Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-01-2021

TUESDAY 5th January, 2021

' No.106233

Rice earnings top $51B

–– stakeholders aim to export 650,000 tonnes this year SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

Labour Chief meets GAWU, NICIL today --Union accuses NICIL of dismissing 60 workers without warning --NICIL says decision to ‘separate from workers’ in keeping with Wales’ transformation

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COVID-positive 11 students isolated, being taken care of PAGE

Amazonia Mall to hire 250 persons SEE PAGE 15

–– opening date to be announced soon; all spots rented A section of the massive Amazonia Mall at Providence, on the East Bank Demerara (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Labour Chief meets GAWU, NICIL today –– Union accuses NICIL of dismissing 60 workers without warning

–– NICIL says decision to ‘separate from workers’ in keeping with Wales’ transformation

By Vishani Ragobeer THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) has accused the state-owned holding company, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), of firing approximately 60 workers on December 31, 2020, who were employed at the Wales Sugar Estate on the West Bank of Demerara.

“The workers were mainly engaged in providing security as well as other labouring tasks. The sudden termination dumbfounded the workers who were completely unprepared for the bombshell announcement,” GAWU said in a statement on Monday.

The union said that such actions appear to be antithetical to the incumbent administration’s efforts to “breathe life back into the former estate communities” and even said that the state-owned holding company was undermining the government’s efforts.

NICIL, however, insisted that developmental efforts are underway at the Wales Estate and these efforts are part of the government’s vision to revitalise the sugar industry.

General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine

"NICIL’s actions to separate from fortnightly paid workers were in full support of its intent to ready the estate for the ultimate transition," a release from NICIL stated.

This transition, NICIL said, is the development of the flagship project known as the Wales Development Authority (WDA) from the estate. This project will benefit from special incentives which, in turn, will benefit from a special tax regime to motivate investors in manufacturing, industrial development, warehousing, connectivity and wharf development. And, in light of

this, NICIL began re-organising its operations across its varied locations; since 2017, most of the equipment and machinery of the Wales Estate were transferred to other estates to enhance their operational efficiency and optimise their operations.

Other remaining assets were utilised in NICIL’s Rice Cultivation Project, which was discontinued in October, 2020, given that it was not feasible to continue thereafter. As at December 31, 2020, the state entity indicated that it maintained 49 fortnightly paid workers. These workers were deployed in various fields

including administration, compound maintenance, field workshop, agriculture and security. There were 32 security workers on record, making up a majority of the workers maintained.

These security workers were allowed to secure employment through the recently engaged private security company and the other workers would be contracted as necessary on an ad-hoc basis to provide maintenance services on the Estate. The NICIL statement also noted that it would have further facilitated the employment of several workers by referring them to the independent security company which is now tasked with securing the immovable assets of the Wales Estate during this brief transition phase.

REPRESENTATION Meanwhile, GAWU also accused NICIL of attempting to thwart workers’ efforts of securing a union of their choice ahead of the dismissal. The union indicated that the workers at the Wales Estate approached the union to speak on their behalf and

by November 6, last year, GAWU applied to the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) to be recognised as their bargaining agent. The board approved the conduct of a survey, in keeping with the Trade Union Recogni-

tion Act, that would determine whether the GAWU enjoyed the workers support.

The union said attempts to commence the survey were short-circuited by the NICIL which, on two occasions, did not turn up for meetings organised by the TURCB to commence the process.

“Subsequently, NICIL, by letter of December 11, 2020, wrote the TURCB seeking to commence the process, strikingly, on December 31, 2020. The Board, having considered the letter, had acquiesced to the request.”

But, this was eventually revealed as the last day of work for the workers, and GAWU said such actions brought back painful memories for the union which faced similar challenges as it confronted the plantocracy in seeking recognition on behalf of the field and factory workers in the sugar industry.

“It is unbelievable, for us, which, in this 21st century, workers must still face such travails to secure union recognition. Worse yet, such actions are initiated by a company that is owned by the State,” GAWU lamented.

On Monday, GAWU wrote TURCB Chairman, Dr N.K. Gopaul, apprising him of the developments at the estate. The body highlighted that the actions of the NICIL are in grave contravention of the Trade Union Recognition

The Wales Sugar estate

Act and emphasised that the Act has identified such conduct as criminal. Resultantly, GAWU is seeking the Board’s immediate intervention to apprehend the matter and ensure that the workers’ rights are upheld.

In response to this, NICIL said when it received the letter from TURCB, plans were already in train to effect the transfer of the Wales Estate to facilitate the creation of the WDA. MEETING TODAY On Monday, General Secretary of GAWU, Seepaul Narine, told the Guyana Chronicle that both NICIL and GAWU will be meeting with the Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, on Tuesday, at 11:00hrs.

“They haven’t put forward any reason (for firing the workers)… well, no reasons were given to the employees (but) the company agreed today that they have obligations and they will have to fulfil those obligations,” Narine said.

At this meeting, he reasoned that it will be determined whether the workers will receive severance payments or some other redress.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Rice earnings top $51B

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–– stakeholders aim to export 650,000 tonnes this year

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S rice industry has not just been a producer of a staple in the diet of Guyanese, but it has also served as a lucrative source of revenue for the country over the years, with 2020 being no different, as this industry raked in US$236.2 million (over G$51B).

This was earned from the exportation of 574,312 tonnes of paddy, rice and rice by-products during the past year. During 2020 (January-December), Guyana exported rice and rice products to 40 countries.

The major importing countries were Jamaica, Trinidad, Belgium, Holland, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Columbia, Haiti, Honduras and Venezuela.

Minus tallied statistics for December 2020, which was not available at presstime, based on information shared with the Guyana Chronicle, exports for January to November 2020 totalled 549,066 tonnes, valuing over US$225 million.

In 2019, for the corresponding period, Guyana exported 481,2l2 tonnes, and earned US$201 million.

This represents a growth in exports by 67,854 tonnes, and an increase of US$23 million in export earnings for the local staple.

According to further information shared with this newspaper, 1,057,580 tonnes of paddy, which is

There are two rice crops annually: The first (spring) and second (autumn) crops.

The second (autumn) crop is planted around April-June, and is reaped in the September-October period, while the first (spring) crop is planted in November-December and harvested in March-April.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

equivalent to 687,427 tonnes of rice, were harvested for 2020.

In Guyana, rice is an important source of livelihood. Approximately 6,020 farmers produce rice in several regions throughout Guyana. There are 43 licensed rice millers, and 22 registered exporters of rice. Rice accounts for 3.3 per cent of Guyana’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 20.5 per cent of agriculture GDP. This industry is currently the largest agricultural sub-sector in Guyana; it is by far the greatest user of arable lands, and several thousands of families directly and indirectly associated with the industry.

According to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), rice is cultivated primarily along the coastal belt in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo. Rice-growing areas also include Leguan and Wakenaam.

EXTREMELY WELL For the period on record, January to November 2020, the rice industry performed “extremely well” despite industry challenges. Harvesting for the second-crop

is ongoing, and is 99.88 per cent completed.

Some 92,520 hectares of land were cultivated for the first crop of 2020, producing 535,517 tonnes of paddy equivalent to 348,086 tonnes of rice, while 94,132 hectares of land were cultivated for the second crop, producing 522,054 tonnes of paddy, which is equivalent to 339,335 tonnes of rice.

Guyana will be looking to export 649,480 tonnes of paddy, rice and rice-by products, valuing close to US$ 257.3 million, in 2021.

It was reported recently that Guyana’s newest rice variety, GRDB16, has the potential to increase Guyana’s rice output significantly, as the government looks to using this crop to help ensure the country’s development.

Based on past reports, this variety of rice has the potential to produce up to 60 bags per acre, which is equivalent to an average nine tonnes per hectare. The GRDB16 has already demonstrated several qualities that have been desired by rice farmers for a number of years.

The GRDB16 had the characteristics of a premium game-changing variety which maintained its greenness throughout the crop, didn’t lodge as fast as the other varieties, and can come through standing water of up to nine inches. It was also noted that the GRDB16 takes only 110 days to reach maturity.

For the past 15 years, the GRDB has been releasing new varieties of rice to farmers, each demonstrating improved characteristics over the previous one.

A shipment of rice being loaded for export

Men serving 81 years for murder file appeal FOUR men, who are each serving 81 years in prison for the gruesome murder of 72-year-old, Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris, have moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to have their conviction and sentence overturned.

Convicted are Orwin Hinds of Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Kevin October of Agricola EBD; Cleon Hinds; and Roy Jacobs of Evans Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

In November 2015, Justice Navindra Singh, at the Demerara High Court, sentenced the quartet after a 12-member jury found them guilty of the offence. Dissatisfied with the conviction and sentence, the men moved to the appeal court, arguing that the trial was unfair, the judge erred in law and that the sentence was unduly severe. The men are also contending that the trial judge admitted evidence that was prejudicial to a fair trial.

The appeal comes up for hearing at the Guyana Court of Appeal on January 28, 2021.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the four men murdered Fiedtkou-Parris pursuant to an arrangement whereby money was to be passed from one person to another.

On the evening of June 30, 2011, two men went to Fiedtkou-Parris’ Robb Street, Georgetown house and asked for ‘Auntie’,

a title by which she was called. They were directed up a sidestep and as Fiedtkou-Parris emerged from her bedroom, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot her several times to the upper part of her body.

The men then escaped into a waiting car while the injured woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dead: Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris

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Eureka Lab says it can detect mutated COVID-19 strain

THE Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc. has affirmed that it is capable of identifying persons infected with both the common and mutated strains of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. At the end of 2020, many countries began taking measures to ban travel from the United Kingdom (UK) after a more transmissible strain of COVID-19 was becoming increasingly prevalent there.

By December 31, the first case of that strain, or variant, was recorded in the United States. At the time, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said that Guyana does not have the capability to define the different strains of the virus, and instead has to await guidance from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

On Monday, however, a release from the Eureka Lab-

oratory posited, “We would like to reassure our valued customers and partners that the assays [investigative procedures] we are currently using to detect SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are capable of successfully identifying persons with either the common strain of the virus or its mutated variants.”

The establishment has identified three different variants of the virus, and said that it is committed to meeting the diagnostic challenges that identifying these variants may pose.

Eureka also continues to remain “vigilant and proactive” in ensuring that the testing provided meets rigorous international standards, and also the expectations of its customers.

Tuesday January 5, 2021 –– 9:30HRS

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Guyana now has GAWU applauds $25,000 166 COVID-19 payout to public servants –– hopes there will be more deaths relief for sugar workers ––21 new cases recorded from 373 tests

AN 85-year-old man from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is the latest COVID-19 fatality, and his death takes the total fatalities from this virus to 166, according to the Ministry of Health.

On Monday, the Health Ministry sent a statement to the press indicating that there were two additional fatalities: A 70-year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and an 85-year-old from Region 10. The Guyana Chronicle, however, had reported on the death of the 70-year-old man since Saturday, after being able to confirm this with reliable sources. The ministry said that both persons died while receiving care at a medical facility.

In addition to these two deaths, there have been 21 new cases recorded across Guyana, leading to a total of 6,379 cases since March 2020. The new cases were recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini) 3; Two (Pomeroon – Supenaam) 7; Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) 1; Four (Demerara-Mahaica) 5; Five (Mahaica-Berbice) 1; Six (East Berbice-Coren-

tyne) 1; and Ten, 2. They were also recorded from eight men and 13 women.

There are currently 299 active cases of the virus.

Four of these cases are being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); nine persons are in institutional isolation; 264 in home isolation; and 22 in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic; that is, they are not exhibiting any symptoms.

Additionally, 37 persons have recovered, taking the total number of recoveries to 5,936.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from January 1, 2021, until January 31, 2021. All persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important.

The current curfew time is 22:30 to 04:00h. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

Sugar workers in action

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) says that the $25,000 payout recently announced by President Irfaan Ali will be able to assist workers, particularly the sugar workers, who they say were discriminated against since 2015.

On December 31, President Ali announced a oneoff grant of $25,000 to all public servants, sugar workers and pensioners. The grants, he said, will “assist these workers to cope with the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

GAWU said on Monday in a press release, “We recognise that the grant comes on the heels of several other measures taken by the Administration to ease the cost-of-living, and to put more monies in the pockets of ordinary Guyanese.”

Importantly, too, the Union, which represents the rights of agricultural

workers, including those employed by State-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), acknowledged the President’s attempts to end “the haughty discrimination” meted out to the sugar workers since 2015.

The inclusion of these workers in the grant for public sector workers, GAWU said, is a tangible demonstration of the Government’s stated intention to treat all equally. The President has emphasised his commitment to continuously support and revitalise the sugar industry.

The Union, however, said, “We recognise there is still some ways yet to go, but we hold, too, that the last few months seem to indicate that better times are ahead. Undoubtedly, our people look forward to such reprieves, especially considering the taxing burdens they had to fetch during the stint of the Coalition.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Heavy rain causes more flooding in Region Two

–– residents concerned about water-borne illnesses

By Indrawattie Natram HEAVY rainfall during the last few days, coupled with poor drainage has resulted in flooding in several parts of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and regional authorities are currently working feverishly to bring relief to residents.

The main canal in the Lima Conservancy remains full, and this build-up of water is flowing into nearby areas. While the rain is hampering efforts, 10 pumps have been put into operation to assist is draining the water from the land.

Areas such as Dredge Creek, in the Lower Pomeroon; Lima; Walton Hall; Richmond; and Lima Sands are currently flooded. The floodwater has inundated lower flats, poultry pens, and kitchen gardens.

The Guyana Chronicle reported in its Monday edition that Charity has been experiencing severe flooding since Boxing Day. The Xenon Hotel, the market, and the housing scheme have been most affected. There wasn’t much change to the situation on Monday, as the more recent heavy rains ensured that yards and bottom flats remain flooded.

Residents living at Richmond said the high level of water came on New Year's

A flooded yard in Lima Sands. The water also flooded the lower flat of the residence

The water level in the main conservancy at Lima Sands on Monday

Day. The water flooded their kitchen gardens, and hundreds of acres of rice fields in that area. Several housewives told this newspaper on Monday that on the first day of the year, they were busily moving kitchen utensils, electrical appliances, dining sets and other valuables to higher grounds.

According to them, the area has poor drainage, and they used the opportunity to call on the local authorities to investigate and put corrective measures in place.

Lima Sands residents related that their community has been under water for four days. The water currently gushing into their yards is mainly from the swollen

conservancy. Many of the residents are concerned about their health.

“The raining is continuous, and the water just remains on the land. There are children playing in the water, and this can cause them to get sick, because some people have latrine toilets,” Shyam Lall, a resident of Lima Sands, related. A similar concern was shared by other residents of Lima, and several from the other affected communities.

Meanwhile, Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Odit confirmed that the region is experiencing flash-flooding.

Odit said that he and a team comprising of engineers and overseers visited

several of the affected areas to assess the situation. He explained that the water level at the main canal at Lima is constantly rising due to the heavy rainfall.

Ten pumps were put into operation in areas such as Charity, Taymonth Manor, Lima, Anna Regina, La Union, Devonshire Castle, Windsor Castle, Capoey, Hampton Court, and Three Friends.

Additionally, several sluices are also pumping

The state of a yard in Region 2 on Monday

water off the land.

A team from the regional administration and the

National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is currently monitoring the situation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Towards good parenting

Absconding fathers – whether they are domiciled in the home or not -- have precipitated severe dislocations in family structures, societies, and ultimately in nations; but there are also many instances of neglectful, abusive mothers when fathers have to assume the dual parental roles.

There are also extended relatives who play pivotal roles in bringing up children – elder siblings and grandmothers, for instance.

Parenting a child means being there every step of the way – guiding them, teaching them practical survival skills, having their backs in times of travails. But most importantly, parenting a child means inculcating into them a moral compass whereby they could become good human beings and exemplary citizens, above all.

Mothers see their adult children always with the heart, no matter how old they grow; and those caring hearts never cease to bleed when they see their children in pain, or being taken advantage of.

A good parent’s reward is experiencing

the joy of a child maturing into adulthood, whereby they become responsible members of the general society, with all that this implies.

Bringing up children and nurturing them to adulthood is at all times a difficult undertaking for parents; but more so for single parents and extended family members who, because of circumstances, are constrained to bring up a child who is not their own.

For those parents supportive of each other, with extended family also being part of the nurturing synergies for a child, in most instances that child grows up to fend adequately for him/herself – emotionally, psychologically, financially, in all the ways that matter.

In single-parent households, however, or even in households where the father absconds from his responsibilities and, to boot, is abusive and a bully who demands what he has not earned, thereby robbing his children of the basic necessities of life, the children may grow up with a lot of emotional and psychological baggage.

Many times mothers are forced to work long hours to provide the basic necessities for her family, only to be bullied out of her earnings by profligate, degenerate fathers, leaving the children in dire want and deprivation.

The anomaly is that if a mother, for whatever reason, remains in the abusive situation, the children grow up to resent the mother, mainly for being absent at crucial times in their lives, or for allowing herself and them to be subjected to the abusive and impoverished situation imposed by a non-constructive, non-productive husband and father.

The children in turn oftentimes adopt the father’s aggressive, disrespectful attitude toward their mother, which distorts their moral compass. This disrespect and/or neglect of mothers who gave their all, albeit it may not have been sufficient to stave off hunger and loneliness at all times, often lends to situations where there is no mutual support system when the children become adults, and it may even translate into consequential disrespect from grandchildren.

Parents should be made to feel special, loved and respected every day, not just on holidays: merely giving them a gift then neglecting them every other day. These highly commercialised affairs, whereby children engage in a one-stop-shopping spree in equal measure shop for gifts for friends, aunts, the mothers, sisters and “child-mothers” of spouses; and then probably fitting their own parents somewhere in the motley collection, in no way signifies any special relation, especially a child’s love, loyalty and respect for their parents.

Parents should shun such material and empty gifts as being unworthy of that special bond that should exist purely between a parent and child. Neglect, disloyalty, disrespect and generally, degradation of parents and their principles all through the year, for whatever reason, then a one-stop-shop to make a group of people – some mere associates feel special on a designated day holds no significance for that special and unique relationship of love, trust and respect that should be integral to a parent-and-child relationship.

The Coalition should know that New Year’s Day is not All Fool’s Day Dear Editor,

LET me take this opportunity in wishing all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. I wish this year brings more fruits of success for all. I wish that justice will be brought to the Henry boys, Haresh Singh, and the many others who were innocently murdered, beaten, abused, and sentenced. I hope that justice will be realised for the death of former national cyclist , Jude Bentley.

Best wishes also to the opposition APNU+AFC and I hope that they will see the need to truly represent the people who put them there, rather than creating unwanted situations for Guyanese.

I also would like to extend Happy New Year to HE the President Dr. Irfaan Ali, his Cabinet, and the Government of Guyana. I hope that they will continue to put the people first in 2021 and ensure that every citizen is taken into consideration and consulted when making their decisions in taking Guyana forward.

I won’t mention the sadness of the year 2020. That year brought about many negative and positive things that changed the lives of all Guyanese and the world. While general and regional elections in Guyana were the introduction to COVID-19 that rattled the world and still holding us hostage to its death, so were the 2020 elections. It’s now over and

left us with COVID-19.

I would like to first of all say that it’s 2021 and the opposition needs to stop dreaming and spilling nonsense to Guyanese. Their New Year’s Day message was such, according to INEWSGUYANA headlined, “We will continue to ensure a good life for all Guyanese – APNU+AFC.” Well, I should say that the APNU+AFC forgot that the 1st of January is always New Year’s Day and not All Fools Day. The APNU+AFC had five years under that same wording and not one day did they try their best to ensure that they stood and maintained those very words they campaigned on.

Yes, I was part of that APNU+AFC and that is why I can say it.

Those five years can be considered the darkest five years for Guyanese. The loss of thousands of jobs; racial hiring of people; not a solid economic plan; loss of investment for the private sector; mismanagement of the economy; contracts to family and friends, while kickbacks were the art of the awarding (Region Five is evidence); economic hardship on citizens; spending or using out I should say of the U.S.$18million without Guyanese knowledge; rigged elections, etc.

So, it is sad for the opposition to try to turn New Year’s Day into All Fools Day. By now they should realise and know they can’t fool the world in any way; it was tried for five long

months and the world saw their work.

When we consider the words of that headline in the opposition’s New Year message, it should be given to this government, because that’s what has been happening since they took office from day one.

I don’t want to talk of all the ministries and the development I observe happening in the past five months or so. They’ve all done well, especially the Ministries of Education, Health, Social Services, Home Affairs, Public Works, and Labour.

For me,the three ministries that did extremely well since the PPP government took office are the Ministry of Agriculture headed by the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha MP, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development headed by Hon. Nigel Dharamlall MP and the Ministries of Youth, Sports and Culture, headed by the Hon. Charles Ramson Jr. MP. Those three ministries did wonders in such little time. Those ministers must be rated as the most hard-working ministers in government since it took office. Minister Mustapha did more than the others and has been on the ground 24/7, as long as the need arises.

He attends and addresses matters that are of importance and that need urgent attention for development of the agriculture sector.

HE President Dr. Ali and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo took this country to a

better economic level since they took office.

We saw the inflow of multimillion U.S. dollars investment in weeks and it continues to happen. We see the opening up of the economy and the citizens starting to have the spending power which they had longed for in the past five years.

We saw what a caring government does in ensuring a good life for all Guyanese. That is giving cash grants as COVID relief to its people. Cash grants to the hard-working public servants, sugar workers, and also those who contributed to Guyana’s development over the years -- the pensioners. This is in addition to the reversal of several burdensome taxes that were implemented by the previous government.

That is what a caring government does for its people, not bringing hardship and disaster.

So, for the main opposition to utter those words of good life for all, they should and must rephrase and say that they will support the PPP in bringing the good life for all Guyanese.

Have a blessed and productive 2021.

Stay safe everyone and don’t forget to wear your masks.

Yours truly, Abel Seetaram Former Region Five RDC Regional Councillor

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

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A 2021 view in a 2020 rear view

Dear Editor,

WAKE up and smell the aromatic scent of a brand new year, 2021, the effervescence of the freshness of a new beginning, or the hangover of a terrible stale-boozed old year, lingering with the trauma of a splitting headache. What a trying and testing year 2020 has been for all to see the writing was on the wall. The impartial Guyanese read what was written as destiny: A presidency that was always going to end, except, the one-tracked APNU+AFC party, which couldn’t read, because they were blinded with greed by the colour green. The Leap Year did translate into all the fears one can imagine, embroiled in a cauldron which brewed poisonous pills, pretentious politics, provocative politicians, and peppery philters. In a year which began on the wrong footing, Guyana was doomed from the beginning, deeply stained by the tainted APNU+AFC Party’s proliferating in disguise and playing the cat-and-mouse game, while hiding from an ultimate eventuality, and seeking refuge in the search for stalled time. The answer was blowing in the wind from Day One of the year, but the covetous APNU+AFC administration failed to hear the howling of the wind screeching for whom the bells tolled. Trying to tame the powerful sea while toiling under a burning sun, the avaricious Granger, pampered with a lost cause while flagging a dead horse, with the cart before the horse heading in the wrong direction.

A heartless and reckless party, they had already dug their own graves, but stuck around to see who will attend their funerals. Sad to say, there was no gun salute, but absolute silence from a parting crowd of once royal friends, who now refused to shake hands with a “sanctimonious gangster” and his band of rebels. Insanity did anoint the devilish minds of proverbial and perverted fanatics who relished to grasp a sinking straw in their destitute deliberation. In an evil quest without any rest, Granger was ready, willing and able to sacrifice the innocent lamb, kneeling in disgrace, and begging in mocking grace.

Who would bat an ear to empty threats,

illogic fallacy and devious ambition? Oh, “the truth hurts” and “losers cannot be choosers.”

In another pot, in the same playing field, boiled the ingredients of peaceful probabilities, promising personalities, potential profitability and progressive prosperity. The uphill battle did encounter countless days and sleepless nights, but fueled with a flame of determination and ignited by a spark of divinity. It was all hard work and no play for the patient PPP/C Party which charted a course of skillful maneuverability, and remained dedicated to a worthy cause for the persecuted, pained and penurious Guyanese.

From the inception of the year, the PPP/C Party never faltered from its royal and loyal mission, influenced by bullies who were trampling on the rights of the innocent, and taking advantage of the naïve, gullible, simpletons and nonchalant. The PPP/C Party’s carefully selected recourse was to embark on a parallel campaign by Hillary Clinton, “Stronger Together For A Better Guyana”, a match-winning slogan which breathed the true reflection of heroes returning from a battered battle, but not beaten in the war.

This meaningful motto did strategically pave the way to occupying the seat of the President with the significant help of important players, and numerous stakeholders from the national, regional and international community. From a hard-fought battle, the war is far from over, and Phase Two has now actually begun. The PPP/C Party has had to satiate themselves with a “déjà vu”, entering with wide eyes and open minds to accept a challenge reminiscent of past trials, and not remising of any of the forewarned tribulations. Guyanese woke up to the good news that the country was once again in strong and firm grips, culpable and capable of transforming a bankrupt nation riddled with financial misappropriations, to a developing nation saddled with effective efficiency and productive accomplishments.

An ambidextrous administration proficient in experienced management, and confident in knowledgeable refinement, this dual exposure formed the cusp of a youthful government, striving to propel the country to maximum heights in minimum time, less the inherited corruption and collusion.

In a new year, breathing a sigh of relief, Guyanese wonder if and when the APNU+AFC Party will finally take responsibility for their cruelty, greed and selfishness.

Will Mr. David Granger ultimately acknowledge all his wrongdoings and own up to his party’s miscreants? Will there be retribution or restitution, and who will repent for all the mistakes, or resent the facts and figures as they transparently unfold to ingrain the nemesis of a jeopardised party? Will this be the year when the Coalition party consciously and significantly “don’t stop progress”, as they so ironically brandished and bleated the drums in their re-election campaign as their slogan to serve Guyanese in the coming years? As a “fit and prapa” leader, David Granger and his gang of Merry Men and Women are “contracted” by a vision for a good life for all Guyanese, and will not bamboozle the electorate. Of course, the APNU+AFC Party is full of “honest and genuine people with integrity”, and does not comprise of any “fakes or frauds”.

So, from their own statements, there is no reason why Guyanese should anticipate any more lies and deceits from honourable men and women who mean well for their fellow compatriots. They have communicated publicly that they will work hand-in-hand in the interest of the people, to see eye-to-eye to develop this nation without any backbiting, impediment or undermining democracy.

This Year 2021, the PPP/C party finds itself with an outlandish challenge, and a colossal task to implement their campaigned Manifesto, and to make Guyanese dreams come true with all of their promises. Their greatest hurdles will be to finance their projected aims and objectives in a yet unfriendly environment, and to win the confidence of a diversified crowd, still persuaded by political propaganda and ethnic insinuations, creating barriers and borders.

The repercussions of the COVID-19

pandemic continue to make further inroad in the daily struggle to survive, and the PPP/C party has no choice but to flow with the tide until the availability of any vaccines becomes a reality in Guyana. Their job is heavily cumbersome, because of Guyanese still failing to adhere to strict required protocols to prevent, contain and isolate the spread of this virus. Protection of the Guyanese people is not a foregone affair, as the crime situation continuously escalates with a questionable functional police force, they themselves enveloped in atrocious speculations, and confirmed accusations. The PPP/C government’s plate is not only full but overflowing with an active agenda, and they still need room to make space to deal with the previous administration’s unscrupulous undertakings, involving misrepresentations, misapplications, misappropriations, misconduct, fraudulence and lawbreaking. But, regardless of this dismal outlook, the country is reassured, and the people are confident that the country has a compassionate and intelligent leader in Dr. Irfaan Ali, who is openly eclectic, guided by the spirit of a higher force, showing respect for fairness and equality, and who will abide by law and order and adhere to rules and regulations. Thus, Guyana is not only in good and safe hands, but Guyanese future is protectively secure, and this year poses no reason to regret. The old year dusk is no longer with us, and is in the rear view, but a new year is in the view, greeting us with the dawn of a new life. Thus wrote the moving finger, and having writ, moves on. Please do have a happy, healthy, prosperous, safe, peaceful and blessed New Year, Guyana.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Task force set up to monitor flood-prone areas

–– additional pumps to be installed MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha recently established a task force to closely monitor flooding, following the ‘Hydromet’ Department’s advisory alerting fishermen and residents on the coast of instances of high waves, coupled with above-normal tides and increased rainfall.

The task force, which comprises of a number of technical officials from Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), is tasked with reporting instances of flooding, heavy rainfall, and breaches in sea defences and drainage and irrigation structures along the coast and other low-lying areas.

Minister Mustapha said that given the seriousness of

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

the advisory and Guyana’s geographical position, it is important to have such a team in place.

“We are currently experiencing extreme rainfall as part of our November – January rainy period; the ‘Hydromet’ Department also forecasted high waves and above-normal tides. With all this information at hand, it was critical for me to establish this task

force, so that information about what is happening on the ground can be filtered across the sector in a timely manner. I’ve also instructed our regional engineers and other officers to provide daily reports about rainfall in their respective areas, and how it is affecting persons and their farming activities,” Minister Mustapha said.

The subject minister fur-

ther disclosed that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been working with regional officials to carry out a number of works to ensure that drainage channels in a number of farming communities are cleared.

This, the minister said, would improve the drainage capacity in these areas, should there be any occurrence of flooding. Additionally, a team from the ministry is currently working with cash-crop and livestock farmers who would have experienced losses recently as a result of flooding, due to heavy rainfall.

During a visit to flood-affected areas in Black Bush Polder, Minister Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assisting farmers who were affected, and instructed officers from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension In-

stitute (NAREI) to conduct assessments in these areas so that some form of assistance can be given to the farmers.

“We cannot give you cash; what we can do is offer assistance in the form of seeds, fertilisers and other planting materials. The officers are here, and they will be collecting and verifying your information, so that we can start distributing the materials we have to the farmers,” Minister Mustapha said.

In an effort to improve the country’s drainage capacity in the long-term, Minister Mustapha said that his ministry is working to develop a drainage system that can withstand the impacts of climate change, which has resulted in an increase in rainfall in a short period of time.

“As it is now, there are a number of areas that are under water because of the system we currently have. Some areas that do not have gravity flow,

Flooding at Charity, on the Essequibo Coast

we have to use pumps; and the pumps take a little longer than the sluice to pull the water. I am working to put a system in place where we can have both pumps and sluices operational,” the minister said, adding: “When the tides are low, we’ll use the sluice; and when the tide is high, we’ll use the pumps, so that we can have a 24-hour system of draining the land. We know that Guyana is below sea level, and that our drainage system is only capable of draining 1½ to 2 inches of water in a 24-hour period. So when we record five and six and ten inches of accumulated water because of heavy rains, imagine how long it would take to drain those systems. This is why it is imperative for us to have our drainage system work on a 24-hour basis.”

Meanwhile, the ministry plans to install a number of additional high-capacity pumps to its fleet of drainage pumps.

“We’re working to develop an overall structure that will improve our current drainage system. This year, we plan to install a number of new pumps across the country, since we cannot rely solely on gravity drainage.

With climate change having such a great impact on the weather patterns, we have to prepare our system, and have it functioning at its fullest capacity in the longterm, especially since rainfall has become a lot more unpredictable,” Minister Mustapha said.

New legislation coming to guide hospitality sector ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, says plans are on stream to draft new legislation to guide Guyana’s hospitality sector and other services as the petroleum sector emerges.

The Attorney-General made these statements after being admitted to the Inner Bar as a newly appointed Senior Counsel during a special sitting of the Full Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature Wednesday last, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).

He said these laws are necessary as Guyana becomes the newest oil-producing state, which will lead to an increased need for a raft of legal services. Guyana is at an unprecedented precipice, he added, where the petroleum sector is projected to transform the nation.

Therefore, the legal professionals and the judiciary must be prepared for the new heights which the country is expected to achieve. The

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

complete, modern arbitration architecture being pursued locally will require extensive as well as specialised training for law students, lawyers and judges.

“We must equip ourselves and we must be able to rise to the occasion. It will require an almost complete overhaul. We have to build a new legal architecture in the coming years, a complete body of new oil and gas and related legislation will be enacted; many are currently in draft,” Nandlall was quoted

as saying by DPI. Guyana is already seeing growing interest from major international players in the hospitality sector. The Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts are among international brands that have already expressed interest in Guyana. The new laws will also cater for the construction of townhouses, condominiums and zoning in relation to commercial and industrial use of lands.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Local journalists to benefit from continued training, counselling in 2021

COGNISANT of the dynamic media landscape here, training for local journalists will continue, and counselling will be provided to media professionals who request this assistance, according to a statement from the Guyana Press Association (GPA).

The Association has acknowledged in its end-ofyear statement that 2020 has been a challenging year for local journalists, since it featured the elections’ campaigns and subsequent protracted elections, alongside the enduring COVID-19 pandemic.

“The GPA remains committed to ensuring that our members are equipped for the changing world of news.

We conducted a series of training in 2020, utilising virtual platforms, and we aim to continue doing so in the new year,” the Association emphasised in its statement.

For the first quarter of the year, there will be virtual training sessions on providing coverage of the local courts, which are being undertaken by the GPA along with the Judiciary and Justice Education Society. The statement also highlighted that the Association will continue with its energy, oil and gas training and seminars, with support from the Open Society Foundation.

Additionally, the Association will strive to build upon other areas of training, including continued sessions for sport journalists, photographers and videographers and editors. And, trips to outlying regions and border communities may be facilitated to enhance the media’s reporting on these locations.

“2020 has placed concerns of mental health at the forefront, and we intend to facilitate provision of counselling services, with the help of a mental health professional, to media professionals who have requested this assistance,” the statement also highlighted.

In addition to providing this mental health assistance to media professionals, the GPA said that guidelines to aid reporting on suicide in Guyana will also be rolled out.

ELECTIONS In the months ahead, the incumbent executive members of the press body, led

by President and veteran journalist, Nazima Raghubir, will also direct their attention to electing a new executive body sometime in the first quarter of the year; this election was due in January, 2020. The statement explained that in January 2020, the executive met and decided to postpone GPA’s election until after the Gen-

Local journalists listen to a presentation from veteran journalist, Denis Chabrol during a previous training session (Photo courtesy of GPA)

eral and Regional Elections in March, since they felt that holding such elections during a period of uncertainty would be “imprudent”.

“However, we did not cater for the five- month-long election, and the subsequent pandemic. The latter has forced us to continue with the postponement of our elections,” the statement read.

Having these elections, however, depend upon the public health measures in place, and whether the membership can meet as a group.

It was explained that at present, the GPA’s Constitution does not make provisions for virtual meetings, and until changes to the Constitution

Bids for 18 housing projects to open this month TENDERS for bids in relation to 18 housing projects in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six will open on January 12 and 13, 2021 by the Ministry of Housing and Water and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

Region Three residents can look forward to developments in Meten-Meer-Zorg, Stewartville, Anna Catherina, Edinburgh, and Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara. In Region Four, the development will take place in Prospect, Providence, Little Diamond, and Great Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara and Cummings Lodge, Mon Repos, Annandale, La Bonne Intention, Vigilance, Bladen Hall, and Strathspey on the East Coast of Demerara. Meanwhile, in Regions Five and Six, works are slated for Experiment, Hampshire, Williamsburg, No. 75 Village, No. 79 Village, Ordnance, Fortlands, and Canje.

The bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding in keeping with the procurement Act 2003. All projects have a construction period of 150 days per lot.

Subject minister, Collin Croal, at a recent housing exercise, announced that the sector’s advancement provides major spin-off benefits for the economy.

“When our government invests in the hous-

ing sector, there is a direct positive effect on job creation in the construction sector, increased spending, and a greater demand for basic goods and services. All of this results in good things for small and medium-scale businesses, truckers, taxi drivers, bus operators, carpenters, painters, and many others,” he stated.

Further, the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, recently stated the ministry’s intention to ensure everyone benefits from the externalities associated with the initiative.

“We want to make sure people are employed, we want to ensure retail stores, retail hardware stores can get business, the contractors can get business, the carpenters; that we can put people back to work and then we can stimulate the economy as well with the construction sector,” she had said.

In their 2020 elections manifesto, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic committed to distributing some 10,000 house lots per year, an aggregate of 50,000 house lots for their first five years in office.

For their five months in office in 2020, they have distributed 3,600 house lots to applicants across Guyana, surpassing their target for 2020 by 600. Their goal is to distribute 7,000 this year.

can be made, the body cannot ethically facilitate such meetings.

The Association, through the statement, also called for there to be solace in the media community.

“We must remain committed to ensuring healthy work/life balances as we take our responsibility as journalists seriously. We must carry out our mandate while recognising the

tenets of ethical journalism, fairness, sensitivity and balance, as we strive to ensure our work informs the public rather than confuse it,” it said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

PAC convenes with consensus from all members …GDF, Foreign Affairs and Public Works Ministries high on agenda for next meeting

By Rehana Ahamad AFTER several delays, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) finally convened its very first meeting, on Monday, on a very pleasing note, according to the Committee’s new Chairman, Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson.

In an invited comment, the former Minister of Public Infrastructure under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government, indicated that the initial meeting dealt with a series of “housekeeping matters,” and that the real work will commence at the second meeting, slated for next Monday – January 11.

Guyana’s 12th Parliament, which convened on September 1, 2020, has 14 fully constituted subcommit-

tees with oversight for varying sectors. Among them is the Public Accounts Committee, which is responsible for examining the audited accounts of state agencies presented in the Auditor General’s Report, among other matters.

Patterson told this newspaper that the new committee, during its meeting in the Parliament Chambers on Brickdam, has agreed to commence work by tackling a series of outstanding financial matters, dating back to 2016.

“We would first look at 2016 and finish that off, because half of the work was completed, so we will finish off 2016 as a single unit,” Patterson noted.

After the completion of the 2016 affairs, the committee plans to “double up” on the financial reviews of 2017, 2018 and beyond. The

Chairperson of the PAC, David Patterson

Opposition Parliamentarian said that the PAC’s second meeting next Monday will examine the financial reports of three agencies – the Guyana Defence Force, along with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Public Infrastructure.

“We will meet at 10 am and we go until 6pm; after that meeting, we will then

decide on how often we are going to meet and so forth,” Patterson noted. The PAC Chairman said that as part of his new role, he will be pushing aggressively to ensure that the country’s public accounts is brought and kept up-to-date.

“The 2019 report has been in with Parliament, but we’re up to 2021, but

we haven’t finished 2016,” Patterson lamented.

He noted, too, that there are several audits and special reports that are pending, and requires examination.

“This is important, so that every year, we can be current, and address any matter of public interest in the financial sector,” Patterson noted.

“We have some forensic audits that needs to be done, and I want to ensure that we are not burdened with past work,” the PAC Chairman said.

In addition to examining the audited accounts, as presented in the Auditor General's Report, the PAC also has the responsibility to provide general supervision over the functioning of the Auditor General in accordance with the Rules, Policies and Procedures Manual.

The PAC is also responsible for nominating the members

of the Public Procurement Commission for approval by the National Assembly and, thereafter, the appointment by the President.

Patterson will also be leading the charge as it relates to determining the emoluments and allowances of the Public Procurement Commission, following consultation with the Commission itself. The meetings of all the Committees will be hosted in keeping with the established COVID-19 regulations and guidelines.

Patterson expressed how particularly pleased he was that the meeting was one that was done in a professional and productive manner.

“We were able to reach consensus on every point,” the parliamentarian said.

He expressed optimism that future meetings of the PAC would be executed in the same vein.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

COVID-positive students isolated, being taken care of - says Health Minister

By Vishani Ragobeer STUDENTS who returned to various dorm facilities as the new school term began on Monday were tested for the virus, COVID-19, and those students who tested positive are now isolated and being taken care of by the Ministries of Health and Education.

During his daily COVID-19 update on Monday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that all of the students who returned to the dorms across the country would be tested. This testing has already begun since many students returned before the term started and, thus far, the minister disclosed that “a number of students” have tested positively. He did not provide exact figures, but he highlighted that testing is

still ongoing as students are still returning to the dorms from various areas.

He also said that the ministry expects that there will be further increases in the number of positive students, given that they are returning from various communities and they may have been in contact with persons who are COVID positive. These students are all generally asymptomatic, which means that they are not exhibiting any of the symptoms of the virus.

Common symptoms include fever, dry cough and tiredness. Less common symptoms and severe symptoms include sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.

Even so, they will all be isolated for at least 10 days so that the virus is not spread to others. Minister Anthony

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

assured that while in isolation, the students will be fed and that educational materials will be provided to them.

“If they do exhibit some signs and symptoms, they will be treated and monitored,” he said. Last year,

after the announcement that schools would reopen from November 9, the Ministries of Health and Education began working together to prepare for the return of students in grades 11, 12 and 13, even as the pandemic continued.

“We are on top of things like that. Persons went home, and they’re now back, so we’re now testing them back again,” Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, ahead of the reopening of schools.

Both antigen rapid tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests have been utilised to test all students returning to the dorm facilities. It is important to test all of these students as they will be living together for an extended period of time.

Aside from students in

dorm facilities, the students and teachers at other schools are not required to get COVID-19 tests before returning to school. Previously, Minister Manickchand highlighted that if a student or teacher does become infected with COVID-19 while engaging in face-to-face learning, that the health authorities will be immediately contacted to take control of the situation.

“What happens if someone is tested (positive), whether it is in a home or any place, there is contact tracing done and certain periods of quarantine that happens,” she explained, reminding that these are the standard actions being taken by the Ministry of Health while treating with COVID-19.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Education Min. provides special-needs siblings with electronic tablets THE Ministry of Education has provided three siblings with special education needs with two electronic tablets to assist them with learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The children, eightyear-old Shaquan Peters, 13-year-old Shakira Peters and 15-year-old Shalda Peters, all hail from Region 10, Linden.

The Ministry of Education, in a press release, noted that the children’s mother, Nicola Peters, reached out directly to subject minister, Priya Manickchand, on social

media for assistance in this regard.

“The mother explained that Shakira has not been to school for many years since she can only move around in a wheelchair or if she is assisted to do so. Notwithstanding her challenges, the mother explained that she (Shakira) ‘catches on’ quickly and the tablet will go a far way in ensuring that the child continues to learn.

“In relation to the other children, the parent explained that Shaquan attends One Mile Primary School while Shalda attends the Special

R-L: Permanent Secretary, Alfred King; 13-year-old Shakira Peters; Nicola Peters; Shaquan Peters, 8; 15-year-old Shalda Peters and their father, Ovid Peters (Ministry of Education photo)

Needs School in Linden,” the release from the ministry revealed.

The children received the two Tablets from the Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, on Monday at the Ministry’s Brickdam head office.

According to the release, King noted that the ministry will continue to assist where possible. He said that the Minister of Education is passionate about ensuring that learning loss is significantly reduced among learners during the pandemic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Expansion of coconut industry high on agenda for 2021

–– Min. Mustapha says Hope Estate is the first target cost.

Minister Mustapha also disclosed that more capital will be expended on improving the works being done at the HCIL this year.

“The 2021 capital programme will also focus on the acquisition of several pieces of equipment, which will be used to improve the delivery of services to farmers and other stakeholders. In addition, several infrastructure works will be undertaken on the estate. These are expected to better serve farmers’ needs,” he said.

The sum of $13M is budgeted for the purchase of one tractor and several other pieces of implements which will be used to assist farmers in land preparation and mainAgriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha engaging in a coconut tree planting exercise during a recent visit to the Hope Estate, on the East Coast Demerara

By Naomi Parris CONCERTED efforts will be made this year to transform the coconut industry, the produce of which has become a major agriculture export for Guyana in recent years.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, in mak-

ing this disclosure during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday said the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is moving full steam ahead with its plans to expand the industry, starting with the Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCIL).

HCIL is a semi-autonomous agency that falls under the MoA, and is commonly

called “Hope Estate”.

According to the minister, the estimated capital budget for the Year 2021 is $68.5M, and $14M of this sum is estimated to see the establishment of seven coconut nurseries in six administrative regions.

This move will allow farmers to have easy access to adequate amounts of high-quality seedlings at an affordable

tenance of the 53km dam on the estate.

Further, an estimated $5M is budgeted for the construction of a fence around the perimeter of the office, and the coconut nursery. This intervention, the minister noted, is expected to reduce the damage caused by farm animals, and will also see a decrease in the simple larceny of coconut seedlings.

A Canter truck, which will be used to transport seed nuts and other essentials to the newly-established nurseries in the various regions, will be purchased, and is estimated to cost $12M. Meanwhile, with regards to the safe storage of equipment at HCIL’s compound, a shed for both machinery and implements will be constructed at a cost of $7M. The minister disclosed that two ‘shade houses’, esti-

mated to cost $2.5M, will be built in the HCIL’s compound to promote the production of vegetables under a controlled environment.

There will also be the construction of a $1M shed for temporary storage for farmers’ produce before it is sold to traders. This, the minister noted, will provide temporary relief to many farmers, and will also help reduce the deterioration of produce from the direct elements of the weather.

Additionally, some $2M will be allocated to provide a comfortable working environment for staff, in accordance with Occupation, Health and Safety (OH&S) guidelines.

A security hut will also be constructed at the main entrance of the compound at an estimated cost of $1M.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

No first-day hiccups for Region Two teachers, students –– St. Ignatius and BV record good turnout

By Indrawattie Natram SCORES of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) secondary school teachers and students, on Monday, returned to the classrooms and there were no reports of any first-day glitches.

Many braved the heavy rainfall and were observed entering school compounds as early as 7:00 am. Everyone complied with the existing national COVID-19 guidelines.

In an attempt to encourage hand washing, the regional administration through the Department of Education has constructed water trestles at all schools in the region.

All learners and teachers are required to wash their hands before entering classrooms.

Schools countrywide were closed in early March last year after Guyana confirmed its first COVID-19 case. A decision was taken by the Education Ministry to re-open all secondary schools in early November, but only for students of Grade 10, 11 and 12 to attend. On December 18, they were closed to give students and teachers a two-week break.

At the Aurora Secondary School, Agriculture Science teacher, Hemwattie Bhawan, told the Guyana Chronicle that the atmosphere was calm and children were eager and happy to return.

Bhawan said she is happy that the Ministry of Education has decided to re-open schools as teachers have the opportunity to interact with their students in a classroom

setting.

At Abram Zuil Secondary School, another Agriculture Science teacher, Munwattie Lillie, explained that the students are attending classes according to the timetable that was given to them.

She also expressed joy that parents have opted to send their children to school despite the existing fears about the pandemic.

Lillie informed that following the closure of schools, she used WhatsApp to communicate and teach her students. Now that they are in the classroom, the teacher said that she would be able to assess how much they have learnt while at home.

A number of students echoed similar sentiments.

Aurora Secondary School student, Sasha Narine, said she couldn't wait for the holidays to be over so that she could return to school.

She said she was tired of being at home and was happy that the ministry decided to re-open school.

Another student, Alliyah Mohammed, who attends the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, said that she is overjoyed to be in her classroom and to reunite with her classmates.

This newspaper understands that most secondary schools have their timetables and different subjects are being taught at different times throughout the school day.

Regional Education Officer, Nichola Matthews, noted that all secondary schools in Region Two were reopened.

No school was flooded.

However, she said based on feedback, the attendance was not as expected and this could be attributed to the heavy rainfall in the region.

GOOD TURNOUT Meanwhile, Guyana Chronicle spoke to two Essequibo-born teachers who are attached to schools outside of the region. They reported a good turnout and a smooth reopening at their respective schools.

TURN TO PAGE

15

Agriculture Science teacher, Hemwattie Bhawan

Students in their classroom at St. Ignatius Secondary School

Abram Zuil Secondary School teacher, Munwattie Lillie

Mahindra Sharma

Nanresh Persaud

Hemwattie Bhawan teaching her students at Aurora Secondary

Overjoyed St. Ignatius students

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021 FROM PAGE

14

No first day

...

Twenty-six-year-old Mahindra Sharma, Head of the Mathematics Department at Beterverwagting Secondary School, in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), said he feels good to physically be around his students, interacting and listening to how they spent their holidays.

“I feel very happy to see that our parents are taking the necessary steps to ensure their child is in school and is taking the necessary precautions.

This means that our students and parents know the importance of education,” Sharma, a resident of Spring Garden Essequibo, said.

Sharma said he is working with the CSEC classes and finds it challenging since there is a lot of work that has to be done. Sharma said when schools were closed in March last year, he conducted classes via Zoom and also utilised Whatsapp. He confessed that the pandemic taught him how to effectively use technology in his field.

“I worked online and in some cases face to face with my teachers to ensure the mathematics curriculum was delivered properly. We work as a team and will continue to do so for our country,” he added.

Another Essequibo-born teacher, Nanresh Persaud, who teaches at the St. Ignatius Secondary School in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), said that he is impressed with the turnout of the students.

Persaud, a trained Mathematics teacher, said that he commenced classes with his students on Monday morning. Like the other teachers, Persaud said that he is prepared to work with his students to prepare them for their examinations despite the pandemic.

“The pandemic will be here for the longest while and, as such, we teachers need to adapt and continue to work together as one family to educate our children,” Persaud stressed.

Amazonia Mall to hire 250 persons –– opening date to be announced soon; all spots rented

By Navendra Seoraj STIMULATING the interest of patrons through entertainment, excellent cuisine and a variety of stores will not be the only purpose of the second phase of the multi-million dollar Amazonia Mall at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), as the investor, Ramnaresh Sarwan, envisages that the facility will create employment for close to 250 persons.

The Amazonia Mall, which is strategically positioned to capitalise on and cater for the growing population on the EBD, is on course to being fully completed very soon. And, according to Sarwan -- a renowned Guyanese cricketer -- all of the stalls at the mall, including those in the area designated for a food court, have been rented.

Altogether, the various sections of the two-phased mall will create over 250 direct jobs, said the investor during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle at the facility on Monday.

Phase one of the project was completed approximately four years ago and is now home to Massy stores, the New Thriving restaurant and Fitness 53 gym; the construction of phase two started in October 2018.

“The second phase is where we have the movie theatre, the shopping areas and also a bar, lounge and restaurant together and a food court. Well, I am happy to say that everything is taken.

which will have six theatres, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Optique Vision Care and Reaz Computers are among the businesses already aligned to this project. Additionally, the facility will be home to Sarwan’s very own RS 53 ‘RestoBar’ and Lounge and his brother, Ravi’s “The Flame”- a creole restaurant which will feature a multiplicity of Guyanese cuisine.

“My aspect of the work is 95 per cent completed… just the drive-thru section has to be completed, some tiling work and that is basically my side…most of the remaining work is directly with the ten-

Proprietor of the Amazonia Mall, Ramnaresh Sarwan

An inside view of the exquisite RS 53 ‘RestoBar’ and Lounge

Work ongoing on the stalls within the mall (Adrian Narine photos)

This is good for us,” Sarwan said.

Caribbean Cinemas,

ants. So, hopefully by the end of this week an opening date will be announced,” Sarwan

said, adding that the aim is to open the facility long before the end of the first half of

this year.

The former cricketer was pleased to see that his vision is unfolding rapidly and will soon be completely achieved.

Talking about this vision, Sarwan said: “The vision is to create a facility that will serve the recreational needs of the population. The target market is basically the West Side [Demerara] and the East Bank [Demerara]. The vision there was that here would grow and this is indeed what is happening, it is now one of the most developed areas and there is still quite a lot of land remaining for housing.”

Research shows that the opening of major shopping centres typically come with the promise of a net increase in employment and an overall boost for the economy of the town in which they are established. The year 2021, according the President, will be

the springboard from which Guyana will leap into recovery, rebuilding the economy, enhancing the people’s health and lifting up the vulnerable in groups in society.

“We must not remain a rich country of poor people,” President Dr Irfaan Ali said during his message to the nation on January 1, 2021.

This country, having received payment of US$49.3 million for its fourth oil lift, has ended the year on a high note with approximately US$200 million being generated so far from the country’s nascent oil-and-gas sector.

Considering the country’s oil revenue and other lucrative sources of income, the President believes that the standard of living and the quality of life must be lifted for all. Work will be rewarded; hard work will be rewarded even more, he said.

“Opportunities will be created to join in such work, and they will be made available to all. I recognise that there are communities within our society which, because of disadvantages of geographic location, will need more help than others to join our national advance,” President Ali reasoned.

Guyana will have to identify those communities, assess their needs, identify solutions, and implement plans to change their circumstances. This change will not occur overnight, it will take time. But every journey begins with a first step, the President said.

“I intend to initiate that first step, and to maintain a steady pace that will take us to that journey’s end. We still have many challenges ahead of us,” the Head of State said.

In the President’s assessment, Guyana’s economic recovery is demonstrably underway, with the business communities in Georgetown and elsewhere reporting better performances over the recent holiday season, than any of the previous five years; and this was achieved, even with the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President believes that there is more money in circulation, and more disposable income in people’s pockets than the country has witnessed in a long time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Chinese businessmen robbed at Charity

The restaurant where the robbery occurred

POLICE are investigating the armed robbery on Sunday of two Chinese nationals, 41-year-old Steve Sue, and Yu Rong Cao, 37, at their restaurant in Charity, on the Essequibo Coast.

According to the police, two suspects, one wearing just a face mask, and the other a blue bandana over his face, along with a cap and hoodie, walked into the restaurant, and, while hold-

ing their victims at gunpoint, assaulted them.

They made off with two iPhones valued $120,000, and $80,000 in cash. The incident reportedly occurred at around11:00h.

The police say the entire ordeal was captured on CCTV cameras located inside the restaurant, and that an investigation is underway.

Fuel company director charged with giving GRA false info.

PRINCIPAL Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, on Monday, released Atlantic Fuels Inc. Director, Eugene Gilbert, on $300,000 bail for an offence which alleged that the fuel company made a false customs declaration in November 2020.

Director of Atlantic Fuels Inc., Eugene Gilbert

Gilbert, 67, denied the charge which alleged that Atlantic Fuels Inc., on November 12, 2020, at Camp Street, Georgetown, caused to be made and subscribed a false declaration to the

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), to wit, invoice number 100 for Customs Declaration reference number GY 410 C, contrary to Section 217 (1) (a) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the invoice amounted to over US$200,000, which is equivalent to GYD 40,000,000.

The magistrate released Gilbert on $300,000 bail and adjourned the case until February 21, 2021; he was represented by attorney Siand Dhurjon.

In December 2020, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus issued a summons for the fuel company and a representative

to appear to answer to the charge at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The complainant in the case, which was filed on December 15, 2020, is Commissioner-General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia.

Atlantic Fuels was granted a licence in November 2015 by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), months after the coalition government took office.

Two of its directors are former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van West-Charles and the water company’s former Debt Recovery Manager, Lear Goring.

Man serving 25 years for sodomy appeals conviction, sentence PAUL Abrams, who is currently serving 25 years behind bars for buggery and indecent assault of a 17-year-old girl, has moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to have his conviction and sentence overturned.

In 2016, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow sentenced Abrams to serve 25 years in prison after a 12-member jury found him guilty of buggery; he was also sentenced to four years for indecent assault. The sentences will run concurrently.

According to reports, on December 5, 2007, Abrams lured the young lady to a room where he proceeded to sexually assault and sodomise her.

In his appeal, Abrams claimed that the trial Judge erred on several pertinent issues leading up to the verdict in the High Court. As

Paul Abrams

it relates to the severity of sentence, Abrams claimed that the trial judge erred in law by failing to apply case law principles that promote fairness in sentencing.

The appeal comes up for hearing at the Guyana Court of Appeal on February 2, 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

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NOW that the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has hit the ground running following their collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Federation president Wayne Forde expressed that he was pleased for numerous reasons.

Speaking with the media at the closing ceremony of the Bounce Back Football Classic, he said: “It’s not the fact that we have been able to bring back football to the pitch, it’s that we were able to prove to ourselves that we can do it under very challenging circumstances and do it well.

So, God willing and the public health situation improves in 2021, I

can assure the general public that we will have more events like this with similar quality, and we want to invite the fans and other corporate partners to come onboard and help us deliver football in the best possible way to this nation.”

Lightly touching on the performance aspect of the players, Forde stated, “I think everyone was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the games. Clearly, for someone who has a deeper understanding of the game will know that the pace was a bit slow and there were moments you could see the technical ability of the guys a little bit off.

But when you consider most of these players have been inactive in a very

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

structured way for the better part of 10 months and to come out and give this performance, you have to be pleased.”

Forde disclosed that he had conversations with his Technical team with regards to the players’ abilities, and the team assured that Guyana has something of essence to commence works with.

The Golden Jaguars side is billed to commence training in preparation for the first round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 which begins in March.

“We are a little bit late with when we would have liked to start our national team preparation, but I think these are very encouraging signs that show while there is a lot ahead of us; we still

have something good to work with.”

K&S roams again…

Directors of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, which once hosted the most prestigious of football tournaments in the country, which would have been entering its 32nd year, were quite esteemed to be a part of the event.

The more outspoken of the two personalities, Kashif Muhammad said: “I’m extremely happy to know that we are part of this whole collaboration that put this entire tournament together. We were yearning for it for years and Guyana was yearning for it for years also, and now we got the opportunity to come together

with the Guyana Football Federation in partnership [with the] Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports – that’s an unbeatable team.”

He continued: “We think we delivered in a relatively good way; the broadcast was fantastic. What I was looking at on the Ministry’s page was that lots of persons tuned in and I was also satisfied to see that Guyana can output that kind of quality.”

“We’re happy to be back with this whole programme and once the pandemic eases and there is great control over the pandemic this year, we will be making ‘January 1st ’ great again in Guyana. We will make it very huge and we hope that football can continue to win.

No retirement plan as of now, two World Cups to go: Chris Gayle NEW DELHI: He is 41 years old, but Universe Boss Chris Gayle is in no mood to slow down.

Known to give opposition attacks nightmares, the West Indies opener is keen to keep sending bowlers on a leather hunt as he has his eyes set on not just the 2021 T20 World Cup in India, but also the 2022 edition that is to be hosted in Australia.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the ‘Ultimate Kricket Challenge (UKC)’, Gayle said that he still sees himself at the crease battling it out with the best in

the business for another five years.

“Oh yes, of course, no retirement plan as of now. I believe that I still have five more years, so before 45, no chance. And yes, two more World Cups to go,” he pointed out.

A part of the brand new gladiatorial cricket series Ultimate Kricket Challenge (UKC), the Caribbean batsman has stalwarts like Yuvraj Singh, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Kevin Pietersen, and Rashid Khan for the company in Dubai.

First of its kind, this

16-match tournament sees the introduction of new cricket rules in a new oneon-one format. Each match consists of 2 UKC contenders squaring off against each other across four innings of 15 balls each in every match. Two points are awarded for a UKC contender winning a match in the league stage and the UKC contender with more runs at the end of each match is the winner.

Asked how different the concept of playing individually works, Gayle said: “I think it’s a new and exciting concept added to

the game of cricket. But like I say, you never know; but at the same time, it’s fantastic in many ways and you can easily relate (to) it...I’m sure everyone will actually get to watch what’s happening pertaining to the UKC, so it’s totally different from what I’m sure you have seen in indoor cricket before.

“And you do know indoor cricket really has a buzz. But in UKC, you will be playing in a cage.

Big names are there; and when all this is happening, then everybody would want to know or

they will tune in...(When fans) get a hang of it, I’m sure they’re gonna love it.”

Gayle was on fire in the 13th edition of the IPL in UAE as he aggregated 288 runs in just seven innings at an average of 41.14 and a strike rate of 137.14. He hit three fifties, which included a 99, as he made a late start after missing the first few games in the tournament.

Asked if that was a clear sign that age is just a number, Gayle kept it short and sweet. “Oh yes, of course.” (The Times of India)

Pakistan’s current pacers are 17-18 years only on paper – Mohammad Asif

KARACHI: The Pakistan cricket team’s current pacers are 9 to 10 years older than what their birth certificates suggest, alleged former seamer Mohammad Asif, hitting out at their “inability” to bowl long spells.

Asif’s remarks came in the wake of Pakistan’s 101-run defeat against New Zealand in the first Test in Mount Maunganui last week.

“They are so aged. It is written as 17-18 years on paper, but they are actually 27-28 years old,” Asif said

on his compatriot Kamran Akmal’s YouTube channel but did not take any names.

“They don’t have the flexibility to bowl 20-25 overs. They don’t know how to bend the body and they become stiff after a while.

They are not able to stand on the field after bowling a 5-6 over spell,” he added.

One of the finest seamers of his time, Asif’s career in competitive cricket came to an end after he was banned by the ICC for five years for indulg-

ing in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England.

His days as Pakistan cricketer long gone, Asif is disappointed by the present crop of fast bowlers in the national team, which was once dominated by legends such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Imran Khan.

“I feel it might have been 5-6 years since a fast bowler took 10 wickets in a match. We used to salivate after seeing the pitches like the ones in New Zealand. There was no question of leaving the

ball as a fast bowler. I never used to leave the ball before taking a five-wicket haul.”

The 38-year-old, who had formed a potent pairing with speed merchant Shoaib Akhtar during his time in top-flight, added that today’s pacers lack the knowledge to test the batsmen.

“These kids do not have the knowledge. They don’t know how to keep the batsmen on the front foot, not give them a single and how to bowl on the wickets.

When they try to bowl on

the wickets, it goes down the leg-side. They do not have the control,” Asif said.

Among the current lot of Pakistan pacers doing duty in New Zealand, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are 20 and 17-year-old respectively. Mohammad Abbas is 30 and Faheem Ashraf is 26.

Age fraud has been one of the issues troubling Pakistan cricket for many years.

The second Test against New Zealand is currently in progress in Christchurch.

(The Times of India)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

25

Williamson scores another century as Kiwis take control against Pakistan KANE Williamson continued his impressive form to give New Zealand control of the second Test against Pakistan on Monday.

Williamson scored his 24th Test century and second in as many Tests on a strong day two for the Black Caps at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The right-hander finished the day unbeaten on 112 as New Zealand reached 286-3, trailing Pakistan by just 11 runs, with Henry Nicholls (89) also not out.

Williamson, who moved top of the ICC rankings for Test batsmen last week, was scratchy early before accelerating.

He needed 105 balls to reach his half-century but just another 35 to bring up his ton.

It came after Pakistan put themselves in a promising position by reducing the hosts, who lead the two-Test

Kane Williamson now has a century in every Test he has played this summer. This includes scores of 251, 129, and the 112 not out on Monday

series 1-0, to 71-3.

The wickets of Tom Latham (33), Tom Blundell (16) and Ross Taylor (12) had Pakistan on a high, and they should have had Nicholls cheaply.

The left-hander was caught by Mohammad Rizwan on three, but Shaheen Afridi (1-45) overstepped.

Williamson and Nicholls attacked as the day went on and Pakistan had their troubles in the field, the former edging through Shan Masood and Haris Sohail in the slips on 82.

Masood dropped Williamson after the star New Zealander passed his century before Rizwan put down an easy chance off Nicholls – then on 86 – off Shaheen.

Nicholls hurt his calf late in the day but managed to get to stumps alongside Williamson on an excellent day for the Black Caps.

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings Shan Masood lbw Tim Southee

0 Abid Ali c Tim Southee b Kyle Jamieson

25 Azhar Ali c Ross Taylor b Matt Henry

93 Haris Sohail c Henry Nicholls b Kyle Jamieson

1 Fawad Alam c BJ Watling b Kyle Jamieson

2 Mohammad Rizwan c BJ Watling b Kyle Jamieson 61 Faheem Ashraf c Ross Taylor b Kyle Jamieson 48 Zafar Gohar c Kyle Jamieson b Tim Southee

34 Shaheen Afridi c Henry Nicholls b Trent Boult 4 Mohammad Abbas Not Out

0 Naseem Shah c Tom Latham b Trent Boult

12 EXTRAS: 2b 9lb 0nb 0pen 6w

17 TOTAL: (83.5 overs)

297 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-4 Khan, 2-66 Ali, 3-70 Sohail, 4-83 Alam, 5-171 Rizwan, 6-227 Ali, 7-260 Ashraf, 8-282 Khan, 9-285 Afridi, 10NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Tom Latham c Haris Sohail b Shaheen Afridi 33 Tom Blundell lbw Faheem Ashraf

16 Kane Williamson Not Out

112 Ross Taylor c Shan Masood b Mohammad Abbas 12 Henry Nicholls Not Out

89 EXTRAS: 2b 6lb 9nb 0pen 7w

24 TOTAL: (85.0 overs)

286-3 Fall of Wickets : 1-52 Blundell, 2-52 Latham, 3-71 Taylor To Bat : Watling, Mitchell, Jamieson, Southee, Henry, Boult Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 19 -5 - 45 -1 (1nb), Mohammad Abbas 20 - 7 - 37 - 1 (1nb), Naseem Shah 14 - 1 - 72 – 0 (1w) 7nb), Faheem Ashraf 18 - 4 - 55 -1(2w), Shan Masood 2 - 0 – 17, Zafar Gohar 11 - 0 - 50 - 0.

Elgar ton leads the way, but Karunaratne battles back DEAN Elgar’s 127 guided South Africa to a first-innings lead of 145 runs despite a maiden five-wicket haul for Vishwa Fernando, before Dimuth Karunaratne fought to 91* to take Sri Lanka to a lead of five runs by stumps.

Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen had added 118 runs together on the first evening, and they resumed their partnership with confidence. It wasn’t until the 15th over of the morning session that Sri Lanka finally got a wicket, by which point the stand was worth 184 runs – the highest second-wicket partnership in Tests between the two sides As happened in Sri Lanka’s first innings, a wicket before lunch brought a collapse, and after Elgar edged Dushmantha Chameera to slip in the first over after drinks, Van der Dussen followed him back to the changing room an over later, caught off the glove from the bowling of Dasun Shanaka.

Shanaka struck again to remove Faf du Plessis via a thin edge, before Vishwa Fernando had Quinton de Kock caught in the slips for his first wicket of the innings.

Wiaan Mulder and Temba Bavuma saw the hosts through to lunch, but the former was trapped leg

before to his first ball after the break as Vishwa picked up his second.

Debutant Asitha Fernando then struck, removing Keshav Maharaj via yet another edge through to the wicket-keeper. Bavuma fought his way to 19 before misjudging an inswinger from Vishwa, padding up to a ball which was crashing into the stumps.

the first time in Tests.

Vishwa completed his maiden Test five-for when he had Sipamla caught at gully off the back foot, leaving South Africa all out for 302 and a lead of 145 runs for the hosts. The left-armer seamer finished with figures of 5/101.

Sri Lanka’s second innings got off to a disasterous start for the visitors when Kusal Perera, who top

South Africa opener Dean Elgar celebrates his century aginst Sri Lanka

Anrich Nortje scored a breezy 16-ball 13 before giving another catch to the slips, before Lutho Sipamla and Lungi Ngidi threatened to put together a frustrating final-wicket stand.

Their 19-run partnership was nonetheless eventful, with Sipamla scoring his first Test runs via a cover-driven four, while Ngidi reached double figures for

scored in their first innings, was bowled by Ngidi with just one run on the board.

But Dimuth Karunaratne provided a captain’s knock, battling through against testing bowling.

Lahiru Thirimanne kept him company for some time, notching up 31 runs before Ngidi returned and provided the breakthrough with a leg-side strangle. Kusal

Mendis was dismissed in the same fashion to Ngidi’s next ball, though the 24-year-old wasn’t able to complete a hattrick as Minod Bhanuka let the next delivery go through to the wicket-keeper.

Bhanuka didn’t last long though, with the pace of Nortje earning a tough chance which was

well taken by Keshav Maharaj. But through it all Karunaratne remained firm, and Niroshan Dickwella proved an able partner with the duo’s partnership unbroken at the close having added 41 runs and taken Sri Lanka to a slender lead. (ICC .com)

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings 157 South Africa 1st innings Dean Elgar c Lahiru Thirimanne b Dushmantha Chameera 127 Aiden Markram c Kusal Mendis b Asitha Fernando 5 Rassie van der Dussen c Niroshan Dickwella b Dasun Shanaka 67 Faf du Plessis c Niroshan Dickwella b Dasun Shanaka 8 Quinton de Kock c Kusal Mendis b Vishwa Fernando 10 Temba Bavuma lbw Vishwa Fernando 19 Wiaan Mulder lbw Vishwa Fernando 7 Keshav Maharaj c Niroshan Dickwella b Asitha Fernando 2 Anrich Nortje c Kusal Mendis b Vishwa Fernando 13 Lutho Sipamla c Dasun Shanaka b Vishwa Fernando 5 Lungi Ngidi Not Out

14 EXTRAS: 8b 14lb 0nb 0pen 3w

25 TOTAL: (75.4 overs) 302 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-34 Markram, 2-218 Elgar, 3-218 van der Dussen, 4-235 du Plessis, 5-241 de Kock, 6-257 Mulder, 7-262 Maharaj, 8-276 Bavuma, 9-283 Nortje, 10-302 Sipamla Bowling: Vishwa Fernando 23.4 - 0- 101- 5 (1w), Asitha Fernando 19 - 5 - 61 - 2 (1w), Dushmantha Chameera 14 - 1 - 53 - 1, Dasun Shanaka 15 - 3 - 42 - 2 (1w), SRI LANKA 2nd innings Dimuth Karunaratne Not Out

91 Kusal Perera b Lungi Ngidi

1 Lahiru Thirimanne c Quinton de Kock b Lungi Ngidi 31 Kusal Mendis c Quinton de Kock b Lungi Ngidi

0 Minod Bhanuka c Keshav Maharaj b Anrich Nortje

1 Niroshan Dickwella Not Out

18 EXTRAS: 4b 2lb 1nb 0pen 1w

8 TOTAL: (39.0 overs)

150-4 Fall of Wickets : 1-1 Perera, 2-86 Thirimanne, 3-92 Mendis, 4-109 Ranasinghe To Bat : Shanaka, De Silva, Fernando, Chameera, Fernando Bowling : Lungi Ngidi 9-3-26-3, Anrich Nortje 11-1-41-1 (1w), Wiaan Mulder 11-2-43- 0 (1nb), Lutho Sipamla 8-1-34-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Confident Fury says he will knock out Joshua inside two rounds

(AFP)-Tyson Fury said on Monday he can knock out fellow British world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua inside two rounds due to his recent form.

WBC belt holder Fury said following Joshua’s past two bouts -- a unanimous points decision over Andy Ruiz Junior in December 2019 and a ninth-round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev last month -- the fight would be a no contest.

Fury gained a unanimous points decision over Swede Otto Wallin in September 2019 before an impressive seventh-round knock-out to take the WBC title off Deontay Wilder last February.

“I don’t believe he’s

(Joshua) as good as people crack him up to be, or he doesn’t believe he is in his own self,” Fury told Sky Sports.

“He’s got a confidence issue. He’s coming off two shaky performances and boxing is all about who is in form and who isn’t. On his last two fights, he’s not in form.

“On mine, I am, so momentum is with me and I just believe take h i m o u t e a r l y, v e r y early, maybe even one round or two rounds.”

Fury is optimistic the fight, which would be one of the biggest in British boxing history, will take place as soon as possible.

Potential hurdles in the way of the super-fight include Josh-

ua’s WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk and another possible meeting between Fury and Wilder.

- ‘One-on-one combat’ -

Fury, 32, said now was the time for Joshua to back up his words by finally fighting him.

Tyson Fury(left) says he is confident he can beat Anthony Joshua inside two rounds

Shakib to face Windies after recall

DHAKA, Bangladesh, (CMC) – Highly-rated all-rounder, Shakib-alHasan, has been recalled for the upcoming Test and one-day series against West Indies, after serving a one-year ban from international cricket.

The 33-year-old was slapped with a two-year ban in October 2019 for three breaches of the In-

ternational Cricket Council’s anti-corruption code, when he failed to report approaches to engage in corrupt conduct.

One year of the sentence was suspended.

Shakib is one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers and prior to the ban, served as the country’s Test and One-Day International captain.

While the ban ended a few months ago, Bangladesh have not featured in international cricket because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming tour by West Indies marks the first taste of action for the south Asian nation since last March.

Shakib is a talented middle- order stroke-maker and an effective left-arm

England’s Moeen Ali tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

(REUTERS) - England all-rounder Moeen Ali has tested positive for COVID-19 upon arriving in Sri Lanka and will self-isolate for 10 days, as will fast bowler Chris Woakes who was deemed a possible close contact, England’s cricket board said on Monday.

England are in Sri Lanka for a two-match test series that begins on Jan. 14, with both matches being played in Galle.

The squad was tested

By Ian Ransom

Moeen Ali will self-isolate for 10 days

Tuesday, January 05, 2020

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(1) (2)

Mayweather won it on a unanimous decision.

“Boxing is one of those sports where rarely do you see the best fight the best,” said Fury.

“It’s always the champion picks his opponents and you never get the two top guys fighting each other.

“We saw the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, we were waiting for that fight for 10 years. When it finally happened, I believe Pacquiao was past his best. It maybe should have happened four or five years earlier.

“So hopefully we get to go one-on-one combat with not only the two best heavyweights out there but two heavyweights who are in their prime and not past it.”

squad.

However, former captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been omitted from the 24-man provisional ODI squad, with selectors indicating they were

looking to the future.

West Indies are scheduled to leave the Caribbean on Friday for the January 20 to February 15 series comprising three ODIs and two Tests.

Bangladesh all-rounder, Shakib-al-Hasan

India fine with strict quarantine for Brisbane Test - CA boss

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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spinner, who has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s leading lights.

He averages nearly 40 with the bat from 56 Tests and has also taken 210 wickets. In ODIs, Shakib has scored 6 323 at an average of almost 38, and has snared 260 wickets.

His return will be a massive boost for Bangladesh who are already a formidable side on home soil.

He joins the experienced likes of Tamim Iqbal, Momimul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim in the 20-man provision Test

“Whenever the world gets back to normal, whatever normal may consist of after this pandemic, then that’s when this fight is going to happen,” he said.

“This fight has been brewing for a long time.

They’ve been avoiding me for a long time and now it’s finally got to happen.

“They either run away from the fight and announce it publicly or they take the fight. Either way it’s a loselose situation for him.”

Fury believes there is an imperative for the fight to happen sooner rather than later, comparing the bout to the one between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao that finally took place in 2015.

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

Basil Butcher-133 (1963) Rohan Kanhai-256 (vs IND, Kolkata, 1958-59)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What is Clive Lloyd’s highest Test score?

What are the best innings bowling figures by a Guyanese in a Test match to date?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

on arrival at the airport in Hambantota and Ali is likely to miss the first Test as Sri Lanka’s government protocols require the 33-year-old to quarantine for 10 days.

“Chris Woakes has been deemed as a possible close contact, and he will observe a period of self-isolation and further testing,” the ECB added.

“The touring party will be PCR tested for a second time on Tuesday morning.

At this stage, the team will train for the first time on Wednesday.”

The two-match series in Sri Lanka is followed by four Tests in India in February and March.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Cricket Australia (CA) boss Nick Hockley has dismissed speculation that India is weighing a boycott of the fourth Test in Brisbane over the need to re-enter strict quarantine conditions.

Australian media, citing unnamed sources within India’s touring party, reported the team’s players would refuse to travel to Brisbane if they were to be subjected to a hard lockdown in Queensland state.

Hockley said the Indian cricket board (BCCI) was “fully across (and) supportive” of quarantine requirements in Queensland.

“We speak to our counterparts at the BCCI daily,” he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

“We’ve had nothing formal from the BCCI to suggest anything other than they’re supportive ... Both teams have wanted to play the schedule as we’ve set out.”

The third Test in the fourmatch series will start at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, after Cricket Australia decided not to move the match in the wake of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the city. The series is level at 1-1.

Queensland has closed its border with New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, but agreed to let the players travel to Brisbane for the fourth test on Jan. 15, as

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley

long as they agree to abide by strict biosecurity protocols.

Five Indian players are under investigation by CA and the BCCI for a potential breach of health protocols after video surfaced of them at a Melbourne restaurant.

The team and BCCI have declined to publicly affirm their support for the Brisbane quarantine plan or comment on the investigation, although the BCCI said in a brief statement on Monday that all players and staff had been cleared of COVID-19.

Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon called on players from both sides to “stop complaining” about touring in the COVID-19 “bubble”.

“There’s a few people from both squads who have been in a bubble for close to six months now but in my eyes it’s a very small sacrifice,” he told reporters on Monday.

“Let’s just suck it up and get on with it.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 5, 2021

27

Holder in Barbados provisional squad for Regional Super50 Cup

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – West Indies Test captain Jason Holder has been included in a 22-man Barbados Pride provisional squad announced Monday by the Barbados Cricket Association, in preparation for next month’s Regional Super50 Cup in Antigua.

The 29-year-old all-rounder was one one of 10 players who last week declined selection for the Test and one-day tour of Bangladesh, due to “COVID-19 related concerns or personal fears”.

Three other players – Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Shamarh Brooks – who also opted out of the West Indies tour, have also been

named in the training unit.

Fast bowler Chemar Holder, who made his Test debut on last month’s tour of New Zealand, is among the contingent. He has been included in the 15-man oneday squad for the Bangladesh tour.

With the Super50 Cup scheduled to run from February 7-27 and clashing with the January 10 to February 15 tour of Bangladesh, Barbados had been set to miss out on the services of key players.

But with the quartet opting out of the Windies tour, Barbados could be boast a very strong side when the final squad is announced later this month.

Jason Holder will bring

Joseph wins US$75 000 Limehouse with favourite Drain the Clock HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida, (CMC) – Barbadian trainer Saffie Joseph Jr extended his success at Gulfstream Park when his favourite Drain the Clock crushed the three-year-olds to win the US$75 000 Limehouse Stakes on Saturday’s 11-race card.

With Edgard Zayas in the saddle, the Slam Dunk Racing-owned chestnut colt crushed the seven-horse field by 7-½ lengths to return a

vast experience to the unit as is a former West Indies one-

day captain who has played 115 One-Day Internationals

Barbados and Windies all-rounder Jason Holder

and taken 136 wickets.

He led the Test side on the recent tour of New Zealand and then stayed on in Australia to play three games in the Big Bash for Sydney Sixers.

Hope, meanwhile, who slammed two hundreds during the Barbados Legends Cup – the trial series staged last month – is one of the world’s leading ODI batsmen with an average of 52 from 78 ODIs. And Chase’s all-rounder services will be just as valuable while Brooks’s presence also further boosts the Pride lineup.

The provisional squad also includes the out-offavour West Indies trio of

Jonathan Carter, Ashley Nurse and Miguel Cummins, along with 24-yearold fast bowler Keon Harding who toured England with the West Indies Test side last July.

SQUAD – Joshua Bishop, Leniko Boucher, Camarie Boyce, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Jason Holder, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Akeem Jordan, Nicholas Kirton, Zachary McCaskie, Ashley Nurse, Roshon Primus, Shamar Springer, Tevyn Walcott.

Premier League leaders Liverpool lose at Southampton

to post 21.78 for the quarter mile and 44.83 for the half.

Tiger chased two lengths back in third while Newyearsblockparty sat in fourth, pulling the trailing bunch along.

When Warrior’s Pride faded at the top of the stretch, Zayas opened up the throttle aboard Drain the Clock and he stormed to the finish strongly to win impressively.

“It was a pretty smooth

Danny Ings’ goal was his 50th in the Premier League, with 36 coming for Southampton

Barbadian trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

time of one minute, 10.11 seconds going six furlongs at the southeastern United States racing oval.

“It was really impressive. He impressed me today,” Joseph said afterwards.

“He was always highly thought of. He was impressive in his debut. His second win was more workmanlike than impressive. Last time, it was a bit of a mishap. We got him back today and he showed up.”

In a six furlong sprint in race seven – one of five stakes on the day’s card – Zayas broke Drain the Clock sharply to chase pacesetter Warrior’s Pride, who took the field through a brisk gallop

trip. He broke sharp out of the gate,” said Zayas.

“My only worry was that he was moving a little bit in the gate, but everything worked out really well. I was just trying to keep him in the clear and he did it all.”

The victory was one of two on the card for Joseph who also sent out Slam Dunk Racing’s 12-5 chance Rijeka for a narrow victory in race six over a 1-½ miles.

Up against the fouryear-olds and upward, jockey Jose Ortiz raced the five-year-old chestnut gelding well off the pace before closing strongly to get up in the final metres to beat King of Spades by a head in a tight four-horse battle.

LIVERPOOL’s Premier League title defence suffered a setback as they fell to defeat at Southampton on Monday.

Danny Ings’ superb second-minute lob over Reds goalkeeper Alisson, from a James Ward-Prowse free-kick, settled the contest against his former club.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, for whom this was a second league loss of the season, remain top of the table on goal difference but have taken only two points from the past nine available.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City will leapfrog the reigning champions if they win their games in hand.

Southampton’s first win in five Premier League games sees them climb to sixth.

And the hosts were good value for their victory, forcing the pace early on against an unfamiliar Reds backline containing Jordan Henderson and then defending resolutely as the visitors poured forward after the break.

While Liverpool can point to the huge void at the heart of their defence and several injured stars, it should also be acknowledged that Southampton began this contest without several key performers.

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s positive coronavirus test meant Fraser Forster came in for a first Premier League home appearance since December 2017.

And with Jannik Vestergaard, Oriol Romeu and Che Adams also injured, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl could ill afford to see Moussa Djenepo limp off after 32 minutes, during which he had caused Trent Alexander-Arnold several problems down the left.

Initially at least, they continued to play in their normal style, trying to retain possession and work the ball into promising positions out wide.

Nathan Tella’s curling, right-foot shot, after Ings had expertly cushioned the ball into his path, almost brought the reward of a second goal.

However, after the break it was very much rearguard action from the Saints, with Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens making seven clearances each to repel wave after wave of Liverpool attacks.

That resilience was underlined by restricting the Reds to just one shot on target - a Sadio Mane effort in the 75th minute. (BBC Sport)

SEE PAGE 24

K&S Directors Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major (left) and Kashif Muhammad

GFF president Wayne Forde

...K&S promises to make ‘Jan 1 great again’

No retirement plan as of Stephen Curry scores career-high points total in Golden State Warriors win now, two World Cups to go: Chris Gayle Universe Boss Chris Gayle

SEE PAGE 24

Pakistan’s SEE PAGE 24

current pacers are 17-18 years only on paper – Mohammad Asif

Stephen Curry is the second oldest player to score over 60 points in a game STEPHEN Curry scored NBA games are being Los Angeles Lakers claimed a career-high 62 points as played behind closed doors a late 108-94 victory over the his Golden State Warriors because of the coronavirus Memphis Grizzlies. beat the Portland Trail- pandemic.

The Los Angeles Clipblazers 137-122.

“We’ve seen Steph do pers ended the Phoenix The 32-year-old is the so many things here over Suns’ four-match winning second oldest player to score the years and it’s just a streak with a 112-107 win, over 60 points in a game - privilege to coach him,” while Jayson Tatum secured Kobe Bryant is the oldest Kerr said. a 122-120 victory for the at 37.

“We are incredibly bless- Boston Celtics over the DeCurry’s previous best ed as an organisation to have troit Pistons with fewer than performance was 54 points Steph leading the way. What three seconds to go. against the New York Knicks a performance.”

The Chicago Bulls beat in February 2013.

Curry was congratulated the Dallas Mavericks 118“I wanted to take him out by many on social media, in- 108 to claim their third win with 30 seconds left so the cluding his team-mate Klay in four games.

42 people here could give Thompson and LA Lakers There were also victohim a standing ovation,” legend Magic Johnson. ries for the Washington said Warriors head coach E l s e w h e r e , L e B r o n Wizards and the Utah Jazz.

Steve Kerr.

James scored 22 points as the (BBC Sport)

Confident Fury says he will knock SEE out Joshua inside two rounds PAGE 26

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021