Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-09-2021

FRIDAY 10th September, 2021

No.106480

Over 90 per cent of GDF ranks receive first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

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ExxonMobil strikes more oil at Stabroek Block 03 PAGE

--Gov’t says discovery will stimulate monumental transformation

Second oil-producing vessel to arrive by mid-November

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The Liza Unity, Guyana’s second Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), departed the Keppel shipyard in Singapore, and is currently en-route to Guyana (Photo courtesy of ExxonMobil)

CXC results to be 03 released by October 15 PAGE

President, Cabinet head to Region Serious crimes down Two for two-day outreach 02 by 20 per cent 11 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

President, Cabinet head to Region Two for two-day outreach

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and members of the Cabinet will fan out across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) over the next two days to engage residents and address issues which might exist.

Cabinet members will lead several teams which will engage directly with residents, women, youths, farmers, private sector representatives and the religious community.

Cabinet outreaches have been a hallmark of successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administrations in keeping with its philosophy of people-centred governance that engages directly with citizens in their respective communities.

While delivering goods and services to taxpayers is a natural service of the Governance Continuum, the President and his Cabinet believe that it is equally important for those with direct responsibility for policies to

President Irfaan Ali (centre) with Cabinet members witness their impact on the everyday lives of citizens, their families, and communities.

To this end, the activity in Region Two serves to foster an open and transparent relationship with citizens

as stakeholders in the development process, through direct communication and feedback.

It also allows the policymakers to gain a first-hand account of on-the-ground developmental challenges

in communities and enables them to craft appropriate interventions for short, medium and long-term solutions that ensure optimal benefits which are continuously accrued to citizens.

This fourth round of the

Cabinet outreach since the PPP/C’s return to office is particularly crucial, coming on the heels of the devasting floods across the country that severely impacted people’s livelihoods and the continued national impact of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents of Region Two are asked to be prepared to engage the team fully in all matters of governance, particularly those which impact them directly. (Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

ExxonMobil strikes more oil at Stabroek Block –– Gov’t says discovery will stimulate monumental transformation

EXXONMOBIL Guyana has struck big yet again at the 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, discovering high-quality hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone reservoirs at the Pinktail well.

In a press statement on Thursday, the company confirmed that its Pinktail well encountered 220 feet (67 meters) of net pay in high quality hydrocarbon- bearing sandstone reservoirs.

‘Pay’, according to Schlumberger, is a reservoir or portion of a reservoir that contains economically producible hydrocarbons.

The overall interval in which pay sections occur is the gross pay, while the smaller portions of the gross pay that meet local criteria for pay such as minimum porosity, permeability and hydrocarbon saturation, are net pay.

In addition to the Pinktail well, the company announced that the Turbot-2 well encountered 43 feet (13 meters) of net pay in a newly identified, high quality hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone reservoir separate from the 75 feet (23 meters) of high quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir pay encountered in the original Turbot-1 discovery well.

ExxonMobil related: “This follows the additional

pay in deeper reservoirs encountered at the previously announced Whiptail discovery… these results will be incorporated into future developments.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, said that it welcomed the newest oil discovery by Exxon Exploration and Production Guyana (EEPGL) and partners, and expressed confidence that the additional discoveries will serve to further stimulate Guyana’s monumental transition as a country with world-class discoveries of high-quality hydrocarbon.

“As such, the Government of Guyana remains committed and persistent in engaging all stakeholders towards the beneficial development of these resources for all Guyanese, in a sustainable and responsible manner,” Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, was quoted as saying in the statement.

He said that resultantly, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has mandated the Ministry of Natural Resources and the petroleum sector regulatory agencies to enhance the oversight and management of the exploration programmes of all operators as they seek to further expand the sector

Oil exploration and extraction operations within the Stabroek block through advancing commercial discoveries.

The new discovery will see Guyana’s oil resources surpassing well over the estimated nine billion oil-equivalent barrels.

It was only in June that the oil giant announced its 20th oil find offshore Guyana, which was made at its Longtail-3 site, also in the Stabroek Block.

At that time, Mike Cous-

ins, Senior Vice-President of Exploration and New Ventures at ExxonMobil had said: “The discovery at Longtail-3, combined with our recent discovery at Uaru-2, has the potential to increase our resource estimate within the Stabroek block, demonstrating further growth of this world-class resource and our high-potential development opportunities offshore Guyana.”

He added: “We will continue to leverage our core competitive advantages in our ongoing exploration campaign, delivering substantial value to the Guyanese people, our partners and shareholders.”

The new find at Pinktail is also good news for Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund (NRF), which currently stands at an untouched sum of US$436 million, gained

from seven oil lifts and royalties.

It was only last month that Guyana received payment for its seventh oil lift, to the tune of US$79,617,561.87, the largest single oil payment the country has received to date.

The seventh oil lift brings the country’s oil extractions to a grand total of 7,056,262 barrels.

Guyana sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million.

In its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million, and another US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude, and US$49.3 million from its fourth oil lift.

In early March, Guyana also benefitted directly from its petroleum sector, receiving US$61,090,968 (approximately G$13 billion) from the sale of the nation’s fifth oil lift. Further, it earned in excess of US$60 million from the sale of its sixth oil lift, and received US$13.9 million in royalties during the first quarter of this year.

It was reported in May that the country’s total revenue is expected to increase by 17 per cent, with earnings in the petroleum sector alone reaching well over US$500 million by the end of this year.

CXC results to be released by October 15 THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), on Thursday, announced that the results for the June/July 2021 examinations will be released by mid-October.

CXC in a release stated: “This year, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), like many other institutions, has had to modify its strategy for examinations

due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Following consultation with regional governments and other key stakeholders from across the region, it was agreed in May 2021 to delay the sitting of the regional examinations by a further two weeks to allow more time for candidates to prepare for their exams.

Exams commenced on 28 June 2021 and were

completed on 30 July 2021.”

With October being identified as the month for the release of results, CXC has said that it is

working assiduously to minimise the impact of the delays occasioned by the disruption of COVID-19 protocols on the logistical opera-

tions associated with the marking, grading and release of examinations results.

The release of results will be a three-tiered approach, with the first being the release to the Ministries of Education, the second entailing joint meetings with the various ministries and, lastly, the release to candidates on or before October 15, 2021. In St. Vincent

and the Grenadines, results will be released to candidates on or before October 20, 2021.

“The CXC team is in contact with regional and international higher education institutions to communicate this timing to minimise the possibility of students being disadvantaged during the matriculation process,” CXC stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

New Biden plan could mandate COVID shots or tests for two-thirds of U.S. workers

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks in honour of labor unions in the East Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., September 8, 2021 (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque) (Reuters) - PRESIDENT Joe Biden will require all federal employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the U.S. Department of Labour will issue a rule requir-

ing businesses with more than 100 employees to have their workers vaccinated or tested weekly, officials said on Thursday.

The new measures, which Biden was due to lay

out in remarks at 5 p.m. ET (2100 GMT), cover about two-thirds of all U.S. employees, part of a broader, more aggressive attempt to get Americans vaccinated amid a surge in COVID-19 cases from the fast-spreading Delta variant.

Under Biden’s plan, the administration would also require vaccinations for more than 17 million healthcare workers at hospitals and other institutions that participate in Medicare and Medicaid social programmes for poor, disabled and older Americans, se-

nior administration officials said.

The new vaccination requirements cover about 100 million workers, or about two-thirds of all workers in the United States, officials said. In addition, the administration plans to ramp up testing capacity for the virus.

Biden will use his authority under the Defence Production Act to spur industry to accelerate production of the tests, and big retailers including Walmart (WMT.N), Amazon.com and Kroger (KR.N) will sell the tests at cost for the next three months to make them more affordable, the officials said.

The full recovery of the U.S economy depends on blunting the spread of the virus, which is a key health and political goal of the president, a Democrat who entered the White House in January.

“Our overarching objective here is to reduce the number of unvaccinated Americans,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, noting that 80 million still have not been vaccinated. “We want to reduce that number, decrease hospitalisations and deaths and allow our children to go to school safely.”

Federal workers unions suggested on Thursday they

would accept the vaccine mandate.

Federal workers will have a 75-day “ramp up” period to get vaccinated, and then be referred to human resources for counselling and possible disciplinary action, Psaki said.

Workers who are not exempt from vaccination and refuse to get a vaccine may be terminated.

53 PER CENT VACCINATED Despite a full-throttled campaign by the Biden administration urging all eligible Americans to get the free vaccines, just over 53 per cent of Americans are fully vaccinated, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The disease has killed more than 654,000 people in the United States, and deaths and hospitalisations have been rising sharply as the easily transmissible Delta variant of the virus spreads.

In July, Biden said federal workers had to get vaccinated or face regular COVID-19 testing and other restrictions like mandatory face covering at workplaces.

Biden’s speech also will cover mask-wearing, protecting the economic recovery from the pandemic-induced recession, and improving healthcare for people infected with COVID-19, Psaki said.

“He’s going to speak directly to vaccinated people and their frustration, and he wants them to hear how we’re going to build on what we’ve done to date to get the virus under control and to return to some version of normal in this country,” she said.

T h e W h i t e House COVID recovery plans, and the projected U.S. economic rebound were based on the vast majority of eligible Americans being vaccinated this year.

But the public health issue has become politicized, with a vocal minority refusing the shots and mask mandates, arguing that they are an infringement on their individual rights.

COUNTRY ‘STILL IN PANDEMIC MODE’ The spread of the Delta variant has raised concerns as children head back to school, while also rattling investors, upending company return-to-office plans, and tamping down hiring.

With 160,000 new infections a day, the country is “still in pandemic mode ... That’s not even modestly good control,” Biden’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told Axios.

“You’ve got to get well below 10,000 (a day) before you start feeling comfortable,” Fauci added.

The White House plans to offer booster shots providing additional protection to those who are fully vaccinated. That goes against arguments from the World Health Organization and other advocates that say with global vaccine supplies limited, rich countries should pause booster programmes until more people worldwide are inoculated.

But with Delta causing more symptomatic breakthrough infections among fully inoculated individuals, most vaccinated Americans want a booster, a recent Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll found.

Abbott Laboratories (ABT.N) and other test manufacturers are trying to boost production as cases soar, after having scaled back in recent months. CVS Health Corp (CVS.N) recently imposed limits on the number of at-home tests customers can buy.

The White House said the federal government cannot mandate vaccines nationwide, but it has encouraged school districts, businesses and other entities to require shots.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

SVG: Less than 400 volcano evacuees in emergency shelters (Loop Caribbean News) THE number of evacuees staying in emergency shelters due to the eruption of the La Soufriere v o l c a n o i n S t Vi n c e n t and the Grenadines has decreased again along with the number of available shelters.

P r i m e M i n i s t e r, D r.

Ralph Gonsalves, said that according to the lat-

est update from NEMO, 19 shelters are open with 393 persons. Last week there were 24 shelters open with 514 persons.

He further related that work continues on the Old Simpson House in Orange Hill to accommodate the elderly folk, particularly those who are not well and those who were aban-

doned by their families in the shelters.

The Housing Repair Programme has started and progress also continues on the 27 houses being constructed at Orange Hill.

The prime minister was speaking during his face-to-face programme on Thursday morning.

File photo of an affected area in St Vincent and the Grenadines which was visited by UN officials in August

UN SG commends Latin America & the Caribbean on climate action

(CMC) United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, Wednesday, commended the leadership of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on climate action, adding that he was counting on them to send a strong signal to the 26 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) that it is possible to achieve a resilient net-zero future.

“We need to act together to overcome the current impasse,” Guterres said as he addressed the virtual High-Level Dialogue on Climate Action in the Americas.

The COP26 will be held from October 31 to November 12 in Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow.

Guterres told the con-

ference that countries in the region were already showing their ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climatic change, even as they grapple with the social and economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He also pledged the full support of the United Nations system to address the triple threat of COVID-19, climate change and debt.

The one-day event was hosted by the Government of Argentina and brought together countries in the Americas to discuss shared commitment to enhancing climate ambition.

The dialogue will build further momentum for climate action ahead of the

26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), which will be held October 31 to November 12, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland.

The virtual conference is being co-organised by the governments of Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Panama and will include interventions from governments, the private and financial sectors, development banks, academia, and civil society organisations.

The dialogue will include panel discussions on topics including enhancing climate ambition on the road to Glasgow, accelerating climate action through regional cooperation, and strengthening adaptation and

resilience to the impacts of climate change.

In his address, Guterres highlighted three essential areas that need immediate action. He said the first is to keep the 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels target within reach, noting at present, the world is “a long way from achieving it”.

He gave several examples of how that can be accomplished, such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and phasing out the use of coal no later than 2030 for Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries and by 2040 for all others.

The UN Secretary-General also said that “a just transition means ensuring

that workers in high-carbon and fossil fuel-related sectors have decent alternative options, are supported for retraining, and have social safety nets”.

He said that the second area would call for a breakthrough on adaptation and resilience and called on donors and multilateral development banks to allocate at least 50 per cent of their climate finance to this end.

Currently, only 21 per cent is devoted to it.

Developing countries already need around US$70 billion dollars a year to adapt to these changes. That figure could more than quadruple by the end of this decade.

Guterres said the third essential area would result in developed countries delivering on the solidarity

agenda.

“That means support to developing countries on vaccines, debt and liquidity, as well as climate finance,” he said.

Guterres said in order to achieve that goal, the world needs “a credible plan” for delivering on the US$100 billion commitment made over a decade ago, and multilateral development banks have to align their portfolios with the 1.5 degrees goal.

During the event, panel discussions were held on topics such as enhancing climate ambition on the road to Glasgow, accelerating climate action through regional cooperation and strengthening adaptation and resilience to the impacts of climate change.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Strengthening Democracy GUYANA and India have agreed to explore possibilities of strengthening democracy. That gesture was made during an engagement between Speaker of the National Assembly, Mansoor Nadir, and his Indian counterpart, Om Birla. They both participated at the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament held in Austria.

Both Guyana and India subscribe to the principles of democracy and democratic rule, with India being considered one of the largest democracy in the world.

With over one billion people, it is second only to China in terms of population size.

Relations between Guyana and India have always

been cordial, characterised by a high degree of understanding. That interaction is structured through periodic joint commissions, foreign office consultations, cultural exchange programmes and Indian Technical and Co-operation (ITEC) among others, according to a statement from the Indian High Commission in Guyana.

Apart from being the largest democracy in the world, India is also considered a ‘model’ democracy in terms of periodic elections which are considered free and fair. Since attaining political independence from Britain in 1947, the country held 17 general elections and 300 assembly elections.

Guyana, by contrast, experienced eleven General and

Regional elections since independence, four of which were massively rigged in favour of the People’s National Congress (PNC) which rigged its way to power from 1968 to 1992.

Democracy in Guyana still remains fragile as could be seen from recent attempts by the APNU+AFC Coalition to derail the democratic process and perpetuate its rule through undemocratic and fraudulent means.

Thankfully, with the intervention of the courts and strong international support, those attempts were thwarted but it provided some valuable lessons that we cannot take our democracy for granted.

The gesture by the speak-

ers of the two parliaments is both timely and relevant.

Democracy is an essential ingredient for national development and any form of collaboration between the two countries in respect to the strengthening of democracy and democratic institutions is most welcome.

Guyana has benefitted significantly in terms of financial and technical assistance and also in the area of human resource development. Through the ITEC programme, several Guyanese benefitted from scholarships offered by the Indian government. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali was also a beneficiary of that programme.

Diplomatic relations between Guyana and India were established in May

1966, the same year Guyana attained its independence from Great Britain. Ever since then relations have been cordial. Both countries were once part of the British Empire. Today, India is a major industrial power and is ranked among the fastest growing economies in the world.

Both countries share some similarities in terms of culture and history with a substantial number of Guyanese having Indian ancestral roots. The struggle for independence from Great Britain saw some epic battles waged by political leaders from both India and Guyana but in the end representative democracy prevailed.

That commonality in terms of history and culture

has laid a strong and enduring foundation for sustained collaboration and co-operation both at the diplomatic and at the cultural levels. This was re-affirmed

by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during a congratulatory letter to Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. According to Prime Minister Modi, the two countries enjoy close and cordial relations based on the foundations of democracy, shared culture and history.

The scope to further enhance economic, cultural and people-to-people ties is enormous. It is therefore commendable that both counties are exploring new ways of deepening and broadening that potential.

Vaccination is the best choice, if not the only one at times Dear Editor, THE APNU+AFC is yet again ‘true to form’.

He is now urging the government to revoke new COVID-19 measure, on access to public buildings.

They, of all people, are saying that this move is “wholly authoritarian”.

Well, quickly let me say that he can resort to challenges at the legal level, but for now, I have a few things for him and others to think about.

Back in March 2021, Chief executive Alan Joyce of Australian airline, Qantas, told the BBC that

“governments are going to insist” on vaccines for international travellers. According to him, “Coronavirus vaccines are seen as crucial to reviving an industry that saw worldwide passenger numbers fall 75.6 per cent last year”. The CEO said that many governments were talking about vaccination as “a condition of entry” and that even if they weren’t, he thought the airline should enforce its own policy.

I point anti-vaccinators and the APNU+AFC crew to Canada, and this is as recent as last month. The news is still fresh as the Canadian Prime Minister,

Justin Trudeau, said that he’s considering making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for federal employees, a move health and labour experts say could set an example, but would have to be a decision backed by science. Well, the science of COVID-19 is well-established. I repeat it however, that is, vaccination is the best choice, if not the only one at times.

In Quebec, one of the provinces of Canada, Premier Francois Legault, announced that his province would be instituting a vaccine passport, amid concerns over rising case counts. And I add that the

prime minister said he’s also looking at whether new requirements to either require or encourage vaccination would be necessary in federal workplaces or in federally-regulated industries, such as banking, rail and air travel, and Parliament.

So where is the APNU+AFC going with their talk of ‘authoritarian rule?’

So, I agree with the corresponding move here in Guyana. It serves the bigger purpose and it is the way of many countries, if not most, and soon all.

Now, I hope that we will all comply, as stipulated in the Official Gazette, under

A plea to get vaccinated Dear Editor, I AM pleading with the unvaccinated to please get yourself vac-

cinated. Educators and older students err in not taking the vaccine. They put themselves and others at health risk.

Va c c i n a t i o n o f f e r s

some form of protection against the deadly COVID-19 disease. Even if you had COVID-19 before, take the vaccine as it boosts immunity against

severe effects of a recurrence; illness will be shorter than usual and milder if one were to contract the infection. It certainly protects against death from

the COVID-19 Emergency measures “that vaccination is mandatory for any person who wishes to enter a public building, privately-owned building and an institution of learning”.

The APNU+AFC is making a claim that this “… effectively mandates and imposes vaccination on every citizen,” and for them, “This measure runs contrary to all the tenets of personal liberties, including an individual’s freedom of conscience as enshrined in Article 147 of the Constitution.” Like I said, and I repeat, the APNU+AFC members have choices; they can resort to the court.

They are rather uninformed or are ‘turning a blind eye,’ in saying that

“The PPP/C must immediately cease and desist from the wild and reckless approach it has adopted which only benefits its acolytes and financiers and leaves the people of the nation isolated, locked out and vulnerable.” Well, he has to substantiate this.

Currently, the government is going the extra-mile to promote vaccination, rendering assistance in terms of goods and monies, and seeking to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols and best practices. I urge all to be compliant, so that all Guyana can benefit and move on from COVID-19.

re-infection.

Studies have shown that among those who have been infected with COVID-19, 98 per cent are unvaccinated. Of those who died from COVID, less than one per cent were not vaccinated. Al-

most every COVID victim in Guyana was not vaccinated. My mother was infected by COVID by her aide. She was unvaccinated and died. Her aide did not want to take the vaccine and she got COVID -see page 7

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Clayon F. Halley’s imagination is far from scientific facts Dear Editor,

A MR. Clayon F. Halley wrote that “Considering world-wide trends it may not be prudent to re-open schools just yet.” In his opening paragraph, he intoned that “I believe that the government’s fixation on scoring political points has clouded their thought process and judgement, while exposing their policies and measures for what they are. It is quite obvious that this push to reopen physical school is not founded in any sound analysis of our COVID-19 situation, but rather a direct fulfillment of a political gimmick dubbed as “Because We Care.” Well, I am incensed that such an attack was made on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, and

I herein present the very opposite to what Halley sought to foist on readers, even without debunking his political outburst.

First, in terms of the thrust of his missive, it is the very opposite that obtains, as regards what is trending in the ‘re-opening of schools’ debate. The body of evidence in the public domain is that various experts and task forces, manned by ‘scientific’ advisers and educators, have all agreed on one thing, that is, schools must be reopened, as the losses from school closures outweigh any benefits gained from a shutdown.

I quote from a “Save the Children” global survey of children and their families, to ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on the access to health, education, livelihoods and protection, and to

collect the views of children.

The research was carried out in seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and in terms of Education (as I want to zero in on this aspect), the following stark reality was discovered.

Seven out of 10 children (70 per cent) considered that they learned little during the pandemic; five out of 10 children (50 per cent) required school materials; four out of 10 children (40 per cent) indicated that they needed counselling; three out of 10 children (30 per cent) mentioned that the teacher checked homework fewer than once a week; three out of 10 children (30 per cent) did not know if they will return to school; and four out of 10 adults (40 per cent) did not know if their children will go back to school. This is like a hell has been created

all ready.

In the United States, as preparations are continuing for safe in-person learning and welcoming students back to physical classrooms for the 2021-2022 academic year, there were key steps outlined to help school communities remain safe and healthy during the return to school and beyond. I mention here the top four, and I am deliberately placing number one where it is: Everyone ages 12 years and older get vaccinated before school begins; make a plan to prevent COVID-19 from spreading at school; connect students and families to nutritious school meals; help students and families access safe transportation to school.

Two pediatricians, from Duke University School of Medicine, and a political scientist at Michigan State, after discussing the significance of prioritising teachers

for the vaccine and what it ultimately means for in-person learning, stated that, “The choice to vaccinate all adults in schools — not simply teachers but anyone working in schools including those who transport students to campus — reduces the likelihood of their infection, which keeps the students with whom they interact safer and thus entire neighbourhoods by extension. In this way, prioritising adults in school for vaccination amounts to a public-health force multiplier.” Need I say more?

I inform Halley that some 170 countries over the world have managed to open schools, as they have overcome fear and logistical challenges to discharge their duties. In the United Kingdom, children returned to school in March and April 2021. In France, a third COVID-19 wave shuttered schools briefly around that

time, but pupils were back in class by May. In the United States, more than half of all school districts had resumed full-time instruction by early June, and nearly all offered at least some in-person learning.

I rest my case, but before doing so, I remind all that the United Nations Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, estimated last year, that around 24 million schoolchildren will drop out as a result of the pandemic.

Because they provide so many essential services in addition to learning, schools should be the last to close and the first to open, says Robert Jenkins, Chief of Education for the UN children’s charity UNICEF in New York City.

Yours sincerely, Thomas Cole

Government COVID-19 rules are intended for the greater good Dear Editor, THE Government’s recent COVID-19 rules mandating that vaccinated citizens must show their vaccination card along with a relevant national identification before entering a public or private facility and conversely anyone that is unvaccinated must provide a negative COVID PCR test for entry has been made with the greater good of the nation in its combat against this pandemic.

This pandemic is now in its second deadly year and the amount of literature written by the World Health Organisation, Center for Disease Control, anti- vaxxers, conspiracy theorists, born again experts etc., are more volu-

minous than the amount of vaccines produced worldwide. So, it is really ingenious for anyone to propose that we need more literature to influence the unvaccinated to be vaccinated. The lines have already been drawn and the vaccinated and unvaccinated are firmly in their respective camps.

This is where the government must decide on how to wage this war against the COVID scourge for the greater good. Make no mistake, it is a relentless war we are fighting against this pandemic and the macabre theatre is played out on the daily COVID-19 billboard with a constant scorecard of so many more deaths and so many more infect-

-from page 6

A plea to... and in the process infected my healthy mother. I carry the burden of not personally fetching my mother to the vaccination site to get inoculated.

The vaccine works. As infectious disease researchers conclude, COVID-19 vaccines remain safe and effective.

They prevent severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. I got my double dose and am looking for a third booster jab for further protection.

The pope, Anglican Church leaders, and heads of other faiths, and so many other religious figures are urging the

ed. It is a matter of life and death. Like any war, citizens are first asked to join the fight voluntarily which is then closely followed up by conscription which mandates compulsory enlistment.

The government actions are akin to being on a war footing against this pandemic and the choices are there as follows: Get vaccinated because it has scientifically been proven as the best protection against the virus; there are vaccines available to everyone for the nation to achieve herd immunity; and if you choose to be unvaccinated then we require proof that you are not contagious in spreading the virus at your own expense. State resources public to get vaccinated.

It is not un-Godly to be vaccinated. In being vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, but your family and loved ones, friends, neighbours and co-workers. It is your civic responsibility to get vaccinated to help protect the nation against the deadly COVID-19 disease.

Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

has to be spent on the people who are fighting to end this pandemic, not on those whose actions seems

to want to prolong it.

These are all choices made in the interest of the greater good.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

Second oil-producing vessel to arrive by mid-November –– departs shipyard in Singapore

THE Liza Unity, Guyana’s second Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), has already departed the Keppel shipyard in Singapore, and is currently en-route to Guyana.

The Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed in a statement that the oil vessel departed Singapore on September 3, 2021, and is expected to arrive offshore Guyana by mid-November 2021, with an anticipated start-up of production in early 2022.

The Liza Unity FPSO has a capacity of approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day, which is expected to supplement the existing Liza Destiny FPSO that currently produces approximately 120,000 barrels of oil per day.

Together, these two vessels will pave the way for Guyana’s oil production to be ramped up to approximately 330,000 barrels of oil per day in 2022.

It was reported that once it arrives, the Liza Unity will be linked to a seabed in the Stabroek Block, where further installation of its umbilicals and risers will

take place, allowing the next phase of operations to start.

According to SBM Offshore: “The Liza Unity FPSO has also been awarded the SUSTAIN-1 notation by ABS, the Classification Society.”

This means that the design and construction of the unit is assessed against and adheres to the requirements of the ABS Guide for Sustainability Notations, aligned with the applicable Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations.

Commendably, the company said that the Liza Unity is the world’s first FPSO to achieve such recognition for sustainability for its design, documentation and operational procedures.

“Examples of features recognised by the SUSTAIN-1 class notation include energy efficiency management, mitigation of ozone depleting substances and management of hazardous materials throughout the life cycle,” the company said in a statement.

Commenting on the construction of the oil vessel, Olivier Icyk, Managing Director, Floating Production Solutions, said that the com-

pany is pleased to see that the Liza Unity FPSO is ready for the next phase and looks forward to working closely with its client, ExxonMobil, to ensure that the start-up of the FPSO is a success.

“We are also very proud to see Liza Unity obtaining the SUSTAIN-1 class notation, the world’s first FPSO to do so. At SBM Offshore, we work closely with our clients and our supply chain towards the goal of reducing emissions from our products.

This is an important step in our journey to deliver safe, sustainable and affordable energy from the oceans,” Icyk related.

SBM Offshore added too that the FPSO will be spread moored in water depth of about 1,600 meters and will be able to store around two million barrels of crude oil.

There are also 19 topside modules.

Prior to the Liza Unity setting sail for Guyana, First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, was named its ‘Godmother.’

PROSPERITY FPSO Meanwhile, construction of Guyana’s third FPSO, the Prosperity

The Liza Unity is expected to arrive in Guyana by mid-November FPSO, is moving apace, with the hull already at the shipyard in Singapore.

SBM Offshore recently announced that despite various challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic, the unit remains on schedule to be completed in 2024.

“Drydock activities are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year,

with the installation of major structures that will support the Mooring and Subsea Risers,” SBM Offshore said last month.

It was related that in keeping with the standardisation philosophy that guides the Fast4Ward® programme, the Prosperity FPSO will largely replicate the design used for the Liza Unity

FPSO. Once installed, the vessel is intended to produce roughly 220,000 barrels of oil per day and will be able to store approximately two million barrels of crude oil. Prosperity is slated to join her sister vessels Liza Unity, and Liza Destiny, operational since end of 2019, offshore Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

Nadir talks up post-pandemic recovery, --at World Conference of Speakers climate change response of Parliament in Austria SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, added his voice to the recently held panel discussion on the post-pandemic recovery titled: “Transforming the Economy to Combat Climate Change and Promote Sustainable Development,” at the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament (5WCSP) in Vienna, Austria.

Speaker Nadir, during his remarks at the conference on Tuesday, highlighted that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying.

The Speaker posited that while there are global decisions to address climate change, many opportunities exist for “cheating” at the national level and not enough international support is given for sustainable development efforts.

Speaker Nadir spoke of the effects of climate change in Guyana, drawing attention to the effects of the 2005 floods and the recent floods.

destroyed an additional five per cent of the economy and affected 20 per cent of the population.

The Speaker concluded

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, giving brief remarks at the recently held panel discussion on post-pandemic recovery in Vienna, Austria He said that in 2005, after a few days of rain, floods destroyed over 35 per cent

of Guyana’s gross domestic product. And went on to say that recent rainfalls have

his contribution by committing to counter climate change through “green strategies.”

The 5WCSP, which

brought together Speakers and delegations from more than 193 countries, concluded on the September 8, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

Guyana, Chile mull strengthening economic, commercial links

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has told the Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Juan Manuel Pino Vasquez, to convey to the Chilean President and his Government that Guyana is committed to advancing the “excellent and mutually beneficial relations” with Chile.

He said that his hope is for the two nations to work “even closer together,” to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and concerns related to the development of the respective citizens and the region as a whole.

The Head of State, who spoke at a reception held at

the Pegasus Hotel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two South American countries, called the event a milestone.

“These relations have been predicated on shared values, friendship, and mutual interests. Guyana at-

taches great importance to these relations, which have been enhanced through the establishment of a resident embassy of Chile in Georgetown,” Dr. Ali said.

The ambassador read a special message to President Ali from the Chilean President, Sebastian Piñera, which stated that Chile wishes to strengthen its friendship and cooperation with Guyana.

“We share principles and values that are so precious in our democracies, such as the rule of law, respect for human rights, integral and sustainable development, defence of the environment…territorial integrity and certainly the observation of international law,” the Chilean President wrote.

President Piñera said that along with its South American ties, Guyana is also a strategic partner for Chile in CARICOM. He said that the establishment of a resident embassy is a milestone and an eloquent expression of Chile’s “solid commitment” to Guyana.

President Ali noted that Guyana and Chile share a deep commitment to democratic values, the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, and the guarantee of fundamental freedoms.

“We are also enjoined in our commitment to the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and for the sanctity of treaties.

Guyana-Chile relations have been buttressed by cooperation in a variety of fields over the years, and have found expression at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels,” the Head of State said.

SUPPORT The President told the gathering that the Basic Agreement for Technical and Scientific Cooperation, signed in 1997, remains a cornerstone of relations between the two countries.

“I express Guyana’s sincere appreciation for the support we have received from Chile, including in the areas of agriculture, geology, human resource development, language training and mining,” Pres-

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is greeted by Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Juan Manuel Pino Vasquez, at the Pegasus Hotel (Office of the President photo) ident Ali related.

He said that he also welcomed Chile’s interest in strengthening economic and commercial links and hoped that the countries establish a practical programme of cooperation to achieve the objective.

“The Government of Guyana is steadfast in its resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of the Guyanese people, even as we work to strengthen the foundations of democracy and development and to build a more resilient and sustainable economy.

“We remain focused, in particular, on the development of our agriculture sector while harnessing the opportunities in emerging sectors such as oil and gas and information technology,” President Ali said.

CLIMATE CHANGE The President also told the Chilean official that both countries share a common interest in mitigating the effects of climate change.

He said: “Climate change remains a top priority on our agenda. Like

Guyana, Chile has suffered from the adverse effects of climate change. We, therefore, share a common interest in ensuring urgent action to realise the objectives of the Paris Agreement.”

The President said he hopes for a consensus on mitigation and adaption measures necessary to combat the adverse effects of climate change when they attend the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP26) scheduled from October 31 to November 12 in Scotland.

The President also toasted to “a lasting friendship, and peace and prosperity” for both countries.

He said that the countries must now embark on a new journey to bring the nations and their citizens closer together.

To this end, he said: “The future starts now...We must look to the next fifty years of an enduring and lasting friendship characterised by greater collaboration in our bilateral and multilateral relations.” (Office of the President)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

Over 90 per cent of GDF ranks receive first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine –– 43 per cent fully vaccinated

APPROXIMATELY 90 per cent of the ranks in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 43 per cent have received the second dose.

Also related to the joint services, almost 60 per cent of the officers and staff of the Guyana Prison Services (GPS) have received both doses of a vaccine.

Specific to the GDF, as frontline workers who form

part of the national security infrastructure, army troops have been active enforcers of the COVID-19 guidelines.

Hence, every effort has been made to ensure their protection, with the latest being a COVID-19 vaccination programme which was implemented back in April.

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, led by example and was among the first set of persons in the force to be vaccinated.

To date, more than 325,000

Serious crimes down by 20 per cent THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has reported that serious crimes, including but not limited to murder, rape, burglary, robbery under arms and larceny has decreased by 20 per cent for the period of January 1, 2021 to September 6, 2021, when compared to the same time period last year.

There was a 349 difference in the number of serious crimes recorded in 2021 and 2020 as 1742 serious crimes were recorded from January 1, 2020 to September 6, 2020 while 1,393 were recorded in the same time period for 2021, across the 12 police divisions across Guyana.

Murder saw a 18.8 per cent decrease from 111 in 2020 to 89 in 2021; robbery under arms a 34.6 per cent decrease from 628 in 2020 to 411 in 2021; robbery with aggravation, a 53.8 per cent decrease from 39 in 2020 to 18 in 2021.

Larceny from person decreased some 50 per cent from 90 in 2020 to 45 in 2021; robbery with violence saw a 13.3 per cent decrease from 60 in 2020 to 52 in 2021 and burglary a 34 per cent decrease from 106 in 2020 to 68 in 2020.

There was one kidnapping in 2021, as compared to none in 2020 for the time period while there was a 21.1 per cent increase in robbery from 19 in 2020 to 23 in 2021 and there was a 47.5 per cent increase in rape cases from 141 in 2020 to 208 in 2021. These statistics are provided by the Guyana Police Force.

The number of persons charged for these offences which constitute serious crimes has increased with the exception of burglary which saw a 40 per cent decrease for the time period from 20 persons being charged in 2020 to 12 being charged in 2021.

Some 72 persons were charged with murder, 78 with rape, 130 with robbery under arms, 13 with robbery with aggravation, 127 with break and enter and larceny, 29 with larceny from person, 20 with robbery with violence and six with robbery.

In terms of narcotics, 93.5 acres of cannabis fields were destroyed between January 1, 2021 to September 6, 2021 as compared to the 39 acres destroyed for the same time period in 2020 and police seized 157 kilogrammes of cannabis for the time period in 2021 as compared to 515 seized in 2020 while they seized 536 kilograms of cocaine in 2021compared to 468.4 grams in 2020 and 52.1 grams ecstasy when compared to 54 grams in 2020.

Guyanese or 63.4 per cent of Guyana’s adult population have received their first dose.

Of that number, about 170,125 or 33.2 per cent have received both doses of the vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.

Guyana currently has a

vibrant vaccination campaign ongoing which offers the COVID-19 vaccines free of charge to citizens from 12 years old.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are available for children from 12 to 17 years old, while persons 18 years and older have the option of choosing from the Sputnik v, Sinopharm, and Astrezeneca vaccines.

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Chief-of-Staff (ag), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, pictured when he took his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine a few months ago

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

Improved living conditions, welfare for persons with disabilities –– authorities engaging call centres, utilising technology to create job opportunities

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has assured members of the National Commission on Disability (NCD) that the government has a proactive agenda for the enhancement of the welfare and living conditions of persons with disabilities in Guyana.

“We have an agenda that looks at improving the living conditions, the welfare and ensuring that we mainstream our efforts in relation to persons living with disabilities in the social and economic development of the country,” President Ali said.

The President related that the government’s plan

is not being rolled out without direction, as there were engagements with different groups across the country.

Already, there are measures in place to enhance the lives of Guyanese with disabilities.

He said that his government made provisions in the budget to commence the construction of facilities, while it has also assisted through a one-off cash grant of $25,000 each for persons living with disabilities.

“Of course, we see this as just the beginning, we have to look at facilities throughout the country and in all the regions, so that we can better be able to

provide services,” President Ali said.

The Head of State also noted that the government has engaged the private sector to help facilitate employment for persons with disabilities.

He said that technological advancement has made it easier for persons with disabilities to be able to work in certain industries, such as the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, which allows persons to work from home.

WORKING OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Ali related that the

government and new call centres are streamlining programmes to enhance the efficiency of the available technology, to help develop working opportunities for persons living with disabilities.

The President added that the government is also working on moving a number of its services to an online, ICT platform; high on the agenda is an effective 911 system and the development of an online government query system.

Those systems will be designed to create working opportunities for persons living with disabilities.

The Head of State said that this would help persons to be “economically empowered,” and that’s an important part of the equation.

“It is not just about providing the facilities and earmarking resources; it’s ensuring that they have an opportunity to actively participate in the advancement and development of the country,” Dr. Ali said.

He noted too that the government is engaging the banking sector to help facilitate homeownership for persons living with disabilities.

“Of course, the government will have to actually step up in a bigger way and this will have to be a major part of our social outsourcing… I can assure you that we will work as hard as possible to ensure that we have greater integration and greater support for persons living with disabilities,” President Ali said.

Acting Chairperson

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali of the NCD, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, expressed gratitude to President Ali for facilitating the meeting and for ensuring that provisions were made for persons with disabilities through the one-off cash grant.

She also said that she is pleased to hear all the steps and strategies that the government has been exploring and implementing to improve the lives of persons living with disabilities. (Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

Prioritise pregnant, lactating women for COVID-19 vaccination

WARNING that COVID-19 represents a serious risk for pregnant women in Latin America and the Caribbean, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Carissa Etienne, urged countries to prioritise expectant and lactating mothers for vaccinations.

“We know that if pregnant women get sick, they have a higher risk of developing serious COVID symptoms, and, more frequently, require ventilation and intensive care, when compared to women who aren’t pregnant,” she said during her weekly press briefing. “They also have a higher chance of delivering their baby early or pre-maturely.”

“So, let me be clear,” she continued, “PAHO recommends that all pregnant women, after their first trimester as well as women who are breastfeeding, receive the COVID-19 vaccine.” She added that COVID vaccines approved

by WHO are safe to administer during pregnancy and are a critical tool to protect expectant mothers during the pandemic.

More than 270,000 pregnant women have become sick with COVID in the Americas so far, and more than 2,600 have died from the virus. The problem is particularly acute in Mexico and Colombia, where COVID-19 has become the leading cause of maternal deaths in 2021.

At the same time, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil account for half of all COVID deaths among pregnant women in the region.

“For the past three decades, Latin America and the Caribbean struggled to reduce maternal mortality,” Dr. Etienne said. “Now the pandemic threatens to wipe away 20 years of hardfought gains.”

The pandemic also threatens health care for pregnant women. At least 40 per cent of countries in the region have reported disruptions to maternal and newborn care amid the pandemic.

“These disruptions have become more widespread during this second year of the pandemic,” Dr. Etienne said. Some countries, including Belize and Guatemala, report that pregnancy-related care has been disrupted in over half of health sites.

nated over two thirds of their populations, we cannot forget that one fourth of countries in our region have yet to vaccinate 20 per cent of their people,” Dr. Etienne said. “And in some places, coverage is much lower.”

She pointed out that Guatemala and Nicaragua are

PAHO Director, Carissa Etienne In addition to prioritising pregnant and lactating women for COVID-19 vaccines, the Director also urged countries to ensure their access to health services.

“And finally, it is critical that pregnant women maintain the public health measures proven effective against this virus,” she said, recommending that they wear masks, keep social distance, limit contact with people outside of their households and avoid indoor gatherings.

Turning to the toll that the pandemic is taking on the Americas, Dr. Etienne said, “Today we are seeing nearly double the number of infections reported this time last year.”

She reported nearly 1.5 million cases and more than 22,000 COVID-related deaths in the Americas in the past week.

While new infections are declining in the Caribbean, COVID-19-related deaths are increasing on many islands, including Sint Marteen, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

COVID-19 infections are rising in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Belize. At the same time, infections continue to drop across South America, although there is a slight increase in cases in Venezuela.

Vaccination campaigns are progressing despite limited supplies, Dr. Etienne reported. So far, 28 per cent of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated, with significant differences from country to country.

“While we should celebrate that Canada, Chile and Uruguay have fully vacci-

below 10 per cent coverage, and in Venezuela, just over 11 per cent of people have been fully vaccinated. In Haiti, less than one percent of the population has been protected.

“PAHO is helping to channel donations from countries with excess dos-

es, but we need more vaccines to save lives in the hardest-hit corners of Latin America and the Caribbean,” Dr. Etienne said.

She added PAHO is working to expand vaccine access by using its Revolving Fund to procure doses for member states and

through a longer-term initiative to produce mRNA vaccines in the region.

“These actions, combined with increased global supplies of vaccines that are expected later this year and in 2022, will help us reduce inequalities.”

(PAHO)

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No mining at Marudi until health, safety issues are addressed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

–– Natural Resources Minister affirms Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, has said that several health and safety issues must be addressed in the Marudi Mountain, in the Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), before mining could resume there.

Speaking to Toshaos recently, Minister Bharrat said concerns have been raised by stakeholders during consultations at Aishalton, and the Rupununi Miners Association, Romanex.

He said there were objections by villagers and other persons regarding threats to the environment, the exploitation of Indigenous People, and illegal activities occurring at the landing.

“Pertaining to the destruction of the medicine bush, pertaining to the pollution of the waterways, these are all issues that were raised… also pertaining to health and safety and also the coastlanders coming and exploiting and taking advantage of Indigenous People in the region… now these are all concerns that are valid,” Minister Bharrat said.

The Natural Resources Minister said a safe environment is important to the government,

noting that the administration will not tolerate illegal drugs, alcoholism, and prostitution.

The minister said the government wants to address the issues before mining restarts, to prevent recurrence.

“I know it is important to the economy, the regional economy and the village economy, because it creates employment and it generates income for villages and the people within Region Nine, but we want to assure you that whenever operation or mining activities is restarted in Marudi: one, environment is critical; two, pollution will not be tolerated; three, miners will have to follow regulations; four, the illegal activities at the landing will have to stop… it will have to stop, and fifth, the small miners will have to support the village economies,” Minister Bharrat said.

By supporting the village, he said miners will purchase produce from the Aishalton Farmers Association, and employ local Indigenous workers.

Mining in the Marudi Mountain has been a contentious issue for a number of years, marred with conflict among Romanex, small miners and villagers.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

COVID-19 claims two more lives

THE Ministry of Health has reported that two more persons have died after contracting COVID-19, taking the country’s death toll to 659.

According to the ministry, the latest fatalities were a 69-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, both from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who died while receiving medical care at a local facility.

Meanwhile, of the 240 new cases recorded on Thursday, 154 were recorded in Region Four. A number of communities in this region have been identified as COVID-19 hotspots.

New infections were recorded from 1,777 tests, taking the overall number of confirmed cases since March, 2020, to 27,301.

New cases were recorded in the following

regions: Region Two (14 cases), Region Three (54 cases), Region Five (eight cases), Region Six (three cases), Region Seven (four cases), Region Eight (one case), Region Nine (one case) and Region Ten (one case).

Of the active cases, 36 are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive

Care Unit at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 128 are in institutional isolation and 2,504 are in home isolation. To date, 23,974 persons have recovered from the virus.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the Covid-19 Emergency Measures (No.21), which are in ef-

fect until September 30, 2021.

This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and the need for good hand-hygiene to help

reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit us at www.health. gov.gy.

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Herbal medicine to treat COVID-19 not scientifically proven

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

–– Health Minister says

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that the use of herbal medicine to treat COVID-19 has not been scientifically proven, so persons need to be cognisant of this and follow the gazetted guidelines set out by the government guard against the disease.

Dr. Anthony, during Thursday’s edition of the daily COVID-19 update, advised that the

COVID-19 vaccine is currently the best defence against the virus.

“Well herbal medicine is what it is, it’s not scientifically proven, it’s just people making a concoction and having faith that it would somehow protect them, that’s not science.

So, I urge people if they really want to get protected, they have to take the measures that we’ve been announcing, and of course get vaccinated,” Minister

Anthony said.

Earlier this week, Opposition Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, came under fire for statements he made, suggesting that herbal medicine prevents the spread COVID-19.

Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, had called for an immediate retraction of the “reckless and irresponsible” statement.

Dr. Ramsammy said

Figueira’s statement was not based on science. He noted that Guyana is utilising public health measures including masking, sanitisation, social distancing, the use of vaccines, all based on scientific evidence, and any suggestion of other ways to cure COVID-19 without evidence is even more reckless.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony said active COVID-19 cases are on the rise due to the Delta variant which spreads faster than previously detected variants.

“This trend is going to go up if people are not taking precautions because what we are seeing now is a surge… as I keep saying over the last couple of weeks.

“We were anticipating this because with a

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony new, more contagious variant, we are going to see more cases, especially if people are going to be complacent, so if people are not wearing their masks properly, they’re not doing the distancing, they’re not sanitising, they’re gathering in groups and being very irresponsible, then we are going to see surges of cases,” the Health Minister reasoned.

He added: “So, right

now, over the last 24 hours for example we have another 240, new cases. So, that’s going to take our active cases up now to 2,709,” So far, 327,519 persons have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 171,084 persons are fully vaccinated across the country.

Some 16,768 children, 12 to 17 years old, have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. (DPI)

From dam to road

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

– Sari Dam gets $13.3M facelift

RESIDENTS of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), now have access to an asphaltic road, following the rehabilitation of Sari Dam. The $13.3 million investment has now eased the troubles of residents who were traversing a muddy dam, particularly when it rained.

The road, which was completed by R&B Investment Inc., was commissioned by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Wednesday.

Maigbarran Jainarine, a resident of the community, said: “It was in a terrible situation because when the rain does fall, vehicle could hardly travel on this road. So, we are proud about this achievement, we have a good road. We thank the government and everybody

who assisted to give us a good road.”

Another resident, Nalinie Persaud, said: “It was very hard for us, even when you are driving, you have problem of fixing vehicle all the time but now it is a good road, we are pleased, we are comfortable, we are contented with everything, we are happy about it.”

Nandlall Bopaul also shared similar sentiments, saying: “The road was bad before because me does run through here with sand, canter-load and the road was bad but now it is a good road, it is a bitumen road, it is a strong road. So, we have to thank God for the road.”

Minister Edghill, while addressing residents, said the rehabilitation of the road was the fulfilment of a promise made to the people.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, with the help of villagers, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open Sari Dam “When leadership is given, people’s pain and suffering could be alleviated. President Irfaan Ali and his cabinet commit to the people of Guyana that the way we will govern is not as lord and as rulers, but the way we will govern is by serving people.

We will be a government that listens, we are a government that responds

and we are a government that makes decisions for the benefit of people,” the minister -said.

Minister Edghill also inspected ongoing works on the $200 million Cane Grove Main Access Road.

The project is being executed by Colin Talbot Contracting Service and is about 50 per cent complete.

The minister also inspected ongoing works in Bendulla Dam, also

in Cane Grove, which is being rehabilitated to the tune of $38 million. Work on this project is being executed by Associated Construction Services.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

Over 50 per cent of prisoners vaccinated

OWING to a weekly vaccination drive between the Guyana Prison Services (GPS) and the Ministry of Health, over 50 per cent of inmates have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

As a result of the collaboration, the vaccination drive has reached each prison location across the country.

An initiative to increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and reinforce basic prevention measures among the prisoners is also high on the GPS agenda, the GPS said in a statement on Thursday.

According to statistics from the GPS, nearly 60 per cent of officers and staff members have already taken both doses of their vaccines, while for the prisoners, of the 50 per cent who have been inoculated, 45 per cent have already taken their second dose.

Guyana’s prison population has over 1,800 inmates, including detainees and remand prisoners, across its five penal institutions,

namely the Lusignan, New Amsterdam, Timehri, Camp Street, and Mazaruni Prisons. But with the system only having the capacity to accommodate approximately 1,300 prisoners, it is grossly overcrowded.

For this reason, with a higher risk of spread of the virus, it is all the more important for the prisoners to be inoculated against COVID-19.

Last year, over 200 prisoners at the Lusignan prisons had tested positive for the virus, and were quarantined.

They were later cleared for reintegration into the prison population.

Guyana has a vibrant vaccination campaign ongoing which offers the COVID-19 vaccines free of charge to citizens from 12 years old.

The Pfizer BioNTech vaccines are available for children from 12 to 17 years old, while persons 18 years and older have the option of choosing from the Sputnik V, Sinopharm, and Astrezeneca vaccines.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Using cornrows and braids to communicate…

How I fell in love with my natural hair

A few recent pictures of my natural tresses

By Naomi Parris Like many women and girls, especially those of African descent, I too have a love-hate relationship with my natural hair. I remember an 11-year-old me begging my mother, to the point of tears, to straighten my natural hair. This, at the time I was just trying to fit in with the rest of the girls at school.

During that time at least 90 per cent of the girls my age were rocking bone-straight ponytails and buns, while I seemed to have been the only one still flaunting my cornrows and twists.

Little did I know I was sitting on a goldmine; there was history growing from my scalp, and before now, I had been ignorant of it.

As you must have

figured out by now, I never liked my hair growing up. Reason being, I was a very tender-headed child and washing, combing, pressing or braiding my hair was always a struggle.

The other reason had to do with the fact that growing up, I was teased a lot about my hair during my primary and secondary school years, and unfortunately, at that time, there were not many natural hair enthusiasts for me to look up to.

As I got older, (well not that old) I started doing my own hair. I even had an experimental phase in my late teens where I tried new hairstyles and methods of styling, and taking better care of my hair.

Sadly, that phase did some damage to my

hair since I was using all kinds of different products to figure what worked best for me.

Soon enough, I started to fall in love with my hair.

I quickly learned that when I showed my hair love, the feeling was reciprocated. Now, don’t get me wrong I still have those days where I cry out of frustration because my hair just won’t cooperate, but for the the most parts, my hair has been showing me so much love and honestly, it has taught me patience and self-discipline.

REPRESENTATION As I was on this self-discovery journey, I noticed there was a lot more representation of women who looked like me, wearing their natural tresses in main stream media.

I saw faces like Lu-

pita Nyong’o on magazine covers gracing the world with her raw, natural beauty.

One of the most recent faces was Letitia Wright, the Guyanese British actress who starred in the iconic Black Panther film. It was refreshing to see her on the big screen, unapologetically rocking her braids.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, i n 2016, Guyana launched its first hair expo called ‘Curl Fete’, which has, over the years, become a unifying event where the country celebrates all hair types and textures.

I’ve since come to realize that representation is important and every little girl deserves to see parts of herself on the global stage; on television, and at major events where beautiful women are embracing what is natural about them, regardless of race and ethnicity

COMMUNICATION THROUGH HAIR I Know that at one point or the other, many of you would have heard the phrase “it’s just hair”, but to most women, our hair is much more than mere strands; it is a reflection of our personalities, and it often says a lot about who we are as people.

And, if you are anything like me, you have a signature hairstyle; mine is two afro puffs. It is a quick and easy style that I can spice up with hair accessories, braids and sometimes when I’m feeling extra bubbly, some beads.

But even more than that, I consider my hair to be somewhat of a super power. I know this sounds kind of ridiculous, but if you knew the history of African women and the significance of how they wear their hair, it would make sense.

I adore braids, and I

Rocking braids and cornrows

learnt a while back that cornrows and braids have rich a history. You see, during slavery, African women would braid escape routes into their hair. The cornrows or plaits were used as maps to communicate with other slaves to identify escape routes from plantations.

Additionally, African women would braid rice and seeds into their cornrows before journeying.

Research also tells us that many mothers would braid seeds and nuts into their children’s hair so that they could eat in case they were ever separated from their parents during unplanned voyage.

Having learnt this, I look at my hair as more than just strands of tiny curls; it is history; it is power; it is the source of my black girl magic that I will forever cherish, and I hope you do too.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Ongoing Talent competition aimed at relieving pandemic stress

HAVING received over one hundred submissions for the singing competition they hosted between July and August, and being thoroughly impressed with the singers who came on board, the team at Church’s Chicken Guyana said they were curious about other forms of talents that may be hiding on these shores.

As such, the chicken joint decided that it will not stop at the singing contest, but will follow up with the launch of a wider talent competition to attract different types of flairs possessed by the Guyanese population.

“Coming out of the singing contest, we decided to do a talent competition to look at different types of talent we had. We barred singers from this competition because we were looking for a variety of other talents,” a representative of Church’s Chicken told the Buzz on Thursday.

This latest competition will run for three weeks during which one winner will be selected each week.

On the fourth week, the three finalists will come together for a grand showdown after which one finalist will be chosen for the grand prize of $300,000.

Beginning on Mother ’s Day last May, Church’s Chicken began hosting a series of competitions, all in an effort to increase engagement with customers. “We wanted to ease the anxieties of the pandemic because people are home, bored and don’t know what to do, so we wanted to get them active and give them something fun to watch and follow while dealing with all of this,” the representative said.

“We also wanted to show our customers that we’re not all about sales; that we wanted to engage with them and hear from them,” the person added.

In May, the Mother

and Son Dance Competition was hosted, with the Father and Daughter Dance Competition being hosted in June.

The singing competition was held in August and it successfully garnered such a massive response that it inspired the management of Church’s to launch the ongoing talent competition.

The singing competition saw a panel of competent judges who decided the winners based on a given criteria. For each of the four weeks, the winner received $25,000, and on the fifth week, the four winners along with four wild cards were chosen to come back into the competition. They then competed against each other for the grand prize of $400,000.

Pepsi joined in and provided consolation prizes for the second and third place winners.

“This competition shows us that we really have a lot of talent

In May, the Mother and Son Dance Competition was held.

The Father and Daughter Dance Competition was hosted in June.

in Guyana and if we give them some attention and help them with the resources they can hone their craft and do something with their talent. The singers we attracted in this competition were re-

ally remarkable,” the Church’s representative commented.

The singing competition attracted 106 submissions in the four weeks and the three finalists were DeAndre Ifill,

who won the grand prize of $400,000, followed by Kevin Bethune in second place, pocketing $150,000, and Moses Williams who was presented with $50,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Guyana’s Vicadi Singh gets US recognition

Since his hit song ‘Never Gonna Leave’, local singer and songwriter, Vicadi Singh has been riding on a smooth high, being booked for multiple shows outside of Guyana.

His successes over the past year has captured the attention of many, and has catapulted his online fame to magnanimous heights – 9.7 million views to be exact.

So much so that he has been recognised by United States Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. of

New York as a “standout singer” for the West Indian community.

Singh in a Facebook post expressed his appreciation to overseas-based Guyanese Romeo Hitlall for nominating him for the recognition.

He further told the Buzz that he feels honoured to have received such a prestigious recognition, not just for himself as an artiste, but also for his country.

“I am overwhelmed, honoured and happy to receive such a recog-

nition from a United States senator. It shows that our culture, our music and my country is being recognised.

Very thankful for such,” Singh said.

Wi t h c o n t i n u e d hard work, Singh said that he is excited about taking his musical career to the next level.

“I see myself headed to greater things with my music, taking it to levels that it has never been taken…I am thankful; progress is the word,” the songbird added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Celebrating Amerindian Heritage amid COVID-19

Throughout the month of September each year, Guyana celebrates Amerindian Heritage Month; 30 auspicious days dedicated to honouring our First Peoples.

We would like to think that this year is no different, but it is.

As a matter of fact, it is only similar to last year’s observances; virtual, and without the usual fun, frolic and excitement.

Notwithstanding its lack of physical activities, Amerindian Heritage Month in a COVID-19 atmosphere provides the important opportunity for us to reflect and appreciate all

that our indigenous peoples have brought to this land, and the manner in which they have safeguarded so much of our natural heritage, most especially our pristine forests and sites.

(DPI photos)

A mini heritage month celebration was hosted at St. Ignatius village, Region Nine, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo. (DPI photos)

This year, Guyana is observing Amerindian Heritage Month under the theme, “Maintaining our traditional integrity; celebrating our cultural identity.”

To t h i s e n d , w e share with you, our d e a re s t re a d e r s , some images of Amerindian Heritage Month 2021 being observed within the existing COVID-19 guidelines.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 10, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

England-India Test series finale to go ahead after tourists get COVID all-clear THE fifth and final Test between England against India will go ahead as planned on Friday after a Covid-19 day of doubt, disruption and derailed plans at Emirates Old Trafford.

The tourists were conspicuous by their absence on the eve of the match, scrapping their afternoon net practice and failing to fulfil their mandatory press conference following reports of a new case of the virus in their camp.

There were whispers in the Indian media that the game was under threat, a turn of events that could have

come with a price tag of over £30million to the England and Wales Cricket Board, but a further raft of PCR tests came back all clear on Thursday evening. A spokesperson for the ECB confirmed that the latest results had all been negative and that the game would take place on schedule, allowing the series to reach a natural conclusion and averting a potential administrative minefield.

India’s head coach Ravi Shastri had already tested posted during the previous Test at the Kia Oval, where the tourists wrapped up a 157-

run win to open up a 2-1 series lead, with bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar also quarantining in London.

There were concerns that initial outbreak had spread more widely when it was reported that another individual, said to have been in close contact with several players in recent days, tested positive after nets on Wednesday. Safety protocols subsequently confined the entire group to their rooms pending the results of the fresh round of testin England completed their own pre-match preparations

shortly after midday, with players, coaches and administrative staff all proceeding for the final men’s international fixture of the summer to go ahead as planned. Speaking following the end of the England session, vice-captain Jos Buttler said: “At present we’re fully expecting the game to go ahead and we’re preparing to play tomorrow.

Fingers crossed the game will go ahead.

“We don’t know too much to be honest. It would be naive to speculate too much on stuff I don’t know about.

Things are all fine in our

Rampaul, Chase included in Windies T20 World Cup squad …Jason Holder among the reserves

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Selectors have ignored Chris Gayle’s wretched form and named him in a 15-man squad for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup, while recalling 36-year-old fast bowler Ravi Rampaul for his first international match in six years.

Test all-rounder Roston Chase was also called up for the first time on the back of his heavy scoring in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League but no place was found for impressive fast bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd or the heavy-scoring Sherfane Rutherford in the Kieron Pollard-led unit.

The left-handed Gayle, who turns 42 later this month, is perhaps the greatest batsman to have graced the T20 format with 14 179 runs and 22 hundreds from 442 T20s.

However, his recent form has been abysmal, averaging 17 from 16 T20 Internationals this year, and recording a single half-century in the last five years.

Further, Gayle has struggled badly in the ongoing CPL, scraping 83 runs from five innings at an average of 16 for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, to follow up his labours in the Indian Premier League earlier this year when he averaged 25 from eight games for Punjab Kings.

However, chief selector Roger Harper defended Gayle’s inclusion, contending the Jamaican’s presence actually “brings value

to the team”.

Veteran fast bowler Ravi Rampaul celebrates a wicket during the ongoing Caribbean Premier League.

“When you look at stats in themselves, they can’t be looked at in isolation,” Harper said moments after the squad was announced on Thursday.

Of course present form is important, of course performance is key but I think as well you look at the pedigree of the player, you look at what the player brings to the team.

“And in Chris Gayle’s case, all that was taken into consideration in terms of what he can offer the team and whether his being part of that squad would make it stronger, and I think the selection panel was happy to answer ‘yes’ to those questions, thus he’s been included in the squad.”

When pressed on why Gayle’s protracted run of poor form had not been the sole basis for his non-selection, Harper argued: “The selection panel, having taken everything into consideration, thinks Chris Gayle brings value to the team, and his presence will help to make the team a better team.”

Joining Gayle on the trip to United Arab Emirates and Oman for the October 17 to November 14 showpiece will be the resurgent Rampaul, who grabbed the attention of selectors by taking 17 wickets in the ongoing CPL for

Trinbago Knight Riders.

Rampaul, whose previous 23 T20 Internationals have yielded 29 wickets, got the nod ahead of the effervescent 26-year-old Shepherd, who has snatched 14 wickets in the CPL and is a capable lower-order batsman with a first class hundred.

“Ravi Rampaul is a highly experienced bowler who performed well in the last CG Insurance Super50 Cup and the current Hero CPL to date,” Harper pointed out.

“He will boost the team’s wicket-taking options in the power-play and the middle phase and will provide another option for the death overs.”

He added: “Consideration was given to Romario and he just missed out on a spot.”

Chase’s surprise call-up was earned on the basis of his superb form in the current CPL where he is the leading run-scorer with 281 runs at an average of 70 and a strikerate of 151.

He lashed three back-toback half-centuries last week to underline his class, which was also put on display in last year’s CPL when he hit two fifties in aggregating 225 runs at an average of nearly 40.

“Roston Chase has shown that he is a very capable T20 player. He performed well in the CPL in 2020 and has been outstanding in the 2021 edition so far,” Harper stressed.

“He has shown the ability to knit the innings together

while still scoring at a fast rate with a low dot-ball percentage. He will be an excellent foil for the explosive players in the team.”

However, Rutherford’s 201 runs at an average of 40 with three fifties in the CPL, have gone in vain as Harper said the player had been ruled out due to fitness issues.

“Rutherford finds himself in a little different situation for as well as he has been performing, he’s one of a number of players who do not meet our fitness criteria so who would not be eligible for selection,” the former West Indies off-spinner said.

Champion off-spinner Sunil Narine, who has not played for West Indies in two years, was another player who failed to meet Cricket West Indies’ fitness criteria, Harper confirmed.

Former Test captain Jason Holder is one of four reserves which will travel with the 15-man squad.

West Indies will do battle in Group 1 against England, South Africa and Australia, along with two yet-to-be determined qualifiers.

SQUAD – Kieron Pollard (Captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh jr RESERVES – Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein.

camp. We trained well this morning so we’re hopefully all looking forward to the game tomorrow.” The India contingent, as well as a handful of England players including the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran, are set to depart for the Indian Premier League(IPL) following the completion of the Test match.

The tournament, which was suspended earlier in the year due to the pandemic, is due to resume in the United Arab Emirates from September 19.

It is a commercial and financial behemoth, not only for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but for each contracted player and was doubtless a major part of any considerations over the viability of the Old Trafford Test.

England will now focus on attempting to piece together the correct bowling attack, with a number of different options available.

New-ball pairing James Anderson and Ollie Robinson have been carefully assessed after playing all four matches and sending down more than 160 overs apiece but barring any red flags on matchday, it seems likely both will be passed fit.

Anderson is potentially facing up to a final Test on his home ground – which is not hosting one in 2022 – and it seems highly likely the country’s 39-year-old record wicket-taker will get his wish to play. “They’ve bowled fantastically well throughout the series and have been taking the opportunity to rest for a few days since the last game. They seem to be pulling up well,” said Buttler of the duo.

“Jimmy is an incredibly fit guy who looks after himself and Ollie is exactly the same. Fingers crossed they will be in good shape and available for selection.”

Mark Wood is expected to return in place of Craig Overton, adding a blast of 90mph pace to proceedings, but Jack Leach is relying on England picking two spinners if he is to make his first appearance of the summer.

Buttler’s own return to the team, after missing a match to attend the birth of his second child, looks likely to force Bairstow out. Captain Joe Root suggested Buttler’s leadership skills were a key part of the decision to hand him an immediate recall, but he admitted he needs to do better than his poor series average of 14.40.

Thompson-Herah runs ...

FROM BACK PAGE

and area record of 12.42 from Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan and a personal best and national record of 12.51 of the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser to beat her.

Quanera Hayes won the Women’s 400m in 49.88 over Dominica’s Marileidy Paulino, the Olympic silver medalist, who ran Hayes close to clock 49.96 for second place. Sada Williams of Barbados was third in 50.24, just edging Stephenie-Ann McPherson (50.25).

Candace McLeod was fifth in 50.96.

Karsten Warholm continued his imperious form in the 400m hurdles winning in 47.35 ahead of Alison Dos Santos (47.81) and Kyron McMaster (48.24).

Olympic bronze medalist Femke Bol took the women’s race in a meet

record of 52.80. The USA’s Shamier Little ran 53.35 and Anna Ryzhykova, 53.70, for second and third, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the field, Fedrick Dacres finished third in the discus with his best mark of 65.33m.

It was no surprise that Sweden’s Daniel Stahl won the event with 66.49m. Kristjan Ceh of Sloevnia threw 65.39m for second.

The winner of the Women’s triple was also not surprising as Olympic champion and world record holder Yulimar Rojas soared out to a meet record 15.48m to take the win.

Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts jumped 14.64 for the runner-up spot with her compatriot Kimberly Williams third with 14.41m.

(Sportsmax).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Pepi leads US in a comeback win in Honduras SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras. - The United States captured its first victory in the Final Round of CONCACAF World Cup qualification for Qatar 2022 by rallying from a goal down to top Honduras 4-1 on Wednesday night at the Estadio Olimpico in San Pedro Sula.

The home side had an advantage in the 27th minute, when Brayan Moya got low to the ground and put his head onto a bouncing Diego Rodriguez cross that beat U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner for the opening goal of the match in a first half dominated by Honduras.The North Americans started the second half well, though, finding the leveler in the 48th minute. After Ricardo Pepi held off his man and found Christian Pulisic to start the break, the forward made a run into the box and received

a pass.

The best he could do was nudge it toward a teammate, but Antonee Robinson was there to hit the ball first time into the net.

In the 64th minute, Turner kept the score at 1-1, as the U.S. shot-stopper got down quickly to stop a point-blank header from Andy Najar from a set piece.

And the Ricardo Pepi on the left and Brenden Aaronson scored for the United States’ in their victoU.S. would get ry against Honduras at the Olympic Stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on September 8, its first lead of 2021. (Photos Mexsport / Concacaf) the match in the 75th minute. The used his head to nod in his U.S. worked the ball wide first senior national team to the right side of attack goal. where DeAndre Yedlin sent Pepi again was active as in service for Pepi, who the visitors extended the ad-

Canada attack hits stride to down El Salvador

TORONTO, Canada. Canada finished the first month of the Final Round of CONCACAF World Cup qualification for Qatar 2022

repaid that confidence by opening the scoring in the sixth minute. After a flowing move down the left-handed side of the Canada at-

First goal scorer of the night for Canada Atiba Hutchinson (left) celebrates with his teammate Richie Laryea in the Concacaf Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 on September 8, 2021, at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.

with its undefeated record from the first and second rounds still intact, beating El Salvador 3-0 to finish September with five points.

Canada manager John Herdman put some of his most experienced players on the field, and veteran midfielder Atiba Hutchinson

tack, Richie Laryea set up Hutchinson to tap past El Salvador goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez.

It was then two goals for Canada in the 11th minute. After a set piece was partially cleared, winger Tajon Buchanan recycled the ball and put in a cross

for forward Jonathan David, whose strong header found the back of the net to double the lead early.

Buchanan himself put the cherry on top, finishing off a counter-attack that Canada earned in the 59th minute. El Salvador back Eriq Zavaleta, playing at BMO Field where he plays his club matches with Toronto FC, left a pass short.

It was eagerly intercepted

by David, who was all too happy to reciprocate the earlier connection and become a provider for Buchanan, who beat an onrushing Gonzalez with a calm, right-footed finish.

Canada, which earlier this month drew with Honduras at home and the United States on the road, now prepares to return to action in October with a trip to the Estadio Azteca to face Mexico, while El Salvador returns home to begin the three-match October window with a contest against PanamA.(Concacaf)

vantage in the 86th minute, leading a breakaway after picking off a pass and setting up Brenden Aaronson for a right-footed shot that found the roof of the net to make the score 3-1.

And in stoppage time, Sebastian Lletget added the fourth. Lopez saved an attempt from Pepi, but couldn’t control the rebound, and the LA Galaxy midfielder popped up at the back post to finish it off.

The U.S. now turns its attention to the October window when it will host Jamaica to kick off the month, while Honduras welcomes Costa Rica.(Concacaf).

Nicholson goal helps Reggae Boyz secure draw against Costa Rica JAMAICA’s Reggae Boyz got their first points of the CONCACAF World Cup final round, with a hard-fought 1-1 draw to Costa Rica, which was a tale of two halves.

Costa Rica went ahead early, but Jamaica found an answer to force the teams to split a point Wednesday night at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica took the lead in the third minute when Bryan Ruiz weighed up a beautiful ball for Jonathan Moya on the back post. The attacker Moya spotted Jimmy Marin making a run and used his head to set Marin up for an easy shot over the line, with Jamaica GK Andre Blake still working to defend a potential shot from Moya on the post.

Yet, Jamaica was able to find an equaliser just after the halftime break. Left-back Kemar Lawrence got into the final third with the ball and plenty of space in the 47th minute and teed up a cross for Shamar Nicholson.

Nicholson didn’t hit his header entirely cleanly, but that seemed to flummox goalkeeper Keylor Navas, and Nicholson was off to celebrate his second goal of World Cup qualification.

Costa Rica was on the break again in the 68th minute, with Marin breaking free, but his touch took him too wide and Jamaica was able to recover from the danger.

There was danger on Navas’ net in the 87th minute, with the former Concacaf Goalkeeper of the Year making a pair of interventions, including using his legs to sweep away a ball that Javon East was attempting to control in the box.

It’s the first point Jamaica has earned in qualification, with the Reggae Boyz set to look for more points in October when they travel to face the U.S. Costa Rica’s first match of the October window is away to Honduras and the Ticos will look to add to the pair of points they amassed in September. (Sportsmax)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

USA’s Maholtra becomes ninth batsman to hit six sixes in an over UNITED States batsman Jaskaran Malhotra has become the ninth man to hit six sixes in an over in top-level cricket.

The 31-year-old hit the runs off Papua New Guinea pace bowler Gaudi Toka in a one-day international in Oman.

He is just the second player to achieve the feat in ODI cricket after South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs in 2007.

It also ensured Malhotra, whose previous highest score was 18, finished unbeaten on 173 - the highest one-day score by a US batsman.

The previous highest was 95 by Aaron Jones against United Arab Emirates in 2019.

Malhotra has also broken the record for the highest score by a number five in ODI cricket, eclipsing the 162 by South Africa’s AB de Villiers against West Indies at the 2015 World Cup. It is also the third-highest ODI score by a player from one of the International Cricket Council’s associate nations.

Jaskaran Malhotra hit 16 sixes in his innings, which is just one short of the record set by England’s Eoin Morgan against Afghanistan at the 2019 World Cup.

ICC 'concerned’ over future of Afghanistan’s women’s cricket THE International Cricket Council (ICC), is “concerned” for the future of women’s cricket in Afghanistan after the Taliban indicated it might be banned.

The deputy head of the Taliban’s cultural commission Ahmadullah Wasiq doesn’t think women will be allowed.

Wasiq told Australian broadcaster SBS News it is not seen as “necessary” for women to play sport.

“I don’t think women will be allowed to play cricket. It is not necessary that women should play,” he said.

In response to Wasiq’s broadcast, the ICC issued a statement saying: “The ICC is committed to the long-term growth of women’s cricket and despite the cultural and religious challenges in Afghanistan, steady progress had been made in this area since Afghanistan’s admission as a full member in 2017.

“The ICC has been monitoring the changing situation in Afghanistan and is concerned to note recent media reports that women will no longer be allowed to play cricket. This and the impact it will have on the continued development of the game will be discussed by the ICC board at its next meeting.”

The Taliban named a new government on Tuesday, three weeks after reclaiming power, but there is still some uncertainty over some of the regime’s rules.

“So far, we don’t have any news from the government,” Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive Hamid Shinwari said in a telephone interview with SBC and Reuters.

The men’s team have already received support by the Taliban, but the exclusion of the women’s team could yet affect the future of the men’s international team.

Under ICC rules, all 12 full members must have a national women’s team, with only full members able to play Test matches.

This could jeopardise the men’s team’s Test match against Australia in November.

Last week, BBC Sport reported how many of the women’s team are in hiding in Kabul, claiming members of the Taliban have already come looking for them.

When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education.”We have fought for our religion so that Islam is to be followed. We will not cross Islamic values even if it carries opposite reactions. We will not leave our Islamic rules,” added WasiQ. (BBC Sport)

The remarkable innings, which included 16 sixes and four fours, helped the US recover from 29-3 to reach 271-9 from their 50 overs, with the next highest score just 22.

The India-born wicketkeeper batsman made his List A USA debut in 2017 before the US gained ODI status in 2019. He has since gone on to make six T20 and seven ODI appearances.

The United States won the first match of the two-match series on Monday by seven wickets.

The sacred nine Nine batsmen have hit six sixes in an over in top-level cricket: 1968 - Sir Garfield Sobers (for Nottinghamshire v Glamorgan)* 1984 - Ravi Shastri (Bombay v Baroda)* 2007 - Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa v Netherlands, World Cup) 2007 - Yuvraj Singh (India v England, T20) 2017 - Ross Whiteley (Worcestershire v Yorkshire, T20) 2018 - Hazratullah Zazai (Kabul Zwanan v Balkh Legends, T20) 2020 - Leo Carter (Canterbury v Northern Districts, T20) 2021 - Kieron Pollard (West Indies v Sri Lanka, T20) 2021 - Jaskaran Malhotra (United States v Papua New Guinea, ODI).(BBC Sport)

Middlesex win after Tom Haines passes 1,000 runs TOM Haines became the first batsman to pass 1,000 Championship runs this year but could not stop Sussex from falling to a heavy defeat against Middlesex.

The hosts resumed at 88-3 on the final day at Hove, still 269 runs behind Middlesex’s first innings total.

Haines added 87 to his career-best 156 from the first innings before being caught off Luke Hollman (5-90), who completed a first 10-wicket match haul.

Sussex were dismissed for 303 as the visitors won by an innings and 54 runs.

The blazing sun from the Tom Haines (right) has scored 1,030 Championship runs first three days at Hove was at an average of 49.05 this season replaced by a mild sea fret and cloud cover which required the use of the floodlights during the morning session.

And, having been bowled out for 319 on day three, a youthful Sussex side faced an uphill task to get near Middlesex’s club-record score of 676-5 declared.

Home skipper Haines got the 18 runs he required from his overnight score of 39 not out to surpass Durham’s David Bedingham and Worcestershire’s Jake Libby and become the top run-scorer this year.

But 20-year-old leg-spinner Hollman took two wickets before lunch as George Garton edged behind and Danial Ibrahim was caught by Tim Murtagh at mid-on.

The sun emerged in the afternoon, and Haines’ innings came to an end when he miscued his shot from a full toss from Hollman, with Thilan Walallawita taking a good catch at mid-on.

And, when Fynn Hudson-Prentice (67) edged left-arm spinner Walallawita behind, Sussex were 245-7 and requiring another 112 runs to make Middlesex bat again.

After the visitors took the new ball, Delray Rawlins holed out and captain Murtagh (2-47) bowled Jack Carson.

Martin Andersson finished things off by trapping Henry Crocombe lbw, giving Middlesex their second successive win in Division Three.

Hollman ended with career-best match figures of 10-155, having followed up his maiden five-wicket haul from the first innings. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Rashid steps down as Afghanistan captain over team selection LESS than 20 minutes after the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced their squad for the T20 World Cup on their official Twitter channel, Rashid Khan conveyed his decision to step down as captain over team selection.

“As the captain and responsible person for the nation, I deserve the right to be part of the selection of the team.

The selection committee and ACB has not obtained my consent for the team which has been announced by ACB media.

I am taking the decision of stepping down from the role as captain of the Afghanistan T20 side effective immediately,” Rashid wrote on his official Twitter account.

In the 18-member squad

that the ACB named, they handed comebacks to the senior quartet of Hamid Hassan, Shapoor Zadran, Dawlat Zadran and Mohammad Shahzad to the national side. The 34-year-old Hamid last played for Afghanistan in the 2019 ODI World Cup and hasn’t represented the country in the shortest format since 2016.

Mohammad Shahzad, Afghanistan’s swashbuckling keeper-batsman, has been brought back from the cold after his one-year ban for breaching ACB’s code of conduct ended last August. Dawlat and Shapoor Zadran, 33 and 34 respectively, have also not seen international action since 2019.

ACB sources meanwhile confirmed to Cricbuzz that former captain Asghar Af-

Rashid Khan has stepped down as Afghanistan captain

ghan was cleared by the fact-finding committee on

Ashwin included in India’s T20 World Cup squad Ravichandran Ashwin,

Thursday after they were tasked to investigate some

of the decisions he took during the Test defeat to

Proteas omit du Plessis, Tahir and Morris from T20 World Cup squad FAF du Plessis has not been included in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad despite being available to play internation-

al white-ball cricket. Du Plessis, who retired from Tests in February, specifically named the World Cup as one of his goals.

Faf du Plessis remains available to play for South Africa in T20Is,

THE BCCI has announced India’s 15-man squad for the much-awaited upcoming T20 World Cup to be played in the UAE and Oman. There are not many surprises to the line-up with Virat Kohli set to lead India while Rohit Sharma will continue to be his deputy.

Shikhar Dhawan who led the Men in Blue on the Sri Lanka tour in July hasn’t made it to the 15-man squad which makes it more than likely for KL Rahul to open the innings.

Interestingly, MS Dhoni has been announced as team’s mentor for WC. India have been clubbed in group 2 alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand and Afghanistan while two more teams will be added after the qualifying round.

As far as the squad is concerned, Suryakumar Yadav has been included following his much-awaited international debut against England earlier this year and then his impressive show in Sri Lanka as well.

Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya are the two all-rounders in the line-up both of whom can take the game away from the opposition in the death overs. It also remains to be seen if Pandya will be fit to bowl for the World Cup soon after the Indian Premier League (IPL) but he will anyways offer a lot with the bat for the team.

The pace bowling attack comprises Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah while Ravi Ashwin will be the main spinner in the mega event. Rahul Chahar is also part of the squad along with Varun Chakravarthy.

India squad for T20 World Cup 2021: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Chahar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohd Shami (CricTracker).

Standby players: Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.

Zimbabwe. Afghanistan lost the first of the two-match series this March, before going on to achieve series parity in the second fixture, where Afghan scored 164 in the first innings.

Afghanistan squad named by ACB: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmatullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen Ul Haq, Hamid Hassan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran, Qais Ahmad.

(Cricbuzz)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday September 10, 2021) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Faff du Plesis-120* (Kings vs Patriots) (2) Chris Gayle-2013 (JT) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many games were carded for last season’s Hero CPL? (2) Which two teams contested last season’s Hero CPL final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue .................................................................................

However, he has not played a white-ball match for South Africa since December last year and has not been part of any of South Africa’s recent squads.

Similarly, Imran Tahir, who retired from ODIs after the 2019 World Cup, but remained available in T20s, is also not included.

Chris Morris, the allrounder, who also last played at the 2019 World Cup and earlier this year revealed he had no conversations with anyone at CSA about a possible future for the national side, has also not been considered.

Effectively, that means South Africa have decided against using free agents in the national side.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Radaba, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen Reserves: George Linde, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lizaad Williams.

(ESPNcricinfo).

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 10, 2021

Ramdhani siblings return to Canada in preparation for international activities GUYANA’s Badminton ace siblings, Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani recently returned to Canada as they prepare for a return to action on the international stage.

Arguably Guyana’s most decorated Badminton players, the brother/sister duo are now back in the international stage after a few. months in Guyana on holiday following a break from their University and College, respectively where they are on Badminton Scholarships.

While in Guyana, they pair won the National Badminton tournament, conducted the Shuttle Time programme in two Schools in Linden and two in Berbice, Air Badminton at the University of Guyana and the Nexgen Golf Academy in Georgetown. They also assisted the local players to get their gameplay to a higher standard.

Priyanna was then selected by the Pan American Badminton Federation to attend a High-Level Camp in Aguascalientes Mexico August 23-August 31.

Both Narayan and Priyanna then attended their first International tournament to start off their Olympics Dream-

Mexican International Challenge 2021 in Aguascalientes Mexico September 1-5, where they both played at a very high level and gained higher rankings points leading up to their quest for the 2024 Olympics.

They are now preparing for the ACAC & CCAA Championships in Canada where they both were Finalist at the Provincials and 4th Placed at Nationals.

The GBA would like to thank the following for making their international appearances a success.

Ministry of Youth Cul-

Royals hopes hanging by a string after damaging defeat BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders climbed to the top of the Caribbean Premier League standings with a comfortable six-wicket win over Barbados Royals, whose sixth defeat of the campaign further narrowed their hopes of qualifying for the final four.

A dismal 93 for nine after being sent in on a helpful wicket was never going to be enough and TKR took their time in overhauling the modest target with 19 balls to spare at Warner Park here Thursday.

Kyle Mayers slammed 24 off 12 balls at the top of the order but those fireworks were all to emerge from Royals as no other batsmen summoned enough enterprise to pass 20.

Spin proved their undoing. Khary Pierre snatched three for 16 from four stingy overs, fellow left-arm spinner champion claimed two for 13 while off-spinner Sunil Narine claimed two for 30, to leave the innings in tatters.

Teenaged fast bowler Jayden Seales was also outstanding with two for 12.

“The toss was crucial.

There was a lot of moisture

Akeal Hosein celebrates a wicket during TKR’s victory over Barbados Royals. (Photo courtesy CPL Media)

in the wicket when we first got here and it still played difficult throughout,” said a dejected captain Jason Holder.

“I think we’re good spirits still. It’s been a tough campaign so far but I think the guys are still in really good spirits. All in all, I was happy with the way we fought [defending] the total.

“It was difficult. The two left-arm spinners posed a lot of challenges and Sunil is Sunil. The conditions really helped them this morning.”

The defeat left Royals

on four points at the bottom of the table, with only two matches and an academic chance remaining of qualifying for the semi-finals.

TKR, meanwhile, overtook St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the table, alongside them on ten points but ahead on net run rate.

They lost Lendl Simmons first ball to a catch at the wicket off left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir (2-19) and Tion Webster cheaply for nine with 22 runs on the board in the third over.

However, Colin Munro punched 41 not out off 47 balls, striking four fours and a six as he added 39 for the third wicket with fellow lefthander Darren Bravo (19) and a further 24 for the fourth wicket with Tim Seifert (12), to revive the run chase.

“Well done to the boys.

At the half-way stage of the tournament we were struggling with a couple wins but we knew exactly where we needed to improve and so far after that we have fixed that area of it,” said TKR skipper Kieron Pollard.

St Lucia Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors occupy the remaining semi-final spots on eight points.

ture & Sports-High Level Training in Canada, GOAHigh Performance Club in Canada, Mexican International Tournament (Priyanna) New Amsterdam Badminton Club- Mexican International Tournament (Narayan).

Pan Am Singles Rankings: Narayan - no.31 Priyanna- no.39

Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani

Pan Am Mix Doubles Rankings: Narayan & Priyanna- no.24

Sublime Bishop hundred stuns England U-19s BECKENHAM, England, ( CMC) – Right-hander Teddy Bishop hit a sublime hundred to supervise a brilliant run chase as West Indies Under-19s pulled off a two-wicket victory over their English counterparts in the third Youth One-Day International here Wednesday.

In pursuit of a challenging 240 at Kent County Ground, the Caribbean side overhauled their target with three overs to spare, with Bishop carving out a high quality 133 off 117 deliveries.

The knock comprised 20 fours and came on the heels of his unbeaten 97 two days ago when West Indies U19s agonisingly went down by one wicket.

They suffered a heavy 166-run defeat in last Saturday’s opener at the same venue.

“I’m feeling really great to be honest but most importantly, a win for the team,” Bishop said afterwards.

“I think this innings is really special to me. It’s my first international hundred so it’s really special.”

Choosing to bat first, England U19s racked 239 for nine off their 50 overs with George Bell top-scoring with 44, Thomas Aspinwall weighing in with 41 and William Luxton getting 27.

Captain Tom Prest was an

early casualty in the second over for four with the score on six but Luxton’s run-a-ball knock with five fours saw

Stroke-maker Teddy Bishop bats during his superb 133.

(Photo courtesy CWI Media)

England U19s rebuild through a second wicket stand of 47 with George Thomas (18).

Both fell in the space of three deliveries in successive overs to reduce the innings to 53 for three but Bell patched things up first in a 28-run, fourth wicket stand with Barbados-born Jacob Bethel (13) and then in 38-run sixth wicket partnership with Alex Horton (21).

Bell, who faced 80 balls and hit a four and six, added a further 39 for the seventh wicket with Archie Lenham (19) before falling in the 37th over but Aspinwall belted two fours in a busy

53-ball knock to inspire a 40-run, eighth wicket partnership with Nathan Barnwell who produced a cameo unbeaten 25 off 22 balls, to ensure the tail wagged.

Left-arm spinner Anderson Mahase (2-42), left-arm seamer Nathan Edward (2-46) and fast bowler McKenny Clarke (2-52) all finished with two wickets each.

West Indies U19s then suffered a wretched start, losing both openers Justin Jagessar (5) and Anderson Amurdan (4) cheaply to leave the innings stumbling at 12 for two in the fifth over before Bishop grabbed the spotlight.

The Grenadian put on 69 for the third wicket with Ackeem Auguste (18), 37 for the fourth with wicketkeeper Rivaldo Clarke (16) before combining in a critical 73-run partnership with Giovonte Depeiza (21) to fire the Rising Stars to 191 for four.

Depeiza and Anderson Mahase (2) perished in quick succession to leave the run chase tentatively placed at 205 for six in the 43rd over and Bishop added a further 23 for the seventh wicket with Edward (17 not out) before finally departing in the 46th over, bowled by left-arm spinner James Coles.

But with only 12 runs required from 27 balls, Edward held his nerve and saw the visitors home.

Rampaul, Chase included in Windies T20 World Cup squad …Jason Holder among the reserves

West Indies are the defending World T20 champions

SEE STORY ON PAGE 27

Veteran fast bowler Ravi Rampaul celebrates a wicket during the ongoing Caribbean Premier League.

Thompson-Herah runs 10.65 in Zurich on final day of Diamond League

… several Caribbean athletes just miss out on DL titles

ELAINE Thompson-Herah was the only Caribbean athlete to win on the final day of the Diamond League season in Zurich on Thursday but a few others came very close.

The Olympic 100 and 200m champion set a new meet record of 10.65 to win the 100m going away from Dina Asher-Smith who returned to form with a season-best run of 10.87 for second place. Third went to Ajla Del Ponte who ran a personal best 10.93. Daryll Neita also ran a personal best of 10.93 but was given fourth.

Since she won the gold medal in the 100m in Tokyo in a time of 10.61, Thompson-Herah has run times of 10.54, 10.64, 10.72 and 10.65 and became the first woman to run four wind-le-

gal times under 10.70s.

During the meet where there were several close races, Kirani James narrowly missed out on winning the 400m in a stirring battle down the home stretch with Michael Cherry, whose legs gave out at the line but still managed to clock 44.41, just edging James as the two of them crashed to the track after crossing the line.

Deon Lendore of Trinidad and Tobago made it a Caribbean 2-3 as he clocked 44.81.

Another close finish unfolded in the 110m hurdles that ended with the USA’s Devon Allen being declared the champion even though he and Ronald Levy crossed the line together in 13.06. The time was 0.01 outside Levy’s lifetime best.

Olympic champion Hansle Parchment clipped a couple of hurdles, lost his rhythm and finished third in 13.17.

The 200m dashes were no different as Shericka Jackson ran a personal best 21.81 but just failed to hold off the fast-finishing Christine Mboma, who set a new WorldU20 record of 21.78, which was also an area record, for the victory.

Asher-Smith was unable to stay with them down the stretch and faded to third in 22.19.

Kenny Bednarek held off Andre Degrasse to win the men’s race in 19.70. His winning time was 0.02 seconds ahead of the Canadian who clocked 19.72.

Fred Kerley who won the 100m ahead of Degrasse,

Olympic 100 and 200m champion Elaine Thompson-Herah set a new meet record of 10.65 to win the 100m

finished third in 19.83.

Megan Tapper has been on a tear since she became the first Caribbean woman to win a bronze medal

in the 100m hurdles at the Olympics. She was third in Zurich in 12.55, just outside her lifetime best of 12.53 set during the first round of the

event at the Tokyo Olympics last month.

It took a personal best SEE PAGE 27

England-India Test series finale to go ahead after tourists get COVID all-clear Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SEE STORY ON PAGE 27

Friday, September 10, 2021