, he panicked and ran away.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the statements presented by the Police Prosecutor and Whyte, sentenced the man (Whyte) to three years’ imprisonment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 3, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

23

Table-toppers Warriors battle Tallawahs at Providence tonight

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE high-flying Guyana Amazon Warriors will take on the Chadwick Waltonled Jamaica Tallawahs this evening from 18:00hrs at the Guyana National Stadium in Match 29 of the Hero Caribbean Premier League.

The Amazon Warriors, last year’s runners-up, have established themselves as firm contenders for the title, with a record, eight straight complete performances to lead the points table with 18 points, and a net run rate of 1.598.

One of the main reasons for Guyana’s great showing has been their potent batting line-up of their own but their bowling unit looks light on genuine talent which could open the door for the Amazon

Warriors to capitalise and make it nine wins from nine games this evening.

The spin-trio of Chris Green, Imran Tahir and Qais Ahmed have all proved to be major threats in this tournament and they supplement the likes of Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul in what is one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament.

The batting remains formidable also as they bat deeper than most teams and after winning all of their matches so far, there is little reason for them to make any unforced changes to their team.

With a 100% winning record, Warriors will be keen to extend this run, and at the post-match press conference yesterday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach Johan Botha said everyone is looking forward to the matches here.

“Our aim is to go all the way, but we can’t look too far ahead, we want to continue to play good cricket ... we want to compete with Jamaica tomorrow (today). We still respect them as a team, obviously they have a good team, but things haven’t gone the way they had wanted, but we still want to keep playing the way we played, and as I said we are looking forward to playing at home again,” Botha, the former South Africa spinner stated.

On the other hand, despite just playing for pride, Tallawahs will hope to finish on a high, a task which will be difficult to accomplish.

Having put up totals of 167, 241, 170 and 226, albeit in losing efforts this season, the two-time champions lost seven of their nine games, their worst-ever tournament.

This is the first time in the history of the CPL that the Tallawahs are missing out on a playoff berth. They have four points so far, and a win tonight seems a tough task against Amazon Warriors, who look to have very few chinks in their armour, with only complacency a threat to them right now, and even still they have so much depth that they can afford for some players not to perform.

Unless the Tallawahs can raise their performance levels, Amazon Warriors should pick up a ninth consecutive win here.

While accepting that the season has not been the greatest campagain for Tallawahs, head coach Donovan Miller said his team is looking forward to the clash.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

24

All Blacks score nine tries in Rugby World Cup win TWO-time defending champions New Zealand scored nine tries to thrash Canada and record their second convincing win at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Brothers Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett all went over as the All Blacks hit this World Cup’s highest score.

They were given a penalty try after four minutes and Jordie Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams and Beauden Barrett also crossed before halftime.

Scott Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Brad Weber and Shannon Frizell also scored.

There were four tries in the first 10 minutes at the start of the second half as New Zealand tore their opponents’ defence apart.

The All Blacks move up to second in Pool B, one point behind Italy - out in front courtesy of two bonuspoint wins - whom they play after facing Namibia on Sunday.

RUGBY WORLD CUP FRANCE needed three late tries to survive a scare and see off the United States for their second World Cup win.

Yoann Huget and Alivereti Raka scored early tries but France conceded regular penalties and made handling errors to keep Gary Gold’s side in touch.

The USA, ranked 13th in the world, got within three points in the 64th minute but Gael Fickou and Baptiste Serin crossed in the space of three minutes.

With the bonus point secured, Jefferson Poirot added a fifth try late on.

France forward Bernard Le Roux said afterwards his side thought the match was going to be “a bit easier” and they got a “big surprise” in the first half.

“They got stuck in and gave us a tough time at the breakdowns and we didn’t get clean ball,” he said.

“So it was really tough, especially in the first half, and the bench did well when they came on.

“They made a big difference and we got some

New Zealand made 906m in the match compared to 291m by Canada

The victory extends New Zealand’s winning run at World Cups to 16 matches - their last defeat was to France in the 2007 quarter-final - and continues their record of having never lost a pool game in the competition. This may not have been the most balanced encounter of the tournament - pitting the winners of the past two World Cups against the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament - but New Zealand’s attack was devastating.

They powered over the

line inside 70 seconds but Canada were able to hold the ball up.

However it wasn’t long before the first try arrived and it did so in typically imposing fashion as New Zealand forced the Canada scrum back over the line under their own posts for a penalty try.

The All Blacks had threats throughout their team with fly-half Richie Mo’unga, who also kicked eight conversions, pulling the strings and Beauden Barrett a constant menace

from his new position of full-back.

The Barrett brothers became the first sibling trio to start in a World Cup for New Zealand and the family hat-trick would have been completed even earlier had Scott not dropped the ball when over the line in the first half.

Beauden also had the chance to score a 10th All Blacks try, and take the team’s total to 70, but he inexplicably spilled the ball in the final minute when looking certain to score.

On the rare occasions New Zealand did have to defend they did so clinically, turning the ball over to repel Canada when they ventured into their 22.

New Zealand saw off one of their main rivals for the trophy, South Africa, in their first pool game and this emphatic win continues their ominous momentum as they bid for a third consecutive World Cup.

France beat United States 33-9

France also disappointed with their second-half performance against Argentina.

go-forward and our set plays opened up play on the outside.”

The win moves France up to second in Pool C, one point behind England.

Eddie Jones’ side ran in seven tries when they beat the U.S. last Thursday and, despite the late points, France’s performance only strengthens England’s position as group favourites.

England play Argentina on Saturday and France meet Tonga on Sunday before the sides meet on October 12 in their final games of the pool stage.

The precious bonus point, but for large parts

of the game, was hugely disappointing.

In total they conceded 10 penalties to the USA’s four and conceded 18 turnovers to their opponents’ 13.

They were just six points ahead at halftime and when AJ MacGinty kicked a penalty for the USA with 16 minutes to go his side had the momentum and there appeared a real chance of an upset.

However, France took advantage when their opponents tired, to follow their narrow victory over Argentina with another win.

There had been flashes of brilliance in the first half

in particular, with both tries being created by the boot of fly-half Camille Lopez the first a chip over the top and the second an excellent cross-field kick.

During a frustrating period in the opening 20 minutes of the second half, errors halted France’s progress and their sloppiness was summed up when an excellent break by Sofiane Guitoune was spoiled when he passed forward to Raka when the winger had a clear run to the line.

The USA made plenty of errors of their own and could have caused France even greater problems had they made better use of good positions in the second half.

USA coach Gary Gold said: “I felt we went toeto-toe. We did make some mistakes but we never gave up the fight.

“It’s a bit sad we didn’t get a try on the scoreboard, but it was just a very, very good performance.” (BBC Sport)

Ben Stokes named PCA player of the year

ENGLAND all-rounder Ben Stokes has been voted Professional Cricketers’ Association player of the year.

Ben Stokes was voted young player of the year in 2013.

This summer, the 28-year-old helped England win the World Cup for the first time and made a remarkable unbeaten 135 to win the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley.

“You take a lot of personal pride when you receive this award because it’s your peers that vote for you,” he said.

“Earning this award is a huge moment and something I am very gracious of.”

Durham’s Stokes won the award ahead of fellow nominees Simon Harmer of Essex, Gloucestershire all-rounder Ryan Higgins and Warwickshire opener Dom Sibley.

Stokes made 84 not out in the World Cup final, reviving England’s hopes against New Zealand, then was chosen to bat in the tie-breaking super over. When that was also tied, England took the trophy because they had hit more boundaries.

Six weeks later in the third Test, England needed 73 runs when Stokes was joined by last man Jack Leach. His stunning assault on the Australia bowling gave England a one-wicket victory that kept the series alive.

Holders Australia went on to retain the

Ashes as the series was drawn 2-2.

“While this is an individual award, it is within a team sport so I am only in this position because of what other guys in our squad have achieved as well,” said Stokes.

“What we have done as a t eam i n 2019 i s phenomenal. To win the World Cup and draw the Ashes has been a fantastic summer and something I am proud of personally and as a team.”

Somerset batsman Tom Banton, 20, was voted young player of the year. He scored 549 runs in the T20 Blast and was called up to the England squad for their five Twenty20 internationals in New Zealand next month.

Sophie Ecclestone was named as the women’s player of the summer, becoming the first player to take the award more than once, having also won in 2018.

The left-arm spinner, 20, was England’s leading wicket-taker in the Women’s Ashes and the one-day series against West Indies.

(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

25

Rohit hits hundred as India make South Africa toil (REUTERS) - Rohit Sharma scored a century in his first innings as India’s new Test opener and gave the hosts a flying start along with partner Mayank Agarwal in the first of the three-match series against South Africa at Visakhapatnam yesterday.

Rohit and Agarwal ensured South Africa’s bowlers went wicketless on the first day to take India to 202 for no loss after home captain Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat.

Rohit completed his fourth Test hundred and was unbeaten on 115 with Agarwal 84 not out - his best Test score - when bad

Rohit Sharma brought up his first century as a Test opener. (BCCI)

light and rain forced an early end to day’s play.

The only player in the world with three double hundreds in oneday internationals, Rohit has built a formidable reputation as a limitedovers opener but batted

in the middle order in his stop-start Test career.

The 32-year-old could not have hoped for a more benign pitch to begin his journey as a Test opener with both the fast bowlers and spinners from South Africa failing to make any

impact.

The visiting pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander beat the bat on a few occasions with the new ball and those were the only moments of discomfort that the right-handed batting pair encountered.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis introduced spin in the ninth over in the form of Keshav Maharaj but it only allowed the Indian batsmen to score more freely.

Rohit frequently danced down the pitch to the spinners, hitting five sixes to go with 12 fours.

A top-edged lapswept four off debutant Senuran Muthusamy,

SCOREBOARD INDIA first innings M. Agarwal not out 84 R. Sharma not out 115 Extras: (lb-1, nb-2) 3 Total: (no wkt, 59.1 overs) 202 Bowling: Philander 11.1-2-34-0, Rabada 13-5-35-0, Maharaj 23-4-66-0 (nb-1), Piedt 7-1-43-0, Muthusamy 5-0-23-0 (nb-1).

South Africa: F. du Plessis (capt.), A. Markram, D. Elgar, T. de Bruyn, T. Bavuma, Q. de Kock, V. Philander, S. Muthusamy, K. Maharaj, D. Piedt, K. Rabada.

which narrowly missed the fine-leg fielder, brought up his fifty, and a slashed boundary that just eluded the gully fielder were among the rare moments when Rohit did not look in control.

Agarwal did not compete with his partner in shot-making but managed to put away the bad balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes to remain on course for his maiden hundred.

are going to be walking home with medals from here.”

“We want a full stadium and that has to be the challenge but we need to focus also on the absolute quality of what we are seeing here,” he added, also pointing out that athletes from 28 countries had won medals so far.

“I can’t remember a world championships actually that has delivered at this level for a long time.”

Coe denied that the heat and humidity in Doha away from the air-conditioned main stadium made it dangerous for the road races, with temperatures hovering around 30 Celsius after 2330 local time when the marathons and walks start.

“We had a medical facility there which I don’t think I’ve ever seen in any championship, Olympics or world championships,” he said, adding that heat

and small crowds were not unique to Qatar.

“In Seville (1999), we were dealing with 41 degrees of temperature. I went to Edmonton (2001), the numbers in the stadium make this look like a firstclass problem.”

Coe said the IAAF wanted to cut the cost of staging the championships and hoped that one day it could go to countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya or Jamaica.

“It can’t keep going back to the same eight or nine places that we’ve always sort of focussed on in the past,” he said.

“We need to make sure, where we possibly can, we take cost out. Just make it an easier business proposition for a city to want to take us on board.”

Athletes must choose coaches carefully - IAAF chief

By Brian Homewood

DOHA, Qatar (Reuters) - Athletes must choose their coaches carefully to avoid any risk of guilt by association, global athletics boss Sebastian Coe said yesterday, two days after a four-year ban was handed to leading American coach Alberto Salazar.

Coe, speaking to a group of news agency reporters including Reuters, also defended the organisation of the world athletics championships in Qatar, saying that the athletes were not worried about small attendances at the Khalifa stadium.

Salazar was banned by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on Monday for “orchestrating and facilitating prohibited doping conduct” as head coach of the Nike Oregon

IAAF president Sebastian Coe.

Project (NOP), a camp designed primarily to develop U.S. endurance athletes.

Salazar said he would appeal USADA’s decision and sportswear giant Nike said it would stand by him.

A number of the athletes in Doha train at the NOP including women’s 10 000 metres gold medallist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and American Donavan Brazier, who won Tuesday’s men’s 800 metres.

“A banned coach has

to sever relationships with those athletes. That’s what’s taking place,” said Coe, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

“Coaches and athletes have to make judgements all the time. If you are coached by somebody, you should be absolutely comfortable that you are working in an environment that’s safe and secure and is not going to damage you own reputation.

An athlete should ask those questions.”

He didn’t see any risk that the NOP athletes would be tainted by the USADA ruling.

“No. No. I’m sorry.

I don’t live in that world where you just automatically assume the worst,” he said.

“It’s what happens. We’re dealing with it. It doesn’t derail the championships.

It may for you guys, but in reality it’s not a broader issue

for most people watching the championships.”

Coe did not want to comment on the NOP itself. “I have no idea,” he said. “I haven’t even read the adjudication. It’s not a programme I’m remotely across or I understand.”

MORE SPECTATORS Coe said he spent every evening on the track talking to athletes, medical staff and delegates and that they were happy with the organisation of the world championships, despite the low attendances.

“They are very pleased to be here,” he said. “Yes, we could have done with more spectators in the stadium but there are pretty understandable reasons why that has been a challenge.

“They are not talking about (the crowds) and actually, the athletes talking about externalities are probably not the ones who

Healy’s world-record knock leads Aussies to sweep AUSTRALIA opener Alyssa Healy hit the highest score in women’s Twenty20 internationals with an unbeaten 148 off 61 balls in victory over Sri Lanka.

The wicketkeeper, 29, beat the previous mark of 133 not out set by teammate Meg Lanning against England in July.

Healy struck 19 fours

and seven sixes, bringing up her century off 46 balls as the hosts posted 226-2 in Sydney.

After Sri Lanka could make only 94-7 in reply, Australia won by 132 runs to secure a 3-0 series whitewash.

Healy’s maiden T20 century in her 101st appearance in the format is the fastest by an Australian,

and second only in the women’s game to West Indian Deandra Dottin’s 38ball ton against South Africa in 2010.

Her 148 is the fourthhighest individual score in all T20 internationals, behind compatriot Aaron Finch’s 172 against Zimbabwe in 2018, Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai 162 against Ireland in February

and Finch’s 156 against England in 2013.

Australia’s of

victory

margin is

their

biggest in women’s T20 internationals

and

10th

biggest of all time. (BBC Sport)

Alyssa Healy’s previous best in women’s T20 internationals was 90.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

26

Suarez scores twice in Barcelona comeback

LUIS Suarez scored a fine double as Barcelona came from behind to beat Inter Milan in the Champions League.

Lautaro Martinez gave Antonio Conte’s Inter a deserved lead and went close to a second with MarcAndre ter Stegen expertly keeping out his header.

Suarez levelled with a wonderful volley from Arturo Vidal’s cross.

Then Lionel Messi, on his return from an injury, found Suarez - whose first touch took him past

Luis Suarez

defender Diego Godin - and he blasted in the winner.

Those were Suarez’s first two Champions League

group goals in over three years.Barcelona, who are unbeaten in 33 Champions League home games, are level on four points with Borussia Dortmund, with whom they drew 0-0 in their opening game, at the top of the table.

Earlier yesterday, Dortmund won 2-0 at Slavia Prague thanks to two excellent solo goals by Achraf Hakimi, the first two Champions League goals of the Real Madrid loanee’s career. (BBC Sport)

Tridents jump to second after extending TKR’s winless run to five

IOC plans boxing qualifiers with the help of suspended AIBA

By Karolos Grohmann

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee has been cooperating with boxing’s suspended international federation – AIBA - as the Olympic body plans the sport’s qualifiers and tournament at next year’s Tokyo 2020 Games.

The IOC in June officially took over the boxing qualification and competition for the Tokyo Games, suspending the international boxing federation AIBA over issues surrounding its finances and governance.

“A lot is still going on.

We have just enough time for this project. There is a lot that needs to be done but a lot has been done already,” IOC sports director Kit McConnell

told reporters yesterday.

The IOC is racing to organise a series of continental qualifiers early next year while also preparing for the tournament in Tokyo and going through a process to select judges and referees following background checks.

“AIBA has been very supportive when needed on information we sought such as refereeing, judging, technical and rules. We have to recognise AIBA staffing has been reduced significantly but when we have gone to them they have been supportive,” he said.

“In that regard they have engaged with us and have provided information but let’s be clear about this: the qualification events are done through the IOC and by the IOC.”

AIBA largely depends on Olympic revenues to survive between Games and has started letting staff go as a result of its Olympic exclusion.

The boxing body has been in turmoil over its finances and governance for years with the federation $16M (£13.06M) in debt. It has also been split internally by an ongoing bitter battle over the presidency.

Serbian IOC member Nenad Lalovic, who heads an IOC task force to monitor AIBA, had said in June the association’s debt could rise as high as $29M. The IOC is not planning to review its suspension of AIBA in the coming months, McConnell said. Any review would take place after Tokyo.

Liverpool let slip three-goal lead before Salah hits winner

Mohamed Salah LIVERPOOL held off a stunning fightback by Red Bull Salzburg to get their Champions League defence up and running with victory in an incredible game at Anfield.

The visitors trailed 3-0 in the first half but battled back to 3-3 before Mohamed Salah grabbed the winner midway the second half.

Liverpool lost their Group E opener to Napoli last month but got off to the ideal start in this game when former Salzburg player Sadio Mane struck inside 10 minutes, sweeping home at the near post.

Andrew Robertson turned in Erling Braut Haaland tapped in a cross from Trent Alexander- an equaliser - his 18th goal of the Arnold before Salah poked a third season.

Salah finally got Liverpool over under keeper Cican Stanokovic.

It seemed as though the game the line when he latched on to was over as a contest 10 minutes Roberto Firmino’s header and scored with a fierce strike. (BBC before halftime.

But Salzburg, like Liverpool, Sport) have scored goals CRICKET QUIZ CORNER for fun this season (Thursday October 03, 2019) - 40 in nine league COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda games - and began Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & their fightback CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett when Hwang Hee- Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) chan got the better Answers to yesterday’s quiz: of Virgil van Dijk 2014 (GAW) before scoring with (1) a powerful strike.

(2) 2016 (Tallawahs) The visitors Today’s Quiz: reduced the deficit further when (1) Who is the first Tridents player to win the Takumi Minamino Man of the Match Award in CPL 2019? volleyed in and the (2) Who is the first player to face a ball in a away fans erupted Tridents/Warriors CPL game? when substitute Answers in tomorrow’s issue

The Barbados Tridents celebrate another victory.

BARBADOS Tridents kept their hopes of a top-two 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finish alive with a seven-wicket victory over their rivals and defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders at the Queen’s Park Oval last night.

Having restricted TKR to just 134/8, the Tridents got home on the back of Johnson Charles’ 47-ball 55 to leapfrog their opponents and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Hero CPL table.

The Knight Riders, without a win in their last five after starting the season with four straight victories, now need to beat the runaway leaders Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final match of the league phase at Providence Stadium on Friday night to edge back above the Tridents and reclaim second place.

While both teams are safely through to the playoffs, second place is still a big prize. It brings a place in Qualifier 1 against the Warriors and two shots at a place in next weekend’s final. The team that misses out faces going straight to the Eliminator against the Patriots and no second chances.

Alex Hales showed some glimpses of his best form in a 54-run opening partnership with Charles, hitting six crisp fours and making 33 to get the Tridents well ahead of the required rate early.

While the run-rate slowed after the Tridents had raced to 31/0 after the first three overs and though the chase going right into the final over might not have been exactly the plan, JP Duminy and Ashley Nurse held their nerve to collect the seven runs they needed from Kieron Pollard’s closing over without much alarm.

With wickets in hand, the Tridents always seemed to be in control of a relatively small chase. Although Hales chipped Mark Deyal to cover and Shakib Al Hasan was

caught behind, the required rate was always in hand. By the time Chris Jordan yorked Charles for 55, the target was just 25 from 25 balls. Nurse and Duminy used 23 of those balls but got the job done.

The Tridents’ star bowlers Shakib Al Hasan, Harry Gurney and Hayden Walsh Jr were all once again impressive as the Knight Riders were restricted on a sluggish pitch.

Shakib bowled the opening over and ensured the Knight Riders’ experiment of sending in Jimmy Neesham as a pinch-hitting opener would not pay off. He made just a single before skying a slog-sweep to be caught and bowled.

Walsh Jr struck twice in quick succession to bag the key wickets of Colin Munro and Darren Bravo before Shakib returned to clean up Lendl Simmons, the mainstay of the TKR innings and the one TKR batsman to really come to grips with the pitch. He made 60 from 45 with three fours and four sixes with none of his team-mates able to pass 23.

Then it was over to Gurney, whose subtle changes of pace and control of line made him close to unhittable. He didn’t concede a single boundary in his four overs despite bowling both in the powerplay and then at the death.

The Knight Riders scrambled just 14 runs from his four overs and lost Kieron Pollard to a slower ball and Denesh Ramdin lbw in the process.

Walsh Jr added a direct hit run out to his night’s work as Javon Searles fell for a duck, while Raymon Reifer got in the wickets column thanks to one of the stranger catches of the season as Duminy misjudged a Deyal hoik as it swirled high in the air and fumbled the catch only for Jonathan Carter to grab the rebound.

(CPL).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

27

Asher-Smith wins 200m gold at World Athletics Championships

By Steve Keating DOHA Qatar (Reuters) Dina Asher-Smith seized her chance to win the world championship 200 metres yesterday and become the first British woman to claim a global sprint title.

With many of the top medal contenders pulling out or skipping the event, Asher-Smith proved the class act in the field, powering home in a national record 21.88 seconds to add gold to the silver she won in the 100m.

Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith celebrates winning gold.

(REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah)

“I don’t know what to say, I don’t think it’s properly sunk in,” Asher-Smith said. “I’m lost for words. I dreamt of this

and now it’s real.”

The once mighty United States, who had been a nonfactor in the women’s sprints in Doha, also benefitted from the scratches as Brittany Brown grabbed the silver in 22.22.

Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji completed the podium by grabbing bronze in 22.51.

The fight for medals was blown wide open when some of sprinting’s biggest names withdrew during the earlier rounds.

The race was missing the reigning world and Olympic

champions in Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers and Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson who withdrew due to injuries.

Shaunae Miller-Uibo of Bahamas, owner of the fastest time this season, elected to race the 400m only due to scheduling issues.

The world 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and bronze medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou scratched because of soreness from their earlier races while Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare, who had run the third fastest time this

season, was disqualified in her heat.

None of that mattered to Asher-Smith who was focussed on making history, the 23-year-old blasting out of the blocks and in command coming off the bend before cruising to victory.

The victory doubled Britain’s medal tally at the championships, to two, both coming from AsherSmith.

Greene satisfied with fourth place finish at Natural Mania Universe … set to compete in WNBF World Championships next month NATURAL bodybuilder Rawle Greene is satisfied with his fourth place finish at the 2019 INBF Natural Mania and WNBF Pro Universe competition, which was held last weekend in New York.

The US-based Guyanese, who was known in his younger years as one of the fastest men in Guyana, said, “It was a good field of bodybuilders from around the world.”

Greene, who is a pro in the World Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, added that “making top five out of

seven and placing fourth in the PRO men’s was ok.”

Saturday night was the 42-year-old’s fourth time at the prestigious event.

The former sprinter, who switched sports in 2007 after picking up an injury trying to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, said that athletics has helped his bodybuilding career.

“The leg muscles I developed as a sprinter doing me well in bodybuilding.”

Four years into bodybuilding, the naturally gifted athlete won his International Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness

Federation (INBF) Pro Card in 2011 after he won the INBF Mr America title.

Since then he has competed in four Universe and two World events along with the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) championships and a string of competitions in the U.S. Greene, who is a personal trainer, said that working with clients all day and then having to train can be “tiresome”; nevertheless he is still gearing up to do the World Championships in New York next month.

Jamaica head Caribbean teams eyeing Olympic qualification MIAMI, Florida (CMC) – Jamaica women’s national team will now look to take the next step toward qualifying for a first-ever Olympics when the 2020 CONCACAF qualifying championship opens this week.

After miraculously qualifying for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Jamaica Women will face Cuba, St Lucia, Barbados and the United States Virgin Islands on home soil at the National Stadium in Kingston in Group ‘B’ of the qualifying championship.

The Championship has attracted 13 teams from around the Caribbean and they will challenge for three spots in the final round of CONCACAF qualification for the Olympics to be stated in Tokyo, Japan.

The Caribbean qualifying stage consists of three groups to be played in round-robin format with the winner

of each group advancing to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying.

Group ‘A’ will see five teams take to the field at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad, including host nation Trinidad & Tobago, Dominican Republic, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda and Aruba.

The Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, will see three teams aim for top spot in Group C. A little more than a year after reaching the 2018 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, a young group of Haiti players will try to edge closer to their Olympic dream, but first they must do battle with hosts Puerto Rico and also Suriname.

The games in Group A and Group B commenced on Monday and will conclude on October 8, while Group C will begin on Thursday and wrap up on October 7.

Rawle Greene (left) is now preparing for the World Championship on November 16.

Kirsten right man to be England head coach - Klusener

Gary Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for South Africa between 1993 and 2004

GARY Kirsten is the “right man” to become England’s next head coach, according to former South Africa teammate Lance Klusener.

Kirsten, who has had spells in charge of India and South

Africa, is reportedly in talks with England director of cricket Ashley Giles.

“What is he going to bring? Loads and loads of experience,” Klusener told Stumped on the BBC World Service.

“He brings winning, so that for me is vitally important.”

Former opening batsman Kirsten, 51, led India to their World Cup triumph in 2011 and was in charge of South Africa when they went top of the Test rankings the following year.

He has also coached Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s Big Bash.

“Gary’s won the World Cup. He’s the right man for the job,” said former allrounder Klusener, who was appointed Afghanistan head coach last week.

“He brings experience in coaching the big T20 leagues around the world. He’s one of those guys that when they do stand

up and speak, people tend to listen, and he’s had that ability since I used to play with him.”

England are looking for a replacement for Australian Trevor Bayliss, who left after four years in charge at the end of the summer.

Under Bayliss, England won the World Cup for the first time but their performances in Test cricket stagnated.

Giles has said that he wants a renewed focus on red-ball cricket.

“Can you lift England white-ball cricket much more?” Klusener said. “What they’ve done is fantastic but their challenge is in Test cricket.

“Kirsten was a phenomenal Test cricketer himself, so he knows exactly what’s needed.”

England begin their tour of New Zealand later this month, playing five Twenty20s and two Tests in November. (BBC Sport).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 03, 2019

From left: Johan Botha, Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Miller and Glenn Phillips.

(Adrian Narine photo)

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Table-toppers Warriors battle Tallawahs at Providence tonight

Haynes, Simmons, Reifer shortlisted for head coaching job

Desmond Haynes has been short-listed for West Indies head coaching job.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Batting legend Desmond Haynes and former head coach Phil Simmons lead the race to be the next fulltime head coach of the West Indies men’s team, with current interim coach Floyd Reifer also making the shortlist.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said yesterday that Haynes, Reifer and Simmons emerged from a list of six candidates that took part in the initial interview process which concluded on Monday – and there will now be a final round of interviews to be completed

by October 11.

“Critical areas discussed were applications of cricketspecific experience, technical

knowledge, performance planning process, performance measurement, performancedriven culture and also CWI’s core values of passion, accountability, respect, integrity and team excellence,” said a CWI media release.

A CWI panel comprising vice-president Dr. Kishore Shallow, who is chairman of the CWI’s human resource committee; CWI director of cricket, Jimmy Adams; CWI human resources manager, Oneka Martin-Bird; CWI independent director, Debra Coryat-Patton; and Englandbased coaching educator Gordon Lord conducted the interviews with the three former West Indies batsmen and other candidates.

Haynes, a former West Indies captain and one half of the most durable opening partnership in the history of the international game, with Gordon Greenidge, had previously expressed interest in the position.

He brings the wealth of a decorated playing career in which he scored 7 487 runs in 116 Tests and 8 648 runs in 238 One-day Internationals between 1978 and 1994.

Haynes had also held the post of batting consultant briefly when Ottis Gibson was head coach and has had coaching stints with several Twenty20 franchise sides in recent times.

Simmons, also a former West Indies opener, was

head coach for close to two years before being sacked in September 2016 following differences with the leadership of CWI – but was scooped up

by Afghanistan and guided the side to the 2019 World Cup in England.

Reifer, a former Barbados and West Indies captain, and long-standing head coach of Combined Campuses & Colleges, is currently interim head coach.

He had guided the side during the limited-overs stages of last year’s tour of Bangladesh before Richard Pybus was controversially appointed to the position for the home series against England and delivered a 2-1 victory in three-Test series, 2-2

Phil Simmons eyeing a return to coach West Indies team

Current interim West Indies head coach, Floyd Reifer

draw in a five-match, One-day International rubber (one game was rained out) and a 2-1 loss in a three-match Twenty20 International series.

Following the England series, a change in the hierarchy of CWI swept Ricky Skerritt and Shallow into power in the posts of president and vicepresident respectively, and Pybus was sent packing just weeks before the World Cup in England following a review of the team’s coaching and selection policies.

Reifer was again installed in the position on an interim basis, but the side has had tepid success under his guidance, winning just two matches against hosts Ireland in a triangular ODI series, where they lost three times, including the final to Bangladesh, before misfiring in the World Cup and losing all but one rainedout match in a home series against India.

“I am pleased to see such high quality West Indian talent and experience in the shortlisted candidates for the head coach position,” said

CWI president Ricky Skerritt.

“I believe that any one of the three finalists would be an excellent choice as head coach, and I wish them every success at the final stage of interviews.”

He added: “On behalf of the board and all stakeholders, I want to thank all of the applicants for coming forward to offer their services for this important leadership role.

“Vice-president Shallow and his research and interview team have been most impressive with their efforts to date, and I want to say thank you to them as well.”

The post of head coach was made vacant, when Australian Stuart Law walked away from the position following the side’s previous tour of India at the end of last year, and there have been three interim appointments since.

South African Nic Pothas held the position for part of the subsequent tour of Bangladesh before the involvement of Reifer and Pybus.

Tridents jump to second after extending TKR’s winless run to five 26 PAGE

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2019