Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-28-2020

WEDNESDAY 28th October, 2020

' No.106166

Ramsaroop: Border areas best suited for free zones

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Help for Buxton farmers

–– to benefit from D&I, other agri. projects

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, distributing a number of seeds to farmers during his visit to Buxton, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday

Dubai eyes investment in Guyana 05 PAGE

No ‘one size fits all’ for school 09 reopening PAGE

Abel Seetaram ‘walks’ from AFC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Investment prospectus for Agri. sector being developed

Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop (second right) and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha (third right) with members of their respective teams

GUYANA Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, met with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, to discuss marketing and promoting potential areas for investment in the agriculture sector to both local and foreign investors.

During the meeting, Dr. Ramsaroop said Go-Invest is working on developing a national investment prospectus as a means of providing background information to potential investors.

“Investors would come in and show an interest in

agriculture and ask what is available to them. You spoke about plantation agriculture, contract farming and the cattle industry. We’ve had people come in and say that they want to do a dairy plant but they don’t know what is available. So, it’s a reactive mechanism. We’re trying to figure out how to match investors with these projects. If the ministry is able to map out which part of the country you want certain things then we will develop an investment prospectus,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.

Dr. Ramsaroop also said that with government’s de-

cision to remove the value-added tax (VAT) from agricultural machinery, electricity, water and other agricultural inputs, local and foreign investors have already signalled their interest in several areas.

Minister Mustapha said the ministry is prepared to work along with Go-Invest to ensure investors have the necessary resources when exploring investment opportunities in Guyana.

“This meeting is timely because since taking office, I’ve adapted a proactive approach to doing things. Investors shouldn’t have to come to Guyana to ask what is there. We need to take the initiative to do the ground work to ensure the information is there. If we want to be serious about making Guyana conducive to investments

then these are the steps we have to take. We will provide your office with a document, detailing the possible areas for investments in the agriculture sector in the various regions before the end of the week,” Minister Mustapha said.

The CEO indicated that Go-Invest will be producing an investment profile for the agriculture sector that will include areas for investments, as well as proposed locations for the projects and the available tax concessions, among other things. The document will be used to market and promote investment opportunities in Guyana, regionally and internationally. The document will also be used to target investors both locally and internationally.

Mohabir appointed Editor-in-Chief of Guyana Chronicle THE Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), chaired by Dr. Yog Mahadeo, has appointed Tajeram Mohabir as Editor-in-Chief, as part of a restructuring process to restore professionalism and raise the standards of reporting at the Guyana Chronicle.

Mohabir received formal training in journalism at the University of Guyana and is also the holder of a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Bedfordshire, UK. An outstanding journalist with more than a dozen awards celebrating excellence in journalism, he served as News Editor at the Guyana Chronicle, under the Coalition Government, until his resignation in protest of the yellow journalism from the newspaper, following events after the March 2 Regional and General Elections to the eventual declaration of the results.

During his time as News Editor, he served as mentor to the team of young reporters at the Chronicle, many of whom went on to become award-winning journalists.

Following the change of administration, Mohabir was invited to return to the Guyana Chronicle and serve as acting Editor-in-Chief until the last board meeting where he was appointed substantively to the post, based on his performance.

The board at their last

Editor-in-Chief, Tajeram Mohabir

meeting had expressed satisfaction with the new direction of the Editorial Department and the return to professionalism in reporting at the Guyana Chronicle.

Former Editor-in-Chief, Nigel Williams, had left the Guyana Chronicle with the change of Government on August 2, 2020.

The board also appointed Finance Manager, Moshanie Ramotar, as General Manager. Ramotar was acting as General Manager for the past few months.

In the restructuring of the Editorial Department of the Guyana Chronicle, several vacant positions have been advertised including that of Chief Reporter and Managing Editor.

The restructuring is part of a wider plan to return professionalism and credibility to the newspaper.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Guyana takes up G77 chairmanship at significant time –– says Rodrigues-Birkett, flagship event slated for Thursday

GUYANA, as chair of the largest negotiating group of developing countries in the United Nations, the Group of 77 (G77) and China, has committed to strengthening multilateralism for the benefit of all developing countries.

This includes presiding over global sustainable development and climate change negotiations, and efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation.

Guyana was elected in November 2019 to the chairmanship, demonstrating the group’s strong support and confidence in Guyana.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said Guyana has taken up the chairmanship of the G77 at a significant time.

“We assumed the chairmanship in a very important year… it is the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

It is also the year that begins the Decade of Delivery on Sustainable Development; it is also the year, where we have seen quite a bit of push back on multilateralism, and, added to that, we have the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rodrigues-Birkett pointed out.

On Thursday, Guyana will host its virtual flagship event on the occasion of its chairmanship of this major group, under the theme, “Maintaining a Low Carbon Development Path towards the 2030 Agenda in the Era of COVID-19.”

This event aims to bring together ministerial and expert level representatives from the membership of the Group of 77 and China to achieve several objectives.

These objectives are: to provide a space for awareness, partnership building, knowledge sharing and lesson learning among the G-77 and China membership on climate action amidst the COVID-19 crisis, while recovering towards the 2030 Agenda; to reinforce the Group of 77’s position on key issues in the Climate Change discussion including climate finance and ecosystems-based approaches, while also contributing to maximising SDG co-benefits; and to produce a Presidential Communique that highlights the main concerns and actions of the group.

Given the existential threats posed by climate change, there is no room for delayed actions or reneging on commitments in this regard. It is against this background that the event will be hosted.

The Government of Guyana has noted the need for Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement to maintain the importance of the climate crisis, in all actions and at all levels.

VULNERABILITIES The Government said the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of health and social systems, the fragility

President Irfaan Ali

of economies, the unsustainability of relationship with nature, and the gaping inequalities in the world. The poorest and most vulnerable have been the hardest hit, and face the most uncertain paths to recovery.

Decades of progress towards eradicating poverty and other deprivations stand to be reversed.

The virtual flagship event will also highlight the need for enhanced solidarity and greater systemic resilience, amid the COVID-19 pan-

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres

demic.

Rodrigues-Birkett further explained the importance of the event in pushing this agenda.

“What this event is going to do or is going to focus on is on maintaining a low carbon development path in the context of COVID, keeping our eyes on achieving the sustainable development agenda and this event is being held by us in our capacity as Chair of the G77 and China…What we are trying to do

here is remind the world that yes, we have the pandemic and yes we have to deal with the pandemic, but that should not put a low carbon development pathway to sustainable development on the back burner.”

The response to the pandemic, the Government posits, must now aim to build fairer and more inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies and economies. It should strive to realise the

transformations necessary to address the challenges related to climate change and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, together with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, represent the global roadmap for the recovery from COVID-19 and for an equitable and sustainable future. They must be at the heart of COVID-19 recovery plans.

“We must not forego to what we have committed to in the Paris Agreement, in several other agreements, in the Sustainable Development Goals, just because we have COVID now. In fact, we have to accelerate it even more so in light of the pandemic,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.

Among several other outcomes, the sessions to be hosted at the flagship event, seek to explore innovative ways in which the global financial architecture can improve access for developing countries, to maintain a climate-resilient development pathway in the context of the 2030 Agenda. The speakers at Thursday’s event will include President Irfaan Ali; United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres; Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.

Ramsaroop: Border areas best suited for free zones

By Navendra Seoraj

PROMOTING ‘local’ has been a mantra touted for years, and while there has been more rhetoric than action, movement on this front is expected soon, especially through the creation of free economic zones, which are likely to be placed at border areas.

Free economic zones are defined as a class of special economic zones designated by the trade and commerce administrations of various countries. The term is used to designate areas in which companies are taxed very lightly, or not at all, to encourage economic activity. The taxation rules are determined by each country.

“We are now piloting this, but there would need to be legislative changes for those things to happen… government has to decide on the tax regime for free zones… free zones are in

areas you want to develop, so they are definitely important,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Chronicle.

The impending bridge across the Corentyne River -- connecting Guyana and Suriname -- and the Linden to Lethem Road, will serve as a foundation for free economic zones, said Dr. Ramsaroop.

“Those are the areas where you look at free zones… also if you want to develop the West Bank [Demerara], Region One (Barima-Waini), you can open those areas as free zones, to give incentives for investors to go to that particular area,” said the CEO. Already, the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has announced the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on exports and other concessions/ measures to stimulate growth

in the private sector.

The Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration, within the space of two months, has sought to implement an array of policies and initiatives to foster development within the public and private sectors.

Dr. Ramsaroop said Government’s aim is to create a ‘flourishing’ business environment for current and new business ventures, and to also have a collaborative and consultative relationship with the private sector.

It was reported that creating such an environment would entail transformative investments such as a deep-water harbour, which will essentially close the infrastructural gap in the local economy.

A deep-water harbour is said to be a fixed or floating structure that is built at strategic points in a country to serve as a hub for the transport of goods.

CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop

COMPLEMENT This will also complement a “free zone” because it is known to be a major source of aiding in economic growth, as it links one country to several others. The port is useful in not only shipping items to that country cheaper, but serves as a gateway for other countries’ goods to pass through as well.

With major infrastructural projects expected soon, Dr. Ramsaroop said his office will be looking to pilot the creation of free zones with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

“We will look at it to see where those are best fitting and ultimately open those areas for future investments,” said the CEO. It was also reported that to allow for the ease of doing business, Government will create a single-window clearance system which will essentially reduce bureaucracy and cost of doing business in Guyana.

Trinidadian Economist, Dr. Roger Hosein had said: “Doing business in Guyana is way, way too difficult in terms of the international comparison or even in terms of the Caribbean comparison.”

Dr. Hosein said Guyana must do its “homework” on how to improve the ease of doing business here; if the

country is successful in this bid, greater private capital injection and foreign capital injection will be facilitated.

Although not responding directly to Dr. Hosein, Dr. Ramsaroop said Guyana will be reducing bureaucracy for the processing time for applications and other relevant paper work required for doing business in Guyana.

The CEO emphasised that Guyana is now officially an oil producing nation so the nation’s approach to development will be greatly enhanced.

Recent oil and gas discoveries have transformed, into a petroleum economy, a nation that was once heavily dependent on agriculture and mining. Guyana is now recognised as a premier frontier of crude oil exploration and production, while it continues to expand and build on its established industries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Help for Buxton farmers

FARMERS of Buxton will benefit from improved drainage and irrigation and a number of agriculture projects following a meeting with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday.

The meeting on Tuesday was a follow up of a meeting with representatives from the Buxton/ Friendship farmers group at his weekly ‘Farmers Open Day’ last Friday.

During the meeting on Tuesday, farmers raised a number of issues, most of which Minister Mustapha committed to having addressed within the coming week.

Farmers who cultivate farmlands in the backdams complained about the lack of drainage due to clogged canals and drains.

Chairman of the farmers group, Leroy Hamer, said that, in the past, the community was not able to benefit from drainage and irrigation services.

“We were not getting the corporation in terms of the maintenance of the water ways. The water level

is very low and that causes tremendous damage to our farms. The drainage systems need to be updated and maintained. We also need irrigation. When rain falls we are flooded out and when there is the dry season we have no water to water our crops.

We are farmers and if we are planting we have to get water for our crops,” Hamer said.

Minister Mustapha informed the gathering that a machine will be sent to the village to commence works on the canal in a matter of days.

“Driving into this meeting, it was clear that you need drainage. The CEO of NDIA is here and I’ve asked him to send an engineer to meet with the members of the farmers’ and community groups tomorrow. I am making a commitment to have a machine from the NDIA sent here permanently until the works have been completed,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also said that other small drainage projects will be done and those works will be given to the members of the com-

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 -- 03:00 & 14:30 HRS

grass cutters and cutlasses.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha engaging a farmer who just brought some produce from his farm in the backdam

munity.

EMPLOYMENT FOR RESIDENTS “We will give contracts to persons in the community to do the manual cleaning so that employment can be in the community and revenue can be circulated. You the beneficiaries will have to sign off on the works before payments are made. If you are not pleased with the way the works are done we will hold off on making payments until you are satisfied,” minister said Curt Adams, a resident of the village, also raised issues of the lack of employment for young people in the village.

“The young people in this community don't have

jobs. We tried teaching the young people to farm but they cannot farm the way we farm. It is frustrating to know that they are willing to work but if we do not put systems in place, the young people would not have anything to do. There needs to be money in the system for the young people. I am a young man with a family too and it is frustrating. If I tell my son I want him to farm and he isn't seeing any benefit coming out of farming he is going to run,” Mr. Adams said.

Residents also raised issues about the need for proper roads to access their farms.

Minister Mustapha informed the residents that, given the fact that government is operating with an emergency budget, it would

not be able to carry out all the major works needed in the community this year.

“My officers are here making notes and they will provide me with a detailed report after they come and meet with you tomorrow. We will try to have some work done to the access dam but with the limited resources available, some of the major projects will have to wait until 2021. I will speak to the Minister of Public Works so that he can visit you and have a team come to assess what works can be done to your streets now because I can see that there needs to be some amount of work done to these streets. In terms of jobs, one of targets in our manifesto is to create 50,000 jobs. Rest assured, residents of Buxton will benefit from those jobs. If a government cannot provide employment for the young people, crime will progress and that is not the vision of the government.”

Minister Mustapha said.

A number of persons expressed their interest in getting into farming, but sought the assistance of the minister with providing basic farming tools such as power saws,

ONGOING PROJECT MoA Chief Technical Officer, George Jervis, informed the group that the ministry currently has a project ongoing that should see persons benefitting from tools and other small agriculture equipment.

“Once approval is given for us to execute that aspect, we will be able to assist you with tools to be equitably distributed within the community. I don’t think that we will be able to come and give each person a machine in their hands so we will make the donation to the group so that all farmers can have access to them,” Jervis said.

The subject minister also took the time to encourage farmers to move away from subsistence farming.

“We have to do agriculture in a different way.

NAREI will be commencing a Smart Agriculture Project where they will be making shadehouse materials available to farmers at a cost price. The revenues from this will be put into a revolving fund so that materials can always be available. We are also looking to secure more markets for your produce.

I won’t encourage you to increase your production without working to ensure you have markets. Over the next few months, we will be revamping a number of agencies, including the Guyana Marketing Corporation to ensure they place more emphasis on finding markets, both locally and in the Caribbean for your produce,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also distributed a number of seeds to farmers as part of the recommenced seed distribution initiative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Women injured by falling Dubai eyes investment in Guyana tree seek assistance –– three discharged from hospital

THE eight women who were injured by a falling tree at the Success squatting area on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are pleading with the authorities to provide some assistance to them and their families.

One of the injured women, who has since been discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and returned to Success, highlighted that since the lands were waterlogged, she had been residing in a tent on the front dam.

“We went under the tent and as we hear the crack on the tree, we ain’t had no time to move. It fall down right away on we,” the woman, who did not provide her name, recollected. She sustained minor injuries and was recently discharged from the hospital with two other women.

The three women have returned to the Success squatting area and have been residing in a makeshift structure put together by residents to ensure that they have a bit of comfort.

However, they are requesting that some assistance be provid-

One of the injured women back at the Success squatting area

ed to them and their families.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the five women still in the hospital have more serious injuries; one woman is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

This newspaper understands that one of the injured women, Jamicia (only name given), a mother of four, has an injured spine and a broken shin; another, Dallyann, has a fractured jaw, a dislocated shoulder and a fractured ankle.

The other two women have

neck and back injuries.

Junior (only name given), a male squatter at Success, usually visits these injured women daily. He highlighted that they are in great pain, and they too, are pleading for any assistance that can be provided to them.

According to reports received by this newspaper, at 14:10 hours on Friday, a huge tree, which is located on an east-west dam, collapsed on a group of squatters who were conversing nearby. Eight women were injured, including one who has since been in intensive care.

This dam is located at one of the entrances to the squatting area; an area that comprises canefields and belongs to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). At this entrance, there are a few makeshift structures where many squatters congregate daily. There are small shops located here as well. At the time of the incident, the Guyana Chronicle understands, some of the women were sitting and chatting.

REPRESENTATIVE from the Private Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Gaspar Lino, recently met with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, to discuss a number of investment opportunities for Guyana’s agriculture sector.

During the meeting, Lino expressed his country’s willingness to invest in the agriculture sector in a number of areas.

Minister Mustapha, while giving an update on the meeting, said the talks proved favourable and a detailed proposal of possible areas for investment will be submitted to the office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum soon.

“We were able to draft a preliminary list of areas for investments for Mr. Lino.

My office is currently in the process of compiling a detailed investment pack-

Gaspar Lino and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

age for him to take back to Dubai. As a government we understand the need for investments in all the sectors.

As we work to revitalise and resuscitate the agriculture sector, the ministry will be engaging a number of investors, both locally and internationally. There are a number incentives and investment opportunities available, and I can easily say that there

has been no better time to invest in Guyana,” Minister Mustapha said.

Some of the areas in the sector earmarked for investments are fertiliser production and assemblage, organic poultry rearing, coffee, cocoa, corn soya bean, spices and online agriculture and product development.

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TAJERAM MOHABIR

H

No humanity in some humans

EADLINES are screaming every day, in Guyana and right across the globe, of the atrocities being committed by humans against each other, with all the socio-economic, emotional, psychological consequences and detrimental impacts to families, communities, nations and the world at large, with no end in sight.

Rather, there appears to be an escalation of brutality within the human condition.

The media in Guyana reported last Monday, October 26, that a 19-year-old construction worker was murdered at Anna Catherina, on the West Coast Demerara, allegedly by another teenager.

Sanjay Hanoman, a construction worker of Fourth Street, Anna Cath-

erina, was, according to an eyewitness, chopped with a cutlass by another 19-yearold, who has since been arrested for the heinous crime. The incident was witnessed by a 17-year-old, said to be a friend of the victim. But what was even more reprehensible was that a teenager – someone’s son, grandson, brother, friend - was left for over an hour to bleed to death, because no-one wanted blood to mess up the seat of their vehicle.

The report stated: “The eyewitness quickly rushed to Hanoman’s assistance, where he observed blood pouring from the young man’s leg.”

According to the Guyana Police Force, the 17-year-old tried to get help for over an hour “… but was unable to do so by himself, since no

one else was willing to help transport [the victim] to the hospital.” And the atrocities continue. Another October 26 news headline read: “New Amsterdam student hospitalised after being stabbed by 41-year-old man.”

The report read, in part: “The Guyana Police Force said the student and his friend were standing on the road when the suspect passed by and jeered the teenager that his mother, who is a nurse, is infected with COVID-19.”

During the ensuing argument, the suspect stabbed the teenager with an ice-pick.

Another news item related that US citizen Hemwattie Abdulla, 43, called “Anita Nazeema Khan”, formerly of Albion, Corentyne and of Ozone Park, New York, USA, and her accomplice, Surojinie Permaul, 49, of

Belvedere New Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice, were on trial for the murder of Abdool Shakeel Majid, called “Shakiel”.

Majid, a citizen of the USA, was reportedly killed between April 23 and April 27, 2012 in Berbice. There was an arrangement that saw Seerujnie Permaul, called “Surojnie” and “Usha”, paying money to Pooran Jhadoo, at the request of Hemwattie Abdulla to kill Majid.

Permaul was lured with US$5000 to procure the services of her son-in-law to help commit the act.

Rohan Persaud, of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, has been charged with the murder of his friend, Ganesh Permaul, on September 17.

The alleged murderer is a father of three young

children. Presumably, the victim has also left family members to grieve. Last Sunday evening, 86-year-old Bibi Nasmonisha Ramjit was found dead, with her mouth gagged, in her La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home. Her house was reportedly ransacked, so she was apparently killed during the commissioning of a robbery.

On August 28, 2020, INews reported that three persons had been remanded to prison for the murder, committed sometime between August 16 to August 20, 2020, of 23-year-old Nicholas Ramkissoon Jaipaul, a Canadian national, who was holidaying with his 86-yr-old grandfather in Guyana, and was forced to remain in the country because of a coronavirus-enforced lockdown of airports.The report related

that Monasar Beharry, called “Brickhead”, the alleged mastermind behind the young man’s murder, had contracted the maid’s son and his friend in a vengeance killing, because of a land dispute with the victim’s grandfather.

Plato philosophised that a person can change to be a better person if he changes his whole soul towards the light.

However, unless and until this phenomenon affects and enlightens the entire human family, these tragic episodes will continue to darken the existence of Mankind on Planet Earth. Would it take another flood, as in Noah’s era, to obliterate the evil in the world, so that coming generations may survive in a world devoid of strife and human conflict?

Lack of basic financial literacy, common sense and rationality can be detrimental to a society Dear editor, RECENTLY on a Globespan Forum, the thematic discussion was centered on “Diaspora Engagement and Participation”, where the Foreign Secretary was an invited speaker at the said forum. To this end, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation under the new regime has embarked upon a renewed and aggressive approach to engage the Guyanese Diaspora to be part of, and, advance Guyana’s long-term national development – in a comprehensive fashion. In so doing, the ministry is currently crafting a Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Plan of Action with support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM),

which will be launched in December, 2020.

The Globespan forum was intended to discuss this strategy in a meaningful and constructive manner by engaging the Foreign Secretary, who is leading this effort, but instead, the moderator went a bit off tangent and sought to ambush the Foreign Secretary on the Canjie Oil Block and went on to reference a series of propagandic articles published in the Kaieteur News on a daily basis. It would appear that this media house is on an aggressive campaign solely motivated to remain the number one best-selling newspaper in the country – which will only serve to enrich the publisher (s) and/or owner (s).

If one were to review the recording of the discussion on Globespan, one would ob-

serve that the Foreign Secretary offered pellucid responses to the questions posed, though they were irrelevant to the thematic discussion on the programme. Yet, the moderator went on to push what seemed to be a preplanned agenda for whatever reason.

Now, let’s cut to the chase and address an important dimension of the campaign being peddled on a daily basis by the said media house – that is, Guyana has billions of (US dollars) in oil resources which it implies that the people of Guyana are being deprived.

In this regard, and as far as the campaign that the media house is driving is concerned, I would personally be happy to lobby to the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to give to the owner

of that media house an oil block. This will allow the media house owner as a local investor to take his own money and raise more capital if necessary; so as to invest in and to extract the resources worth billions offshore and distribute to the people of Guyana – a better deal as the case may be.

Let us understand the nature, the magnitude and the risk factors of the investment offshore that everyone is getting excited about and somehow think oil is the saviour and Guyana will somehow become rich overnight. The Liza Phase One development alone is a US$5 billion capital investment. This sum is greater than Guyana’s GDP which is a mere US$4 billion or less. This means that if you take all the money available in the banking sec-

tor locally and all the money of the State combined, it would not be enough for this single investment which is just a fraction of the oil finds. Further, the investment recovery period for that sum at a production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day and at an average price of US$50 per barrel, would be about eight years at a discount rate of 20 per cent, and this is a best-case scenario. In a worse case scenario with oil price at US$35 per barrel and same production level, recovery period will be about 12 years – while noting that oil will no longer be sustainable below US$35 dollars.

The reality before us is such that Guyana found oil at a bad time when the global industry is changing – global demand for oil will crumble as climate change policies

and renewable energy are on the rise globally. Therefore, the global oil industry is rapidly coming to an end and the oil companies are well aware of this. It is for this reason; oil companies will not agree to any substantial changes in the oil contracts.

I have written more than two years ago that the life of Guyana’s oil industry will be 20 years and the oil companies and Guyana have a safe window of 10 years to milk the maximum benefit from the resource – after which, oil price will become extremely volatile.

Only now other international analysts like those for Bloomberg, for example, have recognised this and are now publishing similar analyses. Further, coupled See page 7

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Airport expansion must be delivered based on original contract GOVERNMENT is anticipating the completion and delivery of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project in accordance with the original contract, which was signed by a former People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), in 2011.

Government’s position was made known by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, in a statement on Monday, following a missive from CHEC, which highlighted the company’s intent to deliver this project in accordance with the terms outlined in a revised contract.

According to a press release from CHEC, the initial contract for the project, which was signed on November 11, 2011, for US$138 million between Guyana and CHEC, had a specific scope of works to be included in the price and officially started on January 16, 2013.

The contract established that the contractor’s submission of the price had certain conditions, and it excluded the handling of equipment and the removal of the existing terminal, among other things, and specifically established government’s responsibility to supply the equipment for eight bridges and

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

other handling equipment.

During the period January 2013 to May 2015, budget allocations for the project were not approved by Parliament, which prevented the contractor from executing the works as planned.

“Works restarted on the project in May 2015 but were halted when the new administration (APNU+AFC) requested a review of the project and notified the contractor to suspend construction during the review period,” said CHEC. After the review period ended, both parties agreed to the revised terms, which considered the government’s budget, changes, and claims to the project prior to 2015.

The revised scope of work replaced the new terminal building, parking aprons, and eight boarding bridges

– to be supplied by government - with a renovation of and new construction area in the existing terminal building, parking aprons and four boarding bridges, two of which were to be supplied by the contractor and the two by the employer.

Although CHEC said it will work along with government to deliver this project based on the revised scope of works, Minister Edghill, in his statement, said: “For the record, I welcome that public position and look forward for the delivery of the original contract that envisages the 17,000 square meters of new facilities (terminal buildings, an extend runway, taxiways, and aprons with capacity for eight standing aircraft with facilities for eight air bridges…

We look forward to a functional modern airport.”

The company said by the end of 2019, the project was 97 per cent complete. But the General and Regional Elections of 2020, coupled with the global novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, forced CHEC to significantly reduce its workforce, which again affected the project’s completion.

Following the declaration of the elections result in August this year, President Irfaan Ali visited the project

Lack of basic financial ...

From page 6 with the COVID-19 pandemic, this will only exacerbate the already high uncertainties of the industry in the future. For those who are interested can read my analyses at the links below as I wish not to regurgitate these extensive pieces here: https://guyanatimesgy. com/the-changing-dynamics-of-global-oil-economicspart-3/ https://guyanatimesgy. com/oil-economics-changing-global-trends-demand-supply-dynamics/ https://guyanatimesgy. com/the-changing-dynamics-of-global-oil-economicspart-1/ https://guyanatimesgy. com/the-changing-dynamics-of-global-oil-economicspart-2/ Having said that, one would recognise that if the publisher of a certain media

house and a few so-called experts, who knows nothing about finance much less the economics of the industry; were to take their own savings in the bank and invest in oil companies offshore or buy their own companies, will they wait for eight – 12 years to collect dividend/ return on their investment?

More so, for an industry that is extremely volatile. Will they even invest in stocks for the long term? In fact, strictly speaking the US$5 billion investment offshore is not the people of Guyana money, it is investors’ money and students of finance would know that the greater the risk, higher the reward and the higher the risk premium. Of course, greater the loss if the risks manifest – which can sometimes be suicidal.

The purpose of this essay is in the interest of public debate and is for the people to understand the

realities of the oil industry globally – the specific context as put forward herein and that it is not an industry to be excited about or even to be upset about the oil contract. The focus needs to be diverted instead to stronger local content development, and, how to best invest the earnings from the industry and not how much we can earn per se; that really does not exist, but rather, is a superficial notion at best. Let’s focus, henceforth, on the bigger picture and don’t get distracted with trivial and trashy propaganda.

Yours faithfully, JC. Bhagwandin Principal Consultant JB Consultancy & Associates; and Lecturer, Texila American University, Business College

site and made several public observations and statements.

Glaring inefficiencies and shortcomings in the project had forced President Ali to say that Guyana will only accept work as was outlined in the original 2011 contract and will not accept the unsatisfactory work done so far.

“I am holding everyone

-- Minister Edghill responsible; the contractor, the consultant, the project management team… this is not acceptable for the Guyanese people. In this current position, it is very clear, from all that I have seen and heard, and from

all the questions asked, it is very clear that something is horribly wrong. The right decision at this moment is that we cannot accept this,” President Ali had said last month during an inspection of the works at the airport.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

APNU lawyer implicated in land scandal

–– police, SOCU to investigate transactions A LAWYER who is closely attached to the executive of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has reportedly received US$1M for state lands sold under questionable circumstances at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara.

According to documents seen by this publication, the land was sold to a company connected to the Oil and Gas Industry; however, the money did not go to the owner

but instead to the attorney.

This was also confirmed by documents from the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) on divestments of lands on East Bank Demerara.

In one of the deals, 15 acres of land was leased to a company for US$11,000 annually but that company sold the land to a Chinese national for GUY$100.

According to documents,

the same lawyer also drafted another agreement for 15 acres of land at Peter’s Hall for a company, Arken Group of Companies of Alberttown.

However, there is no public record of this company owning any assets, but the same company then sold the said plot of land to a Chinese national for GY$200M (US$1M).

That US$1M was deposited into the account of the lawyer.

According to Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, in a televised interview, Government is going ahead with its promised investigations into the giveaway of prime State lands during the APNU+AFC administration.

“If this is not wrong doing then I am not sure… I cannot imagine how a person can pay US$11,000 which by itself is a great undervalue for the land and… does not divest for more but for GY$100. Obviously, you have money laundering implications, you have fraud,” he said.

MONEY LAUNDERING AND FRAUD Nandlall said the police as well as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) will have to now step in since it appears that there are elements of money laundering and fraud associated with the transactions.

“Obviously, you have money laundering implications, you have fraud. So, this will be passed to the police and SOCU and we will get the legal advice and the investigation will begin…. This (transactions) is organised crime in my view and got elements of money laundering and fraud and corruption,” he posited.

He noted that some persons have already taken steps to relinquish their interest in lands obtained under questionable circumstances and the Government is prepared to work with them to obtain lands using a transparent process.

The AG noted that the process is one where the public is involved and the allocations are to be transparent and at fair prices.

“The companies must show that they would be able to deliver on the projects that they want the lands for. So,

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall

they have to have financial backings, they must do a feasibility of the project… so you have to have a project and it has to be properly examined and every person who qualify will get portions of land,” he noted.

PRACTICALLY GIVEN AWAY The Legal Affairs Minister disclosed that almost 50 acres of land were practically given away, through three different NICIL agreements on lands at Peter’s Hall under the previous administration.

The beneficiary, who is a People National Congress (PNC) official, was listed as the same lawyer on record for drafting of the three contracts.

“The money was paid into the account of the lawyer and it is the very lawyer who drafted these leases. Two payments totalling US$1M into a commercial bank with the lawyer’s name and his address,” Nandlall said.

Nandlall explained that, as Government continues with the review of all the land transactions, it is finding that the APNU+AFC flouted all processes used to lease or divest lands owned by the State.

He added that there was no public process whereby members of the public would have been invited to either express an interest or put in

a bid or make an offer to buy lands.

“There is no principle governing or evidence of any principle governing how the prices were determined.

There is no valuation certificate on record, there is no market value assessment done or at least there is no evidence of it anywhere. So, one does not know how a particular price was arrived at for these lands,” he explained.

The AG revealed that in instances where the lands were gifted away, the previous administration did not ask for any evidence of proposed projects to be executed on the lands, nor did it assess how the usage of the land will impact the economy and benefit the Guyanese people.

“In terms of purchase price, there appears to be no principles governing how much will be paid down and when the balance will be paid. Because you have lands that are valued $600M, that’s the purchase price – how they arrived at the purchase price remains a mystery – but $500,000 is paid down and possession is given to the purchaser. There are cases where not a single cent is paid down and title is granted to the purchasers. That is the extent of the whim, caprice and I daresay corruption that permeated these transactions,” he informed.

A total of 30 acres was leased, in 15-acre blocks, to two companies with both companies having identical leases for identical blocks of land at an identical rental fee of US$11,700 per year for an identical 20 years.

Ironically, both leases were signed on the same date – May 17, 2018. One of the companies has its address listed at EE Eccles, EBD while the other is listed at Grove Public Road, EBD.

Kwebana man chopped to death by relative POLICE are currently investigating the murder of 35-year-old Kamal Wilson, who was attacked by a cutlass-wielding relative on Monday.

The incident occurred at Kwebana Village, North West District.

According to reports, around 19:30 hours on the day in question, Wilson went to the back of his yard to check his generator.

While doing so, he saw his 23-year-old male relative walking towards him with a cutlass. The men reportedly never had any problems prior to the incident.

Using the said cutlass,

the man dealt Wilson several chops to his head, neck and shoulder.

Wilson screamed for help and ran into his house, locking the door behind him, while his attacker ran away.

Wilson’s father heard his cries for help and went to his aid.

On arrival, the man found his son lying on the floor with several chop wounds and covered in what appeared to be blood.

It is alleged that Wilson told his father what the suspect did to him, which resulted in a report being made at Acquero Police Station.

When police ranks visited the scene, Wilson was escorted to the Kumaka District Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and admitted.

However, he succumbed to his injuries about 23:16 hours that day.

Subsequently, ranks arrested the suspect and escorted him to Acquero Police Station, where he is currently assisting with the investigation.

Alleged murder weapon has not been recovered.

Wilson’s body is presently at Kumaka District Hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

No ‘one size fits all’ for school reopening

–– each school will fix its own timetable, says Manickchand WHEN schools are reopened for Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) students, the Ministry of Education (MoE) will not be implementing a universal plan, but will allow each school to create one that best suits its environment.

To this end, parents will be able to work out flexible arrangements with the teachers regarding how many days and how many hours per day, students will be required to attend classes in preparation for the 2021 examinations.

This was explained by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, on Tuesday, during a virtual meeting with parents of some of Region Four’s CXC students. On Monday, the ministry commenced the virtual meetings as a way of engaging parents in each education district one-on-one with regards to reopening school for students writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

The Minister said given that schools have varying numbers of CXC students – some have a small number while others have larger numbers- it would be impractical of the ministry to ask all schools to use the same plan.

“We don’t want for the MoE to do one size fits all.

We’re not saying at 8am ev-

eryone should come in; we’re saying to schools set your timetable. One school may want some students from 1pm to 5pm, or want students to come in on Saturdays. They may say some students come Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and other students come Tuesday, Thursday Saturday. We are leaving it up to the schools because we believe that they are responsible enough to set their schedules,” the Minister informed, as she responded to queries from the concerned parents.

The Minister explained that schools will be required to submit their respective proposed plans to the ministry, and in cases where a proper plan cannot be proposed the ministry will step in.

“We want to leave it up to the schools, but we will be in touch, and if they fail to give us a sensible plan we will step in. What we are doing essentially is helping schools to do a schedule, so that they can be guided because people may feel a little overwhelmed.

We are currently doing a draft guidance for when SBAs should be done [and] how they should be done,” the Minister related.

MoE during the week will also be meeting with its teachers. Once the consultation process is complete, the ministry will make a final decision on the way forward.

Schools in Guyana have

been closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching is being done virtually, but many parents are worried that their children will suffer learning loss. Many do not believe that the virtual learning is sufficient, particularly for those preparing do the regional examinations.

For some weeks now, teachers have been lobbying the ministry for permission to return to school so that they can conduct face-to-face teaching and properly assist students with their SchoolBased Assessments (SBAs) and Internal Assessments (IAs). The minister had confirmed that the ministry is actively considering the request.

On Monday, the ministry began the consultation with the teachers and parents from the Georgetown and Region Three education districts. On Tuesday, metings were held with stakeholders in Regions Four, Five, Six and Seven.

Regions One, Two, Eight, Nine and 10 have meetings scheduled for Wednesday.

During the meetings, the parents and teachers are given a chance to ask questions, suggest recommendations and share their thoughts and concerns about the matter at hand.

REASSURANCE Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hutson is also attending the meetings.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson

At Tuesday’s meeting with the parents of Region Four students, Dr. Hutson sought to reassure them that the ministry will be doing its part to keep students safe when they return to the classroom.

“We consider our parents as key stakeholders in the process of education delivery and we want parents to know that as a ministry we would do all that is necessary when school reopens. We have the children’s interest, their safety and security at heart,” Dr. Hutson conveyed.

He told the parents that

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

the ministry cannot do it alone and used the opportunity to call on them to play their part in helping to ensure the students remain safe.

“We look forward to having a grand reopening, eventually, and those students writing their exams, we trust that they will do well and move on to higher institution of learning. The world is not waiting on us and we have to put in place measures that will allow us to progress,” Dr. Hutson noted.

The CXC examinations are usually written in May/ June. Due to the COVID-19

pandemic it is uncertain when it would be written and what format the exams are likely to take for the 2021 sitting.

The council had administered a modified version for 2020 which included the exclusion of Paper Two. This led to a number of issues including many being awarded “ungraded” in a number of subjects and lower that projected results.

From all indications the examinations will be returned to its customary format, that is, Papers One, Two and Three, next year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Mystery fire guts bus loaded with vegetables

ESSEQUIBO businessman, Balaram Rajput is counting his losses after his minibus was gutted by a mysterious fire on Tuesday morning.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10:00 hours in front of the Imam Bacchus and Sons Supermarket, where the 73- year-old Affiance resident had parked his vehicle.

The businessman recalled that after parking his bus, he went into the supermarket to purchase masks and hand sanitisers, and that it was while exiting the building that he noticed smoke coming from

the vehicle, followed by a huge fire.

On seeing this, Rajput said he immediately raised an alarm, and workers attached to the supermarket immediately rendered assistance.

Tanks of water and extinguishers had to be used quell the raging flames.

The bus was fully loaded with vegetables and other edibles at the time of the fire.

The pensioner has been selling vegetables throughout the Essequibo Coast for more than 20 years. He usually retails fresh vegetables to residents by driving around

to various villages.

When asked what could have caused the sudden flames, Rajput said he is clueless, as he regularly maintains his vehicle. He estimated his loses to be in the vicinity of $500,000.

The businessman said he is thankful no one was injured, and expressed his gratitude to the supermarket’s staff for their efforts.

A report was made to the Anna Regina Fire Station, and fire officials have since launched an investigation.

Public-spirited citizens attempting to douse the flames

Miner shot after objecting to loud music POLICE are investigating an incident at Iyana Backdam, North West District, which has left a 35-year-old miner hospitalised with a gunshot injury to the leg.

Injured is Paul Bacchus of Moruca, North West District.

According to reports, the incident occurred on October 24, 2020 around 18:30 hours.

According to a police report, on the date and time in question, Bacchus went to a shop located at Iyana Backdam to make a call to

his relatives.

However, persons who were also at the shop imbibing were playing loud music which disturbed Bacchus during his phone call.

As a result of the disturbance, Bacchus asked the persons to lower the volume of the music so that he can continue his call. However, they refused and began verbally abusing him. “According to the victim, he then left the shop and went to urinate and whilst doing so he heard a loud ex-

plosion which sounded like a gun shot and attempted to run but found it difficult to do so and then realized that he had been injured to his right thigh after which he collapsed and lost consciousness� the police said.

A flight was chartered to take him to seek medical attention at a hospital, where he is presently under guard. The police noted that the investigation is ongoing.

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Chase-Green votes against APNU colleague FORMER Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, in an unprecedented move on Monday, opted to vote against her colleague, Heston Bostwick, in a motion he took to the horse-shoe table to defy the decision of the Local Government Commission (LGC) on a vacancy-related issue.

Ever since she joined the City Council in 1992, Chase-Green has never once voted against her colleagues, but she could not hold back earlier this week when the Council met for its fortnightly statutory meeting.

She said no to the motion that was brought by her fellow ‘A Partnership for National Unity’ (APNU) Councillors Bostwick, and Clayton Hinds who seconded it, on the basis of it being illegally tabled.

But Bostwick felt strongly about the need to go ahead with the motion even as the town clerk advised him that it was not properly before the Council. According to the laws governing the municipality, he needed to provide a 96-hour notice of the motion.

In an invited comment on the issue, Bostwick ex-

APNU Councillor, Heston Bostwick

Former Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green

plained to this publication that the LGC had directed the City Council to fill six vacancies, after which a committee was set up for this purpose.

The process followed all of the guidelines that were set by the LGC. After the six persons were selected by the Coun-

Two pensioners die from COVID-19 THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed two lives within the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 121.

Authorities have identified those persons as being an 81-year-old female and an 82-year-old male, both from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that those persons died while receiving treatment in the Georgetown Public Hospi-

tal Corporation’s (GPHC’s) COVID-19 ICU. The Ministry of Health has expressed condolences to the families of those victims and pledged to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time. Health authorities have so far tested 18,685 persons, with 14,624 being negative and 4,061 positive.

Some 35 of those positive cases were recorded within the past 24 hours. And while 3,030 persons have recovered

from this scourge, there are still 911 active cases. Of those active cases, 88 persons are in institutional isolation, 814 in home isolation, and nine in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Considering the rising number of cases, persons are being encouraged to take extra precaution, because there is no approved cure or specific treatment as yet for the disease. Guyanese are also reminded to observe the protocols established in

the COVID-19 emergency measures.

Anyone who displays any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, can contact the COVID-19 Emergency numbers: 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately, or visit the ministry’s website at www.health.gov. gy.

cil based on a scoring point system that was in place, the LGC wrote saying it did not agree with the selection.

Bostwick, though, feels that it is the Council that has the final say, as it is supposed to operate as an independent body.

“They should’ve accepted it as a notification,” expressed Bostwick, adding, “That’s dictatorship.

You gave us the greenlight and upon completion, you want to embarrass us. And they did not give us any reasons for disapproving the individuals we selected.”

Bostwick’s motion, which received the support of 15 councillors, also called on the Human Resource Manager to disregard the LGC direction and proceed with sending the selected individuals appointment letters as of November 1.

Four People’s Progressive Party (PPP) councillors, along with Chase-Green, voted against the motion, and APNU’s Trichria Richards abstained.

But Bostwick said as an experienced person in the

political arena, the move by his colleagues did not surprise him. “You should never fool yourself into believing that you’ll always have one hundred percent support. You just have to ensure you have the majority on your side, and that tells you that great minds think alike.”

Bostwick maintained that the LGC’s letter reeks of unprofessionalism and said he is opposed to having officers in ‘acting’ roles when the law provides for them to be appointed to substantive positions.

Chase-Green, though, said her refusal to support the motion was because it was badly placed before the Council and did not even enjoy a proper debate.

“How could I vote on a motion that was illegally put before the house? But it seemed like they already had everything planned. But I voted on an issue I knew was wrong,” Chase-Green said.

She noted that as soon as PPP/C’s Dimitri Ali began speaking against the motion, the Mayor cut him off from speaking.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Abel Seetaram resigns from AFC

ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) member and former Region Five Councillor, Abel Seetaram, on Monday, resigned from the party with immediate effect.

In a letter to AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, seen by this publication, Seetaram said his decision to part ways with the AFC is a heavy-hearted one that happened after serious consideration of several matters, one which included the party’s inability to make its own

decisions since joining the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in 2015.

For five years under the coalition umbrella, Seetaram said the AFC leadership allowed the PNC to make all the decisions in local and national governance.

“For five years we the members had to keep our mouths shut and allow the AFC failed leadership to handle matters which were of importance and they were all overcome by the APNU/PNC

leadership. For five years the AFC leadership allows the APNU/PNC to do what they want without voicing their concerns. For five years the AFC leadership had failed to address several matters raised by its members concerning the overcoming and overpowered by the APNU/ PNC,” he stated in the letter to Ramjattan.

Noting that the AFC leadership did not stand up for its members’ rights when they were being abused by PNC

officials. He said decisions to close sugar estates with immediate effect, increase land and drainage rental on farmers were all supported by the AFC in Cabinet.

“We all have a heart, we have a conscience and like me, many of my AFC brothers and sisters were feeling the pain and were eaten from inside with what was going on and we can’t say anything.

Well, I said what I had to and faced what I had to,” he said, pertaining to many other Resigned: Abel Seetaram

abuses he listed.

The former AFC official noted that the party lost its political will after five years because the leadership had failed and continue to fail the party because of self-centred motives and agendas.

“The AFC I join since its formation is no more. The PNC swallows the AFC. The AFC cannot stand anymore to represent its members nevertheless the public. It's my firm belief that the AFC has lost its footage and strength to continue in the political arena and the leadership seems to be sucking up to

everything that the PNC wants,” Seetaram stated.

He continued: “Everyone in this world makes mistakes and I am no exception but I believe that this decision to leave the AFC at this time is one of the best because the AFC fails its members since joining the coalition and continues to do so.”

He told Ramjattan in the letter that AFC members were muzzled for five long years by the PNC and it is about time to breathe and speak of the things many experienced because of the failed daily leadership.

“Over the years I also spoke up and out as to what was happening in the AFC regionally here in Region Five. To date, none of the matters raised as to regional elections have ever been addressed but simply dressed up to fit a few. I know I will be attacked by some of the national and regional leaders and members of this party, but I say to you let those without sin cast the first stone,” he stated in his resignation letter.

Man admits to motorcycle theft -offers to compensate victim TRAVIS HUBERT, on Monday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court accused of stealing a motorcycle.

When the simple larceny charge was read to him

by Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, he entered a guilty plea, noting that he was willing to compensate the virtual complainant.

The allegation is that on October 23, 2020, at Broad and Lombard Streets, Charlestown, he stole one Black 125cc Honda Motorcycle, CK 6153, valued at $160,000, property of Ryan Lewis.

According to the facts, Lewis and the accused are strangers to each other.

Lewis works at Laparkan Shipping Company. On the day in question, on his arrival at work, Lewis secured the motorcycle with his keys and left it parked in the parking lot of the

compound.

Hubert went into the said compound and stole the motorcycle and made good his escape. Later that day, at Cemetery Road, East Ruimveldt, Hubert was found on the motorcycle. He was apprehended.

While under arrest, Hubert reportedly admitted to the offence. Subsequently, he was placed into custody.

Hubert told Magistrate Isaacs - Marcus that he would compensate Lewis by paying him a sum of money. However, Lewis requested that Hubert repair his motorcycle.

Magistrate Isaacs Marcus changed Hubert's plea to not guilty and placed him on $50,000 bail.

The matter was adjourned to November 9.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

GTT’s Pinktober Fund secures 1000 cancer screening kits

–– Linden Cancer Society the first to be gifted SOME 1000 cervical cancer screening kits were secured through GTT’s Pinktober Fund to facilitate early detection, and the Linden Cancer Society is the first to benefit from the company’s donation.

“To meet a societal need, 1000 pap smear kits were purchased to assist with early screening in Guyana. The Linden Cancer Society will be immediately benefitting from 125 of those screening kits,” reported GTT’s Pinktober Coordinator, Diana Gittens.

Dr. Salome Henry, President of the Linden Cancer Society, expressed gratitude for the timely healthcare donation.

“We welcome this donation. Although COVID-19 has affected how we interact, people have been asking about when we would start screening again. Cervical cancer screening helps us to detect changes of the cervix, a possible sign of Cancer,” Dr. Henry said.

“These changes will not wait for COVID-19 to be over, so, having access to tests will help to ease the fears of these women. We are glad that we have this donation of kits so we can continue our work in the community,” she added.

Recognising that screening during a pandemic requires heightened safety measures, GTT also provided

the society with hygienic care packages. “We understand the risks associated with screening during this pandemic; this is why we have also added hygienic care packages to our gift of kits,” Gittens explained.

According to a release, GTT has plans to distribute more pap smear tests to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to benefit women across Guyana, recognising that we are in the fight against cancer, together.

GTT’s Pinktober drive comes to an end on October 31, and individuals and companies are invited to help touch a life by purchasing Pinktober bottles from any GTT retail store,

GTT representative, Ms. Avril Bacchus (right) presenting President and Secretary of the Linden Cancer Society, Dr. Salome Henry and Ms. Dawn Bagot respectively with pap smear kits and hygienic packages

or Online, and by making a donation through mmg+, using code 07693.

All proceeds raised will go directly towards the Fund to help support initiatives

such as the purchase and distribution of cancer screening kits.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Glasgow residents feel neglected

–– complain about poor roads, drainage woes –– Min. Dharamlall to intervene

Residents of Glasgow New Housing Scheme in Greater New Amsterdam, East Bank Berbice during the meeting with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall on Sunday

RESIDENTS of Glasgow New Housing Scheme, in Greater New Amsterdam, East Bank Berbice, have

complained bitterly about the state of their community, including the deplorable condition of the roads and

issues with drainage and irrigation.

The residents complained of being neglected, even

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall (centre); Regional Chairman David Armogan (left); and Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud listen to the concerns of residents during the meeting

though they have paid millions of dollars over the years in rates and taxes. George Cadogan, a resident, during a meeting with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall on Sunday, said: “As it relates to the developmental aspect of the scheme, we are neglected. When you traverse in this scheme, you can see the deplorable roads.

This ground was neglected; filled with bushes. The youths and the residents need to use it.

“As for drainage in this area, while we are under the Municipality, we are clearly neglected. The Council does nothing; just collect rates and taxes. We are asking that systems are put in place, so that Glasgow Housing Scheme can develop in a proper way.

We want to see progress in this community; we don’t want to be left behind.”

In response, Minister Dharamlall committed to providing the resources to immediately fix the drainage and irrigation woes in the

community. Additionally, the need for a recreational facility was highlighted, and Minister Dharamlall instructed the regional officials present to make preparations so work can begin to clear the field, and fill and level the ground. Plans are also being made to prepare the pitch of the community play-field.

Minister Dharamlall noted that the ground is important for the youths and residents alike, as they engage in sports and exercise.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

COVID cash grant distribution reaches Essequibo –– 15, 0000 households to benefit RESIDENTS living in Region Two villages such as Pomona, Annandale, Three Friends, Evergreen, and Somerset and Berks are the latest beneficiaries of Government’s COVID-19 cash-grant initiative.

A team consisting of staff members of the Region Two Administration commenced the distribution of $25,000 to households early Monday morning.

Regional Executive Offi-

Pomeroon riverine areas. The team visiting households will ensure that the distribution process is transparent and accountable. Residents will be able to identify members of the team via the badges they will be wearing; team members will also be accompanied by security officers.

Coordinator for the COVID-19 relief cash grant, Iqbaul Khan said 15,000 households in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region are ex-

An Essequibo resident receiving her cash grant

cer (REO), Devanand Ramdatt explained that the process has been smooth thus far, and residents from other communities can expect to see the team before the end of the week. He said that currently, the team is working in different villages, and he called on residents to cooperate and be honest during the process.

“This grant is to help with the negative effects of COVID-19. We from the regional level are trying our best so that the grant can be distributed in the shortest possible time… The cash will be given to the head of the household,” Ramdatt explained.

For those who have more than one family unit in their household, a pink form will be completed, and the team will revisit the home at a later date.

Further, Ramdatt said that an itinerary will be made available as a way of guiding residents, especially in the

pected to benefit from the initiative. He said he looks forward to working with the team towards the successful completion of the distribution exercise.

One recipient, Lall Persaud, a resident of Three Friends village, said that the team visited his home early on Monday morning, and the process was very short. He expressed his gratitude for having received the grant, and said he will use it to purchase groceries.

Region Two, over the last few weeks, has managed to keep the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases down. Currently, the region has approximately 10 active cases out of 63 confirmed cases. There are a number of vigorous sensitisation programmes being conducted by the Regional Emergency Health Committee and the Guyana Police Force.

Screening is also being conducted at the ports of entry, such as Good Hope, Supenaam, and Charity.

Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt handing over a portion of cash to a member of the cash-grant distribution team

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Bourda Market to be closed today

–– as City Council continues sanitisation

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Bourda Market, in Georgetown, will be closed today (Wednesday) to facilitate the cleaning and sanitising of the entire market and its environs, in an initiative described by city officials as important and necessary.

With Thursday being de-

clared a national holiday, this move can prove costly to the vendors, as it means that they will be out of business for two days in a row, but the decision to sanitise this market was reportedly made weeks ago.

The Markets Department of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), therefore, went ahead with its schedule, and

issued notices to all of the vendors in and around the market, so that they could have been made aware that no vending is allowed today.

Chairman of the Markets and Public Health Committee at City Hall, Heston Bostwick told this publication on Tuesday that with the Stabroek and Albouystown Markets

already being sanitised, it is now Bourda’s turn, and that the same will be done for the three other municipal markets in the city. There are six municipal markets in total.

According to Bostwick, the plan is to have the markets cleaned in this fashion at least every three months for now, unless more resources become Head of M&CC Public Health, Suzette Reynolds-Marcus

available, and they can be cleaned in sooner timeframes.

Bostwick said an exercise like this is very costly to the municipality, as each time it’s done, in his estimation, it takes more than a million dollars to complete. “But it will be more costly if we don’t do it,” he observed.

According to him, the cleaning and sanitising arrangements of the markets came out of the COVID-19 taskforce that was established

by Mayor Ubraj Narine, who reached out to key organisations for aid.

Head of the Solid Waste Management Department, Walter Narine offered that since 2014, this is the first time that the entire market will be washed, with help from the Guyana Fire Service.

“Not only the meat section, but the rice section, the clothing section, the entire market; Orange Walk, North Road, Alexander Street, Bourda Street, Regent Street.

After that, the Public Health Section will be coming in to spray and sanitise, to ensure that rodents and stuff are cleared,” Narine informed.

The markets continue to be sanitised every week, but according to Narine, the exercise today will be a comprehensive washing and sanitising.

“Since COVID, this is the first time we are washing the entire market; it is really in bad shape. Two weeks ago, and even to today, we undertook to clean all the internal drains to ensure that when we wash tomorrow (today), no blockage and overflowing occurs.”

Head of M&CC’s Public Health Department, Suzette Reynolds-Marcus noted that Jeyes Fluid disinfectant will be used in today’s cleaning, since the market environment is mostly an outdoor one.

“There is no sure proof

Head of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine

Chairman of the Markets Committee, Heston Bostwick

of what amount of viruses it kills, but so far, in our Council spaces, we are preventing the spread. If one staff is down… we are not getting a high level of it spreading throughout the organisation.

If one person is infected, that person is quickly isolated, and given enough time to recuperate by themselves at home,” she explained.

According to her, some of the markets are very big, thus making it difficult for the cleaning crew to get around all the crevices. The intention, she said, is therefore to have the markets sanitised often.

Meanwhile, the City Council has said that it has established a fixed schedule to sanitise all of its buildings on a regular basis.

As for the cleaning at Bourda today, the municipality said vendors are not to keep open, operate or occupy their stalls, nor conduct any business activity on this day. “There shall be no selling in and around the market; there must be free access to the surface drains in and around the market.

Also, no goods, benches nor palette should be around whilst this exercise is ongoing,” the Council urged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Teen charged for discharging firearm AN 18-year-old ‘C’ Field, Sophia resident, on Monday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with discharging a loaded firearm with intent and was released on $175,000 bail.

James Freeman pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read to him by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus.

It is alleged that on September 27, 2020, at Roxanne Burnham Gardens, George-

town, he discharged a loaded firearm at Floyd Dewsbury with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The court was informed that on the day in question, at about 10:00 hours, Dewsbury, who resides at Roxanne Burnham Gardens, was standing in front of his yard when Freeman and another approached him on a black XR Motorcycle.

The pillion rider, who

Car mirror thief jailed for eight weeks A MAN, who admitted stealing a mirrored glass from a motorcar, on Friday, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment.

Taijpaul Narine pleaded guilty when the simple larceny charge was read to him.

He admitted that on October 21 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, he stole one mirror glass valued at $10,000, property of Lyndon Amsterdam.

The court was informed that on the day in question, at about 14:25 hours, Amsterdam parked his Nissan X-trail vehicle outside his Lot 77 Hadfield Street of-

fice. While in the building, his staff informed him about suspicious activity which was occurring outside.

Upon looking out, he observed a male, who was later identified as Narine. Amsterdam went to his vehicle and noticed that the right side mirror was missing.

He immediately confronted Narine. A check of his person unearthed the missing mirror. Narine was arrested and later charged for the offence.

Magistrate Daly gave Narine an ultimatum to either pay a fine of $30,000 or serve eight weeks imprisonment. Narine, unable to afford the fine, settled for the prison sentence.

Glasgow residents ...

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Meanwhile, the Minister has asked the residents to form community development committees so that they can be able to make representation and benefit from the numerous programmes the government has in store. $645M-PLUS IN RATES AND TAXES The Minister said he found it appalling that the Municipality of New Amsterdam would have collected over $645M in rates and taxes between 2015 and 2019, and residents have not seen any benefits or developments in the community.

“I think there are things that are going wrong in New Amsterdam that we need to get fixed, and get it fixed urgently,” Minister Dharamlall said.

He told New Amsterdamers that he has since written the Auditor General, requesting an audit of all the towns.

“It is apparent in Glasgow

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Housing and Overwinning, this constituency area, the residents are not getting the support from the Town Council in many areas they require support,” he said.

Moreover, the minister also promised to raise the issue of the increase in rates and taxes and valuation.

“We believe if rates and taxes are increased in these areas, it becomes a burdensome thing for people; people don’t have a lot of money, so that is why we feel rates and taxes should not be increased,” the Minister told residents.

The Local Government Minister conducted a twoday outreach in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). On Saturday, he met residents from Crabwood Creek, #76 Village, Reliance and Canje, while on Sunday he met with residents on the East Bank of Berbice and Fort Ordinance.

was armed with a handgun, began discharging several rounds at Dewsbury. This caused Dewsbury to receive injuries to his left side neck.

In retaliation, Dewsbury, who is a licensed firearm holder, discharged several rounds at Freeman and his accomplice.

The two men abandoned the motorcycle and both made good their escape. The accused was later found, arrested and charged.

While under arrest, Free-

man allegedly admitted that he was present, but denied

discharging rounds at the virtual complainant.

The matter was adjourned to November 9.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Webinar to tackle exporting from Guyana to US EFFECTIVE strategies for exporting goods and services from Guyana to the US is the focus of a virtual conference and webinar to be held on Thursday from 09: 00 hours to 12:00 hours.

The event is put on by the US-headquartered Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) and is intended to bring Guyanese entrepreneurs up to date with the requirements, procedures and standards required for legal entry into the US of a range of products and services.

The conference will bring together key government and private sector officials from both the US and Guyana who will address issues including agreements under which Guyanese products can enter the US duty-free and those products that enjoy quota allocations; phytosanitary and other requirements such as packaging and labelling; guidelines for guarding against contamination of shipments with illegal substances; strategies for identifying markets including buyers and distributors for various products and services including those of the creative industries; and ways to structure legal arrangements and agreements to ensure exporters are fully paid for their products and that mechanisms are in place to confirm reports of post shipment losses.

The conference will be declared open by Ms. Nan Fife, Director of the Office for the Caribbean at the US Department of State and representatives of the US Department of Agriculture, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Customs and Border Protection are scheduled to make presentations during the event.

Dr. Barton Clarke,

Director of the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI); Ms. Paola Isaac, Economic Development Specialist, International Trade, Broward County Florida Office of Economic & Small Business Development; Vishnu Mahadeo of the Richmond Hill, Queens, New York Economic Development Council (EDC) and trade attorney, Rishma Sooknandan-Eckert, will also make presentations during the event.

From Guyana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, has been invited to deliver opening remarks while presentations by Ramesh Dookhoo, Secretary of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana and Bryan Clarke of the Main Street Artists Group have been confirmed.

This event is part of the ongoing effort of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) to promote trade and investment between Guyana and the US and is a follow up to participation last October of more than 20 small and medium sized businesses from Guyana free of cost, facilitated by the GACC, in the annual Florida International Trade Conference and Expo (FITCE 2019).

Unfortunately, due to the Corona Virus pandemic, there is no FITCE this year.

The conference/webinar is open to all interested entrepreneurs.

Registration is free of cost and can be done at https://us02web. zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fDxRZSTfRPOnudUT_zEJ6Q.

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First Lady mobilises support for vulnerable children, differently-abled persons

FIRST Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Arya Ali, on Monday, met with US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Nicholas

Boyer, in an effort to mobilise support for vulnerable groups across Guyana.

During both meetings, the First Lady outlined the tenets of her ‘One Guyana’ platform, which moves beyond social

and cultural inclusion, to examine biological and environmental factors which cause individuals to be excluded from various aspects of society.

Particularly, Mrs. Ali iden-

tified differently-abled persons and children to be among the most vulnerable, due to their inability to navigate structural barriers. She explained that differently-abled persons

First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Arya Ali and US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, greet each other on Monday (Office of the First Lady photo)

must be empowered through collective recognition and integration into society.

As such, she provided a list of a few hundred differently-abled persons who are currently seeking employment, and lobbied the private sector to provide employment opportunities for those persons.

The list will also be provided to the Ministry of Labour for additional support in providing employment opportunities.

To support children, the First Lady is embarking on a pilot project to have businesses adopt an orphanage for a minimum of six months, in an effort to improve the state of those agencies and the lives of the children.

Mrs. Arya Ali also committed her support to working with both the US Embassy in Georgetown and the PSC on their initiatives which seek to improve the lives of the Guyanese people.

For his part, Boyer shared

that the PSC has a social responsibility to support initiatives and activities which are designed to benefit vulnerable groups, including women, children and those who are differently-abled.

To this end, he pledged support for both the adopt-an-orphanage initiative and for the PSC to assist in providing employment for differently-abled persons.

Ambassador Lynch said she was particularly pleased to know that the First Lady is actively pursuing these issues, particularly support for the differently-abled, since she has witnessed firsthand, many of the challenges they face on a daily basis. She added that the US Embassy will continue to support the work of the government and the Office of the First Lady, in an effort to improve the welfare of people across the country.

Essequibo accident victim died from multiple injuries - autopsy finds THE post-mortem examination conducted on the remains of Tulsiram Rajkumar, who died following an accident on Saturday, has revealed that he died as a result of multiple injuries.

The autopsy was performed on the 58-year-old Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast resident by Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, on Tuesday.

Rajkumar, a father of 11, was struck from his pedal cycle by a motor car around 18:30 hours while riding along the Golden Fleece Public Road. The 57-year-old car driver has since been released from police custody.

According to informa-

tion reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the motor car was proceeding north along the western lane of Golden Fleece Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate, when the pedal cyclist, who was riding in the eastern lane, heading south, suddenly swerved west into the path of the car.

As a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist was flung some distance away and landed on roadway. He sustained injuries about his body and began bleeding profusely from his head.

Rajkumar was subsequently picked up in an unconscious condition and rushed to Suddie Public Hospital where he was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

‘Abraham’s Tent’: A place that provides free education

The land on which the two private schools are to be constructed (Photos by Elvin Croker)

Ibrahim Armaan

By Michel Outridge AT the first glance of the signboard affixed to the front fence, one would initially think it is a tent-rental business, but a closer look revealed it is actually a safe learning environment for children in need; that

work to be processed, and for the permit to be granted through Central Government, but in the meantime, the caretaker’s quarters is being built.

Armaan told the Sunday Chronicle that once the schools are completed, they will employ qualified teachers and other staffers, as

The building that houses the classrooms

learning is being provided there free of cost.

‘Abraham’s Tent’ was conceptualised in accordance with the dream of 12 siblings, 11 of whom migrated to the United States of America (USA), as a way of giving back to the community.

Ibrahim Armaan, the lone sibling who resides here, at #74 Village (Stockholm) on the Lower Corentyne, Berbice, is the administrator responsible for the smooth operation of the learning facility.

He is overseeing the construction of two private schools and a caretaker’s quarters on a 12-acre plot of land which was bought by the 12 siblings to promote education in their home village.

The construction of the two schools was put on hold to allow the relevant paper-

non-traditional techniques will be introduced for learning, including karate and dancing among other activities to keep the children engaged.

The schools will enroll Grades One, Two and Three pupils from vulnerable homes to prepare them for secondary school, with all modern facilities in place such as laboratory and an agricultural plot where they can grow their own food among other things.

This will be done free of cost, and the children will be chosen from vulnerable homes. Armaan said that primary school children were already benefitting from free after-school lessons since 2010, but due to COVID-19, it had to be suspended until further notice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

‘Abraham’s Tent’: A place ...

“You give a man a plate of food, he will be good for a day, but when you teach a

man to plant, he will be good for life,” Armaan said.

These classes were taught

at his home, where there is a separate building at the back of his yard with classroom

facilities, while a reading remedial programme was held in an open space that adjoins his property.

“We taught all the subjects in school for Grades Four and Five, where two classes were held,” he said.

The school utilises trained teachers who are attached to the public schools.

Armaan explained that the Grade Four pupils are being prepared for their entry to Grade Five, and the remedial reading programme aids slow learners to become literate, and enhance their reading skills.

‘Abraham’s Tent’ is also sponsoring four students to attend the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus for their four-year degree education this year, and will sponsor two more next year.

The school will also be sponsoring four students to attend the Berbice Technical Institute, having successfully sponsored six last year to do the one-year programme.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS According to Armaan, ‘Abraham’s Tent’ was named after one of his brothers,

who is Jewish, and what it basically means is a place where children are welcome to learn.

That sibling is one of the founding members, and it is he who donated the bulk of the money for the construction of the two schools.

Armaan disclosed that the cost to construct and furnish the schools is approximately US$500,000, while the operation will cost an additional US$1M. He noted that once the schools are completed, ‘Abraham’s Tent’ will be registered as a Friendly Society. Armaan said that he was born and raised in a village where his great grandfather, whom he never met, was among the first settlers.

He and his family come from a humble background.

“My greatgrandfather was a man of means, and he owned almost half of the village; the land, that is. He even donated the plot for the burial ground, and was the first to die and was buried there,” Armaan recalled.

Armaan said his father was a cane-cutter, and though his mother was a housewife, she managed to persuade her

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husband that education was the key to their children’s success and future.

Thus, his mother ensured that her 12 children went to school and benefitted from a tertiary education. Today, 11 of them reside in the USA, and they are all accomplished, career-wise. Armaan is the youngest of the lot; altogether, they are seven sisters and five brothers.

“We were not rich, but our parents worked hard, and whatever little they provided, we were satisfied. And we are thankful they afforded us the opportunity of going to school, and to even higher learning, which made us into qualified individuals,” Armaan said.

Others who also contributed to the construction of the schools include his niece, Dr. Padmini Sharma, a cancer specialist, and her husband, Dr. James Allison, who is a Nobel Laureate.

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Delhi powerless as Warner, Saha and Rashid keep Sunrisers alive DAVID Warner and Wriddhiman Saha inspired Sunrisers Hyderabad to an emphatic 88-run win over the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday, keeping their play-off hopes alive.

After Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer opted to put Sunrisers into bat, Warner (66) and Saha (87) established a fine opening partnership worth 107.

Manish Pandey (44 not out) and Kane Williamson (11 not out) helped their team reach 219-2, meaning Delhi needed to achieve the second-highest successful chase in IPL history to win.

Suffice to say they came

up short, with the Sunrisers' dismissal of Shikhar Dhawan for a first-ball duck an ominous sign for the Capitals. Marcus Stoinis (five) followed him back soon after having also been caught

by Warner.

Shimron Hetmyer (16) and Ajinkya Rahane (26) attempted to repair the early damage but both fell to Rashid Khan, who finished with outstanding figures of 3-7 from his four overs.

Rishabh Pant top-scored for the Capitals with 36 but there rarely looked to be any hope of a remarkable turnaround - they were skittled for 131 with an over to spare.

Warner and Saha combine to devastating effect Warner had got the Sunrisers' charge up and running, reaching 50 from just 25 balls, as they were left sitting pretty at 77-0 at the end of the sixth over, during which the left-hander struck five boundaries.

He eventually fell to Ravichandran Ashwin in the 10th over but Saha – opening in place of Jonny Bairstow, who was left out of the XI – kept going, eventually out 13 runs shy of a century as he tired towards the end of his knock.

Rashid excels where Rabada fails It was a rare off-day for Kagiso Rabada, whose streak of successive IPL matches with at least one wicket ended at 25. That impressive run stretched back to 2017, when he also failed to make a breakthrough in a game against the Sunrisers.

There was no such misery for leg-spinner Rashid, who was in devastating form. His three-wicket haul takes him to 17 for the tournament this year, though that is still six behind Rabada's tally.

Christian Coleman banned for two years for missing drug test World 100m champion Christian Coleman has been banned for two years after missing three drugs tests.

The 24-year-old American, who is suspended from 14 May 2020, will miss the postponed Tokyo Olympics next summer.

Coleman won 100m gold at the World Championships in Doha in 2019.

The indoor 60m world record holder has 30 days to file an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

He was provisionally suspended in June after missing a third test in December

2019.

Three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period can result in a ban of up to two years Coleman did not contest his first missed test on 16 January 2019 but disputed his filing failure on 26 April 2019 and whereabouts failure on 9 December.

The investigation into his rule violations said there was no suggestion he had ever taken a prohibited substance.

According to the Athletics Integrity Unit's (AIU) out-of-competition testing guidelines, athletes are accountable for missed tests if

they are not at their specified location for the one-hour period they have stated. The tester must wait for the full 60 minutes before leaving.

Coleman said he was Christmas shopping "five minutes away" from home, and that the tester made no effort to contact him during his third whereabouts failure.

He also said on social media that he would be "willing to take a drug test every single day for the rest of my career" to prove his innocence.

Doping control officers said they waited outside for a

full hour, ringing and knocking every 10 minutes.

The AIU said shopping receipts belonging to Coleman suggested he was "obviously" not at his home for the entirety of the one-hour period.

The US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) initially charged Coleman with missing three drugs tests in 12 months, before his world 100m victory in September 2019.

It withdrew the case after it was proved there had been a filing irregularity regarding the date of the first missed test.

TTCB boss backs Darren...

Trinidad and Tobago during the last regional four-day tournament and all of those who followed that tournament will know the excellent job Darren has done with Trinidad team.

“Darren has motivated his players and I believe that Darren had a great impact on the youngsters in the team who would have played during the course of this past regional four-day tournament.

“I think looking at him on the field, he’s one of the persons who can re-

ally motivate and inspire the youngsters. If I had a choice, definitely I would go with Darren Bravo for vice captain.”

Bravo was one of three players recalled to the Test side for the two-Test series against the Black Caps after opting out of the historic tour of England last July with concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Trinidadian is one of the most experienced batsmen in the Test side with 54 Tests, with only opener Kraigg Brathwaite (62) having played more

matches.

However, Bravo has played only five Tests over the last 18 months following a 2-½ year break from the game over a fallout with then Cricket West Indies president, Dave Cameron.

He has averaged only 13 since his return to Test cricket, however, and it led to his axing for the one-off Test against Afghanistan last November.

Brathwaite has performed the vice-captaincy role in recent years and led the side in the third

From backpage

Test against England in the Caribbean last year when Jason Holder was suspended.

The world number one Test all-rounder Holder, who has led West Indies in 35 of his 43 Tests, will again oversee the tour of New Zealand.

West Indies players are currently assembling in Barbados and are set to depart on Tuesday night for the November 27 to December 15 tour which also comprises three Twenty20 Internationals.

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Hamilton's future comes more into focus after record win

By Alan Baldwin LONDON (Reuters) - Mercedes Formula One boss Toto Wolff jokingly suggested he would have to sell the factory to keep Lewis Hamilton after the Briton’s record 92nd career win in Portugal on Sunday.

Hamilton is out of contract at the end of the year, by which time the 35-yearold is likely to have won a record-equalling seventh championship and rank as the most successful driver in the history of the sport.

He and Wolff have yet to sit down and hammer out the details of a new deal in a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic but time is pushing on.

“It’s huge. We have

to sell plenty of inventory. Sell a leaseback of the buildings and just come up with the money,” said Wolff when asked about the contract implications of the victory.

The reality is less drastic, with both sides keen to stay together and set more records in a sport they have dominated since the start of the V6 turbo hybrid era in 2014.

If Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s record 91 wins once seemed an impossible target, Hamilton now looks likely to go well beyond 100 with an eighth title also no longer in the realms of fantasy.

“In 10 or 20 years we’re going to look back and really acknowledge what a special

Formula One F1 - Portuguese Grand Prix - Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal - October 25, 2020. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Jorge Guerrero

driver he was,” said Wolff.

Mercedes, meanwhile, are on the brink of becoming the first team to win seven successive constructors’ ti-

tles.

Hamilton, who has been with Mercedes since 2013, already earns a reported 40 million pounds a year but

CAS rules Paralympian Leeper cannot run in Olympics Paris, France (AFP) — The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) yesterday ruled against American Paralympian Blake Leeper's attempt to compete in next year's Tokyo Olympics wearing prosthetic legs.

The 31-year-old Leeper, who was born without lower legs, won silver in the 400 and bronze in the 200m in the T43 class at the Paralympics in London in 2012 but wanted to emulate South African Oscar Pistorius, nicknamed “the Blade Runner”, who competed in the Olympics that year.

Leeper was appealing a decision by World Athletics (formerly the IAAF) in February to ban him from competing with his blade-shaped prostheses.

While CAS said in its ruling that it upheld Leeper's argument that the World Athletics (WA) rule was “unlawful and invalid”, it also decided that the prosthetics gave him a “competitive advantage”.

Leeper's lawyer reacted to the ruling by accusing CAS of racism.

CAS said it was unfair that WA's rule “places the burden of proof upon an athlete” but it agreed with the intention to allow disabled

Blake Leeper waves to the crowd before the men's 400-metre dash at the US Championships athletics meet, in Des Moines, Iowa, in this Saturday, July 27, 2019 file photo. (Photo: AP)

athletes to compete without using “mechanical aids that do more than compensate for the effect of their disability”.

After hearing expert witnesses, CAS said it had “concluded that the running-specific prostheses used

by Blake Leeper indeed gave him an overall competitive advantage in the 400m event over an athlete not using such a mechanical aid since they enabled him to run at a height that was several inches taller than his maximum possible height if he had intact biolog-

ical legs”.

Leeper broke Pistorius's world record in the T43 400m in 2017.

The WA ban last February prevented Leeper from running at the World Athletics Championships in Doha in October 2019 even though he finished fifth in the US championships and would have made the relay squad.

His best time was 44.38sec in the semi-finals, well inside his own T43 record, but 1.25sec slower than Wayde van Niekerk's world

record and 0.9sec slower than Bahamian Steven Gardiner's winning time in Doha.

“World Athletics welcomes CAS's ruling that on the facts of this case,” the organisation wrote in a statement.

Leeper's lawyer Jeffrey Kessler was unhappy CAS had accepted their challenge on principal but still found against the runner.

Kessler also suggested the height data used was racist telling the Inside the Games website CAS was “authorising an even more insidious form of racial discrimination — against black disabled athletes — by finding that their prosthetic limbs are subject to artificial height limitations based solely on the body proportions of Caucasian and Asian athletes.”

Kessler said he planned to take the case to civil court.

WA responded that it rejected “the new allegation from Mr Leeper's legal team that the finding that he 'runs tall' is based on a 'racist' Paralympic rule”.

“The 15cm disparity found in Mr Leeper's case between his prosthetic leg length and his natural leg length is not due to racial differences in body dimensions.”

the pandemic has changed the financial landscape for even the biggest companies.

The champion knows no other team can give him what he wants, and no other team will feel like family in the way Mercedes does.

“I don’t think I’m at my peak. I’m in a good area for sure but I still want to continue to race. I don’t know how much longer that will be,” the 35-year-old told Sky Sports television.

“This is a period of time where I’ve got to slowly work out what the future holds.

“All I can say is I plan to be here next year.”

Hamilton’s contract talks have always been something of a saga and this time he has also wanted to be sure

of where Wolff’s future lies.

The Austrian, a shareholder in the team, said he and Daimler boss Ola Kaellenius had agreed “to continue with each other”.

“Where we stand today is that everybody has the will to continue,” Wolff told reporters by video conference.

“With Lewis and I it is simply that we are living like hermits and I think our team is particularly disciplined ...I was in Monaco last week but we decided not to meet because the worst that could happen is me dragging corona into our meetings.

“It simply wasn’t the time to sit down and meet. I hope we can finish the next couple of races on a high and then concentrate on the contract.”

Barcelona president Bartomeu resigns after Messi row

BARCELONA (Reuters) Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the club on Tuesday ahead of a vote of no confidence that was due to be held next month after some 20,000 fans signed a petition demanding that he step down.

The rest of the board of directors also resigned.

“It’s a thought-out, serene, informed decision” to Barcelona president resign, Bartomeu said in a Josep Maria Bartomeu. televised speech.

Bartomeu, 57, has been facing growing resentment in the last year due to the club’s worsening finances and the team’s decline on the pitch, which came to a head with their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals in August.

He has been widely criticised after talisman forward Lionel Messi requested a transfer following the Champions League humiliation and was facing a vote of no confidence from the club’s ‘socios’.

He had tried to convince the Catalan government to scrap the censure vote due to the coronavirus pandemic but it would not budge.

Bartomeu called the government’s decision irresponsible in his speech, while thanking the club and saying he could not have resigned earlier.

“The easiest thing after the Champions (League defeat) was to resign, but one had to take decisions amid an unprecedented global crisis,” he said, adding that later on, in the wake of the Messi spat, he could not let the club be run by external, temporary figures.

“Who would have ensured that Messi stayed? Who would have hired a new coach?” said Bartomeu, who took over at Barcelona from Sandro Rosell in 2014.

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Gavaskar intrigued by extent of Rohit injury before Australia tour NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The extent of Rohit Sharma’s hamstring injury has intrigued batting great Sunil Gavaskar after the opener was seen practising on Monday, hours after his omission from India’s tour of Australia on fitness grounds.

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit missed his team’s last two matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) currently underway in the United Arab Emirates with the injury.

The selectors omitted him from both the Test and

limited-overs squads and the cricket board (BCCI) said its medical team would “continue to monitor the progress” without elaborating on the injury.

Hours later, the Mumbai Indians posted a video of their captain practising “in full flow” in Abu Dhabi, which baffled many.

“We are talking about the test matches, which are a month and a half way,” Gavaskar told IPL broadcaster Star Sports after Monday’s match.

“If he is practising in the nets for Mumbai Indi-

Rohit Sharma was seen practising on Monday, hours after his omission from India’s tour of Australia on fitness grounds.

Four years since signing, Pogba's role at Man Utd remains unclear

By Peter Hall (REUTERS) - Four years since becoming the world’s most expensive player, Paul Pogba remains no closer to fulfilling his promise at Manchester United, with many still questioning if he even deserves a place in the starting XI. Having spent three years as a young player at United before leaving for Juventus in 2012, Pogba returned to Old Trafford for a then world-record fee of 89.3 million pounds in 2016, to much fanfare.

With the club struggling to replicate their former glories

Solskjaer told reporters in August. “He is happy and he is playing well.

“We are going to see the best of Paul in the next couple of seasons, I’m sure.”

But since then, Solskjaer has struggled to fit Pogba in.

The arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January has had a galvanising effect on United, with no player involved in more Premier League goals -- goals scored and assisted combined -- in the period since he joined.

Pogba and Fernandes have played together, with the pair linking up well as United finished last season strongly, but Solskjaer has left Pogba out of United’s last three games as the Norwegian has taken a more conservative approach.

And coupled with how to integrate summer signing Donny van de Beek into the United midfield, Pogba’s role in Solskjaer’s plans appears still uncertain, even if some analysts remain more optimistic.

“I don’t give up hope Nemanja Matic, Pogba, Fernandes can’t play together in that midfield three, and there’s going to come a point whereby the burden of having Paul Pogba on your shoulder is going to shine brightly on Ole,” former United defender Gary Neville told Sky Sports.

“At Christmas time, if they can’t play together, if the results don’t improve with them (Fernandes and Pogba) both in the team though, then fair enough.”

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Manchester United's Paul Pogba in action with Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta Pool via REUTERS/Phil Noble

in the aftermath of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Pogba returning to “my house” as the midfielder called it, was seen by many as a turning point in United’s fortunes.

But after more than 150 appearances in all competitions, Pogba remains a polarising figure among fans, with his role in the current setup under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unclear.

“Since coming back from injury he has been a delight,”

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ans, then honestly I don’t know what kind of injury it is.

“I think a little bit of transparency, a little bit of openness about what actually is the problem with him will help everybody.”

Indian team players usually don’t comment on team selection matters.

India and Australia will lock horns in a four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December-January, which will be preceded by six short-form internationals.

India have named Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in the test squad and one of them could partner Mayank Agarwal at the top of the batting order.

Agarwal’s own fitness is not beyond doubt but the BCCI was characteristically taciturn about it when naming the opener in all three squads.

The 29-year-old has missed Kings XI Punjab’s last two IPL matches and Gavaskar criticised the lack of clarity around Agarwal’s suspected leg injury.

“For an Indian cricket fan, they ought to know what happens to two of their key players,” the former India captain said.

Australia set for Test return to South Africa CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South Africa will play England, Sri Lanka, Australia and Pakistan at home during the 2020-21 season and could also tour the latter for the first time in 14 years after announcing their season schedule on Tuesday.

Cricket South Africa (CSA)last week announced a home limited overs series against England that will feature three One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 matches from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9.

They will also welcome Sri Lanka for two Tests, in Pretoria (Dec 26-30) and Johannesburg (Jan. 2-6), with both played on the Highveld to minimise travel for the teams.

Australia will arrive for three Tests in February and March, with the exact dates and venues yet to be confirmed.

It will be the first red ball series in South Africa for the Australians since the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 over which captain Steve Smith and batsmen David Warner and Cameron Bancroft received lengthy bans.

Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20s in South Africa in April, with the details of that trip still being worked out.

CSA have said they are also exploring the feasibility of touring Pakistan for the first time since 2007, which would likely be between the home Sri Lanka and Australia test series.

A CSA delegation is scheduled to leave for Pakistan this weekend for a security assessment.

Zimbabwe are currently in Pakistan for three ODIs and three T20 international matches, with those games to get under way on Friday.

39

guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 28, 2020

National cricketers Hemraj and Motie help NY Diamonds to T20 trophy NATIONAL cricketers, Chandrapaul Hemraj and Gudakesh Motie, were instrumental in helping New York Diamonds to the Columbus Day T20 title after a comfortable seven-wicket win against Friends United on Saturday afternoon at Marine Park in Brooklyn.

Hemraj, who was among the runs for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year’s Caribbean Premier League, was able to make headways with both bat and ball, while left arm spinner, Motie, finished with the most wickets for the side.

Friends United were pegged back early in their innings, after losing their top order cheaply. Steven Taylor (8), Sajib Zaman (0) and Ali Samad (4) all scored under a run a ball.

The middle- order, however, picked up the pace, but Motie was soon able to stem the flow by grabbing back-toback wickets.

The innings was then revived by the lower-middle order. Ahmed Labib blasted his way to a quickfire unbeaten 39 (3X4s, 1X6) while Andre McCarthy supported with 32 and

Derone Davis 23 which pushed the side to 134-7.

Motie was the pick of the bowlers with 2-27 from his four overs, while Hemraj finished with 1-18 from his four overs.

Francis Mendonca, the grandson of former West Indies Test Cricketer, Ivor Mendonca, was also instrumental behind the wicket. He finished with two dismissals.

In reply, Hemraj and fellow opener, Kennar Lewis, batted their team to a solid position. Lewis struck a match-high 44, which included four sixes and three fours

NY Diamonds with the championship trophy.

in 27 balls, while Hemraj added 32 (three sixes and a four off 20 balls).

Despite the fall of a few quick wickets, number five batsman, Shawn Findlay,

was able push his team to victory. His 33 (4X4s, 2X6s) came off of 18 balls.

Liverpool labour to 2-0 Singh shines with double but Husbands misses out in feature win over Midtjylland LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Liverpool laboured to a 2-0 win over Denmark’s Midtjylland on Tuesday as a goal from Diogo Jota and a Mohamed Salah penalty secured a hard-fought Champions League Group D victory at Anfield The win came at a cost, however, as Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp suffered another defensive blow with Brazilian Fabinho limping off in the first half with what

appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Fabinho had been deputising for central defender Virgil van Dijk, who is out with a long-term knee injury, and he was replaced by 19-year-old Rhys Williams.

“It is exactly the last thing we needed,” said Klopp, who added that the seriousness of the injury would not be known until after a scan and praised Williams for the composed way in which he coped with being

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scores their second goal from the penalty spot in their Champions League tie against FC Midtjylland at Anfield on October 27. Photo: (Reuters)

thrown into the game.

Liverpool made a slow start and suffered an early scare when Anders Dreyer broke through the middle but shot straight at keeper Alisson.

With Klopp having rested his usual front three and given starts to Jota, Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri, Liverpool struggled to break down the determined Danes.

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when after a swift exchange with Shaqiri, Trent Alexander-Arnold crossed low to Jota who had a simple tap-in.

The goal was Liverpool’s 10,000th in all competitions.

Substitute Roberto Firmino should have settled the contest near the end, but blasted over the bar after more good work from Alexander-Arnold.

Then Dreyer had the best chance of the game when he jinked into space in the Liverpool box but, with Alisson to beat, he could only find the side-netting.

Salah made sure of the win, in stoppage time, from the penalty spot, converting after he had been brought down by Paulinho inside the box.

Liverpool have the maximum six points from their opening two games while Midtjylland are yet to get off the mark.

Guyana’s Sunny Singh.

TORONTO, Canada, (CMC) – Guyana’s Sunny Singh rode a rare double but remained in single digits at Woodbine as marquee jockey Patrick Husbands missed out in the day’s feature, the CAN$250 000 Wonder Where Stakes, with favourite Curlin’s Voyage.

Riding on Sunday’s 11race card highlighted by the Wonder Where – the third leg of Canadian Triple Tiara – Singh produced wins in race four over 6-½ furlongs with 12-1 choice Victor’s Dynasty and in the $101 200 race seven with 22-1 outsider Desolater, going 7-½ furlongs.

There was disappointment for Barbadian Hus-

bands, however, failing to deliver with trainer Josie Carroll’s three-year-old filly Curlin’s Voyage as 6-1 bet Merveilleux snatched victory by three lengths in the Wonder Where.

His older brother, Simon Husbands, tasted success with his 10th win of the season, guiding 4-1 bet Patrol to a narrow victory by a head over favourite The Reign Man, in a six furlong sprint for the three-year-olds and upward.

Singh, meanwhile, grabbed his seventh and eighth wins of the season, with clinical rides to ensure he got his name onto the headlines at the western Canada racing oval.

First, he partnered with four-year-old brown gelding Victor’s Dynasty to beat the three-year-olds and upward by a neck.

Pace-setter Handsome Like Me was chased by Awesome Miner with Miss Ariel stalking before Singh brought Victor’s Dynasty from mid-pack to get up late.

Singh then won a cash rich allowance, bringing five-year-old brown gelding Desolator with a late charge to beat the three-year-olds and upward by half length.

Auburn Hills battled Palace Coup and Town Cruise before Singh dragged Desolator from dead last to clinch victory in the closing strides.

David Warner (66), Rashid Khan (3-7) and Wriddhiman Saha (87) starred as Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Delhi Capitals by 88 runs.

Delhi powerless as Warner, Saha and Rashid keep Sunrisers alive See page 20

See Story on Page 34

TTCB boss backs Darren Bravo for vacant vice-captain job PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president, Azim Bassarath, has backed experienced left-hander Darren Bravo for the vacant post of vice-captain of the Test side.

With convenor of selector, Roger Harper, confirming recently that no vice-captain had been chosen for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, Bassarth said the 31-yearold Bravo’s experience would make him an excellent choice to fill the role.

“I would support Darren Bravo as the vice-captain of the West Indies team,” Bassarath told i95FM Sports.

“Darren captained Left-hander Darren Bravo.

See Page 34

Christian Coleman became the sixthfastest man in history in 2019

Christian Coleman banned for two years for missing drug test See story on Page 34

Barcelona president Bartomeu resigns after Messi row Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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wedneSDAY, oCTOBER 28, 2020