Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-11-2020

FRIDAY 13th November, 2020

No. 106182 |

Working together SEE PAGE 3

― vital in tackling COVID-I9, President tells G77 and China meeting ― suggests COVID-19 vaccines should be distributed as a global public good

India willing to buy all of Guyana’s oil at market value

SEE PAGE 9

Expeditious, convenient process being developed to facilitate remigrants

SEE PAGE 5

SEE PAGE 8

St. Cuthbert’s Mission on two-week lockdown

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, and staff of the ministry ushering in Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Thursday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

Working together

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

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― vital in tackling COVID-I9, President tells G77 and China meeting ― suggests COVID-19 vaccines should be distributed as a global public good

By Navendra Seoraj

THE rebuilding of economies and the strengthening of public health systems, within the group, will depend, in large part, on their ability to work together towards developing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines as a global public good, said President Irfaan Ali. The President offered these remarks during his address at the 44th annual meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 and China, held virtually on Thursday.

He underscored that, if developing states are to recover from the debilitating and far-reaching effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it is imperative that they internalise the lessons of the pandemic and chart an inclusive, balanced and sustainable development path.

“This requires, fundamentally, for us to address issues such as development gaps and high indebtedness and to advocate for greater access to development financing,” said President Ali. Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Group 77 and China, President Ali said that the long-term impact of the deadly pandemic will be felt more severely by the most vulnerable populations, including those from within the group’s member states made up of mainly developing nations. The pandemic has already begun to reverse and eliminate decades of developmental gains.

Guyana, like the rest of the world, has worked to formulate a response plan to the pandemic. The plan, according to President Ali, is

driven by the need to ensure citizens’ health and safety while mitigating the pandemic’s debilitating economic damage.

Such objective, he explained, remained the central focus of his Government, and he believed it should be mirrored by other countries within in the group.

The pandemic has exacerbated existing structural problems and laid bare, the possibility of a further widening of the gap between the North and the South- a socio-economic and political division of Earth, popularised in the late 20th century and early 21st century.

“Our group has acknowledged the vital importance of multilateralism in finding solutions to the multiple crises which have bedeviled humanity. The efficacy of this mechanism cannot be under-emphasised at this time,” said President Ali. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION He reasoned that this era has revealed, in stark terms, the pivotal role of international cooperation in responding to extant global challenges.

The rebuilding of economies and the strengthening of public health systems, within the group, will depend, in large part, on their ability to work together towards developing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines as a global public good, he said.

According to a report from the BBC, hopes are rising that an effective vaccine against COVID-19 will be available within the next year.

The report states that preliminary findings show a vaccine developed by Pfizer

and BioNTech can prevent more than 90 per cent of people from getting COVID-19.

Meanwhile, results from other advanced trials are expected soon.

responsiveness to natural hazards,” said President Ali. Guyana has made climate action a national priority and it remains committed to working with others to

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

It is imperative, therefore, that the international community enhances its support for institutions that are best equipped to foster a collective effort, particularly, the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Since its founding, the Group of 77 has continued to meet – even despite the obvious limitations during the past year – to debate and advocate on behalf of their populations.

And, in addition to addressing concerns related to COVID-19, the group has maintained a single voice in calling for concerted action to combat the deleterious impacts of environmental degradation and climate change.

“We have highlighted the disproportionate and unprecedented effects that a warming planet has had, especially on small island developing states. These states are already grappling with a myriad of socio-economic factors that limit their

overcome the world’s climate crisis, said the President.

To this end, he reiterated his call for the group to continue to pursue, both through strong advocacy and action, a climate agenda that moves countries and economies toward a low carbon future.

UPHOLD PARIS AGREEMENT “As a Group, we must also strive to uphold the Paris Agreement and work with all stakeholders, including bilateral partners, to take urgent action to realise the agreement’s ambitions.

“This group continues to call upon all states to prioritise the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We must not waver in our commitment to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions,” said President Ali. The pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will become more critical in the post-

COVID-19 era.

Now, more than ever, the economic, social and political advancement of the developing world must be placed atop the global agenda, said Guyana’s Head of State, adding: “It is imperative that new and innovative measures to sustain action on the 2030 agenda are developed, considering the unique challenges faced by developing countries, particularly least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small-island developing states and countries recovering from conflict.”

The Group of 77 and China has a distinctive role to play in this process through its efforts at deepening South-South Cooperation.

Such cooperation has enabled many of the member countries to cope with development-related issues, including the fight against poverty.

The 2030 Agenda also requires countries to take action to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”

Guyana, during its Chairmanship, prioritised representation of the G77 and China at the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) to develop an international legally-binding instrument on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

For the group, this issue is one of extreme importance because the potential damage to the marine environment from activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction could harm the economies of many developing states.

Oceans and seas face the threats of marine and nutrient pollution and resource

depletion all of which are caused primarily by human actions. The sustainable use and protection of oceans and seas must therefore continue to be highlighted.

They are an essential component of the world’s ecosystem and are vital to the development of island and coastal states.

PRESERVATION OF DEMOCRACY The work of the G77 and China spans the gamut of issues discussed across the various committees of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. However, the group believes that a critical issue underpinning its ability to confront myriad challenges is that of the preservation of democracy.

It is imperative that citizens’ right to participate in the political process is preserved and protected.

“Democracy is essential within states and in relations between states. Democracy, therefore, must become more embedded in multilateral institutions,” said President Ali. In its efforts to ably represent the billions of people in the developing world, it is vital that the UN, inclusive of the Security Council, becomes more democratic in the manner in which it is constituted and in its decision-making.

The Group of 77 and China will continue to call for reforms to all UN systems, ensuring that the voices of its membership are heard, said President Ali, noting, it is equally important that the unique challenges, faced by member countries are accounted for in the UN’s decision-making process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

Young attorney admitted to the bar IT was a ‘bitter-sweet’ moment for 22-year-old Mohamed Muntaz Ali, when he was admitted to the local bar to practise law in Guyana.

His petition was presented by his aunt, attorney-at-law, Jamela Ali, to acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire at the Demerara High Court, on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. She presented the court with a brief biography of Mohamed.

Mohamed attended Graham’s Hall Primary School, where, after completing the National Grade Six Assessment, he secured a place at New Campbellville Secondary School.

Between the years 20142018, Mohamed attended the University of Guyana (UG) where he did pre-law subjects before going on to do a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) and graduating with credit.

After completing his LLB, he attended the Hugh Wood-

ing Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and was awarded his Legal Education Certificate (LEC.) He also received a certificate from the Energy Law Specialist Clinic at HWLS. Mohamed was also a general assistant to his aunt’s Jamela chambers during the summers of 2014 and 2017.

His hobbies include playing tennis, painting and drawing.

Mohamed is the second of three children born to parents Mohamed Abdul Aziz Ali and his mother, Sunita Durgah.

His father is retired while his mother is presently the headmistress of St Margaret’s Primary School in Georgetown.

His sister Janet Adeba Ali was admitted to the bar on October 24, 2019.

Coming from a family of lawyers from his paternal side, there are at least four generations of legal practitioners which include his grandfather, aunt, uncle, and cousins.

The newly-admitted at-

torney is the grandson of the late Muntaz Ali, who was a prominent attorney and also a lecturer at the HWLS. Not forgetting attorney-at-law Mohammed Ravindra Ali, who is also his uncle and also his late great uncle W.D Dinally also known as Amir, who was the first Muslim solicitor in Guyana.

His cousins are attorney-at-law Shalimar AliHack, SC, who is the Director of Public Prosecutions and Elaine Khan, Barrister-at-law in the United Kingdom, who was formerly a Magistrate in England.

Attorney Jamela Ali, while presenting her nephew’s petition, described him as a hardworking and dedicated young man.

“I must say you have done exceedingly well academically. We are all happy and proud of you. You have added to the family of lawyers. I can only add and hope

Newly appointed Attorney, Mohamed Muntaz Ali with Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire

that you will communicate, make the right decisions, always be filled with gratitude as you embark on your cho-

sen career to the land of success and achievements. As you pursue your legal career, you will find those qualities

will serve you well, together with hard work, research of legal issues and respect to all,” the prominent attorney told Mohamed in court.

The Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire welcomed Mohamed to the bar and urged him to commit to the hard work that success entails and to commit to conducting thorough research to serve his clients and the citizens of this nation.

Mohamed explained that his mother and father and other family members always encouraged him to do well.

“My journey should be an inspiration to other youths. I did not attend a top secondary school. I started my journey at the New Campbellville Secondary School, but I did not allow that to lower me in the pursuit of my academic goals,” the newly-appointed lawyer said.

Brazilian Navy visits Chief of Staff CHIEF-of-STAFF, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, and other

senior officers, recently received a Brazilian Navy

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 ― 09:30hrs - 11:00hrs

The two patrol vessels of the Brazilian Navy, the MACAU and BOICANA, which were docked at the Guyana Coast Guard Ship Hinds Wharf, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

contingent during a courtesy call at the Conference Room, Defence Headquarters.

The team arrived on two patrol vessels of the Brazilian Navy, the MACAU and BOICANA which were docked at the Guyana Coast Guard Ship Hinds Wharf, Ruimveldt,

Georgetown.

The visit forms part of OPERATION CARIBEX 2020, an annual Operation conducted by the Brazilian Navy which sends a task force to navigate Caribbean waters and to visit ports of friendly nations.

The team was escorted by Brazilian Military Attache, Colonel Marcelo Ambrosio.

Naval Captain, Alexandre Gildes Borges, is commanding the voyage.

In brief remarks, Brigadier Bess noted that, over the years, co-operation between the two militaries, particularly with CARIBEX, has resulted in a number of valuable opportunities for developing and building capacity for officers and ratings of the Coast Guard. Naval Captain, Alexandre Gildes Borges, thanked the GDF for its continued co-operation and support.

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guyana CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

Expeditious, convenient process being developed to facilitate remigrants -- re-migration brochure launched, online processing of application soon

By Navendra Seoraj WITH renewed and increased interest in the local economy, the new Government, through the resuscitated ‘remigrant scheme,’ has started to develop a system to make re-migration easier and to reduce the level of uncertainty surrounding the process of returning to Guyana.

Prior to August 2, 2020, issues and processes regarding re-migration were handled by a department within the former Ministry of the Presidency. Those responsibilities have since been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

After inheriting those responsibilities, the ministry had identified gaps which needed to be closed and uncertainties which needed to be clarified, said Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud, during an interview at his South Road office, on Thursday.

“We are looking at ways

to improve our services and make it more convenient and expeditious for persons who want to migrate to Guyana,” said Persaud, adding that one of the main concerns was persons being unclear about how to access the remigrant scheme. The Remigrant Scheme of the Government of Guyana is administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in conjunction with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

In a move to improve access to and increase information about this scheme, the ministry has launched a re-migration brochure, which is now available on the ministry’s website and at all of Guyana’s missions and embassies abroad. The brochure includes basic information on how to migrate to Guyana, among other things.

Persaud said the ministry is also looking at developing an online portal to afford persons the opportunity to apply for re-migration, without having to physically fill out an application.

“That is not only saving

said Persaud.

Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud

time, but making it more convenient through an online application which is in accordance with the law,” said the Foreign Secretary.

An anticipated increase in applications is expected, especially given the plethora of developmental projects which are in the pipeline.

“With the massive housing drive, efforts in developing the migration scheme, a construction boom and new opportunities in the oil and gas sector, I anticipate a heightened level of interest,”

The New Movement wobbles with resignations SEVERAL key members of political newcomer, The New Movement (TNM), have resigned from the party following reported disagreements among the executive body.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that an irreconcilable issue among the executives of the party has resulted in about six members, including Party Secretary, Dr. Josh Kanhai and Prime Ministerial Candidate, Gerald Forde, tendering their resignations.

The New Movement, which was launched on November 21, 2019, was seen as a diverse youth-based

political party with a vision to transform Guyana for all, through the utilisation of young leaders in key positions. The party was endorsed by proprietor of GuyEnergy, Turhane Doerga.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the disagreement among the members is related to Doerga’s GuyEnergy, among other things.

While the party showed promise in the lead-up to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the way forward is now uncertain.

Prior to the recent elections, the TNM had entered into a joinder with

the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), and A New and United Guyana (ANUG).

At the elections, the LJP secured 2,657 votes; ANUG received 2,313 votes; and the TNM, 244.

It was reported that this would see the LJP occupying the seat for approximately two years, six months and 20 days; ANUG for two years and five months; and TNM for 80 days. However, the party’s leaders have stated that this is still up for discussion, and a proposal for the TNM to occupy the seat for one year is on the table.

ATTRACTIVE MIGRATION SCHEME These developmental projects are supplemented by what the Foreign Secretary referred to as an “attractive migration scheme”.

Although the scheme is being improved, there are attractive concessions which include importing a duty-free motor vehicle and bringing household to Guyana. A new aspect of the scheme, which is being developed, will include concessions for skilled persons and university graduates who are interested in returning or coming to Guyana.

With a population of less than a million people, Guyana, which sits on the edge of South America, has been losing some 30,000 persons annually due to emigration, said the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which is based in Washington DC, in a recent report, following an analysis

of the Guyanese diaspora.

Emigration is defined as the act of leaving a resident country or place of residence with the intent to settle elsewhere. The CSIS report is a comprehensive analysis of the Guyanese diaspora and highlights some of the perennial challenges of brain drain and high emigration rate that Guyana faces. In general, the report, which was published in October 2020, initially addressed the factors influencing why Guyanese migrated post-independence.

Guyana’s socio-economic environment; the political climate, which the report deemed “unstable” and social unrest particularly influenced Guyanese educated elites to seek opportunities elsewhere.

With the advent of a “smooth and attractive process”, the Government will be looking to encourage persons to return home.

Persaud said everyone, who chooses to re-migrate, will have equal opportuni-

ties, as the ministry will be working closely with GRA to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of benefits.

“We have been able to develop greater synergies in how we can make it (re-migration) much easier... we want to give people some level of certainty as to when they would have qualified in terms of the process and to the point where they can go to the GRA and get the necessary exemptions,” said the Foreign Secretary. Those are among some of the ‘kinks’ being worked out because there is already a lot of enthusiasm and interest in re-migrating to Guyana.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has made re-migration a priority, so, through the renewed efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will be looking to attract Guyanese living in the U.S., Canada, in the Caribbean and other parts of the world.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

Travel and tourism

GUYANA, being in the tropical region, is home to many uniquely beautiful and natural attractions that are incomparable to its Caribbean neighbours and other countries worldwide. The key attractions include the virgin rainforests, mountains, huge rivers, and waterfalls. Guyana is known for having the world’s largest single-drop waterfall, Kaieteur Falls, which stands 741 feet tall, and is recorded to be five times taller than the Niagara Falls.

Guyana is also well known for its wildlife culture, which has been featured on the National Geographic, and was named the ‘Best of the World 2014’. According to National Geographic, Guyana may be “the best kept secret in South America”.

Guyana has also gained recognition from several popular celebrity profiles around the world, among them the famed British restaurateur, Chef Gordon Ramsey, and British royalty, Prince Harry.

With the recent discovery of oil in 2015, there is no doubt that Guyana will eventually open its doors to many more tourists who will be interested in knowing more about this little country that seeks to become the new “Dubai City” of the region. With the Manifesto presented by the current Government outlining the plans for the country, Guyana is

poised to be completely transformed within the next five to ten years. Therefore, there will be need for more accommodation and accessibility for Guyana’s tourists.

The Government has recently put out expressions of interest and requests for proposals for investors to build hotels in Guyana.

The Government aims at providing at least 2000 first-class rooms, making Guyana “a conventional destination”. The Government has also outlined in its Emergency Budget, special incentive packages to attract new hotel investors. These packages may include tax breaks, favourable land leases, or assistance with financing the project.

Guyana has many luxurious hotels situated mainly in the heart of Georgetown, which are near the key landmarks and areas of interest. However, there are not many of these high-standard hotels available around the rural areas off the busy city. It was noted that the Government has received proposals from investors who are interested in setting up hotels neighbouring the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, which is a key point.

Several airlines have expressed an interest in Guyana’s Aviation Industry, among them West Jet, a Canada-based carrier; Inter-Caribbean Airlines, which is based in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and Fly All Ways, a

Suriname-based carrier.

It should be noted that the hotel industry relies heavily on the airline industry to meet its demands. There may be other market drives for the hotel industry, but most of its customers travel by air. Therefore, there is a direct link between these two industries that contribute to the tourism sector.

The impact of Travel & Tourism on the economic and social development of a country is enormous. This includes openings for businesses, trade and capital investment, job creation and entrepreneurialism for the workforce, and protecting heritage and cultural values.

Based on an analysis carried out by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in 2015, the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was GYD21.2bn (3.2 per cent of total GDP) in 2014, and is expected to rise by 3.0 per cent p.a., from 2015 to GYD27.6bn (4.2 per cent of total GDP) in 2025.

However, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was GYD52.9bn (8.0 per cent of GDP) in 2014, and is forecasted to rise by 3.2 per cent p.a. to GYD69.8bn (10.6 per cent of GDP) in 2025.

In 2014, the Travel & Tourism sector directly supported 8,500 jobs (3.4 per cent of

total employment) in Guyana, and is estimated to rise by 8.0 per cent p.a. to 15,300 jobs (6.1 per cent of total employment) in 2025.

In 2014, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs, indirectly was 8.4 per cent of total employment (21,000 jobs). This is expected to rise by 1.9 per cent p.a. to 25,000 jobs in 2025 (10.0 per cent of total employment).

Visitor exports generated GYD16.8bn (6.3 per cent of total exports) in 2014. This is forecast to grow by 8.0 per cent p.a., from 2015-2025, to GYD30.24bn in 2025 (11.3 per cent of total).

Travel & Tourism investment in 2014 was GYD4.0bn, or 2.4 per cent of total investment. It should rise by 6 per cent p.a. over the next ten years to GYD6.4bn in 2025 (3.8 per cent of total).

In conclusion, it can be noted that, based on the analysis carried out, and projections made, airliners and hoteliers contribute a great lot to the tourism sector, which, in turn, contributes to the country’s GDP, thus improving its economic levels. With the new investors on board, Guyana will be able to lower the unemployment rates by jobs created to build and operate the hotels, and along with operating the airlines.

The observance of Diwali (Part 1) Dear editor,

AFTER celebrating Navratri and Dussehra, Diwali follows shortly afterwards. The much-awaited Hindu festival is the brightest celebration (literally), and people eagerly look forward to the festivities. Although the pandemic may have brought a halt to large congregations and Diwali gatherings, that doesn’t mean that spirits should be dampened. Diwali or Deepavali is one of the widely celebrated festivals of the country.

People clean their houses, deck them up with lights and decorations to celebrate the day. Goddess Lakshmi is of special significance on Diwali day. Many people choose to keep a fast to pray to the goddess of wealth on this auspicious day. Throughout the world, the Diwali festival actually runs for five days, with the main event happening on the third day in most places as in India, Guyana, Suriname, the rest of the Caribbean and other countries in the world.

The first day (November 12, 2020) is known as Dhanteras, or Dhanatrayodashi.

“Dhan” means wealth and “teras” refers to the 13th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. The second day (November 13, 2020) is known as Naraka Chaturdasi or Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). “Naraka” means hell

and “Chaturdashi” means 14th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. The third day (November 14, 2020) is the new-moon day known as Amavasya. This darkest day of the month is the most significant day of the Diwali festival. The fourth day (November 15, 2020) has various meanings across India. In northern India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. In Gujarat, it’s celebrated as the start of a new year. The fifth day (November 16, 2020) is known as Bhai Duj. Diwali falls on either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It is observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.

This year, Diwali falls on 14th November, 2020 (Saturday). The festivities begin from 13th November, which is Dhanteras (Friday).

Diwali is also followed by Govardhan Puja on 15th November (Sunday) and Bhaiya Dooj on the 16th November (Monday). Diwali celebrates the new moon of the first lunar month, Kartik. The Hindu lunar calendar has two parts: dark (Krishna paksha, or waning moon) and light (Shukla paksha or waxing moon), and the new moon (Amavasya) always occurs in between the parts, typically on the 15th. Diwali falls on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which is the new moon day

of the first month of the lunar year. As the festival of lights, Diwali is characterised by massive amounts of fireworks and firecrackers, intended to offset the cold, dark nights of the coming winter.

All of the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story behind them. Homes are illuminated with lights, and firecrackers fill the skies as an expression of respect to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and prosperity. According to one belief, the sound of firecrackers indicates the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state.

Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the firecrackers kill or repel many insects, including mosquitoes, which are plentiful after the rains.

The Diwali festival dates back to ancient times in India. It is mentioned in Sanskrit texts dating from the fourth century CE but was likely practiced for many hundreds of years before that. Although most important for Hindus, the festival is also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. While different historical events are observed in different regions and by different faiths, Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is the biggest festival in the Hindu calendar, celebrated in early fall of each year. Spiritually, Diwali

symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

As the term “Festival of Lights” suggests, the celebration involves millions of lights illuminated from rooftops, doorways, and windows in thousands of temples and buildings all over the countries where the festival is observed.

Diwali is said to be the day that Lord Rama returned after a 14-year exile to be reinstated as the king of Ayodhya. The citizens rejoiced at the return of their king, and thus Diwali was born. Also known as ‘the festival of lights’, or ‘Deepavali’, it is customary to light earthen diyas and candles to celebrate the day. Homes are cleaned and decorated and Rangolis are painted on the floor. People purchase and wear new clothes and jewellery during this period, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Kali Puja is performed in Eastern States of India such as Bengal, and in Tamil Nadu the day is celebrated as Narak Chatardushi. It is also a common practice to visit friends, relatives and near and dear ones with gifts, dried fruits and sweets to wish them on Diwali.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

Politically-inexperienced Harmon is in dreamland Dear editor,

MR. Harmon’s political inexperience takes him to a dreamland of illusions.

Mr. Harmon is under the illusion that Mr. Biden’s becoming President of the USA, and Ms. Kamala Devi Harris’s West Indian roots would magically ignore the Guyana Elections and replace the PPP/C winners with the APNU+AFC. In this surrealist madness, Mr. Harmon has managed to attract some PNC followers!

1: American Foreign Policy: Whatever political party is in power in the USA, is committed to upholding and promoting democracy worldwide, and especially in the Ca-

ribbean and the Americas.

The USA firmly stood for democracy during the Guyana Elections, and the Democratic Party and Mr. Biden are unswervingly committed to this policy. The State Department has all the documentation showing the APNU+ AFC’s anti-Democracy behaviour. It has also a full record of Harmon’s demand that GECOM’s officers who are on criminal charges for Electoral Fraud be entrusted with conducting LGE. Harmon should free himself of his illusions, as this is further weakening the APNU+AFC, and furthering its disintegration.

The Democratic Party has already indicated their support of the incumbent Government of Guyana.

2: Trump is refusing to demit office, just as Granger and APNU+AFC did, and would be going to the Courts as APNU+AFC did. In the one case, it was to keep the PPP/C out of office, and in the other and similar case, it is to keep Biden and the Democrats out of office. Biden and the Democrats have a strong fellow-feeling with the PPP/C. Mr. Harmon should get himself out of his illusions, and realise that Biden and the Democrats would not shoot themselves in the foot; they would continue to support the PPP/C like the rest of the world.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

Nigel Hughes did some odd things Dear editor, DONALD Ramotar (a former president), in a recent letter, recommends that Nigel Hughes should be ‘silked’; that is, made a Senior Counsel (SC), saying that: “I believe there is another very outstanding lawyer who is just as deserving, but was not considered at this time. That is Mr. Nigel Hughes; he is one of the better lawyers in this country, and is a deserving candidate for Senior Counsel.”’

Editor, isn’t Nigel Hughes the same lawyer who disingenuously and mischievously asserted in December 2018, at the

time of the No Confidence Motion when the National Assembly consisted of only 65 members, that to be defeated, whoever it is that brings the motion has to acquire 34 votes.

Nigel Hughes, in his assertion, tried to subvert constitutional convention, and reverse the majority rule principle, which states that the greater number should exercise greater power. His ‘theory’ was bought, hook, line and sinker by the APNU+AFC, which used it as a delaying tactic to remain in power illegally, and led directly to their barefaced attempt at rigging the elections.

Nigel Hughes, who is now representing the

families of the two young cousins murdered in Berbice, is clamouring with the PNC and the dubious GHRA, for an Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team to probe into their deaths. Editor, it is pellucidly clear that the PNC and GHRA have one thing in mind, and that is to subvert the efforts of the GPF in their investigation, and undermine the present government.

Nigel Hughes may be an outstanding lawyer in Mr Ramotar’s opinion, but he seems to fall short on integrity.

Yours truly, Sunder Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

Approval for India-funded projects moving apace ― High Commissioner, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa INDIA is actively engaging the Ministry of Public Works and relevant authorities with regards to approval of funds for the first phase of the Ogle to Diamond by-pass road project.

This is according to India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, who also noted that funds were being approved for the construction of a ferry to ply the Georgetown and North-West District (NWD), Region One route.

The Indian Government has committed US$18 million for the ferry. Of this amount, US$8 million will be a grant while the remaining US$10 million will be a line of credit to be repaid within 20 years, with a five-year grace period.

He noted that various issues were raised about the ferry project, but once everything is sorted out, 18 months from approval, the ferry will be made available.

On the by-pass road project, he said: “Once the tender is awarded, we will have fast movement in the companies coming to work here, more than half of the contract value will be spent in the local supply chains.”

Guyana and India, in March 2016, inked a US$50M loan agreement for a new road to traverse between the East Coast Demerara (ECD) and East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Under the APNU+AFC administration, alterations done to the design of the road resulted in the cost spiralling from US$50 million to US$208 million.

In 2017, APNU+AFC Minister of Finance, Winston

Pensioner loses battle with COVID-19

THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed the life of a pensioner within the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 138.

The Ministry of Health has identified the recent victim as being a 61-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Authorities said he died while receiving treatment at a local health facility.

The ministry expressed sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.

Officials of the ministry have also contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who might have been exposed to the victim.

There continues to be an increase of COVID-19 cases, locally, with 44 persons testing positive within the past 24 hours.

Of the total 4,662 cases, 3,616 persons have recovered. This means that approximately 78 per cent of the cases have recovered thus far. Since March, 23,552 tests have been conducted across the 10 regions of Guyana.

There are 11 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 56 persons in institutional quarantine, 29 persons in institutional isolation and 839 in home isolation.

Considering the continuous rise in cases, persons are being urged to follow the established guidelines and adhere to the existing control measures.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Eight) will expire on November 30, 2020, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice from the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per these measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important.

The curfew is now 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours.

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

Jordan, had signed off on the US$50 million loan with the Exim Bank of India for the construction of a 20-kilometre road from Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, to Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.

The PPP/C Government has since amended the design of the proposed Ogle to Diamond by-pass road so the project cost could be in line with the available sums and the Indian Government has accepted the proposal.

However, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa noted that a study that was done showed that a total of US$177M was needed to complete the entire project.

As such, he explained that the project is divided into two phases and the first phase is already in process and there are formalities that need to be completed by the Government of India.

Further, he explained that a primary qualification will be done of eligible contractors by the EXIM Bank of India, then there will be a request for proposals along with a pre-qualification before tendering for the contract occurs.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, had noted that, after talks with the Indian Government, they are in agreement to accelerate the project.

He explained that the Indian Government will have oversight of the procurement process and will invite international bidders to submit bids. After re-examining the design of the road, they were able to amend the design to fit the sum available.

India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa

The US$50 million will see the first phase of the road constructed from Ogle, East Coast Demerara, to Haags Bosch on the East Bank and will later have a connection to Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Indian company RITES Limited was awarded a US$1.3 million contract to undertake a feasibility study.

RITES consultant, Rajendra Sothwal, had explained that there will be several road safety provisions, including metal-beam crash barriers, concrete crash barriers, lighting, adequate traffic signs, pavement marking, impact attenuators, road studs, a pedestrian footpath, cycle track and shrubs in the raised median to cut headlight glare from oncoming traffic.

St. Cuthbert’s Mission on two-week lockdown

By Jared Liddell WITH a spike in COVID-19 positive cases in St. Cuthbert’s Mission, the Amerindian community has gone into a 14-day lockdown, in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.

The lockdown began on November 7, 2020, after several teachers and healthcare workers tested positive for COVID-19. The community began testing residents on November 1, 2020 when one member who travelled out of the community was tested positive for the virus.

Toshao Beverly Clenkian told the Guyana Chronicle, on Thursday, that the community has recorded 168 positive cases since November 1.

With a population of just over 1,500 people, the toshao believes it is imperative that action is taken now to protect residents and save lives.

Over the next 14 days, no one will be allowed in or out of the village, unless authorised by the relevant authorities. This and other measures will be implemented and supervised by regional authorities and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

“Every day medical personnel are in the community to do rapid testing. We understand the effects of the COVID-19 virus and we ex-

pect that the residents would cooperate with the testing and follow the lockdown measures,” said Clenkian.

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony stated that the ministry is administering more tests in the community even as restrictions remain in place to curb transmission of COVID-19.

St. Cuthbert’s Mission Toshao, Beverly Clenkian

“St. Cuthbert’s has been challenging. We have spoken to the Village Council and we have been working with them. And they have been helping by talking to residents. It is quite a large village and spread over a large territory,” stated the Health Minister.

He also noted that a med-

ical team has been deployed to the community, which is on the ground conducting rapid testing. The team will remain in the village for the duration of the lock down.

Minister Anthony said the cases can be controlled, but warned that, for this to happen, residents must follow the COVID-19 preventative measures such as self-isolation, reduction of social activity and practise social distancing.

AVOID GOING OUT “Sometimes trying to monitor everybody can pose a challenge… we have been deterring residents from going out, continued to do testing, and as of today, we have had 168 persons who are positive and as we do more testing I expect those numbers would go up,” he said.

The Health Minister added: “We have to get people to self-isolate; we have to get people to reduce their social activity within St Cuthbert’s and, I guess, once we are able to accomplish some level of social distancing and people stay at home, we would be able to control the spread.”

The minister highlighted that the main entrance and exit in the community are being monitored and residents are being deterred from going out.

The Civil Defence Com-

mission (CDC) has been assisting residents by providing hampers with essential items.

The lockdown is being enforced by the police and the CDC with support from the Village Council and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

Meanwhile, infections at Kwebanna, Barima-Waini (Region One) continue to stabilise, with active cases now down to 37 from an initial 62 infections. Kwebanna had gone into two weeks of lockdown beginning on October 24, 2020.

Minister Anthony noted that residents in Kwebanna and nearby communities have been co-operating with the medical teams on the ground and they are seeing positive results.

“I think the measures we have put in place in Kwebanna have been working and that is why we have gotten a reduction of cases. Those numbers have gone down again, and I think once we remain vigilant, once the community remains vigilant, that we would see those numbers decreasing even further,” Dr. Anthony said.

Minister Anthony further added that the Village Council was working closely with the ministry and this should lead to a further reduction in cases.

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CANU working closely with DEA, Belgian cops in ‘cocaine bust’ investigation

THE Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Belgian police are working closely, as the search continues for the shipper of the containers with 11.5 tonnes of cocaine that was seized in Belgium, CANU officials confirmed.

Currently, two Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officers are in custody in relation to the drug bust. Other suspects in the matter have been released on bail and are required to keep in contact with investigators.

Their arrest comes after it was discovered that the

Wanted: Marlon Primo

scanned images of the containers that were taken at the Georgetown port were deleted and have not yet been recovered, as the technical issues are still being addressed.

Four containers reportedly left Guyana on September 25 and were shipped by Marlon Primo’s MA Trading of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, to the consignee, Lotraco Recycling BV, in the Netherlands.

Primo is suspected to have fled to neighbouring Suriname.

Reports indicate that three of those containers were scanned, but the images were

later deleted.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, has since expressed alarm that the shipment was able to pass undetected through Guyana’s surveillance systems. “ We a r e e x t r e m e l y alarmed at the shipment; the fact that it managed to escape, or was allowed to pass through the surveillance system, in terms of container scanners, container checks and all those things in relation to the matter,” he said.

CANU will be offering Primo protection and security, since he has expressed fear for his safety.

It was also discovered that the ship carrying the container had stopped in Guadeloupe for a few days, before making the onward journey to Belgium, and so CANU is now trying to ascertain whether the seals on the container are the same ones it left Guyana with.

The 11.5 tonnes of cocaine were neatly packed in a safe inside the container, which was then covered with scrap metal.

Counter-narcotics prosecutors say they had tracked the trans-Atlantic journey of the cocaine from Guyana, on the north-eastern coast of South America, and seized it

upon its arrival at the Belgian port of entry in Antwerp.

The catch is “the largest overseas drug bust ever, worldwide,” federal prosecutors were quoted as telling the Belgian media, and that the estimated street value of the drug load was €900 million.

Three police officers, a port manager, and a lawyer were among some 20 persons to have been arrested as part of the operation targeting the “well-structured” criminal organisation suspected of orchestrating large and “regular” drug shipments from South America to Belgium.

O&G Summit to focus on local content, enabling business environment THE Guyana Oil and Gas Virtual Summit, which is slated for December 1-3, 2020, will be placing keen focus on local content, and increasing the participation of women in Guyana’s oil-and-gas sector.

Organised by CWC/Global Future Energy Limited (GFEn), in partnership with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and supported by the Government of Guyana, the event will see the participation of both local and international companies, as well as Government officials and State agencies.

This will allow companies to meet with Guyanese Government officials to discuss the latest project developments and investment opportunities available in Guyana, and forge business relationships.

With full support from Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, and the Government, key speakers at the event will include Mr. Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Natural Re-

sources, and Mr. Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works.

Tiago Marques, the Vice-President (Production) of CWC/ GFEn, during a press conference on Wednesday, November 11, explained that the objective of the summit is to bring together Government officials, experts, the private sector, and local businesses to discuss opportunities as well as best practices in the oil-and-gas sector.

“We’re going to look into different key areas throughout the programme that will cover the whole oil-and-gas value chain and other aggregated industries and sectors.

We’re going to look into diversifying the economy, new areas of business, local content, HSE, best practices in oil-and-gas exploration, technology transfer, and also the future energy transition,” Marques stated.

Along with the discussion sessions, he noted that the summit will also feature practical breakout rooms, where participants

will be able to speak with various experts, and engage in networking opportunities.

The first 100 Guyanese that register for the summit will be able to participate for free.

“We’re also going to have a strong, strong focus over the three days in different areas, such as local content. So we’re going to have not only international businesses, which is usual, but also we’re going to have a lot of local businesses,” the Vice-President shared.

It was also disclosed that in keeping with their aim to foster education in the sector, universities will be invited to have their students participate in the event.

Marques added: “We’re looking at a key component, which is increasing women’s participation in the oil-and-gas sector.

This is a generic topic, very important.

The oil and gas sector, in general, is more male- dominated, but has strong women in strong positions in Guyana. The oil and

gas industry wants to celebrate that, and also to make sure that their participation is increased.”

Meanwhile, President of the GCCI, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer said that as one of the oldest and largest business-lobbying bodies in Guyana, the Chamber is delighted to be a part of the event. “...One of the things we are tasked to do is to be on the forefront of these sorts of conversations, which allows us to reflect as well as to plan how we want to improve our growing oil-and-gas industry. And as such, we are very happy to be part of this; to work with CWC, and Tiago and team to put together this conference that really pushes the boundary of thought around the industry,” Boyer stated.

The physical summit is expected to take place here in Georgetown on June 9 – 10, 2021.

India willing to buy all of Guyana’s oil at market value ― High Commissioner, Dr K J Srinivasa

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Government of India is willing to purchase Guyana’s oil lifts at the market value, annually, through a government to government agreement, according to High Commissioner of India, Dr K J Srinivasa.

“India is an energy-hungry nation and 85 per cent of our petroleum requirements are imported. So we would love to work with the Government of Guyana to import oil, if possible, from Guyana on a longterm basis, and Guyana gets a secured buyer for all its oil annually,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.

The High Commissioner had noted that Indian companies such as Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharrat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

(ONGC) – all State-owned companies – would be interested in buying crude from Guyana in the future.

India’s refineries are geared towards refining and processing oil from across the world. India’s primary source for oil is the Gulf region, and, up to recently, Venezuela.

However, the Asian powerhouse also has oil stakes in many territories spanning the globe from Russia, Siberia, to Central Asia and even South American.

Guyana awarded the first three cargoes of its share of Liza production to Shell Western Supply and Trading in a restricted opening tender. The first allotment loaded in February 2020, the second in May and the final in early August.

Liza is produced by an ExxonMobil-led consortium at Stabroek, where output began in December 2019. The con-

sortium includes US independent Hess and Chinese stateowned CNOOC unit Nexen.

Production is expected to reach 120,000 b/d in August, ramping up to 750,000 b/d in 2025.

India hopes to have a US$5 trillion economy by 2025 and Dr. Srinivasa explained that Guyana’s economic growth has also caught the attention of New Delhi and its entrepreneurs.

He said the public and private sectors have shown active interest in partnering with Guyana’s growth story. In addition to petroleum, he cited sugar, coconuts and rice as areas India is willing to invest in.

The High Commissioner also laid out key projects in Guyana under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS).

These include East Bank Demerara-East Coast Demer-

ara Link Road project under a Line of Credit of US$50 million; provision of an ocean-going ferry with a grant of US$8

fixed and mobile pumps with a US$4 million LoC and supply of a pilot scale rice husk gasifier.

High Commissioner of India, Dr K J Srinivasa

million and a Line of Credit (LoC) of US$10 million for use in the North West; upgrading of three regional hospitals at West Demerara, Suddie and Bartica with an LoC of US$17.5 million; supply of

Meanwhile, he noted Guyana’s great potential for generating renewable energy. India wants to increase its installed renewable energy capacity from 78 GW to 175 GW (1 GW = 1,000 MW) by March

2022. Of that 175 GW, 100 GW is expected to come from solar power.

Moreover, India wants to nearly double the share of renewable power in its total installed capacity to 40 per cent by 2030.

“We have the expertise in India and gradually we are moving away from fossil fuels,” he said, noting that “India has the cheapest source of solar energy in the world and is changing all its fossil fuel projects.”

He added that the world largest solar farm was recently built in India in two years and it was done on time.

With an abundance of land, good weather, fertile soil, natural resources and water, Dr Srinivasa said Guyana is a blessed country.

“This is the ideal country, with tremendous potential,” he said.

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Wakenaam to benefit from new excavator

― MoA to work with regional officials to construct drying floor for rice farmers FARMERS from the island of Wakenaam will soon benefit from the services of a new excavator to assist with drainage and irrigation works, said Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a recent outreach to the island.

During the meeting, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Regional Chairman, Ishan Ayube, said that there was need for a new excavator on the island to assist with the digging and maintenance of the canals.

“We have an excavator that is 11 years old. It has worked successfully in the past but it has reached a stage where maintenance is becoming a problem; its work hours is a problem and we are getting less rodage because of its age. I’m asking, on behalf of the residents and the farmers of Wakenaam, for a new excavator,” Ayube said.

In responding to the request, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, committed to having a new excavator stationed on the island before the end of the year.

“I know that the excavator you have here is not working effectively. I’ve just consulted with my technical officers. We’ll be purchasing some new excavators and I’ll assign one to the island.

So before the end of this year, you will have a brand new long-boom excavator on the island to help with the digging and clearing of the canals. I’ve also instructed the NDIA to send a bulldozer to the island to complete all the work before it returns to Georgetown,” Minister Mustapha said.

The subject minister also committed to having his ministry conduct a needs assessment in order to develop a work programme for works

needed on the island.

The Regional Chairman also said that there was need for assistance with their current maintenance programme.

“There were several complaints to the NDIA by farmers on the way the pro-

gramme was kept. Complaints that we were doing mainly spraying, weeding and, to some extent, using an excavator. We were written

by NDIA last year, and, in August of this year, we were told to only prepare trenches that were done by weeding or

negative effects these chemicals have on the eco-system.

“I will not encourage contractors or persons who are working to clean the canals to spray chemicals as a means of weed control. While you are spraying the surface, the weeds would grow or end

Minister Mustapha engaging a group of farmers from Wakenaam

excavation. It will cost $3.5 million to do a maintenance programme with only weeding. The NDC cannot afford to do weeding maintenance programme or excavation programme with the current tax valuation and the current NDIA grant. If we were able to continue with the spraying and the other maintenance which were successful to about 90 per cent, one month’s maintenance would cost about $1.7 million and we would have been able to manage that,” the Chairman said.

NOT SPRAYING OF CHEMICALS However, Minister Mustapha said that the ministry will not encourage the spraying of chemicals as a means of weed control, noting the

up at the bottom, and as the seasons progress, you will find that the canals becoming shallow,” Minister Mustapha said.

Joseph Juman, a farmer, said that there was an issue with coconut cockle affecting farmers on the island.

Minister Mustapha informed the farmers that the Government was placing a lot of emphasis on coconut production, and, as such, will ensure extension officers from NAREI work with farmers to assist with the issue.

“Coconuts have the potential to bring in a large amount of foreign currency for our economy. This multipurpose commodity is now taking the world by storm and we will be putting a lot of effort and emphasis to en-

sure we develop our coconut industry. Government will be making resources available to increase research in order to strengthen the sector. We will also be constructing two new coconut nurseries so that planting material can be readily available and farmers can have better guidance in order to expand their cultivation. NAREI’s extension officers will also be coming to your farms to assist you with the coconut cockle infestation within the coming days.

Extension services will also be increased tremendously,” Minister Mustapha said.

Requests were also made for a drying floor for paddy to be constructed on the island and additional markets for farmers’ crops. Minister Mustapha told the farmers that, if the region can identify the land, the ministry, through the Guyana Rice Development Board, will work with officials to construct a drying floor. He also told the farmers that Government is in the process of revamping the mandate of the Guyana Marketing Corporation. This agency, the minister said, will now be responsible for securing continuous markets for farmers’ produce.

Minister Mustapha also took the opportunity to encourage farmers to cultivate value-added crops and practise more economical methods of planting like intercropping. Farmers also benefitted from the ministry’s seed distribution programme.

Accompanying the minister on the outreach was Ministry of Agriculture, Director-General, Madanlall Ramraj and other heads of agencies.

Autopsy confirms…

Murdered Essequibo teen died from multiple injuries THE autopsy performed on the remains of Sanesha Subrina Lall,16, of Richmond Housing Scheme, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has revealed that she died as a result of multiple injuries from stab wounds.

The autopsy was performed on Thursday by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh.

Meanwhile, her 34-yearold killer remains a patient at the Suddie Public Hospital under guard. He reportedly consumed a quantity of poisonous substance hours after he committed the gruesome act.

Lall was killed on November 11, when her ex-boyfriend visited her sister’s home, entered the bedroom, and started to stab her. He had been asked

previously not to go to the teenager’s sister’s home but did so, nevertheless, while armed with a knife. Relatives claim that he and the deceased had had a two-year relationship, but because he was married, everyone advised the teenager to stay away from him.

Lall’s mother died a few years ago and left behind four children to fend for themselves. The father, who was reportedly an alcoholic, had died due to prolonged usage.

Lall had moved out of the family home after being subjected to continuous mental abuse at the hands of her father.

Relatives told this newspaper that even though the family of the deceased is poor, they are trying their

KILLED: Sanesha Subrina Lall

best to give her a decent funeral. Her body was handed over by the police to her relatives. The deceased was described as a helpful young lady. Neighbours said whenever they asked her to help them, she was always helpful. Residents are calling on the relevant authorities to look into the welfare of the younger siblings, since they really need help.

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12 community enhancement workers hired in Mara TWELVE persons, including a supervisor, from the community of Mara, East Bank Berbice, were hired as community enhancement workers under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP).

On Monday, the Regional Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Mr. David Armogan, and the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Zamal Hussain visited the community where the contracts were handed over to the workers.

Following a recent community meeting with Agriculture Minister Zufikar Mustapha, residents and farmers highlighted the need for works to be undertaken in the community. As such, the request was forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government, and according to the Regional Vice-Chairman, the aim of the programme is to provide employment, and raise the economic status of residents.

“We know several years back we had 50-odd workers; after the new Government took over, the programme died in this area. We as the Government are trying to create employment while trying to enhance communities, so we trying to ensure that in every area, we build some amount of working-class people who are unemployed to facilitate the enhancement of communities,” Hussain said, adding: “The persons that will be in this area to do the CIIP work will help the economy of Mara, since the persons were not employed; we try as best as possible to choose persons that are unemployed.”

He noted that Mara is lucky to have so many per-

irrespective of its location.

“We have to task ourselves again to put these things back into place, so that the people of Mara can benefit in a way they are supposed to, like everybody else outside of the East Bank area. The policy of the government is to provide for every community, whether they belong to town, rural or far-out villages,” he said.

“Our job is to make sure you

A bulldozer working to clear some of the vegetation at Mara

sons on the project, since the national budget only catered for 700 CIIP workers, in toto. He, however, assured Mara residents that in time, and as the need arises, the government will seek to employ more persons in each community.

The workers are tasked with cleaning the drains and road shoulders, among other chores.

Meanwhile, the regional team also inspected some shoulder-clearing works being done on the roads in East Bank Berbice communities, such as the clearing of overgrown vegetation along the road shoulders that have become an encumbrance.

Regional Chairman Armogan noted that the works are in keeping with the government’s policy of ensuring every community is developed,

are comfortable, and your area is kept clean and tidy.”

Residents also asked for the potholes on the roadways to be fixed, but as the Regional Chairman explained in response, even though such works were not budgeted for, the region recognises the need, and will be using any excess funds to fix at least a few of the large ones.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

Retired judge, Nandram Kissoon, heads Public Service Appellate Tribunal

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, swore in the Chairman and members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, during a simple ceremony held at the Office of the President.

Former Appeal Court Judge, Nandram Kissoon, took the oath of office as Chairman, while Attorney Abiola Wong-Innis and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Hydar Ally, were sworn in as tribunal members.

Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, and other officials were also at the event.

The tribunal was established by the Public Service Tribunal Act 1984. The Act empowers the tribunal to hear appeals from any decision of the Public Service Commission in respect of appointment by promotion of any person to a public office and exercise of disciplinary control over any person holding or acting in any public office. (Office of the President)

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President, Dr Irfaan Ali with former Appeal Court Judge, Nandram Kissoon (right) and members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Hydar Ally (left) and Attorney Abiola Wong-Innis

Motorcyclist in Reliance accident hospitalised

The ‘mangled’ motorcycle

KEVIN PERSAUD, 31, of Bushlot, Essequibo Coast, is currently a patient in the male surgical ward of the Suddie Public Hospital nursing injuries to the head, after he was involved in a serious accident, Wednesday night, on the Reliance Public Road.

The accident reportedly occurred around 18:00 hours. Persaud was riding a black and pink 125 Elite motorcycle at the time of the accident.

According to information reaching Guyana Chronicle, motor car, PNN 8257, was proceeding north along the western side of the Reliance Public Road while motorcycle CH 2737 was proceeding south along the eastern side when the vehicles

collided. The motorcyclist was said to be speeding.

During the collision, Persaud desperately tried to apply brakes to avoid the collision, but, despite that, he collided with the motorcar. The motorcyclist fell to the ground where he received severe injuries to his head and body.

Residents heard the loud impact and immediately rushed to the scene where they assisted Persaud. He was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital in an unconscious state.

He has regained consciousness and is in a ward at the hospital.

Traffic officers are investigating the accident. The 48-year-old driver of the motorcar is currently in police custody.

The car that was involved in the accident

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‘We can do anything’ Guyanese beauty influencer creating big waves

H

ITTING one million followers on Tik Tok and being able to work with world-renowned companies and celebrities are just some of the high points in Beauty Influencer Tenisha Billington’s career.

The 26-year-old Guyanese, who is also a cosplay model creating content for brands to advertise their products and clothing, hails from Georgetown and has been making waves over the past five years.

Tenisha couldn’t be happier at being able to work with TikTok, Warner Bros, The Discovery Channel, Universal Music group and Instagram. She is especially proud of the fact that she was able to do all this within this year. “It has been amazing!” she tells the Buzz.

“It feels like all my hard work has finally started to pay off! I’m still overwhelmed and a bit in disbelief that this is actually my life right now but beyond grateful for everyone who took the time to see the potential in me,” she expressed.

Tenisha is looking forward to working with more brands and hopefully, even having her own in the future.

“It feels good to show people back home that we can do anything. Just stay true to your work and don’t stop trying to better your craft. You can always learn more! Stay hungry, be kind and have fun,” the special effect make-up artist, who was recently featured on Buzzfeed for her transformative makeup skills, noted.

Tenisha’s talents have also caught the attention of celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o and Tyra Banks, as well as bigname brands like Cover Girl and Fenty Beauty- all of whom have featured her work on their own social media pages.

As a model, Tenisha is known for having won the ‘Miss Tourism Guyana’ in both 2017 and 2018.

She first started sharing a blend of modelling and travel photos through her Instagram in January of 2017,

Celebrating 1 million followers on Tik Tok

A cosplayer, Tenisha uses makeup to replicate different characters

tume)”, “Swimwear”, “Pageant Day Interview” and a trophy for the Mayor’s choice “Mermaid Award (Coney Island).”

The pageant had also seen the contestants being judged over two months on video interviews and a charity cause and also encompassed evening gown, swimwear, model of the year, national costume and Coney Island costume segments.

Warner Bros DC Fandom cosplay collab

Tenisha Billington

which started going viral after sharing more cosplay driven content through her TikTok beginning in January of 2019.

She is also known for her food prep tutorials and ready-made meals which she shares photos of through her Instagram.

While representing as Miss Tourism International Guyana in 2017, Tenisha had bested 12 other contestants to collect the crown, donning a stunning Derek Moore turtleneck evening gown.

Aside from taking the overall title, she also walked away with the prizes for best “Evening Gown”, “Media Presentation”, “Video Interview”, “Fun fashion (cos-

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‘Liminal Spaces’ New book tells 15 migration stories of Guyanese women ‘LIMINAL Spaces: Migration and Women of the Guyanese Diaspora’ a new book that chronicles the migration narratives of 15 women of Guyanese heritage, was launched virtually earlier this week.

The book, edited by Grace Aneiza Ali, is published by Open Book Publishers (Cambridge, UK, 2020) and its open-access edition is freely available to readers. It spans diverse inter-generational perspectives – from those who leave Guyana, and those who are left – and seven seminal decades of Guyana’s history – from the 1950s to the present day – bringing the voices of women to the fore.

The volume is conceived of as a visual exhibition on the page; a four-part journey navigating the contributors’ essays and artworks, allowing the reader to trace the migration path of Guyanese women from their moment of departure, to their arrival on diasporic soils, to their reunion with Guyana.

Liminal Spaces unpacks the global realities of migration, challenging and disrupting dominant narratives associated with Guyana, its colonial past, and its post-colonial present as a ‘disappearing nation’.

Multimodal in approach, the volume combines memoir, creative non-fiction, poetry, photography, art and curatorial essays to collectively examine the mutable no-

Khadija Benn, contributor to ‘Liminal Spaces’

tion of ‘homeland’, and grapple with ideas of place and accountability.

This volume is said to be a welcomed contribution to the scholarly field of international migration, transnationalism, and diaspora, both in its creative methodological approach and in its subject area – as one of the only studies published on Guyanese diaspora.

It is expected to be of great interest to those studying women and migration, and scholars and students of

diaspora studies.

Through their art, photography, poetry, memoir-essays and curatorial practices, the contributors bring the voices of women to the fore—unveiling how their experiences of migration from Guyana to global metropolises of London, New York, Toronto, and beyond, have indelibly shaped their lives as they grapple with ideas of homeland, place, and acSee page 19

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Artists, the movers and shakers of the world A piece titled ‘The Guyanese Woman 1’ (series) 2020

Artists historically have been the movers and shakers of the world we live in, and such is no different today.

Their work may seem simple but it holds more importance and responsibility than it is credited for.

Roberto Teekah, 22, is one of the many talented Guyanese artists who are working to have their footprints remembered in the world of art.

The young man in an interview with The Buzz stated that he has always had a knack for the arts since he was younger, however his work truly began to blossom during his teenage years.

“I’ve been drawing, painting and creating ever since I was a child, but I’d say that my art really started to blossom during my high school years at the Bishop’s High,” the artist said, adding: “While there I was exposed to a different outlook on the visual arts and I also had countless outlets for my creativity.”

Teekah was pursuing studies in the science field when he opted to pursue a career as an artist and further his studies at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. “During my sixth form years I balanced my art journey with my Science studies, but ultimately decided that I’d pursue the one that brought me the most joy- the Visual Arts.

That journey led me to enroll at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, where I’m currently in my third year. While at the Art School, I’ve reached heights that I hadn’t dreamt of previously,” he told The Buzz.

When asked to describe is art work, Teekah said, “Describing my art can be a little difficult at times, since it’s A recent painting done by Teekah

Roberto Teekah

always changing and the themes may vary. Also I feel like there’s an odd kind of pressure on young artists to have a distinctive style- but I believe that that comes in time and with experience. I don’t like to limit myself to one medium or style; I enjoy experimenting with my work by using different materials, techniques and a variety of subject matter.”

The young man who also has a love for reading stated that he draws inspiration from mythology and historical characters he has read about.

“Looking at my body of work, some of the recurring themes have to do with religion, feminism, self-expression, world history, the natural world, and mythology. I get inspired when I read about powerful historical figures, people who have triumphed over hardships, Teekah said adding: “I love celebrating the strength and tenacity of the human spirit. I see magic in the world we live in, and I evoke that in my art. While I love creating aesthetically pleasing pieces, I also believe that it is important to create art that benefits society and sends a strong message.”

Teekah recently won the Guyana Annual’s Stephanie Correia Prize for Open Visual Art for his depiction of famous creatures in Guyanese folklore. He currently accepts commissioned work, including portraits and custom pieces.

Those interested in his art work can visit his Instagram- @rio.de.roberto and Facebook page- Rio de Roberto.

Guyanese artist Roberto Teekah, painting a portrait

‘Liminal Spaces’... countability.

One of the contributors, who spoke to the Buzz is Dominique Hunter, a multi-disciplinary artist who lives and works in Guyana, where she was born. Her artistic practice critiques the (non)-representation of Black female bodies in art history and stereotypical portrayals

in contemporary print media.

Her recent work has expanded to include strategies for coping with the weight of those impositions by examining the value of self-care practices. Hunter has exhibited both in the Caribbean and in the US. She has been an Artist-in-Residence with Caribbean Linked IV and

the Vermont Studio Center, where she was awarded the Reed Foundation Fellowship.

“The book…talks about those who leave, those who are left behind and those who choose to stay. It’s a more abstract text that talks about my reluctance to leave Guyana and the toll [that] choosing to stay in a less-than-ideal space

for creative professionals takes on my mental/emotional health,” she explained about her submission.

Khadija Benn, another contributor, was born in Canada to Guyanese parents and currently lives and works in Guyana as a geospatial analyst. She is a faculty member of the Department of Geog-

From page 18 raphy at the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana.

Her research focuses on digital cartography, community development, and place attachment. As a self-taught photographer, her practice is formed around portraiture and documentary work.

Her images have been

exhibited at Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art (USA), CARIFESTA XIII (Barbados), the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (USA), and Addis Foto Fest (Ethiopia); and featured in ARC Magazine and Transition Magazine.

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Senegal shine as AFCON qualifiers resume SENEGAL claimed the headline win as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers resumed on Wednesday evening, while Guinea and Comoros also secured important results on the road to Cameroon 2022.

Senegal moved to within touching distance of qualification after claiming a third straight win in Group I, as goals from Sadio Mane and Opa Nguette took them to a 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau in Thies.

In Conakry, Guinea took control of Group A with a 1-0 win over Chad – courtesy of a goal from Mady Camara – taking them to seven points, though Mali could draw level when they tackle Namibia today.

In Group G, Comoros continue to be the surprise leaders, as they held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in Karasani despite playing most of their match with 10 men. Youssouf M’Changama scored and was sent off for Les Coelacantes, but the Harambee Stars hit back through Masoud Juma for their third straight draw.

Mauritania lead the way in Group E but will perhaps be disappointed at playing to a 1-1 home draw with Burundi in Nouakchott. Al Murabitun claimed the lead through Bakary N’Diaye, but allowed two points to slip away when Saidi Ntibazonkiza levelled the game late on.

Finally, Libya were beaten 3-2 by Equatorial Guinea in

the late match. Sanad Al Warfali and Mohamed Bettamer netted for the Mediterranean Knights after Miranda Josete had given Nzalang Nacional the lead in the first half. The West Africans claimed all three points thanks to injury-time goals from Pedro Obiang and Salomon Obama.

The result sees Equatorial Guinea rack up their first points in Group J – joining Tanzania and Libya on three – with Tunisia (six) having the chance to stretch their lead tonight when they host the Taifa Stars.

The AFCON qualifiers continued yesterday with 10 matches across the continent, including heavyweights Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Algeria having home matches against Sudan, Mozambique, Madagascar and Zimbabwe respectively.

AFCON qualification results, Wednesday November 11 Guinea 1-0 Chad,Kenya 1-1 Comoros, Mauritania 1-1 Burundi, Senegal 2-0 Guinea Bissau, Libya 2-3 Equatorial Guinea

Organisers: Tokyo Olympics athletes won’t have to isolate for 14 days

(REUTERS) Tokyo – Athletes arriving in Tokyo for next year’s Olympic Games, postponed from 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, will be exempt from the 14-day isolation period Japan has imposed on anyone arriving from overseas to help stop the virus spreading.Olympic organisers said yesterday details still need to be worked out, but measures for athletes are likely to include coronavirus testing within 72 hours before arriving in Japan. But they warned decisions on spectators from overseas have yet to be made, saying a 14-day quarantine was “impossible”.

“Athletes, coaches and Games officials who are eligible for the Tokyo Games will be allowed to enter the country, provided significant measures are made before they get to Japan,” Tokyo 2020 chief executive officer Toshiro Muto told a news conference.

Muto was speaking after a meeting between officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the national government and Tokyo 2020 organisers on infection prevention procedures during the Games.

He said a decision on foreign spectators would be made next year, depending on pandemic developments.

“By next spring, we will be coming up with a plan for spectators, including non-Japanese spectators,” he said. “It is impossible to set a 14-day quarantine period for foreign spectators, so tests before and upon arrival are needed.”

Japan has held several recent test events, including a four-nation gymnastics meet last weekend, in which spectators have been admitted, but these were limited to residents of Japan.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) head Thomas Bach is due in Japan for a three-day visit next week, at which Muto said he expected details of coronavirus counter-measures would be ironed out.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday November 13, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK, STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Auckland, 2006 (2) Shiv Chanderpaul & Stephen Fleming Today’s Quiz: (1) How many T20 Int'l games the WI & NZ have contested against each other to date?

(2) What is the scorecard?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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guyana CHRONICLE Friday, November 13, 2020

Pucovski, Green and Abbott named in Australia's Test squad

By Andrew McGlashan WILL Pucovski and Cameron Green have been named in Australia's squad for the Test series against India alongside leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and pace-bowling all-rounders Michael Neser and Sean Abbott.

Joe Burns, who struggled in Queensland's three Sheffield Shield matches with 57 runs in five innings, retains his place in the enlarged squad that is required to navigate COVID-19 protocols but it remains to be seen whether he continues his partnership alongside David Warner.

Both Burns and Pucovski have also been included in the Australia A squad for the two warm-up matches in early December which is shaping as the decider for who lines up at Adelaide on December 17.

The five players were among the standout performers during the Sheffield Shield hub in Adelaide which concluded on Wednesday.

Pucovski, 22, made backto-back double centuries - the first to perform that feat in the Shield since 1997-98 - including a career-best 255 not out as he opened the batting for the first time in first-class cricket. All-rounder Green, who had been named in Australia's limited-overs squad, has made a careful return to bowling in the last two weeks following back problems and earlier in the season scored a career-best 197.

"It is such a positive sign for Australian cricket to have so many good young players stepping into contention for the Test and Australia A

selection," national selector Trevor Hohns said.

"Two of those many standout players were, of course, Cameron Green and Will Pucovski. Their undeniable form demanded selection and we are very pleased to have these young men in the squad for what will be a tremendous Test Series against an extremely formidable opponent.

"Cameron has already won selection in the whiteball squad and continues that in joining the Test squad. He is a wonderful young talent who has great potential to become an all-rounder of substance over time. His batting alone has demanded his place in the squad.

"Will's record-breaking start to the summer has been exceptional. His ability to show such patience is something which stands him in good stead for Test cricket and he is in rare company with two double-centuries to start the summer. We very much look forward to Will developing further on the international stage."

Swepson, who was part of Australia's previous Test squad back in January, for the SCG match against New Zealand, is the leading bowler in the Shield with 23 wickets at 21.17 from three matches. That included three consecutive five-wicket hauls and career-best match figures of 10 for 171 against New South Wales. On Wednesday he secured Queensland's victory against South Australia with three wickets in 11 deliveries.

He will largely be there to

son, Mitchell Marsh (WA - subject to fitness), Michael Neser, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Mark Steketee, Will Sutherland, Mitchell Swepson.

Michael Neser, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Swepson and Cameron Green have all impressed. (Getty Images)

provide back-up in case Nathan Lyon is injured during the series although he could come into contention for the XI if Australia want to play two spinners at the SCG. Neser and Abbott, who are both uncapped at Test level, will provide pace-bowling back-up to the big four of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and James Pattinson although Abbott's Shield form has thrown his hat into the ring as a potential all-round option.

He scored a maiden firstclass century against Tasmania, in a stand of 189 with Starc, as he ended the first part of the Shield season with a batting average of 130.50 alongside 14 wickets at 17.92.

Neser has been a regular squad member for Australia over the last two years and was again very consistent for Queensland.

He, too, scored a maiden first-class century (in the same game as taking 5 for 32 against Tasmania) and overall took 10 wickets at

24.40 in three matches.

"Mitch Swepson is another who has excelled and is in fine form for Queensland," Hohns said. "He gives the side a strong second spin option to Nathan Lyon and we feel he is ready and deserving of the opportunity."Sean Abbott has also been outstanding at the start of the summer and comes into his first Test squad as a very strong fast-bowling option.

Add that to his recent batting form over the last 12 months and he presents a very complete package in the squad.

The 12 players who played Test cricket last season against Pakistan and New Zealand are included with Hohns previously indicating he did not foresee major changes to the side.

As in the limited-overs set-up, Australia have reverted to a single vice-captain with Pat Cummins named Tim Paine's deputy meaning Travis Head loses the vice-captaincy tag.

"As was the case with

the white-ball side we have reverted to a traditional leadership model of captain and vice-captain now we have a settled and in-form group of experienced players," Hohns said. "Travis remains an important member of the senior leadership group and has been integral in the recent success of the side which is now ranked as the best Test team in the world. He has been a great support to Tim and is a very experienced leader." Australia Test squad: Sean Abbott, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner Australia A squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Joe Burns, Jackson Bird, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Nic Maddin-

Former FA chairman Clarke resigns as FIFA vice-president

FORMER Football Association (FA) chairman Greg Clarke has stood down as vice-president of FIFA. Clarke left his job as head of the FA on Tuesday after using "unacceptable" language when referring to black players.

He had intended to continue in his position as UEFA'S representative on the FIFA Council but has now resigned.

The decision comes after a phone call between Clarke and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Clarke used an offensive term in reference to black players when he appeared in front of a UK government select committee.

He was also criticised for comments he made

Greg Clarke became Football Association chairman in August 2016.

referring to gay players making a "life choice", the different career choices of people from black

and Asian communities, and a coach telling him young female players did not like having the ball hit hard at them.

Clarke was elected as a vice-president of football's world governing body in February 2019.

On Wednesday he told BBC Sport he would stay on in that role until March 2021 at the request of Ceferin, in order to protect the European governing body's voting rights until then.

However, following a further call with Ceferin, he has now resigned.

UEFA will appoint an interim replacement, likely to be from the home nations, to attend FIFA's next meeting before naming a full-time replacement in March. (BBC Sport)

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Harper says setbacks just added motivation for upbeat Windies … admits Hetmyer was among those in discussion for vice-captaincy

By Clifton Ross WEST Indies head selector Roger Harper said the Caribbean Boys have shrugged off the recent offfield fiasco and are more than ever fired-up; as the days wind down to the start of the T20 series.

It has been a rough 72 hours for Windies after allegations of breaking the bubble's bio-secure rules surfaced, thus resulting in the team being banned from their remaining days of training at Christchurch. Harper said despite the setbacks, he continues to observe high-intensity within the camp.

"I have been an observer at our training and practice sessions within the bubble that I'm assigned to and I must say the practice sessions were very exciting. So we're very keen on looking

forward to the assignment ahead". Harper stated.

The former Guyana and West Indies all-rounder, during Wednesday's Zoom conference, said the players were using their errors as added motivation to remain focussed on their mission ahead.

He added that the appointments of the two new vice-captains in Roston Chase (Test) and Nicholas Pooran (T20), were also important, especially in the case of Chase, when mapping out the team's plan for the future.

"We thought it important at this time to let Kraigg Brathwaite, who has been vice-captain for a while, just pay a little more attention and focus a little bit more on his batting. He has not been in the best of form for a little while and we thought that this will allow him to focus

West Indies head selector Roger Harper and all-rounder Rovman Powell have a chat during a recent training session in New Zealand.

more on batting.

Roston Chase would be the ideal person to give Jason Holder the sort of leadership he might need on and off the field,".explained the selector.

News of the Windies' little bubble-trouble hurt the team's image, having been the most experienced side with regard to playing in the bubble since international cricket resumed in the summer with the England tour.

And Harper said despite the mistakes he believes that the players have learnt from their mistakes and are ready for action against the Kiwis.

"Like everything else the preparations have been going good so far, barring the hiccups. What this has done, though, is affect our training because now the last couple of days we weren't able to train. But like everything else it's an opportunity to

Estwick excited about young pace-bowling prospects CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) — West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick said young pacers Alzarri Joseph and uncapped Chemar Holder stand poised to make a name for themselves on the Tour of New Zealand.

Joseph and Holder are part of the Windies team who are preparing for a two-Test series against the Black Caps next month.

The two young pacers are well remembered for carrying West Indies to their only ICC Youth World Cup title four years ago in Bangladesh.

Estwick, whose substantive role in the Windies support staff is bowling coach, said the future looks bright for Joseph, Holder and the Caribbean side's pace-bowling stocks.

Joseph, 23, has played 11 Tests for the Windies over the past four years and taken 28 wickets at 35.82 apiece.

He is generally expected to be part of the team's attack for the two Tests.

“Over the last two years, Kemar Roach, Jason Holder and Shannon Gabriel have been our leading bowlers in Tests and we expect them to lead the attack,” Estwick said during a videoconference with the media on Monday from the team's training base in Lincoln.

Pacer Alzarri Joseph

“But there is also Alzarri for whom I have high expectations on this Tour. He has been around for quite some time and I have been trying to get him to realise that it is about time now that he really stands up and puts in the big performances, which will be very important for us on this tour.”

Holder, 22, is on his second trip with the Windies.

He was part of the squad that travelled this past June to England, but he has not played any international matches yet.

He may find it difficult to break into the final 11 in New Zealand, but he created quite a stir during the last West Indies Championship, taking 36 wickets at 18.91 each for champions Barbados Pride, and several batsmen have worn the bruises of his disconcerting pace and bounce.

“You always get excited about young fast bowlers,” Estwick said. “I said before

the tour of England last June that we have about 10 young, exciting pacers, but what we have to do is to get matches for them to play.

“They need to play to understand the angles, to be able to understand and read the pitches, and to understand the right lengths to bowl.”

He added: “Chemar is an exciting talent. He had a wonderful first-class season and his time will come. There is no doubt about it. He is an exciting prospect. He is also very, very, very hardworking and fit young man, so once his opportunity comes, he will be ready to grab it with both hands.”

Though excited about Joseph, Holder and the other young fast bowlers knocking around the Caribbean, Estwick said opportunities needed to be found quickly for these players to develop.

“We have to find enough cricket for them to play and we have got to continue to

talk about the game with them,” he said.

“We have got to pass on our experience. We have got to pass on our knowledge.

We have got to make sure that when they enter the Test arena, they are ready to do justice to their talent.

“You do not fully understand Test cricket until you have played about 10 or 15 matches, so you have got to be patient, and we have to prepare them well.”

Estwick said pace bowling will be the major factor during the two Tests against the Black Caps because pitches in New Zealand are generally not spin-bowling-friendly.

“The spinners will have to play a more containing role, while the pacers have to be aggressive and try to be the chief wicket-takers,” he said. “We have to be able to assess the pitches as quickly as possible. If we do this, we will know what the right lengths are to bowl and what the right lines are to bowl and adjust according to which batsman is at the wicket.”

The first Test between the Windies and the Black Caps starts on December 3 at Seddon Park in Hamilton and the second Test from December 11 to 15 will be contested at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

learn when we deviate from plans, how it affects the team but if anything I think this makes us more focussed now". Harper pointed out.

Harper also touched on some behind-the-scenes works regarding the appointments of the two vice-captains. He admitted that Guyanese star Shimron Hetmyer was among the names thrown in the basket of discussion.

He said the left-hander, who shot to fame after winning the U-19 World Cup a few years ago, then going on to carve out a good international career to date; was a candidate but believed the more experienced Chase had ticked all the boxes.

"There were a number of names which came up, I don't want to go into too much detail. But I appreciate that Hetmyer has got some experience having success-

fully captained the West Indies U-19 team and he of course is someone we had at the back of our minds. But like I said, Roston Chase was the ideal person for the vice-captaincy at this time,". he ended.

Meanwhile, members of the West Indies team have returned negative results from their third and final COVID-19 tests, conducted on Day 12 of the ongoing tour of New Zealand.

The players, management and support staff are scheduled to leave managed isolation today and travel to the southern town of Queenstown, where they will play a three-day match and a four-day match against New Zealand ‘A’.

These matches will be on November 20-22 and on November 26-29 at John Davies Oval.

Serena Williams – No more pressure of winning more Grand Slams

By Sophie Madison SERENA Williams revealed the unusual daily routine that helped her become a long-time world champion.

Being a 23-time major singles title-holder surely comes with hard work and perseverance. Just like any other athlete, Williams has been taking her craft seriously and, evidently, it all paid off. However, aside from her formidable workout routine, paired with vegan diet, the 38-year-old revealed that she has developed a two non-negotiable and somewhat unorthodox strategies to maintain her productivity.

It was never an easy task to be a tennis world champion and a mother. This is why Williams ensures that she’s always at her best form whether she’s competing, training or being a mom to her lovely daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. In a recent interview with CNBC ‘Make It’, Williams emphasised the importance of “completely” letting go of any stress. According to the tennis icon, “turning her brain off” doesn’t only help her in sports but also in handling her businesses as well.

“Something I do every day is (to) completely turn my brain off, which sounds weird but because I work so much between tennis and running my other properties - Serena Ventures and Serena Clothing. But it’s a lot so I just need to turn my brain off and not think about anything,” Williams pointed out.

The other unbelievable thing Williams regularly does is to relax and watch TV. Indeed, it is kind of ordinary for a normal person to watch a TV programme but Williams has a specific type of TV shows which she figured out essential for her recreation. “Sometimes it’s mediation.

Sometimes it’s watching a programme (on TV) that has nothing to do with anything, like something that is silly or fun,” Williams revealed.

Based on Williams’ two secret daily routine, it seems like clearing things off her head really works for her. In fact, last year, Williams also revealed her simple secret to longevity.

According to the legendary tennis player, as she ages, she (has) learnt not to “put the pressure of winning more Grand Slams” on herself and just want to enjoy every moment. Instead, Williams said that she is now having fun inside the tennis court.

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Indian cricketers land in Sydney, go into quarantine

INDIA'S squad landed in Australia yesterday for a twomonth-long tour comprising three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests.

Most of the players have flown directly from the UAE, where the IPL just concluded. Some of them - like Cheteshwar Pujara, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja - have travelled with their immediate families.

The Indian touring group will go into quarantine for two weeks, during which they are allowed to train subject

Ravichandran Ashwin arrived in Australia with wife Preeti Narayan and both daughters Adya and Akira (BBCI photo).

Harper eager to see white-ball specialists in red-ball matches CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) – West Indies chief selector Roger Harper said he was looking forward to viewing a number of white-ball specialists in red-ball practice matches on the Tour of New Zealand.

The Windies are carded to play three-day and four-day matches against New Zealand ‘A’ next week in the southern island city of Queenstown ahead of three Twenty20 Internationals against the Black Caps.

Following the T20Is, another couple of four-day matches against New Zealand ‘A’ are scheduled on the Tour before the two Tests between Jason Holder’s side and the Black Caps.

“When I communicated with them that they were selected for the T20Is on the Tour of New Zealand, I told them there was an opportunity for them, if they still had an eye to playing Tests, to showcase their skills in the (red-ball) tour matches and they were delighted to have the opportunity to play,” Harper said. Harper listed Nicholas Pooran, Oshane Thomas, Brandon King, Fabian Allen and Rovman Powell among the white-ball specialists that have grabbed the chance to play the red-ball matches on the Tour.

Pooran, a 24-year-old left-handed batsman and parttime wicketkeeper, has not played an official red-ball match in more than six years, which has largely coincided with his break from the sport to recover from a career-threatening, vehicular crash.

The other four players – incidentally, all Jamaicans – have appeared for Scorpions in the West Indies Championship within the last two years.

“All of the players that we asked if they were interested indicated that they were willing to play,” Harper said.

The chief selector, however, did not indicate if Windies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard has expressed an interest.

Pollard, a 33-year-old all-rounder, has made a name for himself in T20s around the globe, but he also has a decent first-class batting average of 37.71, having scored 1 584 runs in 27 matches.

Pollard, similar to his compatriot Pooran, has not played a first-class match in more than five years and has never played a Test for the Windies, despite his enormous experience in the sport.

to clearing the COVID-19 testing protocols put in place by Cricket Australia (CA) in coordination with the local government. It is understood they will start training tomorrow in Sydney. Most of the players have already been living the bio-bubble life for nearly three months now and they'll be going through its rigours for two more.

Rohit Sharma, who led the Mumbai Indians to their fifth IPL title this week, and Ishant Sharma were not a part of the touring party. They will be joining the squad, just before the Test series starts on December 17.

While Rohit is being rested from the limited-overs leg of the tour due to a hamstring injury he got during the IPL, Ishant suffered an abdominal muscle tear that had ruled him out of much of the tournament.

India captain Virat Kohli will be returning home after the first Test concludes on December 21 in order to attend the birth of his first child. The Australian government's quarantine rules of 14 days - applicable for the entire squad despite flying from a biobubble in the UAE - means it would be very difficult for Kohli to come back to Australia and play any part in the remaining three Tests.

India also remain wary about their Test wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who missed the last two matches for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL after injuring both his hamstrings.

They also had to pull out mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy from their T20I squad after he had been suffering from a shoulder injury. Pacer T. Natarajan took his place.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson - who was initially a part of only the T20I squad - was added to the ODI squad as a reserve wicketkeeper.

The tour starts with the first ODI in Sydney on November 27, followed by the three T20Is ending on December 8. But the second and the third T20Is clash with a three-day tour match between Australia A and India A, which begins on December 6. That follows another warm-up fixture starting December 11, before the first Test begins in Adelaide.

The Adelaide Test will also be the first time that India will be playing a day-night Test away from home, with their only pink-ball Test having come against Bangladesh in Kolkata last year.

The tour then moves to Melbourne and Sydney for the hosting of the Boxing Day and New Year's Tests - before concluding on January 21 with the fourth and final Test in Brisbane.

Despite restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, CA had confirmed that crowds of varying degrees will be allowed to attend each of the fixtures between Australia and India. (ESPN Cricinfo)

West Indies players are expected to leave managed isolation today.

Windies squad tests negative for COVID-19 for third time in New Zealand C HRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) – West Indies players and support staff, currently enduring managed isolation for the COVID-19 virus on the Tour of New Zealand, have been given a clean bill of health, cricket officials in the country have announced.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the governing body for the sport in the country, said in a media release yesterday that the third and final round of COVID-19 tests, which the players took this week, have all returned negative for the virus.

This will come as a great relief to the players and support staff because it will allow them greater freedom of movement to train and prepare for their series of three Twenty20 Internationals and two Tests against the Black Caps, and the ability to freely leave the isolation facility and mix with the general

Tokyo 2020 chief executive officer Toshiro Muto

Organisers: Tokyo Olympics athletes won’t have to isolate for 14 days See page 24

population.

The outcome of the tests have come into sharp focus, after New Zealand health officials prevented the Windies from training on Wednesday because members of the squad had “contravened” strict COVID-19 managed isolation protocols.

There was no indication that any of the members of the squad left or had contact with anyone outside of the managed isolation facility in which they had been confined since arriving in the country almost two weeks ago.

But New Zealand health officials said the team had been given certain exemptions from the strict rules of managed isolation in place in the country and they had violated them.

The players and support staff are scheduled to leave the managed isolation facility today and travel to the southern

island city of Queenstown, where they will play a three-day match and a four-day match against New Zealand ‘A’ at John Davies Oval.

Nine other Windies players who took part in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Test captain Jason Holder and Twenty20 International captain Kieron Pollard, arrived in Auckland on Wednesday from Dubai.

NZC said they have all passed initial health checks and processing and were cleared to board a charter flight to Christchurch ahead of beginning a 14-day period of managed isolation.

The nine players will end their period of managed isolation one day before the Windies meet the Black Caps in the first T20I on November 27 at Eden Park in Auckland.

Harper eager to see white-ball specialists in red-ball matches

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Nicholas Pooran has not played an official red-ball match in more rhan six years.

Indian cricketers land in Sydney, go into quarantine Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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