Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-07-2021

THURSDAY 8th July, 2021

No. 106415

236,409

take first dose, 115,652 fully vaccinated against COVID-19 14

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‘Political drama’

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―President Ali says of opposition motions against gov’t ministers

Harmon will get all the help to extend his losing streak, says Minister Walrond

Indigenous communities move closer to sustainability

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President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, handed over the first set of 112 tractors with trailers and accompanying implements to several Amerindian leaders. The pieces of equipment, which are expected to boost agriculture within the various villages, were procured via the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs at a cost of $446 million (Latchman Singh photo)

President Ali 2 condemns assassination of Haitian President SEE PAGE

GuySuCo clears 12 almost $900M $41M Infectious Diseases Unit of debts 4 for New Amsterdam Hospital SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

President Ali condemns assassination of Haitian President ― pledges to work with CARICOM to help restore peace in Haiti ― Golden Arrowhead to be flown at half-staff

By Richard Bhainie PRESIDENT of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has strongly condemned the assassination of the President of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, describing it as a “horrific act” that is a tragedy for both Haiti and the Caribbean region at large.

Dr. Ali, in a statement, expressed his “shock,” noting that he was “stunned” by the tragic news. He explicitly stated that the persons responsible for the “indefensible” and “cowardly” execution must be brought swiftly to justice.

According to Haiti’s interim Prime Minister, Claude Joseph, who described the killing as a “hateful, inhumane and barbaric act,” a squad of “highly trained and heavily armed” persons assassinated Moïse, in an overnight raid on his Port-au-Prince home, at approximately 01:00 local time.

The country’s First Lady, Martine Moïse, was also wounded during the raid. Up to press time, it was reported that she arrived by plane in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America (USA) for treatment. It was reported

by America’s National Broadcasting Company (NBC) News that she was in a critical condition.

Moïse had faced large, violent protests in recent months as his opposition and their supporters rejected his plans to hold a constitutional referendum with proposals that would strengthen the presidency. President Ali expressed that the killing compounds the “disquieting political and constitutional crisis in Haiti.”

“Political assassination has no place in the contemporary Caribbean. It solves nothing nor resolves anything.

Such murderous actions are repugnant to the values of the regional integration movement and incompatible with democratic values and constitutional rule,” President Ali said in his statement on the killing.

President Ali also told reporters on the sidelines of an

event at Liliendaal, East Coast of Demerara, on Wednesday, that the killing represents a “tragic moment” for the Caribbean region, where such occurrences have no place.

He affirmed that Guyana

will continue to work alongside the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in seeking to engage Haiti, to ensure there is peace and stability.

The Head of State expressed condolences on behalf

President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali

of himself, the government and people of Guyana to the government and people of Haiti, and to the wife and family of Moïse.

He also asked that all Guyanese pay respectful homage

Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), former President David Granger and the late President of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse

Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne

The Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s national flag, being flown at half-staff at the First Family’s residence, the State House, on Carmichael Street, Georgetown

a statement on Wednesday, explained that his government and the governments of CARICOM decries the violence that has engulfed the sister-CARICOM nation.

“The late President was

to the memory of Moïse and declared that as a show of respect, national flags at all government ministries, agencies, and institutions, will be flown at half-staff.

“The Golden Arrowhead is to be flown at half-staff today [Wednesday], Thursday, Friday and on the day of the funeral of the late Head of State. That date is yet to be announced.

Other CARICOM member states have agreed to do the same,” President Ali noted in a statement issued by the Office of the President.

Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, in

tional Congress (PNC), former President, David Granger, also condemned what he described as the “hateful murder” of Moïse, noting that the occurrence which took the life of the late President and wounded his wife is “abhorrent and abominable.”

Granger also called on Haiti’s interim Prime Minister to preserve peace, maintain public order and bring the “culprits” responsible for the crime to justice. He further expressed deepest condolences to the Moïse family, and the people and the Government of the Republic of Haiti, on behalf of himself and the PNC. The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also condemned the killing and called on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres

mired in a debate as to whether his term ended months ago, or continues until early next year,” Browne noted, as he expressed that: “the assassination … further complicates the jostling for power that has characterized the Haitian state and its future.”

“CARICOM will continue to work in close co-operation with the Haitian people, the United Nations, Organization of American States and the governments of France and the United States, in bringing a reasonable settlement to the state of uncertainty and instability that now threaten the peace and security in Haiti and our Community as a whole,” Browne said in his statement.

Leader of the People’s Na-

in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence, noting the UN will continue to stand with the government and the people of Haiti.

T h e O rg a n i z a t i o n o f American States (OAS) also expressed condolences and solidarity to the family, the government and people of the Republic of Haiti. In condemning the crime committed against the life of the late President, the OAS called for a swift international investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Further, the organisation called on all sectors of government and society to remain calm and peaceful, as all forms of violence and intolerance are rejected.

‘Political drama’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

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―President Ali says of opposition motions against gov’t ministers

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, believes that the no-confidence motions filed against two sitting Ministers of Government are merely a display of “political drama” by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).

“First of all, if you’re going to do something meaningful, you should put effort in it. Did you see the no-confidence motion? One line; they didn’t spend any time to put in any effort; it shows that this is just political drama,” Dr. Ali told reporters on the side-lines of an event hosted at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Wednesday.

It was on Tuesday that the main opposition filed a motion with the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, contending that the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony have persistently demonstrated the inability to effectively undertake their duties in the respective sectors.

Having examined the motions, President Ali believes that it was formulated with absence of “thinking.”

“There’s no structure behind it; there is no work behind it; it is just political drama and I am not interested in political drama,” the Head of State posited.

President Ali said that ever since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) assumed office in August 2020, its mandate and focus has been to deliver tangibly to the people of Guyana.

“And the Ministry of Home Affairs and the

Ministry of Health have been doing just that, delivering to the people of this country,” President Ali affirmed.

He recalled that it was the former APNU+AFC Government that had been faced with a properly conceived motion of no-confidence.

“That no-confidence is in the APNU+AFC’s record on democracy; that is the only no-confidence,” Dr. Ali asserted.

tion to rigorously defend their performance within their respective sectors.

As a matter of fact, Minister Anthony said that he is even looking forward to the opportunity to debate the matter in the National Assembly.

“We welcome this opportunity to remind Mr. Harmon and the APNU+AFC of the many shortcomings that they have had for the

number of highly-publicised matters including, but not limited to, the Sussex Street drug bond scandal; massive drugs shortages during the 2015–2020 period and some $10 billion worth of medicine that had expired at the Diamond Bond.

Dr. Anthony also pointed to a gamut of issues that plagued the initial management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

lacking the necessary facilities to function.

He said that all of these issues occurred under the APNU+AFC administration, and had to have been corrected by the Dr. Ali-led government, which is less than a year old.

“It’s going to be fun

about and I am happy that Harmon has provided me with that opportunity so that the people of this country would have a fairer idea of where we are coming from, what we have done, and what more there is to be done, because we are not done

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

He believes that once the motion comes up in the National Assembly, Ministers Benn and Anthony would be able outline, in great detail, the work they have been doing in the fields.

“This gives us yet another excellent opportunity to once again, present to the Guyanese people, what we reached or inherited when we came into office, and where we are today. And mark my word, our commitment will be kept,” President Ali said.

Both Dr. Anthony and Minister Benn have signalled their inten-

five years that they were in government,” Dr. Anthony said.

FAR MORE He added: “What we have done in [the] last several months is far more than they have accomplished in the last five years that they were in government.”

Further, the health minister expounded on a plethora of instances which he opined constituted the “damage and destruction” to the public health sector, caused entirely by the decisions of the APNU+AFC coalition during their tenure in government.

He touched on a

“For those first few months when they were there, we had difficulty having a PCR test done… throughout their tenure they would have done about 21 tests per day,” Dr Anthony said, noting that the National Public Health Reference Laboratory is currently doing in excess of 2,000 tests within a 24-hour period.

The health minister also decried the shortage of personal protective equipment; the shortage of ventilators; the lack of a plan for the treatment of COVID-19; and the COVID-19 hospital

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

when this thing comes up for debate, because we can clearly contrast what they have been doing with what we are doing and how that differs,” Dr Anthony posited.

Similar sentiments were shared by Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, who described the motions as being “ludicrous but amusing.”

“So yes, we have a lot of things to talk

here yet,” Benn asserted.

He believes also that the filing of the motions signals the desperation of the main opposition, which, he said, has been continuously exposed in respect of their failings both in government, and also against the efforts which we are making in just 11 months, even with the COVID and severe flooding.

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GuySuCo clears almost $900M of debts CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Sasenarine Singh, has said that the company was able to pay some $700 million to its trade creditors over the past nine months.

Additionally, Singh told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the sugar company also managed to pay $175 million to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), honouring debts owed to credit unions in the industry.

“So, people who were not touched for months finally saw money and some of them were paid off. It’s a serious issue because some of these people thought that they would have never seen a dollar in their life, but GuySuCo was able to do it,” Singh said.

Due to GuySuCo’s commitment to its 7,400 workers, a strategic plan was crafted to ensure arrears owed to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) are paid.

During a media conference last November, Singh announced that the sugar company had paid some $123 million to the NIS and was working to clear its backlog of about $475 million.

“We have already paid about four months of this year [2021] and every month going forward we are going to pay NIS. So yes, there is a back period that was inherited that we are working on simultaneously… and we will work aggressively,” the CEO said.

He said while the workers’ welfare is a priority of the corporation, the company is unable to provide a salary increase at this time. However, efforts will be made to

ensure that workers’ medical benefits at the NIS are protected.

The CEO said the entity’s objectives are achievable, especially now since the new management remains committed to working with all stakeholders to change the strategy by which sugar is sold.

As part of plans to reform the sugar industry, GuySuCo intends to ease the production of bulk sugar and focus on more value-added products.

“This is where changing the sales mix from bulk sugar, that were sold on the world market for between $320 to $350, to now selling package sugar at US$700,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the CEO said GuySuCo has also started a programme which will ensure issues in the factories are addressed six months ahead of schedule. He said plans are already being streamlined for the December out-of-crop season.

“Most of these specialised parts come from India, England, Mexico and Brazil.

We need to make sure that they are here. We are also changing some of these parts that were not changed in a decade. Right now, we have two million rollers coming from Columbia that will be changed in the Christmas season when we are out of crop,” the CEO related.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s financial investment in GuySuCo now stands at $10.5 billion since taking office on August 2 last year.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the contribution will revitalise and restructure the industry.

GuySuCo has managed to save billions by focussing on packaged sugar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Minister Walrond: Harmon will get all the help to extend his losing streak

Disarray, absence of synergy and rambling were some of the words used by three government ministers to describe the no-confidence motions brought by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon against Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn on Tuesday.

Appearing on a National Communications Network (NCN) programme on Wednesday night, Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton; Tourism Minister, Oneidge Walrond; and Minister with the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues noted the motions brought by Harmon and assured him that his losing streak as Opposition Leader will be further extended.

Prior to the confidence motions, two elections petitions brought by Harmon to remove the duly-elected Dr Irfaan Ali Government from office have been thrown out by the court; the Coalition has filed an appeal in relation to one of the thrown-out petitions, and has indicated its intention of appealing the other.

Before the petition cases, all the cases brought by the Coalition Government to undermine the legitimate declarations of votes cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections were

of which have been proven.

Harmon had taken the Sputnik V vaccine before calling for its suspension. His claims drew criticisms from various sections of society with many describing his suspension call as preposterous.

DISORGANISATION Minister Walrond, on Wednesday night, contended that the claims by Harmon are as difficult to comprehend as the positions of the

yet signing off on a motion that seeks the resignation of the Health Minister in relation to the vaccination campaign.

She contended that the government must be commended since very early in its tenure it made efforts to secure vaccines from a variety of sources to ensure as many Guyanese as possible get vaccinated.

These efforts, she said, have paid dividends as a

Tourism Minister, Oneidge Walrond

also thrown out by the courts.

Like the results of these cases mentioned, Minister Walrond said the two motions calling for the resignation of Ministers Anthony and Benn will be thrown out by the National Assembly.

A Member of Parliament can only be removed through the Recall Legislation, and the removal happens if a parliamentarian dies, becomes incapacitated, mentally unstable or the party loses confidence in the member.

Through this legislation, the leader of the List of Candidates can remove a member but only following meaningful consultation with his party.

This means that Ministers Anthony and Benn, who were appointed by President

Ali, could only be removed

by President Ali and not by a no-confidence motion by the Opposition, even if there is a majority vote against them.

The government is expected to table a no-confidence motion to throw out Harmon as Opposition Leader for undermining democracy through consistent misinformation from him on crime, COVID-19 and other matters. Under Harmon’s leadership, several well-known leaders of the People’s National Congress (PNC) have resigned, with all of them citing the leadership of the party as the cause for their resignation.

Harmon had also called for a suspension of the Sputnik V vaccines, claiming a host of irregularities, none

Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon

APNU+AFC Coalition, which she noted has shown visible signs of disunity, lack of synergy and great disorganisation.

A case in point, she noted, is former Coalition minister getting vaccinated then making a video encouraging persons to get vaccinated but

significant number of persons have been vaccinated and Guyana has been able to avert a situation like what is occurring in neighbouring Brazil, where thousands have died from the virus.

To d a y, G u y a n a i s among the leading nations in the vaccination drive

in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Walrond used the opportunity to encourage the citizenry, particularly the people in Linden where there has been a hesitancy in taking the vaccine, to get vaccinated and protect themselves, their families and friends from the virus, which has now mutated into several strains.

Minister Rodrigues, in supporting the views expressed by Minister Walrond, contended that health and security are national issues and should not be used as a political football

by Harmon and Coalition leaders to score political points as she deemed the motions by the Opposition Leader a non-starter.

Both the health and security sectors, she said, were in crisis when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) assumed government 10 months ago. Minister Hamilton, for his part, said the twolined confidence motions

by Harmon should not be taken seriously because the members of the Coalition hardly take their role in Parliament seriously.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Investor Confidence GUYANA is well poised for economic take-off.

This is due in no small measure to our newly found oil and gas riches, but also to the enlightened and forward-looking economic and fiscal policies of the government of the day. Only recently, the sod was turned for a second Marriott-branded Hotel at the Courtyard of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who was present at the sod-turning ceremony, said that the government is also facilitating other investment opportunities in the vicinity of the airport ‘to ensure that our airport serves with excellence and

provides that welcoming environment to showcase the masterpiece of Guyana and the character of the Guyanese hospitality’.

United States Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, who also participated in the ceremony, noted that the hotel will create jobs for Guyanese and provide opportunities for the training of skills necessary for work at a worldclass hospitality company.

These skills, she said, will be based on valuable US export, services and knowledge transfer which, hopefully, will continue in the coming years.

The United States is a major investment partner for Guyana. That investment portfolio grew sig-

nificantly since the commencement of exploratory drilling in 2015 by oil giant, Exxon Mobil, with an injection of over $4 billion so far. The prospect for additional investments looks good with recoverable oil found in 16 out of 18 attempts with an estimated eight billion barrels.

The Guyana Government actively encourages Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and offers a wide array of tax concessions and other incentives not only to the companies doing business in oil and gas, but to several other areas of investment, including agriculture and mining.

As pointed out by

President Ali, Guyana is well positioned to become the most exciting investment destination in the western hemisphere.

Such exciting opportunities do not reside only in the oil and gas sector, even though it has to be said that it is the discovery of oil in commercial quantities that has really catapulted Guyana on the international economic and investment stage.

Guyana’s investment opportunities are truly boundless. Investors doing business with Guyana and those contemplating investment opportunities can be assured of the support of the current administration, especially in terms of the creation of

an enabling environment for business to grow and expand. Indeed, investors can expect a macro-economic framework that guarantees stability and security of investment capital, in addition to fiscal incentives to grow their investments in a friendly and competitive environment.

Another significant factor that cannot be overlooked is the measures taken by the current administration to remove bottlenecks in doing business, especially with regard to property rights and the rule of law.

There can be no doubt that the country is on an upward trajectory which can only get stronger and

better. The country is pursuing a transformative agenda which would require massive investment.

Foreign Direct Investment forms an important component of that investment regime. The local private sector certainly has a role to play in this transformation process by way of linkages with foreign investors and also through capitalising on local content.

In the final analysis, it is the extent to which we can create wealth that will determine how well we do economically as a country. In this regard, we are all stakeholders in this exciting process of national development.

Government has demonstrated far better management of Guyana’s fight against COVID-19 Dear Editor, I have taken note of the APNU+AFC’s criticisms of the Dr Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C government’s management of the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken a step further by bringing forth a no-confidence motion to support the same narrative. Guyanese are smart people and just as how they have seen through every APNU+AFC lie ranging from 33 not being the

majority of 65 to them being fraudulently removed from office, they will see through this latest charade.

We are all aware that the APNU+AFC continues to put forward its erroneous claim that the Minister of Health has been doing a poor job in terms of managing the pandemic in Guyana. They support this by saying that when they were in Government the COVID-19 numbers were significantly lower. But those numbers were clearly influenced by the deliberate policy of low testing that

they employed, which was rigidly enforced by Volda Lawrence on whose desks the test results had to go before even the persons tested were made aware of their status.

This isn’t the case now as the PPP/C Government when it took office in August significantly increased the amount of testing being done and with that reality obviously would come more detection of positive cases.

Further, I put forth this question to the coalition: if their management of the pandemic was so good and the

numbers were so low as they claim then why was there a need for them to spend $1.6 billion on a COVID-19 hospital? What about the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organization’s (PAHO/WHO) projection in early April 2020 that cases in Guyana could reach as much as 20,000 by May 5th of that same year?

The answer is very simple. Despite which government came into office, the COVID-19 numbers would have been far more than what it was at the beginning

of 2020. Even if the APNU+AFC were successful in defying the will of the electorate in 2020, COVID-19 would have affected Guyanese far worse given their dismal record in dealing with the pandemic in its initial stages.

I am positive that many other right-thinking Guyanese would agree with me when I say that the PPP/C Government has demonstrated far better management of Guyana’s fight against COVID-19.

In fact, it was this Govern-

ment who procured PPEs, provided incentives to those in the frontline of the fight as well as relief to the ordinary Guyanese. They have also undertaken a robust vaccination campaign, the success of which the APNU+AFC is trying to stymie. As such, I find the APNU+AFC’s stance and its latest publicity stunt in the form of a no-confidence motion to be ridiculous.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Winner of NY mayoral race supported by Guyanese

Dear Editor,

THE winner of the Democratic Party primary for mayor was endorsed and supported by Guyanese. Eric Adams, an African-American who is President of the Borough of Brooklyn, has won the Democratic Primary. Unless there is any court challenge, he will officially be announced as the party’s nominee against the Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in November general elections. Adams courted Guyanese and South Asians in Queens. Several Guyanese and South Asians accompanied him on campaign stops.

New York City is largely a Democratic stronghold (with seven times more Democrats than Re-

publicans) and Adams is expected to easily prevail winning the Mayoralty race. Adams visited Richmond Hill several times, including mandirs and Gurudwara, during the election campaign. He was endorsed by several Guyanese groups and prominent community leaders and activists including Ashook Ramsaran, Romeo Hitlall, Dhanpaul Narine, Richard David, and this writer, among others.

This writer promoted Adams in the media.

Several fundraisers were held in Queens for Adams. Guyanese and other West Indians came out for him.

The election was held on June 22 with in person ballots counted that same evening. Absentee and mail-in ballot count results were announced on July

6. This year, the voting included ranked choices for office – meaning a voter can vote for multiple candidates ranking them up to a fifth choice if so desired. Adams got the highest number of first ranked preference accounting for 33 per cent of the in person votes cast.

The rank preferences were counted on June 29. Candidates from the bottom of the pack were eliminated and ballots cast for their second, third, fourth, and fifth preference were redistributed to the surviving contenders until only two were left. Adams held a narrow lead over Kathryn Garcia 51 per cent to 49 per cent. After counting of some 130K absentee ballots, Adams narrowly led Garcia by some 8,000 votes,

winning 50.5 per cent to 49.5 per cent.

Adams put together a coalition of varied ethnic groups including Indo-Guyanese, Black West Indians, South Asians, and Hispanics, among others, as well as working class activists. He triumphed over a large Democratic field of 11 candidates. He is considered as a moderate Democrat.

Adams spoke frequently of his dual

identity as a 22-year police veteran and a Black man. He retired from the Police Force in 2006 and ran for NY Senate serving several terms.

He gave up his Senate seat to run for Brooklyn President in 2013.

He is term limited this year as is Mayor Bill De Blasio whose office Adams seeks.

Adams co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care that combated racial profiling of mi-

norities.

Adams is a vegan who credits a plantbased diet with reversing his diabetes.

He has a 25-year-old son with a former girlfriend.

Adams is the favourite in the November general election against Curtis Sliwa, the Republican founder of the Guardian Angels.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Indigenous communities move closer to sustainability ― after receiving 30 tractors to boost agriculture

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, with some of the beneficiaries (Adrian Narine photo)

THE government will be working to ensure that all indigenous, hinterland and riverine communities are sustainable and fully equipped to play an integral role in Guyana’s mainstream development.

This plan was outlined by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali as he handed over 30 tractors with trailers to several Amerindian communities in Regions One, Two, Four, Five, Six, and Nine.

According to the Head of State, the tractors delivered are merely the first set of 112

pieces of equipment with accompanying implements that were procured via the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs at a cost of $446 million.

“It is our vision to work with our indigenous communities, hinterland communities [and] riverine communities to ensure sustainable development; to ensure sustainable livelihood; to ensure that you are part of the mainstream development of our country,” President Ali told the Amerindian leaders who attended the handing-over ceremony at the Hinterland

Scholarship Student Dormitory, Lilliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Wednesday.

He related that the government’s goal to ensure sustainable development and sustainable livelihood does not only refer to the delivery of goods and services, but also the comprehensive transformation of the country’s human resources.

“Our drive for education is also a critical pathway for the advancement of Amerindian communities,” President Ali reasoned.

He also pointed to the

importance of agriculture, and pledged his government’s commitment towards providing greater assistance to farmers.

“In advancing your productive capacity, you need equipment, you need the tools, you need the technology, you need the knowledge, you need technical support so that we can move to different forms of agriculture; so that we can move to high value, sustainable crops, whilst at the same time, supporting the community economy,” the Head of State said.

the availability of food remains perilous,” Dr. Ali lamented, adding that in light of the existing challenges, the government will be providing the requisite support for recovery of the sector.

“The agricultural sector remains vital to our people’s livelihood and I want to assure all farmers that we will work with you to restore the sector,” Dr. Ali noted.

INCREASED SUPPORT More specifically, the President said that the government is committed to

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali said that the provision of the tractors marks a fulfillment of the PPP/C’s 2020 campaign promise (Adrian Narine photo)

In referencing the impact of the ongoing floods, President Ali pointed to the importance of farming in a manner that is climate resilient.

“This intervention comes at a critical juncture. The flood disaster has affected all of the country’s 10 administrative regions. It has severely impacted our country’s agricultural sector [and] hinterland agriculture has not been spared,” Dr. Ali related.

He noted, too, that the significant losses of produce and the notable destruction of farmlands have even contributed to the emergence of food shortages in certain areas.

“In some communities,

ensuring that farmers affected by the recent floods receive increased support such as the provision of planting materials and breeding stock, among other things.

“The horticultural station at Hosororo and Santa Rosa, Moruca, will allow for the availability of planting materials for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, roots, and tubers,” the President said.

He noted, too, that Germplasm banks are being established in some communities, and that selected farmers will even be identified for contract breeding of pigs, poultry, and small and large ruminants.

Further, the President said: “Tillage and transportation are being improved. We are committed to revitalising agricultural extension services to our hinterland communities. We are boosting the capabilities of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, to improve and to enhance the provision of extension services.”

In addition to farming, President Ali said that the recent floods have also highlighted the need for sustainable housing plans.

“The recent floods taught us that we had to re-look at the entire layout of communities,” Dr. Ali noted.

He expressed pleasure with regard to the willingness of residents and leaders of several riverine communities to establish settlements on higher grounds, where they would have easier, more convenient, and less expensive access to various services.

“We’ll fashion a plan to not only help in the recovery efforts but also ensure it becomes more resilient,” President Ali noted.

He said, too, that the provision of the much-needed tractors is a realisation of one of the many promises that he and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) made to the various communities, ahead of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“We will deliver every single commitment we made to you during the elections,” the Head of State assured indigenous leaders.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, echoed the sentiments of President Ali, noting the government’s seriousness with regard to accelerating the development of Amerindians throughout the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Haiti declares state of siege following assassination of President Moise

(CMC)- Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph has declared a state of siege in Haiti following the assassination of 53-year-old President Jovenel Moise and injury to his wife, Martine, during an armed attack at their private residence above the hills of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday.

Martine was reported to be in stable but critical condition and efforts were under way to move her to Miami for treatment, said Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to the United States.

Edmond had also said that the attack was carried out by “welltrained professional commandos” and “foreign mercenaries”, the state of siege is a legal instrument used by the government in the event of imminent danger such as armed insurrection or foreign invasion towards the nation.

It generally includes several provisions with the army replacing the police regarding public security and certain freedoms such as movement of people, demonstration is severely restricted.

It also allows for a curfew to be imposed.

In a radio and television broadcast, Joseph, who Moise had earlier this week replaced with Ariel Henry, as the seventh head of a government since 2017, told Hai-

tians that the killers appeared to have been foreigners.

“The first pieces of information we have is that it is a group of English and Spanish speaking individuals with large caliber weapons who killed the President of the Republic.

“As head of government still in office, this morning I convened a Special Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN) in the strict application of article 149 of the Constitution …where we decided to declare the state of siege over the whole country,” he said.

Moise said he was urging the population to keep calm “in these difficult times,” adding “all people and sectors in country must stand together as one to condemn what has happened.

“Haitian people keep calm because the situation is under control,” he said, adding “President Jovenel Moïse will not be dead without justice being done, you can kill him, but you cannot kill his ideas.

“I ask all the vital forces of the nation to help us in the battle, in the continuity of the State, because it is democracy, it is the Republic which must win, the black forces will lose”.

Joseph promised that those responsible for Moise’s death “will pay for what they did

in court,” reiterating that the security forces were ensuring that the country remains calm.

“Let’s seek harmony, let’s move forward together so that the country does not sink into chaos,” he said.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which Haiti is a member is due to issue a statement on the killing, but individual government leaders have strongly condemned the assassination and vowed to assist Haiti overcome this latest hurdle.

Former Secretary-General of the African Catibbean and Pacific (ACP) group, Dr. Patrick I. Gomes said “this tragic deed of assassination of President Moise Jouvenal of Haiti is a dark day of terror and criminality in the entire Caribbean and the Americas marking a deeply disturbing event that must be fiercely condemned by all governments especially the United States which wields tremendous power over the economy and politics of Haiti.

“No stone should be left unturned to investigate and bring to justice those forces within or without Haiti, responsible,” he said adding: “I join in extending condolences to the family and people who share the grief of an elected Head of State …who has died by so brutal an act of violence.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Concerns of smuggling, economic strain hinder free movement of Haitians

CONCERNS of economic strain on smaller islands in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and smuggling afflict the free movement of Haitian nationals in the Caribbean, according to the Chairman of the CARICOM, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne.

On Tuesday night, while fielding questions at a press conference held virtually at the end of the 42nd regular meeting of the conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Prime Minister Browne acknowledged that the free movement of Haitian nationals and the visa-restrictions imposed by CARICOM countries have been a contentious matter.

“Obviously Haitians have the right to move, but, again, I recognise that some

Haitian nationals who wish to enter Guyana will now have to apply, be interviewed, and wait for their visa applications to either be granted or denied (Photo released by CANU)

countries have been trying to manage their immigration policy and not have a large enough influx of Haitians in which they will become overwhelmed,” he said.

Explaining this point, he said that a small island like St. Kitts and Nevis could become overwhelmed overnight if there was an influx of people and that would result in a strained social services sector.

What this means is that the state would be unable to adequately provide crucial services such as health care to the residents who have a right to such services.

“That has been a vexing issue not necessarily in keeping with the treaty requirements, but we have to be pragmatic about these things,” the Chairman contended.

Beyond concerns over the burden that could be placed on countries, the Prime Minister also related that CARICOM has been apprised of travel which has not been accompanied by an adherence to the “proper protocols” which has raised concerns of smuggling.

To this end, he said: “It’s one thing to have the right to move, but if you don’t follow the administrative arrangements or the legal arrangements and you are smuggled into the country, then, evidently, steps have to be taken to protect the integrity of the receiving state.”

The concerns of the smuggling of Haitian na-

tionals have been one raised

by Guyanese authorities, and has intensified over the past few months, leading to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali reinstituting visa-requirements for the nationals, as is done in many other Caribbean countries.

According to immigration data provided to the Guyana Chronicle, for the period 2015 to June 17, 2021, there has been an unusually large influx of Haitian nationals who have entered Guyana but failed to leave, at least through the requisite legal channels.

The statistics highlight that of the 42,100 arrivals of Haitian nationals for the stated period, some 38,187 of them cannot be accounted for. Only 3,913 have been registered to have legally departed the shores of Guyana.

Weighing in on the issue was Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, who highlighted that there are exceptions in terms of public health and morals to the free movement of people provision afforded by CARICOM. “The situation is that under normal circumstances, Haitian nationals would have free access to enter like any other CARICOM national,” the Secretary-General said.

He, however, noted that “there seems to be persons who seem to be taking advantage of Haitian nationals” and that sometimes these nationals may enter countries legally but exit illegally.

“That in itself is not in conformity with the laws and so I will say that it is a very, very concerning issue that continues to occupy our mind in terms of how do we address this because it is a problem,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, it was also acknowledged that Haiti has been confronted by immense turmoil owed to political instability and violence. The CARICOM leaders, on Tuesday night, said that they were engaging stakeholders on the matter and were trying to see a speedy resolution to the turmoil.

Hours later, at around 01:00h on Wednesday morning, Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his private residence in Haiti’s capital and his wife, First Lady Martine Moise was severely wounded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Healthcare in Region 2 gets significant boost

By Indrawattie Natram REGIONAL Health Officer (RHO) for Region Two, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, has said that health services in the region have been significantly boosted under the present Government of Guyana.

During an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Singh disclosed that he is now enjoying his RHO position which he took up on September, 20, 2020.

He said he takes pride in serving the people of Region Two, and with adequate resources, he is managing to do so diligently.

Upon assuming office, Dr. Singh said he was faced with many challenges that were inherited from the previous APNU-AFC Coalition Government.

The biggest challenge he faced was the shortage of drugs and medical supplies in almost all health facilities in the region. This situation repeatedly occurred as the previous administration had

purchased drugs with a short shelf life.

According to Dr. Singh, the PPP/C Government has been able to resolve this issue. He emphasised that all of the region’s health facilities are now stocked with all of the essential drugs and medical supplies. He said government’s timely intervention has lifted the financial burden for many as they no longer have to purchase medication.

He explained that initially he was faced with many challenges which needed urgent attention. He said that many of the issues were resolved with utmost urgency.

“Budget 2020, the first that I was a part of, would have provided an increase in the quality of services offered to patients with numerous upgrading of our existing medical equipment and also the purchasing of new ones,” Dr. Singh said.

He said with his intervention, a complete dental unit was purchased for the Suddie Public Hospital and patients can now have com-

plete dental services free of charge. A medical boat, which is docked at Charity, is serving residents of the Pomeroon River, he added.

According to Dr. Singh, more medical outreaches are being conducted weekly by the Regional Health Services team. The boat also provides emergency medical services.

To assist in transporting patients, especially in cases of an emergency, a new water ambulance was procured and will soon be operable to transport patients from Supenaam to Parika. The ferry crossing usually takes one and a half hours, and with the water ambulance, traveling time will be reduced by one hour.

“On the other hand, the retrofitting and renovating of the leaking diagnostic centre of Suddie [Hospital] is now history after works were completed. With the elevation of the floor in front of the Suddie Hospital, there will no longer be a need for long boots whenever it rains to access the emergency unit,” Dr. Singh said.

Meanwhile, in order to keep residents and medical staff at the Suddie Hospital and the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity safe during the pandemic, numerous adjustments have been made.

Sanitisation cabins were bought and installed at various locations in the hospital compounds. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 are able to access the fully retrofitted Isolation Facility that was established to ensure persons are comfortably housed during their 14 days of isolation.

Dr. Singh assured that the quality of the region’s health services will continue to improve. He later said that he is focussed on providing good standards to ensure that residents benefit from all of the services that are being offered.

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Ranjeev Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Comprehensive, post-flood package for every affected community _President Ali says

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that his government is working on devising a comprehensive post-flood package that will be delivered to every flood-affected community.

President Ali made this announcement while speaking during a ceremony organised for the handing over of 30 tractors to indigenous communities in regions One, Two, Four, Five, Six, and Nine, at the Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory, on Wednesday.

The Head of State told the toshaos and representatives from the regions that in addition to resources being transferred to the communities at the end of last year: “We are now working on a comprehensive investment

package, a post-flood package that would be delivered to every community in every region that has been affected by the floods.”

He reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring that farmers get back to their lands, and will continue working with them and the sector to restore its productivity. This commitment, he noted, will be further enhanced with the recently-approved $10 billion supplementary provision.

The President also explained that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is finalising a report to show the real value, in terms of dollars, of the destruction and displacement caused by the recent floods across the

country.

When the assessment is completed, the government will reorganise and reprioritise expenditure to target the most severely affected communities and farmers, to bring direct benefits.

“So, I want to assure you and farmers all across the country, and this is not only for farmers; the assessment will also cover households, small businesses and community losses. As you’re aware, the infrastructure in many communities have been severely affected, the mining sector and forestry sector have all been severely affected, so we are now completing that assessment and, on the completion, those investments will have to be made. So today [Wednes-

day], as we deliver on this promise, I assure you that better days are ahead, more vibrant days are ahead,” President Ali affirmed.

He also reiterated that the government is committed to working with residents from the communities on developing strategies, plans and projects that will directly address the needs and priorities of the respective communities.

The President said that such plans and programmes cannot be developed in a back office of any ministry, but must be developed with collaboration from the people and leaders in the communities so that ownership can be created. (Office of the President)

Flashback: President Ali listening to the concerns of a Mahaicony Creek resident

$41M Infectious Diseases Unit for New Amsterdam Hospital

THE New Amsterdam Hospital will soon be retrofitted with a $41 million Infectious Diseases Unit to facilitate COVID-19 patients.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Wednesday, witnessed the signing of the contract between the hospital’s administration and contractor, Navin Deokissoon, of Navin and Sons Construction Company.

“This unit is basically going to consolidate all the infectious diseases into one area rather than it being spreading, management and the clinical services being offered in different departments. So, this is part of the enhanced services that we’re providing in Region Six as well,” Minister Dharamlall said.

He said there will be more investments in the region. The commencement

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

date and duration of the contract is yet to be finalised.

The unit will complement the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, which houses COVID-19 patients.

Even as the government continues to put the necessary infrastructure in place, it is encouraging the adult population to get vaccinated

New Amsterdam Hospital

against COVID-19.

The government continues to purchase COVID-19 vaccines to ensure every adult in Guyana has access to them. Last Saturday, the final batch of 12,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccines arrived in Guyana. This is part of the 100,000 doses the government purchased from the government of the People’s Republic of China.

To date, 236,409 persons have taken the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, representing 48.6 per cent of the adult population.

Some 115,652 received both doses of the vaccine, reflecting 23.8 per cent of adults in the country. The government’s aim is to vaccinate approximately 500,000 persons for Guyana to reach herd immunity, which will decrease the spread of the deadly disease. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

‘Exxon’ commences scoping meetings for gas-to-energy project EXXONMOBIL Guyana is participating in a series of engagements across the coastal regions of Guyana, to gather comments and questions that will determine the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the gas-to-energy project.

The proposed project would bring associated gas from ExxonMobil Guyana– operated projects offshore, Liza Phases 1 and 2, to onshore gas processing facilities through a pipeline which would transport up to 50 million standard cubic feet of natural gas to the facilities, per day.

According to a statement from ExxonMobil Guyana, the first set of scoping meetings were held on July 6,

2021, at the Latchmansingh Primary School, Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice) and on July 7, 2021, at the Number 66 Fishport Complex and the St. Francis Japanese Hall, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne).

ExxonMobil Guyana has since applied for Environmental Authorisation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its activities, which include an offshore and onshore pipeline, a potential module offloading facility and gas processing facilities.

The statement noted that an independent EIA will also be conducted to assess the potential direct and indirect impacts of the project.

“The EIA process will

evaluate potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts, propose strategies to manage or mitigate impacts, identify project benefits, and provide the factual and technical basis to make an informed decision on our application for environmental authorisation,” ExxonMobil Guyana’s Environmental and Regulatory Manager, Michael Persaud, was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“Our fundamental goal everywhere we operate is to reduce environmental incidents to zero through a process of continuous improvement and the delivery of superior environmental performance,” Persaud said.

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has rebuffed a claim by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) that a student who had tested positive for COVID-19 was placed in the same environment with staff and the students writing the CSEC Mathematics examination at a Region Six school.

The ministry said the statement which was made on Tuesday was “panicked, sensational, reckless and potentially dangerous.”

The ministry, in a press release, explained that the student would have been “medically cleared” and was placed in an entirely separate teaching block and invigilated by trained medical personnel wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE).

“The ministry refutes this statement as untrue. We remind the union that it is our collective duty to act in the best interest of all of our children at all times. Students who are positive, medically cleared to write their examinations and choose to write their examinations, shall and are being facilitated by the Ministry of Education,” the release stated.

The ministry further stated that strategies were predetermined in the eventuality that a student is tested positive for the COVID-19 virus prior to the June 28 commencement of the exams. Systems were put in place at each school to facilitate the students still being afforded the opportunity to write the examinations.

“The Ministry of Education was never oblivious to the reality that we may have to face such a situation during this time, and, as such, we made all the necessary preparations. A good education system has to be one that is responsive to arising needs and new situations in a manner that places our students in the least disadvantaged position,” the release said.

Meanwhile, the ministry extended its appreciation to the teachers and medical personnel who have stayed true to their promise to serve all without fear or favour, and expressed its recommitment to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that students have the best resources to succeed.

An official of ExxonMobil engages persons during one of the first scoping meetings for the gas-to-energy project

MoE chides GTU over ‘reckless’ statement about COVID-positive students

Students of the Three Miles Secondary School in Bartica writing a CSEC examination in 2020

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236,409 take first dose, 115,652 fully vaccinated

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

against COVID-19 ―young adults urged to get onboard

FOLLOWING government’s intensified efforts to combat the coronavirus, 236,409 Guyanese or 48.6 per cent of the adult population have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in making this disclosure during his daily COVID-19 update, on Tuesday, stated that of that number, about 115,652 or 23.8 per cent of the adult population have received both doses of the vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.

He disclosed that while vaccination rates have been increasing, there is still a significant way to go before the country can achieve herd immunity which would be reflected in the vaccination of 80-85 per cent of the country’s adult population.

He noted that the largest demographic to receive the vaccine, which is being administered by the ministry, includes persons 65 years and older. He noted that while it can be said that this group accounts for a larger percentage due to the vaccines being available first to persons over 65, the ministry’s statistics show that younger

persons are still not taking the vaccine in such a large quantity.

“We have had a good response with the older age group because most of those persons, remember we started with them earlier and most of those persons, when they had the opportunity they went out and got the vaccine, so vaccination rates among the older persons have been extremely high; I would say more than 75%.

And the low age group because we started later, we have seen uptake in this age group but it’s not as much as we would want it to be and, therefore, we’re encouraging persons to come out and make sure they take their vaccines,” said Minister Anthony.

He encouraged younger adults to take vaccination more seriously, and noted that while many younger persons only experienced mild symptoms of the deadly virus, hospital records have been documenting an increase in the number of younger patients.

Minister Anthony further noted that from that increased percentage of young persons being admitted to the hospital, an overwhelming

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

majority have not been vaccinated.

“We want to appeal to that younger age group to make sure that they take their vaccines.

In addition to that, we know that the younger people are more active, and again, if they don’t take the precautions by wearing masks and so forth, they can be infected. They may have an asymptomatic or mild form of the infection and then they take it home to their families and in that way, there will be a continued spread of the disease,” he added.

Highlighting government’s overarching goal of achieving herd immunity, Minister Anthony noted that significant steps are being taken to ensure its vaccination efforts are bolstered.

Over the past week, government has received 100,000 doses of the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine which will be used to immunise some 50,000 Guyanese.

The Sinopharm vaccine, according to the health minister, will allow for an expanded reach across Guyana, as it does not require “ultracold” storage.

A major challenge government has previ-

ously encountered with hinterland communities and other far-flung communities across Guyana was getting the required storage capacities for COVID-19 vaccines such as the Russian-made Sputnik V, which requires a minus 20 degrees storage temperature.

Government has been intensifying its vaccination drive across the country using innovative solutions that allows for easier access to vaccination sites.

Additionally, the ministry has held several ‘drive thru’ vaccination initiatives in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six, and intends to extend this activity to the other administrative regions.

The government has also embarked on several house-to-house vaccination drives to reach those persons who may not be able to make it to a vaccination site.

Minister Anthony, during his update, disclosed that the ministry will be setting up an additional 10 vaccination sites across Georgetown, this week, so as to increase its capacity to vaccinate persons living in the country’s most densely populated region.

Over $340 million in contracts signed for ‘agri’ work programme THE Ministry of Agriculture, on Wednesday, facilitated a contract-signing activity, as it advances the execution of its 2021 work programme.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) inked three contracts totalling G$183,750,000 for the supply of several critical pieces of equipment as part of the corporation’s move to revitalise and advance sugar cultivation and production in Guyana.

The three contracts were signed with GENEQUIP for the supply and delivery of eight disc-ploughs, six trailing harrows, and ten four-wheel drive agricultural tractors. Five of the tractors will be used for mechanical tillage, while the other five will be used for operating mechanical rotary drain-ditchers.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) inked a contract with Farm Supplies Limited for the procurement of a tractor and a fuel bowser totalling $10,146,000. This tractor will be used to advance agricultural activities in Region Nine.

Ele’s Trading and Hardware also inked a contract with NDIA for the supply of irrigation pipes valuing

$10,254,147. These pipes will be used to supply fresh water to approximately 25 farmers in Mountain Foot/ Yawong Village in Region Eight.

channels in Cane Grove.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, Z e e b o and Sons Construction also inked three contracts totalling $35,050,730 to carry out rehabilitation works on the

also be conducted in Region Eight to assist farmers with improving their production.

“During a recent flood-assessment visit to Region Two, the President committed to

“Several drainage and irrigation structures will also be rehabilitated under these contracts. Persons would’ve made requests for these works and, as a

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials of the ministry with representatives from the companies who signed contracts

Further, A&S General store signed two contracts with the NDIA to the tune of $45,949,100 to execute empoldering works to farmlands along the Manicuru and Dredge Creek area, Upper Pomeroon, Region Two. In addition, Khan’s Construction and Transportation Services Inc. signed a contract with the authority totalling $25,597,800 to carry out rehabilitation works on the drainage and irrigation

drainage and irrigation channels in Cane Grove.

Gen Equip Guyana Limited signed a contract for the supply of tillage implements at a sum of $29,910,000.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha , said that some of the contracts were being signed to execute works after requests were made to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during a recent flood-assessment visit to Region Two. He said a series of works will

doing some empoldering to avoid future flooding. Contracts for those works will be signed today. Contracts will also be signed for projects in Region Eight.

“These projects include a number of irrigation works to assist farmers with accessing water for their cultivation. Also, there are some critical works to be done in certain areas that were affected by the recent flooding.

government, we remain committed to ensuring we address the needs of the citizens,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also urged contractors to ensure works are carried out according to specifications in order to reflect positively on the lives of the beneficiaries.

To this end, the minister said: “As contractors, you have an obligation to have these projects completed on

time and according to the contract specification. Although your main objective is to ensure your business prospers, the main objective of the government is to ensure works are carried out in a manner that would have a positive impact on the lives of the citizens of this country.

“I will ensure that our technical officers monitor every stage of the execution of these works. Many times, when works are executed, they are not being done according to the project specification. Those types of works will not be tolerated. I’ve been saying this and I wish to reiterate that, as a government, we will not be accepting substandard works from contractors and we do not intend to extend contract periods.”

Minister Mustapha said the machinery being procured by GuySuCo forms part of the government’s plan to revitalise the sugar sector. He said the government will continue to make the necessary budgetary allocations to advance the operations of the sugar company as it remains committed to reopening the closed sugar estates and modernising the industry.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

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Guyanese Dr. Colwick Wilson appointed President of USC

THE University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Colwick Mervyn Wilson as the institution’s 29th President.

According to a release, Dr. Wilson, a Guyanese by birth, comes to USC from the Provostship of Oakwood University (OU), Huntsville, Alabama, USA. Prior to his appointment at OU in 2017, he served in substantive roles as professor, researcher and academic leader at a number of universities, including Loma Linda University, California, the Kettering Health Network, Ohio, and the University of Michigan.

Mervyn Wilson

Dr. Colwick Wilson, the release said, is a proud alumnus of the University of the Southern Caribbean where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology.

He holds a Master of Arts degree in leadership and counselling from Eastern Michigan University, and he received a second Masters of Arts and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Michigan with an emphasis in medical sociology and social psychology.

Dr. Wilson has a strong record of accomplishments in research, academic publications, and grant writing and his published work appears in several peer-reviewed journals. He has expansive experience teaching advanced statistics, research methods, social psychology, public health, medical family therapy, and applied sociology. The release also noted that he has served as chair/member for just over 100 theses, projects, and dissertations.

“Dr. Wilson’s commitment to advancing USC’s philosophy of holistic development will serve the university well into its 95th anniversary of transformative education delivery. His academic and administrative expertise will importantly inform his perspective as he leads his alma mater through this unparalleled time in higher education. Dr. Wilson assumed duty on July 01, 2021,” the release said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Inmates afforded cell phone access through MMG, Barbados company nications.

Corrections Communications provides innovative communications solutions in prison settings across the Caribbean. The company designs, installs and maintains communication and media services, at no cost General Manager of MMG+, Bobita Ram to the prison and INMATES within the correctional services, or Guyana prison system the average Guyanese taxwill now be able to stay payer. connected to their friends The company has coland families, as over 30 laborated with Mobile phones have been in- Money Guyana (MMG+), stalled within local pris- and the Guyana Prison ons by Barbados-based Service to provide concommunications compa- venient ways for family ny, Corrections Commu- and friends to top up their

relatives’ phone credit accounts in prison.

So far, in excess of 30 phones have been installed at the Timehri Prison, while the installation of some 50 are underway at the New Amsterdam prison. The system that has been installed will allow prisoners to maintain meaningful contact with their family and friends during their time in prison.

Corrections Communications has indicated that it will work in the coming months to install more phones at other prisons across Guyana. Since the collaboration, MMG+ has on-boarded the communications company as a

new biller within its app, in order to allow persons to purchase credit for their relatives and friends in prison. Inmates will have accounts set up to facilitate their making calls to pre-approved numbers.

Speaking on the project, General Manager of MMG+, Bobita Ram, described it as a “unique medium”, which allows persons to stay connected with their relatives and friends, while in prison.

“I guarantee that the MMG+ service will provide absolute convenience to both parties, since sending funds to the account can be done within mere seconds from a mobile device or an MMG+ agent anywhere in the country,” she said.

Corrections Communications’ Caribbean Manager, Ed Wozniak, in speaking on the system becoming live at Timehri prison, highlighted his company’s expertise in providing the innovative communications solution within the local prisons.

“Our company was founded by prison professionals with many, many

years of experience working in the field. We are committed to working with prisons to provide communication solutions that will allow prisoners to maintain their ties with family and friends. We believe this is beneficial for the prisoners and their families and for the development of a safer society,” he related.

He further noted that communication with persons from the outside world should no longer be considered a privilege, as it is an essential element in supporting prisoner rehabilitation, reducing stress and maintaining good order in the prison.

“Allowing prisoners to have access to telephones is no longer a privilege….

It is an essential element and research across the world has shown convincingly that successful reintegration reduces subsequent re-offending and this will lead to a safer Guyana. This system will allow prisoners an easy and affordable means to connect with their families and friends,” Wozniak said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot lauded the two companies for collaborating with the local prisons to provide such a fitting solution for the benefit of all.

He expressed his hope that the new communications system being installed will reduce the number of illegal phones found within local prisons.

“We are delighted to have this new system implemented in our prisons, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe this will reduce the number of persons visiting the prisons daily to connect with their relatives.

“Over time, we have seized a number of illegal phones within the system as many of the prisoners tried to communicate with their families, so we look forward to that number being reduced and to this organised system and all it has to offer,” Elliot said.

Persons interested in utilising the service can access more information via the Corrections Communications website http://advanced-com. com/.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Two new COVID-19 deaths take toll to 484

THE Ministry of Health, on Wednesday, confirmed two more COVID-19 deaths for the month of July, 2021, taking the death toll for that month to eight, and the overall toll to 484.

THE latest fatalities are two males-- a 59-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), and a 65-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica)-- who succumbed while receiving medical care.

Further, the Ministry of Health has recorded 77 new cases of COVID-19, with 920 tests carried out for July 6, 2021.

Of these, Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded five; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), two; Region

Man accused of setting fire to D’Urban Street buildings remanded CALVIN Lawrence, called “Baige”, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday, charged with three counts of enkindling.

Lawrence denied the charges when they were read to him by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, who later remanded him to prison.

The first charge states that on June 24, 2021, at Lot 1 George and D’Ur-

ban Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a building valued at $38M, property of Nalini Baboolall, and articles valued at $10M belonging to Kevin Phillips.

The second charge states that he on the same day and at the said location, Lawrence unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a building valued at $150M

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and articles valued at $30M, property of Hardat Maniram.

According to the third charge, on the same day and at the said location, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling house valued at $18M and articles valued at $6M, property of Colin Bentley.

Lawrence will make his second court appearance on July 21, 2021.

Duo accused of murdering taxi driver remanded TWO men were, on Wednesday, remanded to prison for the murder of 53-year-old taxi driver, Kenrick Trim, whose lifeless body was found at Cul-de-Sac Street, Block One, Ogle, last month.

was found lying motionless in the grass at the end of Cul-de-Sac Street. According to a police report, Trim’s body appeared to have been dumped from his silver-grey Toyota Premio motorcar, which was parked

with Trim’s cell phone.

During interrogation, Bacchus reportedly admitted to the crime and implicated James.

According to reports, on the day in question, Trim was working his taxi in the

Kenty Bacchus, called ‘Trini’

Kenty Bacchus, called ‘Trini’

Kenty Bacchus, called ‘Trini’

Kenty Bacchus, called ‘Trini’ and Seyon James, called ‘Lil Alfey’, appeared before Magistrate Roshell Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate Court where they were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The duo was remanded to prison until August 6.

On June 30, 2021, Trim

a short distance away from where the body was discovered. Trim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

A police investigation led to the arrest of Bacchus, who was nabbed at his Water Street, Kingston home,

vicinity of Carmichael Street when he was stopped by the two accused, who requested to be taken to an East Coast Demerara location.

While in Ogle, the men allegedly stabbed Trim several times with a knife and robbed him of his cell phone, gold jewellery and money.

Three, five; Region Four, 23; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), one; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), eight; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), four; and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 29.

The newly infected persons were 45 males and 32 females. Presently, 15 persons occupy the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 89 are institutionally isolated, 1,410 are isolated at home, and three are institutionally quarantined.

Of Guyana’s 20,645 confirmed cases since the detection of COVID-19 here, 1,517 are active, and currently being monitored, while 181 of Guyana’s 18,647 recoveries were recorded with-

in the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotlines: 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

CDC gets flood-relief donation from BK Group of Companies THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Wednesday, received a sizeable donation of relief supplies from the BK Group of Companies, which will buttress the commission’s nationwide flood relief efforts.

The donations, which include flour, sugar, rice and pasta, were handed over to CDC’s Logistics Officer, Captain Michael Andrews, in the compound of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG).

Director of BK Group of

Companies, Briony Tiwarie-Gabriel, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the company feels obligated to support the effort of the CDC, noting that no one should enTURN TO PAGE 19

CDC’s Logistics Officer, Captain Michael Andrews receives donation from Director of BK Group of Companies, Brian Tiwarie

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

CDC gets flood ... dure such disaster.

“It’s our corporate responsibility to give back.

We are happy to make our contribution to the flood victims and we will continue to do what we can in order to assist our fellow Guyanese,” Tiwarie-Gabriel said.

Amid nationwide flooding between May and June,

the CDC had implemented several measures to ensure the lives of citizens return to normalcy.

The government has conducted a number of flood assessments in affected communities and immediate interventions were made to lessen the impact. Additionally, thousands of food and sanita-

TURN FROM PAGE 18

tion hampers were delivered.

The National Assembly also granted some $10 billion in supplementary funding to aid these efforts. Persons interested in contributing to the national relief efforts can contact the CDC on telephone numbers: 226-1027 or 600-7500 (WhatsApp).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

CONCACAF holds first in-person congress since 2019 … Infantino, Montagliani hail the growth, development of football

GUYANA Football Federation (GFF) p re s i d e n t Wa y n e Forde was part of the 41 members of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) at its 35th Ordinary Congress at the JW Marriott Hotel in Miami, United States.

The CONCACAF Congress took place the day after the 2021 Gold Cup Preliminary Round matches which determined the final three teams who will compete in the Gold Cup Group Stage.

The occasion marked the firsttime delegates from CONCACAF’S Member Associations came together for a Congress since 2019.

CONCACAF president and FIFA vicep r e s i d e n t , Vi c t o r Montagliani, presided over the Congress, alongside CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio and members of the

CONCACAF Council.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended and addressed the Congress, and Confederation of African Football (CAF) president and FIFA vice-president Patrice Motsepe was also in attendance.

The CONCACAF Member Association delegates approved the Conf e d e r a t i o n ’s 2 0 1 9 and 2020 audited financial statements.

President Montagliani commended all Member Associations for navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined the many ways CONCACAF and F I FA s u p p o r t e d Members and their communities during the global health crisis.

In his opening address, Montagliani praised the ongoing growth of football in CONCACAF, adding that “as we come together for this Congress, in CONCA-

CAF’s 60th anniversary year, I feel extremely positive, and reflective, about what we have achieved together.”

“Our football has been transformed with new competitions like the CONCACAF Nations League, which vastly increases competitive opportunities for all Member Associations. And we have just started a Gold Cup which includes 24 Concacaf men’s national teams – more than in any previous edition of our flagship tournament,” said Montagliani.

According to the CONCACAF boss their “development programmes are c re a t i n g f o o t b a l l opportunities for young people across the region, and we have built an entirely new women’s national team ecosystem which will begin in November this year. Put simply, in CONCACAF we are putting football first”.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 03, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Dinesh Ramdin-20 dismissals (20 catches - 4 Tests) (2) Mushfiqur Rahim-21 dismissals (18 catches; 3 catches- 14 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI player has contested most Test matches against SA to date?

(2) Which SA cricketer has played most Test matches against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Hetmyer, Shepherd named for Australia series THE Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel announced the West Indies squad for the CG Insurance One-Day International (ODI) Series against Australia.

The squad features most of the players from the 3-0 clean sweep over Sri Lanka in the CG Insurance ODI Series earlier this year.

There are recalls for experienced left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell; Shimron Hetmyer, the left-handed top-order batsman; and Roston Chase, the right-handed all-rounder.

The CG Insurance ODI Series will be played at Kensington Oval in Barbados on July 20, 22 and 24 with all three matches scheduled as day/night encounters.

First ball is 14:30hrs

(13:30hrs Jamaica Time).

There is great anticipation as this is Australia’s first tour of the West Indies since the tri-nation series back in 2016.

The series forms part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ODI Super League where both teams are aiming to win points to be one of the top seven teams that will secure automatic qualification for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India.

Roger Harper, Lead Selector said: “This squad is coming off a comprehensive series win against Sri Lanka which should boost their confidence going into what is expected to be a tougher contest against Australia. The return of Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase and Sheldon Cottrell adds greater depth

and experience to the squad.”

He added: “Playing in familiar home conditions, hopefully will bring out the best in each player thereby enabling the team to perform at a consistently high standard. This CG Insurance ODI series against Australia is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup qualification process where every game and every point counts, so it is very important.”

FULL SQUAD: Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Anderson Phillip, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd.

Essequibo committees to benefit from Star Sports Donation

THE Cricket Development Committee (CDC) of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) recently donated a valuable set of coaching equipment to coach Ryan Hercules, chairman of the Special Development sub-committee for Essequibo’s cricket.

The equipment was initially donated to the CDC by the proprietor of Star Sports and former national player, Mr Sheik Mohamed.

Territorial Development Officer (TDO) of GCB, Mr Colin Stuart, handed over the coaching equipment to Mr Ryan Hercules and complimented Mr Hercules and his deputy chairman for their high levels of enthusiasm and interest demonstrated by the newly formed sub-committee responsible for assisting with the development of cricket in Essequibo.

He pointed out that there is clearly much work to be done to improve the standard of cricket across Guyana and that GCB looks forward to collaborating with all affiliate associations in structuring

Chairman of the Special Development sub-committee for Essequibo’s cricket, Ryan Hercules (left), collects gear from TDO of the GCB, Colin Stuart.

a sustained approach to the development of cricket.

Stuart said the GCB is grateful to Star Sports for its generous donation and feels confident that the coaching equipment will go a far way in enhancing the activities of Essequibo’s coaching and educational programmes.

Mr Ryan Hercules, in accepting the donation, was high in praise of Star Sports, indicating that the donation will assist coaches at the

county level in delivering their related tasks.

He commended the CDC of the GCB for the work they are doing and pointed out that by placing a sub-committee arm of the CDC to focus on Essequibo’s cricket development will give the assigned individuals the opportunity to narrow their focus on critical development areas required for Essequibo cricket in a timely manner.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 8, 2021

Harper wants WI young players to put pressure on seniors

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) Lead Selector Roger Harper is calling on the young talents in the region to step up and place greater pressure on the senior players for a spot in the team.

Harper was speaking Tuesday evening on the Barbadian radio programme, Mason and Guests, and felt young players have not made the most of their opportunities.

“Players have been given an opportunity coming out of CPL (Caribbean Premier League). Yes, we want to see young talent come forward, we want to see young talent perform at the international level and in every format, We want to see our young play-

ers really pushing the senior players very hard and really making a claim for a place in the team, really demanding a place in the team with their performance.”

Harper said he was disappointed in the series result against South African where they struggled to combat the spin and rotate the strike during overs 7-14, which “created their own downfall.”

To create the link in the middle overs, he said he expects young batsmen Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran to perform that role.

“Any good T20 side would need a player who can sort of link the power play at the start of the innings to the

death overs from a batting perspective and still keep a decent scoring rate going, and we haven’t been able to do that and no player has put his hand up to do that job so far.”

The former West Indies coach felt that sometimes it is not the players who need to be changed but their approach to solving current issues.

“West Indies probably got carried away with the method they won the first match and (I) assumed they considered the same manner and did not respond to the adjustment South Africa made with the ball.”

In the first Twenty20 International in Grenada, West

Indies chased 161 in 15 overs with the power-hitting taking exhibition but beyond that they struggled in the middle overs, soaking numerous dot balls.

Given West Indies had at their disposal all of the top players from a batting perspective in the series, Harper said it is about the manner in which they lost the series.

“Very disappointing because I thought that was a definitely a series we could have won and actually we were placed to win each of those matches, every single one, and I think to come away with 2-3 series loss was very disappointing because I think that team is capable of much better.”

However, he highlighted Obed McKoy (nine wickets), Dwayne Bravo (ten wickets), and Evin Lewis (178 runs) as bright sparks in the series.

“We put a squad of 18 players together with the intention of working out from this provisional squad, what our best squad would be going forward. So, we assembled, we thought, the best T20 players available at the time,” he added.

The lead selector reiterated they picked a squad they thought had the best T20 players at the time and age was a consideration.

“Yes, we are locked into those 18 players for the time being but at the same time, youth does give you an ex-

tra advantage but it still has to do with skill and performance. So, youth is not necessarily an advantage unless that youth brings extra vigour, high level of performance and skill with it.”

The lead selector said he expects all the players will have an opportunity over the next ten T20Is, and he expects more with the bat from the senior guys.

Harper said he expects an even tougher test against Australia but expects it will be a very competitive series.

West Indies and Australia will play five T20I in St Lucia from Friday followed by three One-Day Internationals in Barbados.

England edge Denmark to Euro final Essequibo gets cricket equipment boost from Odyssey Tours

(BBC) - England’s 55-year wait to reach a major men’s final is over at last after victory against Denmark in the Euro 2020 last four, on a night of nerve-shredding tension then unconfined joy at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate’s side were on a mission to travel one step further than any England side has done since the 1966 World Cup final win against West Germany and they finally achieved the long-cherished goal as they came from behind to beat Denmark after extra time.

In front of 66 000 fans and in a frenzied, thunderous atmosphere this newer Wembley has not experienced before, England battled their way out of adversity to secure a meeting with Italy in the Euro 2020 final at the same venue on Sunday (20:00hrs BST kick-off).

How England had to fight for victory against this steely Denmark with an inspired keeper in Kasper Schmeichel, especially after conceding their first goal of the tournament to Mikkel Damsgaard’s stunning free-kick after 30 minutes.

England, crucially, replied quickly as Denmark captain Simon Kjaer turned in Bukayo Saka’s threatening cross six minutes before the break.

Schmeichel was Denmark’s hero as England sought the winner, saving brilliantly from Harry Maguire and Harry Kane as the game went into extra time and the prospect of

penalties loomed large.

The moment the nation has waited for so long effectively arrived with Wembley’s giant screens showing 103 minutes and captain Kane standing over a penalty after Raheem Sterling had been fouled by Joakim Maehle.

In keeping with England’s long and tortuous history, it was not straightforward as the normally ice-cool Kane saw an awful penalty saved by Schmeichel - but the rebound fell at his feet for him to score.

Wembley went wild with deafening noise and wild celebrations as finally, after all the years of hurt, England have the golden opportunity to finally claim a major crown on Sunday.

ENGLAND PASS TEST OF NERVE England answered two of the most crucial questions surrounding Southgate and his team on an unforgettable night

at Wembley.

For all the promise and progress since the bitter disappointment of defeat in the World Cup semi-finals in Moscow in 2018, England and Southgate needed to prove they could overcome what has proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for both themselves and their predecessors, after they also came up short in the last four at the Italia 90 World Cup and at Euro 96.

This was the acid test - at least before Sunday’s final with formidable Italy - and they came up with the goods not only in the context of Euro 2020 but also in demonstrating their character and big match mentality.

England went into this semi-final on a wave of expectation and optimism after the last-16 victory against Germany at Wembley was followed up by the emphatic 4-0 demolition of Ukraine in the quarter-final in Rome.

Harry Kane of England celebrates after victory in the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium yesterday in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

ODYSSEY Sightseeing Tours Guyana Inc. has donated a substantial amount of cricket equipment to the Essequibo Cricket Board through its various committees.

Odyssey’s Manager Troy Khan indicated the company has a vast interest in the development of cricket in Guyana and having been approached by the Cricket Development Committee (CDC) of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for support, they felt obliged to make this meaningful contribution.

He said based on the initial feedback on the needs of the Area Committees in Essequibo, members of his company decided that the donation of balls and scoring books will go a far way in assisting to host tournaments and now have the ability to properly keep player records.

Ryan Hercules, who chairs Essequibo’s CDC, commended Odyssey Tours on their contribution and reiterated its value to cricket competitions and player selections in Essequibo.

He went on to say that with the cost of scorebooks and balls being offset, it will enable the Area Committees to place their limited finances in other areas required to conduct cricket competitions.

Territorial Development Officer (TDO) of the GCB, Colin Stuart, contended that with corporate Guyana placing greater emphasis on the development of sports, players, and

administrators are set to benefit from more structured approaches to player development.

The GCB release further indicated the collaborative approach to cricket development will hopefully catapult Guyana’s cricket to new heights and the contribution made

by Odyssey Tours will help in no small measure to improve the standard of cricket in Essequibo.

From left: Anthony D’Andrade, Ryan Hercules, Odyssey’s manager Troy Khan, Neil Barry Sr. and GCB’s Colin Stuart

Hetmyer, Shepherd named for Australia series See page 26

Romario Shepherd

Shimron Hetmyer enjoyed getting to another ODI century against India, 1st ODI, Chennai, December 15, 2019.

CONCACAF holds first in-person congress since 2019

See page 25

Harper wants WI young players to put pressure on seniors

See page 27 CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, along with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF president Patrice Motsepe, joins other members of the Confederation at their 35th Congress.

CWI Chairman of Selectors, Roger Harper

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| THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021