Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-02-2021

THURSDAY 4 th February, 2021

’ No. 106262

$1B ‘West Central Mall’ for Leonora 03 PAGE

–– 325 jobs to be created, investors’ confidence in Guyana 'sky high'

President, Dr Irfaan Ali in the presence of Hemraj Albert and family and others, on Wednesday, turns the sod for the construction of the West Central Mall at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (Office of the President photo)

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

Consumers to be protected against ‘unscrupulous’ businesses 04 PAGE

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

President hopeful Venezuela will cease interferences … as detained fishermen leave for home

By Rehana Ahamad NOW that the detained fishermen and their vessels have been released, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is hopeful that Venezuelan authorities will cease all forms of interferences with Guyanese fishermen.

“We are looking forward to Venezuela acting responsibly and not continue along this line of interfering with fisher-

men or anyone conducting business in our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone),” President Ali said on the sidelines of an activity on Wednesday.

The 12 Guyanese fishermen were detained in neighbouring Venezuela for nearly two weeks. The men left their homes on two vessels approximately one month ago, for what was supposed to have been a routine fishing expedition. However, things took a turn for the worse when a Venezuelan naval

vessel entered Guyana’s territory and apprehended them. The men, and the vessels they were on, the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf, were escorted out of Guyana and detained in Venezuela. The vessels are owned and operated by Guyanese in Essequibo – the disputed territory.

The crew was initially informed that they would be held for 45 days on their boats, pending an investigation. However, following diplomatic engagements, as well as a

number of international calls, Venezuela’s President, Nicholas Maduro intervened, and ordered that the legal proceedings against the men be dropped. The men have since been released and have embarked on their journey home, and are expected to arrive in Guyana either by this evening, or early Friday morning.

President Ali said that he is expecting the safe return of the crew.

Questioned on whether Venezuelan authorities have given any assurances of non-interference, Dr. Ali said, “We have made it very clear that we are not asking for these assurances; this is out right. We will continue to facilitate the economic activity in our area.”

The President said that despite the border controversy, efforts are being made to maintain cordial

diplomatic relations with Venezuela and the people therefrom. He said specifically that Guyana stands willing and ready to engage Venezuela on a number of matters outside of the territorial disputes.

“The Foreign Minister (of Venezuela) did talk to our Foreign Minister (Hugh Todd)…we have reiterated that once there is a need to speak on any issue; the ICJ (International Court of Justice) issue is separate and apart; that is an issue that is not up for discussion,” President Ali asserted.

He said that Guyana has already made its position clear on the territorial matter. “… but we have issues as good neighbours, whether is COVID-19 or so on, we are willing to discuss,” Dr Ali stated.

The President expressed appreciation to

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali the various countries and organisations that have publicly condemned the recent Venezuela interferences, and called for the safe release of the Guyanese fishermen.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all our international partners, CARICOM Heads of Government and all our international partners for adding their voices in a very strong manner on this very important issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, believes that Venezuela’s decision to release the fishermen is an indication that the country “is willing to play by international rules.”

Asked whether he has been assured of an end to Venezuela’s intrusions, the Minister responded, “I am comfortable”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

$1B ‘West Central Mall’ for Leonora –– 325 jobs to be created, investors’ confidence in Guyana sky high

By Rabindra Rooplall PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, turned the sod for the construction of a spanking $1 billion state-ofthe-art mall at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Speaking before the turning of the sod for the US$5 million shopping centre, the President said the investment is among the wave of development sweeping through the country that will see the creation of a number of economic hubs. ‘’It is investments like these that are integrated in those hubs, that will act in a catalytic manner in bringing on investments in other sectors and this adds to the value chain in the creation of jobs and the expansion of the economy,’’ he said.

The new mall is being built by businessman and developer, Hemraj Albert. It is a private sector investment and the President reiterated his govern-

ment’s support for the private sector in advancing growth and development of the country.

“To the Albert family, I want to assure you that the government is not only aware of the environment you are investing in, but we are supportive of the investment by the private sector. We are supportive of the private sector becoming the leading implementer of growth and development whilst the government provides that facilitation role. And this is the role of government, to create the facilitating role so that wealth can be created, jobs can be generated and the private sector play a key and critical role in this,’’ the President said.

The mall, to come on stream, he said, will complement the massive development projects slated for the region. ‘’Region Three has a growing population.

Not only do we have a growing population, but

we will have massive expansion of housing in this region. As a result of that, facilities like these become critical for the service of the region and the service of communities,’’ he said.

And collectively, he noted, all Guyanese must look pass ‘’selfish’’ and narrow political interest and focus on building a better Guyana. ‘’We have a responsibility as Guyanese to promote the development of Guyana. I am not asking anyone to promote the development of a government or political party.

We have responsibilities as patriots, as Guyanese, to positively position our country for every opportunity. We have the chance to do so.

We have Guyanese sacrificing and making life- changing investments to create jobs, to create better communities, but yet, some in the society would seek to even be critical of that,’’

President Dr Irfaan Ali in discussion with the Albert family (Office of the President photo)

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the sod-turning exercise on Wednesday (Office of the President photo) he told the gathering that included the family of Albert and other special invitees.

NEWS DEVELOPMENTS The President also used the opportunity to announce several new developments in the region, including the expansion of banking facilities, the expansion of the housing sector and investments in agro-processing and in the hospitality sector. ‘’So, we are talking about diversification in oil and gas, industrial development manufacturing, base and logistics facilities. And then we also have interests in investment in the hospitality sector here in Region Three and all of this is private interests. In addition to this, one of our largest, local housing developers will soon commence work on the development of a massive medium to upper scale housing communi-

ty—again private investment.’’

Babita Sukhraj, Albert’s daughter, who also spoke at the sod-turning, related that following consultation with family and stakeholders, the name “West Central Mall” was chosen. The mall will include a gym, shopping stalls, business centres, movie theatre, conference facility, fine dining restaurant, supermarket, bars, arcade, food court and adequate parking facility.

It is expected to create some 325 direct and indirect jobs when fully operational.

“The management of West Central Mall will take pride in their social responsibility to the community, stakeholders and the residents of Region Three. All members of society will benefit from the giveaways, holiday hampers and celebrations.

West Central Mall will be the apple of Region Three with the support and in-

volvement of all stakeholders,” Sukhraj said.

President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan, said the US multimillion-dollar investment will stimulate growth in the region. Businessman and investor, Hemraj Albert, who has been in business since 1984, said he had a vision for the construction of the mall for a long time in his head and he is happy to see the commencement of its materialisation.

“The hard work and dedication to my business has led me in achieving this vision, the West Central Mall. I am looking forward for the support from the region and government agencies and, most importantly, the residents of Region Three.

I am sure the mall will bring comfort and joy to the consumers as we are going to ensure the highest quality of service,” the businessman said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Consumers to be protected against ‘unscrupulous’ businesses

By Rehana Ahamad

THE Government is today expected to table, in the National Assembly, a Hire Purchase Bill which is expected to bring significant relief to the majority of Guyanese consumers. During an NCN televised programme called ‘The Parliamentary Agenda’, hosted by Producer Mark Watson, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, explained the benefits of the landmark bill.

Minister Walrond believes that once enacted, the bill will transform the lives of the majority of Guyanese consumers who are unable to make cash purchases of items needed to improve their lives. The min-

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond ister made specific reference to items such as washing machines and motorcars that are usually acquired through credit purchases, at great risks to buyers.

“What we have found is because of lack of regulatory framework for these types of

Thursday February 4, 2021 – 10:00hrs

arrangements, common people are being taken advantage of,” Walrond posited.

She explained that the Hire Purchase Bill will serve as a protection tool for buyers, against “onerous” and “unscrupulous” business establishments.

The minister gave an example of persons having their items repossessed, without notice, having almost completed payments for the item.

“We have had hundreds of complaints of these hire purchase arrangements that have particularly disadvantaged the people,” Minister Walrond noted.

Once the new regulations are in place, Guyanese buyers will have the luxury of mending mistakes that come from impulse purchases. According to Minister Walrond, the bill provides for seven days of “cooling off period”, which would give buyers the oppor-

tunity to return an item that they have regretted buying.

“The seller has to accept it back from you… we have all had buyers’ remorse… you take it home and then you realise, ‘oh, I really shouldn’t have done this’,” minister Walrond reasoned.

She said too that once the bill is passed, it will mandate sellers to explain prices and procedures to buyers, whereas sellers would have to specifically declare cash prices for an item, along with the hire purchase cost of the same item.

This component of the bill, Walrond said, is geared at eliminating financial jargons that often see hire purchase prices being shrouded in secrecy. “If you don’t disclose [the prices], there will be criminal penalties,” the Commerce Minister said.

She noted, too, that while the bill serves as a protection

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh tool for consumers, it will also bring major benefits to businesses throughout Guyana.

The minister pointed to the fact that the advent of a proper framework would also encourage many more persons to make purchases via credit, as it will no longer be a mere risk.

COMPREHENSIVE MODERNISATION Dr. Ashni Singh remarked that the Hire Purchase Bill is an addition to Government’s agenda to comprehensively modernise all areas of Guyana, including the financial and commerce sectors.

“Buying on credit is a staple aspect of life in most modern and advanced societies,” Minister Singh said. He noted that Guyana has many sellers who resort to conducting cash transactions, since there are often faced with concerns of unpredictability and lack of protection that come from entering hire purchase

arrangements.

“As we become increasingly a more modern society, which is unavoidably going to be a society that is going to be characterised by modern ways of doing business, including doing business on credit and hire purchase, it is important that we have a sound and legal framework that will facilitate those transactions and encourage more people to do such transactions, but in a predictable environment,” Dr. Singh noted.

As Guyana continues its course to advancement, the Finance Minister believes that the potential for buying and selling on credit will inevitably increase dramatically.

“Disposable incomes are going to be increasing; people are going to want to acquire these items [vehicles etc] for comfort,” Dr. Singh added.

Nonetheless, the Government is also expected to present a bill to amend aspects of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act which was initially passed in 2003, and further amended in 2015 by the previous APNU+AFC Government. The 2003 Act had replaced the colonial Financial Administration and Audit Act. Additionally, the National Assembly will also be presenting considerations for the amendment of the 2004 Small Businesses Act. These amendments, according to Minister Walrond, are geared at “levelling the playing field” for small businesses. The edits to the Act will also pave the way for small contractors to participate in major infrastructural projects.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Bethany gets $1.9M for agricultural development

By Indrawattie Natram MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, on Wednesday, presented a $1.9M cheque to the Toshao of Bethany, Sonia Latchman, to assist in the community’s agricultural development.

The presentation was made during the distribution of grants from the government’s COVID-19 investment fund to Amerindian villages in Region Two. The event was held at the Regional State House.

In presenting the cheque, Minister Sukhai explained that village councillors had presented a project proposal for the improvement of agricul-

ture. The money given will be used to purchase planting materials and also assist in agro-processing.

The minister also used the opportunity to encourage other councillors from the other Amerindian communities in the region to apply for grants for similar projects.

She said the grant was in addition to the presidential grant.

Additionally, she informed those present that cash grants were available for the enhancement of eco-tourism, agro-processing, and language/ cultural enhancement in the hinterland communities.

“You need to do a project to enhance language and culture. If we

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai presenting Toshao Sonia Latchman and her council with a cheque to help propel agriculture in the community don’t, we will lose our identity, so do projects that will promote the Amerindian language,” Minister Sukhai urged.

The minister com-

mended the Bethany Village Council for its project proposal.

Toshao Latchman thanked the ministry for the additional grant and

said that it will assist residents tremendously.

Latchman said that due to the pandemic many persons in her community were unem-

ployed and as such, they are turning to agriculture.

The grant, she said will therefore be used to assist them to start agricultural projects.

Berbice brothers died from shock, hemorrhage MAHENDRA Ramotar called “Sunny” died as a result of shock and hemorrhage and stab wounds to the abdomen and thorax, a post-mortem report indicated.

A post-mortem was also performed on his brother Surendra Raghunandan called “Ranga” and the cause of death was given as shock and hemorrhage, collapsed lungs and multiple stab wounds to the chest.

The autopsies were done by pathologist, Dr. Vivekanand Bridgemohan, at the Anthony’s Funeral Parlour located at Epsom Village, East Berbice, Corentyne.

On Sunday, January 31, between 21:30 hrs and 22:30 hrs on the Number 43 Public Road Corentyne, Berbice, a 49-year-old Corentyne farmer went berserk and fatally stabbed the two brothers and injured two persons, including their mother Sookmattie Richmond 40. A neighbour, Anthony Persaud, was also injured when he tried to assist one of the brothers during the attack. He was treated at the New Amsterdam Hospital and sent away.

According to information, on the night in question, “Sookmattie” and her husband Randolph Richmond

were involved in a heated argument at their home when “Mahendra” tried to intervene to assist his mother.

He subsequently confronted his stepfather and another argument ensued, which captured the attention of the 49-year-old suspect who was imbibing at a nearby yard. The suspect is Randolph’s brother. An aunt of the two boys, Hemwattie Ramotar, related to the Guyana Chronicle that the suspect came armed with a knife and proceeded to stab “Mahendra” despite the intervention of his mother and others.

After he committed the act, the suspect left the scene and while on the roadway he was confronted by “Surendra” and he “slashed his (Surendra) throat”.

The injured brothers were picked up and taken to the Skeldon and Port Mourant hospitals where they were pronounced dead on arrival. Their mother was taken and admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital where her condition was listed as serious.

The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

A file is being prepared to be sent for legal advice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Freedom and Responsibility FOR SOCIETY to function with smooth and efficient operation, the state must first and foremost ensure that nothing impedes the public good, that every sector of the country respects public order, exercises mature responsibility in living out democratic freedoms, and shows sincere consideration for the public welfare of Guyanese.

Glancing back in hindsight, the nation saw what damage a runaway, irresponsible media culture and wayward social media posts could cause the country. For five years, Guyana suffered heavy socioeconomic slowdown under the Coalition regime, because social media and a wide swath of local mainstream media reports convinced even the local diplomatic corps, but also scores of citizens and professionals, that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government was practising bad governance. But after witnessing five years of the Coalition in office, Guyanese now see the truth, and thankfully, the local media, and even social media, could move on, with the current PPP/C Government’s goodwill at a record high.

However, pockets of discontent remain in the society, dripping irrational cynicism like nagging drops of rhetoric wearing away slowly at the solid foundation of Guyana’s upward trajectory.

One could brush off cynicism from citizens who gossip and talk in the street, but when national media outlets that purport to operate professional communication vehicles resort to constant negativity and emotive rhetoric to influence the public square to impact citizen morale, and to assuage the nation with uninspiring verbiage, it is incumbent

upon the state to exercise its good-governance duty to ensure freedom in the public square is exercised with professional responsibility, ethical leadership, and deep consideration for the public welfare of Guyanese.

The society, in other words, cannot allow, in the name of wanton, unfettered freedom, voices to become entrenched on the national scene that disrupt progress, rather than seek to objectively work for the public good.

This concept of the public good is the single most important tenet of the good-governance principle. Some folks seem to feel that good governance refers only to how the state conducts the nation’s business, but the concept more importantly encapsulates the state guarding and ensuring that the foundation of the society is not disrupted and eroded, through making sure that the public good, public order, and public life function well.

In fostering a social environment of freedom and liberty, full democratic norms, and faith in the ability of citizens to voice and express their opinions, however radical or different or unpopular a citizen’s view might be, the state must nevertheless exercise its duty to make sure that freedom does not descend into anarchy, that nobody, for example, could run through the streets screaming violence and mayhem, that people express themselves within the realms of responsible self-leadership, professional conduct, and ethical consideration for the public good. This is an urgent necessity for the Guyanese society to grow and thrive in peace and to progress with ease.

In other words, although a democrat-

ic society confers much power upon the individual to play a dynamic role in the public space, and to engage with fellow citizens fully respecting the rights of the individual, it is the state’s job to implement checks and balances to ensure no irresponsible person – especially of economic means -- abuses, misuses, or misunderstands this power.

At the recent media luncheon hosted at State House, President Ali expressed government’s gratitude and love for the free media culture that Guyana embraces, noting the role of the media in ensuring democracy prevailed against the Coalition’s attempt to derail the process of free and fair elections. Indeed, the media’s role in the country is absolutely vital, and that role entails not only the idea of freedom, but freedom’s twin – responsibility. Guyana operates a democratic body politic, comprising the independent judiciary, the legislative and executive branches of government and municipal and regional administrations, and the free media landscape, all working together with one goal in mind- the public good of Guyana. And part of the state’s mandate is to guard the public square, guide the national conversation, so that factual information, respect and professional ethics prevail, that responsible leaders take to the stage, rather than any person who feels they could shout hard and long whatever they feel, in a bid to influence public opinion. This might sound like a small thing, but it impacts the foundation of the society, and could cause untold and unnecessary and irreversible disruption of public order, with warped views paraded day in and day out as facts.

The Guyanese nation could only

achieve its magnificent potential if the state makes sure that democratic norms function with reasonably good sense, rational, constructive debates, and responsible objectivity. In President Ali’s address to media operatives at State House, the Head of State showed government’s love for reporters, and assured the audience that the state is fully open for them to ask questions and cover stories, and even to travel with state officials to cover projects around the country. This is commendable. The media’s role is without doubt a great structure in Guyana, providing a feedback loop to officials, so that decisions are always made with citizens in mind. However, the media must exercise this great privilege with responsible ethics and professional respect for the full tenets of what freedom entails.

Given the decades of Guyana’s history whereby there was suppression of the media under the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime, one could understand sensitivity around any idea of causing the media environment to be subjected in any way. Yet, respect for operating in the public square must be the guiding principle of every national media house, with comprehensive training, professional ethics, and responsible leadership self-regulating the public’s voice.

And even with self-regulation of the media fraternity through the Guyana Press Association and other relevant oversight bodies, it is the duty of the state to prevent freedom from descending into verbal anarchy and disruption of society’s smooth operation.

Let us pledge to make the world cancer-free Dear Editor, WORLD Cancer Day is marked on 4th February, internationally, every year. It was established on 4th February, 2000 and it is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

The primary goal of World Cancer Day is to spread awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment and on the other hand reducing fertility.

What is cancer? In simple words cancer is a disease in which there is abnormal growth of cells with potential to harm and migrate to other parts of the body. There are more than 100 types of cancer: for example colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, etc.

Can we actually prevent cancer?

The simple answer is yes. More than one third of cancer cases can be prevented.

Another third can be cured if detected early and treated properly.

We can prevent cancer by changing our and our loved ones’ lifestyles. For example, avoiding smoking, avoiding sun exposure, by exercising, by educating ourselves and others, by proper screening and diagnostic tests, and many more. Is cancer the end of the world?

Having cancer does not mean the end of the world; in fact, it is a journey to a new life and beginning. Though cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, awareness, prevention, early detection by

screening and proper treatment have saved millions of lives.

As a medical student I encourage all my friends to educate loved ones to prevent cancer by early detection through screening, and pledge this World Cancer Day to make this world cancer-free.

Yours sincerely, Harsh Vardhan Singh, Medical Student, Lincoln American University

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Cinemas can reopen if special filters are installed

By Vishani Ragobeer

WATCHING movies in the theatre has been a popular pastime for Guyanese since time immemorial, and once the local cinemas install a special filter to help constrict the spread of the virus, COVID-19, cinemas will finally be allowed to reopen.

This was highlighted by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony on Wednesday during his daily COVID-19 Update. Then, the minister highlighted that an assessment of the cinemas geared at determining how they can be safely reopened was conducted. That assessment yielded the suggestion that cinemas can use Hepa filters.

The Mayo Clinic in the United States explained that High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a type of air filter that removes small particles and contaminants from the air. They can be attached to ventilation and air conditioning systems.

“A HEPA filter does not kill the COVID-19 virus, but the elements that can transport the virus attach to the filter so they cannot circulate in your living area,” the clinic said.

And, Dr Anthony related that these filters have been suggested for cinemas so that even if a patron who is asymptomatic (infected with COVID-19 but not displaying any symptoms) occupies that space, the filter would be able to clear the air of the viral particles which can be transmitted from that person.

“Since those recommendations were made, I am not aware if any of the cinemas would have installed such filters and, therefore, we will have to get another engagement with them to see whether or not they would be installing these,” Dr Anthony said.

He also highlighted that if cinemas are to be reopened, there would be restrictions on the consumption of snacks and drinks, since this would require persons to take off their masks to consume, thereby providing some leeway for the transmission of infection.

Though cinemas have not yet been given the ‘greenlight’ to reopen, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, highlighted that these businesses have felt the brunt of the restrictions due to the pandemic.

And this was confirmed

by General Manager of MovieTowne Guyana, Rochelle Parsram, who lamented that the mall’s cinemas – arguably its biggest attraction – have been closed since March last year.

EASE UP THE RESTRICTIONS Other cinemas have been lobbying for an ‘ease up’ on the restrictions to their operations as they have been forced to temporarily lay off their workers, and they would have not been able to generate any revenues since last year.

Meanwhile, Netflix or Putlocker has been the goto for numerous individuals while their favoured pastime has been restricted.

Should these cinemas opt to secure and implement these HEPA filters, there could be a limited amount of ‘movie time’ once more.

Consideration, however, would have to be placed on cleaning these filters regularly and on ensuring that other COVID-19 measures, such as adequate sanitisation services, are in place.

Updated COVID-19 guidelines have permitted places of religious worship to operate at 40 percent capacity. Meanwhile, indoor dining at bars and restaurants are also permitted at that 40 per cent capacity too.

In addition to ensuring that gatherings at these places of worship do not exceed 40 per cent, a well-placed source highlighted that these religious spaces would be tasked with ensuring that the place of worship is cleaned and sanitised immediately before and after all gatherings or services. Dining will only be permitted between the hours of 04:00 hrs and 21:30 hrs.

Tables must be spaced six feet apart and no more than four persons are to be seated at one table, and each person must be three feet apart.

Sanitisation or handwashing stations should also be provided for persons to use at these spaces; persons should maintain a physical distance of six feet, once they are not from the same household; all persons must wear a

A theatre at Caribbean Cinemas Guyana at the Giftland Mall Guyana Tourism Authority face mask to cover the nose, be avoided. mouth and chin; and, handThe indoor dining at (GTA); the national curfew shakes, hugs or other forms bars and restaurants is remains at 22:30 hrs to of physical contact should being monitored by the 04:00 hrs daily.

US applauds agreement to establish Taiwan office in Guyana THE United States, in a release on Wednesday, has applauded the agreement to establish a Taiwan Office in Guyana.

According to the release from the US Embassy in Georgetown, deepening ties between Guyana and Taiwan will

advance their shared goals of prosperity and security.

“Closer ties with Taiwan will advance cooperation and development in Guyana on the basis of shared democratic values, transparency, and mutual respect,” the US contended.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

GRA, GEA ordered to release fuel seized from Atlantic Fuels Inc –– will also have to pay millions in storage costs

CHIEF Justice Roxane George on Wednesday granted an order directing the Guyana Revenue Agency (GRA) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) to release and hand over seized fuel to Atlantic Fuels Inc (AFI).

AFI is owned by former Chairman of Guyana Water Inc, Dr Richard Van West Charles. Charles, who is the company’s managing director, had sued the Commissioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia; the GRA, and the Chief Executive officer of the GEA, Mahender Sharma over the seizure.

The two agencies had seized and detained 631,184.9 litres of diesel fuel worth over $80M in resale value which was imported

by AFI on November 1, 2020. The legal proceedings commenced on December 22, 2020.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the chief justice agreed with the arguments made on behalf of AFI and declared that the fuel was the company’s property and that Statia and Sharma had acted illegally and unconstitutionally in their actions to prevent the marking and clearance of the fuel, so that AFI could successfully import it.

The chief justice ordered Statia and Sharma to stop violating the constitution and

Chief Justice Roxane George issued two orders of mandamus directing the GEA to mark the fuel and the GRA to subsequently release same, since over $20M in taxes and fees were already paid to facilitate those activities.

The chief justice held that because such taxes and fees were already paid, “it was difficult to see how revenue owed to the state could be lost.”

She also agreed with the submission made by AFI’s attorney that the GEA and GRA had no power under the law to hinder or impede importation of the fuel. She went on to rule that all of the legal justifications and authorities relied upon by Statia and Sharma “were distinguishable” because

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Agency (GRA) Godfrey Statia they did not apply to the circumstances before the court.

Additionally, Justice George ordered that the storage costs which AFI now owes to the ‘Falls’ gas station storage facility, owned by China Zhonghao Inc. and located at Land of Canaan, EBD, be paid by the GRA and GEA. The case was adjourned until March 8 when AFI is expected to confirm the full amount of the storage costs. The adjournment was due to the proceeding being filed two months ago, at which time AFI owed about $4,528,678 for storage.

In an invited comment to this newspaper, one of AFI’s attorneys Siand Dhurjon, explained that the storage

Chief Executive officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Mahender Sharma charges that the two agencies will now have to pay could be as much as $15M. Further, he told the Guyana Chronicle that the agencies’ heads had to be held accountable for their actions.

“Atlantic Fuels Inc has held the heads of the GRA and GEA accountable for their unconstitutional deprivation of its property. For as long as the rule of law exists in this land actions like those of the GRA and GEA will not be tolerated,” he said.

Dhurjon noted that they had argued constitutional principles relating to the fundamental right to hold property to free the fuel from the hands of the GRA and GEA. He remarked that had the commissioner-general succeeded in seizing and detaining the fuel, it is likely that he would have had it auctioned and given to the highest bidder.

CLAIMS Statia had presented to the court an alleged false invoice used by AFI to

Attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon import the fuel, which he claimed gave the GEA and GRA incorrect information about the supplier and the value and quantity of the fuel.

The GRA had told the court that the “full and applicable taxes could not have been determined” and that release of the fuel would result in “significant losses of revenue” to the government.

Sharma had contested to the court that he had the power to refuse to mark the fuel because the fuel was not lawfully imported. He added that he held the view that AFI was not the “true importer” of the fuel but was merely facilitating importation of the fuel for another company, ‘Clean Energy Guyana Inc’.

Sharma claimed that AFI acted in breach of the Petroleum Regulations 2014 when it imported the fuel by way of a false declaration.

He further explained that the company in Suriname, who AFI claimed they purchased the fuel from had sent

a letter saying that they never transacted any business with AFI. Sharma later submitted through his attorney Coleen Sparman, that the GRA had power to seize and detain the fuel based on customs laws.

Statia had pleaded to the court through his attorneys that the revenue agency had the power to seize and detain the fuel because AFI was now charged with false declaration under the Customs Act, and so they therefore had the power to deprive AFI of the fuel because the false declaration “touched and concerned” the fuel.

CRIMINAL CASE Subsequent to the seizure of the fuel, GRA had filed a criminal charge against AFI at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for making a false declaration.

On Monday, during a hearing, Jason Moore of GRA’s Law Enforcement Division had told the court that he “almost had ready two statements of witnesses” in the matter. The GRA had asked for two more weeks to prepare the remaining statements.

Dhurjon, however asked the GRA to reveal the statement that was ready because three months had elapsed since the case is before the court. However, the GRA was unable to do so.

Magistrate Sherdel-Isaacs, who is presiding over the matter, granted the GRA an adjournment and ordered that statements be filed by March 15 so as to allow the trial to commence.

Taxi driver shot dead in La Penitence A 29-year-old taxi driver of West La Penitence, Georgetown was shot dead in North-East La Penitence on Tuesday night.

Dead is Osafo Pollard.

Police said he was shot around 22:30 hrs. Investigators were informed that a loud explosion was first heard followed by persons screaming and running away.

Pollard was seen lying with a wound to the head.

He was rushed to the George-

town Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead.

Police said Pollard was shot once to head and the bullet exited his ear. Pollard was a part of a gathering for a birthday celebration at the time of his death.

Some 40 persons attended the birthday party, in breach of the COVID-19 guidelines.

Police found one spent shell and one warhead sus-

Dead: Osafo Pollard pected to be that of a .32 bullet at the crime scene as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

‘Get your act together’ –– Minister Manickchand tells contractors working on UG projects

MINISTER of Education, Priya Manickchand, on Wednesday, visited the University of Guyana (UG)’s Turkeyen Campus to get a first-hand look at several government-funded projects that are behind schedule.

Three of the projects are being executed at Turkeyen campus, while another is being carried out at the university’s Tain Campus in Berbice. Together, they amount to $490 million.

At the Turkeyen Campus, the three projects are for the construction of a Pump House, costing $24 million; the construction of a new Admin/Bursary building costing $168 million; and the overhauling of the campus’ entire sewage system at a cost of $282.9 million. The project at the Tain Campus involves the construction of a Medex building, to the tune of $48.8 million.

All of the projects were awarded in 2019, and had various completion dates which have since elapsed.

Work on the Pump House project is said to be 85 percent complete thus far, while only 33 percent of the Admin/Bursary building has been completed. Only 15% of the work on the sewage system has been completed.

Minister Manickchand

was accompanied on her visit

by UG Vice Chancellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, and Head of the Engineering Department, Ron Eastman.

During her visit the minister was able to speak with two of the contractors who were on-site, and firmly explained to them that the min-

say you will take ‘x’ amount of time, you have to cater for all of that, which you already know. These are not new issues,” she explained.

She noted that past bugbears such as contractors not meeting deadlines, or changes to contract cost will be seriously addressed going forward.

“There’s a perennial

get the project,” Minister Manickchand expressed.

CONSTANT FLOODING At the site for the new Admin/Bursary building, Minister Manickchand was able to speak to the contractor, and have him explain the reasons for his delays.

She was also provided with an update on the way for-

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, (left) speaking with UG Director of Facilities Maintenance, Bjorn Williams (Elvin Croker photo)

The current state of construction works on the new Admin/Bursary building (Elvin Croker photo) istry is looking for movement that aligns with contractual timelines, and not excuses or delayed works.

“When contractors are bidding for things they have to take into consideration all the problems that can go wrong. So when you bid and

The Pump House that is under construction at UG’s Turkeyen Campus (Elvin Croker photo)

problem with our civil works, of people not finishing on time, and not finishing within the cost.

We have reviews upon reviews [of the project price], and then it becomes unfair, because it means we give it to the contractor who is lower [in price] but by the time the contractor is done with all the reviews or variations you get a contractor who costs more than the contractors who didn’t

ward.

The contract for the Admin/Bursary building was awarded in December, 2019, to S and K Construction/ Consultancy Services and General Supply. The contract is for a three-storey concrete building, that includes an elevator. Its initial completion date was September 21, 2020.

At the site, the company’s Civil Engineer, Shanesh Bridgmohan, explained that the project was set back

somewhat due to a change in location of the building, and issues at the new building site.

“The building was supposed to be constructed on the site of the existing bursary, but we had a last minute change in location, and eventually decided on this spot here. But we had a lot of difficulties with the foundation, because most of the time after the project was awarded the place was always flooded.

It was until after December that we got it off the ground,” Bridgmohan related.

He is now projecting a May 2021 completion date.

Commenting on this project, Dr. Mohammed assented that the new location

indeed suffered from issues of being inundated. It was noted that measures have since been put in place to rectify that.

NO LAGGING BEHIND Minister Manickchand said that the ministry understood the challenges faced, but now that the hurdle has been crossed she expects to see works moving apace.

“Your situation here is peculiar because of the change in location so we would give you a couple of months for that, but we need you to work now to push this,” the Minister See page 11

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Region Two Amerindian villages get $105M from COVID-19 relief fund –– job creation, income-generation among focus areas

By Indrawattie Natram MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, on Wednesday, distributed sums totalling $105M to 10 Amerindian villages in Region Two to boost economic activity and generate in-

The grants, which were sourced from a special COVID-19 fund established by government, will also be used for infrastructural projects in Amerindian communities.

Leaders of Bettany, Mashabo, Capoey, Main-

Monica, Karawab, Wakapoa, and Akawini were presented with grants during a simple ceremony held on the lawns of the regional State House.

The amounts given were dependent on the population size of the respective villages.

In her address, the min-

to allocate $1.73 billion to stimulate economic activities in those communities.

She said the government under the presidency of Dr. Irfaan Ali has recognised the hardships Amerindian villages are facing and to cushion those impacts, an investment fund was established to stimulate economic activities.

The minister explained to the leaders that while they do not have to repay any money, the ministry would like to see evidence of the money being utilised effectively and in a transparent process.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, speaking to the gathering

Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, handing over the COVID-19 cash grant to Akawini Village’s toshao and councillors come during the COVID-19 pandemic.

stay\Whyaka, St Denys/ Tapakuma, Kabakaburi, St

Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, addressing Amerindian leaders

ister explained that she was in the region to distribute monies from the COVID-19 investment fund which aims to help communities deal with the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic.

“The impact in Amerindian villages has been very difficult. Even those communities that have not been severely affected have had an impact because their neighbouring villages in many areas of the hinterlands have had to be on lockdown and when communities are on lockdown the government supports that community,” Sukhai said.

The Amerindian Minister said that the pandemic had a negative impact on the hinterland communities and as such the government decided

Minister Sukhai presenting the cash grant to the Wakapoa’s toshao and village council ment had made a lot of com- due to the pandemic.

De Silva called on the Toshao of St Monica/ mitments to the Amerindian Karawab, Thomas Charles, people, one of which is en- community leaders to ralthanked the minister and her suring that 200 communities ly together and to properly ministry for the funds. He are connected to the Internet. manage the funds to ensure She urged community that they generate income assured her that his village council will be fully utilising leaders to invest in or refur- and job opportunities in the the funds for community de- bish projects within their respective communities. community that can aid in In his remarks, Regional velopment.

Villages in Regions One, providing quality internet Executive Officer, Devanand Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, services to those living in the Ramdatt, noted that the region’s Regional Democratic Nine and 10 will benefit from hinterland areas.

According to the minister, Council (RDC) supports the the fund.

Meanwhile, Minister the learners need access to initiative. He used the occasion to call on the community Sukhai reminded that govern- the internet.

“Those communities that leaders and councillors to are building new infrastruc- conduct beneficial projects, tures can use up to $2M to particularly to boost the edufacilitate the ITC hubs. It cation level of residents. means you have work to do Ramdatt said that the when the funds are disbursed. RDC is working rigorously to The remaining of the fund enhance every sector within will be used for income-gen- the Amerindian communities erating projects. This fund is by ensuring that the services not to be parted up or distrib- offered on the coastland are uted to households but to be available in the riverian areas. used as an investment into an He informed leaders that enterprise that will employ their communities will soon a few villagers and provide benefit from additional medincome,” Sukhai. ical outreaches.

Regional Chairperson, Also present at the event Vilma De Silva, welcomed were Member of Parliathe initiative. She said the ment (MP), Yvonne Peargrants were being distributed son and the Prime Minisat an opportune time when ter’s representative, Arnold many villagers are suffering Adams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

‘Get your act ...

From page 9

commented.

The minister further warned the company that it must now honour its new timeline arrangements, and not lag behind.

“We are very serious about it. You got it so you have to do what you said you would do. Please make sure this is finished or you’re running into trouble with us, and that would mean financial implications for you as well as how we look at you when you bid for other projects with us,” she said.

Meanwhile, regarding the sewage system project, it was revealed that works commenced in January 2021, following a hold up on the commencement order. That project is being executed by S Jagmohan

Hardware Supplies and Construction Services, and is now expected to be completed in November.

Explaining the situation that caused the hold-up of the commencement order, Eastman said the contractor has to fulfill several requirements which are sometimes difficult to do.

“In order for us to issue the order of commencement there are a number of logistical processes that the contractor must ensure that is required and committed to. Those requirements include the necessary bond, and insurances for the project that would guide us should any breach occur. Sometimes the contractor may have difficulties in acquiring the bond,” he said.

Speaking to company’s owner Suresh Jagmohan, Minister Manickchand, cautioned that the project is vital to the proper functioning of the university and it must now move ahead with swiftness.

UG’s Director of Facilities Maintenance, Bjorn Williams, explained that the university’s current sewage structure is wholly inept to manage the demands of the campus.

“The current sewage system would have been around for as long as the university would have been around. However, the university would have initially catered for 2000 students, when we now have in excess of 8000 students. The system cannot take off that

The sewage treatment facility that will form part of the Turkeyen Campus’ new sewage system (Elvin Croker photo)

S and K Construction/Consultancy Services and General Supply, Civil Engineer, Shanesh Bridgmohan, (right) gives Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, (right) an update on the state of construction of the new Admin/Bursary building at the Turkeyen Campus (Elvin Croker photo)

capacity, so works are being done now to have it improved,” Williams informed.

The new sewage system will be one that interconnects all of the washroom facilities on

the campus, feeding them into a treatment facility located at the southern end of the compound.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

IDB Invest supports production of local bread products

IDB Invest, a member of the Inter-American Bank (IDB) Group, has approved a US$4 million loan for an eight-year tenure to Fernandes Guyana Enterprise (FGE), a subsidiary of the Fernandes Group.

The Fernandes Group is one of the main economic groups in Suriname and the market leader in most of the industries in which it operates, including the food sector.

According to a release, the transaction supports the Fernandes Group’s growth strategy outside of Suriname, by financing an increase in FGE’s current bakery production and distribution capacity in Guyana.

This will lead to higher and more efficient local production of bread products, which are an essential part of the Guyanese diet, and the introduction of new, healthier products, while taking advantage of the projected higher spending, additional customer base and new consumption trends in the local market.

The financing also contributes to mitigating the economic and social effects

of the COVID-19 crisis, by protecting food security, promoting new and more specialised employment, and strengthening market linkages in Guyana. The FGE will almost double the number of local suppliers and distributors reached.

IDB Invest will play an important role by providing the company the long-term financing required, currently scarce in the local market.

The transaction potentially contributes to four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): No poverty (SDG 1), Decent work and economic work (SDG 8), Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and Reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Moreover, through this transaction, IDB Invest will support Fernandes Guyana to implement environmental and social best practices, aligned with international standards.

IDB Invest, a member of the IDB Group, is a multilateral development bank committed to promoting the economic development of its member countries

in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector. IDB Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achieve financial results and maximise economic, social and environmental development in the Region.

With a portfolio of $13.1 billion in asset management and 385 clients in 25 countries, IDB Invest provides innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the needs of its clients in a variety of industries, the release concluded.

Lottery company invests $84M in ‘BLAST Gaming Centre’ THE Guyana Lottery Company (GLC) will, on Friday, officially launch its new company-store on Mandela Avenue, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

According to the GLC, the ‘BLAST Gaming Centre’

is an $84M investment that will cater to gamers who enjoy its sport betting, virtual and Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) brands.

“With an ambiance that’s unmatched anywhere in Guyana, gamers will get the chance to ‘cash-in’ on amazing prizes in the comfort of a secured environment,” the company noted in a press release.

In 2017, The Guyana Lottery Company expanded its portfolio with the launch of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) with the Brand Name BLAST; a new and exciting addition to the dimension of games-of-chance already offered.

It is available in more than 25 gaming rooms countywide, from Berbice to Port Kaituma and Kwakwani to Lethem.

“BLAST is a favourite pastime in all 10 Regions of Guyana. The expansion and accessibility are important factors on the Guyana Lottery Company’s radar to

Gaming machines at the Mandela Avenue, East Ruimveldt venue ensure that those who wish and captivate players to play our games are able and will be rolling out to do so conveniently,” the company-owned stores offering fantastic playcompany added.

The Guyana Lottery er-experience, a safe and Company said it will secure environment, recontinue raising the bar sponsible gaming protoby offering new and im- cols and Covid-19 reguproved games that thrill lations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Honour Jaguar Roadmap 2030 –– WWF urges Latin American governments

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has launched the international #JaguarKing campaign on Wednesday to urge 14 governments in Latin America to fulfill their commitment to the Jaguar Roadmap 2030.

The roadmap was launched in 2018 to strengthen protection of the Americas’ largest and most majestic feline, its habitat and benefits for communities settled near the landscapes where this species lives. However, after three years in force minimal progress has been made, the WWF said in a release.

With this campaign, WWF underscores the importance of the jaguar and will ask governments, including Suriname, to advance in the implementation of the Jaguar Roadmap 2030 and launch conservation efforts through four pathways: regional cooperation; development and implementation of national strategies; jaguar-friendly productive practices, and sustainable financing. Likewise, Guyana, together with French Guiana, Nicaragua and Venezuela are asked to join the initiative.

It is estimated that nearly 80 per cent of the entire jaguar population (57,000 out of 64,000) live in the Amazon and the Guianas. The sub-populations found outside of the Amazon are threatened because of the small size of their habitat, isolation, lack of protection and high density of human populations. The Jaguar is already extinct in El Salvador and Uruguay, and virtually gone in the United States.

In the Jaguar Roadmap 2030 Southern Guianas, covering Guyana and Suriname, is mentioned as one of the key biodiversity and jaguar areas in Latin America. It connects with the Amazon in Brazil, which will have to be connected to Jaguar Corridors to give jaguars in isolated habitats the possibility of moving through the continent again. In Suriname, WWF-Guianas will commence its jaguar monitoring this year to define in more detail where jaguars live, also outside the key jaguar area

in the southern part of the country.

This will give insight to define what and where protection measures are needed.

ILLEGAL HUNTING “The relatively intact habitats of the Guianas belong to the few remaining jaguars in Latin America and in order to protect this majestic species, it is vital that we protect the areas where they , and connect the important corridors which maintain connectivity to other habitats in Latin America.

There is no time to lose.

There are worrying signs that deforestation is increasing in the Guianas and with it poaching of jaguars. The animals are illegally hunted for their skin, bones and other parts that are used in traditional medicines. To prevent the king of our forests from getting threatened and ultimately extinct, we need to give them the space to roam through the continent again, by working with communities and other stakeholders and put in place the measures of the jaguar roadmap 2030,” said Aiesha Williams, country manager WWF-Guianas.

The Jaguar Roadmap 2030 includes proposals that mitigate human-jaguar conflict, connect and protect the feline’s habitats and support the well-being of local communities and Indigenous peoples who coexist with it.

It focuses on strengthening the Jaguar Corridor, ensuring the connectivity of 30 priority landscapes including Southern Guianas, in order to guarantee the species’ mobility and long-term survival, since it requires large areas of land to find a mate and survive.

The conservation of jaguar habitats is also fundamental for the livelihood and cultural continuity of the original peoples of Latin America, who are also threatened by deforestation, land-use change for agricultural expansion, irresponsible mining and energy projects, forest fires and urbanisation.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Panthera, Wildlife Conservation

Society and WWF support the Jaguar Roadmap 2030 through work at the national, regional, and transnational level. WWF contributes to the Jaguar Roadmap 2030 with a strategy that focuses on 15 of the 30 priority landscapes, among which is the Southern Guianas. By protecting the jaguar, benefits

such as nature-based tourism and healthy balanced natural habitats will be generated for 53 million people living in the feline’s range.

This underscores the importance of stimulating political will to adopt and activate the Jaguar Roadmap 2030.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Contracts signed for construction of $174M conservancy in West Watooka WEST Watooka, a farming community located in Region 10, will soon benefit from a multimillion-dollar water conservancy as part of government’s efforts to ensure farmers benefit from irrigation all year round.

This was made possible through the intervention of Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, after he visited several communities in the region last month. On Tuesday, the subject minister returned to the mining town for the official signing of the contracts for the consultancy, construction of the dams and construction of the irrigation structures.

While offering remarks during the contract signing, Minister Mustapha said that

Minister Mustapha handing over the contract document to a representative of E&A Consultants with the construction of the conservancy, farmers will soon be able to increase their production.

“When I came here the last time, I mentioned that we were looking to build a conservancy in West Watoo-

ka. Today we are here to sign three contracts to the value of $174,695,640. With the construction of this conservancy,

farmers will benefit from year-round irrigation for their farms. This, coupled with the upgrades to your current drainage system, will help you, the farmers, to improve your production and general farming life. As Minister of Agriculture, I am committed to working with the entire farming community to ensure that this region is known for more than mining. Region 10 will soon be known for its great agricultural potential,” Minister Mustapha said.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Fredrick Flatts, while offering brief remarks, said that persons from the community should assist with monitoring the progress and execution of the works.

“I’d like persons from the community to check out what is happening from time to time so that you have an idea of what is happening and of course, if something is happening that looks wrong you can also speak with our regional engineer. As the direct beneficiaries, we want to make sure you are comfortable with the project throughout the entire project cycle,” Flatts said.

E&A consultants will be overlooking the execution of the project while Kascon Engineering Services and M&P Investment will be

responsible for the construction of dams and irrigation structures respectively.

The subject minister also said that the ministry is working on developing a work programme detailing all the works needed in the region.

“I also said that we would execute some works so that we can enhance the drainage structure. I’m happy to report that from the time of my first visit as Agriculture Minister to now, the machine was here from the very next day and has been in the area working continuously. To date, the machine would’ve completed approximately 4,000 rods of canal. Our engineers will also be meeting with residents and farmers soon so that they can see what works are needed.

They will develop a work plan and submit that report to me so that we can have funds available to execute the works,” Minister Mustapha said.

Meanwhile, Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, said that the project was another investment by the ministry to ensure farmers and the farming community are better off.

Construction of the conservancy, which is scheduled to commence on Monday, is expected to be completed within the next 12 months.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Beharry employee dies following industrial accident at Mandela facility THE Ministry of Labour (MoL) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have both launched investigations into Tuesday’s industrial accident at the Edward Beharry and Company Ltd’s Mandela Avenue location, which claimed the life of a senior supervisor.

Dead is 32-year-old Mark Gomes of Long Pond, West Bank Demerara.

According to reports, the incident occurred at 17:50hrs.

Gomes, at the time, was on duty supervising the transfer of flour from a pressure tank, mounted on a truck, to a silo.

During the process, the pressure tank is said to have

started to make whistling sounds, which prompted Gomes to climb onto the back of the truck to investigate. A hose that was connected to the tank and the silo subsequently became disconnected.

“Reports reaching the Ministry of Labour indicated that the deceased was investigating a hissing sound which emanated from the flour tanker when the cover of the left side pipe blew off, hitting him and caused him to be knocked off the tank,” a statement from the Ministry disclosed.

Gomes was picked up and taken to the Woodlands Hospital where he was pro-

The Edward Beharry and Company Ltd, Area “Y” Mandela Avenue, Georgetown facility

Dead: Mark Gomes nounced dead on arrival by a doctor. The body is presently at the Memorial Gardens Parlour awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The GPF, as part of its investigations, is reviewing CCTV footage of the incident.

According to the MoL, its Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Roydon Croal, of the Occupational Safety and Health Department, has commenced investigations into the circumstances of the accident and its investigations are also continuing.

Drivers charged after fight over passenger TWO Linden men, on Wednesday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face wounding-related charges following a fight over a passenger.

Gavin Munroe also called “Bread Boy” of Amelia’s Ward, Linden and Trevis Thorman also known as “Cutty” of One Mile, Wismar, Linden, both pleaded not guilty to the separate charges read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that Munroe, on December 26, 2020, at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, unlawfully assaulted Trevis Thorman.

Thorman is accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Munroe.

According to the facts of the case, both Munroe and Thorman were at Hadfield Street, Georgetown on the date in question awaiting passengers to enter their respective vehicles. As they both awaited passengers, a misunderstanding arose between the two drivers concerning a passenger and whose vehicle

the passenger should enter.

The misunderstanding escalated into a fight where both drivers began to assault each other. Eventually, Thorman left for his car and returned with a cutlass. He dealt Munroe a chop to his left hand.

Several persons who had witnessed the incident intervened. Subsequently, Thorman was arrested and escorted to Brickdam Police Station where he was told of the allegation and cautioned.

While under caution Thorman reportedly admitted to wounding Munroe. Further investigation was conducted which led to both drivers being charged for the offences committed.

The Chief Magistrate placed Thorman on $40,000 bail, while Munroe was granted self-bail.

Thorman was ordered to return to court on February 10, 2021 while Munroe will make his second court appearance on March 18.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

‘Hetmyer is a good boost for us’, says Bramble

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE upcoming CG Insurance Super50 Cup promises to be one of the most exciting cricket events in the West Indies in recent years.

This will be CG Insurance’s second tournament as the official title sponsor and with cricket making a return to the landscape it will be the first professional tournament of 2021 as fans eagerly await the 19 matches to be played in Antigua.

The action bowls off on Sunday, February 7 to Saturday, February 27.

This will be the 45th time the tournament will be contested as it dates back to 1976 when the teams first played for the Gillette Cup. Set to play in a bio-secure environment, the tournament boasts several notable West Indies senior players in the round-robin tournament, among them white-ball captain Kieron Pollard, Test skipper Jason Holder, limited-over bowling spearhead Sheldon Cottrell and young batsman Shimron Hetmyer.

However, Hetmyer’s teammate, wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble believes the availability of the left-hander will boost the team’s chances.

The 24-year-old Hetmyer was one of several players opted out of the West Indies current tour to Bangladesh due to health-related reasons.

“We have a good squad ... having Hetmyer (Shimron) is really a good boost for us,” Bramble, who played 51 List A games to date, explained.

The 30-year-old further stressed: “The Jaguars’ (Guyana) chances this time look good. It’s a new tournament where all the teams will start at zero point; so once we play to our full strength and ability, the chances of winning will be there. Having said that, on a personal note my aim is to make a huge impact with both bat and gloves.”

Guyana are without a few key players namely pacer Raymon Reifer and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who are both on West Indies duties, while Keemo Paul sits out of the tournament in order to facilitate adequate recovery from an injury.

Sherfane Rutherford, who was considered for selection, has opted to play T/10 and T/20 cricket in Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively, which collectively coincides with his time demands to play for the Guyana Jaguars during the Super50.

The squad is fully cognizant of the hard work that is needed to lift the trophy that has been eluding them over a decade now. Prior to 2005, Guyana reigned supreme in 1980, 1983, 1985, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2003.

Only the six regional franchises are taking part, which means that defending champions West Indies Emerging Players, along with Canada, USA and the Combined Campuses and Colleges will miss out.

This means the six leading franchises – Jamaica Scorpions, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Guyana Jaguars, Barbados Pride, Leeward Island Hurricanes, and the Windward Island Volcanoes – are the only teams competing this year for the Clive Lloyd Trophy.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday February 04, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Sachin Tendulkar-463 ODI matches (2) Sachin Tendulkar-18,426 ODI runs

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who has played most T20 International matches to date?

(2) Who has scored most T20 International runs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Minister Croal’s funds being used to prepare grounds in Matarkai THE addition of Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, as Patron to the Matarkai Sports Council is already helping to get grounds in the Sub-Region of Region One prepared for activities.

This is according to information from the Council’s new Public Relations Officer Sherlon Rodrigues.

Rodrigues, who is a past Chair of the Council, told the Guyana Chronicle that part of the minister’s contribution to the council was used to buy gas and in some instances, catguts to cut the grounds.

So far, Four Mile, Matthews Ridge, Arakaka, Oronoque, Citrus Grove, Canal Bank and Sebai have been targeted with Fizburg Community Centre on the radar.

According to the PRO, the initiative was made through the direction of current Chair Micquel Perez.

Rodrigues noted that the Council is ecstatic to have Minister Croal as Patron.

“The importance of having the minister on board is that it gives us opportunities of being represented at the highest level.”

When he was inducted in December, Minister Croal donated $200 000 to the committee.

Rodrigues said that having the grounds in the sub-region cut would keep community members active and will see a quick return to sporting activities, once the COVID-19 Task Force gives the committee the greenlight.

Prior to the pandemic, some 200 senior athletes played football, volleyball and cricket at the grounds, while a number of juniors also competed.

“We are looking forward strongly for games to resume, with whatever requirement necessary.”

Rodrigues recently took over as PRO after Anetta Blair opted out of the position. The former chair, who did not seek re-election in November of last year was serving as an assistant to Blair to help the transition of the new committee.

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Australian Open players, officials to quarantine after worker tests positive (BBC) - Between 500 and 600 Australian Open players, officials and support staff will go into isolation after a worker at one of the event’s quarantine hotels tested positive for coronavirus.

Yesterday’s play at the six warm-up events at Melbourne Park has been cancelled as a result.

But Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said: “At this stage there is no impact on the tournament proper.”

Players will be free to return to competition after a negative test.

“We will work with everyone involved to facilitate testing as quickly as possible,” said Australian Open organisers.

The Grand Slam tournament, which was pushed back by three weeks to enable players to quarantine, starts on Monday.

Andrews said a 26-year-old man had tested positive for COVID-19 - which could be the UK strain of the virus - after working at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Melbourne’s Central Business District.

The security guard tested negative after his final shift at the hotel on January 29, but returned a positive result after he was tested again on February 2.

This was one of the hotels where some of the 1 000 players, officials and support staff stayed to complete a 14-day quarantine period on their arrival in Australia.

Andrews said the 500600 people connected to the Australian Open were deemed to be “casual contacts” of the man.

“This is one case, there is no need for people to be panicked or alarmed,” said Andrews,

who announced the State of Victoria would return to some restrictions including masks to be worn indoors.

“We have proved as a state very successful in managing these sort of outbreaks and issues.”

Australia has imposed some of the world’s tough-

est restrictions over the past year in a bid to suppress the coronavirus.

Months of strict border controls - both internationally and domestically - have helped limit COVID-19 cases to less than 29 000 and deaths to less than 1 000.

Asked about the im-

pact of the hotel worker’s positive test on the Australian Open, Andrews added: “We have one case and we are going to work very hard to keep the numbers as low as we can. The decision has been made and the event will proceed next week.”

Players, officials and support staff started arriving at the Grand Hyatt hotel in mid-January.

22

Corlette registers second win in National Chess Championship GLENFORD Corlette could be a dark horse in the National Closed Chess Championship after having registered two wins in two rounds at the National Stadium.

Although Corlette’s road to winning the 2020 event (postponed from last year) is difficult, he is currently tied with former champion FIDE Master Anthony Drayton on two points, but having played a game less.

He is, however, yet to face the big three of the final - Drayton, Taffin Khan and Wendell Meusa.

His first-round clash with Meusa which was originally scheduled for last Saturday and pushed to Tuesday afternoon, will now be held on Saturday morning.

Corlette was able to stop 2020 Rapid and Blitz Senior National Champion Davion Mars in Round Three on Sunday and Rai Sharma in a postponed Round Two clash on Tuesday morning.

In his latest victory, Corlette noted, “Mr Sharma playing the white pieces started off with simple blunders of pawns

Glenford Corlette is currently unbeaten on two points. in less than five moves, allowing me to gain an advantage very early. Our game lasted 44 moves. Improving on openings will greatly improve his game.”

In Round Four, Corlette should fancy his changes against Errol Tiwari and his battle with Loris Nathoo (Round Seven) could go either way, but defeating Meusa, Drayton (Round Five) or Khan (Round Six) would be a difficult task.

After having defeated defending champion Drayton, Khan has the advantage, but the final is still too close to call.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Familiarity breeds success for disciplined Warrican

(CMC) – Three years ago, Jomel Warrican starred with a six-wicket haul in the opening Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Yesterday, the 28-year-old made good use of familiar stomping grounds to claim three for 58 to restrict Bangladesh to 242 for five and help West Indies claim a share of the honours on the opening day of the first Test.

Pointing out the pitch had not spun excessively, Warrican said it had been important to be consistent, especially against batsmen not looking to be overly aggressive.

“It (pitch) was very similar (to 2018). The day one pitch was very flat and good for batting and as the game continued, it started to spin a bit more but playing here has been good for me and I just want to keep performing here,” Warrican said in reference to his last trip here. “(This time around), I wouldn’t

say I had a lot of assistance. I got some balls to turn but they weren’t turning consistently to say (the pitch) was assisting you all the time, so you just had to be consistent and bowl the ball in the right areas.”

He added: “(It was about) being disciplined and being accurate at the same time, and setting the right fields.

“The pitch is very good for batting. When the ball was a big harder (Rahkeem Cornwall) got some turn but as the ball got older, you could see how good the wicket was, and you had to be disciplined in order to get wickets and build pressure.”

Introduced into the attack in the last over before lunch, Warrican had to wait until the second hour after the interval before tasting success when he got captain Mominul Haque (26) to whip a catch to John Campbell at short mid-wicket.

He then accounted for opener Shadman Islam in the penultimate over before tea, lbw sweeping at a

full-length delivery, for a top score of 59.

His third wicket arrived on the stroke of the final hour of the final session when he had Mushfiqur Rahim caught low down at slip by Cornwall for 38.

Warrican said one of his key battles was against the patience exhibited by the Bangladeshi batsmen.

“I think they played well, they kept their patience for a bit. I think as a bowling unit we let them off in the last session,” he explained.

“It didn’t show how good we bowled because we were controlling the scoring very well.

Having said that, ‘well done’ to the bowling unit.

“I find they (batsmen) like to hang back a lot so therefore you try your best to bring them on the front foot as much as possible because when they play back they have a lot of time.

“So the more I brought them on the front foot, the more I asked questions.”

Warrican bags three but Bangladesh fight back late (ESPNCRICINFO) - The West Indies bowlers did well to keep Bangladesh in check for the most part of the opening day of the first Test in Chattogram before the home side wrested back some control in the final session.

After being 140 for 4 at tea, Bangladesh added another 102 for the loss of one more wicket in the evening to finish the day on 242 for 5, the unbroken sixth-wicket stand between Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das worth 49. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was the most successful bowler for West Indies, picking up three wickets.

The day started with Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel struggling to get their lengths right and erring consistently on the fuller side after Bangladesh opted to bat on a placid pitch. The first ball of the match, a half-volley from Roach, was driven through the covers for four by Shadman Islam. Two overs later, Roach presented a similar opportunity to Tamim Iqbal and the batsman

didn’t miss out.

The lack of assistance from the pitch meant West Indies were a bit conservative with their field placements too - Gabriel got a couple to bounce a bit, but the slow nature of the pitch meant there wasn’t enough sting in them.

Given those conditions, Iqbal would be disappointed with himself - he was on 9 when a Roach delivery came in from the around-the-wicket angle and found the gap between bat and pad to clatter into the stumps.

Like the two openers, Najmul Hossain Shanto too opened his account with a boundary off Roach. Islam and he batted calmly and added 43 for the second wicket before a misunderstanding led to Shanto’s run-out. Islam worked Kyle Mayers towards the right of fine leg and called for two but Shanto hesitated before taking off. Roach fired in the throw to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva, who relayed it to the bowler to catch Shanto well short.

West Indies made further inroads in the second session as Warrican picked

up the wickets of Mominul Haque and Islam in a passage of play where both teams looked happy to play defensive cricket.

The West Indies bowlers were much tighter with their lines and lengths after lunch. They also deployed in-out fields, which meant that on the rare occasions when the bowlers presented scoring opportunities, Bangladesh batsmen couldn’t really cash in. Except for the one Mayers over, when the bowler lost his length and gave away two easy boundaries, the runs didn’t come easily for the hosts.

Their approach of not trying to rotate the strike enough also didn’t help.

That reduced the contest to a battle of attrition, in which Haque was the first to blink. The Bangladesh captain skipped down the pitch against Rahkeem Cornwall and Warrican only to miscue the shots over mid-on.

The next time he tried to do it, against Warrican, the ball dipped, Haque failed to keep his attempted whip down, and John Campbell held on

to a juggling catch at short midwicket.

Islam brought up a measured half-century before falling to Warrican in the penultimate over before tea. The batsman went for the sweep only to miss and be struck in front of middle and leg. He had a chat with his partner, Mushfiqur Rahim, about whether to review or not, but decided against it. Had Islam reviewed it, the decision would have been overturned as replays showed the ball was spinning past the leg stump.

At that point, Bangladesh were placed precariously on 134 for 4. That, however, didn’t deter Rahim and Shakib to bat positively in the final session.

The first four overs after tea produced 20 runs as the two experienced batsmen hit four boundaries. They didn’t hesitate in taking quick singles either and suddenly West Indies were just looking to plug the flow of runs. With the ball getting soft, West Indies opened up the field and the singles were available easily. But Shakib and Rahim were alert to quick singles

as well.

When Kraigg Brathwaite brought himself on, Rahim was his usual adventurous self, going deep in the crease to manufacture the desired length and even scooping him to the fine-leg boundary.

Shakib and Rahim had added 59 for the fifth wicket when Warrican dismissed Rahim against the run of play. Having moved to 38, Rahim looked to defend Warrican only to edge to first slip where Cornwall took a low

catch.

Das could have been on his way back soon after, but debutant Nkrumah Bonner failed to latch on to a sharp chance at forward short leg off Cornwall. That was on the last ball of the 80th over and West Indies opted for the new ball straightaway.

That worked in Bangladesh’s favour, though, as they took 40 runs from the last ten overs of the day, with Das scoring 32 of them.

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH 1st innings Shadman Islam lbw b Warrican 59 Tamim Iqbal b Roach 9 Najmul Hossain Shanto run-out 25 Mominul Haque c Campbell b Warrican 26 Mushfiqur Rahim c Cornwall b Warrican 38 Shakib-al-Hasan not out 39 Liton Das not out 34 Extras: (b-2, lb-2, w-5, nb-3) 12 Total: (5 wkts, 90 overs) 242 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-66, 3-119, 4-134, 5-193.

Bowling: Roach 16-5-44-1, Gabriel 17-3-51-0 (w-1), Cornwall 22-1-56-0, Mayers 7-2-16-0, Warrican 24-5-58-3 (nb-3), Brathwaite 4-0-13-0.

Toss: Bangladesh.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 4, 2021

Golden Jaguars hoping for friendly before Soca Warriors clash ... Maximo encouraged by enthusiasm of local players

By Rawle Toney

WITH Guyana getting set to face Trinidad and Tobago on March 25 in the Twin Island Republic, head coach of the Golden Jaguars, Marcio Maximo, is hoping to land an International Friendly in order to properly prepare for their 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifier campaign.

Maximo, speaking to Chronicle Sport recently, said Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pushing hard and making all the calls needed to pull-off a match by the end of February or early March.

Guyana’s opening CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier opposition, Soca Warriors, fell 7-0 to Confederation powerhouse USA last Sunday, but Maximo isn’t making much of the game, or the result.

Maximo insisted that Trinidad are still one of the better teams in CONCACAF, more so in the English-speaking Caribbean and as such, the team that faced Gregg Berhalter in Orlando, Florida will not be the side lacing-up against Guyana.

The former Brazilian national youth coach felt the USA game, for Trinidad, presented a good opportunity for coach Terry Fenwick to test the domestic players on his roster and also allowed him a chance to see first-hand what some of his overseas-based recruits had to offer.

Getting it right! Golden Jaguars head coach Marcio Maximo during training.

According to Maximo, “The pandemic affects all countries around. Some countries were able to make a friendly match, while some were not. And those who were able to get a match, probably would gave made those plans in advance, so GFF is trying to get a match, so that we can see the domestic players because our overseas players are still in competition.”

“So we’re hoping to get a friendly match at the end of February or early March. The guys come to training, work hard; so we have

to reward them and must be able to see what they are capable of against another country,” Maximo noted.

The Brazilian, known for his pro-local approach, pointed out that “the average age of the national team now is about 23 years. That is very low and it’s good, so now, we just have to give experience to them so I’m confident that we can go further in the qualifiers.”

Meanwhile, asked about an alternative to not having an international friendly, Maximo said, “There’s no substitute plan because this

is not a problem that’s facing Guyana alone.

So, we practice every day and we raise the bar to make it more realistic like a game situation; but we need a friendly match and we should understand the reality. We have to fix the gap between us and some of the teams who are getting friendly matches.”

The Golden Jaguars were drawn in Group F of the Qualifier alongside Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and St Kitts & Nevis.

After their clash with the ‘Trinis’, Golden Jaguars will return home to roar against The Bahamas on Tuesday, March 30.

On Friday, June 4, Guyana will travel to St Kitts & Nevis for their third game and then host Puerto Rico on Tuesday, June 8.

Guyana last faced Trinidad and Tobago during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where, despite a beautiful goal scored by Neil Danns, the two sides ended the match with a 1-1 draw.

Guyana only played Puerto Rico twice at the senior level internationally, with the U.S. territory winning 2-0 in 1993, and Golden Jaguars, with a goal from defender King Solomon Austin, winning 1-0.

The clash against St Kitts and Nevis will mark the third meeting for Guyana, but it will also be the first time the two countries are meeting during a World Cup qualification tournament.

Guyana Lottery takes ‘gaming’ to new heights with $84M investment … rolls out new gaming centre on Friday

ON Friday February 5, the Guyana Lottery Company (GLC) will officially launch their new company-store on Mandela Avenue, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The ‘BLAST Gaming Centre’ according to a release from the company, is an $84M investment that will cater to gamers who enjoy their sport betting, virtual and video lottery terminals (VLT) brands.

In 2017, Guyana Lottery Company expanded its portfolio with the launch of the VLT’s under the BLAST brand; a new and exciting addition to the dimension of games-of-chance already offered.

Available in more than 25 gaming rooms countywide, from Berbice to Port Kaituma and Kwakwani to Lethem, BLAST is a favourite pastime in all 10 Regions of Guyana.

The expansion and accessibility, a

release said, are important factors on the Guyana Lottery Company’s radar to ensure that those who wish to play their games are able to do so conveniently.

“The Guyana Lottery Company will continue raising the bar by offering new and improved games that thrill and captivate players and will be rolling out company-owned stores offering fantastic player-experience, a safe and secure environment, responsible gaming protocols and COVID-19 regulations,” said Rawle Toney, the company’s Brand Ambassador.

According to Toney, homage will be paid to some of sports biggest stars, both locally and internationally, with former National player, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and former National cricketer, Steven Jacobs, being on hand to officially open the building to the public.

Life-size images of Gregory Richardson and Steven Jacobs mounted at the new Guyana Lottery Company Gaming Centre.

Jomel Warrican and Jermaine Blackwood celebrate a wicket, Bangladesh vs West Indies, 1st Test, Chattogram, day 1, February 3, 2021.

FLASHBACK! Guyana’s Pernell Schultz (#12) is in control of the ball in midfield against Trinidad at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The game ended 1-1.

Golden Jaguars hoping See story for friendly before on page 23 Soca Warriors clash ... Maximo encouraged by enthusiasm of local players

Warrican See story on page 22 bags three but Bangladesh fight back late Shimron Hetmyer

‘Hetmyer is a good boost for us’, says Minister Croal’s funds being used See story to prepare grounds in Matarkai on page 21 Bramble Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, (right) is Patron of the Matarkai Sports Council.

See story on page 20

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021