Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-11-2020

11th October, 2020

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‘Extra concerning’ No.106149

–– COVID-19 cases in younger persons, men significant, says outgoing CMO –– points to existence of underlying, undetected health issues

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2,500 persons to be employed at 02 Rose Hall Estate by 2022 PAGE

Volda Lawrence ‘wanted’ as electoral fraud 09 investigation intensifies PAGE

At Oasis Café, everyone’s a VIP PAGE

Soldier beats 09 policeman during traffic congestion PAGE

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Owner of Oasis Café, Nisa Walker, stands behind a banner celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Carmichael Street, Georgetown, food establishment

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2,500

By Navindra Seoraj

THE shuttered Rose Hall Sugar Estate is on course to producing sugar by 2022, but management of the estate has said that the facility will rehire most of its employees

by July 2021.

Word of the estate’s reopening has already “bred new hope” into residents of nearby communities, who were once gainfully employed by the facility or benefitted indirectly through small businesses.

In 2017, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government had announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country, leaving thousands of persons without jobs or sources of incomes. The move saw four sugar estates being closed and 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs.

The Rose Hall Estate prior to its closure was ‘home’ to some 2,500 sugar workers, but 1,181 of those were retrenched. The remaining workers from the Rose Hall Estate were transferred to Blairmont Estate over in West Coast Berbice and Albion Estate on the Corentyne.

In keeping with the new government’s agenda, work has already started at the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, which is slated to be the first of the

threes shuttered estates to reopen. The ongoing work includes the planting of feeding materials, which will be used to create more planting materials for cultivation.

MORE TO BE HIRED To execute this and other tasks, management of the estate has already hired 133 workers, said the manager of Rose Hall Estate, Aaron Dukhia, adding that 37 more persons will be hired in the coming week.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

persons to be employed at Rose Hall Estate by 2022 Dukhia told this publication that the estate will have about 1,900 workers by July/ August 2021, and will have a full complement of 2,500 workers when the estate hires cane harvesters in 2022. Preference will be given to persons who were once employed with the estate.

“By the end of next year, all employees except harvesters will be fully engaged in cultivation… replanting and everything will be done by then,” said engineer attached to GuySuCo, Vijay Gober-

Commissioner to Guyana Dr. K.J. Srinivasa and other high-level officials, questioned management of the estate about the challenges they have encountered so far and the general preparations.

Goberdan, in responding to the question, told the minister that the biggest task will be to replace critical equipment to improve cane preparation and assist with steam generation.

“The estate has old, conventional boilers and even prior to the closure of the estate, those were struggling to

so the initial plan is to upgrade the broiler, the draft system and water-management control systems.

“Some of the other challenges include the bad state of the building… the roof, platforms, and we have to replace the chimney, molasses tanks and factory pumps…we, however, hope to have the factory fully equipped by mid-2021,” said Goberdan.

of sugar, but the acting CEO had said the estate will be starting the “first grinding year” (2022) with about 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes of sugar.

And, as cultivation increases, production will be ramped up to 38,000.

Guyana in the past had depended heavily on revenue from sugar, which was one of the country’s largest income earners until it start-

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha (first from right) and High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa (centre) being guided by manager of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, Aaron Dukhia (second from right) and acting CEO of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh (Adrian Narine photo)

An inside look of the factory at the Rose Hall Sugar Estate (Adrian Narine photo)

dan, who was responding to questions from Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha following a tour of the Rose Hall Estate on Saturday.

The minister, who was accompanied by Indian High

generate steam with mechanically harvested cane…what we want to do is to prepare for that challenge,” said the engineer.

The cost to replace the boiler is US$1 million (approximately G$200 million),

GET DOWN TO BUSINESS Minister Mustapha encouraged management of the estate to “get down to business,” as government has already approved funding for critical work.

The new Government of Guyana has already released $3B to GuySuCo, of which $2.2B will be used for re-opening of the three estates and the remaining $0.8B will be used to re-capitalise the current assets to help achieve outlined objectives.

The Rose Hall Sugar Estate alone is capable of producing up to 38,000 tonnes

ed ‘drowning’ in debt. The industry became insolvent mainly because the cost of production was higher than the market price for the commodity.

It was reported in the past that GuySuCo produced sugar at an average cost of US$0.35 per pound while world market prices have averaged US$0.16 per pound.

Although the sugar industry has been considered a liability for years, the new People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration is hoping to “lift the industry from the ashes.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

‘Extra concerning’ –– COVID-19 cases in younger persons, men significant, says outgoing CMO

–– points to existence of underlying, undetected health issues

By Vishani Ragobeer POSITIVE COVID-19 cases recorded consistently in young people between the ages of 20 to 39, and in men, are a cause for concern as it points to underlying and largely undetected health issues in Guyana’s population, according to senior health professionals.

It was none other than outgoing Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, who shared his observation of the concerning number of positive cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, recorded in these two groups- younger folks and men.

The CMO related that the number of cases being recorded in men were the first demographic which “jumped out” at him, as he reviewed the data of the COVID-19 cases in Guyana months ago. Subsequently, he soon became concerned about the positive cases, and few deaths, recorded in the younger demographic.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, reportedly originated in Wuhan, China, late last year.

Since then, it has since spread across the globe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In Guyana, the first case was recorded on March 11.

Since that first case was recorded, positive cases have been consistently, more so over the past few months as the installation of a new Government allowed for more concerted focus on managing the spread and ramification of the virus. But, Dr. Shamdeo bemoaned that the focus has always been on the numbers -- the number of cases, deaths and recoveries. A closer examination provides more insight and, well, cause for concern.

“The observation that the 20 to 39 age group has been affected in Guyana in a way that brings us extra concern is absolutely correct because across the world that is not usually the high-risk age group,” Head of Medical Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Mahendra Carpen, told the Guyana Chronicle.

Outgoing Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud Both Dr. Carpen and Dr. Persaud stressed that this points to the prevalence of underlying and perhaps even largely undetected health issues. These include non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart diseases and cancers, which, according to the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) accounted for about 70 per cent of deaths in Guyana.

“I think the coronavirus has actually shown us that there is an underlying level of changes even in those early age groups with NCD preconditions that exist and maybe are not being picked up in a timely manner,” the CMO related. Explaining this, he said that persons may be in their 20s and are already pre-diabetic or may have hypertension but they would not go for a checkup until they are in their 40s or 50s.

The WHO and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention both indicated that older folks and later, older folks with pre-existing, underlying health conditions were more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and becoming severely ill. Younger folks, who were more likely to be asymptomatic (infected with the virus, but not showing any symptoms), were cautioned that they might be “carriers”spreading the disease to other, older folks.

PRIMARY HEALTHCARE Yet, here in Guyana, there is a concerning number of COVID-19 prevalence in younger folks. This, according to Dr. Carpen,

Graph showing the cumulative number of cases recorded in Guyana (up to October 10) since the first case was recorded in March 2020 (Image taken from UWI COVID-19 website. Graph prepared by Ian Hambleton, Professor of Biostatistics, George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre) signals the deficiencies in Guyana’s primary healthcare system.

Through adequate primary healthcare, individuals would be able to get regular health checkups and early screening, thus rendering them more likely to detect these conditions much earlier. In Guyana, and throughout much of the Caribbean, there is a more ‘treatment-focused’ approach to health care Last year, Dr. Carpen highlighted that 30 per cent of patients who go to the GPHC for emergency health care- due to a heart attack, for example- only then realise that they are also diabetic. Regular health checkups could have revealed this earlier, and perhaps even prevented those emergencies. Now, with COVID-19, younger persons may be increasingly vulnerable to the virus, but the dearth of regular checkups and screenings inhibits their cognisance.

Zeroing-in on diabetes to illustrate Dr. Carpen’s sentiments further, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2018 report estimates that around 18, 921 persons, in Guyana, are unaware they are diabetic. The report also stated that of Guyana’s 505, 722 adult population, some 53, 496 persons are diabetic, representing a national prevalence rate of 10.6 per cent.

The GPHC doctor posited that Guyana may eventually have to adopt a chronic disease screening regime where persons are required to have constant medical checks.

Through this screening, he said that information on an individual’s height, weight, physical activity, family history, social habits (such as alcohol consumption and

smoking, which contribute to the development of NCDs) and dietary intake should be taken. Then, more “objective testing” for the NCDs or other conditions which impact overall long-term, survival and quality of life should be done.

Joan (not real name) is a 64-year-old woman. She sells cold drinks from a cooler on the pavement of the busy shopping centre of Regent Street. In April, on her birthday, she was taken to the Bess Hospital because she had contracted COVID-19.

Joan also has a heart condition, which combined with her age, makes her more vulnerable to this novel virus.

Aside from her visit to the hospital a few years ago which led to the discovery of her heart condition, regular screening and medical checkups is not a norm for her.

And in April, a few weeks after she found out she had the coronavirus, her 40-yearold daughter and 18-yearold granddaughter were also infected. The trio received institutional care at the West Demerara Hospital before being transferred to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

Joan’s daughter and granddaughter were not aware of any underlying conditions that they had, and much like Joan, regular medical checkups and screenings were not commonly done.

Dr. Carpen also reasoned that there may be a sense of “false security” among the younger population, because the vulnerability of older folks has been well-ventilated. Adding to this, Dr. Persaud explained that this group may feel the strongest, and would probably be taking less precautions than the average person, again,

because they believe they are less vulnerable. This, he said, places them at a higher risk.

“But the sad part of that is that even though the young population may survive, they are potential carriers that can transmit the disease from themselves to more vulnerable members of their circle, like their parents, their grandparents, co-workers who are older, friends and people who have underlying conditions and may not fare so well,” Dr. Carpen said, too.

MEDICAL HISTORY IMPORTANT It is for this reason that both doctors emphasised also that all persons should be cognisant of their medical history.

The WHO states that there is increasing evidence to show that there is a genetic role in major NCDs. Dr. Carpen explained that many chronic diseases have a genetic correlation which means that they can be passed down from grandparents to parents to children.

These chronic diseases, he said, include diabetes, hypertension and bad cholesterol.

And if someone in one’s family may have had a premature stroke or cardiac arrest, it places an increased risk on

the other family members.

But let’s also consider the men too. It is now exactly seven months since Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case. Since then, it has been reported that the positive cases are being recorded in more men than women.

A few months ago, Director of Primary Healthcare Services Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, noted that males accounted for 53 per cent of the COVID-19 cases. Subsequently, Dr. Persaud noted that in the over 50 group males and females are almost equally affected, but in the 30 to 49 age group (also the largest age group tested), men were four times more likely to have been infected with the coronavirus.

Though the country is provided with daily COVID-19 updates on the number of tests done, the amount of new positive cases recorded from those tests, and the number of deaths (if any), the data See page 4

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

Elderly woman loses life to COVID-19

GUYANA has lost yet another life to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the death toll to 103.

The latest victim was identified as being a 61-yearold woman from Region One (Barima-Waini). Authorities said the woman died while receiving treatment at a local health facility, on Saturday.

The Ministry of Health expressed condolences to the family of the victim and pledged to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO),

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly-discovered coronavirus.

Most people who become sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms, and recover without special treatment.

The WHO had said that 81 per cent of the persons who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms, and five per cent will need intensive care.

Health authorities have so far tested 15,753 persons, with 12,348 proving negative, and 3,405 positive.

Some 47 of those cases were

recorded within the past 24 hours.

While 2,304 persons have recovered from this disease, 103 persons have died and there are 999 active cases which include 110 persons in institutional isolation, 873 in home isolation, and 16 in the COVID-19 ICU. Authorities have said that cases are being detected because more tests are being done. Sample taking was also increased across the country because the authorities believed that many cases were going “under the radar”.

This suspicion had

prompted the authorities to distribute more sample kits across the country, especially to regions where the infection rate is high.

Most of the cases have so far been recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“We are sending out more kits, so there will be an increase in sample collection… the testing itself has components; one is sample collection, and then there is the processing of samples,” said Health Minister, Dr.

Frank Anthony, in a recent report.

The actual testing will be done centrally at the National Reference Laboratory, because regional facilities lack the capacity and technical skills needed to get it done. While the government hopes to improve capacity in those regions, the immediate need for sample-testing takes precedence, especially with the high number of asymptomatic cases.

It was reported that processing time for samples taken from persons to test for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will be reduced

from about eight hours to two-three hours, as Government received a new automated Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing machine from China.

The machine and supporting equipment, valuing around G$17 million, were handed over by China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, to the Ministry of Health, on Friday.

With the automated machine, authorities will be able to do about 96 tests in about two hours, and if there are several shifts, 500-800 tests could be completed easily in one day.

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Sunday, October 11, 13:00hrs - 14:30hrs

disseminated through the daily dashboard does not indicate the sex distribution of the cases.

However, the Guyana Chronicle combed through the reported COVID-19 deaths and found that more men have died either due to the coronavirus or due to complications exacerbated by the coronavirus.

One official, who wished to remain unnamed, noted that the health authorities are now trying to determine what causes the greater prevalence of COVID-19 cases in men. Currently, the authorities, this official said,

are considering whether men are more ignorant of their medical history; have reservations about the measures used to safeguard against COVID-19 (such as wearing a masks); are less likely to report COVID-19 symptoms or, whether the underlying diseases are the largest contributing factor.

“Compared to women, most countries with available data report that men with COVID-19 have greater disease severity and higher mortality,” an article published in a September edition of the American Journal of Men’s Health stated.

GPHC Head of Medical Services, Dr Mahendra Carpen This article also related that lab and animal data indicate that men respond differently to the severe acute respiratory syndrome

coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection (this is what causes COVID-19).

This, therefore, presents another possible explanation for the observation that COVID-19 is more prevalent in men than women.

“Coronavirus does not respect your age, it does not respect your ethnicity, your gender.

Everyone is vulnerable,” Dr. Carpen stressed.

While the more long term health effects of the coronavirus are yet to be seen, given that the virus is less than one year old, Dr. Persaud advised that persons continue to follow all precautions outlined. These include practising good hand hygiene, wearing a mask and staying physically distant.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

Agriculture school for Region Six

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–– Lands and Surveys Office in Back Bush Polder to be resuscitated

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said plans are on stream to bring a branch of the Guyana School of Agriculture to Region Six. The minister made this disclosure during a meeting with residents in Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder on Friday at the Mibicuri Primary School.

The Lands and Surveys Office will also be resuscitated and will be equipped with staff on a full time basis to effectively deal with the countless land title related issues faced by Black Bush Polder residents.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; Regional Chairman, David Armogan; Regional Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain; representatives from Lands and Surveys and staff from various agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Recognising the importance of agriculture to the region and need to move away from basic to a modern and scientific approach to farming, Minister Mustapha said the school will be of great help to Berbicians both in Regions Five and Six. “Berbice here as we brought tertiary education and other technical education when I look at other all rounded, GSA has been left out of Berbice so I am planning as soon as the

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha; Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; Regional Chairman, David Armogan and other officials at the meeting board is formed and very shortly when the board is formed that will be headed

by Dr. Dindyal Permaul, the former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, I will task the new board to bring up here a branch of the Guyana School of Agriculture so that Berbicians can get the same facilities that are in Georgetown and Essequibo,” he said.

Meanwhile, among the issues raised by farmers include lands, leases, titles, proper healthcare facility, proper roads, water, schools not adequately equipped and the need for recreational sporting facilities in the communities.

FOLLOW UP MEETINGS Minister Nandlall pointed out that while the issues cannot be addressed in a singular meeting, he promised that other meetings will be held overtime and

on a regular basis so as to listen to the concerns with the aim of finding the right solutions “In opposition, the PPP/C has made a number of promises to be in every part of Guyana to meet with people and to address their concerns. We are not a government that remains in a building in Georgetown; that is not our style of governance. Our style of governance is to go out into communities, villages, interiors, hinterlands, farm areas and meet the people and take government to the people. Here the staff from the ministry and staff from the Lands and Survey all converging here to address issues that residents of Black Bush would have raising with us while we were in opposition and they have countess problems. We cannot solve all the problems at a sin-

gular meeting that is why I promised a protracted engagement over the next five years on a regular basis,” he said.

Further, by next week, the Lands and Surveys Department in Back Bush Polder will be operational with a compliment of fulltime staff.

“I also asked that the Lands and Survey Department, because it is so essential to so many problems raised here that department, be resuscitated and fully staffed and operate on a full time basis in Back Bush as it used to operate years ago.

I know that Lands and Surveys was here with an office historically and I thought perhaps with us being out of government that the office was closed because I couldn’t imagine that you had an office right here and you

have so many hundreds of lands and survey-related issues without it being addressed, so obviously something went wrong and we have to ensure that the office resumes functionality at a proper level and we equip the office with staff who have the authority to make the decisions,” he said.

Residents expressed gratitude for the visit and are hopeful to see solutions to the issues raised in a timely manner.

A resident raises concerns during the meeting on Friday

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

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Advancing The Development Agenda GOVERNMENT’S budgetary facilitation of private-sector investments can propel Guyana into becoming a developed country, which is not merely an optimistic hope, but a doable and achievable reality.

Guyana was rated on international developmental indices as being on par with Haiti before the PPP/C administration assumed the primary executive offices in the land in October of 1992.

Graphed during the PNC administration as the least developed nation in the world, with a crippling debt burden, Guyana’s development under the astute leadership provided by successive PPP/C Presidents, guided by the brilliant developmental blueprint crafted by the visionary Dr. Cheddi Jagan took off like a runaway train until, after a relatively short timespan of approximately two decades, Guyana was being recognised by the world as a middle-income developing country, and described by Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as “The only shining star in the Caribbean.”

The popular prognosis heralded great things for this nation, because the focus of the PPP/C administrations – then and now -- is to make Guyana a modern and developed country; and Guyana had indeed been inexorably moving from a middle-income developing country to becoming, in the not-

too-distant future, a developed country.

But for the country to achieve such a status it has to be a joint effort by all stakeholders, working in conjunction and in cooperation with government. There have been in the past multiple successful partnerships between the government, private sector and other stakeholders to work together to create of Guyana a modern society. This compaction of diverse interests, which should primarily be geared toward the development of people, is essential, since achieving the status of a highly developed country is heavily dependent on people’s development.

Some of the measures the government had initiated to expand and strengthen people-power was to bolster education as the central key and with empowerment facilitation being the central focus.

Since the PPP/C first took control of the affairs of state, the country had progressed with a transformation that was being described as near-miraculous, so greatly had the national socio-economic landscape been altered.

But, regrettably, this progressive developmental paradigm took a relentless and rapid retrogression in every sector, with the advent of another PNC Government in 2015, when the PPP/C was forced to demit office by questionable elections in 2015: an elec-

tion petition was filed but was never heard.

The post-2015 reversal of Guyana’s developmental trajectory brought this country into a bankrupted state, with a debt-accrual of billions of dollars.

One can only imagine to what levels this country would have reached if there had not been a transition of government in 2015, especially with the discovery of massive reserves of oil, instead of being subjected to the (mal) administration of a destructive and corrupt cabal bent of stymieing, and even reversing social development and economic growth in the country.

One of the worst disincentives to private investment in Guyana is the high energy cost, which sends overheads skyrocketing, especially in the manufacturing sector; and the PPP/C Government had attempted to address this problem through hydropower, but had reached the usual developmental roadblocks in the form of the PNC in opposition, which used every armament in their arsenal to shoot down the project.

It is a proven fact that not having cheap energy is one of the most prohibitive factors that has impeded Guyana’s manufacturing sector from surging.

However, despite the setback with the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the recently

elected President Ali is adamant that the pursuit of alternative energy will be prioritized, so that government can provide cheap energy for the development of a strong industrial manufacturing sector and a strong processing sector. With a progressing agricultural sector that can easily develop into an agrobindustrial complex, Guyana is once again climbing global developmental graphs.

During the 2020 Budget debate, various government MPs outlined future transformative plans geared to making the dream of taking Guyana from a middle-income developing country to a developed country, and one could only hope that the joint opposition would allow good sense and patriotism to prevail over self-centred agendas to work along on these visionary plans and projects that would benefit all Guyanese and create of this country, not only “the only shining star of the Caribbean,” but the shining star of the world.

Successive PPP/C Governments have always held out an outstretched hand to the opposition and all stakeholders in the nation, with scant success of co-operation from the joint opposition; and history will record their negative contributions to the development of this nation. The ball is in the opposition’s court.

Appeal for Guyanese-Americans to complete U.S. census Dear editor, THE U.S. Constitution requires a decennial national census -- once every 10 years, at the start of a new decade.

The deadline to submit the 2020 census form is October; it was already extended a few times since March. Names and status are needed.

And the information is strictly confidential – cannot be shared with any other government or private agency except for census purposes only. GuyaneseAmerican Vishnu Mahadeo, and a few others are working or volunteering around the clock to get Guyanese, Trinis, South Asians, Indo-Caribbeans, and all others to complete the census.

Everyone is urged to please complete and submit the form immediately in order to be counted as living. You don’t have to be an American citizen to fill out the census. Once the U.S. is your place of residence, you can (must) complete it. A form is sent to every apartment or housing unit; and others are available on line or at the post office or a census office.

The census is extremely important for every neighbourhood and for an ethnic group at large. The census is conducted by households – apartments or private homes and by families. If someone does not complete the census, he or she is not counted. It is completed on line, and it is an easy process that takes a few minutes. There is also a hard copy version for those not tech savvy.

The government mandates that everyone, regardless of residency status, complete the census form so the government can establish an accurate count of the number of people in a community and the nation. While it is punishable not to complete the census, the law is not enforced. Many people, very large numbers of Guyanese, particularly Indo-Guyanese, do not complete the census and as such are undercounted in the population.

Currently, the submission rate for Guyanese in Richmond Hill is just about 50 per cent, according to official figures. Some Guyanese when approached to complete the census say: “Meh nah get time with dah.

How meh guh benefit from dah.” Enormous amounts of benefits flow from the census.

Guyanese and Caribbean communities need to be aware of the importance of the census. Public resources, schools, government funding, and political representation in the nation’s capital and in the state and city (other local) legislatures are apportioned based on the census data. The higher the count, the greater the number of seats allotted to the community in each legislature and the amount of resources sent to that community or district.

The approximate amount of funds given by the federal government to a community for each person counted in the census is US $7K annually. By not completing the census or excluding a name, deprives a community of $7K in resources.

The data in the census on population count is used to determine the number of representatives from a state in the U.S. House of Representatives. The data is also used to redraw boundaries (redistricting) of constituencies within a state as well as city and school districts. Also, every year, the federal government allocates some $500 billion in grants to states and communities for development

based, in part, on census data.

The census data also affect school budgets, including the distribution of funds for schools, free school meals, college tuition grant and loan programmes. Community planners use census data to determine where to build new schools and change zoning laws, develop public transportation, and create new roads, etc.

So, the census count is extremely important. When one person is not counted, the state and the community could potentially lose up to seventy thousand dollars over the next 10 years, because the federal government gives $7K per person every year living in the community.

And there will be no way of correcting the data until Mar 2030. The Caribbean communities, Guyanese in particular, were severely undercounted in the 2010, 2000, 1990, and 1980 censuses.

Now is an opportunity to have their numbers accurately counted.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

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‘Grounding’ with the people

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, visited the community of Skeldon, East Berbice Corentyne, where he met and addressed scores of enthusiastic residents. The Head of State also donated sports gear to two cricket clubs (in Skeldon) and committed $2M for the enhancement and maintenance of the Line Path Community Centre ground (Office of the President photo)

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, also donated sports gear to two cricket clubs from Port Mourant and earmarked $9.5M for the enhancement and maintenance of the Community Centre’s ground (Office of the President photo)

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali interacting with residents of Angoy’s Avenue. The Head of State told residents that a sum of $1.2M was set aside for enhancement and maintenance of the Community Centre’s ground (Office of the President photo) Photo saved as interact

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Saturday morning, conducted a public awareness and mask distribution exercise in the Stabroek Market and its environs. Prime Minister Phillips said that he was encouraged by the response of Guyanese and felt that the public awareness campaign, COVI-CURB, was gaining momentum (Office of the Prime Minister)

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, on Saturday, interacting with persons at Stabroek Market.

Minister Todd, who was infected with the virus at one point, encouraged people to never get too comfortable. “You have to always keep your guard up, sometimes you’re in environments where you think that you don’t need to wear a mask, but it’s not offensive to keep your mask on,” he said. (Office of the Prime Minister)

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and a Ministerial team consisting of Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, visited ‘C’ Field, Sophia and held discussions with residents on Saturday.

The Head of State updated the residents on a number of programmes planned for the community and assured them of the Government’s support (Office of the President photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

Guyana, Suriname teams visit proposed site for Corentyne River Bridge –– formal agreement expected to be signed next month

TWO months after the Heads of State of Guyana and Suriname committed to the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River, Guyana’s Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, and his Surinamese counterpart, Dr. Riad Nur-

mohamed, on Saturday, visited the proposed site.

The ministers visited the landing areas in Guyana and Suriname and the middle at Long Island (Lange Island).

The flags of both countries were planted at those locations

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, and the Surinamese delegation sail up the Corentyne River to plant the flags at Long Island Minister Edghill said Saturday’s exercise demonstrated the political will of governments to put their people first.

He remarked that great achievements begin with a small action and that is what took place today.

“The Government of Guyana and I believe the Government of Suriname, [has] demonstrated the political will and that is very important,” the minister said.

He also expressed confidence that there would be a smooth collaboration to ensure the bridge is completed.

Meanwhile, Surinamese Public Works Minister, Dr. Nurmohamed, said the site visit demonstrated the two nations’ commitment to development.

“Planting the flags here means that we are here for a sustainable project, which is very important for movement and development of both countries.

With this we are giving a very important sign, not only to the government, but to the future persons who will be involved in preparing the signing, constructing the bridge and maintaining the bridge. We want a very sus-tainable bridge, which the community can profit from,” he said.

Guyanese Chief Transport Planning Officer, Patrick Thompson said consultations are still ongoing for the final design of the bridge. He explained that there will be a flat bridge leading from Guyana to Long Island where a road will be built to connect to the Surinamese side, which will be a high-span bridge to allow for maritime traffic.

This project will unlock a host of economic possibilities between the nations, Ministry of Finance - Head of the Project Cycle Management Division,

Tarachand Balgobin, said. He added that while there are many opinions on the location and length of the bridge, the proposed site was decided on as it will provide a platform for fair trade between Guyana and Suriname.

Minister Edghill shared similar sentiments adding that it will facilitate trade among South American nations and European markets.

“When you link the Linden-Lethem road with the Takutu Bridge and you link then Suriname, Corentyne Bridge into French Guiana, the markets that are now 750,000 now boosts to multiple millions. Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina because it’s all interlinked,” Minister Edghill noted.

With the expected increase in trade and traffic that the bridge would bring, the minister said persons can expect major infrastructural development on the island such as hotels and shopping malls.

Minister Edghill also disclosed that the Government of Guyana will host a Surinamese delegation next week to discuss plans going forward.

The minister is also set to accompany President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on his visit to Suriname next month to commemorate that country’s Independence. The formal bridge agreement is expected to be inked then.

Guyana and Suriname have shared diplomatic relations since November 25, 1975.

In November 1998, the countries entered into a joint-venture arrangement for the Canawaima Ferry Service Incorporated, which has facilitated trade and travel for citizens of both countries.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

Volda Lawrence wanted as electoral fraud investigation intensifies

PNCR Chairperson Volda Lawrence, who was charged with conspiring to forge documents to show a win for the APNU+AFC at the March 2 General and Regional Elections is expected to present herself for questioning at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Monday.

Guyana Police Force Press Officer Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor explained that as the probe into the March 2, 2020 post-election incidents continue, investigators made contact with Lawrence’s attorney Nigel Hughes.

He said this was done after Hughes identified himself as the attorney for Lawrence.

The invitation the assistant commissioner said was with a view to inviting her to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, to put an allegation to her in relation to the said investigation.

Hughes, he said, indicated that he would bring Lawrence in at 10:00hrs on Saturday, but this did not happen.

“However, the said attorney then contacted the police investigators and requested the exercise of their discretion to permit him to bring his client at the said police CID location for 16:00hrs, on the said date. The police investigators had no difficulty in acceding to the attorney’s request and so the time for Ms. Lawrence to report to the CID location in the company of her attorney was duly re-scheduled as requested,” the press officer noted.

Further, he said: “The GPF notes with grave concern the distorted and blatantly false statements in

a press release issued by APNU+AFC, which falsely claims that the police demanded that Ms. Lawrence come to the CID late on the said Saturday, October 10 afternoon. This claim is completely erroneously [sic] and can only be viewed as a convenient attempt to create public mischief and impede the ongoing police investigations into the March 2, 2020 post-elections incidents.”

On August 24 Lawrence was placed on $100,000 bail in relation to a private criminal charge filed against her for the fraudulent elections declaration of March 5.

The charge was filed against her and Clairmont Mingo, GECOM’s Returning Officer for Region Four since their signatures were found on the declaration; a national vote recount found that the numbers were inflated in favour of the Coalition.

The charge was filed by PPP/C member and current Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, Jnr. on March 16. Ramson is represented by Attorney Glen Hanoman.

Mingo is also facing several fraud charges, including uttering a forged document with intent to defraud the public, contrary to Section 278 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. Mingo is currently on $600,000 bail for charges related to electoral fraud.

Mingo and Lawrence’s case was adjourned to November 16, 2020, to allow the prosecution time to complete the filing of statements.

BAIL Meanwhile, on Friday,

Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers was released on $300,000 bail after pleading not guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office.

She appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Myers was represented by attorneys Nigel Hughes and Ronald Daniels, while prosecutor Teriq Mohammed of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) chambers appeared on behalf of the State.

The charges against Myers state that between March 4 and March 14, 2020, in Georgetown, while being a public officer, that is to say the Deputy Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, she wilfully misconducted herself together with Clairmont Mingo and others, to declare a fraudulent account of votes for the General and Regional Elections which amounted to a breach of the public’s trust in the office of the said DCEO of the Guyana Elections Commission, without any reasonable excuse or justification. She was released on a total of $300,000 bail and the case was adjourned to October 23, 2020.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, who is also before the court but on three private criminal fraud charges, is expected to go on trial next month.

On Friday, when the case was called before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, the prosecutor had just filed additional statements. He was given until October 23 to file the remainder.

Soldier beats policeman during traffic congestion A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) lance corporal, who was caught in a video beating a police constable in a line of traffic at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge on Friday, has been arrested and is expected to be charged soon.

Reports indicate that Police Constable Wilson was conducting anti-crime patrol duties at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. He was directing the east bound traffic which had two lanes that merged into one on the Meer-Zorgen Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

During the process, he observed a dark grey motor car trying to change lane and in the process caused congestion of traffic.

As a result, Constable Wilson approached the driver of the vehicle, which turned out to be the GDF lance

The injured constable in the aftermath of the confrontation corporal of the Coast Guard Section and told him of the offence committed and then instructed him to pull to the corner of the road.

According to police, the driver of Parfaite Harmonie,

WBD, after being instructed by Constable Wilson, became annoyed, exited the vehicle and chucked the policeman.

Police said that Constable Wilson then warned the driver about his behaviour and asked him to desist, which he ignored and proceeded to further assault the policeman by choking him and cuffing him about his face and body, causing him to receive injuries.

Upon seeing this, other ranks intervened and managed to arrest the driver and escorted him to the La Grange Police Station where he remains in custody as investigations continue.

The police constable was later escorted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor.

He was treated and sent away.

The charges were filed by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) member Desmond Morian, and General Secretary of The New Movement (TNM), Daniel Kanhai, on June 30, 2020.

The magistrate has set November 13 for commencement of the trial for the case filed by Morian, while Kanhai’s matter was given a November 20 start date.

YET TO RESPOND Lowenfield’s attorney Nigel Hughes had written the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), requesting that the three criminal charges be withdrawn.

The DPP is yet to respond to that request. No representative from her chambers was in court for Friday’s hearing.

When the charges were read to Lowenfield in July, he was not required to plead.

He was later released on $450,000 bail. Kanhai is alleging that Lowenfield, between March 5 and June 23, 2020, at Georgetown, conspired with person(s) unknown to commit the common-law offence of fraud, to wit, by representing to the Guyana Elections Commission that tables attached to his Election Report, dated

June 23, 2020, accurately reflected the true results of the said election, in order to materially alter the results of the said election with intent to defraud, knowing the said tabulation to be false. Morian is alleging that Lowenfield, between March 5, 2020, and June 29, 2020, while performing his duty as CEO, without lawful excuse or justification, wilfully misconducted himself at Georgetown by ascertaining results of the March 2 elections, knowing the said results to be false. This wilful misconduct, he alleges, amounted to a breach of the public’s trust in the Office of the Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission.

The second charge filed

by Morian against Lowenfield claims that, in collusion with Region Four District Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, he altered results that had been declared in March for that district. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched a “comprehensive” investigation against Lowenfield and Mingo, after it received formal reports of alleged criminal misconduct by the duo. The police in a statement noted that formal reports allege criminal conduct by the two and others in

relation to the elections and events subsequent thereto.

As a result, Police Headquarters noted that legal advice was obtained from the DPP, and the GPF was advised to launch a comprehensive investigation into these allegations in accordance with its mandate.

“The DPP has further indicated that in the exercise of powers vested in her, under Article 187 of the Constitution, she will take over the private criminal charges currently pending in the Magistrates’ Court in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and its aftermath,” the police stated.

As the country’s chief elections officer, Lowenfield had presented results for the elections with the exact inflated figures for the APNU+AFC Coalition as was declared by Mingo.

The results were described as fraudulent and there was a public outcry. A national vote recount which was done subsequently, clearly established that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was the winner of the elections.

The election results were finally announced on August 2, after a fivemonth delay.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

Young UG graduate establishes animal clinic Amara and her staff members displaying products at her clinic

Owner of the veterinary clinic, Shevonne Amara Bryne

LIVESTOCK farmers and pet owners residing in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region can now have quick access to veterinary services as Amara’s Animal Supplies has opened its door. The clinic offers veterinary care and provides a variety of nutritional needs for animals.

Owner of the veterinary clinic, Shevonne Amara Bryne, of Lot 106 Anna Regina recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and has opted to open her own business.

She opened the doors to the clinic on September, 25, 2020 next to the Paragon Cinema in Anna Regina . When asked why she chose such a path, the young entrepreneur said it was the only way she will be able to work in the field she is passionate about.

“My vision for Amara’s Animal Supplies is that it will become the place where livestock farmers and pet owners on the Essequibo Coast will turn to for all of their veterinary care and nutritional needs.”

Bryne said her animal supplies shop advises on nutrition

and feeding, animal husbandry and management, animal care and health, genetics and breeding and even record-keeping and finance.

The clinic is equipped with products ranging from vitamins, amino acids, electrolyte, antibiotics, vaccines and dewormers. She also has locally-made products such as fish meal, cornmeal and molasses urea block.

All veterinary clinic appointments, she said, is done by certified veterinarian, Dr. Randy Domer and herself. The clinic offers services such as deworming, vaccines, boosters and builders, disease diagnosis and treatment of pets.

Next month, the clinic will start to offer more services such as grooming, spaying, neutering, and minor surgeries.

Products sold at the clinic are advertised on its social media platform, Facebook, Amara’s Animal Supplies and the owner could be reached on WhatsApp (592-689-8611).

The young entrepreneur believes that her business is a blessing since it allows her to give back to the community that helped to shape her into the woman she is today.

A farmer being attended too

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

Guyanese doctor leads clinical trial on ‘antibody cocktail’ given to President Trump

A FORT Pierce infectious disease physician is leading research at one of the nation’s 89 clinical trial sites on the “antibody cocktail” that President Trump was given to treat his COVID-19.

Dr. Moti Ramgopal, of Midway Immunology and Research Center, is a principal investigator on research for REGN-COV2, among other COVID-19 treatments, including remdesivir, he told TCPalm.

REGN-COV2 is what maker Regeneron Pharmaceuticals calls the cocktail, of which Trump was given a single 8-gramme dose, according to his physician, Sean Conley.

Ramgopal, who is of Guyanese origin, said giving Trump the cocktail

made sense from a medical perspective.

“I completely agree, I wish more people would get it,” he said. “I think all hospitalised patients should be getting this, and we’re probably heading in that direction as soon as these studies are done.”

The cocktail is available only at select research sites conducting clinical trials.

Because Trump is not part of any clinical trial, he received the treatment under what Regeneron calls its “compassionate use programme.” Treatments can be “approved under rare, exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis,” the company said in a news release.

A patient’s doctor must initiate a compassionate

use request, according to Regeneron.

“The problem with COVID is that you can be fine today and really sick tomorrow,” Ramgopal said.

“You can develop symptoms rapidly and become very sick, very quickly.”

The cocktail consists of two “virus-neutralising” antibodies designed specifically to target SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, according the biotechnology company.

Initial results of the U.S. clinical trials, which included 275 patients who received the cocktail, have proven optimistic, the biotech company announced in a news release. Data published last week shows symptoms improved after

taking the treatment.

“The greatest treatment benefit was in patients who had not mounted their own effective immune response, suggesting that REGNCOV2 could provide a therapeutic substitute for the naturally occurring immune response,” the company said.

Ramgopal’s clinical trials are in their second phase at Midway Research Center.

One problem is COVID-19 patients are hesitant to take part because developing treat-

ments are often called “experimental,” a term that can sound daunting, he said.

A better word to describe these treatments is “investigational,” he said.

“It’s such an important time period in history to get these trials finished, so we can get data that can help with treatment,” he said.

Midway Research Center has been recognised by name in 36 published studies on extensive research into HIV and Hepatitis C infections.

Those interested in joining the trial must

11

Dr. Moti Ramgopal of Midway Immunology and Research Center (Photo

by Midway Speciality Care Centre) have been positive for COVID-19 within the past 72 hours, according to Midway Chief Development Officer, Jana Eschbach. (www.tcpalm. com)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 11, 2020

Understanding Energy

Guyana becomes a shining star in oil industry slump

THIS has been a tough year for the global energy industry. Investment collapsed in the second quarter of 2020 as lockdown measures spread across the globe and demand for oil and oil products severely declined due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Many analysts worry that crisis conditions are unlikely to abate any time soon, especially since historic cuts by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have only managed to stabilise

prices in the low $40s per barrel.

That prolonged slump has driven down stock prices for oil and gas companies across the globe and led to numerous bankruptcies.

Needless to say, it’s a tough time for any company to make a US$9 billion bet on a major offshore oil project. But that’s exactly what happened last week when the companies operating in Guyana’s Stabroek Block committed to make the largest single investment

in the country’s history, after the Irfaan Ali government approved the Payara project.

Although analysts at Rystad Energy noted that the months of delays likely cost the government several hundred million US dollars in overall revenue from the project, the government was able to ensure new concessions on environmental rules and more transparency, including restrictions on flaring.

That investment decision is a major vote of confidence

in Guyana at a critical time.

Economic pressure caused

by COVID-19 has created difficult market conditions for the entire energy industry value chain, but these conditions have hit costly mega-projects like offshore drilling particularly hard.

Guyana is one of few countries that have retained oil companies’ interest, in part through smart fiscal policies that have incentivised exploration and development even in low-price conditions.

Some countries, like Trinidad and Tobago, have struggled to attract investment after implementing highly restrictive contract terms.

Terms like these can net big gains for governments if oil prices are high, but at lower oil price levels, they can make exploration unprofitable. But Guyana has so far

managed to avoid this trap, leading to an unprecedented series of finds with no sign of slowing down.

Hopefully, the government’s approval of the Payara development will be taken by investors as a sign that Guyana’s political and regulatory environment is finally stable, and that the Ali government intends to follow through on the promises it makes. That will be crucial for attracting the investment needed to extend the series of discoveries into deeper regions like the Kaieteur Block,that will be even more costly to explore and develop.

In the meantime, this approval clears the way for billions of US dollars in additional government revenues.

Those funds will hopefully be translated into concrete

gains for everyday people – through programmes and investments in social, economic, health, and education initiatives.

Despite this step forward, Guyana will still face some roadblocks. Despite economic reactivation and reopening measures, the global pandemic will continue to drag down global energy prices.

As Guyana has experienced, it also creates a bottleneck for repairs on critical equipment, like the gas compressor on the Liza Destiny, that has caused recurring issues.

In any case, Payara’s approval is a historic step for the new administration that should open doors for additional investment in Guyana’s emerging oil future.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 11, 2020

CSEC teachers lobbying for return to classrooms SEVERAL teachers who oversee students preparing to write the 2021 Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations, have officially written to the Ministry of Education (MoE) seeking permission to return to schools.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said the appeals are actively being considered.

This latest development was among a number of issues that were discussed during a meeting on Friday between the MoE and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), where it was also brought up that teachers in several regions have actually already begun turning out to the schools.

“Scores of teachers have requested from us permission to go back into the classroom with their CXC class to do SBAs, and finish their CXC syllabus. When they first started telling me that the teachers are asking for this, I said please come to me with that in writing before we start talking, so we have it in writing,” Minister Manickchand related in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

“We are actively considering the requests, vis-à-vis us making the schools a little bit more ready for COVID safety, for example ensuring that hand-washing facilities are in place, signage are in place, and that masks are available to be provided to students and teachers,” she said.

The minister said the situation of the teachers returning to the schools without official permission is putting the ministry in a tight spot, so the decision is being considered to make it official, so as to ensure that the teachers are going about the return in line with COVID-19 safety measures.

“I learnt today that some schools, for the older classes, are even going to school and didn’t even bother waiting on us, because they have to get their SBAs out. It therefore may be more useful for us to announce that CXC classes can go back to school, but that’s not a Priya decision, bearing in mind a whole host of different things,” Minister Manickchand noted.

She further related that: “Region Two is back in schools; Region Nine are back in school. In Region Three, some teachers are back in the school, so we have to respond not only to what we say, but to what people want. And if people believe that this is something that they can do safely, then this is something that we have to look at.”

The minister noted that while the partial re-opening is being considered for the CXC levels, the ministry has not had any discussions on a similar reopening for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) classes at the primary school level.

MUST UNDERSTAND THE RISKS GTU President, Mark Lyte has confirmed that he is also aware that teachers have been lobbying to return to the schools, and while it is not a position that the Union supports, all it can do is hope that the teachers are cautious, and understand the risks of their decisions.

“The teachers are willing to go back out, and I’m not sure there’s much the Union can do to stop them. Teachers have been away from schools for several months, and, by rights, some feel the need to go back to school.

We feel, as a Union, that the teachers might not see the dangers of going back to schools, but it comes down to

Education Minister Priya Manickchand (fourth left) and other MoE officials during a meeting on Friday with several GTU officials (seated right)

the teachers,” Lyte said.

The MoE and GTU recently conducted a joint inspection exercise of schools across the country, and Lyte noted that a report was recently submitted, awaiting the MoE’s perusal and a decision on fixing those schools where additional safety measures are needed.

Schools in Guyana have been closed since March 16, following the country recording its first COVID-19 case.

While the schools buildings have remained closed since in September, the ministry took measures to begin re-engaging students, using a multifaceted approach that included teaching via various Internet platforms, such as the Learning Channel, radio, and print materials that will be distributed to all students.

Approximately 7000 – 8000 students across the country are currently preparing to write the 2021 Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), which are considered crucial stepping stones in the academic and career pursuits of the students.

A component of the examination involves the students completing homebased assignments being School-Based Assessments (SBAs) for the CSEC students, and Internal Assessments (IAs) for the CAPE students, for which the students often need much guidance from their teachers to complete.

In the months leading up to the examinations, the students also undergo rigorous studying in preparations of the examinations and require much guidance and assistance.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 11, 2020

Petroleum industry 'draws in' international investors –– local businesses urged to become ISO-compliant to remain competitive BUSINESSES should not view financing the improvement of operations and efficiency as a sacrifice but as an investment into the business that will earn rewards in the short, medium and long-term.

This is the position of the Executive Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Incorporated, Dr. Vishnu Doerga.

ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. recently received its ISO 9001 certification and Dr. Doerga has been speaking highly of the benefits of becoming ISO compliant, while urging other businesses to follow suit.

ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc, formerly ActionCOACH Guyana, established in 2014, was incorporated as a result of the continuous growth of ActionCOACH. The company mainly offers business and executive coaching services.

“We serve a lot of business owners and executives through our coaching services -- our business coaching and executive coaching services -- and what that really means is that we work with growth-oriented individuals who really know that there’s so much more than they can achieve both for themselves individually, their organisations, for their teams... and they know that like every really good athlete, they would need a coach,” Dr. Doerga explained.

This coach would be an outside party who would analyse the business, and “can really see what the areas of

The company also facilitates business-to-business networking, through the ‘Who’s Who in Guyana’ Business Directory. Additionally, business development services are offered to local and international companies.

The Executive Chairman, who is also a former President of the Georgetown ActionINVEST, Executive Chairman, Dr. Vishnu Doerga

improvement are, help them understand why they should pursue that and then equip them with the knowledge, skills and abilities that are necessary in order to achieve their goals much faster.”

Dr. Doerga went on to share: “We also offer training services and our training services are mostly business-oriented, but we also handle professional and soft skills. And, although we were really set up to serve the private sector in that regard; because when we coach the owners and the executives, they very quickly realise how much training their team will need to also be able to step up, and really provide the support that is needed. So, we’re able to offer them the training to their entire team.”

ActionINVEST, therefore, moved forward from servicing the private sector to servicing public service agencies and non-governmental institutions as well.

BUSINESS-TOBUSINESS NETWORKING

The ISO 9001 Certificate

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), noted that it was cognisant of the importance of standards that he moved towards getting compliant with the Standards of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

“One of the roles that really made me understand the impact that standardisation

could have in the country was when I was serving as the chairman of the National Standards Council and we really, at that point in time, came to the conclusion that unless our local companies really started understanding which standard their company, their industry is governed by and start to building their companies to suit the stan-

dard, it would be very tough to compete internationally,” he said.

This direction of thought began in 2014, prior to the discovery of oil in Guyana, but the emergence of the petroleum industry would eventually play a role in taking the final steps towards ISO certification.

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16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 11, 2020

Essequibo cops launch COVID-19 sensitisation programme THE Guyana Police Force,in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, launched a sensitisation programme on COVID-19 at the Anna Regina Car Park, Essequibo Coast, on Friday.

Hundreds of persons converged in the market area and the car park to listen to the message and programme to tackle COVID-19.

Regional Commander, Superintendent Cristal Robinson and team educated persons on the three pillars of

the COVID-19 programme, which are: to engage, educate and encourage.

She also advised persons that whenever possible, they should stay in the confines of their homes. “Businessmen/women must encourage persons to wear masks, wash their hands before entering their business places. Persons were also advised to practice social distancing,� the commander said.

Regional Chairman, Vilma Da Silva and the Regional Executive Officer, Davenand

Ramdatt, along with Dr. Sheneer Reid, who is Head of the COVID-19 team for Region Two, also shared their wisdom with citizens.

Stakeholders joined in the fight against COVID-19 and assisted the Police in sharing CDs, flyers and masks.

Police ranks also took the campaign to villages and Amerindian missions where they distributed flyers, CDs and masks.

The police COVID-19 boat will be used in the riverine area.

A senior police rank shares flyers and other items on COVID-19 to persons at the Anna Regina Car Park, Essequibo Coast

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 11, 2020

Local facilities well equipped ahead of airport reopening –– Dr. Anthony says very difficult for COVID-19 cases to ‘slip through’

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S international airports are scheduled to reopen in a matter of days and local authorities are confident that they have created systems to minimise the possibility of a case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) coming into the country, and have even equipped facilities to deal with any eventualities.

With no approved cure or special treatment for COVID-19, authorities are depending heavily on preventative measures to stop the spread of this disease, measures which will be enforced when the airports reopen on October 12, 2020.

The emergency measures were made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement –B, March 16, 2020.

According to health authorities, the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No. 8) will expire on October 31, 2020, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

Though there is expected to be “rigid enforcement” of those measures, authorities are prepared for eventualities and facilities are wellequipped to deal with same. “… We have enough capacity to quarantine people if it is necessary,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in an invited comment on Friday.

Authorities have been using several facilities to quarantine persons who have tested positive for, or are suspected to have, COVID-19. Recent statistics show that there are 115 persons in institutional isolation while 948 persons are in home isolation.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that facilities such as the Diamond Hospital and the Infectious Diseases Hospital (Ocean View facility) are among some of the places which will be used to quarantine/isolate persons who may test positive after arriving in Guyana.

STRINGENT SYSTEMS Although facilities are equipped to handle such instances, Dr. Anthony was confident that it would not reach that far, as stringent systems and protocols have been established to minimise the possibility of cases entering Guyana.

“Preparation is good… we have thought out the

system so nobody is going to come to Guyana without a negative PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test… so that's the first thing that people need to understand.

“Not because the airport is open you can jump on a plane and come here. No, before you can even get on the flight you are required to have a PCR test at the point of origin. That test would have to be sent to us here in Guyana for us to validate it, and once we are satisfied then we allow the airline to put you on the flight,” said the Health Minister.

If the PCR test was done within 72 hours of arrival, persons would be allowed to go to their destination in Guyana, but once it goes over that time, travellers will have to undergo a second PCR test at the airport.

“Once you complete that test at the airport, you will have to wait for your results before we allow you to proceed… so in that way it is going to be very difficult for somebody who is infectious to get past the system that we have set up,” said a confident Dr. Anthony.

When asked what would happen to other passengers if someone from the flight tests positive here, the minister said authorities will work according to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines which stipulate that the persons sitting in front, at the side(s) and behind the infected person(s) would have to be tested.

MORE STAFF Those persons will be quarantined until the results are produced, said Dr. Anthony, adding that every person will be treated the same and will have to abide by the protocols. To aid in this process, authorities have deployed more health workers to the various ports of entry.

All stakeholders who flout those measures will be held accountable and even be penalised for their actions, said Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

“We will be enforcing it [the measures] rigidly, because we do not intend to have aviation tarnish the health of individuals… so we will be playing our part and we expect aircraft operators, airports, aircraft handlers and travellers to play their part in ensuring measures are strictly adhered to,” said Field.

Speaking about the role of airlines, the director-general said carriers will have to ensure that passengers adhere to measures which

include wearing a mask, social distancing and sanitising. Also, companies would have to ensure that their aircraft are sanitised between flights, and that all regulations which have been gazetted are adhered to.

“All of this is being done so we could not just have a reopening of the airports, but a successful reopening… we do not just want to be opening the doors wide without strict measures and penalties… yes, there are

penalties for non-adherence and non-compliance, and they will be rigidly enforced,” said Field.

Authorities recent ly conducted a “walkthrough” at the airports and observed that there

are adequate sanitisation materials, social-distancing markings and measures to keep employees of those facilities protected at all times.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 11, 2020

At Oasis Café, everyone’s a VIP

–– owner reflects on 15 years of service to the public

By Telesha Ramnarine ALTHOUGH she has learnt the art of delegating, Nisa Rahman-Walker will diligently work in the kitchen, helping her staff to cook and bake, all in her bid to ensure that her customers get the quality of food and service they deserve.

Perhaps it is this kind of insistence that took her and her husband, William Walker, through the last 15 years of running the Oasis Café with the same top standards that they opened with a decade and a half ago.

Mrs. Walker was still busy distributing cake and other goodies on Saturday when she spoke to this publication, although the actual celebration and giveaways happened on Friday, the actual date of the anniversary.

Mrs. Nisa Rahman-Walker

Reflecting on how it all got started, she said the family moved back home from New York and really missed the good coffees and hangout spots that they enjoyed in Manhattan. Having gotten tired of asking friends and relatives to bring back coffee beans for them, they decided, ‘Why not let’s get our own and offer it to oth-

Proprietor, Mrs Walker, still helps with the baking and cooking

Loyal customer, Maurice Gajadhar and his wife, Fareeda

Persons dining outdoor at the Oasis Café

ers at the same time?’

It was good timing too for them because there was hardly a coffee shop around with the kind of comfort and

convenience that Oasis Café would later begin offering.

“When we moved back here, we found that this kind of thing was really lacking here

and we though that others too may have been feeling just like us,” Mrs. Walker recalled.

TURN TO PAGE

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Guyanese-born artist Frank Bowling awarded Knighthood art school tradition, my identity as a British artist has always been crucial to me and I have viewed London as my home since arriving in 1953 from what was then British Guiana. To be recognised for my contribution to Brit-

Frank Bowling in his South London studio (photo by Sacha Bowling)

ARTIST Frank Bowling, OBE RA, has been given the honour of Knight Bachelor conferred upon him in the Birthday 2020 Honours List by Her Majesty, The Queen. The Birthday Honours list recognises the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom.

During his six-decade

long career, Bowling’s relentless pursuit of excellence in painting underpins a lifetime of service to British art.

At age 86, he still is an active painter with an irrepressible work ethic, working in his studio almost every day.

Sir Frank says: “I’ve set out on a quest to explore the possibilities of paint, and I find myself making something new every time. I have

an insatiable determination to experiment with colour, form and process, to create new and original artworks that push the boundaries of the medium, while being intellectually grounded in post-war abstraction. The things that paint can achieve are so vast and diverse that I don’t think I’ll ever be done with it.

“Trained in the English

ish painting and art history with a knighthood makes me extremely proud. Friends and family have played a role in my studio since the 1960s - as a husband, father, grandfather and, recently, a great-grandfather. I am hon-

oured to sit at the centre of a modern family to whom I feel much gratitude.”

Ben and Sacha Bowling, the artist’s children and studio directors say: TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 11, 2020

Juvenile escapee accused of murder recaptured

OTIS SLOWE, 17, who escaped from police custody in March 2020, was, on Saturday, recaptured at Ogle Old Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), police

have confirmed.

Police said the school dropout of BenProfit Drive, Plaisance, ECD, was remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre on Novem-

ber 18, 2019 for the attempted murder of former national boxer, Gladwin Dorway, on June 30, 2019 at Plaisance.

On the night of the in-

cident, it was reported that Dorway, known as “Tiger” and the teen were involved in a fight when the teen whipped out a knife and stabbed Dorway before

making good his escape.

He was later arrested and charged while the former boxer spent several days at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Guyanese-born artist Frank Bowling awarded...

“Often described by critics as a late modern master, in many ways, recognition has come late in our father’s career. We are delighted he is getting this distinction now for his contribution to the canon of contemporary and modern art. He has shown dedication and dogged persistence in the face of obstacles through-

out his life of painting, including having to deal with stereotypical associations made between his work and origins. It requires exceptional dedication to follow one’s own unique vision for decades, for much of the time with little reward. The whole family is overjoyed at this news. We couldn’t be prouder of all that our father

has achieved.”

Frank Bowling is one of the leading British painters alive today. Over the past sixty years, his large-scale abstract canvases have explored the nature and possibilities of paint and pursued forms of expression, which are both nuanced and open-ended. In May 2019, a major retrospective

of his work, subtitled “The Possibilities of Paint Are Never-Ending”, opened at Tate Britain to outstanding critical acclaim. Born in Bartica, British Guiana, he moved to England in 1953.

After doing his National Service in the Royal Air Force, Bowling went on to study art, winning a scholarship to London’s Royal College of Art in 1959. His early paintings embedded layers of autobiography in abstraction, incorporating silkscreen images of his home and family

members back in Guyana.

It was not until moving to New York in 1966 that he made a decisive turn towards abstraction. The move soon won him two Guggenheim fellowships (1967, 1973), and a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York in 1971. With an increasing focus on material, process, and colour, Bowling developed a very personal palette for his large, light-filled, lyrical colour abstractions. It is during this period that

Captured: Otis Slowe FROM PAGE

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Bowling’s seminal ‘Map Paintings’ – a series of colour fields overlaid with stencilled maps of Australia, South America and Africa – was produced.

Known also for his writings on art, particularly in debates around Formalism and ‘Black Art’, he has always vigorously rejected being defined by restrictive labels that sought to pigeonhole him, and in 2005, he became the first Black artist to be elected a Royal Academician.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 11, 2020

GWI moving to fix Parika water woes RESIDENTS of Parika Backdam have lamented that they have not had access to potable water over the past two to three years and have to pay exorbitant sums to purchase water supplies.

The residents share their concerns to Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, who, along with a technical team,

visited the community to listen to concerns.

The team also visited the Hubu well station to assess the water production levels there.

Discussions with the CEO included repairing the many leaks along the distribution system and installing connections on the transmission mains This would improve the FROM PAGE

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At Oasis Café ...

Owners, William Walker and Nisa Rahman-Walker

That she loved baking and cooking was only another plus to the ingenious idea.

Although she is not often in the kitchen these days, she would make it a point to put on her aprons and get her hands dirty each time they hire a new staff member.

“I don’t do as much because I’ve learnt to delegate.

I always train new staff until they meet the standards of being left alone. To maintain the standards, we had to be strict. There was never to be any shortcuts in terms of compromising on the quality of our ingredients and so forth,” she said.

Mrs. Walker believes that they’ve been able to maintain high standards at the café because of the commitment they made to themselves and staff-- that everyone would be treated equally; like a VIP customer.

Both customers and staff are treated well at the establishment. “We know how hard our staff works and so we treat them like family.

And some of my best friendships have been cultivated with my customers. They are

no longer customers, they’re family,” she expressed, adding, “We want to be a source of comfort to our customers, so they can be sure that here is a safe and hygienic place; safety is the most important thing.”

Having started with just four workers, the business grew to include about 25, just prior to the outbreak of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Just 11 staff members have remained there for now.

Mrs. Walker said the best thing for her is hearing her customers’ laughter in the café. “Everyone here should feel like it’s the extension of their living room where they can let go of their troubles and just relax. You come through the door and your loneliness goes away because there’s always someone here to make you feel better.”

The café offers breakfast and lunch, along with afternoon teas, cakes and pastries. Outdoor dining is also currently available. It opens at 07:30 hrs on weekdays, 08:00hrs on Saturday and 09:00hrs on Sunday, and closes about 18:00hrs.

level of service and pressure towards the end of Parika Backdam, which comprises about 30 households.

The installation of approximately two kilometers of six-inch pipelines and service connections, for which funds would be required, is also needed, a GWI release said.

GWI Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, during the visit to Parika

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Petroleum industry 'draws in' ...

FROM PAGE

In late 2017, through the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), ActionINVEST began the process of training to achieve ISO compliance.

“They came in and trained our team on the requirements and provided a lot of initial support. That was done over the course of nearly a year. Then, in order to become compliant and get certified, a further six months was spent in the Center for Local Business Development’s (CLBD) ISO certification Mentorship Programme.

“That process again was almost six months to ensure that all of our systems were really stress tested and we truly practiced what we preached on paper and then finally, nearly three months ago, we decided to take that final step towards certification,” Dr. Doerga noted: The CLBD, an ExxonMobil-funded Business Development centre, screened all of the business’ processes to ensure that they had good, client-pleasing services, and ensured that their policies were aligned with the global industry. Following compliance, in recent weeks, the company is seeing rewards by way of increased client satisfaction.

“We actually went from a net promoter score of 74 to 78 over that one-year period,” he divulged, adding that clients increased referring other businesses to ActionINVEST. Dr. Doerga is imploring other businesses to get certified.

NOT A SACRIFICE “I would say definitely to not see ISO certification as a sacrifice, I would say sometimes when we talk about a sacrifice, we know that we have to give up something and we’re not too sure if we’re getting something back; but I would like them to see this particular journey as an investment and an investment that can pay in the short, medium and long-term.”

He proudly revealed: “At the moment, the benefits we have received in the shortterm, even before we became certified, have already more than recovered the investment, the initial investment that we made.”

He went on to say that there are many international companies that are coming into Guyana who are unfamiliar with ActionINVEST and other Guyanese companies.

“They don’t know our track record. What ISO Certification does in the medium and longterm is it tells these companies that an external party came in the company and checked to see that we’re up to standard and they’re willing to put their seal of approval on this company to say that ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. and every other ISO-certified company does have systems in place that are effective and are geared at continuously improving.”

This, he said, is one of the biggest benefits, especially

with how Guyana’s economy is going to be shifting with the development of its petroleum industry.

“We already saw nearly 1000 newly incorporated companies in the past two years. I think that number is going to continue growing. And as these companies actually start getting

operational, they will pick who provides them products, who provides them services, and any peace of mind that we can give another entity that we have to interact with goes a long way in making sure that our companies grow,” Dr. Doerga posited.

Notably, Mr. Alistair Routledge, the President of

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ExxonMobil Guyana, in congratulating ActionINVEST on obtaining ISO certification, said: “I am pleased to congratulate ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. on its efforts to enhance capacity and improve its competitiveness. It takes months of work and hundreds of hours of effort to obtain an ISO 9001 certifi-

cation, which is a well-known, worldwide-accepted standard for a quality management system.

Local suppliers are important to the success of our operations; we recognise that it takes the investment of time, people and resources to grow the supply base in Guyana. This achievement

by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. only reinforces ExxonMobil’s opinion that Guyanese suppliers are up to the challenge of supporting future growth in the country’s various economic

sectors.”

ISO Certification, Dr. Doerga continued to stress, takes the business’ opportunities beyond the Guyana borders, as many of the Caribbean competitors are not ISO certified. So far, he noted that the company has been receiving business interests from international companies from as far as Trinidad, Barbados, Suriname, Canada and the US.

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Teenager Swiatek dazzles in Paris to claim first Grand Slam title

PARIS, France (Reuters) Securing a first Grand Slam title is supposed to be an arduous task but 19-year-old Iga Swiatek crowned an extraordinary fortnight to win the French Open in a blaze of winners yesterday, crushing Sofia Kenin 6-4, 6-1.

Swiatek, who had dropped only 23 games en route to the final, produced another audacious display as she became the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Only briefly in the first set did Swiatek show any weakness, letting slip a 3-0 lead, but having edged a tightly-contested opening set she romped to victory, although fourth seed

Kenin’s challenge appeared to be hampered by a thigh injury.

Australian Open champion Kenin, herself only 21, needed treatment at 1-2 in the second set and on the resumption Swiatek was utterly ruthless, conceding only three more points, sealing the title with an unstoppable forehand - her 25th winner.

Unseeded Swiatek, who was ranked 54th at the start of the tournament, is the youngest woman to win the French Open since Monica Seles in 1992 and the first to do so without dropping a set during the fortnight since Justine Henin in 2007.

After claiming victory she made her way into the stands to celebrate with her family including former Olympic rower father Tomasz and her coach Piotr Sierzputowski.

“It was overwhelming for me. Two years ago I won a junior grand slam and now I’m

here. It feels like such a short time. I’m just overwhelmed,” Swiatek, the lowest-ranked woman to win the French Open since rankings were introduced in 1975, said after returning to the court.

“Another underdog wins a Grand Slam in women’s tennis, it’s crazy!”

It was a sad end to the tournament for Kenin who was unable to find the form that saw her past Petra Kvitova in the semi-finals.

Swiatek began the match on the shady side of Court Philippe Chatrier with Kenin in bright sunshine, but it was the Pole’s tennis that illuminated the 84-minute final.

She began as freely as if it was match down at her local club in Warsaw, sprinting into a 3-0 lead.

Kenin, whose tightly-wound and expressive demeanour was a stark contrast to Swiatek’s calm approach, fought back to 3-3 as her back-

hand began to do some damage.

Swiatek came through a tense service game at 3-3 and in the best passage of play in the final then broke Kenin after another long game in which she saved a game point with a superb drop volley having chased down a drop shot.

Kenin broke serve with a glorious backhand to trail 5-4 but Swiatek was feasting on the American’s serve and broke for the third time in the set to move to take the opener.

Swiatek dropped serve at the start of the second set but hit back immediately and Kenin’s challenge faded rapidly after she had her left thigh heavily taped.

Logic suggests nerves might have become a factor as glory beckoned but Swiatek bashed winners all over the court to announce herself as the sport’s latest sensation in style.

GFF Referees Recruitment Campaign takes aim at Coomacka THE nationwide Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Referees Recruitment Campaign under the theme, #GetInvolved which was launched last month has taken aim at the village of Coomacka.

GFF president Wayne Forde, Coomacka United FC resident Renison Rawlins and GFF Referees Technical Instructor/Assessor Abdullah Hamid shared a significant moment when promotional flyers were handed over two Sundays ago. Also present was president of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), Terrence Mitchell.

It was done when for the first time in the history of the game a sitting GFF president paid a visit to this community. Forde, in brief remarks following the handover, said that the aim is to target an equal number of female and male officials.

“Former players or even those who may not have played at any level but would like to officiate in the game of football; Mr Hamid will work towards ensuring that training is ongoing and that we can start integrating these new

referees not only in tournaments at UDFA level but also at the national level.”

Forde noted that this initiative forms part of the Federation’s grand plan for the development of the game in the hinterland communities.

“We’ve used that same strategy to bring about the support that we are going to bring to your community.

We want to see hinterland football and football that has a strong indigenous representation to be given more material and financial support, more capacity-building support like coaching education and administration, among others. We believe that those are fundamental building blocks that would help the game to grow in these small tightly-knit communities.”

Forde said that he is of the belief that the Coomacka community will band together and ensure that they succeed with this initiative noting that the Federation cannot do it all.

“We can go so far but it is the people in the community that would have to step up and get the work done. I want to assure you that we are going to pay

keen attention to the developmental trajectory in your community through the Upper Demerara Football Association.”

The experienced Hamid, a former FIFA Referee, said that he is assured that the GFF is going in the right direction, in launching this recruitment programme countrywide. “It’s very important to develop referees, male and female, at the same time you would be developing male and female football players and coaches, as they both go hand-in-hand.”

Hamid has indicated that he already has persons waiting to be a part of this programme but its commencement is all-dependent on the lifting of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions as implemented by the Ministry of Health to stem the spread of this deadly disease which has rocked the world.

“Having referees coming out of these areas would surely be a huge boost for football in the country not only in the UDFA but all those other Regions in Guyana. I am ready to get started as long as the go-ahead is given by the relevant authority.”

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MIAMI Heat beat Los Angeles Lakers 111-108 to win a thrilling game five in the NBA Finals and take the series into a sixth game.

Lakers led by a point with 21.8 seconds left, before two foul shots by Jimmy Butler nudged Heat in front.

Danny Green missed a late three-pointer to win the game for Lakers, as Heat kept the best-of-seven match series alive at 3-2.

Game six will take place in Orlando, Florida tonight (Monday, 00:30hrs BST).

James v Butler on the biggest stage In an end-to-end contest, the lead exchanged hands four times in the final minute of the fourth quarter.

Game five was poised to be another battle between Lakers’ LeBron James and Heat’s Butler, who showed he was up for the fight as he

tangled with Dwight Howard in the opening five minutes.

James amassed 40 points in his pursuit of his fourth NBA title and was driving Lakers forward late on, while Heat talisman Butler’s 35-point triple-double proved decisive.

Heat rookie Tyler Herro added another two free throws in the dying moments to extend his side’s lead to three points.

Butler, who was also the hero in Heat’s first victory of the series in game three, said his side “have to stay in the trenches” to draw level in the series.

“We played hard,” said Butler.

“I left it all out there on the floor along with my guys. It was a bit of luck Danny Green missed that shot at the top of the key.”

James, meanwhile, said he

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

“trusted” Green to make “one of the best shots we could have got”.

“I was able to draw two

defenders below the freethrow line and find one of our shooters, for a wide-open three at the top of the key to win a

championship,” said James.

“I trusted him and we trusted him but it just didn’t go. You live with that.

Tensions were high as Jimmy Butler and Dwight Howard clashed early on

“Danny had a hell of a look but it just didn’t go down. I know he wishes he could have it again and I wish I could have made a better pass.”

Lakers, who wore their ‘Black Mamba’ uniforms in honour of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, had an early injury scare as the influential Anthony Davis limped off the court in the first quarter.

He remained on the sidelines but returned to the action later in the second quarter, in a boost to Lakers, who can still claim their first title since the late Bryant led them to success in 2010, with victory in game six.

Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in January, and the defeat for Lakers was their first while wearing the commemorative jersey. (BBC Sport)

KKR hold nerve to pull off thrilling Messi fires Argentina to WC two-run win over Kings XI Punjab qualifying win over Ecuador KOLKATA Knight Riders (KKR) held their nerve for the second time in a row and pulled off a thrilling tworun win, beating Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Match 24 of Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

After electing to bat, KKR lost Rahul Tripathi early as Mohammad Shami disturbed the timber in the third over.

KXIP picked their second wicket in the next over following a mix-up between Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill.

KKR needed some stability at that stage and Eoin Morgan and Gill did just that, even as KXIP managed to keep things extremely tight.

The KKR duo added 49 runs together before Morgan holed out for 24 at long-on off Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling in the 11th over.

With KKR requiring to change gears, skipper Dinesh Karthik joined Gill in the middle. Karthik did not wait too long as he creamed a six on the final ball of the 14th over to take KKR past 90.

In the next over, Gill brought up his second fifty of the IPL season as KKR moved past a hundred.

Karthik then started to up the ante as he took on Arshdeep Singh, hitting the left-arm medium-pacer for three fours in the 16th over.

The DK show continued as he went after Chris Jordan in the next over, hitting the England pacer for two fours and a six over long-off as KKR crossed 130-run mark, with Karthik moving to 43 off 19 balls.

While KXIP managed to end Gill’s innings in the 18th over, DK continued his merry ways, bringing up his first fifty of IPL 2020 in 22 balls.

(Brief Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 164-6 (Dinesh Karthik 58, Shubman Gill 57; Arshdeep Singh 1-25) beat Kings XI Punjab 162-5 (KL Rahul 74, Mayank Agarwal 59; Prasidh Krishna 3-29) by two runs) KKR added 18 runs in the last two over to post 164-6 on the board in their quota of 20 overs.

In the chase, KL Rahul got an early life as Russell could not hold onto a running catch and injured himself while saving a boundary.

Mayank Agarwal then creamed two fours and a six in the fourth over off Prasidh Krishna. KXIP brought up their fifty in the seventh over.

While there were a few overs where KKR did not concede many, Mayank hit two crisp fours in the 11th over as KXIP moved closer to hundred.

Two overs later, KL Rahul, who hit two successive fours, and Mayank notched up their fifties as KXIP continued

their march in the chase.

KKR managed to break the Mayank-Rahul partnership in the 15th over as he dismissed Mayank for 59.

Nicholas Pooran and Rahul then scored 19 off the 16th over, with Pooran hitting a four and a six and Rahul adding one more four to his account.

KKR had pulled back a game at the death against CSK and they once started to pull things back against KXIP when Sunil Narine, conceding just two runs, dismissed Pooran in the 18th over.

With 20 needed from two overs, Prasidh gave away only 6 runs and picked up two wickets, including that of KL Rahul.

KXIP needed 14 off the last over and Narine was handed over the responsibility to bowl that over. While KXIP could only score 2 off the first two balls, Glenn Maxwell hit a four off the third to bring down the target to 8 from 3 balls. KKR then gave away just a run and scalped a wicket of Mandeep Singh over the next two balls, leaving KXIP to score 6 off the last ball to push the game into the Super Over.

While Maxwell went big, the ball landed just before the boundary rope for four as KKR won the game by 2 runs to add two points to their account.

BUENOS Aires, Argentina (AFP) - Lionel Messi put his Barcelona troubles behind him to fire Argentina to an opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

The 33-year-old great has been in open conflict with his club, but it had no detrimental effect on his form as his 13th-minute penalty was the difference in a tight encounter.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner unsuccessfully tried to force his way out of the Catalan giants in the close season, but he seemed much happier in the light blue and white jersey of his country.

And Argentina needed him to be on top form in a bid to avoid slipping up at home to Ecuador for the second-successive time in an opening World Cup qualifier, having lost 2-0 to the same opponents four years ago.

In the surreal atmosphere of an empty Bombonera - the iconic stadium in Buenos Aires that is usually bouncing from the passion of fervent fans was left barren by novel coronavirus restrictions - Argentina never looked in danger of another shock defeat.

The hosts predictably dominated possession but struggled to break down an organised and physical Ecuador outfit that proved a different proposition to the one dispatched 6-1 in a friendly a year ago.

The breakthrough came after a reckless challenge by Pervis Estupinan sent Lucas Ocampo sprawling in the box, with Messi stepping up to lash home his 71st international goal.

Uruguay, before substitute Maxi Gomez bagged an injury-time winner against Chile.

Atletico Madrid forward Suarez opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 39 minutes after Sebastian Ve-

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) eludes Ecuador’s Angel Mena during their 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on Thursday, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic (Photos: AFP)

Ocampos was presented with a glorious chance to double the lead early in the second half, but goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez dived full length to keep out his low shot from eight yards.

Rodrigo De Paul fired narrowly wide for the hosts with the last kick of the match.

In Montevideo, Luis Suarez scored a record-extending 60th international goal for

gas was harshly penalised for handball.

Inter Milan’s Alexis Sanchez equalised with a low shot on 54 minutes, but Gomez had the last word with a stunning half-volley from 20 yards to complete the 2-1 win.

It was honours even between Paraguay and Peru in Asuncion as Angel Romero for the hosts and Andre Carrillo both scored a brace.

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Barry believes ‘feasible bubble’ system a safe option for return of live cricket locally … WI physio says blueprint requires strict testing policies, good fiscal structure and meticulous planning

By Clifton Ross GUYANA Jaguars and West Indies physio Neil Barry Jr believes that a bubble system could likely be a future option locally if COVID-19 persists, but said the pros and cons must definitely be weighed ahead of such a meticulous project.

Barry, one of the first Guyanese to experience life inside a bubble, having travelled with the men’s West Indies senior team for the tour of England, followed by the recently concluded Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with the former champions Barbados Tridents.

Giving his insight into what is needed in order for a system like that to have a high success rate, should one be created locally, Barry highlighted finances and scrupulous testing methods along with contingency plans as premier boxes which will need to be ticked.

“I would support the idea of establishing a bubble for the return of cricket locally, so long as it’s feasible. You have to consider the cost of the project as well as getting the athletes tested before entering.

“Testing them while inside the bubble and that includes several tests for the duration of the competition. Additionally you have to consider the

cost of housing all the athletes in one place and the cost attached with regard to management of the bubble, keeping persons fed and keeping the bubble itself clean,” said the physio.

Although the bubble has been a safe way to conduct

live sports while attempting to keep those inside safe, Barry, weighting some of the cons, said the logistical aspect runs deeper than meets the eye, as such a project will need multiple working facets in order to have similar success rates as those of the bubbles used elsewhere.

“You’ve got to make a lot of decisions because there’s a lot that goes into hosting a bubble so if those considerations are made and it’s feasible then I think it’s the number one safe option in returning sports during COVID-19.

“The main pro is keeping

Guyana Jaguars/West Indies physio Neil Barry Jr says bubble system could likely work in Guyana but will need to meet all the international requirements backed by a solid financial base

persons safe, not just the players but the staff and administrators who may need to be involved in the bubble. Keeping in mind that all of the persons in the bubble are among the high-risk group, in terms of administration and who may have preexisting conditions or maybe over the age of 50,” he pointed out.

Switching to more positives which can be derived from the bubble system, the Jaguars physio highlighted a number of crucial reasons as to why the project, if given any life, could certainly pave the way for live action locally regardless of the pandemic.

“Then of course we have to look at keeping players safe and the fact that the guys will be in a bubble. It prevents them from being silent carriers so we know from research that people who are not in the high-risk group can be asymptomatic carriers and could take that back home to their families. So in that way it does help to slow COVID-19.

The issues overall will definitely be based on practicality and cost because it is quite expensive as you could imagine.”

He continued, “Some of the measures which will help it to become successful include: heavy testing with results in a short period of time; in case someone in the bubble tests positive you need contact tracing inside the bubble to

be aware of who had contact with who. So if someone does test positive you have a specific number of persons whom you can test to see if they are positive as well rather than having to test the entire group,” Barry further explained.

No cricket has been played since March in Guyana and with the Regional season also in limbo due to the virus, Barry said it was good to mull over all the various options, especially if the feasibility and finances allow for such construction of a project.

However, he also believed that once the hard work is done and the bubble proves to be a success then other associations could likely look to follow the same steps and create a system of their own.

“I’m not sure if the nubble module is one that associations might want to pursue due to logistical issues and cost. But if the pandemic does persist and it’s done successfully, other associations may want to replicate and continue until we are able to slow the spread and have scientifically proven treatments and measures for COVID-19.

“A lot of persons are eager for cricket to return locally but as always safety does come first but they do need to be playing to keep their skills sharp so they would want to return quickly as soon as it’s safe,” Barry ended.

Stephney bats for Bissoondyal Singh for DCB presidency FORMER Essequibo Senior Inter-County captain and CWI Level 11 coach Elroy Stephney is throwing his weight behind long-standing cricket administrator Bissoondyal Singh for the post of DCB president.

This follows the restoration of the Cricket Administration Act (CAA) by the Court of Appeal which will pave the way for elections to be conducted within the shortest possible time. Minister of Sport Charles Ramson wants the process expedited in keeping with the legal framework.

In an invited comment, Stephney revealed to Chronicle Sport that Mr Singh is the right man for the job with a proven track record, vast administrative experience and his unwavering commitment towards restoring the rich legacy of Guyana’s cricket at all levels.

Stephney, who served as Chairman of Selectors and Cricket Development Officer

of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) further posited that a complete overhaul of the structure of the DCB is required following his opinion that certain sections of the cricket fraternity were overlooked and as a result players’ participation in national competitions was affected and their chances of represent-

ing the country were ruined.

He therefore is appealing to the constituent members to rally around the veteran official who is also the current president of the ECCB and a former vice-president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

Stephney further stated that

he worked closely with Singh who chaired the Cricket Development Committee of the GCB and described Singh as being a strong advocate for transformation and the implementation of several innovative ideas including advanced training of coaches and administrators, strategic and technical support

for Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), development of existing facilities and advancement of the welfare of players mentally and financially.

“Cricket is in crisis at the moment administratively and needs the urgent intervention of someone of the calibrre of Mr Singh to restore trans-

Bissoondyal Singh (at left) shares a proud moment with a group of young cricketers

parency, respectability and to reverse the spiral trend of mediocrity with the functioning of the system,” according to the all-rounder, who also referred to the ECB as a dead horse, given the current defunct state of the Board.

“There must be sweeping changes in Essequibo’s cricket as well, since it has become unacceptable to have someone at the helm who doesn’t even inspire an iota of confidence within his constituent, which is the Pomeroon Cricket Committee.

How can this person then lead the GCB? Stephney questioned. “I have tremendous respect and confidence in the ability of Mr Singh to look beyond the surface of his jurisdiction and to collaborate with other stakeholders for the advancement of the quality of cricket in all three counties without prejudice,” as he deemed Singh the most qualified individual for the top job of the DCB.

46

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

Street vendor to IPL - the cricketing fairy tale of India’s Jaiswal (AFP) - Teenage batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal sold street food and lived in tents to pursue his cricket dream, and now he is playing with top stars in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 18-year-old left-hand batsman scored 400 runs in six one-day matches for India at this year’s Under-19 World Cup, but it was his IPL deal with Rajasthan Royals that turned heads.

He was snapped up by the Steve Smith-led Royals for $338 000 in the December auctions of the world’s richest Twenty20 tournament, making him the most expensive of a new crop of youngsters.

Life, though, was not always easy for Jaiswal, who hails from a small town in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh but moved to Mumbai at the age of 11 to hone his skills.

“Initially finding a place to stay (in Mumbai) was

the hard part. I used to sleep in a dairy and then stayed at my uncle’s place but it wasn’t big enough and he asked me to find a different place,” Jaiswal told AFP from the United Arab Emirates, where this year’s IPL is being held.

“I then started to stay in a tent near Azad Maidan (a Mumbai sports ground) and would play cricket there during the day.

“I sold pani puri at night, to help earn some money for food,” he said, referring to a popular street snack.

Jaiswal also did some cricket scoring and worked fetching balls in club games to help finance his career.

His efforts started to pay off after he won a place in the Mumbai team and became the youngest batsman in the world, at 17 years and 292 days, to score a one-day double-century.

But it was an even bigger day in the life of the Jaiswal

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Rajasthan Royals captain Steve Smith is wary of fielding a rusty Ben Stokes in today’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad even though the inaugural champions badly need to revive their sagging Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign.

England all-rounder Stokes completes his sixday quarantine period on Saturday, after arriving in the United Arab Emirates from spending time with

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Sunday, October 11, 2020 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

Risabh Pant-24 dismissals : 18 catches; 6 stumping (Delhi Capitals, 2019) 229 – second wicket (V. Kohli & A. B. DeVillers (RCB, 2016)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) How many different franchises have contested IPL matches to date?

(2) Who is the first player to appear in 100 IPL games?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

family when the young batsman and useful leg-spinner was bought by the Royals for more than 12 times his base price of $27 000.

nought off Mumbai Indians quick Trent Boult.

DHONI RESPECT But Jaiswal, who greeted

India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal sold food on the streets while training to become a cricketer

The Royals fielded Jaiswal in their opening game against Chennai Super Kings, but the opener scored just six runs and in his second outing, he was out for

Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni with his hands folded together in prayer, a mark of respect, before the game in Sharjah, says sharing a dressing room with big

Smith wary of playing out-of-practice Stokes today England all-rounder Ben Stokes completed his six-day quarantine period on Saturday, after arriving in the UAE from spending time with his family in New Zealand (Photo: @rajasthanroyals/Twitter)

his family in New Zealand.

“Stokes hasn’t had a lot of practice,” Smith said after his team succumbed to their fourth successive defeat in Friday’s contest against table-toppers Delhi Capitals in Sharjah.

“He gets out of quarantine tomorrow, so we’ll see if he plays the day after tomorrow,” said the Aus-

tralian.

Rajasthan began their bid for a second IPL title with back-to-back victories before their campaign stuttered.

“Not playing good enough over the full 40 overs,” Smith said. “We are doing some good things in patches, but unfortunately not executing well under pressure.”

guns including Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Smith is a tremendous learning experience.

“It’s been great to talk to all the great players here.

I’ve been talking to everyone and picking up things that would help me improve my game,” said Jaiswal.

“It has been good to have the support of skipper Steve Smith. He’s been very helpful and has been open to anything I’ve asked him.

I’ve been trying to learn from his international experience.”

Jaiswal, who was player-of-the-tournament in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa, where India were runners-up, credits coach Jwala Singh for helping him through his tough times in Mumbai.

“I started practising there (Mumbai) but my father, who runs a paint shop, said, ‘Let’s go back home’, but I wanted to stay on,” said Jaiswal.

“One day after my practice I met coach Jwala and he offered to help me with my accommodation and work on my game and fitness. It helped me as a player.”

The young boy’s ambition struck a chord with Singh, who played state cricket himself but had to give up because of a lack of money and guidance.

“I saw in Yashasvi a younger me and thought God is giving me another chance to play well in my second innings of life,” Singh told AFP. “I always believed he would play cricket at the highest level.”

As for what the future holds, Jaiswal - who, like many young Indians, idolises record-breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar - will take it as it comes.

“My focus is to work on things I can control and not worry too much about the future.”

Cricket Administration Act, facilities take priority in BCB/Minister Ramson meeting MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, told Chronicle Sport yesterday that he had a fruitful meeting with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), where facilities in the Ancient County and the Cricket Administration Act took precedence for much of the discussion.

Ramson, who, along with other members of his ministry visited several communities in Region Six on Friday, told Chronicle Sport that an amendment to the BCB constitution as well as plans to convert the Albion Sports Complex into a multipurpose facility was also shared.

According to Ramson, concerns were raised with regard to the accessibility to the proposed facilities, to which he assured that an agreement will be brokered with the management of the various facilities to ensure that they can be utilised by the people of the community.

Funding of tournaments, hiring of full-time coaches to Berbice cricket and the procurement of grass-cutters to help with ground maintenance were also discussed.

Ramson also participated in the launch of the Board’s school bag project for young cricketers in the county.

Six cricketers from Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Albion and Rose Hall Canje received school bags from BCB under the project.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 11, 2020

47

Hockey board optimistic following meeting with Sport Minister Ramson

Kohli’s unbeaten 90 helps RCB beat CSK by 37 runs VIRAT Kohli led from the front as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 37 runs to win the 25th Match of the Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 yesterday.

After electing to bat, RCB lost Aaron Finch in the third over after Deepak Chahar disturbed the timber. However, Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal denied CSK any immediate success, putting

Minister of Sport Charles Ramson engages GHB executives during a PowerPoint presentation at their meeting last week (Photo compliment: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport)

PRESIDENT of Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), Philip Fernandes is optimistic that a close working relationship with government will be achieved after he, along with vice-president Robert Fernandes and secretary Tricia Fiedtkou met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. According to Fernandes, in a report that was first published by the State-owned NCN, GHB was encouraged by the minister’s outlook and his portrayal of the way forward for sports in Guyana at their meeting which was held at the National Racquet Centre last week.

“There was a lot of conviction in his voice on the way he wanted the different disciplines to construct their programmes and how sports could be developed. He mentioned the sports policy which has been a long burning issue on the table and he seems to have it completed and the involvement of all stakeholders,” Fernandes said.

It was the first meeting with the GHB. Minister Ramson is on his second meeting with the various sports organisations in Guyana.

Fernandes said that the GHB was able to share with the Minister of Sport their plans for developing an International Hockey facility on the land at D’Urban Park, where they would’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the APNU+AFC administration.

“We shared that MOU with the minister since it was in place before he took office and therefore he will look over the MOU and together we will plan a way forward as far as how it is going to be developed and what it will eventually become,” the long-serving GHB head highlighted.

The spreading of sports through the school programme was also discussed along with the use of the existing indoor facilities (Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and National Gymnasium) which are known for indoor hockey over the years.

Mayor’s Cup Inter-Ward tourney to return in January GEORGETOWN Mayor 32-team football tournato mark the return of the held for a number of years sors, Hamilton Green.

A release from the Maymittee which is headed by coach Lennox Arthur said nament will feature teams Coast and East Bank DeDemerara.

Organisers said the tourmaking and would have with the celebration of Maytober 12), as it did with the town. Unfortunately, the forced the competition to However, the Mayor’ tee takes this opportunity to Mayor Ubraj Narine

Ubraj Narine will host a ment in January (2021) ‘Mayor’s Cup’ which was under one of his predeces-

His Worship The Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine

or’s Cup Organising Comformer National player and the Inter-Ward-type tourfrom Georgetown, East merara, Berbice and West nament was long in the been just in time to coincide or Narine’s birthday (Ocprevious Mayor of Georgeadvent of the coronavirus be rescheduled.

Cup Organising Committo extend congratulations on his special day.

up a 53-run stand for the second wicket.

CSK then struck twice in the 11th over as Shardul Thakur got Devdutt Padikkal and AB de Villiers out in the space of a run. While the left-hander was caught at mid-off, ABD edged one to MS Dhoni.

While Washington Sundar, promoted to bat ahead of Shivam Dube, added 26 runs with Kohli, Sam Curran cut short the partnership, dismissing the left-hander in the 15th over.

(Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 1694 (Virat Kohli 90*, Devdutt Padikkal 33; Shardul Thakur 2-40) beat Chennai Super Kings 132-6 (Ambati Rayudu 42, N Jagadeesan 33; Chris Morris 3-19) by 37 runs) RCB were 93-4 when Washington Sundar was dismissed and needed their skipper to fire and like he had done so many times in the past.

Kohli did.

RCB were 103-4 at the end of the 16th over and went on to score 66 runs in the last four.

Kohli brought up his second fifty from the last three matches in the 17th over, with RCB closing in on 120.

The next three overs saw RCB score 49 runs, with Kohli scoring 37 of those runs. The 18th over saw RCB score 24 runs, hitting three sixes off Sam Curran. While Kohli creamed two sixes, Shivam Dube cleared the ropes for a maximum.

The RCB skipper added one more six to his tally after taking on Thakur on the first ball of the penultimate over.

RCB also crossed 150-run mark in the same over. While Kohli remained unbeaten on 90 off 52 balls, RCB posted

169-4 on the board.

Defending 169, RCB kept things tight to begin the proceedings as Chris Morris, Navdeep Saini and Isuru Udana conceded only 13 runs in the first three overs and it helped RCB get their first wicket as Faf du Plessis went aerial and was caught in the deep in the fourth over bowled by Washington Sundar.

The young off-spinner struck in the final over of the powerplay as he dismissed Shane Waston as CSK ended the powerp l a y,

Skipper Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 90 off 52 balls as Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Chennai Super Kings

with 26-2.

While debutant N Jagadeesan and Ambati Rayudu added 54 runs together, RCB did not let CSK score at a brisk pace, building the pressure. The partnership was broken when the former was run-out for 33.

Although Dhoni slammed a six on the third ball he faced, RCB managed to pick up three wickets in the space of 7 runs.

Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Dhoni for 10 after Gurkeerat Singh Mann held onto a catch at long-off.

CSK then lost Sam Curran and Ambati Rayudu in the next two overs. While Curran was caught by ABD on Morris’ bowling, Udana hit the woodwork to end Rayudu’s 42-run innings.

CSK needed 53 runs in the last two overs and RCB conceded not more than 15 runs to seal a 37-run win to register their fourth win of the season. (IPL)

SEE PAGE 43 Poland’s Iga Swiatek lifts the French Open title after defeating Sofia Kenin (US) at Roland Garros, in Paris yesterday (Photo Credit: Clive Brunskill)

Cricket Administration Act, GFF Referees Recruitment facilities take priority in Campaign takes aim BCB/Minister Ramson meeting at Coomacka

SEE PAGE 43

SEE PAGE 46 Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson with executives of the Berbice Cricket Board (Photo compliments: BCB) SEE PAGE 46

GFF president Wayne Forde (2nd right) hands over a promotional poster to Coomacka United FC president Renison Rawlins in the presence of Abdullah Hamid

Street vendor to IPL ― the cricketing fairy tale of India’s Jaiswal

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020