Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-09-2021

TUESDAY 7th September, 2021

No.106477

$110M in contracts signed for road works in Wakenaam

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11

Police Force being revamped

- through investment in assets, human resources - 50 new vehicles added to Force’s fleet; vehicles not for ‘joyrides’, says President

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Some of the 50 pickups handed over by the government to the Guyana Police Force on Monday (Delano Williams photo)

APNU’s Dr Cummings maintains COVID-19 07 vaccines a ‘powerful,’ ‘effective’ public health tool

High turnout as 04 face-to-face learning resumes PAGE

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- after colleague Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira advocates herbal treatment for the deadly virus

Health Minister: ‘Political mischief’ fuelling vaccine hesitancy in Region 10 02 PAGE

Education Minister Priya Manickchand engages a pupil on her first day of school (MoE photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

‘Political mischief’ fuelling vaccine hesitancy in Region 10 _ Health Minister

MEASURES implemented by the government to safeguard the lives of persons in Guyana against the deadly COVID-19 virus have not resonated well with some residents of Region 10, who eschewed their daily tasks as a form of protest against those measures on Monday.

Commercial banks, supermarkets, gas stations, commercial businesses and

pharmacies in the region were closed.

This action by some residents of Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice) follows Saturday’s gazetted order, which states that persons must be vaccinated, make an appointment, or present a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test before they are allowed to access public buildings.

The previous order had said that these requirements were in place for government ministries and government agencies. The new guidelines are applicable for September, unless earlier revoked or amended.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, during Monday’s edition of the daily COVID-19 update, said that the updated vaccination policies are in place to ensure public safety.

“Once people are vacci-

nated, environments will be safer, and we have to create a safe environment if we are to push back against the virus,” the Health Minister said.

He believes that the measures will not only protect those accessing a specific service, but also those employed at those establishments.

Those benefits were, however, not enough to convince residents of Region 10, who, Dr. Anthony believes, might have been victims of “political mischief”.

In fact, Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10, Deron Adams, said that the actions on Monday constituted a peaceful demonstration by citizens expressing their “dissatisfaction” and “frustrations” with the government policies.

MISINFORMATION D r. A n t h o n y, w h i l e speaking generally about the receptiveness of residents of Region 10 to the COVID-19

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony response efforts, said the ing people’s lives there,” the hesitancy, especially regard- Health Minister related.

Based on the most recent ing vaccination against the deadly disease, is as a result statistics from the Ministry of misinformation and “po- of Health, some 320,747 persons, or 62.5 per cent of litical mischief”.

“As it is right now, Re- the country’s adult populagion 10 is the region with tion, have received the first the lowest rates of vac- dose of a COVID-19 vaccination for both first and cine, while 168,201 persons, second dose, and that has or 32.8 per cent of the adult put them at severe risk of population, are fully inocuinfection. So, you know, if lated. Additionally, 9,909 we continue along this way, adolescents have taken the all we’re doing is endanger- (Turn to page 5)

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

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Police Force being revamped _ through investment in assets, human resources

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali flanked by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, and other high-ranking officials of the government and the Guyana Police Force at the handing-over ceremony on Monday (Delano Williams photo)

By Richard Bhainie THE government is committed to continue making the necessary investments through providing the requisite assets and developing the human resource that are critical to craft a holistic approach to the revamping of the Guyana Police Force.

This is in keeping with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) manifesto promise of reducing crime and promoting safer communities through providing more equipment, facilities, training for law-enforcement personnel and improving investigative and forensic capabilities, among other mechanisms.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony of 50 brand new vehicles to the GPF on Monday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali reminded attendees that the force’s deficiencies were identified in the Security Sector Reform Study of 2017.

Among those deficiencies which were highlighted were chronic underfunding; a shortage of vehicles and the poor state of the vehicular fleet; the lack of adequate communication equipment and poor maintenance of physical assets.

The President is cognisant of the incidents of robberies and acts of violence committed against citizens.

He posited that condign

action must be taken to enable citizens to be able to walk the streets of Guyana free from fear – which will be achieved through the gamut of measures the government is undertaking to aid the force in crime-fighting.

Ali highlighted that the success of the Guyana Police Force depends on the Force being equipped with the right physical asset to combat crime, that the human resource of the Force is not only of quantity but of utmost quality and that the right partnerships are crafted to aid with crime-fighting.

In addition to the 50 new vehicles, the President said that the huma-resource component is also being developed as many officers are wrapping up studies in various areas through government scholarships and more scholarships will be available in novel areas for more ranks in the near future.

“Other important areas include specialised training in transnational crime, strategic management, mentoring and coaching and importantly, we also have to build our in-house capacity to address the technological challenges and opportunities that will come our way,” Ali said.

salary benefits for ranks of the armed forces such as mechanisms which will aid their personal development, support the welfare of their families and provide them with essential necessities of life such as homeownership and educational opportunities.

“Creating a robust approach to crime-fighting depends on a force that is nimble, a force that is united, a force that is focused and a force that is professional … and that force must also be capable of withstanding public scrutiny, of operating in a transparent and open manner and doing things within

the confines of the laws,” the President said.

“Our police ranks will be provided with additional body cameras in order to protect them against false and malicious allegations and to promote greater professionalism on the job.

There will also be a good check and balance for the way we conduct ourselves also,” he added.

The President reminded of the wealth of measures the government has already undertaken since their assumption of office in August 2020 to improve c a p a b i l i t i e s a n d c o n d itions of service such as the $1billion allocation in the

2020 Emergency Budget for ongoing works on police stations.

There was also a sum of $830 million set aside in the 2021 Budget for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of police stations and $96 million to community policing, as there was a 20 per cent reduction in community policing groups and a 40 per cent reduction of members between 2015 and 2020.

The President explained that the government is also cognisant that the nature of crime is changing and to support the vast, expanding road networks of Guyana, marine assets will also be revamped to strategically utilise the river channels in Guyana. Some $300 million was allocated for this in the 2021 Budget out of the $15.8 billion that has been allocated for the force.

The Head of State said that delivery of the 50 vehicles is testament to his government’s commitment to providing the police with the tools they need to undertake its mandate of crime-fighting.

TAKE PROPER CARE He urged the force to take proper care of the vehicles as only four years ago China handed over 140 vehicles to Guyana, only 39 of which are currently in a working state as 101 are down for repairs, some

of which are already unserviceable.

“This cannot continue …. we support the work of the Police Force and will provide it with the resources needed, but the force needs to take better care of its transportation equipment. The provision of resources must be accompanied by greater responsibility in their use and care,” he said.

The President also highlighted that the public is appalled at the level of misuse and reckless driving of many of the force’s vehicles. These vehicles, he said, must not be used for joyrides.

“The physical assets of the Guyana Police Force must be better managed.

And we will have training programmes to manage these assets …. The assets being provided to the force are to boost its capability, its responsiveness and people will judge us by the way in which we care for and use these assets,” he said.

President Ali also lauded the private sector for embracing the government’s strategy and for rendering support, noting that a crucial partnership is required with the private sector to fight crime.

He reiterated that the government is willing to grant duty-free concessions to private-sector entities desirous of donating vehicles to the force.

WILL PROVIDE INCENTIVES He explained that the government will provide incentives in addition to

The 50 pickups that were displayed at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Monday (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

High turnout as face-to-face learning resumes

By Tamica Garnett

NURSERY and primary schools across the country saw a high turnout of learners as physical teaching commenced on schedule on Monday, ending an almost 17-month school closure brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to preliminary data from the Ministry of Education (MoE), 70 per cent of the nursery children and 95 per cent of nursery teachers were at school, while at the primary level, 92 per cent of teachers and 65 per cent of the pupils were in attendance.

Secondary schools will be reopened next month due to the ongoing vaccination of students. As of Monday, over 7000 of the approximately 55,000 secondary schools students had already taken their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. Government is currently rolling out a vaccination programme that targets secondary schools in all ten regions.

After visiting several schools in the city, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand said the turnout was encouraging and a testament to the drive

Pupils and their parents on their way to school for faceto-face learning after an almost 17-month break of some parents and teachers to see the learners back to learning normally.

“I think today went very well. We had a plan, we put the plan into place and the plan is working. There’s no right or wrong thing that happened today in terms of who brought their children. We gave parents the choice, and we will work with parents with whichever decision they take,” Manickchand conveyed.

Schools reopened with

individualised plans, whereby, some schools are opened to all levels throughout the week, while others will alternate between grades on differing days. In many cases, particular grade levels will not have school every day.

However, the opening did not go as planned in Region Ten, where residents took part in a shutdown of the region in protest of the national vaccination requirements.

Additionally, several schools across the country were not reopened as several staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

Minister Manickchand noted that positive cases among schools are to be expected as the virus has affected teachers and students.

“More than 10 schools were unable to open in different regions because teachers and school staff were positive.

Pupils of Riverstown Primary School in Region Two in their classroom

But let’s remember that even before we opened, there were teachers who were positive and more than 4000 children were COVID-19 positive over the last year while we were out of school, so school alone is not the spreader,” Minister Manickchand noted.

The school reopening was done to facilitate those parents and teachers who wished to return to the classroom.

However, parents who still have concerns are allowed to keep their children at home and would be able to pick up learning resources made available to the schools.

Manickchand said while parents were given the option to keep their children at home if they so desired, the reopening was a move to find a balance and forms part of the ministry’s use of individualized programmes to ensure optimum education delivery.

“There is no right or wrong. We’re trying to respond to both the people who want to come to school and the people who want to stay home. This balance allows parents to keep their children home but to open schools for those who want to come to school. We are just trying to serve everybody and that’s what we did here today,” she said.

RIGHT DECISION Meanwhile, mother of three, Bhano Persaud, said she did have some concerns about students returning to the classroom amid the continuing spread of the virus, but she understands the strain it has placed on her children’s education.

“I was worried about their health but I realized it has been over a year since they are home and we can’t keep them away forever. They would focus and learn better in school. It was very challenging to have to work and come home to work with three kids,” she explained.

Her children are nine, seven and four years old. She said she has cautioned her children on the importance of adhering to COVID-19 prevention measures, and believes she made the right decision for her children’s education.

“I just keep educating them about social distance, no hugging with friends, keeping their masks on at all times, sanitising and washing their hands often, not to touch their masks or put their hands in their mouth. And I also encourage

them to eat healthy and take their vitamins,” she noted.

Schools in Guyana have been closed to face-to-face teaching since March 2020, while schools officially reopened to virtually learning in September, 2020. Schools then partially reopened to physical teaching for secondary school students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 in November 2020.

Grade Six pupils would’ve also partially attended physical classes intermittently in preparation for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). However, majority of learners have not been engaged physically.

Amidst the lengthy closure and risks of extensive learning loss, many teachers, over the months, have lobbied the ministry for schools to be reopened. Some teachers began allowing students to return even as they awaited official approval from the ministry.

“This reopening is based on a call from teachers. Teachers told us that they could not engage their children except if we go back to the physical classroom. They were insisting that we do and this is why we’re back in the classrooms,” the minister related.

During the first few days of this new school term, learners will be administered diagnostic assessments to see what level of learning they are at and this will be used to guide teachers going forward in helping to make up for the learning loss they might have

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

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Parents welcome adolescent vaccination drive

PARENTS, on Monday, accompanied their children to the Lodge Secondary School, where the Government’s Adolescents’ COVID-19 vaccination campaign continued.

The vaccination drive was welcomed by parents, who said they were happy with the initiative as their children will be in safer environment for their return to the classroom.

Theresa Pemberton is encouraging other parents to allow their children to be vaccinated.

“I’m very much happy that we have started vaccinating our children because

not only saving their lives and stuff like that which is important, but to get them back in the school room situation because the virtual thing is not working with some of them.”

She said the reopening of schools, even on a rotational basis, will be beneficial to the students, as they would be able to learn better in a classroom.

“It can’t be the regular school system where everybody goes at one time, they will have to rotate it somehow or the other so that the children can be safe, because you know schools were already overcrowded so some system will have to be worked out

somehow… but I’m glad for the reopening of schools.

“I just hope the other parents will, even those who haven’t been vaccinated, see the importance of being vaccinated. Vaccines save lives and if they’re being reasonable and sensible, they will look back at when the children were born you had to vaccinate them, so they need to come out, have your children vaccinated and vaccine yourself; take care of your family if you love them,” Pemberton told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Meanwhile, Dawn Craigen, another parent, believes the vaccination drive is a good

‘Political mischief’ fuelling vaccine...

(From page 2) Pfizer vaccine.

Although a breakdown of those figures, by region, was not immediately available, the Guyana Chronicle understands that Region 10 accounts for a small, if not the smallest, fraction of those numbers.

This is despite efforts by health officials to implement measures in Region 10, as is being done in every region across Guyana, to safeguard the health of persons there.

“In terms of our preparedness in Region 10, we have a section of the hospital where we hospitalise COVID-19 patients, and over the last week, we would have had about 10 persons who are hospitalised. They have now been discharged, because they’re feeling much better.

“We have adequate medication, we have the equipment, we have oxygen and all those things up there to manage those patients. If they become more critical, then we move them from that hospital across to the Ocean View facility, and that’s what

we’ve been doing,” Dr. Anthony related.

WORKING ASSIDUOUSLY The Health Minister went on to acknowledge the efforts of health officials in the region, who, he said, are working assiduously to ensure that infected persons are treated, and that the spread of the disease is mitigated.

But even with the collective effort of health officials in the region to combat the disease, the pervasive “political mischief” could stymie attempts to overcome the challenges created by COVID-19.

“So, you have some antivaxxers in Region 10 who are clutching at anything that they can to just tarnish the work that the staff is doing in terms of vaccination and managing COVID-19,” Dr. Anthony lamented.

As a result of the “mischief”, persons will not get vaccinated, and will put themselves more at risk of developing the more severe symptoms of COVID-19.

According to the US’

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccines were developed using science that has been around for decades.

“COVID-19 vaccines are not experimental; they went through all the required stages of clinical trials. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that these vaccines are safe and effective,” the CDC stated.

The reputable organisation further related that COVID-19 vaccines also help to keep persons from getting seriously ill, even if they do contract COVID-19.

By getting vaccinated, a person may also protect people around them, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

“I would urge those persons who call themselves leaders in Region 10 to really work in the interest of the citizens of Region 10, and desist from this nonsense of trying to spread rumours, and creating this type of hesitancy in the region,” Dr. Anthony said.

initiative.

“I think vaccination is a good thing for the simple reason that COVID-19 has been on a rise and seeing that we have a vaccination that at least can monitor it to a bit, it’s a good thing,” she said.

Craigen noted that it is important that schools be reopened since it would help

children to learn better.

“I think it’s a very good idea to reopen but we have to make special arrangements and take the necessary precautions that we ought to take. I would encourage all parents to bring their children out to take the vaccination… and two, the parents must also be vaccinated; we cannot put ignorance in

front, we got to face reality and do what is right for ourselves and our kids,” Craigen added.

The adolescents’ vaccination drive has been taken to schools across the country in order to get students immunised against COVID-19, so that they can return to the classrooms in a safer manner.

$23M office to enhance GWI, housing authority operations in Lethem A $23M building is being constructed to house the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) and Guyana Water Incorporated offices (GWI) in Lethem, Region Nine.

The offices are expected to improve services for thousands of residents in more than 57 villages in the region.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, visited the site at the Lethem Commercial Block over the weekend, along with GWI’s Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailall.

This follows an earlier visit in May, when the symbolic turning of the sod was done by the minister.

The minister stated that in addition to improving

water services to residents, the new office will also considerably reduce GWI’s financial burden in the long term.

“GWI is currently renting a building that houses about 10 staff here in Region Nine. Upon completion, this new facility will significantly cut that expenditure and the company will be able to use its resources in a better way,” said the minister.

The minister also emphasised the importance of the provision of potable water in hinterland communities, as part of bridging gaps and ensuring equal access to services available in coastal regions.

Meanwhile, in the housing sector, the minister said the CH&PA’s regional de-

partment, which is presently housed at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), will now have adequate facilities to service customers.

Minister C r o a l u n derlined that, as part of strengthening the regional housing office, the ministry is also embarking on capacity building for staff. In fact, a new Regional Housing Officer is expected to be appointed before the end of September. This, he said, will also advance the provision of quality service and help the government achieve its housing vision.

The office will measure 20x40 feet. The foundation of the building is in the process of completion and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Preserving Our Cultural Heritage GUYANA is known for its rich cultural diversity. We are a diverse society and we take pride in the fact of our multiculturalism.

This month is Amerindian Heritage Month. On September 10, 1995, the PPP/C administration officially designated the month as Amerindian Heritage Month. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Maintaining our traditional integrity; celebrating our Cultural identity.”

Amerindians have a special place in our society. They were the first people to have inhabited

this part of the world.

There are several theories as to how Amerindians arrived in the country roughly 11,000 years ago, the most popular being the Bering Strait theory which postulated that they travelled all the way from Asia during the Ice Age to North America through Central America and finally to South America W h a t w e k n o w f o r sure is that all the other races that came to the country came and met established Amerindian communities with a rich cultural heritage. They lived simple lives and sat-

isfied their needs mainly by way of subsistence farming, fishing and hunting.

Wi t h i n r e c e n t y e a r s there has been a shift in t h e c u l t u r a l l a n d s c a p e .

With the ascension of the PPP/C to office on October 5, 1992, Amerindian development was accelerated due to Amerindian-empowerment measures implemented by the PPP/C administration.

A number of most gains were made due in no small way to improvements in education delivery to the country, but more importantly to the hinterland

communities. Amerindians today are, for the most part, responsible for their own development. Gone are the days when people from the city had to be sent to serve as teachers, nurses and administrative officers in hinterland regions. These regions are now fully integrated into mainstream development and play an integral part in the process of national reconstruction.

The social and physical infrastructures of these communities have also improved significantly.

Schools, hospitals, administrative buildings and

recreational facilities have been modernised. Transportation and communication services have also improved, all of which contributed to a much higher standard of living for hinterland communities.

P r e s i d e n t , D r. M o hamed Irfaan Ali has recommitted his administration resolve to bring greater improvements t o A m e r i n d i a n c o m m unities, especially in the area of land-titling and sustained community development. Job creation still remains a challenge.

At a recent meeting of

the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, President Ali indicated that his administration is actively considering the creation of a free- trade economic zone in the region. This is a step in the right direction in terms of trade and business development and job creation.

Amerindians are no longer second-class citizens as in past years.

They are today the fastest-growing segment of the population, an indication of better education and health services and an enhanced quality of life.

Figueira please show the evidence that herbal remedies led to people in Guyana recovering from COVID-19 Dear Editor, ON Sunday, September 5, 2021, I tuned in to the virtual meeting which was hosted by the APNU+AFC with residents of Region 10.

The meeting was supposed to be a discussion on vaccination which is of concern to many Guyanese. To say that I was disappointed in some of the speakers is an understatement. I thought that as leaders and public figures some of the speakers would have been careful with their utterances, especially since the discussion was on the pandemic and vaccination. That was not the case. Editor, I

write to you to express my displeasure with Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira regarding some of the statements he made.

From the beginning of the discussion, I could tell that the entire meeting was going to be riddled with misinformation. However, what I was taken aback by was the fact that Figueira basically encouraged the use of herbal remedies as an alternative to vaccines in the fight against COVID-19. The coalition and their MPs are always quick to ask for evidence when they are called out for their wrongdoings.

So with that in mind, I ask that Figueira provide us with

the evidence of scientific research to prove this. In his exact words, “We have a number of Guyanese who have contracted COVID, they used other forms of remedies, local herbal remedies and they’ve recovered.”

He then went on to say that there are testimonies of such that cannot be disputed. I am not aware of any scientific study or research which proves the use of herbal remedies as a better alternative to vaccination in the fight against this pandemic.

However, if Figueira has the information, I think we would all like to know who conducted this research and when and what herbal rem-

edies were used. After all, Figueira is supposed to serve the people, so if he knows of an alternative to deal with the spread of the COVID-19 virus which has been proven to work, he should tell the people of Guyana as it would be of great help. In the meantime, I ask that Guyanese continue to ignore this nonsense being spewed by the coalition ever so often to deter people from taking the vaccines.

But Figueira’s utterances and Dr. Karen Cummings’ expression of opposition support for the vaccination effort made on the same day are examples of the sort of deception being employed

by the opposition -- say one thing publicly and do the complete opposite behind the scene.

Editor, I want to remind everyone reading this that the COVID-19 vaccines have been scientifically proven to be the most effective form of medicine used for combating the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is for this very reason that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is recommending that everyone gets vaccinated. If there was indisputable evidence that another alternative to the vaccines is herbs then I am positive that the WHO would have recommended that people use them rather than

source vaccines. The truth is that herbal remedies can only strengthen the body but cannot fight the COVID-19 virus on its own as is suggested

by Figueira. This just goes to show how barefacedly the entire APNU+AFC continues to lie and spread misinformation, all for the sake of disrupting the government’s vaccination campaign. I make the call once again to MP Figueira: show us the evidence of your claims that herbal remedies have led to people in Guyana recovering from COVID-19.

Yours sincerely, Thomas Cole

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

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APNU’s Dr Cummings maintains COVID-19 vaccines a ‘powerful,’ ‘effective’ public health tool _ after colleague Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira advocates herbal treatment for the deadly virus

EVEN as her colleague A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira, makes a case for herbal medication as a remedy for the dreaded effects of COVID-19, Dr. Karen Cummings, who served as junior minister of the former Public Health Ministry, now Ministry of Health, has maintained that COVID-19 vaccines are a powerful and effective public health tool.

In Guyana, some 320,747 persons or 62.5 per cent of the country’s adult population have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 168,201 persons or 32.8 per cent of the adult population are fully inoculated. Added to this, within the space of about two weeks, 9,909 adolescents have taken the Pfizer vaccine.

As a result of the gov-

ernment’s aggressive vaccination campaign, from sourcing to administration, persons in Guyana have had the benefit of being vaccinated with one of six vaccines, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, or Pfizer.

The Government of Canada, like many other countries and institutions across the world, has said that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect families and communities from COVID-19.

“Evidence indicates that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19, including against Alpha and Delta variants of concern. Recent reports in Canada indicate that less than one per cent of those who were fully vaccinated have become sick with COVID-19,” the Canadian government stated on its official website.

Agreeing with global findings and basing her comments on the evidence t h a t e x i s t s , D r. C u m mings said: “We in the APNU+AFC continue to reiterate that vaccines provide a powerful and effective public health tool to prevent serious infectious hospitalisation and deaths.”

This has been something which the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has stated time and again, all in an attempt to encourage Guyanese to embrace the government’s vaccination drive and response to COVID-19.

“Once people are vaccinated, environments will be safer and we have to create a safe environment if we are to push back against the virus,” the Health Minister said on Monday during the daily COVID-19 update.

In a comment which contrasted the view of not only the minister, but also his colleague, Figueira ad-

vocated the use of herbal remedies to treat persons infected with COVID-19, even with there being no evidence to substantiate the effectiveness of this method of treatment.

Though not citing specific evidence, the Parliamentarian during a Zoon meeting with residents of Region 10, said: “We have a number of Guyanese who would have contracted COVID… they used other forms of remedies, local, herbal remedies and they recovered. Bonafide testimonies of persons who were infected with COVID and they recovered. What is in those remedies? We have scientists, can those scientists take into consideration what these people would have used and probably have the population also consider that option to protect them from COVID?” With there being no approved herbal medication for COVID-19, authorities

APNU+AFC Parliamentarian, Dr. Karen Cummings

APNU+AFC Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira

have warned time and again that self-treatment is not safe. And while the prowess of herbal medication in the treatment of certain ailments is undeniable, there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case when it comes to dealing with COVID-19.

Uncertainty, rumours and misinformation are things which Dr. Cummings criticised the government for not addressing adequately, but reports show that several members of the APNU+AFC have been actively participating in the misinformation campaign.

Opposition Leader, Jo-

seph Harmon, who is fully vaccinated, had hosted a press conference and called for the administering of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine to be suspended, claiming that it could be fake. It is the same vaccine that he himself had been inoculated with.

Nonetheless, Harmon’s utterances were soon put to rest, as the manufacturers of the vaccine responded with documentation which attested to the authenticity of the jabs.

Although unfounded, the Opposition Leader’s criticisms had caused some amount of injury to the national vaccination efforts.

Amerindian languages must be encouraged and preserved at all costs

Dear Editor,

that are more developed than their home villages. That is I WISH to bring to fo- only natural. The resultant cus our national theme format of split loyalty, howfor this year’s Amerindian ever, is seen in early assimiHeritage Month: ‘Preserv- lation of subjects into a more ing our traditional Integri- dominant culture, thus giving ty;Celebrating our Cultural rise to a loss of pride of their Identity.’ origin, loss of interest in There is an increasing where they truly belong; takperception, sir, that the Amer- ing pride in a culture which indian is slowly losing pride is not theirs. in his own culture.

That would be a crude Editor, there is a sem- way of explaining the culturblance of truth in this, but al phenomenon, but that is, those of us who take genuine although unfortunate, only pride identifying as the First natural. After all, humans are Peoples of this land are in the always improvising in order great majority. to be counted, to be accepted; But what can give rise, that they belong to the larger, or is giving rise to isolated more affluent society. cases of disgruntled, avert beHistorically, there are fachaviour? What could be the tors, both internal and exterpossible cause of what seems nal, too, that influenced the to be a cultural phenomenon. extent to which our AmerinSociety is so structured dian culture was preserved or that minorities will experi- aided and accepted. ence some form of alienation Missionaries in the cololiving in towns and villages nial past were perhaps more

concerned with the spiritual aspects of the tribes rather than helping with practical aspects such as agriculture, machines and machinery, wood craft, balata craft, cookery and so on and so forth. Without the wherewithal to eke out a better way of life, too, could have been a grave concern for us the Amerindians and that served to hurt our pride, living in a state of abject poverty with poor levels of education.

And whose pride could not go unhurt?

For certain, tribal languages were the least encouraged and least preserved, except for some tribes these days. Amerindians then found themselves between accepting a foreign language and being ridiculed, for the use of their language.

The impression was, their language was inferior, and that too caused the cultural

dilemma.

However, the use of our Amerindian languages must be encouraged and preserved at all cost.

To m a k e m y f i n a l point, Mr. Editor, a comment is critical to give clarity to the subject at hand.

Amerindians, as far as tradition goes, are accountable for each other.

Properly understood, community implies more than just living together in a geographical location. It means that there is some real sharing of life together, namely, that we work together, that we celebrate our rites together, that we celebrate some of our everyday joys, fears, and feasts together; that we are responsible to each other and open to each other as regards mutual correction and challenge.

So all these things together, and more, in es-

sence, mean in some form or the other, we are mutually accountable to each other for our lives.

We may live in our private home, but once we belong to a village community, tradition has it that we no longer own our lives, as it were. We are answerable to each other and may not fully claim our own lives as a piece of private property, as such.

I mean, if anyone began to do things that went against village by-laws, for example, the community would go against him, or her, and challenge that person to straighten himself out... and he, she couldn’t protest and say, “That is my life, beat out, that’s none of your business.”

The community is the people and they determine what is tradition in terms of what is culturally accepted as the norm, in terms of ceremo-

nial outfit, type of beverages, land use, etc., etc.

It goes without saying that cultural preferences, therefore, must, for all intents and purposes continue to be determined by the collective, the people at large; not by an individual or a group of individuals.

The integrity of one’s culture must be preserved, but it must reflect the approval of the whole, the Amerindian community; the people themselves.

In the end we will all be the happier of who we are and celebrate our Amerindian identity with pride.

Happy heritage to all my Amerindian sisters and brothers.

God bless us the Amerindians of Guyana.

God bless Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Joseph Atkinson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

740 Venezuelan children enrolled in public schools THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has disclosed that a total of 740 Venezuelan children between the ages of five and 16 were enrolled in the public education system in April and May 2019.

This information was included in the ministry’s Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2021 to 2025.

According to the data, Regions One, Two, and Three were the regions that recorded the largest numbers of school enrolment among the refugee children, recording 187, 138, and 196 respectively.

The ministry has noted that with this phenomenon of refugees being relatively new to the local economy, there will be significant changes made in the new period plan to cater for the presence of refugee children in the local education system.

The ministry further indicated that this influx of students has already significantly increased the cost of the school-feeding programme in the hinterland communities where all schoolchildren receive a free meal at lunchtime. This is one of the major areas that the ministry intends to address to ensure that that programme is adequately budgeted to cater to the increasing number of school-aged children in the hinterland communities.

Since 2019, the Department of Education in Region One has sought and obtained assistance from UNICEF for materials to assist the Spanish speakers. Efforts have also been made to employ teachers who speak Spanish to ensure that those Spanish-speaking children have the chance to understand and learn while in school.

Region Four has recorded a total of 95 children being enrolled in the public school system; one child each was recorded in Regions Five and Six, Region Seven recorded 80 children, Region Nine recorded nine and Region 10 recorded five children.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), statistics in December 2020, there are currently over 22,000 Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Guyana.

Venezuelan migrants have been seeking to build a life in many countries around the globe, including Guyana, since the initial humanitarian crisis in Venezuela in the mid-2000s.

Guyana has been seeing a consistent influx of citizens from the neighbouring country and has been work-

A screenshot of data showing the number of refugee children from Venezuela who were enrolled in the public education system in April and May 2019 ing significantly to facilitate those persons.

In a recent interview, International Office for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Robert Natiello, lauded the government’s commitment to the affected Venezuelans. He noted that the IOM recognises the significant support the Government of Guyana has given to Venezuelan migrants

during this period of the humanitarian crisis.

He said that even with Guyana’s support, a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to ensure that enough resources are provided to cater to both the residents of Region One and the Venezuelan migrants.

“The IOM acknowledges that the growing

number of migrants from Venezuela has really placed an increased burden and pressure on the resources this country has to address and provide basic services to the community, such as housing, water, and other services, and being able to address these needs really requires a multi-stakeholder approach,” said Natiello.

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

9

Caribbean countries commit to building agricultural resilience to climate change challenges

Key Caribbean officials at the hemispheric meeting were, from left, top: Indar Weir, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Barbados; Ron DublinCollins, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture of Saint Kitts and Nevis; Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture of Guyana; Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Jamaica; and Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

THE Caribbean nations are committed to building the resilience of their agrifood systems to tackle the challenges they face, due to their vulnerability to climatechange-related natural disasters, according to ministers from the region.

These high-level authorities from 14 nations in the region met with their peers in the wider American hemisphere at the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture 2021, which was held virtually under the theme of “Sustainable Agrifood Systems, the Engine of Development of the Americas”.

“The world is facing many challenges, and the Americas has its own challenges. Specifically, we in the Caribbean need to build greater resilience to climate change- related natural disasters,” said Indar Weir, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Barbados.

“In Barbados this year,” he said, “we have

had to endure the passage of Hurricane Elsa, and we are still in the hurricane season. So we must ensure that the entire Caribbean is protected.”

Weir thanked the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for its work to achieve agricultural sustainability in the Caribbean, and commended the Director-General, Manuel Otero, for his re-election to head the organisation for a second term.

Ron Dublin-Collins, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture of Saint Kitts and Nevis, explained that his country is seeking to transform agriculture to better position the sector to ensure food security. He said that, “We are making every effort. We know that the sector faces challenges and hope to continue collaborating with countries in the region and with IICA. We embrace hope and know that we can achieve our objectives.”

Also participating in the Conference was Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)—one of the strategic technical cooperation partners of IICA—who emphasised that the Caribbean nations are attempting to transform their agrifood systems, while also boosting production resilience, in a bid to achieve a 25 per cent cut in the high level of food imports by 2025.

“Transforming agrifood systems will require funding from public and private entities and from national and international partners.

To do so, we will need innovative financial instruments and investment models that allow us to introduce new technologies to small producers, so that they can begin to employ solar energy, hydroponics, aquaponics, smart greenhouses and water harvesting and storage,” said Bennett, who was making her first appearance at the ministerial meeting as Secretary-

General of CARICOM. TREMENDOUS LOSSES Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Jamaica, lamented the fact that his country’s productive sector suffered tremendous losses because of the passage of Tropical Storm Ida. “Now is the time to work to transform agrifood systems and that is what the CARICOM member countries are doing. Climate change challenges are enormous”, he said, while expressing his appreciation for IICA’s contributions in assisting his country to introduce greater technological innovation to benefit small farmers.

“Our region is one of the most vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters in general,” remarked Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture of Guyana, a South American member country of CARICOM and the headquarters of that organisation.

“Our economies

and production systems have suffered the impact of the volcano eruption in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the earthquake in Haiti and the floods in Guyana and Suriname that destroyed crops and animals. Now we are tackling an outbreak of African swine fever in the Dominican Republic. It is critical that we strengthen our agrifood systems.”

He also remarked that, “Our task is to create agriculture and tourism linkages and to develop public-private partnerships that allow us to implement climate-smart technology and digital agriculture.

We need financing for climate mitigation and adaptation today more than ever. The support of IICA and other international institutions is imperative to ensure greater resilience.”

The Guyanese minister pointed that his country, with its vast tracts of agricultural land, is one of the guarantors of Caribbean food security and con-

firmed that lately the country has made headway in modernising its production. “The challenges are many, but the conditions are within our reach,” he said.

Finally, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saboto Caesar, congratulated the newly re-elected IICA Director- General for his work to build agrifood system resilience in the hemisphere during the pandemic and expressed his commitment to building agricultural sustainability.

Saboto admitted that, “We know that much remains to be done and that things will not be easy from here forward. We will have to face daunting challenges as we push ahead to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030, but our aim is to guarantee the food security and sovereignty of our people.” (IICA)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Strengthening linkages between agri-food, tourism and health sectors vital _to reposition Caribbean agriculture,

says Minister Mustapha _underscores financing for mitigation and adaptation to climate change is critical A G R I C U LT U R E Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that for agriculture to be e f f e c t i v e l y re p o s i -

tioned in the Caribbean, a number of actions must be taken.

The minister was at the time address-

ing the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2021, which was hosted by the Inter-

American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

The two-day conference saw Ministers of Agriculture from across the region meeting to discuss matters relating to improving agriculture relations across the Caribbean.

While presenting on behalf of the Caribbean region, Minister Mustapha said that several actions must be taken to reposition agriculture in the Americas.

“Actions to reposition Caribbean agriculture must include strengthening linkages between the agri-food, tourism and health sectors, establishing public-private partnerships in local food production, and processing, implementing climatesmart technologies, and transitioning towards digital agriculture.

Therefore, financing for mitigation and adaptation to climate change is more critical today than ever before, and is necessary to protect and transform Caribbean food systems,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also said that support from international institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Dev e l o p m e n t ( I FA D ) , the World Food Programme (WFP), IICA, international financial institutions, and bilateral partners will be critical to ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector, and that an immediate priority for the Caribbean is the creation of a vulnerability fund.

S o f a r, m e m b e r states have identified poultry, niche vegeta-

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha bles, corn, soya bean, rice, coconut, and meat from cows, sheep, and goats as priority commodities for the advancement of the agrifood systems.

Minister Mustapha told the participating officials that, so far, IICA has been providing support for the biofortified rice project, which is on the cusp of releasing a new variety.

This, he noted, will be the first such initiative for the region.

Guyana is now playing the lead role in agriculture in the CARICOM. His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali earlier this year presented a strategy to the CARICOM Heads of Government, outlining ways to advance the CARICOM AgriFood Systems Agenda in order to transform the agriculture sector in CARICOM. Since then, Minister Mustapha, who serves as chairman of the Ministerial Taskforce set up to advance the agenda, has been meeting with other serving Ministers of Agriculture in the region to discuss the necessary steps to advance the agri-food system.

The subject minister also told the conference that the inputs and contribution of CARICOM Member States to the global voice for sustainable and resilient food systems are important.

“Given the prominence of these integrated food system challenges for the region, and the longstanding commitment to the transformation of its

food systems, it is important for the voices of CARICOM Member States to be added to the global position for sustainable and resilient food systems. As is well known, the Caribbean region is amongst the most vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change impacts, and has been identified as the second most hazard-prone region in the world. Just recently, economies and food systems were impacted by the eruption of volcanoes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, affecting Barbados and other neighbouring Islands; Hurricane Elsa left wind and flood damages in Barbados and other islands in the eastern Caribbean; Haiti, with the recent earthquake, and Guyana and Suriname experienced unprecedented flooding that resulted in tremendous loss of crops and livestock. Additionally, with the confirmation of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Americas, we will work with IICA to intensify protective measures against livestock production,” Minister Mustapha said.

Manuel Otero was also re-elected to serve as the DirectorGeneral for IICA for the 2022-2026 period.

Other participating nations included Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Paraguay, Mexico, the United States of America, and Ecuador.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

11

$110M in contracts signed for road works in Wakenaam GUYANA CHRONICLE,

THE MINISTRY of Public Works and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Monday signed two contracts totalling $110 million for road works in two communities in Wakenaam, Essequibo Islands, Region Three.

According to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, government has committed to constructing one kilometre of new concrete road from Maria Johanna to Ridge to the tune of $48 million, and another one kilometre of road from Meer Zorg to Zeelandia for an additional $62 million.

Minister Indar noted that for years, residents on the island have unavoidably traversed near impassable roads which have outlived their time.

He stated that not only is the existing infrastructure in the aforementioned communities deplorable, but it is also ancient and much unlike the modern, asphalted roads found in other parts of the island.

It was previously disclosed by the Ministry of Public Works that the two communities have a collective five kilometres of roadway in a “deplorable” state.

According to Minister

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, assessing the damage on a section of the Zeelandia road in July, 2021 (Adrian Narine photo) Indar, the government has put a strategic plan in place to ensure that the works are done in phases until its completion.

“The residents of Wakenaam have cried bitterly about the roads in Ridge and Zeelandia. In subsequent visits by myself and Minister Dharamlall, we have [been] met with these cries from the residents, we have seen it, we have walked the ground and we understand the hardships to get transportation. It’s very expensive for the residents to get a

taxi to take them around there and the ones [sic] that drive, the roads are so bad, it damages [sic] their vehicle. Generally the roads are in a deplorable state,” Minister Indar said.

He stated that the new concrete roads are also being constructed as a way to modernise the infrastructure and provide a more accessible commute across the island.

He said the impending work will significantly improve the standard of living of residents who reside in the targeted

communities.

Further, the minister highlighted that the upgrades to the road networks will also provide opportunities for improved commerce and innovation across the island. He explained that new roads will provide a smoother journey for business people to move their produce and products to and from the island, thus decreasing the transportation cost, while increasing the opportunity for business.

Meanwhile, Local Government Minister

Nigel Dharamlall further reiterated government’s commitment to providing the residents with easier access to their communities. He noted that the new roads will not only ease the burden of damage to vehicles, but it will also benefit the schoolchildren who have to traverse the roads.

“There’s a school in that area and that would enhance the movement of those school children.

Many days residents would complain to us [that] those children have to take their sneakers off

to walk on the road because it’s flooded with water when it rains a lot, so this is our part to bring greater development and ease to the situation of the people on the ground,” Minister Dharamlall emphasised.

He further noted that these roads were placed on government’s agenda for rehabilitation following the pleas of residents. He noted that the signing of the contracts was the first step in fulfilling the promise made to the people of Wakenaam.

Two representatives of A.M.I.C General Contracting Services; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall and a representative of IB Contracting and Machinery Rentals following the contract-signing ceremony (Adrian Narine Photo)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Ruling on challenge to interim Town Clerk appointment set for September 13

COME September 13, High Court Judge, JoAnn Barlow, is expected to make her ruling in the application filed by the Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC) of Georgetown to block the recent appointment of interim Town Clerk, Candace Nelson, by the Local Government Commission (LGC).

On Monday, after listening to brief submissions from LGC’s attorney, Pratesh Satram, and the M&CC’s attorney, Teni Housty, Justice Barlow announced that her decision will be delivered on September 13 at 13:30hrs.

The LGC, on July 27, 2021, demoted Sherry Jerrick to Deputy Town Clerk for reportedly not performing her duties satisfactorily. The LGC commissioners reportedly voted unanimously to revert Jerrick to her previously held position, and later made a decision to appoint Nelson as the interim Town Clerk.

Dissatisfied, the M&CC, through attorneys-at-law Housty, Nigel Hughes and Konyo

Demoted Acting Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick

Georgetown’s Mayor, Ubraj Narine Sandiford, is asking the court to grant an interim order staying or suspending the implementation of the LGC’s appointment of Nelson until the hearing and determination of the application.

The “Town Clerk of Georgetown” is listed as the claimant while the LGC is the respondent.

The claimant, in court

documents, stated that Nelson, since her installation as acting Town Clerk, “has taken a number of disruptive actions which pose serious ongoing, continuing breaches that compromise the sanctity of the operations of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown.”

According to the court documents, Nelson sought

to suspend a tendering process commenced months prior to July 28, 2021, and has allegedly sought to influence the records of statutory meetings of the council by deleting matters from minutes and dictate the contents of the agenda or subsequent meetings of the council.

“It is feared that if the

50 defective, unapproved scales removed from Stabroek, Bourda markets GUYANA National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) inspectors, accompanied by ranks of the Guyana Police force (GPF), seized and removed 50 defective and unapproved dial scales in use during a market surveillance exercise last Friday.

According to a release, this exercise was conducted at the Stabroek and Bourda markets where there seems to be the pervasive use of unapproved dial scales.

“For quite a while, the GNBS has been advising vendors and shopkeepers to desist from using the domestic dial scales, which were not designed for the rigors of commercial use. These scales easily become inaccurate and result in vendors selling short-weighed goods to consumers.

“The GNBS has encouraged vendors and shopkeepers to only use the recommended metric devices, which include the metric

red equal arm scales and masses, metric platform scales, approved dial scales and electronic scales.

Approved scales can be purchased from hardware stores in the City and from business locations across the

country,” the release said.

Vendors, shopkeepers and other users of weighing and measuring devices in trade who have not yet submitted their devices for stamping for the second half of the year are encouraged to do so before the end of September 2021, the GNBS said.

Meanwhile, the GNBS continues to urge consumers to avoid making purchases from vendors and shopkeepers selling with the unapproved devices and noted that the sensitisation effort will continue.

Last Friday’s exercise was conducted directly in response to the widespread use of the unapproved scales observed by the GNBS in many markets and other retail outlets. To maintain accuracy of measurements in commerce, the GNBS plans to expand its surveillance campaign for the rest of the year to seize and remove unverified and unapproved devices in use.

Interim Town Clerk, Candace Nelson

implementation or further implantation of the decision is not suspended, Candace Nelson will further disrupt the activities of Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown,” the grounds for the application stated.

Further, it is being claimed that the conduct of Nelson, who is purportedly acting under the power of the LGC, is “inimical” to the best interests of the M&CC, the infrastructure of the City of Georgetown and the residents of Georgetown.

Citing that Nelson is acting without proper authority, the claimant said that her actions have had a disrupting effect on the smooth and efficient functioning of the M&CC. During a press conference held in August, the LGC Chairman, Julius Faerber, had said the decision by the commission to revert acting Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick to her former position as Deputy Town Clerk, and appoint Candace Nelson to act as interim Town Clerk of City Hall is in keeping with the laws of the commission.

Faerber had said several meetings were held with Jerrick to clarify several redundancies that were occurring at City Hall.

He said that the commission subsequently came to the conclusion that Jerrick was not performing her duties up to par, and there was a

“unanimous” vote among the seven commissioners to have her appointed Deputy Town Clerk. A subsequent decision was made to appoint Nelson as the interim Town Clerk.

According to the Local Government Act, the commission also has the authority to revert an employee from one position to another. This, he said, is evident in Act 12 of 1980.

Additionally, under Article 30 of the Local Government Act 18 of 2013, the chairman of the commission can unilaterally make decisions on behalf of the local government body.

“The commission may make rules and regulations prescribing all matters which by this Act are required or permitted to be prescribed which are necessary or convenient to be prescribed by carrying out of or giving effect to the provision of this act and particular for the procedures of the commission,” it states.

The LGC’s decision was rejected by Georgetown’s Mayor, Ubraj Narine, who said that Jerrick has proven herself to be competent to the councillors during her two years of service to City Hall. As such, he said the council will not recognise Nelson as the interim Town Clerk. This position resulted in the current legal challenge that is before the court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

13

Preserving the ‘unique’ indigenous language of Kaikan The entrance to the indigenous community of Kaikan in Region Seven

Toshao of Kaikan Village, Marlon Williams KNOWN for their interesting culture, traditions and way of life, Guyana’s first peoples have been working tirelessly to ensure that their heritage is preserved and is passed from generation to generation.

Kaikan, an indigenous village in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), has managed to preserve its unique indigenous language of Akawaio mixed with Arapuna.

During a recent visit to the community, the Guyana Chronicle spoke with Toshao Marlon Williams, who noted that this is a language specific to the village of Kaikan and it puts villagers at an advantage.

According to the village leader, the villagers are able to communicate with those from two other Amerindian tribes, the

Patamona and the Akawaio.

He explained to this publication that currently the language is being preserved like many of the other pieces of culture that are being passed down “from grandparent to grandchild.”

The toshao stated that the majority of elders in the village fluently speak the language which was passed down to them by their fore-parents and have been working to ensure that their grandchildren, the next generation, can continue to preserve such a significant part of their identity.

“At home they learn it. Most of the community, it has been passed down from generation to generation and it’s mostly the grandparents teaching their grandchildren because they have a better understanding of it, how

to teach it and so on,” said Williams.

BRINGING IT TO SCHOOL The toshao told the Chronicle that the village council has noted the importance of preserving culture and plans to integrate the native language into the school curriculum starting at the primary level, so that younger children can have a more formal foundation of the language.

“When minister was here last year, we brought it to her attention and she said I think most hinterland schools are doing that; so I think that’s something we are currently working towards to ensure that we can preserve our language,” Williams said.

He further stated that while teaching the language in schools will allow for the preservation

of the indigenous culture, it will also provide job opportunities for villagers who could be hired to teach the language to the learners.

Meanwhile, as the council awaits the Ministry of Education’s guidance on this plan, Toshao Williams noted that several initiatives are in the works to

ensure that children in the community are able to benefit from free teaching sessions in their native language.

“We’re trying to promote preserving our culture and we want to launch initiatives to ensure that these languages are preserved, especially for the

younger ones, because we know sometimes we might have people that might shy away from it and because of modernisation and parents speaking to them predominantly in English. But, it’s our culture and we want to preserve it as much as we can,” he added.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Over $1B in flood relief distributed to Region Five farmers OVER the weekend, over 5,000 farmers from Region Five received assistance to return to the land as the government continues with its $7.8 billion flood relief package to farmers who were affected during the recent flooding.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha spearheaded the distribution at the Bath Primary School a n d t h e Wo o d l e y Park Primary School in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) last Sunday as farmers turned up in their numbers to benefit from the government’s flood-relief initiative.

While addressing the gathering, Min-

ister Mustapha said that the government understands the importance of getting farmers back to the land, so that they can begin to earn and provide for their families.

“We recognise the importance of getting our farmers back to the land as quickly as possible, and to get back the livestock we need as quickly as possible. That is why the president himself has been leading the team around the country to meet with those who were affected. The president made a commitment that, at the end of the day, we will do an assessment to know what was lost. Our officers were tasked

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha handing over a cheque to a farmer at the Bath Primary School in Region Five last Sunday

with carrying out a thorough investigation so that we can give assistance to farmers as soon as possible. Today is a testament to the

promises made by the President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the PPP/Civic Government,” Minister Mustapha said.

During the course of the day, cash crop, rice, and livestock farmers who were present at the various distribution sites said that they were grateful that the government made good on its promise, and is giving farmers the much-needed help to return to the land.

Ganesh Singh, a farmer who lost close to 90 acres of rice and other cash crops but benefited from the initiative last Sunday, said that he was pleased with the assistance he received from the government.

The farmer also recounted the losses he experienced in 2019, and said that it was clear that the PPP/C Government has an interest in the farmers.

GRATITUDE “I sow about close to 90 acres of rice; all duck out.

All my cash crop and so; I lost all.

When we had the

high tide and flooding in 2019, I bin lose my cash crop, too. The government then didn’t do anything for farmers. Now look today, the minister come, and we getting back some relief. I want to thank the president and the government for this, because I don’t know what I woulda do,” Singh said.

Minister Mustapha also said that despite the baseless criticisms of some, the government will continue to act in the best interest of the people of Guyana.

“You can see the kind of investment that we are making in terms of alleviating the problems and the burdens Guyanese were faced with over the last five years, prior to August 2020. While in opposition, we saw the harsh and somewhat dictatorial measures that were imposed on the people of this c o u n t r y. We h a d said when we got back into power, we would remove those burdens, and today, we are here, comrades, to deliver

again; to rollout the programme of prosperity to the people of our country, because we are putting the money for the benefit of the people. You, the recipients, you be the judge. Those that choose to criticise this initiative do not care about your welfare; they are criticising this because these programmes that we are implementing are making them become irrelevant, and exposing their true nature.

Every day, they are losing supporters, so they are trying to create traction by criticising the good work of the PPP/C, and making false allegations,” Minister Mustapha contended.

To date, thousands of farmers from Regions Five, Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have benefited from the government’s flood-relief initiative. Distribution in other affected regions is scheduled to commence within the coming weeks.

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Linden duo abandon car with $6.6M in marijuana after seeing police

POLICE are hunting two men who reportedly abandoned a car with 44 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $6.6M on Sunday night in Linden.

The incident occurred just about 21:40 hrs at the Wismar Bridge.

Police, acting on information received, visited the eastern side of the bridge at around 21:40hrs when they observed a grey car (PWW 9605) in the line of traffic.

The vehicle was being driven by one of the suspects and upon seeing the ranks approaching, he and the other male in the motorcar exited and fled into the thick vegetation south of the Wismar Bridge.

The ranks gave chase while one policeman managed to stop the car which was still in drive mode.

The vehicle was taken to the McKenzie Police Station and despite efforts to apprehend the suspects, they made good their escape.

The car was searched and six bulky parcels containing leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis, were found in the trunk. It was

The seized marijuana and car in police custody

weighed and amounted to 44lbs/20kgs.

Additionally, a relative of one of the suspects is now in custody after he allegedly assaulted a police sergeant.

Based on information, the police visited the One Mile, Wismar home of one of the suspects and during efforts to make checks for him they encountered the brother of the man.

They requested permission to conduct a search on his person and he violently pushed the

policeman away, causing him to fall to the ground, receiving injuries to his left hand in the region of the elbow.

The man then allegedly assaulted several other ranks in the process of being arrested.

He was eventually arrested and escorted to the McKenzie Police Station where he was placed into custody.

The sergeant and two other ranks sought medical attention at the Linden Hospital Complex where they were treated and sent away.

43 to testify in Kescia Branche murder trial A total of 43 witnesses are expected to testify before the Demerara High Court in the murder trial of young teacher, Kescia Branche, who was allegedly killed by a 51-year-old taxi driver in 2017.

Matthew Monroe, who was charged for the murder is now expected to stand trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12 member jury on September 15. September 6 was initially fixed for the commencement of the trial.

Last month, Monroe was arraigned before Justice Kissoon and pleaded not guilty to killing Branche on November 7, 2017 at Georgetown.

The state is being represented by prosecutors, Seeta Bissoondial and Lisa Cave while attorneys-atlaw, Dexter Todd, Anastasia Sanford and Dexter Smartt are on record for the accused.

Branche, a mother of one, who resided in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was last seen alive on November 4, 2017, when she left for a night out with her

friends. She was found in an unconscious state in the vicinity of Princes Street and Louisa Row in the city the following day. Her left leg was broken and there was evidence that she had sustained multiple head injuries.

The Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) two days later. A post-mortem examination revealed that she died as a result of brain haemorrhage.

During the investigation, three suspects who were being questioned

regarding the death of Branche, were released.

At the time of the trio’s release, the police were seeking to contact the taxi driver whose cell phone number appeared repeatedly on Branche’s mobile device.

The taxi driver’s car was impounded at the Brickdam Police Station, subsequent to his reported departure from the country, after Branche was found in an unconscious state. Investigators are of the opinion that the driver may have been the last person to see the teacher alive.

15

Two suffer head injuries during fight over pig

A BRAWL over a pig on Sunday at number 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, has left Tyrese George, 16, and Marvin Ross, 56, nursing injuries to their heads.

The police related that 57-year-old Wayne Heyligar and 43-year-old Terrence George had a heated argument over a pig and during the argument, 56-year-old Morvin Ross ‘rushed up’ to Terrence George with a cutlass.

Seeing that, George’s teenaged son Tyrese took the cutlass away from Ross and ran behind Heyligar. However, Heyligar overpowered the teen, took the cutlass away and dealt him one chop to the head.

The elder George then

picked up a piece of wood and lashed Ross to his head, causing him to receive injures.

Both, Ross and Tyrese were picked up in a conscious state and escorted to the Skeldon Public Hospital

where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty.

Tyrese was admitted a patient while Marvin was treated and sent away.

Terrence was arrested and placed in custody as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 7, 2021

Yorkshire beat Somerset by an innings and 33 runs in two days YORKSHIRE wrapped up a remarkable innings and 33-run victory over Somerset inside two days.

Harry Brook's 118 and Jordan Thompson's 57 took Yorkshire from their overnight 159-5 to 308 all out for a first-innings lead of 174 at Scarborough.

Paceman Matthew Fisher (4-23) then claimed three wickets in seven balls as Somerset slumped to 18-5.

Thompson picked up the last two wickets after Yorkshire took the ex-

tra half hour as Somerset were all out for 141.

With Somerset on 1128 when the 96 scheduled overs had been bowled, the game carried on.

Thompson (3-32) first bowled Ben Green for 32 to leave Somerset nine down and then finished the match by bowling Marchant de Lange with the penultimate ball of the day.

Earlier, Brook and Thompson had made sure Yorkshire completed their first innings with a commanding advantage.

After resuming on 79,

Brook looked in superb touch once again as he brought up his fourth firstclass century off just 122 deliveries midway through the morning session.

The 22-year-old eventually went six short of his first-class best when he flashed Green to slip, but Thompson then went on the charge to stretch Yorkshire's lead beyond 150.

Fisher, who finished with outstanding match figures of 9-64, tore through Somerset's top order in the second innings.

David Willey first re-

Harry Brook scored his fourth first-class century for Yorkshire.

moved Tom Lammonby without scoring before Fisher dismissed Azhar Ali, James Hildreth, George Bartlett and Tom Abell in a chaotic half hour after tea.

From 69-7, Jack Leach (26) and Green resisted with a stand of 42 and looked to be taking the game to a third day.

But Dom Bess had Leach caught at slip in what should have been the penultimate over before Thompson completed a big win. (BBC Sport)

England crumble as inspired India sweep... (From back page) 127-7 on day one, conceding a first-innings deficit of 99 and being 213 ahead with only four wickets in hand on Sunday.

From 77-0 overnight, England talked about the possibility of pulling off their highest successful chase in Test cricket but, even on such

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a good batting pitch, a draw would have felt like a creditable result.

However, once the tourists sensed victory, and with captain Virat Kohli conducting the ecstatic India support among a sold-out crowd, England were overwhelmed.

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lost after winning the toss and choosing to field first.

They dropped six catches in the match and Dawid Malan's needless run-out on Monday was another example of the hosts being complicit in their own downfall.

That, though, is to take nothing away from India, who lead the series despite omitting masterful off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin throughout.

Here, Thakur twice produced valuable runs from number eight, Rohit Sharma was sublime in making his first overseas Test hundred and India were tactically superb in exploiting the reverse-swing on the final day.

After sealing a remarkable victory in Australia in January, India are on the verge of a second iconic away series

win this year.

BRILLIANT BUMRAH SPARKS INDIA From 131-2 at lunch, England were one good session away from relative safety. Instead, they lost six wickets for 62 runs.

Hameed had already been dropped playing a horrible sweep and called Malan for the single that resulted in the run-out before he played down the wrong line to be bowled by Jadeja.

Then came Bumrah's exhilarating spell. Reversing the old ball at high pace, he first got through Ollie Pope's defensive push and followed up with a searing inswinging yorker that gave Bairstow little chance.

The Pope wicket was Bumrah's 100th in Tests in his 24th match, making him the fastest

India seamer to reach the milestone. His 2-6 in six overs was, on average, the quickest he has bowled in the series.

When Moeen Ali tamely poked Jadeja to short leg, the guts had been ripped out of the England middle order and India were on a rampant charge towards victory.

NO RESCUE FROM ROOT England's serene progress from the fourth evening continued on Monday morning, with Rory Burns reaching 50 and his opening stand with Hameed 100, only for the left-hander to edge a fine delivery from Thakur.

Malan played without certainty, but arguably was not to blame for his demise. Hameed called for a questionable single on the off side, only for sub fielder Mayank Agarwal to

swoop and return the ball to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant before Malan could slide into his ground.

That signalled the arrival of Root. So often the captain carries England's hopes with his urgency at the crease, yet as he witnessed the middle-order collapse from the non-striker's end he was forced into a grim salvage operation.

He ate up nearly 13 overs with Chris Woakes before fiddling at the first ball of Thakur's new spell, chopping on to his stumps for 36 and effectively ending England's slim hopes.

Woakes clipped Umesh to mid-wicket on the stroke of tea, Overton was painfully bowled off his elbow when Umesh took the second new ball and last man James Anderson edged behind. (BBC SPORT)

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 191 England 1st innings 290 India 2nd innings Rohit Sharma c Chris Woakes b Ollie Robinson 127 Lokesh Rahul c Jonny Bairstow b James Anderson 46 Cheteshwar Pujara c Moeen Ali b Ollie Robinson 61 Virat Kohli c Craig Overton b Moeen Ali 44 Ravindra Jadeja lbw Chris Woakes 17 Ajinkya Rahane lbw Chris Woakes 0 Rishabh Pant c&b Moeen Ali 50 Shardul Thakur c Craig Overton b Joe Root 60 Umesh Yadav c Moeen Ali b Craig Overton 25 Jasprit Bumrah c Moeen Ali b Chris Woakes 24 Mohammed Siraj Not Out 3 Extras 0b 7lb 2nb 0pen 0w 9 Total (148.2 overs) 466 all out Fall of Wickets: 1-83 Rahul, 2-236 Sharma, 3-237 Pujara, 4-296 Jadeja, 5-296 Rahane, 6-312 Kohli, 7-412 Thakur, 8-414 Pant, 9-450 Bumrah, 10-466 Yadav Bowling: James Anderson 33 - 10 - 79 - 1, Ollie Robinson 32 - 7 - 105 - 2 (1nb), Chris Woakes 32 - 8 - 83 - 3 (1nb), Craig Overton 18.2 - 3 - 58 - 1, Moeen Ali 26 - 0 - 118 - 2,

England 2nd innings o/n 77-0 Rory Burns c Rishabh Pant b Shardul Thakur 50 Haseeb Hameed b Ravindra Jadeja 63 Dawid Malan Run Out (Sub) 5 Joe Root b Shardul Thakur 36 Ollie Pope b Jasprit Bumrah 2 Jonny Bairstow b Jasprit Bumrah 0 Moeen Ali c (Sub) b Ravindra Jadeja 0 Chris Woakes c Lokesh Rahul b Umesh Yadav 18 Craig Overton b Umesh Yadav 10 Ollie Robinson Not Out 10 James Anderson c Rishabh Pant b Umesh Yadav 2 Extras 2b 5lb 7nb 0pen 0w 14 Total (92.2 overs) 210 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-100 Burns, 2-120 Malan, 3-141 Hameed, 4-146 Pope, 5-146 Bairstow, 6-147 Ali, 7-182 Root, 8-193 Woakes, 9-202 Overton, 10-210 Anderson Bowling: Umesh Yadav 18.2 - 2 - 60 - 3 ( 2nb), Jasprit Bumrah 22 - 9 - 27 - 2, Ravindra Jadeja 30 - 11 - 50 - 2 (5nb), Mohammed Siraj 14 - 0- 44 - 0, Shardul Thakur 8 - 1 - 22 -- .2.

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Pineda goal powers Mexico past Costa Rica

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 7, 2021

British teenager Raducanu into US Open quarters after beating Rogers BRITISH teenager Emma Raducanu put in another devastating performance to reach the US Open quarter-finals as her dream New York debut continued.

The 18-year-old qualifier, yet to drop a set here, won 11 games in a row in a 6-2 6-1 win over Shelby Rogers.

In the biggest match of her life, on the biggest tennis court in the world, Raducanu recovered from a break in the opening game to dominate in style.

She will face Olympic champion Belinda Bencic

for a place in the semi-finals.

The Briton dropped to her knees on Arthur Ashe Stadium after sealing victory when home favourite Shelby netted a service return on her fourth match point.

Raducanu, who captured the British public's imagination with a run to the Wimbledon fourth round as a wildcard in July, has now gone one better after a series of accomplished displays that have had pundits predicting big things ahead for the world number 150. (BBC Sport)

Emma Raducanu had to come through three rounds of qualifying to take her place in the main draw.

Defences hold firm as El Salvador and Honduras split points

Mexico´s Orbelin Pineda celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot against Costa Rica on September 5, 2021, at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica. (Photos Mexsport/ Concacaf)

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica.Mexico earned its second victory of the Final Round of Concacaf World Cup qualification for Qatar 2022, going into the Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica, and coming out with a 1-0 victory over the hosts thanks to a goal from the penalty spot from Orbelin Pineda.

Mexico’s first clear chance came in the 20th minute when confusion in the Costa Rican defense led to a breakaway for El Tricolor forward Rogelio Funes Mori. The Monterrey man used his right foot to put a shot on target, but Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas got down quickly to win the one-on-one battle and keep the scoreline at 0-0.

But Navas couldn't stop Mexico from nosing in front

in first half stoppage time.

Pineda became the first player to beat Navas in this World Cup qualification cycle, putting his penalty to the right of the former Concacaf Goalkeeper of the Year as he dove to his left.

Andres Guardado had won the penalty moments earlier, getting into the area before he was clipped by Costa Rica defender Bryan Oviedo, who put his boot into Guardado’s left shin.

Mexico threatened again in the 56th minute with a counter-attack catching the Costa Rican defense in a moment of disorganization.

Yet, Funes Mori didn’t spot a wide-open Jesus Gallardo streaking into the box, opting to play short for Pineda, who was marked, and the chance came to nothing.

While forward Joel

Campbell came into the match at halftime, Costa Rica struggled to break through a staunch Mexico back line.

The most dangerous moment came as the clock ticked into stoppage time and Costa Rica put in a long throw-in toward substitute Kendall Waston. The ball bounced off the defender and fell to Keysher Fuller, who lobbed a shot toward Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa’s goal, but it kissed off the bar and stayed out.

Costa Rica is still searching for its first goal of qualification, and so the Ticos will hope to find it as they stay at home, welcoming Jamaica, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Mexico stays in Central America to take on Panama. (CONCACAF.com)

Darwin Ceren of El Salvador #7 and Jonathan Rubio of Honduras fight for the possession on September 5, 2021 at the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador, El Salvador (Fotos Federacion Salvadorena de Futbol).

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador.- Neither El Salvador or Honduras could find a breakthrough at the Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, with the Central American rivals battling to a scoreless draw on Sunday night.

The teams took different approaches after their opening-match draws, with El Salvador Head Coach Hugo Perez opting for the exact same starting XI as he utilised in a 0-0 result with the United States, last Thursday, while Honduras manager Fabian Coito made nine modifications to the squad that earned a 1-1 draw with Canada.

In the 35th minute, Honduras goalkeeper Luis Lo-

pez, who kept his place, passed one of his first tests, being alert to stopping a long-range, left-footed rocket from El Salvador forward Joaquin Rivas.

Rivas’ Honduran counterpart, Antony Lozano, made his qualification debut after missing Honduras’ 1-1 draw with Canada.

Lozano had a big opportunity in the 64th minute, with the ball coming in from the right wing, but Lozano couldn’t get his feet right and didn’t put a shot on goal.

After a long stoppage, action resumed, and in the 100th minute, Salvadoran substitute Walmer Martinez made a half-turn and fired off a shot from the top of

the box, but his effort went just wide of Lopez’s net.

And the scoreless draw was locked in during the 107th minute, as El Salvador goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez denied Brayan Moya.

The Honduras attacker was the first man on the corner kick and leapt to hit a surprising header, but the goalkeeper was ready to stop the well-placed shot and protected his second-consecutive clean sheet.

El Salvador now embarks upon the first road trip of the Final Round of qualification, traveling to face Canada, while Honduras has its first game at home, against the United States. (CONCACAF. com)

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 7, 2021

World Cup qualifying...

Italy draw to equal unbeaten record – plus Germany and Spain cruise to wins ITALY equalled the international record of 36 unbeaten games but were held to a draw in Switzerland that keeps World Cup qualifying Group C in the balance.

The European champions were the better side but also wasteful, with Jorginho seeing a second-half penalty saved.

Roberto Mancini's side top the group with 10 points, four points ahead of the second-placed Swiss but having played two matches more.

Elsewhere, Germany and Spain both recorded big wins to top their groups.

And that is where Italy find themselves after securing a second successive draw, but one that gives them a place in the record books, ahead of the 35-game run of Spain (2007-09) and level with the 36 games

without defeat set by Brazil between 1993 and 1996.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho's spot-kick was the Azzurri's golden chance to seal the win and return to winning ways after their disappointing 1-1 home draw with Bulgaria on Thursday.

But his effort was saved

by Yann Sommer, who guessed correctly to block down to his left after Domenico Berardi had been fouled

by Ricardo Rodriguez.

The next Group C games are on Wednesday, with Italy hosting winless Lithuania and Switzerland travelling to face the side placed third in the group, Northern Ireland.

Germany and Spain rediscover their edge After labouring to a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein on Thursday, Germany rediscovered their ruthless edge

in a 6-0 demolition of Armenia to reassert their authority in Group J. Serge Gnabry netted twice in the opening 15 minutes and Marco Reus and Timo Werner both scored before the break as they dismantled the Armenian defence.

Jonas Hofmann added a fifth seven minutes after the break with a low bouncing drive, and substitute Karim Adeyemi put the icing on the cake with a goal on his international debut in stoppage time.

The win means the Germans leapfrog Armenia to the top of the group, with their visitors now two points behind in second spot. Romania are third on nine points, one ahead of North Macedonia.

Spain got back to winning ways as they thrashed

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho saw his second-half penalty saved by Swiss keeper Yann Sommer in Basel.

Georgia 4-0 to go top of Group B, although their place remains a precarious one.

Luis Enrique's side have 10 points from five games but have played two more than second-placed Sweden,

who have a 100% win record from their three matches, which includes Thursday's 2-1 win over the Spanish.

On Sunday, Jose Gaya, Carlos Soler and Ferran Torres put the hosts in control as they showed no hangover

from that loss in Solna their first World Cup qualifying defeat in 28 years.

Pablo Sarabia added another after the break as Luis Enrique's side cruised to three points.

(BBC Sport)

UEFA president Misbah and Waqar step down as Pakistan rejects idea of World coaches ahead of T20 World Cup head coach maica post the West Indies thing we had never expeCup every two years PAKISTAN Misbah-ul-Haq and bowl- series provided me with an rienced during our playing UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has rejected the idea of holding the World Cup every two years, saying it would "dilute" the tournament.

FIFA is holding a feasibility study into a biennial men's and women's World Cup following a proposal from the Saudi Arabian football federation in May. The consultation process is being led by former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

"The jewel of the World Cup had value precisely because of its rarity," said Ceferin.

Speaking in person in front of 160 club representatives at the General Assembly of the European Clubs' Association in Geneva, he added: "Holding it every two years will lead to more randomisation, less legitimacy and unfortunately, dilute the World Cup itself."

The men's World Cup has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except

in 1942 and 1946 because of World War Two. The women's tournament has also been every four years since it began in 1991.

Wenger, chief of global football development at Fifa, said in May that he wanted to see the World Cup and European Championship played every two years and have Fifa "kick all the rest out".

In his own video address, Infantino did not mention the World Cup. However, he said there needed to be a "fundamental" rethink around the international calendar with "no taboo topics".

"We should not take it as any sort of challenge and fight," he said of Wenger's consultation. "It is a way to make global football strong.

We have to give to fans even more reason to enjoy our sport.

The door of FIFA is open to any idea to any proposal. (BBC Sport)

ing coach Waqar Younis have resigned from their roles a little over a month before the T20 World Cup begins.

The pair were appointed in September 2019 and were under contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for another year.

However, Misbah and Waqar informed the PCB of their decision to leave on Monday ahead of the upcoming three ODIs and five T20Is against New Zealand, with the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman also on the horizon.

Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq have joined the Pakistan management team as interim coaches for that New Zealand series, which begins on September 17.

Misbah's decision to step down was for family reasons amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with the 47-year-old having recently spent time self-isolating in Jamaica after testing positive for COVID-19.

"The quarantine in Ja-

opportunity to reflect on the past 24 months as well as the schedule for international cricket ahead," Misbah said in a statement.

"Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family and that too in a bio-secure environment, I have decided to step down from the role.

"I understand that the timing may not be ideal but I don't think I am in the right frame of mind for the upcoming challenges and it makes sense for someone fresh to step in and take the side forward.

"The past 24 months have been thoroughly enjoyable and I want to thank my team and the management for their support.

"I wish the Pakistan cricket team best of luck in the upcoming events and will continue to support them every time they will take the field to represent Pakistan."

Waqar's decision to step down was linked to Misbah's departure.

Former Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq

"After Misbah shared with me his decision and future plans, it was a straightforward one for me to resign as we had walked into the roles together, had worked collectively as a pair and now also step down together," Waqar said.

"Working with the Pakistan bowlers, including the youngsters, has been most satisfying as they have now started to show progress.

"Bio-secure environments in the past 16 months have had their impact, some-

days.

"The next eight months will be busy and exciting for the Pakistan team and, like in the past, I will continue to back and cheer them.

"I want to thank each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team set-up as we stayed united in good and bad days, and hope there will be brighter days ahead."

The shock double exit came two hours after Pakistan had named their squad for the T20 World Cup, as well as the warm-up internationals against New Zealand and England.

Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah were among the surprise inclusions in the 15man selection.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, Khushdil Shah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Wasim. (Sportmax)

22

Larin goal earns Canada big point vs. U.S. NASHVILLE, Tennessee.- The United States and Canada played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday night, each leaving Nashville, Tennessee’s Nissan Stadium with a point.

The result means both North American nations took their total tally to two points so far in the Final Round of CONCACAF World Cup qualification for Qatar 2022 after each drew in Thursday’s openers as well.

Canada showed it had aspirations to do more than simply get a point in the 13th minute, with Alphonso Davies beating his defender, getting to the end line and looking to set up Cyle Larin. U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner got a glove on the shot from Larin and pushed it out of play for a corner kick.

The U.S. also came close to opening the scoring in the first half, with Christian Pulisic smashing a shot off the post in the 40th minute after Sebastian Lletget set up Brenden Aaronson for a cross to the U.S. captain.

And it was the U.S. who went into the lead in the 55th minute. Kellyn Acosta sent a pass to left back Antonee Robinson, whose low cross found a sliding Aaronson, who was able to score his fourth-ever international goal and the first goal for the U.S. in the final round

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 7, 2021

Former France footballer dies after 39 years in coma FORMER France footballer Jean-Pierre Adams, who had been in a coma for 39 years, has died at the age of 73.

Adams was admitted to hospital for knee surgery in March 1982 but never regained consciousness after an error with his supply of anaesthetic.

Born in Senegal, the defender made more than 140 appearances for Nice and also played for Paris St-Germain.

In a statement, PSG said Adams' "joie de vivre, charisma and experience commanded respect".

Nice said the club would pay tribute to Adams - who won 22 caps for France between 1972-1976 - before their next home game against Monaco on 19 September.

Adams also made 84 appearances for Nimes, who

Jean-Pierre Adams won 22 caps for France.

said they were sending their "most sincere condolences to his loved ones and his family".

On the day of Adams' operation to repair a damaged tendon in his knee - suffered

while on a coaching training camp - many staff at the hospital in Lyon were on strike His operation still went ahead, with the anaesthetist looking after eight patients, including Adams, at the same time. Adams was supervised by a trainee, who later said: "I was not up to the task I was entrusted with."

Between the anaesthetist and trainee, numerous errors were made, causing Adams to suffer a cardiac arrest and brain damage.

It wasn't until the mid1990s that the anaesthetist and trainee were punished - a one-month suspended sentence and a 750 euro fine.

Adams was discharged from hospital after 15 months and had been cared for at home in Nimes by his wife, Bernadette, ever since. (BBC Sport)

FIFA 'regrets' scenes leading to Brazil vs Argentina match suspension

Cyle Larin #17 celebrate after scoring against the USA in the final round of the Concacaf World Cup qualification for Qatar 2022 on September 5, 2021 at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photos Canada Soccer)

of World Cup qualification.

But the score was once again level in the 62nd minute, as the Davies-Larin connection finally paid off. Davies broke down the wing, running onto a ball from defender Sam Adekug-

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be, and set up Larin for a right-footed goal with his first touch.

Each team had chances to take all three points from the tight encounter, with Canada’s Tajon Buchanan flashing forward and putting in an attempt that just missed the target shortly after he entered the contest in the 66th minute. The U.S. won a handful of late free kicks in dangerous areas, with Miles Robinson’s header over the bar on a late corner kick perhaps the best opportunity.

The U.S. now heads to Honduras looking for its first win of the campaign, while Canada will also look for its opening victory of the final round when it heads home to face El Salvador. (CONCACAF. COM)

FIFA says it "regrets" the scenes leading to the suspension of Brazil and Argentina's World Cup qualifier which stopped "millions of fans" from enjoying the game.

Sunday's match was abandoned just after kick-off after Brazilian health officials objected to the participation of three Argentine players they say broke quarantine rules.

FIFA said it had received the first reports from match officials, which will now be analysed by "the competent disciplinary bodies".

No date for the rearranged fixture has been set.

"FIFA regrets the scenes preceding the suspension of the match between Brazil and Argentina for the Conmebol qualifiers of the Fifa World Cup 2022 which prevented millions of fans from enjoying a match between two of the most important football nations in the world," world football's governing body said in a statement.

"The first match official reports have been sent to Fifa.

This information will be analysed by the competent disciplinary bodies and a decision will be taken in due course."

On Monday, Brazil's federal police said they had opened a formal inquiry into

Officials stop play during Brazil v Argentina World Cup qualifier on Sunday

the actions of the Argentine players accused of breaching the country's quarantine rules.

Brazil's quarantine rules state that visitors who have been in the UK in the 14 days before entering the country must quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

"We can confirm an investigation has begun into the possible crime of supplying false information," said a spokesperson.

"Yesterday, the players were notified they must leave the country, which is the regular procedure, and statements from them were taken."

Speaking in a video address to the European Club Association's general assembly, Fifa president Gianni Infantino urged Europe to show flexibility in its thinking in order to help South America resolve its qualification

backlog.

It comes after the UK Government ignored Infantino's request to grant quarantine exemptions to footballers so they could fulfil their international commitments.

"We have a difficult situation in the UK. Players have to go back to play for their countries," he said.

"In March, the South American players stayed with their clubs but now they have to play the qualifiers for their national teams. That is why I called for solidarity.

"We have to give hope to countries who only see their best players when they play for their national teams. We have to protect the World Cup. "September has not been ideal, let's find the right compromise for October and November and next year. (BBC Sport)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 7, 2021

Bishop denied triple figures as Windies U-19s lose again BECKENHAM, England,, (CMC) – Teddy Bishop was left stranded short of a century, underlining West Indies Under-19s disappointment, as they crashed to their second straight defeat to England Under-19s here Monday.

The 18-year-old righthander hit a glowing 97 off 104 balls to lift the Caribbean side to 180 all out in the 40th over and despite an excellent effort to defend the modest total, they went down by a single wicket to fall behind 2-0 in the sixmatch series.

West Indies looked sure bets to win it when they reduced the hosts to 162 for nine in the 35th but a 19-run, last wicket stand between Fateh Singh (12 not out) and Nathan Barnwell (3 not out) frustrated them and took England over the line off 38 overs.

Fast bowler Isai Thorne was again among the wickets with three for 54 while left-arm spinner Anderson Mahase grabbed two for 34, as the Rising Stars struck at vital times during the run chase.

Bishop had earlier taken centre stage after West Indies U19s chose to bat at Kent County Ground, holding the innings together as wickets tumbled around him.

“It was really pleasing for me. The wicket was really good for batting so I really tried to capitalise,” Bishop said afterwards.

“I thought the first 20 balls of my innings were really important in getting a start and then continuing at the back end.”

When opener Matthew Nandu retired hurt for four early on, the right-handed Bishop arrived to extend the first wicket stand with An-

derson Amurdan (27) to 64.

Amurdan hit five fours off 37 deliveries before he was bowled by off-spinner Fateh in the 12th over, and captain Ackeem Auguste (6) added a further 22 for the second with Bishop before also going bowled by leg-spinner Tom Prest (336).

Auguste’s dismissal triggered a slide that saw five wickets tumble for 35 runs as West Indies U19s slipped to 121 for six in the 25th over, with Barbados-born England U19s captain and left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell snatching three for 29 in an incisive spell.

Bishop, who punched nine fours and two sixes, then propped up the innings in a critical 54-run, seventh wicket stand with Thorne whose 11 consumed 38 deliveries.

In reply, the hosts got a

Teddy Bishop hits out during his unbeaten 97 in the second Youth ODI against England Under-19s on Monday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

top score of 63 off 80 balls from number four James Rew while Bethell and Rehan Ahmed struck 20 apiece, to be in control of the contest at 143 for four at the halfway stage.

Rew struck ten fours and put on 53 for the third wicket with Bethell and a further 36 for the fourth with Rehan Ahmed.

Rew had added 28 for the fifth with George Thomas (13) before the innings suddenly fell apart as Thorne and Mahase grabbed crucial wickets – five going down for 19 runs.

However, Fateh and Barnwell remained composed and were helped by six wides during their partnership as the visitors lost their discipline, finishing with 26 wides overall.

The third match is carded for tomorrow at the same venue.

Pele upbeat after Warriors’ coach calls for situational surgery to remove awareness as race for top four heats up a tumour BRAZIL great Pele has revealed he has undergone surgery to remove a tumour from his colon.

The three-time World Cup winner, 80, has pledged to meet his illness “with a smile on my face”.

Pele helped Brazil to World Cup glory in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and remains one of the global game’s most treasured figures.

He confirmed his hospital treatment in a short social media statement, vowing to keep an upbeat outlook.

“Last Saturday I underwent surgery to remove a suspicious lesion in the right colon,” Pele posted on Instagram.

“The tumour was identified during the tests I mentioned last week. Fortunately I am used to celebrating great victories alongside you.

“I will face this match with a smile on my face, a

Pele officially netted 757 career goals.

lot of optimism and joy for living surrounded by the love of my family and friends.”

Pele officially netted 757 career goals, leaving him behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Josef Biscan on the all-time list. Brazilian club Santos however claim that number is closer to 1,000. (PA Sport)

ST. Kitts and Nevis Patriots are all but certain of a spot in the top four with ten points from seven matches, and the battle really now is for the other three spots in this season of the Hero Caribbean Premier League.

To ensure, Guyana Amazon Warriors maintain their perfect of qualification to a knockout stage, Lead Coach Rayon Griffith said on Monday, the players must develop a better understanding to deal with key situations in the game.

“The area to improve is to understand the situation and play the situation because something we don’t play the situation but we are getting”, the coach contended.

Griffth hailed the impressive hundred by Chandrapaul Hemraj on Saturday against

Barbados Royals and also backed Brandon King to come well after another below-par season to date after a prolific 2019 season.

Three wins from six matches, the coach said they are looking forward to the challenge and fighting hard to get into the semi-finals.

As it regards, West Indies spinner, Kevin Sinclair, who has only played one match to date after an economical 2020 season, the Lead Coach indicated his omission has to do with combinations.

“Sometimes you are playing different opposition, so it was a bit tough for him not getting in the first couple of games but we will get his opportunity as the tournament progress”, the Lead Coach explained.

Warriors have a chance

Guyana Amazon Warriors Lead Coach, Rayon Griffith

to put one foot in the door at a top-four finish when they face Barbados Royals again today from 19:00h.

Trinbago Knight Riders will do duel with Jamaica Tallawahs from 10:00h at Warner Park, St. Kitts.

Root says 'world-class' Jasprit Bumrah spell the key to England's defeat

Ollie Pope was cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah to cop his 100th Test match wicket. © PA Photos/Getty Images

England crumble as inspired India sweep to fourth Test victory ENGLAND's batting disintegrated in the face of an inspired India, who won the fourth Test by 157 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Set an unlikely 368 for victory or, more realistically, looking to bat out the fifth day, England were dismissed for 210 on a blameless pitch at the Kia Oval.

Haseeb Hameed made 63 before becoming the first of four wickets to fall

Skipper Virat Kohli soaks in India's win on the last day at The Kia Oval. (PA Photos/Getty Image)

CAPTAIN Virat Kohli said India "love being written off" after they stormed to a 157-run win over England on the final day of the fourth Test.

Chasing 368 for victory or surviving the day to secure a draw, England were bowled out for 210 at the Kia Oval.

India took a 2-1 series lead - a week after they were beaten by an innings and 76 runs at Emerald Headingley.

"We've shown time and time again that we are a top side," Kohli told BBC Test Match Special.

"That's because of the belief and the passion that we have in this group.

"A lot of people after Leeds really

for only six runs.

India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah was sensational, reverse-swinging the ball at 90mph. The delivery he produced to bowl Jonny Bairstow was near unplayable.

Bumrah ended with 2-27, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja also took two wickets apiece, and Umesh Yadav picked up the final three.

India need to avoid defeat in the final Test at Emirates Old Trafford, starting on Friday, to win a series in the UK for the first time since 2007.

RUTHLESS INDIA CLOSE IN ON SERIES WIN This was a predatory final-day performance by India, who won despite being TURN TO PAGE 19 ►

Kohli says tourists 'love being written off' after Oval win stood up and said, 'will India be able to come back?'"

India recovered from being bowled out for 191 - a first-innings deficit of 99 - to post 466 in their second innings.

Pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in five balls in a sensational spell after lunch as England lost four wickets for six runs to slip to 147-6 on a blameless surface.

India completed their second famous victory of the series - they also won a thrilling second Test at Lord's in the final hour - 40 minutes after tea.

India, who fought back from being bowled out for 36 to win the series in Australia last winter, need only draw

the final match at Emirates Old Trafford starting on Friday to complete a first series win in England since 2007.

"This win is as special as Lord's, if not more," Kohli said.

"This group of players, they just want to win, to win badly and find ways to win. That's a real hallmark of our side.

"This group of players has done a lot of firsts, and that can't be ignored.

(BBC Sport "If you focus on stats and numbers and personal performances, you cannot do things like this. If you focus on team goals and wanting to win at any cost, then you get special victories like this."

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Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets in a devastating spell after lunch on the final day.

JOE Root warned England must find a way to cope with "world-class" Jasprit Bumrah at Old Trafford if they are to recover from a 157-run defeat to India in the fourth Test at The Kia Oval.

Bumrah took just two of the 10 wickets to fall on the final day as England progressed their overnight 77-0 to 100-0 before folding to 210 all out in pursuit of what would have been a record 368.

But Root pinpointed the fast bowler's post-lunch spell of 6-3-6-2, during which he rearranged the stumps of both Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow, as the "turning point" of a game in which all three results appeared possible when Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed brought up a century stand on the fifth morning.

And managing Bumrah's 90mph bursts of reverse swing will be a priority when the final Test begins on Friday, with England 2-1 behind and needing a victory to avoid a second series defeat to Virat Kohli's side in 2021.

Root said: "It's frustrating not to be able to get something from the game today. We turned up this morning and really felt we had an opportunity to win the Test match - especially with that opening partnership, which was outstanding.

"Credit to India, they got the ball to reverse and they really made good use of that. It was a brilliant spell of bowling from Bumrah and that really was the turning point in the game.

"I think you've always got to find ways of getting better and managing different periods of play - absolutely but at the same time you've got to be realistic about things and understand that was world-class bowling.

"He saw an opportunity in the game and performed extremely well. Sometimes you've got to find a way of managing through that period. There's a chance there might be some reverse swing at Old Trafford - we'll have to make sure we manage it better if we come across a similar situation."(Sky Sports)

Bishop denied triple figures as Windies U-19s lose again 23 PAGE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2021