Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-09-2021

MONDAY 13th September, 2021

' No.106483

Police Force urges citizens to comply with curfew, other COVID measures

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$3.2B for new housing 03 development in Essequibo PAGE

–– funds to cover major infrastructural works at Charity, Onderneeming

CJIA runway extension, landing system commissioned

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A section of the newly commissioned expanded runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) (Delano Williams photo)

Barama to invest President hints at salary Guyana to inform regional $1B in expanding increases, other 05 heads, UN about 04 Venezuela’s latest action operations 09 benefits for teachers PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

Enormous education opportunities for youths, women —President Ali says gov’t will put systems in place for women to access capital

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a number of measures that will enhance the lives of women and young people in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The President’s focus at the Influential Women and Youth Meeting at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) compound in Anna Regina, on the Essequibo Coast, on Saturday, was on the importance of education and the creation of opportunities through agriculture, health and information and communications technology (ICT).

The meeting, which culminated the two-day cabinet outreach to the Pomeroon-Supenaam was filled with hope and detailed plans of the government’s direction, encompassing a holistic approach to development.

The President spoke about opportunities and gave heartfelt advice to the youths on steps for their growth and progression in life.

ICT ENHANCEMENT High on the agenda would be the enhancement of ICT, which will help to decentralise adult education and create job opportunities.

“Very soon, the Minister of Finance will be back here talking to you about the job opportunities that will arise out of the investment in the ICT sector, jobs in call centres, and greater opportunities for you to study at home.”

President Ali said that improvements to the sector would enhance online learning.

“Education opportunities will be enormous. Housewives will have the opportunities to formalise their education by achieving degrees and diplomas. Girls who could not have completed their teachers’ certificates will be able to do that right from their homes.”

The President explained to the young people in the audience that there will be a lot of opportunities in the health and education sectors

President Irfaan Ali speaking with women and youths at Anna Regina Although some persons and the joint services; he available for nurses and oth“Access to capital is one pointed to several mem- er medical professionals. He of the things that women are might prefer to work in an bers of his government who also explained the benefits challenged with. We have to office or in a more formal would have advanced their of the teaching and military work with the private sector setting, the Head of State careers over the years via professions and encour- on reducing the burden- pointed to agriculture as a these professions. aged youngsters to apply for some approach and, frankly possible alternative.

He said that the govHe told them that with a training programmes. speaking, the barriers that $2B hospital earmarked for “We are encouraging are stacked against women ernment will look to open Suddie, opportunities will be you to submit your CVs so in accessing capital to form up new agricultural land to that you can be trained for businesses and to open busi- create more opportunities.

“Agriculture can be a these opportunities.” nesses.

The President also We have to fix this; this transformation investment challenged the Minister is a global problem, and we for your families and for of Tourism, Industry and in Guyana should lead in an yourselves. It can be viable.

Agriculture is not an option, Commerce, Oneidge Wal- effort to fix this.” rond, to help develop an Young people, according but an opportunity.”

A number of other all-female resort in the to the President, should also region, which will empow- own their own homes. He speakers also took part er women and serve as said he would work to en- in the forum, including a tourism brand for the sure that it happens not only Minister of Parliamentary country. in Region Two but across Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; Minister the country.

PUTTING SYSTEMS IN “Young people must Walrond; Minister of CulPLACE be able to own homes and ture, Youth and Sport, The Head of State land, so they can qualify Charles Ramson Jr; Minpointed out that in order for loans and benefit from ister of Public Service, for women to take ad- the equity value of that Sonia Parag and Minister within the Ministry of vantage of some of these ownership.”

Housing and Water, Susan opportunities, the system Rodrigues. (Office of the needs to change and be AGRICULTURAL President) structured.

POTENTIAL A section of the gathering at the Influential Women and Youth Meeting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

$3.2B for new housing development in Essequibo –– funds to cover major infrastructural works at Charity, Onderneeming

By Navendra Seoraj

BEING cognisant that access to adequate and affordable housing is the cornerstone of economic development, the government plans to invest some $3.2 billion to install the necessary infrastructure for housing at Charity and Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Access to adequate housing is viewed as a basic human right, and considered to be an integral factor for the enjoyment of other economic, social and cultural privileges. And, with Guyana’s economy poised to quadruple in the coming years, the government has started creating the conditions for Guyanese, especially from the low and middle-income brackets, to have access to adequate housing.

Investments, in this regard, have been widespread,

as evidenced by the Ministry of Housing and Water’s plan to invest in the development of new housing schemes in the Cinderella County, Essequibo.

Based on a document seen by the Guyana Chronicle, the ministry’s plan is to expend some $3,280,000,000 on infrastructure which would facilitate housing at St. Joseph and Buxton in Charity; Charity squatting area, and at Onderneeming.

Specifically, the ministry plans to spend approximately $872,000,000 to construct access bridges, unsurfaced bridges, pipe networks, drains and culverts at Buxton and St. Joseph.

Additionally, $628,000,000 will be spent to install similar infrastructure at the Charity squatting area.

Also, of the proposed $3.2 billion, $1,780,000,000 will be spent to construct reinforced concrete roads, drains and culverts, pipe

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, with other Housing Officials during a meeting with residents of Johanna Cecilia and Maria’s Lodge, Essequibo Coast on Saturday last networks and access bridges.

The planned infrastructure work would complement the land allocation exercise

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, dealt directly with residents of Johanna Cecilia and Maria’s Lodge, Essequibo Coast during a Cabinet outreach at the weekend

which has already started in Essequibo, where some 700 house lots have already been distributed.

Nationally, the government is aiming to allocate 10,000 house lots and distribute 7,000 land titles across the country in 2021. And to execute this objective, billions of dollars have been allocated to the Ministry of Housing for the further advance of infrastructure and utility works in new and existing housing areas.

In March, it was reported that some $13.9 billion were allocated for the development of new infrastructure, and the construction of houses, a project that will benefit over 8,000 families.

In a disaggregation of the government’s investment in the housing sector, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said some $12 billion will go towards new infrastructural works, while $1.8 billion will be utilised for the construction of houses.

Those funds are being channelled directly through 199 contracts, which were awarded officially to con-

tractors.

Some 51 contractors received their contracts to start the infrastructure works and the construction of 290 houses, 119 of which will be built in Cummings Lodge, on the East Coast Demerara (ECD), while 100 will be constructed at Prospect, on the East Bank Demerara (EBD).

“The beneficiaries of the entire investment would be allottees from low, middle, moderate and high-income brackets,” Minister Croal said.

In his estimation, Guyanese stand to benefit more in this year alone than they did during the tenure of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)’s coalition administration.

This investment, however, is just the tip of the iceberg, as the government’s overarching plan over the next five years is to make 50,000 allocations, which include house lots and houses.

And, just as the government is committed to making this promise a reality, Croal challenged the contractors

to do their part by producing quality and timely work.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, had also urged the contractors to produce quality work, since it is the quality of their work that would determine whether they progress from small to medium and large-scale projects.

“I urge you to be diligent in implementing this work.

We must not have to chase contractors down to complete work; it is also your responsibility to ensure that contracts are in line with specifications,’’ Dr. Singh said.

The expectation of the government is for there to be immediate mobilisation of resources, and the commencement of the critical works.

In executing the work, contractors will not only be contributing to the development of new and ‘beautiful’ housing schemes, but also to wider economic advancement through job creation and increased spending.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

President Ali to inform regional heads, UN about Venezuela’s latest action

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali plans to formally notify Heads of Government in the Region about the accord made between the Government of Venezuela and its opposition last week in Mexico City.

The Head of State told the media on Sunday that he would also inform mediators for the meeting about the “controversial” accord.

The President is expected to brief CARICOM heads during a virtual Special Emergency Meeting on Monday morning; he has also promised to update the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) during an upcom-

ing meeting in Mexico and the United Nations, via its Secretary-General António Guterres.

During the meeting last Monday, the opposing Venezuelan politicians agreed to press their long-standing claim over the Essequibo region.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on September 7, stating that the agreement “is an overt threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana,” and that “Guyana cannot be used as an altar of sacrifice for settlement of Venezuela’s internal political differ-

President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali ences,” since the matter is with the pertinent authority.

JURISDICTION The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled last

Monday, 13 September 10:00hrs - 11:30hrs

December that it has jurisdiction to decide Guyana’s claim against Venezuela that the boundary between the two states was fixed in an 1899 Arbitral Award.

Venezuela is opposed to the ICJ and its ruling. Guyana is, however, seeking to obtain a final and binding judgement that will clearly state that the Essequibo region is indisputably part of this country.

President Ali on Sunday said that the ruling is the law, and that Guyana would see it through.

“We have embraced that route, which is the ICJ and we’re committed to that route. That route is the rule of law and that is where the matter resides, not in any sideshow or any other engagement.”

The President said the countries that arranged the meeting to resolve Venezuela’s internal issues should understand that the controversial agreement is anything but internal.

“The controversy that exists on the border has nothing to do with their internal issues and it has already been determined where that issue would be settled, and it’s the ICJ. What we can ask those countries (the mediators of last week’s meeting) to do, is to encourage Venezuela to participate and be active with the ICJ.” (Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

President hints at salary increases, other benefits for teachers

By Rehana Ahamad THE Government of Guyana is currently examining a holistic menu of measures to improve the lives of teachers all across the country.

This was the indication given by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a massive Cabinet outreach in Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam, where he hinted that these measures could include, but are not limited to salary increases.

“It’s not only about salaries, it’s about other important aspects of lives critical to you,” President Ali told the residents of Dartmouth, Essequibo, as he made specific reference to the possibility of teachers benefitting from increased scholarship opportunities.

As it is, the government’s ground-breaking 20,000 scholarships programme encompassed special rewards for public school teachers who are able to successfully complete the programmes being offered by several internationally-recognised universities in various parts of the world, including India and Germany. The scholarships are accessed via the newly-established Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education.

GOAL, in a statement earlier in the year had announced that “teachers who embark in studies in various disciplines at the partnering universities in distinctive and diverse programmes and are successful will receive incentives and recognition including monetary incentives; points for promotion; graduate status among other considerations.”

More specifically, the statement also encouraged teachers who do not possess the entry requirements for Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to enroll for the Bachelor Preparatory Programme being offered at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

“Successful completion of this programme will facilitate entry into CPCE,” GOAL had said.

Since the GOAL scholarships initiative was launched in April, it received 8,800 applications, inclusive of teachers. Although the programme initially intended to offer an annual quota of 4,500 scholarships, the mammoth interest garnered by the programme forced government to amend its 2021l allocation to accommodate 6000 beneficiaries.

President Ali told the Region Two residents that, in addition to providing direct opportunities for teachers, his government will also be ensuring better opportunities for the children and relatives of local educators.

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, in an engagement with teachers of the Good Hope Nursery School annex located along the Supenaam River, acknowledged that over the past 17 months, thousands of Guyana’s teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure that their learners were not left behind during the height of the pandemic.

“We know these things; we recognise these things,” Edghill told the teachers.

In recognising the fact that many teachers were even expending their own monies to ensure they have internet connections to reach out to

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing residents of Dartmouth, Essequibo their students, the minister millions of lives globally, March 2020. “It wasn’t ideThe Ministry of -Edassured that “your good will and close to 700 right here in al, but it was necessary,” ucation had described the not go unrewarded.”

Guyana, Edghill used the fo- Edghill asserted. strike as being “uncaring Edghill told the teachers rum to encourage teachers to He reminded that at a and unconscionable” since that, as part of the governsee the value, and ensure that time when nations were scores of pupils and stument’s plans to improve their they are vaccinated against struggling to have access dents have been out of lives, they will also have betthe deadly coronavirus. to the lifesaving vaccines, school for 17 months. The ter access to housing, “You H e c a u t i o n e d t h a t Guyana has been one of the ministry also chided the are young professionals,” COVID-19 will not “dis- very few countries that have GTU’s General Secretary, Edghill emphasised. appear overnight”, but will been able to secure enough Coretta McDonald, for usHe, however, declined require a positive approach jabs for its entire adult popu- ing the sacred entity to to say what the other comto immunisation, which has lation, and, soon, enough for further the agenda of the ponents of government’s been hailed as the only safe the adolescent population.

A Partnership for Nation“menu of measures” are. way out of the pandemic As it is, the Guyana al Unity + Alliance for “I can’t give you all the that continues to ravage the Teachers’ Union (GTU) has Change (APNU+AFC), for details today, because that world. been attempting to rally a which she is a Member of will be spilling the beans,” The minister said that strike action among teachers, Parliament.

Edghill quipped. even though the virus re- owing to the government’s The government also He assured that Guyana’s mains, it was important that vaccination policies, which believes that the efforts burgeoning oil and gas sector the government reopened seek to prevent the spread of by the GTU is an attempt will result in the provision of schools, as a means of avoid- the virus. However, despite to tarnish the work of the even more investments withing further learning loss, and the GTU’s actions, more than People’s Progressive Party/ in the education sector, incurbing the school dropout 80 per cent of the nursery Civic government, which cluding a mammoth increase rate that has worsened since and primary school teachers assumed office in August of the Education Cash Grants the virus struck Guyana in have turned out to work.

2020. (By Rehana Ahamad) from $19,000 to $50,000.

“While everything is not perfect, we have been doing good for Guyana,” the minister posited.

Turning his attention to the deadly coronavirus, which has already taken

Police Force urges citizens to comply with curfew, other COVID measures THE Guyana Police Force is reminding the general public that, while there is no total lockdown, the curfew imposed throughout the country, as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures issued by the Minister of Health, remains in effect between 22:30hrs and 04:00hrs daily.

A statement from Police Headquarters reminded that, during this period, persons

are required to remain within the confines of their homes and yard space, except as otherwise provided for in the COVID-19 Emergency Measures.

The COVID-19 Emergency Measures have also placed restrictions and requirements on social, business and other activities with the aim of ensuring social distancing and the wearing of face masks by members of the public.

“The Guyana Police Force is urging citizens to comply with the Emergency Measures implemented, as the police continue with their enforcement in this regard in efforts to safeguard the health of the nation during this pandemic.

Persons found in breach of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures will be prosecuted accordingly,” the police statement concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

Grounding With The People THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has re-commenced an earlier governance style of Cabinet outreaches, the most recent of which was done in Region Two. Led by President, Dr Irfaan Ali and including ministers of government and other senior officials, they interfaced with residents and communities in a direct or face-to-face manner with the view of responding to issues of concern in an expeditious and timely manner.

This tradition of Cabinet outreaches has now become a characteristic governance modality of ruling People’s Progressive Party administrations dating back to the period of colonial rule when

Dr. Cheddi Jagan vowed to take Parliament to the people and the people to Parliament following his historic victory in the 1947 elections.

In the case of the Cabinet outreaches, it is a case of taking government to the people and people to government. President Dr. Mohammed Dr Irfaan Ali has repeatedly said that his administration is pursuing a pro-people approach to governance, one in which people are put at the centre of development. It is this approach to development that sets it apart from the previous A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration. The President and his entire Cabinet are much

more accessible to citizens which allows for the removal of unnecessary bottlenecks and timely solutions to problems facing the citizenry.

There are several advantages that could emanate from such outreaches.

Firstly, it provided policy makers with a first-hand opportunity to, as it were, feel the pulse of the community, understand and share the concerns of people and together come up with solutions.

The citizens, for their part, have a much better understanding and appreciation of the macro-picture and the budgetary constraints of the administration.

Very often citizens expect immediate solutions to community problems, which

sometimes are much more complex from a decision-making perspective.

The ’personal touch’ of national leaders in the resolution of problems can and doe have a soothing effect on members of the wider society.

Such interactions are also useful in terms of budgeting and planning.

The President and his Cabinet must be commended for the people-oriented approach to development. The days when ministers were seen as arm chair generals are now over. The high levels of energy displayed by the President and his team is most reassuring and bodes well from the perspective of good and accountable governance.

9/11 memories among NY-based Guyanese

Dear Editor,

THE attack on the World Trade Center by terrorists is permanently etched in the memory of Guyanese (and others) in the United States.

People were in shock; time was frozen.

People could not finish their chores or continue their tasks. America and the life of Guyanese came to a standstill. People remember where they were and what they were doing.

I have distinct memories of where I was and what I was doing at the time and of attending countless memorial services for Guyanese in Queens. We lost many Guyanese and so many of other nationalities. It’s a day that also changed the lives of many Guyanese. Guyanese did extraordinary things. There were so many acts of kindness

by Guyanese for the families who lost loved ones and\or those who were in shock. There was so much heroism among Guyanese. Memorials and prayer vigils were held. Every year thereafter there were memorial services

by Guyanese in Queens. Statements were made against extremism. From 2001, to now, every 9/11 was a solemn day. There was a sombre memorial service annually among Guyanese for victims.

I was in my classroom teaching a lesson in U.S. Government on Primary Elections to select a party nominee. Several Guyanese students were in my class. It was the second Tuesday of September, Primary Election day in New York. The nominee for may-

or and other important offices was being chosen. The Primary was cancelled right after the attack and held two weeks later.

Conversations were focused on the planes (transformed into bombs) flying into the buildings. Schools were closed for the rest of that week. Offices and factories were closed.

People stayed home.

Conversations from that Tuesday 9/11/01 were on the attack on the WTC, Shanksville (Pennsylvania), and the Pentagon (Washington). Everyone had a story to tell. Almost everyone knew someone who worked at the WTC area; my wife worked at the bank on the next block, was about to enter her building. She, like so many others, ran for their lives when they saw the twin towers on fire. They walked miles from downtown across the bridge over the river to Queens or to Brooklyn. They hopped on buses or begged for rides to get to their destinations as the subway trains from the city that ran underground below the WTC area were suspended for security reasons. So many narrowly escaped death.

Dozens of Guyanese worked at the WTC and in the area; two dozens were killed, burned to death or pulverised by the fall of the buildings. Several people jumped out of windows of the towers; it is not known whether any Guyanese made that leap. The remains of several of the Guyanese victims were never found. Human bones were collected, but DNA confirmation has been slow.

Guyanese and others tried to comfort one another from that day onwards for

weeks. They spoke of their experiences at the site of attack. From Wednesday 9/12/01 onwards, there were vigils for the victims in Queens and other counties and several rallies in support of America. So many stories or experiences were revealed by witnesses to the horrific crime. Guyanese proprietors in Richmond Hill provided their halls for free for commemorative services or for mourning. Rallies and prayer services were also held in parks. Funerals were held daily from Saturday onwards. Guyanese joined the procession in Queens for firemen or police officers who died from the collapsing towers.

Two firemen victims were from Richmond Hill.

President Bush Jr. visited Ground Zero and declared the attackers would be found and paid dearly for attacking Americans.

He urged Americans not to target anyone on account of their ethnicity. But there were adverse experiences among Indian Guyanese Americans and other ethnic Indians following the attack. Hatred was spewed at Indians out of ignorance. The terrorist attacks were carried out by Arabs. Americans wrongly confused Indians as Arabs. Americans could not tell the difference between Muslims and Hindus. Several Indians (South Asians) and Indo-Caribbean people were wrongly blamed for the terror attacks. Hindus were called Muslims. Some were physically attacked.

I remember African and Hispanic students sarcastically telling me, “your people did that” or asking “why did your people attack us”? Ignorant White Americans in the

streets also made statements such as, “Your people attack America.” Some Guyanese were called “Bin Laden” or “turban heads,” even when they didn’t wear turbans. Guyanese who sported beards shaved it, fearing they would be labelled as would-be terrorists. Many Indians were beaten on the streets.

There was mistrust among Americans for people who looked like Arabs (including Indians) or were Muslims. They were profiled on planes, trains, employment, schools, and on the streets. There were hate crimes, racial profiling, bias-incidents, and job and airline discrimination.

Indian Guyanese Americans rallied for and with their country. They were/ are patriots of America and of their home country. They went to war in Afghanistan and Iraq; some were killed there. Indian Guyanese had to dissociate themselves from and clarify they were/are not Arabs, saying they were/are not Arabs or from India or South Asia. Most Indian Guyanese and other Indians are assimilated into American life.

Guyanese have stood out vocally against Islamic extremism and consistently mourned the loss of American lives.

Two decades later, after the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Americans seem to have learned the difference between Arabs and Indians. They are not the subject of bias-attacks as in 2001.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

Measures to ensure the public is vaccinated are for the greater goood Dear Editor, I WISH to state at the outset that I write this letter not as a lawyer but as a citizen of Guyana.

A legal opinion on the factors that govern this topic is not appropriate here as it will be too lengthy. COVID-19 and its variant off-shoots are now rooted in Guyana and we all need to be cognisant of this and its effects as the disease has no respect for anyone. The government has the responsibility to ensure that the nation is safe and in order to do this, regulations have been passed from time to time in which the freedom of assembly, freedom of association and the freedom of movement which are enshrined in Articles 147 and 148 of the Constitution of Guyana have been restricted.

The government has promulgated regulations in which only vaccinated members of the public and employees are allowed into offices, banks, institutions, malls, supermarkets etc. If not vaccinated then an appointment has to be made by members of the public to be attended and a State employee has to produce a certificate of being COVID free periodically. Article 149 A of the Constitution states that no person shall be hindered in the employment of his or her right to work, that is to say, the right to free choice of employment.

The question to be asked is whether the constitutional rights of the citizens of Guyana have been breached. To answer this question, one has to look at the responsibility of a government and at the Constitution.

It is stated that a government is an institution through which leaders exercise powers to make and enforce laws. A government’s basic functions are providing leadership, maintaining order, providing public services, providing national security, providing economic security, providing economic assistance and safe guarding the public health.

The effect of the restrictions employed by the government is aimed to protect the public health of the nation by indirectly

forcing everyone above twelve years of age to be vaccinated. Some members of the public are against the restrictions that they must be vaccinated so as to be able to work and that if they are to produce a certificate periodically to show that they are COVID free then they demand that the government should bear this cost. They argue that they have a freedom of choice to be or not to be vaccinated. They say that they have a freedom to enter and work even if they are not vaccinated and the concerns of those persons who are vaccinated and would wish to work in an environment that is COVID free is no great matter. Those teachers who are not vaccinated and who are in the ranks of protesters seem to see nothing wrong for them to be with children who are not vaccinated.

I would wish at this point to refer to the Constitution of Guyana at Chapter 11 which is headed as follows – PRINCIPLES AND BASES OF THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEM where at Article 25 it is stated – Every citizen has a duty to participate in activities designed to improve the environment and protect the health of the nation. Article 149 J states as follows – (1) Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being. (2) The State shall protect the environment, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures designed to – (a) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (b) promote conservation; etc. These Articles in addition to the case laws of what occurred in several other jurisdictions is the basis for what the government is doing.

It is my view that the government is correct to take the measures that necessitate vaccination and restrict the entry into public spaces unless a certificate of being COVID free is produced periodically. When you live in a society of persons, you are subjected to restrictions. You just cannot do as you please and whether you recognise it or not,

we all have been living with restrictions for centuries now. You cannot walk naked on the road. You cannot curse or abuse or slander a person publically, you have to drive on the left side of the road, you have to be vaccinated for polio, chicken pox and other diseases as a child in order to attend school.

You have to queue up to be served, to enter into a plane, to pass through immigration and customs, to drive a motor vehicle, even to build or reconstruct on your own land. You have to pass exams before you can practice as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, teacher and other professions. Our daily life is full of restrictions which we do not recognise as such and they are not breaches of our Constitutional rights. If you want to live in a society, you have to abide by the rules for the greater good. If not then find an island and live there.

The government has to traverse a thin line between protecting the collective health and well-being of the public and curtailing the constitutional rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution. Our Constitution gives to the government the responsibility of ensuring that the environment is not harmful to the health of the citizens. The term environment can be safely argued to also mean that the government must enact such laws that make the citizens safe from such diseases, pollutants, viruses or other matters that may be in the environment. Without a doubt, the COVID -19 virus is also being spread in the air and as such is in the environment. The duty of the government is to take such action so as to eradicate or minimise the spread and would be failing in their duty, if they did not.

However, when constitutional rights and freedom are being curtailed then there must be trust and solidarity between the government and the public where both parties take responsibility. Unfortunately, one has to ask the question whether politics is playing a part in some persons and organisations which are resisting the measures taken by the government. It looks that way at times.

My body, my choice! My right to choose!

You cannot tell me what to do! The public relations in the fight against the disease have been poor! Not enough education has been done! These are some of the points that those who oppose vaccinations have been touting. I have seen and heard a lot of education and encouragement in favour of the vaccine in the media and perhaps a new look at what is being published should be looked at.

Science is in favour of the vaccine and this has been recognised universally from the WHO to the United Nations. As far as I am aware no country has stated that vaccine is not recommended. Those who are against it should produce their scientific materials so that it can be examined. I saw in the media recently that Member of Parliament, Mr Jermaine Figueira from APNU downgrading vaccination and touting that herbal remedies can fight the disease. Others have asked him to produce the scientific data to back his assertion and I also join, to ask him to please educate us. I wish to ask him if he has been vaccinated and if so why? Please tell us! My last question is to those persons who do not want to be vaccinated. That is your choice and I respect it but if you get the disease and have to be hospitalized at the public institutions and more so at the COVID Hospital, who should bear the cost of your treatment?

I estimate that if you were to be a patient and being treated at a private hospital, your bill will be in excess of $100,000 per day. Why should the State bear this cost? If you infect others and they have to be hospitalised, why should you not be responsible for the costs and loss that they suffer? I would be grateful for the answers.

Lastly, I cannot support the contention that the government or any private sector employer should pay for periodically testing of employees to certify that a person is Covid free. What absolute nonsense.

Yours sincerely, K.A. Juman-Yassin S.C, A.A.

The Lalls should inform themselves to avoid spouting gibberish Dear Editor, THE wilful ignorance that characterised the Granger administration seems to have become part of the psyche of those who oppose the Irfaan Ali administration; a case in point is the absurd assertion in the Kaieteur News editorial (9.12.21) that “Exxon is now seeking five acres of land for a riverside facility on the West Bank of Demerara” and framing it as an acquisition/ purchase by Exxon.

I refuse to believe that any intelligent person reading the Request for Information (RFI) where it states “EEPGL plans to put in place an enabling agreement with a supplier who currently has a well-developed Quayside and Laydown area. EEPGL does not plan to develop a new Quayside and Laydown facility”

and understood this to mean that Exxon was looking to buy land. The editorial went on to make the case for local content despite 763 of the RFI’s 1664 words being dedicated to Local Content requirements; this is either wilful ignorance or Glenn Lall has taken to writing the editorials in the newspaper he owns.

The editorial also repeats the previous claim (made by GHK Lall and Glenn Lall) that “Exxon wants oil reports with national significance withheld and buried, and they are hidden from the sight of Guyanese.” Lall & Lall fail to comprehend that reports are prepared and delivered, then they must be read, understood, and analysed; any areas that need clarification must be queried and explanations accepted and annotated or amended as needed. Would the Lall duo have the government release the reports and then reply to

questions with blank stares and false/vapid/ expedient answers? There is no doubt that the two reports which are being reviewed by the Guyana Revenue Authority will be released upon completion of the process; to suggest otherwise while the process is ongoing is wilfully ignorant and opportunistic.

GHK Lall speaks of “the power of Exxon” as if he were talking of a foe of Guyana instead of our development partner; yes, Exxon has ‘power’, it has the power of technology to explore, develop and produce oil from wells located three miles below the surface of the sea. Exxon has the ‘power’ of competence to attract partners and financing for oil exploration and development in Guyana. Exxon has the ‘power’ to let the world know that Guyana is a stable democracy and one where a change in administration does not lead to

cancellation or arbitrary renegotiation of contracts. Guyana’s ability to attract foreign direct investment is directly related to the political stability and maturity of its government administration; a fact that is lost to the Lalls.

Rumours that the Lall duo plans to launch a political party persist. The targeting of ExxonMobil seems aimed at tapping into populist sentiments of distrust of mega-corporations and attracting a support base of conspiracy theorists and ignoramuses.

The Lalls would do well in the future to read and understand available materials from Exxon and other companies before writing ‘opinions’ and/or spouting gibberish for public consumption.

Yours sincerely, Robin Singh

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

Battling the stresses of the pandemic

By Vanessa Cort

“I FELT afraid,” said Carol, who is married and has three children. In fact, she recalled that in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic she had many sleepless nights.

She would toss and turn, sometimes getting up during the night to check on her husband and children. She touched their foreheads to see if they had a temperature, going to each child’s bedroom in her spacious two-storeyed house in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

By the time she was finished she found that she could not go back to sleep; she had become an insomniac. Now, almost 18 months later, she is calmer but the worry still remains, though she has taken certain steps to protect her family. Her school-aged children are at home and two of them are taking

online classes while the third is tutored for three hours daily, from Monday to Friday.

“I don’t want anything to happen to my children…I’m a serious woman with my children,” she told me, when I noticed how keenly she monitored the children’s online work.

“Yes, I have to do that,” she said, “because he (referring to one of her sons) would be up there doing his own thing if I don’t keep checking.” In fact, one day when I visited, I noticed the youngster downstairs and was told by Carol that she wanted to keep a closer eye on him because he had not been keeping up with his classes.

Yet Carol is still fortunate, because, with a husband in building construction and property income, she does not work and can be at home with her children, particularly at this time.

When she does leave her home, she issues strict instructions to her children on securing the gate and locking doors, ensuring that they are safe inside.

She is much more aware of the need for vigilance around her home because of the increase in petty crime among jobless young men, some of whom can no longer get the casual work they had before the pandemic struck.

“I felt marooned in my own home,” said Aaron, with a rueful smile, clearly recalling his feelings of isolation when he first learned of the Coronavirus and the surging death toll.

“I was scared”, he said, “and I told my boss I would work from home. ” His boss did not object as long as the work got done and so he established a routine each day, spending a certain amount of time at his computer.

He was even afraid to have friends visit

his home and soon found himself bored and unable to cope with the silence.

“So, you know what I did? I went back to work,” he laughed. But he limited his time at the workplace to one day per week and now goes to a nearby outdoor bar for after work drinks and a chat with colleagues.

“This has helped me,” he added, realizing that he was in desperate need of a ‘release valve’ that would give him a welcome from his constant worry over the pandemic.

But he voiced his concern about some people in his home village of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, who have locked themselves away in their homes and remain in isolation.

“Some of them don’t know what is going on in the outside world,” he said, acknowledging that these people are living in fear, like so many others around the country.

“We have to talk about this thing…but now we seem to be getting more divided because of arguments over the vaccine.”

But as the primary objective is to keep everyone safe and healthy, then we have to put aside our differences.

“A lot of people are keeping things bottled up inside,” Aaron remarked, graphically pointing at his head.

And as the experts tell us, that is not a good thing. We have to come together and talk about our fears and anxieties over this pandemic and not let it get the better of us.

Man, 23, dies in Farm accident

A 23-year-old man, identified as Ishwar Mohan, died on Saturday night after a car ran over his body while he laid at the side of the road at Farm, East Bank Demerara.

A police report noted that Mohan of Success, East Coast Demerara, was lying at the side of the road when he was ran over by motor car (PZZ 7322) driven by Jaleel Henry, 22.

Police reported that Hen-

ry was proceeding north along the western side of the carriageway at a fast rate when the incident occurred; eyewitnesses reported that Mohan’s body was dragged some distance.

Mohan was picked up in an unconscious state by the police and public-spirited citizens and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead.

Police said that the driver

of the vehicle failed to stop at the time of the accident and instead went to the Providence Police Station and reported the matter. A breathalyzer test was conducted and no trace of alcohol was detected on his breath.

Mohan’s body is at the Memorial Gardens Crematorium awaiting a post mortem.

The driver remains in police custody as investigations continue.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

Barama to invest $1B in expanding operations –– Pres. Ali says ready to work with manufacturing sector on product certification

THE Barama Company Ltd plans to invest a whopping $1B in expanding its operations here, according to General Manager, Mahendra Chand.

He made the announcement on Sunday as the company celebrated its 30th anniversary at their Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara Headquarters.

The event saw the attendance of Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali and other government officials who toured the facility.

Chand, in his presentation, said that the projected log intake for next year will be between $800M and $1B from local operators, which is also expected to create hundreds of new direct and indirect jobs. He also noted that the company is looking to finalise an investment of nearly $1B to expand its operations again, which includes returning to the logging business.

The company also, on Sunday, launched a new water-resistant plywood at the anniversary celebra-

President Irfaan Ali (third left), General Manager of Barama Company Ltd, Mahendra Chand (second left); Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud (left); Natural Resources and Foreign Affairs Ministers (third and second right respectively) and another official at the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations tion. President Ali said that the government welcomes and embraces the company’s bold projections for its future; he added that his government will do all that it can to fuel the growth of Barama and others in the sector.

Mr Chand recollected that between 2015 and 2019 the company suffered tremendously and had to scale back its operations to just plywood production, which forced over 600 workers out of jobs.

He credited the President Ali-led Administration for

its “most propelling impetus” for the company’s new plans of expansion and investment.

The General Manager noted that it began with the government lobbying for the relaxation of the Common External Tariff (CET) of imported ply in Guyana from 10% to 35%, as well as the reduction of taxes on the importation of vehicles for the industry and other Government policies.

President Ali said that it was the government’s recognition of the decline

in Barama’s operations and the Forestry Sector as a whole that resulted in progressive policies.

“We are aware of the fact that Barama was forced in 2016 to relinquish its forest concession which was then divided and allocated to other players in the sector. This forced the further downsizing of the company and a loss of investment

by Barama and we have heard today that that loss of investment was to the tune of US$15M.” The President under-

scored that the government also recognises the negative effects of the high cost of energy on the manufacturing sector. He said that that was why his administration was moving towards the proposed gas-to-shore project, the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and others in a bid to half the cost of electricity.

“My government is committed to supporting efforts to shift production to more value-added products.

As such, I am impressed by the efforts that I have seen today and which are being made by Barama to diversify its product line.”

The Head of State said that the GMSA, the Forestry Sector, the Government and all the stakeholders need to form a consortium that is not only driven by profit, but driven by the development of the sector and the development of opportunities for the sector.

He also noted that the government was ready to work with the manufacturing sector to certify their value-added products and to fuel growth in the for-

estry sector. The Head of State said that the sector has to move towards product certification to stay relevant in an ever-changing market.

“The government is willing to work with the sector in ensuring that we move towards product certification because we cannot speak about access to new markets or opening up new markets in isolation of the product certification.

That is a necessary tool to enter the market.”

President Ali said that a collaboration between the Government and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) was needed.

He noted that for production volume to increase, a value-added commitment, linked to quality control and consistency must be made.

Additionally, it was necessary to develop a system of efficiency in the local market and a strategic formula on how local demands for value-added products were driven.

(Modified Office of the President press release)

Feasibility study for potable water well to be conducted at Wakapoa MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, has committed to sending a technical team from the Guyana Water Incorporated to conduct a feasibility study for a potable water well in Wakapoa, Lower Pomeroon, Region Two. The minister was on the recent two-day Cabinet outreach in the region, which was led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Minister Rodrigues visited several communities, where she listened to the concerns of residents and assured them that they will be addressed in the shortest possible time.

At Wakapoa, Minister Rodrigues also committed to making representation for a doctor to be sent to the community which has approximately 1,900 residents.

She assured them that the vacancies that exist for three teachers will be filled shortly

with teachers from within the community.

The minister told residents that the outreach was a fulfillment of the PPP/C Government’s promise of taking government services to the people in the ten administrative regions.

“You would have seen in various sectors whether it is education, whether it is health, whether it is infrastructure, housing whichever sector it is you have seen us delivering on our commitments, delivering on our promises and we are here to implore you again that we will never break that connection and we will also always ensure that we keep those commitments for the next four years and so we are making ourselves accessible to you.

“We [government] want to take this opportunity to remind you of the commitments that we made in our

manifesto to assure you that we are very much committed to every single one of the promises that we made.”

Minister Rodrigues added that, “we never want to relinquish that direct connection with our people.”

Those matters that were outside of her sector, the minister said, would be related to the respective ministers for immediate action. Meanwhile, Toshao of Akawini, Rudolph Wilson, said his village had seen much improvement during the first year of the government.

“Well as for us, as the people of Akawini village we can see great development because we have gotten a lot of things like for example we have an emergency boat, which we have received from the REO through the government; we have even received our children cash grant; we are now receiving this flood relief. They have also assist-

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, before addressing residents in Wakapoa, Pomeroon River ed us greatly in the cleaning of the creek and many other

things they have done, at least we can see progress going on.”

Several residents raised their concerns at the meetings. Monica Williams, an elderly farmer, said she appreciated the interest the government was showing in her village.

“When no one looks down upon us … he [President Ali] takes part, he looks upon us, he helps us in different ways and sends small packages and he doesn’t put us down as Amerindians like the previous government, you know put us aside but he remembers us.”

Headteacher of the Wakapoa Secondary School, Andre Smith, also commended the Government for its work in the community.

“Very good, I think this is the forum that we should raise our concerns with the bigger heads and I know that the government is working

and they will see that things happen in Wakapoa, and not only in Wakapoa, because if you listen to the honourable ministers their hearts are on indigenous communities.”

Maria Charles, a midwife, said the Government’s assistance had made it easier to store vaccines for children in her community.

“Government has assisted us greatly, for example they provided an emergency boat for the community at 75 horsepower so in the case of an emergency we have a boat that is accessible to us. Since the government is in office, they provided us with a freezer so that we can store our vaccine which can be stored for at least one month. This prevents us from going to charity.”

The matters raised at the outreach will form the basis for Budget 2022.

(DPI)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

CJIA runway extension, landing system commissioned

By Richard Bhainie

A NEW Instrument Landing System (ILS) worth $518 million and an expansion of the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to 3,360 metres, geared towards accommodating larger aircrafts and maintaining international safety standards, were commissioned at the airport on Sunday.

Among those who witnessed the commissioning were Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill; Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond; Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn and CJIA Board Chair, Sanjeev Datadin.

Edghill explained that the government recognised that the aviation industry is capital intensive and hefty investments are required to ensure safety, critical aviation activities and infrastructure are compliant with international civil aviation standards.

The runway at the airport, which previously measured 2,270 metres, now boasts of being one of the longest such structures in the Caribbean region, measuring 3,360 metres with the new extension.

The north-eastern end of the asphaltic surface has benefitted from 400 metres

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, flanked by Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill; Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn; CJIA Board Chairman, Sanjeev Datadin and CJIA Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir, among others, cut the ribbon to officially declare the runway open (Delano Williams photo) of additional runway, and the ILS. and take-offs, even during in the eventuality of aborted 250 metres of the Runway The ILS is a preci- unfavourable weather con- take-off. It also makes the End Safety Area (RESA). sion-approach aid for pi- ditions; the ILS guides air- airport more attractive to Meanwhile, the south-east- lots; it employs two radio planes down to the runway modern fleets and other airern end of the runway was signals that provide flyers as low as 200 feet above lines, thus making it more extended by some 690 me- with vertical and horizontal the runway, at which point marketable,” Edghill said. tres, with an added 90 me- guidance during the landing the pilot will be better able “The CJIA now has intres of RESA. phase of an aircraft. The to make a visual descent to creased capacity for larger Minister Edghill ex- localiser (LOC) provides continue his landing. and modern carriers. Preplained that to enhance the ‘azimuth guidance’, while The ILS installation now viously many wide-bodied safety and efficiency of air- the glideslope (GS) defines allows the airport to be in aircraft including the B747 craft operations on the now the correct vertical descent compliance with the Interna- had to operate with restric11,023 feet runway, a suit- profile. tional Civil Aviation Organ- tions into CJIA,” he added able approach and landing To put it simply, the isation’s (ICAO) Global Air The dominant aircraft aid was needed and this system will enable pilots Navigation Plan for Run- types operating into CJIA was materialised through to execute safer landings ways and Vertical Guidance are Boeing 737-800, Boe“Embracing aviation as ing 757 and 767-200. The one of the enabling sectors expanded runway now acto support our national commodates most modern economic, social and cul- passenger carrying aircraft tural structures simply including Boeing 777, 787 means we have to build and Airbus 350, 321. and maintain an aviation The length of the runway system that is regionally available and the choice of and globally comparable,” a precision approach instruEdghill said while deliver- ment landing system, Mining the keynote address at ister Edghill noted provide the ceremony. ease to the flight crews, and, by extension, the airlines, in WIDE RANGE poor weather conditions.

OF BENEFITS “Airlines’ delays and/or He explained that the diversions due to bad weathnew installation and ex- er will be reduced, thus panded runway will pro- any associated operational vide a wide range of bene- costs will be non-existent. fits for the airport, passen- Flight crews’ rest time will gers, the airlines, and the not be encroached due to From Left: Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Chief Executive Officer, country as a whole. diversions to cause further (CEO) of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, “A longer runway with- delays,” he said.

Chairman of the Board of the CJIA, Sanjeev Datadin and National Security Ad- in context, provides more The longer runway availvisor, Gerry Gouveia, inspecting the newly commissioned Instrument Landing prepared surface for aircraft able will allow aircraft to System (Delano Williams Photo)

take-off with their optimal weight so airlines will now be able to carry their outgoing passengers’ baggage and the full fuel capacity for their flights, so no bags will be left behind.

“For the travelling public, those who have experienced diversion to an alternate destination airport due to heavy fog after a five- or six- hour flight will understand the frustration of delays, despite being in the interest of safety.

Missing important timelines due to these delays can be costly,” Edghill said.

SOME RELIEF “The newly certified ILS will bring some relief to these diversions.

The ILS provides precision guidance to pilots allowing them to descend to a lower decision height which increases the probability of a safe landing in poor visibility conditions,” he added.

While the ILs will not completely eliminate diversions, it is estimated that diversions will be reduced by 90 per cent in severe weather conditions, which deter aircraft from landing.

In addition, as a result of the ILS, air traffic controllers and pilots will also benefit from situation awareness, enhanced prediction and resolution systems in the air and on the ground and approach monitoring which will enhance airspace safety.

“The aviation industry is of strategic significance to Guyana’s sustainable development … our government will continue to promote the development of this sector, but we must overcome the challenges that will present themselves as we strive towards building and sustaining a strong vibrant aviation sector,” Edghill said.

Minister Walrond explained that the airport has a significant impact on the tourism industry and at the rate at which Guyana’s tourism industry is poised to expand, the ILS and runway expansion are timely.

11

58 COVID-19 deaths in September so far GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

–– 194 new cases recorded

IN just 12 days Guyana has recorded 58 COVID-19 deaths, taking the overall death toll since March 2020 to 683.

Between September 11 and 12, nine more persons died, the Ministry of

Health revealed Sunday; the latest fatalities include six residents of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – four females ages 54, 62, 78 and 62 and males, ages 66 and 69.

The other fatalities are

a 42-year-old woman from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) who died on September 12; an 85-yearold man also from Region Six who died on September 12 and a 67-year-old man from Region Ten

(Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice), who died on September 11. According to the ministry, these nine people died while receiving treatment at a Ministry of Health facility.

Additionally, there are currently 3,152 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 194 new cases on September 12, 2021, from 1,321 tests.

The 194 newly confirmed cases were recorded in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, and 10.

Region Four accounted for 109 of the new cases; Region One recorded one new case; Region Two recorded five cases; Region Three recorded 42 cases;

Region Five recorded 24 cases; Region Six recorded two cases; Region Seven recorded seven cases and Region 10, four cases.

The country has now recorded a total of 27,976 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. Of the active cases, 29 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 149 are in institutional isolation; 2,959 are in home isolation, and 15 are in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated

COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until September 30, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is 22:30hrs to 04:00hrs.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

70 graduate from Guyanese Girls Code 2021

SEVENTY young women and girls on Saturday graduated from the Guyanese Girls Code 2021 initiative through the Industry and Innovation Unit under the Office of the Prime Minister.

The special Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) training was crafted to create awareness and encourage young women and girls to

take up careers in ICT. During the programme, the participants were engaged in design-thinking, flowcharts, and creating mini-games.

Shahrukh Hussain, Director of the Industry and

Innovation Unit, called the initiative “instrumental,” noting that for many of the participants it was the first step in their journey with STEM. Hussain explained that training activities such as these are much needed as they not only expose women to a male-dominated fields, but it also allows them the opportunity to interact with other women who have similar interests and who can encourage and guide them as they embark on this journey.

“This activity support [sic] technology, education and skill training, and encourage [sic] more girls and young woman [sic] to actively pursue a career [sic] in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It cannot be underestimated how important this achievement is for you young girls who have made us all proud of your success.

Programmes like this [sic] help inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women

in ICT,” said Hussain.

Noting the importance of ICT in everyday life, Hussain spoke of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected work and learning in the past year.

He noted that it is with this in mind that government has been investing in initiatives such as Girls Code to ensure that women in the local economy have the opportunity to create innovative ICT solutions that can be utilized to make everyday life better.

“It is quite evident that during this pandemic, school closure …has [had] an effect on [the] digital divide, internationally or locally, whereby learning opportunities for two-thirds of the world’s children have been affected.

Most of these children are without internet.

As we look here in Guyana and across the Caribbean I have to admit that we are faced with significant lack of education on the importance of ICT for young women.

Shahrukh Hussain, Director of the Industry and Innovation Unit under the Office of the Prime Minister As such, they have less access to skilled training and development that will enable them to gain employment in the ICT sector, but this is one area we intend to change as government,” Hussain explained.

The certificate that was awarded to Elizabeth Bourne (pictured top left) during the virtual graduation ceremony

13

MovieTowne plans to rebound after suffering almost US$3M in losses

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

… due to COVID-19, Chairman says

… new outlet store to open at facility

By Tamica Garnett WHEN the COVID-19 virus hit Guyana in March, 2020, Cineplex and shopping mall MovieTowne Guyana was just marking its one-year anniversary and was in the infantile stages of development, notwithstanding big plans on the cards.

With most public facilities required to shut up shop,

facility are ready to see MovieTowne become the flagship facility they know it can be.

“Unfortunately, with the interruption of the few years, that was a major setback for us at MovieTowne, but we are here now to go and finish the job and when it’s finished, it’s going to take on such a beautiful life of its own,” Chin shared.

Ahead of getting back on track at the facility, Chin paid

The MovieTowne Guyana Complex

MovieTowne Chairman, Derek Chin the cineplex was forced to shut its doors and shelve its development plans, unable to see the proper realisation of its potential. As a matter of fact, Chairman of the MovieTowne Franchise, Derek Chin, told the Guyana Chronicle that he estimates the losses suffered over the past year and a half due to the effects of the pandemic to be between US$2.5 - US$3 million.

However, with COVID-19 restrictions being eased in Guyana and an aggressive vaccination drive giving hope, principals of the

a four-day visit to Guyana last week and on Friday last, he sat down with the Guyana Chronicle for an exclusive interview to discuss his development plans for the facility.

“I am here to ensure all that needs to be done is done,” Chin said.

“I want to come to Guyana, meet the authorities, my tenants and staff and be able to have a chat with them; we all have experienced one of the worst years. I just want to let them know we will build this back, and we will give them back what they’ve lost plus more. We’ve sat

down with staff and talked about how much capital we are willing to put in to get the place ready.”

Chin said the revenue loss greatly affected him and the staff since most of them could not work.

“It really hurts to see my place closed down. This is a shadow, we have experienced two years of a very rough time and it’s nowhere near where I want it to be,” he expressed.

Nonetheless, Chin praised his staff, whom he said ensured the facility remained in tip top shape even as it battled the pandemic.

“I was impressed that it is being kept and maintained as if being opened all along. I told my staff now let’s make it even better for the people of Guyana. I want them to help me to make it ‘di’ place.

I have some great staff, who have really carried the flag during the COVID situation,” Chin said.

Meanwhile, Chin noted that there are plans in the pipeline to expand and devel-

op his brainchild facility, and the public can expect to see the pace of things picking up by year-end.

“The challenge now is how do we complete the journey and become the MovieTowne that I know it can become?

“We have been wooing and securing tenants that we feel are going to add to the space. We have the shoe store ‘Payless’ which is going to open this month. We have a number of other tenants in the process of finalisation that would probably put us up to about 80 percent. We are hoping that most of them

by Christmas will be firmly in place and open for business,” the Chairman said.

Later this week, the first Payless Shoe Source franchise is scheduled to open at the mall.

INVESTMENTS IN GUYANA Aside from spending time at his facility, Chin’s visit also included meetings with the President of

Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali; Go-Invest Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, and National Security Adviser to the President, Gerry Gouveia, among others.

Chin was also accompanied by a number of major investors whom he said are looking into a number of opportunities, though he is not ready just yet to share those projects, saying: “In terms of funding and what we want to do, I wouldn’t want to disclose that just yet.

We are working closely with our banks to ensure we have the necessary support to get things done. And we have explained to our tenants what is the situation and what is going on, so they are aware and are not out in the cold.”

According to Chin, he has also re-initiated talks with the government about the construction of its Georgetown River Walk Hotel and Amusement Park, which is scheduled to be constructed next door to the existing MovieTowne location.

Situated on 10 acres of land on Guyana’s coast, at Liliendaal, MovieTowne Guyana is the first of the franchise to be established outside of Trinidad and Tobago, where it is one of the country’s premier entertainment complexes. The US$50 million complex was conceptualised in 2011, and first began construction in 2014 before opening its doors in 2019.

The facility includes a 200,000 sq. feet building offering an array of attractions and leisure amenities, a sprawling parking lot, and is also site of the Massy Mega Store, and also boasts a number of restaurant franchises, including Hard Rock Cafe, Jaxx International, and some of the country’s leading local brands including Kosmos and Bistro restaurants.

The cineplex also recently began construction on a new food court. Chin promised that just like with other aspects of the mall, he is focused on attracting quality brands to this new addition.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

MoE records small percentage of 14-year-old school dropouts

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has disclosed that a total of 6.2 per cent of 14-year-olds left school during the 2016 to 2017 period, making them the highest percentage of outof-school children in lower secondary school.

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

According to the information gathered by the min-

istry, this number is in stark contrast to the 3.9 per cent of 13-year-olds and 1.6 per cent of 12-year-olds who were out of school during that period.

The ministry intends to utilise the statistics and findings in its ESP to develop and institute initiatives in the years 2021 to 2025 to minimize the number of outof-school children at the primary and secondary school levels.

According to the data,

Graph showing the percentage of dropouts for lower secondary school based on wealth quintile

the percentage was substantially different between children from the lowest income homes and those from middle- and high-income homes.

Comparatively, the outof-school rate was 7.5 per cent among lower secondary school children from low-income homes and only 0.5 per cent for those from middle and high-income homes.

Regions Nine and Four stood out for having the lowest percentages of out-ofschool children in lower secondary school, recording 0.8 and 1.1 per cent respectively.

It was observed that Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), had the highest percentage. According to the data, 12.8 per cent was not in school for the identified period. Region Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni), had the next highest rate of 12.3 per cent while Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) had 6.5, followed by Region One (Barima-Waini), with 5.7 per cent.

Data showing the percentage of out-of-school pupils in each region For Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 4.2 per cent was

recorded while in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the percentage was 4; in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 2.3; and in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 2.1.

The ministry highlighted that much focus will be placed on the fact that the likelihood of early school leaving increases with age.

It intends to craft policies over the next five years to tackle that.

Meanwhile, primary schools, during the 2016 to 2017 period, also recorded a minuscule percentage of outof-school children between

the ages of five and 12. Statistics revealed that just 4 per cent of primary school children were out of school.

The ministry’s analysis of the data indicated that four regions stood out above the national average concerning out-of-school rates at the primary level.

Region Eight had 5.8 per cent; Region Two, 3.6 per cent; Region 10, 2.9 per cent, and Region One, 2.8 per cent.

These regions had the slightly higher percentages when compared to the other areas.

Gold miner brutally murdered at Quartzstone Landing POLICE are on the hunt for a suspect who, allegedly, brutally murdered a 34-year-old gold miner at Quartzstone Landing, Cuyuni River (Region Seven) on Saturday.

Dead is Marlon Carter of Post Office Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara. Police Headquarters reported that the cops arrived at the scene at around 17:30hrs and found Carter’s body on the river bank clad in a pair of black and red boxer shorts.

Police examined the body and found lacerations to the head above the left ear, lacerations to the left lower forearm, lacerations to the forehead, a wound to the right ankle (almost severed), and burns to the chest area.

Investigations so far revealed that the suspect and Carter had a misunderstanding during which Carter was wounded and subsequently died.

At the scene, police found the suspect’s brother who was wanted for a rape and robbery under arms matter which was reported in August 2021.

Police said the brother handed over to the police a 9mm pistol with make and serial number filed off; he claimed that the weapon belonged to Carter.

The victim’s body was taken to Bartica and thence to Memorial Funeral Parlour where it awaits an autopsy.

The suspect’s brother was placed in custody and efforts are currently being made to locate the suspect.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

Webinar held to tackle suicide ideation among adolescents

THE Ministry of Public Health’s Mental Health Unit and Adolescent Health Unit, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Georgetown, on Saturday evening, held the first of a series of webinars to tackle suicide ideation among Guyana’s adolescent population.

Spearheading the discussion, titled ‘Suicide and Family’, the ministry’s Health Education Officer, Tashia James, stated that, in recent years, mental health has become a much talked about subject with many highlighting the importance of having a sound mental health and raising awareness for suicide prevention.

She added that while Guyanese are becoming more aware of the subject, there is still a lot more to be done to address suicide across the country.

James, during her presentation, stated that lending a listening ear or providing a shoulder to cry on is one big

step in preventing suicide.

She said even asking someone about their wellbeing can go a long way.

“When someone you know is in crisis or depressed, asking them if they are having suicidal thoughts can help… when persons are talking, we have to listen and respond to help,” James said, adding: “We need to listen; listening does not just entail listening to the things that are being said but listening to those things that are also not being said. Listening is a skill that, with time, we are going to learn as individuals.”

James further explained that there are many layers to listening and helping someone who might be suffering from mental health issues or suicidal ideation.

“Sometimes not every person that is suicidal or having these ideations will say.

They will start doing things, they will start giving away things or making arrangements or leaving little clues here and there …some may

Social Worker attached to the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit, Alicia Solomon say something in action and so we have to listen for those actions as well.”

Joining the discussion, Alicia Solomon, a social worker attached to the ministry’s Mental Health Unit, noted that when approaching the conversation of mental health and suicide, especially when dealing with teenagers, one should approach the con-

Essequibians urged to take pandemic seriously, get vaccinated MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has issued a clarion call to residents in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region to make their communities safer by understanding the debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and taking action through vaccination.

Dr. Anthony made the appeal on Saturday, the second day of Cabinet’s outreach to the region. The Health Minister said approximately 14,000 adults who are eligible to be vaccinated have not taken any of the available vaccines at the vaccination sites set up across the region.

“You have something that can help to protect you and I want you to think about this and to encourage others.”

The minister disclosed that Region Two is the third least vaccinated region in Guyana and that all efforts should be made to combat this deadly disease so that lives can return to normalcy.

He added that though

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, addressing residents of Region Two nearly 52 per cent of the individuals have taken the first dose, only 30 per cent have taken the second.

“I don’t think people understand the danger that they are putting themselves in when they don’t take the vaccine… we now have the Pfizer vaccine that is available; if you want your children to go back to school to be in a safe environment, then they got to

get the vaccine to be in that safe environment.”

Dr. Anthony was accompanied by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for public affairs, Kwame McCoy, who noted that the outreach was indicative of the government’s zeal to make good on its commitment to all Guyanese.

“This is an obligation on our part as the servants of the people,” Minister McCoy told residents.

“We are not doing you a favour. So, this is a good opportunity for us to have a good interaction, and to say, from the inception of us coming into office for the last year, we have been hard at work in trying to make sure that we attend to the very important issues that affect you in the community.”

Issues such as sea defence, drainage and housing were discussed at the meetings chaired by the ministers. (DPI)

versation with an open mind.

“Listen without judgement. In the Guyanese society we tend to think we always know the answer especially when that person might be a teenager, and that is why a lot of times our teenagers do not come to us. They are afraid that they are being judged or they are being put down.”

She added that parents should not be afraid to have such conversations and ask direct questions about their children or teenagers’ emotions or mental state.

“Ask open-ended questions …take time out to have conversations and when you are having these conversations and things are not clear remember to have an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask.”

In concluding the discussion, Solomon highlighted

Health Education Officer, Tashia James that persons should be on the lookout for the early signs of depression and suicidal ideation to provide their loved ones with the assistance they may need.

Some of the earlier signs she mentioned are significant

changes in behaviour or appearance, social withdrawal or isolation, suicide notes or plans, preoccupation with death and making final arrangements.

Statistics shared by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security disclosed that for the first quarter of 2021 there have been 147 suicides, with 120 being men. Nineteen of those were persons 5-19 years while 109 were between 20 and 60 years. Regions Three, Four and Six accounted for the largest numbers of those deaths.

During the first half of 2021, 30 children attempted suicide with 25 being females. Reports revealed that approximately 30% of children aged 15-19 years couldn’t share their problems with anyone.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

BV Police launch youth group THE Beterverwagting Police Station Management Committee, on Thursday, officially launched the BV Empowerment Youth Group, during a simple ceremony at the Beterverwagting-Quamina Primary School.

Delivering the feature address at the launch, Commander of Regional Division C, Senior Superintendent Khalil Pareshram, commended the group on having an action plan, and encouraged the leadership to ensure proper management of the group so that it can contribute to the development of healthy spaces for the

youths.

He later encouraged the youths to stand out and market themselves as the future leaders.

The group was organised by Wayne Barrow, who serves as the Public Relations Officer (PRO), along with the Chairman, Sydney Duncan, and Sergeant Camacho of the BV Police Station.

Assistant Superintendent, Jermaine Dufu, in his remarks, commended the parents for the trust they have placed in the police to assist in guiding the youths towards opportunities which will move them away from drugs and other criminal ac-

tivities. He pledged that the trust the parents have placed in them will not be taken for granted.

The launch of the youth group followed the setting up of an Executive Committee to head the group. Princess Benn was elected as the President, Syesha Hutson as the Vice-President, Lincon Johnson as the Secretary and Jamal Lovell as the Treasurer.

A crime reduction initiative, the group aims to provide a space for youths in the surrounding communities to have an outlet for their creative ideas and energies, and to encourage them away PYARG’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ivan Bentham (standing), delivering his remarks. Also pictured sitting at the head table are Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Khalil Pareshram (centre), and Assistant Superintendent Jermaine Dufufrom a life of crime.

The group has already formed a number of partnerships with the private sector and various organisations such as the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG), as well as sports associations, including archery, golf, table tennis and cricket.

Several of the members of the group have already begun to produce notable performances at sports events. At the

Nextgen Golf Academy’s golf competition, in August, several of the children performed well with members winning the first in the Girls over 13 category, second in the Girls 12-13 category and third in the Boys over 13 category Members from the group also participated in the Caribbean Association of Police Commissioners’ NOBLE Virtual Conference.

Additionally, the group has a partnership with the

Adult Education Association (AEA), which offers skills training to the older members. AEA Executive Director, Patricia David delivered remarks at the launch.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Ivan Bentham, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PYARG and Assistant Superintendent, Jermaine Dufu, who is in charge of the Number 2 Sub-Division.

Pomeroon Labourer dies in boat accident

A POMEROON family is mourning the death of a 22-year-old man who tragically lost his life after crashing a boat into a tree on Sunday, at Dredge Creek Upper Pomeroon.

Dead is Royle Sandy, also of Dredge Creek; the incident

occurred at 12:30hrs Sunday at Dredge Creek. Reports reaching this newspaper indicated that the young man, reportedly, under the influence of alcohol, allegedly lost control and crashed into a tree with his small wooden boat.

The young man report-

The tree that the young man crashed into

Dead: Royle Sandy edly fell overboard during the collision. A farmer was fortunately not far behind when the incident occurred and immediately rendered assistance. He assisted the injured man into a boat and rushed him to Charity Oscar Joseph hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Sandy received severe injuries about his body, especially to his face.

The father, Allan Sandy, described him as a “very good son.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 13, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE monday, september 13, 2021

Shepherd it to the semis Romario!

–– All-Rounder’s performance helps GAW past Tallawahs

Guyana Amazon Warriors confirmed their place in the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

semi-finals with a second consecutive win over the Jamaica Tallawahs.

Just like the previous encounter between the two sides the Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first, and although they found themselves in a perilous position at 75/7, a blistering knock from Romario Shepherd with 72 not out ensured they set a target the Tallawahs never looked

likely to chase.

In reply, the Tallawahs once again succumbed to a heavy defeat as their innings never got going amidst a cluster of regular wickets.

Only late hitting from Chris Green saved them from losing by a wider margin.

Guyana got their innings off to a slow start as Imad Wasim and Green made early inroads to leave the Amazon Warriors teetering

on 36/3.

It was to go from bad to worse when Chandrapaul Hemraj holed out in the deep before Shamarh Brooks took a fantastic running catch to remove the dangerous Nicholas Pooran for nine.

Wasim then struck twice in his final over to leave the Amazon Warriors at risk of not making 100.

However, Shepherd’s power hitting counter-attack

took the Amazon Warriors to a very healthy 142/7 to pile all the pressure back on the Tallawahs.

The Tallawahs reply got off to a poor start when they lost the clean-hitting Kennar Lewis and Kirk Mckenzie to a double-wicket maiden over from Imran Tahir.

With the run rate rising, Chadwick Walton offered brief respite with some boundary-hitting before

Hemraj got him to hole out in the deep.

Wickets continued to fall as Smith and Shepherd got in on the act, and at 42/6, the Tallawahs were left to rely on Carlos Brathwaite and Andre Russell to pull off an unlikely victory.

Some late heroics from Green gave them some hope but they ultimately fell to defeat and exited the tournament.

Barbados Royals end CPL 2021 on high note

(BBC) - A remarkable run chase from the Barbados Royals ensured they ended their 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign with a victory against the Saint Lucia Kings at Warner Park.

The Royals won the toss and their captain, Jason Holder, chose to field, as he did in their game on Saturday. Rahkeem Cornwall returned to the Kings line-up and made an instant impact, firing 40 runs off 26 balls before Roston Chase continued his fine form to score 56 and take his side to a mammoth total of 190/6.

Despite encountering problems with the loss of two wickets in the sixth over, Kyle Mayers and Glenn Phillips combined for a remarkable 154 run partnership to take their side

to a comfortable eight-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.

Saint Lucia Kings were missing Captain Faf du Plessis, who was out with an injury, but stand-in captain, Andre Fletcher, and a returning Cornwall got their side to an outstanding start, taking the score to 54/0 by the end of the Powerplay.

Once Cornwall had been dismissed and Fletcher runout after an outstanding bit of fielding from Mayers, it was up to Chase to lead with the bat. Chase’s rich vein of form in this year’s Hero CPL continued with a swift half-century that catapulted his side to an imposing total of 190/6.

The Royals encountered trouble in the sixth over, as Roston Chase bowled a double-wicket maiden

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday September 13, 2021) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 2256158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 2013 & 2014 (2) 24 players Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has played most CPL matches foe the GAW to date?

(2) How many CPL games Chris Gayle has played for the Jamaica Tallawahs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Kyle Mayers (R) and Glenn Phillips (L) of Barbados Royals 100 partnership during the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League match 28 between Barbados Royals and Saint Lucia Kings at Warner Park Sporting Complex on September 12, 2021 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)” over, firstly getting Johnson Charles caught out, then Shai Hope falling the very next ball to a run-out.

However, Mayers and Phillips came to the crease and formed a memorable partnership to give Barbados

Royals an unlikely win, scoring twenty-two boundaries between them. It was the highest successful run chase of this year’s Hero CPL. Other than Chase, none of the Saint Lucia Kings bowlers were able to

take a wicket.

With this victory, Barbados Royals ensured that Saint Lucia Kings would have to rely on other results to qualify for the Hero CPL semi-finals on Tuesday.

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Government presents cricket gear to 13 sports clubs in Region Two THIRTEEN sports clubs received cricket gear on Saturday during the President Irfaan Ali-led two-day Cabinet Outreach to Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two).

The gear were presented upon the request of the clubs and will be used to bolster their efforts on the field once cricket re-starts.

During a presentation at the 8th of May Secondary School, in Dartmouth Village, Dartmouth Sports Club representative, Jason George, said that the equipment would be put to good use.

“We are grateful for this donation and we will put it to good use and try to care it, so that it could last as long as possible. One of our challenges is that whenever we have competitions it’s difficult to find gear, so this will help us greatly”.

The clubs that benefitted were the Charity Sports Club, Jacklow Sports Club, Siriki Sports Club, Karawab Sports Club, Charity Amazon Sports Club, the Charity Under-15 Sports Club, Cotton Field Sports Club, Dartmouth Sports Club, Affiance Sports Club, Lima Sands Sports Club, Young Achievers Sports Club, Richmond Sports Club and Walton Hall Sports Club.

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:20 hrs Tupelo Honey 08:55 hrs Quick Star 09:35 hrs Knight Warrior 10:10 hrs Humdinger 10:45 hrs Guy Fox Canadian Racing Tips Fort Erie Race 1 Diamondsinhereyes Race 2 Working The Table Race 3 In A Twist Race 4 San Nicola Prancer Race 5 Salt Mine Teddy Race 6 Queen Licia Race 7 Team Win Race 8 Intricately American Racing Tips Delaware Race 1 Thurman Merman Race 2 Emma’s Waltz Race 3 Hetty G Race 4 Promise Of Joy Race 5 Style Race 6 Shoo Shine Race 7 XY Speed Race 8 Sweet Tina

English Racing Tips Worcester 08:15 hrs Head On 08:45 hrs Regaby 09:20 hrs Jemima P 09:50 hrs Bathiva 10:25 hrs Fifrelet 11:00 hrs Push The Tempo 11:35 hrs Whistleinthedark Brighton 09:10 hrs Mamillius 09:40 hrs Rubbeldiekatz 10:15 hrs Thunder Road 10:50 hrs Hooves Like Jagger 11:25 hrs River Wharfe 12:00 hrs Turquoise Kingdom 12:30 hrs Sir Rodneyredblood Kempton 11:45 hrs Buxted Reel 12:15 hrs Mythical Star 12:45 hrs Dark Terms 13:15 hrs Renegade Rose 13:45 hrs Rakurai 14:15 hrs Beheld 14:45 hrs Make Believeth 15:15 hrs Urban Forest

GUYANA CHRONICLE monday, september 13, 2021

Victoria Kings hold AGM –– Clementson takes up substantive role

Everal Mundy-- Technical Adviser; Maleasa Solomon – Treasurer; George Clementson –President; Delon Vangroingen- Manager; Equipment Manager – Garfield Moore; Secretary – Calvin Marks AFTER acting since 2019, George Clementson was elected head of the Victoria Kings Football Club.

Clementson will have Maleasa Solomon as Treasurer, Delon Vangroingen as Manager, Everal Mundy as

Technical Adviser, Garfield Moore as Equipment Manager and Calvin Marks as Secretary.

Clementson had served as Interim president after Attorney-At-Law, Rexford Jackson, had resigned in

2019 with Maleasa Solomon being the lone female in the management team.

The other members of the executive were re-elected after serving the club previously.

The elections were ob-

served by Technical Development Officer of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) – Lyndon France and Gregory Wickham - Vice President of East Demerara Football Association – (EDFA)

Victoria Kings Coach, Winston Pompey, receiving two footballs from EDFA vice president, Gregory Wickham.

Johnson’s all-round effort fails to save NY XI in 30-over Saturday Playoffs FORMER Essequibo cricketer, Telston Johnson, produced with the ball and bat, but his New York XI team could not get past Punjab 11 when the quarterfinals of the New York National Cricket League (NYNCL) 30-over Saturday Playoffs continued over the weekend at Drew Park.

Punjab 11 won the toss and elected to bat, but Johnson had them struggling early, as he bowled opener, Atif Mushtaq (0), then had Balwinder Singh (0) caught and bowled, off successive balls in the first over of the game.

Middle-order batsman,

Hunain Munir, brought his team back with a top-score of 76 from 100 balls. In his innings, he struck four fours and an equal number of sixes.

Only Sushil Kumar (18) and Zeeshan Ahmed (11) offered support, as Johnson returned in his second spell to pick up two lower middle-order batsmen to finish with 4-34 from six overs.

Support came from Vejai Seonarine, who picked up 3-6 from 2.5 overs towards the end.

Needing 143 runs for victory, the pro-Guyanese side, New York XI, were placed on the back foot early

after losing two wickets for three runs.

Opener Mushin Perkhan scored a watchful 21 from 36 balls, while middle-order batsmen, Skipper Karan Ganesh (19 from 26), Seonarine (14 from 25) and Salim Satar (23 not out from 36 balls) all tried to get on top the bowling.

Johnson (batting at seven) was briefly able to swing the pendulum, but when he fell for an innings-high 33 (3X4s, 2X6s) from 22 balls, his team never recovered and succumbed by the penultimate ball of the innings for 133 runs.

Telston Johnson finished with 4-34 and made an innings high 33 runs from 22 balls.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE monday, september 13, 2021

'Why is he not in the world cup team1?'

–– H.E Dr Ali puzzled over non selection of shepherd G U YA N A’s P re s i d e n t , Dr. Irfaan Ali has questioned the selection policy of Cricket West Indies, in particular, the omission of Guyanese all-rounder Romario Shepherd from the World T20 squad.

President Ali, in a statement on his official Facebook

page, stated: “So proud of this young Guyanese. Why [is he] not in the West Indies T20 World Cup team? His performance has been outstanding thus far in the CPL and there is absolutely no reason why this young All-Rounder is not in the squad.”

On Thursday, Cricket

West Indies announced the West Indies World T20 squad of 15 players and four reserves.

After eight matches, Shepherd has made 108 runs at a strike rate of 168.75 and taken 15 wickets – third-most in the tournament.

CWI’s Lead Selector,

Roger Harper, is also a Technocrat Member of the Guyana Cricket Board.

The other selectors are Head Coach, Phil Simmons, and Miles Bascombe.

Harper stated on Thursday that Shepherd was considered for selection but “just missed out on a spot.”

Ricciardo wins in Monza as Hamilton, Verstappen crash out

(Formula one) - A dramatic crash between title protagonists, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, that took both drivers out of the race cleared the way for Daniel Ricciardo to claim a sensational victory in the Italian Grand Prix, giving McLaren their first race win since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix – and a onetwo to boot, as he led home team-mate Lando Norris, with Valtteri Bottas taking third, in a thrilling race at Monza.

Hamilton was exiting the pits on Lap 26 of 53 when he arrived alongside Verstappen, the pair going side by side through the Variante del Rettifilo, but making contact, with Verstappen flying through the air and coming to rest on top of the Mercedes.

Both drivers were unhurt, but out of the race, with the stewards set to investigate after the Grand Prix.

Ricciardo was a deserving winner, however, having

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Red Bull Racing RB16B Honda, and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes W12, crash during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 12, 2021 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Peter Van Egmond/Getty Images) passed Verstappen for the lead at the race start from P2 on the grid, before Verstappen and Hamilton’s clash cleared the way for him to control the race to sweep home to an eighth career vic-

tory. Lando Norris secured his best ever race finish with P2, having been told to hold station behind his team mate in the final moments of the Grand Prix.

Having started P19, Bot-

tas claimed third, finishing fourth on the road behind Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, before Perez had a five-second penalty added to his time for passing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc off the track.

Perez would eventually be classified fifth behind Leclerc, while Carlos Sainz took sixth on his first ever outing for Ferrari at Monza.

Lance Stroll was seventh for Aston Martin – but under investigation for a yellow flag infraction – with Alpine’s Fernando Alonso eighth, ahead of the Williams of George Russell in ninth as the second Alpine of Esteban Ocon completed the top 10.

So, a huge moment for Ricciardo, Norris and McLaren – with Ricciardo also claiming a point for fastest lap on the final tour.

But the ramifications of Hamilton and Verstappen’s crash are sure to be a major talking point this evening.

Medvedev wins US open (BBC) - Russia’s Daniil Medvedev won his first Grand Slam title by shattering Novak Djokovic’s hopes of completing a calendar sweep of the majors in a one-sided US Open final.

Second seed Medvedev, 25, lost his two previous Grand Slam finals but was composed throughout a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win.

World number one, Djokovic, had already won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles this year.

The 34-year-old Serb was also chasing a record 21st Grand Slam men’s title.

Victory would have moved him clear of rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the battle to finish with the most men’s majors, but it was the potential calendar Grand Slam which Djokovic had said would be the “greatest achievement” of his career.

Perhaps burdened by the weight of history, Djokovic looked subdued throughout as he made a high number of uncharacteristic errors and also became tearful towards the end.

He also looked way short of his usual physical capabilities.

To put those factors down as the sole reasons for Medvedev’s success would be completely wrong.

The Russian played smartly and confidently, drawing the errors out of his opponent with strong serving and finishing points with precise winners, as he avenged a straight-set defeat by Djokovic in February’s Australian Open final.

There was a slight wobble as he tried to serve out for the title - three double faults helped Djokovic nick back a break for 5-3 - before Medvedev composed himself to take his third championship point.

After sharing a warm hug with Djokovic at the net, Medvedev broke out in a broad smile before sitting back in his chair to contemplate finally winning the first Grand Slam title which he has long threatened.

“I want to thank my team, those who are here and watching. My parents, my family, my sisters. Some of my friends are here too,” said Medvedev.

“Thank you guys because it is not an easy journey to win a Slam. I’m really thankful to you for helping me throughout this journey.”

President Irfaan Ali

'Why is he not in the world cup team!?'

Romario Shepherd of the Guyana Amazon Warriors hits a six (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

–– H.E Dr Ali puzzled over non selection of shepherd

see story on page 23

Shepherd it to the semis Romario!

–– All-Rounder’s performance helps GAW past Tallawahs

see story on page 21

Government presents cricket gear to13 sports clubs in Region Two see story on page 22

His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with several Cabinet Ministers made the presentations after a community meeting.

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monday, september 13, 2021