Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16-11-2020

MONDAY 16th November, 2020

' No.106185

Culture of entrepreneurship to be ‘radically’ transformed

–– As gov’t moves to establish National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council

SEE PAGE 03

St. Cuthbert’s Mission mulls extension of lockdown …amidst rising COVID-19 cases SEE STORY ON PAGE 15 ►

Persistent East Ruimveldt mother admitted to the Bar –– was twice denied entry into UG law programme

Guyana’s oldest-surviving war veteran turns 102 05 PAGE

Guyana’s oldest-surviving war veteran, Benjamin Durant (seated), celebrated his 102nd birth anniversary on Sunday at his Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home with his relatives and Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (left) (DPI photo)

SEE STORY ON PAGE 02 ►

Three schools with 'ungraded' CXC results did not submit SBAs SEE STORY ON PAGE 08 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Persistent East Ruimveldt mother admitted to the Bar –– was twice denied entry into UG law programme

By Alisa Lashley DESPITE having her application to the University of Guyana (UG) law programme twice denied and facing several personal challenges, Latifah Elliot pushed on, and has now realized her dream of becoming an Attorney-at-Law. Elliot, who is known for striving for success no matter the task, was, last Friday, admitted to the Guyana Bar. Senior Council, Edward Luckhoo, presented her petition at the Demerara High Court.

Her parents instilled in her the value of education and their desire for her to always fulfil her dreams. As a child, success came naturally, especially when it was something that she had put her mind to.

Hailing from East Ruimveldt in Georgetown, the 26-year-old mother of one attended the West Ruimveldt

Primary School, and after writing the Grade Six exam, she was awarded a place at Charlestown Secondary. After completing her secondary education, she attended the UG where she successfully completed the Associate Degree in Arts (History) and Diploma in Social Work.

Subsequently, she was accepted into the university’s law programme and began pursuing her dream of becoming an Attorney-at-Law. During an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle following her admission, the young attorney noted that the journey was not a smooth one. She took every opportunity that came her way and pushed forward in pursuit of her goal.

She spoke of the many challenges she encountered and sacrifices she had to make, including, leaving her young daughter while she completed the last leg of her journey at the Hugh Wood-

studying. Since I had to go to Trinidad to complete studies for two years, I was faced with the difficult choice of leaving my daughter in the care of my family. Even though being away from her was very hard, I stayed in constant contact while knowing that I needed to hold out and complete my studies to show her that despite any hardship life throws her way, once she puts her mind to anything, she can achieve it,” Elliot posited.

Newly sworn-in Attorney-at-Law, Latifah Elliot

ing Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad.

“I embraced the few challenges with courage and I optimized every opportuni-

ty that would improve my self-elevation as an individual. Studying law requires much dedication and many days of long and intense

SETBACKS It is often said that setbacks are only challenges in disguise and are opportunities for individuals to perform at a new level.

“Before starting my journey towards my legal career, I pursued an Associate Degree in Arts (History) and a Diploma in Social Work.

Twice I had applied to pursue law, but my application was not accepted. For a while I was overcome by self-doubt but I remember asking God to let His will be done and I later turned every rejection into motivation to work even harder. Finally, upon the completion of my Social Work programme, I once again re-applied and my application was accepted,” Elliot recounted.

The COVID-19 pandemic came in Elliot’s final year.

She noted that given the existence of the virus, it was often times difficult for her to balance her studies. She followed all safety protocols and prayed for the safety of herself and family.

In advising individuals who are pursuing a legal career, Elliot said, “Even though our destinies have already been written, we must actively and consistently put in the work to become what we were meant to be. My advice is to pursue your passion with ambition. Don't limit yourself. Don't get comfortable with mediocrity. Always strive for excellence and tap into yourself to unearth your greatest potential.”

When asked about her long term goals, Elliot stated that she wants to have a long and successful legal career.

She hopes to make a valuable contribution to the local jurisprudence over time.

In her final words to the Guyana Chronicle, she said that law is the pillar on which justice, peace and societal development rests and it presents an opportunity for her to be the voice of the voiceless as well as to bring justice to those who seek it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Culture of entrepreneurship to be ‘radically’ transformed –– As gov’t moves to establish National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council

By Navendra Seoraj THE business culture in Guyana is changing with every passing day, especially with the advent of the oil-and-gas sector, so, in order to ensure that entrepreneurs are able to ‘keep up,’ the government will be establishing a National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council to focus on reforming entrepreneurship.

The government has already committed to building a ‘modern’ Guyana with world-class infrastructure that improves connectivity and unlocks the vast potential of the economy. Entrepreneurs are seen as key contributors to this vision, so their ability to “think outside of the box” will be critical, going forward.

It is for this reason that the government has taken a step to establish a council which, they believe, will serve as a conduit for transformation and innovation.

“This body will radically reform the culture of entrepreneurship and encourage the emergence of new entrepreneurs while supporting existing ones,” said President Irfaan Ali during the American Chamber of Commerce’s (AMCHAM’s) virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Friday last.

This initiative is seen as part of the overarching vision to create an enabling environment for business development. As it is now, there is a seven-point plan which includes preserving the rule of law and democracy; im-

proving the ease of doing business; enhancing national competitiveness; facilitating trade and investment; and supporting small businesses.

Businesses are often referred to as the lifeblood of any economy, because they give entrepreneurs the opportunity to create meaningful jobs and foster local economies, allowing money to stay closer to communities.

And, throughout the world, many persons have gone out of business because of the four-five months ‘lockdown’ caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been the case in developed nations, so the effects on Guyana — a nation with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of just about US$4 billion — are understandably harsh.

The Entrepreneurship Council will, as such, not only focus on innovation, but will provide institutional and financial support.

“The national entrepreneurship body will act in concert with business incubators to form a breeding ground for new entrepreneurs, supporting them institutionally, financially and technically,” said Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond during her message ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Week, which starts today.

Her ministry has been tasked with establishment of the council; and according to Walrond, the council will promulgate an agenda which is similar to this year’s theme for Global Entrepreneurship Week: “Education, ecosys-

President Irfaan Ali

CEO of the Small Business Bureau, Dr. Lowell Porter

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

tems, inclusion and policy.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Lowell Porter said the importance of entrepreneurship cannot be overstated, as it will continue to be a major game-changer in Guy-

ana’s economic landscape, moreso with the new-found oil-and- gas industry. His view is that small businesses, in particular, will play a critical role in the country’s development.

“We see where entrepreneurship has promoted job creation and become the source of countless ideas, many of which were successfully translated into products and services that enhance the quality of life,” said Dr. Porter in his Global Entrepreneurship Week message.

He believes too that it is important to foster the development and competitiveness of micro and small businesses as a strategy for job creation, income distribution, social inclusion, reducing informality and strengthening the economy.

Entrepreneurship, he said, must be considered as more than just an engine of growth.

It is also an influential component of community development, because it is part of the “everyday life” for all Guyanese.

The corner bakery, the community grocery stores, the vulcanising shop, the bars and the multitude of other products and services contribute to a successful economy. In the same vein, he urged Guyanese to value local producers.

“Your support provides that incentive for these small businesses to innovate, diversify the product-offering and improve service, while adding to their bottom lines,” said Dr. Porter.

Support is needed now more than ever, considering the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on business development.

With record reductions in business and economic activities, it will be a long road to recovery. And, in Dr. Porter’s

view, recovery is dependent on a well-coordinated and comprehensive response that will produce an economy that is more resilient to future global challenges.

President Ali had said recently that small businesses are indispensable to economic development. Small businesses represent the arms and legs of an economy, propelling it forward, sustaining employment and acting as vital cogs in the distribution, marketing and consumption of goods and services of large businesses.

He underscored the hit that small businesses have taken because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This, he said, makes it all the more imperative that they should be supported.

“My government will table in the National Assembly a Small Business Amendment Bill. The Bill will expand the range of procurement opportunities for small businesses. Small businesses that provide small-scale infrastructural works will now be able to functionally benefit from government procurement,” said the President.

The government has also responded to the pleas of small-business owners for increased access to finance. The maximum threshold for grants disbursed by the Small Business Bureau through the Small Business Development Fund has since been increased by 100 percent.

All pharmaceuticals must be properly sealed and labeled –– Gov’t analyst says THE Government AnalystFood and Drug Department (GA-FDD) is working to ensure that all drugs and pharmaceuticals used in both the private and public healthcare systems are registered safe, efficacious, of the requisite quality, and are distributed in accordance with the Food and Drug Regulation of 1971.

TheDdepartment recently disclosed that it has sought, over the years, to address the compliance of proprietors and pharmacists in relation to the trade, supply and sale of unregistered, improperly labeled (foreign language), improperly packaged and expired drugs and pharmaceuticals.

The GA-FDD recently

issued an advisory to all importers/distributors, pharmacies and patent shops saying that all pharmaceuticals should be properly sealed in bottles/tubes and packages, and must carry a patient information leaflet/package insert translated in English.

The Department’s observation of medications which are packaged in Ziploc bags, envelopes and plastic cups and left standing in display cabinets for sale, is expected

to continue.

This poor storage results in medicines being exposed to unsuitable storage conditions, which may lead to deterioration, disintegration and ultimately loss of potency and incorrect expiration dates.

Proprietors are therefore advised to ensure that all pharmaceuticals/drugs are only repackaged in Ziploc bags or envelopes prior to the customer’s purchase and

collection via prescription.

Additionally, they should be kept in storage conditions of between 28 and 32?C. The GA-FDD says that failure to comply with its advisory will result in enforcement actions by the Department.

According to the Food and Drug Act of 1971 Regulation 21(d): “An inspector may at a reasonable time, seize and detain for so long as may be necessary for the

purpose of any examination, investigation, trial or inquiry, any article by means of or in relation to which he reasonably believes any provision of this Act has been contravened.”

The GA-FDD is, therefore, urging customers to make inquiries about the storage conditions and presentation of dispensed medicines; that is, storage containers, best before date, and appearance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Guyana’s oldest-surviving war veteran turns 102

BENJAMIN Durant, Guyana’s oldest surviving war veteran, celebrated his 102nd birth anniversary on Sunday, November 15 among his family at their Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

On his birth anniversary, Durant was visited by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips. According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Prime Minister wished the centenarian good health, strength and happiness, and expressed his gratitude towards the man for his ser-

vice. The ex-serviceman shared stories of his long life during a conversation.

The Prime Minister said he was both humbled and inspired by these stories, and highlighted that he was amazed at Mr. Durant’s alertness and ability to still recall in much detail, events that occurred so long ago.

At the time of the visit, Mr. Durant was surrounded by his family, including his wife and two of his children.

He was presented with two large hampers, consisting primarily of dietary items.

The visit comes on the heels of the Prime Minister

Guyana’s oldest surviving veteran, Mr. Benjamin Durant poses for a group photo as he celebrated his 102nd birth anniversary on Sunday with his relatives and Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (extreme left) (DPI photo)

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pledging $500,000 to the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL), when he joined President Irfaan Ali and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on November 13 in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Monument, on the front lawn of the GDF’s Base Camp Ayanganna.

The ceremony was in memory of the men and women who served in Guyana’s military forces pre-and-post-independence. The President also made a monetary donation to the GVL.

East Bank waste plant moves from proposed location –– concerned residents prompted decision, happy with relocation

By Vishani Ragobeer THE site for the proposed Waste Treatment Plant has been moved from Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to Little Diamond, EBD following concerns raised by residents who reside in the vicinity.

A press release from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated that the Oilfield Waste Management Services (OWMS) would change the location for the proposed plant. The EPA said, “this decision was prompted by the concerns raised by residents within the project’s area of influence.”

The EPA said that it received an application from the OWMS for the construction and operation of a waste treatment plant at plot “A21” Plantation Peter’s Hall, EBD. The waste management service plans to construct “a thermal desorption waste treatment plant” which heats the waste to extract oil resi-

due which can be reused or safely disposed of.

It was reported that the OWMS also plans to recycle the recaptured oil so that it can be used in the Liquid Mud Plant manufacturing process. The solid wastes will be used in the bitumen (asphalt) manufacturing process and in addition, no solids are expected to be sent to landfills, according to reports.

The EPA, in its release, said that it screened the project to assess its potential impacts on the environment and determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would not be required to inform its decision on whether or not to authorise the project.

The EPA published its decision on the project in a public notice on September 27, 2020, ,when the public was informed that any person who may be affected could lodge an appeal with the agency within 30 days of the notice.

An online change.org

petition was started too and garnered 222 signatures.

Numerous residents from Republic Park and Eccles indicated that they were against this move.

“Chemical storage facilities and waste management plants should not be located anywhere close to residential areas,” Riyad Sattur said.

Another resident, Joanne Christian said, ““I live with my family in Eccles and have to deal with the stench from the Haags Bosch dump site.”

Following the announcement that the plant was being relocated, resident, Sharon Lalljee-Richard told this newspaper, “We are relieved that the site for the Waste Treatment Plant has changed.

It is also a healthy sign that the EPA has chosen to ‘put people first’. This is an indication that the new management is listening and that the force of communal advocacy is alive and well in Guyana.”

The construction of the waste treatment plant, she said, would have diminished

Map showing the distance being the intended site of the chemical plant to the nearest residential area, at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (Map—courtesy of Kaieteur News)

Resident, Sharon Lalljee-Richard

the air quality and exacerbated pre-existing challenges caused by the nearby Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill.

According to her, the communities would have been rendered “inhabitable”.

Lalljee-Richard highlighted that the ability of the residents to band together should encourage others to similarly come together and

address the issues which directly affect them.

As a result of the concerns raised, the EPA placed the project on hold and engaged the OWMS on the concerns raised.

“This led to the developer opting to propose a new location for the project; the new location is more remote and is at Little Diamond, EBD,” the EPA said.

Just as before, the public notice will be published indicating the new location of the proposed project. Any member of the public who may be affected could lodge an appeal against the decision to not require an EIA for the project.

“The EPA will only proceed to authorise the project if there are no objections from the public and upon receipt of the location suitability approval from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA),” the release said.

The September 27 notice also indicated that there was an application for the construction and operation of a “Chemical Storage and Warehouse Facility and Lay-

down Yard” at A3 & A4, Plantation Peter’s Hall, EBD being undertaken by Glass Holdings Inc. According to the EPA’s recent release, the processing of that application has been placed on hold as the developer is currently considering alternative locations for this project.

According to the project summary, the facility has plans to store Asphaltene Inhibitor, Corrosion inhibitor, Biocide, Hydrate Inhibitor, Demulsifier, Chlorine Scavenger, Defoamer and Hydrate Inhibitor. The summary noted the safety features that would be placed on the storage tanks.

Lalljee-Richard related that the residents were also concerned about this facility for health and safety reasons, but also because there is unclear information. She shared her hope that the project would eventually be discontinued.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Improving the water sector THE Ministry of Housing & Water holds responsibility for the Central Housing & Planning Authority and the Guyana Water Inc. The ministry’s mission is addressed through Policy Development and Administration, Housing Development and Water Service Expansion and Management.

Tasked with the senior ministerial portfolio for this ministry, Minister Collin Croal is obviously in his element, even as he executes his onerous official duties as mandated by his ministerial portfolio as he travels throughout the country on outreaches that are informing him of the needs and concerns that are direct responsibilities of his ministry.

PPP/C Member of Parliament Allister Charlie posted: “The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is advancing works to provide improved water access to hundreds of Amerindians at Shulinab village in South-Central Rupununi.”

Then back to the coast, as a notice by the ministry informed: “East Coast Residents, [the]Ministry of Housing and Water will be at Annandale tomorrow at 1pm, November 10th, 2020.”

This aggressive thrust in enhancing service provision of essential utilities is merely a continuum of the PPP/C’s commitment, under the watch of successive PPP/C ministers, to

create synergies for enhanced lifestyles of every Guyanese.

At the commissioning of the $450M Lima Water Treatment Plant under a Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo presidency, the designated World Bank representative said that Guyana was meeting targets for pure-water supply countrywide In an opening delivery at the official commissioning ceremony, then Chief Executive of Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Mr. Nigel Niles, in introducing members of the head table, made a Freudian slip by introducing President Jagdeo as “His Excellency, Dr. Cheddi…,” which elicited loud, appreciative and prolonged applause.

The Lima Water Treatment Plant provided over 3,000 residents of neighbouring communities with clean, safe water.

Mr. Paul Dowlin, Operations Analyst at the local World Bank Office, while addressing the gathering reflected that the dearth of clean, safe water has resulted in the death of millions worldwide. He lauded the Government of Guyana and GWI for providing over 17,000 residents of the Essequibo with clean, potable water.

Dowlin stated that Guyana is meeting its targets of availing its citizens of adequate pure-water supply throughout the country. He noted that 94 percent of Guyana’s population

had access to an improved drinking-water source – 98 percent in urban areas, and 91 percent in rural areas.

Then subject Minister Irfaan Ali professed that the government’s promise to all Guyanese of a brighter future through strategies that will adopt a pro-poor approach to growth and economic development that are projected to eventuate in expanded social infrastructure to achieve the bridging of a development gap all across Guyana, with the equitable distribution of resources to the Guyanese people, is fructifying.

He affirmed that on the coastland in Region Two, 95 percent of the population had access to potable water, with the remaining five percent slated to receive potable water within a two-month period when the Good Hope well was commissioned.

Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recalled days of yore when fetching water for long distances was a daily chore and stressed that the party to which he belongs subscribes to the philosophy of empowering citizens with the necessary tools for wealth-creation. The then Head-ofState asserted that there was yet much more to accomplish and cited as an example a US$12M water-facilitation project in Linden, Region 10.

Then, catastrophically, subsequent to the

elections of 2015, Guyana’s development paradigm took a drastic reversal and the growth trajectory took a steep downward propulsion.

This retrogression in development of the social capital was reflected in multiple ways, to the point where utility dysfunction became a norm and the housing drive came to an abrupt halt.

The significant investment by the government in the emergency budget, which certainly will be boosted in the 2021 budget under the watch of Guyana’s brilliant Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, has fructified in a multi-sectoral development drive that has already started to transform the lives of Guyanese countrywide.

Access to potable water is among the essential contributors to the industrial and related growth that leads to social development: the development of the processing industries is an example, whereby socio-economic development is largely dependent on a reliable supply of safe water which, in turn, leads to persons living longer and healthier lives.

Minister Croal’s enthusiastic and energetic approach to fulfilling his primary ministerial mandate is laudatory and adjunctive to the overarching goals of social development and economic growth of the Irfaan Ali-led administration.

Coalition working overtime to further destroy its already damaged image Dear Editor,

The barefaced and brazen display by the APNU of yet another attempt to not only fool its supporters but to make yet another attempt to make our country ungovernable will most certainly add to its already badly emaciated public image which they worked at laboriously to destroy for five long months after the PPP/C would have won the 2020 Elections.

This time they want Guyanese to believe that after 100 days in Office the PPP/C Government has done nothing for Guyanese. They even had the audacity to protest that blatantly deceitful statement. However, they must now realize that no one believes them anymore. It’s beyond anyone’s comprehension the asininity which pervades the ‘intelligentsia’ of the PNC-dominated APNU when they said that, “We have seen the extent of the PPP’s failure to govern our beautiful country.”

Are these people from the real world? What the PPP/C Government has done in 100 days would have taken 100 years to achieve, in fact, in just five years they have destroyed everything good in our beautiful country. Everything which the PPP/C had worked for was almost dissipated. In fact, in just 100 days they had begun to reverse the progress that the PPP had made and

began an insane lust to enrich not only themselves but families and friends.

The humongous salary increases, the increasing taxes and the removal of subsidies to pensioners and grants to students are just a few.

This country owes an eternal debt to Dr Jagdeo who not only exposed them but charter the course to remove them from Office.

During, their tenure, they ensured that they emptied the Treasury and depleted all the Reserves including Gold and Foreign Exchange and if that was not enough they raked up an overdraft on over $90 billion. In totality the Coalition squandered nearly $2 trillion in five years with nothing to show except closure of the estates, the dismissal of tens of thousands of workers, skyrocketing corruption in an unprecedented scale and the pauperization of the majority of Guyanese.

Moreover, to add insult to injury they held this nation at hostage for five months illegally trying to continue to devastate this nation. The ills they have foisted on this nation are too numerous to mention. Volumes have already been written about the destruction and the corruption of the Coalition so I will not venture into a long dissertation.

I was aghast when I saw that the Coalition was blaming the PPP/C for the increase in COVID-19 deaths. What had they done from

January to August? I will answer this question.

They did nothing except trying every illegality to remain in power! During this time they used the pandemic to enrich themselves and cronies.

This brings to mind the Ocean View fiasco which saw $1.6 billion being squandered to produce a ‘shell’ not a hospital. Whilst trying madly to hold on to power they were at the same time thieving left right and center.

Fortunately, the PPP/C has now turned this around into the facility which it ought to be to fight this dreaded disease. Imagine the Coalition even used our misery to steal. If the PPP/C was in Government just after the March 2nd Elections they would have stemmed to increase in deaths and infections we are now seeing. Now they are throwing their filth at the PPP/C Government.

Upon assuming Office in August the Government has done wonders. Apart from doing a lot of more tests, the Government has allocated $150 million to our frontline health workers, ventilators, oxygen concentrators and other equipment necessary for treating patients have been received and are being operationalized.

The Government has retrofitted the Infectious Diseases Hospital and improved the capacity of regional hospitals to treat coronavirus patients.

In addition, Guyana is in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Government is now cleaning the garbage and the criminality

which the Coalition bequeathed to the Guyanese Nation!

Moreover, instead of hosting shows and sharing free tickets to bribe the people, this caring Government gave every household $25,000 which brought smiles to those who are affected by the Virus and the Coalition induced depressive state of the economy. I am sure those who were protesting the PPP/C’s 100 days in Office gleefully received their monies as well.

Again I will not repeat the many benefits and immediate reliefs which the 2020 Budget brought to Guyanese, our lives are already improving due to these measures and soon the closed sugar factories will once again be belching smoke as GuySuCo progresses to prosperity.

I firmly believe the President when he emphatically said that, “Guyanese can look forward to a better life under the PPP/C Administration.

Despite the monumental challenges which we faced, we have defied expectations and delivered progress.”

Let the Opposition be a meaningful one which can work towards progress and prosperity of all Guyanese instead of continuing its journey of destructive politics. Stop trying to fool your supporters again and again.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

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‘Christmas policing’ commences in East Coast district

AS the Christmas season approaches, the Guyana Police Force is putting several security arrangements in place, starting with Division 4C on the East Coast of Demerara, which will see an enhanced police presence.

Divisional commander Superintendent Khali Pareshram, told the Guyana Chronicle that business owners and residents will see a number of patrols in the form of mobile booths, foot, bicycle and motorcycle at critical junctions, hot spots and congested areas.

The increase in patrols, he said, will also see the division’s civilian component, the rural constabulary and the community policing groups joining with ranks within the division.

The commander noted that residents will also see an increase in road blocks and targeted operations, among other intelligence-led operations.

“The Christmas policing plan will be

adjusted on the basis of feedback from residents and stakeholders. The cooperation and patience of the public is [sic] most welcome during this period,” Superintendent Pareshram explained.

He further noted that activities at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport will be monitored and the division will be broken into five sectors, headed by an officer/ inspector, in order to maximise the supervision of ranks.

“Special focus will be on the 911 systems and the division’s Facebook page. Crime tips and traffic tips will be communicated to the public via the print and electronic media. We will continue community meetings, social crime- prevention programmes with key focus on community-oriented policing and there will be a focus on noise pollution and policing [of] all major events,” Superintendent Pareshram disclosed.

Police ranks at a mobile outpost at the Plaisance Market on the East Coast of Demerara, strategising their operations on Sunday

Ganja laws Only a coward of the lowest kind would hit or kill a woman are outdated Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, I write to you on a topic, and of which I am seeking the assistance of any so inclined MP sitting in the 12th Parliament who wish to pursue diligently a legal issue that has been bothering me as a lawyer.

And, as I now live and work overseas, and oftentimes wish that good laws get implemented and/or amended into the Guyana’s psyche, I wish that such an inclined M.P. may pay attention to my letter closely, since I am using this medium to get this here, my short request to that relevant person.

The section dealing with marijuana conviction in our drug laws is anachronistic.

It should be either amended (which is a short-track and immediate process legally to embark upon by any such inclined M.P., I suggest, since our 1988 Psychotropic Drug laws are quite outdated), or fully revoked.

As it stands, a Guyanese accused upon conviction, in this third decade of the Millennium, faces a $30,000 together with imprisonment for not less than three years

nor more than five years penalty, for say, 7 grammes of “ganja”.

Short of this being dealt with in our legislature, it continues to be left to all the learned magistrates for them to wear their merciful hats and suspend sentences for convicted persons. It has also come to my attention that there is neither rehabilitation centres by the Ministry of Health, nor a rehabilitation fund by the Ministry of Finance, which, for the life of me, I can’t understand why not.

These two facets of governance, if used prudently and diligently can tremendously help these thousands of persons who happen to fall into the cracks of society. These two facets can only serve to better equip these convicts to “jumpstart” their thinking from being a drug convict who serves time in jail, mainly due to an outdated law which our politicians neglect.

Sincerely, M. Shabeer Zafar Barrister, Solicitor Notary

Within the past few days, the media have reported on the deaths of three women, at the hands of men. The first woman was burnt to death by her husband who set their home on fire, the second woman was a sixteen-year-old girl who was stabbed 20 times by a man with whom it is alleged that she was in a relationship with but which she recently severed and the third woman was stabbed several times by her husband. In the first case the man committed suicide by burning himself in the fire and the second case the man attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance and it is not certain what his current medical condition is.

Mr. Editor in all three of these deaths, these helpless women were brutally and violently killed by a man who they trusted and were in a relationship with except for the sixteen-year-old who it is reported had severed the relationship. And then these cowardly men after commit-

ting their evil act decide to commit suicide or attempt suicide. These women do not deserve to be slaughtered like that or to be victims of any kind of intimate partner violence. Women are human beings too that deserve love, respect, comfort, and protection. It is high time now that these types of violence against women must stop. Women should not have to live in fear of their lives.

Mr. Editor the intimate partner violence situation in Guyana is out of control and there need to be immediate urgent interventions to curb this behavior and wipe it out completely. I am sure many persons will be looking to the government to initiate such interventions but we cannot rely on the government to do everything. We need to start initiating these interventions by ourselves.

We need to start within ourselves first and by ourselves here I mean we men need to start acting to change this behaviour. Intimate partner violence is a learned behaviour and therefore it can be unlearnt. We men need to

start initiating this behavioural change from within ourselves.

We men need to recognise that it is not a macho thing to hit or kill a woman.

Rather hitting and killing a woman is a cowardly and evil act. It is a manifestation of our own insecurities and low self-esteem that we feel the need to hit a woman to soothe our bruised ego. We men must act now to stop intimate partner violence.

Mr. Editor, I believe it is time that we men need to start doing some self-evaluation and introspection of ourselves and our actions. Traditionally we are supposed to be the maintainers and protectors of women but rather we have become the biggest threat to their existence. It is like we are at war with our womenfolk. Imagine a man taking a knife and stabs a woman who he is supposed to have loved 20 times.

What kind of rage and hate would make a man do something like that? Are we men out of control? Is the pacifying of our ego so much more important than the lives of the women who we have killed?

No, it cannot be. Men cannot survive in this world without their better half. And it is time now that we take stock of our actions and work to create a better society for our women.

We also need to be our brother’s keepers and talk to or stop other men who we see are ill-treating women. When we men hang out, whether it is in the rum shop, the workplace, the church, the mosque, the mandir, the golf club, the cricket ground, the football ground or just liming on the street corner we need to bring up the topic of intimate partner violence. We need to talk about it all the time.

We need to talk about it so much until it has become ingrained in our psyche that we must not hit women. We need to counsel our sons and nephews that they must not hit women. In every ‘gaff’ that we have, we must talk about intimate partner violence. We men have a huge responsibility to ensure that we stop and eradicate intimate partner violence.

Kind regards Shazad Sookram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Three schools with 'ungraded' CXC results did not submit SBAs

By Tamica Garnett THREE of the 20 schools where students received "ungraded" results from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) did not submit any of the students' School Based Assessments (SBAs), and the Ministry of Education (MoE) is investigating to determine what can be done about this situation.

Speaking with this publication, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, noted that from all indications, the situation arose because the teachers did not submit the SBAs even though they were completed and submitted by the students.

"Three of them will not be changed because they didn't submit; they never submitted, so that leaves 17 [schools with "ungraded" results]," Minister Manickchand explained.

As it pertains to what can now be done for those students who have found themselves victims of circumstances, Minister Manickchand said investigations are continuing, and having the students rewrite the subjects is among the options.

"We're still investigating it, but I think it's that the teachers did not submit.

We're looking at it to see.

The last thing we got from CXC is that they won't be changing it, but we're waiting to see if that could change," the minister noted.

It is uncertain how many students have been affected by the situation.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand

The SBAs are an essential component of the CXC examinations, forming part of the score that determines a student's overall grade in a subject. The SBA is completed prior to a student sitting the exam, and was implemented to take into account the work students would have done with their teachers throughout the school year.

Aside from the SBAs, the exams also involve a multiple-choice Paper One, and a Paper Two, which includes structured questions. Following CXC's September 22, 2020 release of the results for the Caribbean Secondary Ed-

ucation Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), several students, schools and countries across the Caribbean had challenged the results.

The CXC had later convened an independent team to investigate the irregularities, and it was determined that limitations in the grading model, which affected grade distribution and disparities between grades awarded by the teacher and the moderator for the SBAs, may have contributed to lower than expected final grades.

In Guyana, a total of 20

public schools had made reports to the MoE about students who received “ungraded” results across 15 subject areas.

On Sunday, the minister updated that thus far approximately 14 schools have since seen their students receiving grades.

"For the other [schools] that got ungraded, they submitted incorrectly or incompletely, but they did submit, so CXC flexed a little bit and re-looked at those, but for the ones that never submitted, they're saying [to the schools] we don't know when you submitted. Did you do it afterwards? Did you do it on time? That's not an unfair position for them to say so," the minister noted.

It was reported that discrepancies in the SBA submissions included instances where partial information for the SBAs was submitted, while in some cases, there was a missing cover page or the absence of a score for the practical component of the SBA. With regard to CSEC, the subjects that were initially ‘ungraded’ but have since been rectified are English A, Principles of Business, Office Administration, Economics, and Human and Social Biology, while for CAPE, grades were received for previously “ungraded” results in Geography Unit 1.

Aside from issues with "ungraded" results, several schools had also complained of lower than expected grades.

Last month, the ministry had disclosed that a total of 24 schools have requested reviews for unsatisfactory results across 20 subject areas for CSEC, and six schools submitted requests for review of unsatisfactory results in seven subject areas for CAPE. The minister reiterated that the ministry is still awaiting the official declaration of the ongoing review of Guyana’s results before publicly releasing Guyana's top performers in the examinations.

However, it is uncertain when CXC will be making its official declarations.

The council was initially expected to declare official results on November 6; however, the body had extended its review and query requests period from October 23 to November 7.

Official results cannot be declared until the queries and reviews have been completed.

One death, 29 new COVID-19 cases recorded GUYANA has recorded yet another COVID-19 death according to the Ministry of Health, taking the number of deaths due to the pandemic to 139, while 29 additional persons have been tested positive for the coronavirus from 253 new tests.

This recent death is a 47-year-old woman from Region Seven, CuyuniMazaruni. She died on November 14 while receiving care at a medical facility.

For the month of November alone, there have been 13 deaths so far.

Additionally, the 29 new cases took the total number of cases recorded in Guyana to 4,823. Of that number, 3,777 persons have recovered so far.

Information provided by the Ministry of Health showed that the cases were recorded in Region One (one case), Region Four (10 cases), Region Six (three cases), Region Eight (two cases) and Region 10 (13 cases).

Nine persons remain in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 60 persons are in institutional isolation; 65 in institutional quarantine and 838 persons are in home isolation.

A total of 24,664 persons have been tested for the

disease thus far. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Eight) will expire on November 30, 2020 unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of 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 22:30hrs to 04:00hrs.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers 231-1166, 2267480 or 180/181 for assistance.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

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

There are, however, vulnerable groups such as persons with underlying conditions and elderly patients, who may develop the more severe forms of the disease.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

City Hall prepared for ‘excess’ garbage during Christmas –– Solid Waste Director confirms

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has rolled out a number of measures to ensure the adequate management of the anticipated influx of garbage during the upcoming Christmas season.

This is according to Solid Waste Director, Walter Narine who, on Tuesday, disclosed to this publication that garbage trucks from his department will work along-

from the Avenue of the Republic to Water Street, with bins to aid in the effort.

Narine explained that from October 15 to January 15, there is usually a 30% increase in commercial garbage, and a 15% increase in residential garbage in the city.

While noting that this situation is usually linked to the increase in shopping,

A citizen practising proper garbage disposal

ment the effort.

Recognising that a similar initiative was implemented last year, Narine said, “I do not foresee that you will have excess garbage on the roadside; last year we didn’t have that.”

Narine took the opportu-

‘Coconut Man on America Street’ disposing of his garbage

side contractors to manage the buildup of garbage in the city’s commercial and residential districts.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that in addition to the garbage trucks, a walking crew, known as “street orderlies”, will be patrolling the waterfront areas, stretching

he said that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, shopping has been limited.

But with an expected boom in business as the holiday season approaches, the Solid Waste Director assured the Guyana Chronicle that his department is prepared to handle any situation that

may arise.

He explained that a weekly assessment is usually conducted to monitor the amount of garbage that has been collected, and if the data gathered shows an increase in the amount of garbage, additional trucks will be deployed to supple-

Brickdam Secondary students constantly robbed STUDENTS who attend the Brickdam Secondary School, currently housed at the East La Penitence Primary school in Georgetown, have reportedly been robbed often, according to the school’s Deputy Head Teacher Samantha Alleyne.

In an invited comment recently, Alleyne said, “Ever since the Brickdam Secondary School was relocated here, we find that the neighbourhood has been some form of challenge that when students are walking, they are usually robbed.”

This, according to reports received by the Guyana Chronicle, has been ongoing for a number of months. And given that the school has been reopened for face-toface classes on November 9, the students are fearful that

as they return to school the robberies may begin again.

Previously, the deputy head teacher explained that the children opted to walk in groups in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of them being robbed. Even so, however, she said that they were still robbed.

Alleyne related that the police were engaged, but though the robberies have been reduced, there is still at least one robbery a week.

“Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is up and running too and they are assisting us along with the (police) station out here,” Alleyne highlighted.

Regional Commander (ag) and Assistant Commissioner, Simon McBean, in an invited comment on Sunday told the Guyana Chronicle

that he was not aware of any occurrence and as such, he would not be able to say what specific interventions have been implemented.

“If that is an issue raised, we will ensure that it is part of our policing plan,” he affirmed, adding that an assessment would need to be done first to determine what interventions are needed.

“If it is people coming to the school (to rob the children), our assistance can range from constant patrols or maybe heightened security presence at the school,” McBean said.

“Having received the report, based on that, we’ll have a sit-down with the school and put a plan in place.”

nity to encourage citizens to dispose of their garbage in a responsible manner, and to play their part in keeping the city clean.

The Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday spoke to vendors operating in the Stabroek Market area, and

they gave positive remarks about the management of the city’s garbage. One vendor, who goes by the title, ‘Coconut Man on America Street’, was pleased to inform this publication, “It is all good for now.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

An agreement for the world’s children

THE Headquarters of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) is on the corner of Broad and Charles Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Before COVID-19, the offices were bustling every day with a constant flow of people seeking help and advice.

Child Protection Officers kept appointments and followed up on admissions, investigations and reunifications etc., and Officers from different regions of Guyana also attended the Agency for meetings and conferences, in addition to associates and colleagues from organisa-

tions and relevant establishments.

The Agency is an essential service, therefore, precautionary measures have been put in place, in keeping with the COVID-19 regulations, to allow Officers to continue to protect children from neglect, abandonment and abuse. Protecting children is mandatory; it is a legal requirement. Methods used to safeguard children are guided by The Child Protection Laws (2009). But long before these laws were formulated, several nations came together to sign a Convention on Child Rights.

What is a convention? A convention is an agreement, among countries, which covers particular matters; the livelihood of children is a ‘particular matter’ that concerns the World. In November 1989, 196 nations, including Guyana, assembled to sign an agreement on behalf of the world’s children.

The agreement is known as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Every country which signed the document pledged to help children in need, guided by the Articles set out in the document. There

are 54 statements (Articles) in the Convention, but the summarised objectives have five key areas: (1) To give children a platform for their opinions, and to have their voices heard; (2) to provide them with an education, so they reach their potential; (3) for children to be raised by, and enjoy a loving relationship with parents, whenever possible; (4) to protect children from violence, neglect and abuse; and, (5) for children to have the means for life, survival and development.

The Childcare and Protection Agency, under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, is mandated to carry out this work on behalf of the government.

Each nation that signed the Convention is bound by international laws to implement the rights of children; they are held accountable to the ‘Committee on the Rights of the Child’.

The foregoing background highlights the importance of preventing child abuse, and the various elements of child protection that officers encounter. For example, Article 34 of the Convention says, “States should protect children from sexual abuse.” To this end, the CPA has a 24-hour hotline where members of the public can report child abuse of any nature, including sexual abuse.

Every allegation of child abuse is investigated. Being sexually or physically abused, neglected, or abandoned as a child can leave a long-lasting psychological scar that stays with the person for life.

When they are at risk,

abused children are removed from their homes and placed in safe environments. Before this act of protection takes place, meetings, evaluations, and other administrative works are carried out for each child; their cases are reviewed regularly, and eventually, reunification is either considered, denied or approved, depending on the circumstances. All decisions are made in the best interest of the child.

Article 9 of the Convention states that children should not be separated from their parents, unless it is for their own good. Children need their families; it is within a family setting that children find guidance, love, nurturing and encouragement; it is where they hone the attributes of good communication, trust, honesty and respect. When children are not exposed to positive qualities during childhood, it affects the way they grow, their outlook on life, and the adults they become.

When parents fail to provide the basic needs of children, they are violating their rights, and, in severe cases, putting them at risk. Article 19 says that States should ensure children are adequately cared for and protected from violence, abuse or neglect by their parents, or anyone who cares for them.

Unfortunately, many children grow up in homes where domestic violence is prevalent, and seen as ‘normal’; they develop with the concept that it is okay to hit or beat up on a person, if you don’t like what they do or say. Children have a right to live and develop in a loving, caring environment; one that

both parents have created in the child’s best interest.

Some children do not receive the consideration they deserve to enable them to reach their fullest potential in life; they learn to survive, by any means possible. Because there is no structure or plan put in place for them by parents, they could fail to become valuable members of society.

Article 42 of the Convention states that the contents of the convention should be made known to adults and children. It would be a good thing if adults learnt, when embarking on copulation, that children have rights; and if, as parents, they cannot fulfil even the fundamental rights necessary for a child’s well-being, then maybe they should desist from having them.

Children need love, affection and patience; they need to live in a clean and safe environment, where they can play and have fun.

They require food, clothes and other necessities to strive and develop holistically; they must have their voices heard, and know that someone is listening. Each child has a personality, an opinion, and potential; we must uphold and teach them their rights.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on: 227 0979, or write to us at, childcaregy@gmail.com.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Suspected TIP victims in protective care

SUSPECTED victims and survivors of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) are never placed in police custody, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has clarified.

A statement from the ministry made it clear that these victims are safeguard-

ed by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit.

The ministry sought to provide the clarification after the Guyana Police Force released a statement on Saturday, in which it said

that 49 persons, including children, were detained and placed in custody following a human-trafficking operation conducted on Friday night at a well-known guest house and hotel at Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Khayr Organics now a walk-in store –– overwhelming response motivates young entrepreneur She has already started planning for the future.

In another five years or so, she hopes to create Khayr Co., a group of companies/ businesses that will offer consumers the amazing Khayr experience with a difference and quality products.

“I envision myself having a little mall of my own, with

Owner of Khayr Organics, Earlecia Hierynomo (third from left) with customers during the opening ceremony of the store

DEFYING all odds, Earlecia Kieronymo. the owner of Khayr Organics, an on-line skin and hair care products business on Saturday opened a walk-in store.

The business which was launched on March 20 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, can be found at 86 Hill Street between Norton and Princess Streets.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, the young entrepreneur expressed that Khayr Organics has been growing rapidly since its introduction to the local market.

Given the influx of customers, Earlecia began making the necessary preparations to expand her business.

“I had to start bringing in larger amounts of inventory and took on my little sister as a team member to stay at my pick-up location while I do deliveries. It was hard to manage online and social media while having a full time job and I started to become a bit frustrated and demotivated.

Sometimes I would have to go home after a 12-hour shift and make two or three products, fall asleep half way and wake up at 5am [to] finish packaging to fulfil deliveries on my day off,” she explained.

Since running an online business and working at a full-time job presented a number of challenges, the young entrepreneur decided that it was time to run a day- today business from a physical store.

“A few houses down from my pick-up location and the neighbourhood I spent my teenager years living in, there is a big building that was once a business place but wasn’t being utilised. I saw so much

Owner of Khayr Organics, Earlecia Hierynomo during the store-opening ceremony held on Saturday

potential in the space and envisioned how I can beautify it. I spoke to my friend who is the owner’s son and just pitched the idea. The next day he cleared out the spot and I really saw myself operating out of there from then on. I sacrificed every last dollar I had to complete it. I am very pleased with how it turned out and look forward to all the blessings my little space has to bring,” she stated.

SACRIFICING TO SUCCEED Earlecia made a lot of sacrifices in her pursuit of success.

She balanced financial strains, self-doubt and restrictions that were created by the current pandemic. However, constant prayers, persistence and sacrifice ensured that she was able to reach where she

is today.

“It was most definitely challenging in many ways, I was doing everything under a very strict budget and aside from the physical building, I still had to have stock for the store. I import most of the ingredients and packaging since it’s so hard to find them here and shipping costs are so expensive. Many times I would feel as if I should have never done it, and I left myself without any money that I ever made from the business at all, but I had to understand that we must sacrifice to gain. I put my God in front of this entire process and trusted it. I know that I am passionate about this and I am willing to work even harder than I do now to see it grow continuously, so the challenges I will always overcome some way or the other,” she articulated.

only Khayr businesses. I really don’t like to talk about it much, because big dreamers are not always taken seriously in society today, especially when you are building your legacy from the ground up.

But it’s something I manifest to myself all the time, and I know that if I keep at it, I can achieve it. There is no such

thing as doing too much; as long as you have a plan, proper management and the will to push through the odds. I am growing and learning something new in the business world every day and I aim to never settle for the ordinary,” Earlecia emphasised.

Earlecia can be contacted on 665-6266.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Politics at Region Four RDC hindering developmental work

By Telesha Ramnarine THE ruptured relationship that exists between the administration and the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) continues to stymie vital developmental works in this section of the country, with the work programme

moving slowly ahead.

While Regional Chairman Daniel Seeram blames the insubordination of Deryck Persaud, who is acting as the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall is saying that the problems are as a result of undue

political interference in the workings of the council.

Neither the administration nor the Council wants to acknowledge each other’s authority, and Minister Dharamlall believes that there is some amount of confusion as to who is responsible for what. He said that one of the reasons for his visit to the

RDC last week was to iron out this and suchlike issues.

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-controlled Council is saying that it wants to continue to function as an independent body, and that the Local Government Ministry, with the backing of the acting REO, is not allowing this to happen.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

Dharamlall has indicated, though, that the issue goes further than this, in that there are instances of corruption that have to be investigated at the Triumph, East Coast Demerara RDC office. A case in point, he disclosed, was where a high-ranking RDC officer received a quotation in his name for over $2M to have a local business conduct a leadership conference.

“Concerns were raised by some councillors in terms of how procurement is done, and so we were able to clarify. It was indicated in one instance where procurement has been done via sole sourcing, and I found, too, that in one case, an invoice went to a councillor as part of procurement, and those are things that are not supposed to happen,” Dharamlall informed.

While the RDC has had many issues previously, the minister said he has observed that that many officers are acting in harmony with the new culture of work in the government, by upping their game in terms of the way they respond to people’s concerns, and how they conduct their business.

However, he said the Council seems to be seeking to exceed its mandate by trying to overreach the work of the administration.

“That has to be nipped in the bud, for them to focus on providing leadership rather than seeking to get involved in the actual administration of the region. We had to clarify those things, and I hope everyone is clear now where

Chairman of Region Four RDC, Daniel Seeram

their authority is,” Minister Dharamlall noted.

Last Thursday’s meeting between the Council and Heads of Department was also to ensure that the work programme is implemented, and that tenders are being awarded judiciously.

“We’re coming to the end of the year, so we expect that those projects that were budgeted for will be executed on time,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Seeram told the Guyana Chronicle that the acting REO is breaching public service rules by speaking directly to the minister, while failing to air his concerns with the council. If he has any issues with how the RDC is conducting its business, Seeram stressed that Persaud has a duty to go back to the council.

Accusing Persaud of removing documents and taking photos to show the minister, Seeram said he is unable to provide any updates on the region’s work programme, and speak on any financial matters, because Persaud withholds the information.

Seeram noted, too, that the acting REO does not send out his memos, does not take his calls, and fails to visit his office when summoned.

“Letters of reprimand were issued; we keep asking him for information. If he doesn’t want to listen, he will be disciplined severely,” Seeram said.

Even COVID-19 updates which are relayed to Persaud are not shared with the RDC, Seeram noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

$120M well-drilling rig for hinterland regions

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal quenches his thirst at the new well in in Culvert City, Region Nine

Minister Croal and a team of GWI and Regional Officials at the well-drilling site in Shulinab (GWI photos)

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has acquired a G$120M well-drilling rig for the hinterland regions, through funding from the Government of Guyana.

The rig was procured from Fox Trading, out of Brazil, and has the capacity to drill beyond 150 meters in depth, within a period of less than two weeks, GWI has noted in a press release.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal commissioned the rig on Saturday in the South Central Rupununi village of Shulinab, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where drilling is underway.

This additional well that is being drilled will result in the extending of GWI’s services to residents in the community that do not have access to safe water. According to GWI, they will also be working along with

the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) on the installation of a new distribution network, elevated storage tanks, and upgraded photovoltaic systems so as to provide 24 hours of service to 95% of the community.

Minister Croal stressed that the purchasing of the rig is a worthwhile investment, in the sense that the drilling of wells in the hinterland will now cost a maximum of onethirds of the previous cost.

“It also helps us to map out the entire region, and we can do it in a structured and systemic way of having our needs assessment to see where wells are required, and send the rig in; have it done quickly, under two weeks to do the actual drilling, then move on to another community, while we do the pipe-laying exercise,” he was quoted as saying by GWI. TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Over 160,000 children to receive uniform, school supplies voucher

A student of the Gordon Table Primary School receiving her voucher from Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

MORE than 160,000 schoolchildren across the country will now receive a $4,000 uniform and school supplies voucher to assist with purchasing their supplies.

The Ministry of Education’s programme was launched in Region Five

(Mahaica - Berbice) last Friday by Minister Priya Manickchand. According to a press release from the ministry, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government increased the voucher from $2,000 to $4,000, representing a 100% increase.

The Special Needs class from the No 8 Primary School was the first to receive vouchers from Minister of Education Priya Manickchand at the launch of the initiative last Friday in Region Five

In brief remarks, Minister Manickchand told parents that she is pleased that they can get some financial assistance at a time when the world and the country are confronting a pandemic.

The vouchers can be redeemed at the stores across the country. It cannot be

redeemed for cash, but must purchase what it is intended for. Vouchers can be uplifted at schools on dates and times provided by individual schools.

During Minister Manickchand's visit to Region Five on Friday last, vouchers were distributed at the No.

8 Primary; Abary Primary; Mahaicony Primary and Nursery; Dora Point Nursery; Gordon Table Primary; Mora Point Primary; Karamat Primary; Mortice Primary and Nursery; Strathcampbell Primary and Nursery; Perth Nursery; West End Nursery; Biaboo Primary

and District No. 10 Nursery and Primary Schools.

At these locations 573 vouchers were distributed to primary school students while 160 pupils at the nursery level received vouchers.

20 more first responders trained under HAP

Dr Robert Guido during the training session for first responders at the New Amsterdam Hospital on Friday

SOME 20 medical first responders attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital recently received training under the U.S. Embassy’s Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP) which was taken to Region Six. The aim of the training, which is held in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is designed to support local medical professionals in the fight against COVID

- 19, said Regional Health Officer of Region Six, Dr. Vishalya Sharma.

Dr Sharma said health care delivery in Region Six will always remain a priority and every health worker has a role to play in improving quality health care. “... we cannot do it alone… we welcome networking, resources, donations, training and infrastructure,” she said.

A donation of women’s supplies valued US$8,000 was also handed over to Medical Superintendent of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr Vashana Henry, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the intended recipients.

Earlier this week similar workshops were conducted in Port Kaituma and Mabaruma respectively and Regional Health Officers Dr. Downing and Dr. Chefoon were among

those who benefitted.

Friday’s training held in the New Amsterdam Hospital boardroom was facilitated

by U.S.-based Public Health Physician Dr Robert Guido and Emergency Medical Technicians, Tonaya Salada and Steryling Lang.

Some 100 medical practitioners throughout the country have benefitted from the training so far.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

St. Cuthbert’s Mission mulls extension of lockdown …amidst rising COVID-19 cases

By Jared Liddell WITH health authorities battling to control the spread of the deadly new coronavirus in the indigenous community of St. Cuthbert’s Mission on the Mahaica River, in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the Village Council is considering to extend the current two-week lockdown.

The lockdown commenced on November 7, and is expected to end on November 20, but the village’s Toshao, Ms. Beverly Clenkian, told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that a decision is to be made shortly on whether or not to extend the period for another two weeks.

With a population of some 1,500 people, St. Cuthbert’s has recorded a total of 225 positive COVID-19 cases, an increase of 57 from November 13 to date.

“We are looking into extending the lockdown past the initial two weeks, but that is depending on the trend that we see with the positive cases,” Toshao Clenkian said. “But we want to see how the last week of this initial lockdown goes, then we will make the decision,” she added.

She said that the community will be consulting with the COVID-19 Task Force and the medical team before making a final decision on a possible extension of the lockdown.

According to her, since the lockdown began, residents have been actively following the COVID-19

guidelines, as the medical team is still involved in rapid testing in the community.

“More persons have been following the COVID-19 preventative guidelines since the lockdown began, so I’m glad for that. And I know that if the persons continue to follow them, we would be able to control the situation here in St. Cuthberts,” the toshao said.

Persons who have tested positive but are not showing symptoms are self-isolating at home, while others are receiving medical care.

Even though schools were reopened across the country on November 9 for those students preparing to write the CSEC and CAPE

Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Ms. Beverly Clenkian

and children have tested positive for the virus in the community, so, for the next six 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).

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, during the daily COVID-19 update on Friday last, had stated that the ministry is administering more tests in the community, even as restrictions remain in place to curb transmission.

“St. Cuthbert’s has been challenging; we have spoken to the Village Council,

An aerial view of St Cuthbert’s Mission

exams next year, Toshao Clenkian said that this has

been put on hold in St. Cuthbert’s.

The Guyana Chronicle

understands that teachers

and we have been working with them. And they have

been helping by talking to residents. It is quite a large village, and is spread over a large territory,” stated the Health Minister.

He said that the situation can be brought under control, but warned that for this to happen, residents must follow the COVID-19 preventative measures, such as self-isolation, cutting back on social activities, and practising social distancing.

“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,” Dr. Anthony said, adding: “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 Commission (CDC) has been assisting residents by providing hampers with essential items.

$120M well-drilling rig ...

Minister Croal said he is very confident that the drilling done with the new rig will be successful, unlike what obtained in the past.

He attributed his optimism to the improvements the GWI has made in the areas of technical capacity and the acquisition of the necessary equip-

ment to get the job done.

“We have a commitment that, right across our country, whether in the coastland or in the hinterland, we have a duty to ensure that we bring safe water delivery to your communities. And if you’re in clusters, to your homes,” he told Shulinab residents.

Prior to the drilling in Shulinab, the new rig was used to drill a new well in Culvert City, which is also located in Region Nine, so as to provide the more than 1,200 residents within that community and the surrounding areas within the township of Lethem with improved water service.

The GWI team will also be providing the communities of Shea and Annai, also in Region Nine, with new wells before the end of 2020, so as to improve the water supply system there.

After completion of the new wells in Region Nine, GWI is hop-

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ing to move the drilling equipment to Region One (Barima-Waini) so as to commence the proposed drilling of wells within the communities of Mabaruma, Wauna, White Water and Khans Hill, which project is scheduled to be undertaken in 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Women’s empowerment conference set for December 8 –– mental health, politics, business among key areas of focus

President of WeLead Caribbean, Abbigale Loncke

THE fourth annual WeLead Caribbean Women’s Empowerment Conference is set to take place, virtually, on December 8, 2020, under the theme, “DisruptHER.” The conference, designed by women for women, will connect participants with experts, thought-leaders and voices from the diaspora and Guyana, who will discuss various topics aimed specially at empowering women.

According to a press statement from WeLead Caribbean, the conference will focus on changing the element of women’s lives through discussions on selfcare and well-being, mental health, politics, business, education and more.

President of WeLead Caribbean, Abbigale Loncke was quoted in the statement as saying: “From our experiences of 2020 we understand there is a need now more than ever to connect and build bridges in Guyana and around the world for all women.

“This virtual conference will serve as a valuable plat-

Caribbean-American blogger, Podcaster and Mental Health Advocate, Jay Blessed

form for women to integrate, collaborate, share knowledge and build their capacity in support of the challenges posed to our Region and by the pandemic [COVID-19].”

The organisers of this conference were able to recruit dynamic speakers and coordinate workshops, which will focus on sharpening personal and professional development skills, as well as providing attendees with ideas and strategies related to self-care and self-development.

This year’s featured speakers are Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Soul Career, Lisandra Rickard; and Jay Blessed, a multi-award-winning Caribbean-American blogger, podcaster and mental-health awareness advocate.

The conference will also have four panels which will feature speakers such as the First Lady of Dominica and Member of Parliament, Melissa Poponne Skerrit; CEO Mpowerment Lab, Odetta Aaron; Director of Studies at Camille’s Institute, Camille Deokie; and Managing-Di-

Founder & CEO of Soul Career, Lisandra Rickards

rector and Principal Publicist of Chambers Temple Media, Tenille Clarke, among others.

The organisers said a conference of this magnitude would not have been possible without support from NICO Consulting; Global Ties Alabama; MBW Energy Support Services Inc.; IAN REID; LLC; Vistar Engineering; Java Coffee Bar; Sites.gy; Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuits; and SAFE Guyana Inc. Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event, usually held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, with over 150 participants, will be conducted virtually via Zoom.

There is no monetary cost attached to participating in the conference, but all participants must register at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/disrupther-changing-the-element-of-womens-lives-tickets-128508699981.

To learn more about this opportunity and similar programmes, persons are asked to contact Ms. Loncke via email, at abbigaleloncke@gmail.com or by phone at +592 648 4302.

Suspected TIP victims ...

FROM PAGE

“The women and children are now in the protective care of the ministry, while the perpetrators are in police custody. It is apt to note that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005 guarantees the safety and protection of all victims and ensure their rights are respected and not violated,” the ministry noted.

The police force has

noted that the exercise was conducted in the Parika area where searches were conducted at Mottie Guest House. There, the police encountered a total of nine women from Venezuela.

They were all arrested.

The team then conducted searches at Razon Hotel where several rooms were searched and 14 males and

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26 women, including two children, all from Venezuela, were arrested.

Members of the public are encouraged to report all suspicious TIP activities to the ministry’s TIP hotline numbers 227-4083, 6235030 or 624-0079 (Spanish hotline). Persons can also visit the TIP Guyana Facebook page.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Hamilton clinches seventh world title

(BBC) - Lewis Hamilton clinched a seventh World Championship and became the most successful racing driver ever with a masterful victory in the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Mercedes driver equalled Michael Schumacher’s achievement in terms of titles, after already surpassing the German’s number of race wins last month.

Victory at a treacherously wet and slippery Istanbul Park track in a topsy-turvy race was the 94th of the 35-year-old Briton’s career.

As he received the congratulations of his team, Hamilton was almost overcome with emotion in the car after the race, saying: “To all the kids out there, dream the impossible.”

Once out of the car, he added: “Seven is just unimaginable but when you work with such a great group of people and you really trust each other, there is just no end to what you can do together.

“I feel like I’m only just getting started, it’s really weird.”

Hamilton, who does not yet have a contract for next year, added he would “love to stay” in F1 and wanted to continue to campaign for change when it comes to human rights, diversity and environmentalism.

The Englishman won his first world title with McLaren in 2008 with further successes in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

HOW HAMILTON WON IT IN STYLE It was a drive befitting the monumental nature of Hamilton’s achievement.

He trod carefully in the opening stages of the race and even made a couple of small mistakes as the drivers fought for grip in the wet conditions.

By five laps in he was in sixth place, well over 20 seconds off the lead held by Racing Point’s Lance Stroll, ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez.

After all the leaders made an early stop for fresh intermediate tyres, Hamilton was stuck behind Ferrari’s

Sebastian Vettel, faster but unable to pass because of the lack of grip off line.

But the race opened up for Hamilton at around half-distance as he once again made decisive strategy calls on tyres from the cockpit and drove with the skill and class that has enabled him to put himself in this position.

Stroll and Perez began to be caught by those behind.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was the first to pressure them, but fell out of contention when he lost control and spun behind Perez on lap 18, destroying his tyres and needing to stop again. , but my whole life secretly I have dreamt as high as this,” Hamilton said after his title win Then, Red Bull’s Alex Albon was running third, ahead of Vettel’s Ferrari and Hamilton.

Ferrari pitted Vettel for fresh tyres on lap 33, having seen how quickly team-mate Charles Leclerc was going on his fresh intermediates, and then Albon spun at Turn Four.

That gave Hamilton a clean run to attack the Racing Points and he told his team: “Don’t box [pit] me, man.”

Despite Stroll saying he did not want to change tyres, Racing Point did pit the Canadian on lap 36, removing him from the lead and, shortly afterwards, Hamilton took the lead from Perez and never looked back.

Hamilton and Perez stayed out on worn tyres, as the Mercedes driver pulled away in the lead, his only concern being whether his worn intermediate tyres would last.

And Hamilton’s excellence was put into stark perspective by his team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

The Finn went into the race knowing he had to out-score Hamilton by at least eight points to keep the championship alive.

But he had a dreadful day, spinning at least five times and finishing 14th, lapped

by Hamilton.

When told there were four laps left late in the race, a downcast Bottas said: “I wish it was less.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

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Johnson wins at Augusta World number one Dustin Johnson won his first Masters title by five strokes as he finished with a record-breaking low score of 20 under par at Augusta.

The American posted a four-under 68 on Sunday to hold off Australian Cameron Smith and South Korea’s

Sungjae Im. Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy’s brief charge came too late as he eventually finished nine shots back in tied fifth.

Defending champion Tiger Woods carded a 10 on the parthree 12th but recovered with five birdies to finish one under.

Pre-tournament favourite Bryson DeChambeau, who won the US Open in September, endured an erratic week and a final-day 73 put him on two under par for the tournament.

World number three Justin Thomas finished fourth at 12 under after carding a two-un-

Dustin Johnson of the United States is awarded the Green Jacket by Masters champion Tiger Woods of the United States during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on November 15, 2020 in Augusta, Georgia (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Caldeira looking to make his mark at GBBFF upcoming competition

RENALDO Caldeira said that he is ready to give his all at next month’s bodybuilding competition, despite the limitations he encountered due to the pandemic.

The 24-year-old is scheduled to compete in the Men’s Physique division against six other contestants, including 2020 Mr. Physique Novice champion Jonathan Jeffrey.

The competition, which is set for December 12 at the National Cultural Centre, is the first for the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation since it held the 2020 Novice Championships in February.

President of the federation Keavon Bess had told

the Guyana Chronicle that the event would be dubbed Resilience: “…it’s basically our way as bodybuilders in saying that we have the resilience...and all Guyanese have the resilience to overcome the difficulties experienced due to COVID”.

For Caldeira, who finished as runner up at the 2018 Novice Championships, he is ready to flex his way to the next level.

He said that he has not competed since last year’s Clash of the Champions. “I was originally prepping for a show in April, GABFF Intermediate Bodybuilding Championships, but due to the Corona virus pandemic that show was called off, so for the Ministry of Sports

and the Bodybuilding Federation to come together and have this Show in December means a lot to me cause I really missed the stage.”

Cadeira, who had edged past Jeffrey at their last competition, has been putting in extra work with former national Mr. Physique Yannick Grimes. He said that they decided to do a seven-week prep for the show.

“So far the prep been great, I’ve been staying on top of my meals which is my number one priority and in training I’ve made some improvements in my weak areas from last year’s show, but overall I’m feeling confident about the package I’m bringing this year.”

der 70 on the final day.

Johnson’s superb performance during this unprecedented November staging of the Masters saw him beat the record lowest winning score of 18 under par set by Woods in 1997 and Jordan Spieth in 2015.

“It’s hard. I was nervous all day. I could feel it,” said Johnson, who will defend his title in five months’ time when the Masters returns to its usual spot in April.

“The Masters is for me the biggest tournament and the one I wanted to win the most. I am just very proud of the way I handled myself and finished off the tournament.

“It still feels like a dream.

As a kid, I was dreaming about winning the Masters and having Tiger put the Green Jacket on you still feels like a dream.

“But I am here and what a great feeling it is. I could not feel more excited.”

He also becomes the first world number one to win the

tournament since Woods in 2002.

Smith, who finished tied for fifth in 2018, made history himself by becoming the first player to shoot all four of his rounds in the 60s at Augusta.

IMPERIOUS JOHNSON CONQUERS AUGUSTA Johnson looked comfortable from the moment he arrived at Magnolia Lane this week, joking with reporters his favourite Masters tradition is the sandwiches.

Pimento cheese? Just all of them...

On course, however, the poker-faced American gave nothing away as he held off the field to win his second major title, four years after his US Open victory, with barely a flicker of emotion.

Johnson had provided the calm after Thursday’s electrical storms delayed play on an otherwise frantic leaderboard that briefly saw

nine players tied for top spot on Saturday.

The foundation for his victory was set with an opening 65 that gave him a share of the lead, and he had another 65 on Saturday to become the first player in Masters history to achieve such a feat and join Spieth as the only men to reach 16 under par after three rounds.

He is not a character who would hype the crowd into a frenzy like Woods last year, nor is he one to play the pantomime villain like 2018 champion Patrick Reed, so it is perhaps timely that Johnson’s first Green Jacket came at a tranquil Augusta National without patrons.

Not that the American would have been fazed by the roars that usually echo around the Augusta pines.

This was the world’s best player serenely producing sensational golf on one of the game’s most iconic stages.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

Thomas captures featured 10k as AAG restarts with cross country event

By Joe Chapman

Police Sports Club’s Cleveland Thomas took honours in the male Open 10k cross country event yesterday as the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) 2020/2021 calendar began.

The races took place around the outer circuit of the Bayrock Community Centre ground.

From an impressive field, Thomas won comfortably in time 43mins 08.67secs, beating Upper Demerara Schools’ Ronnell Newton (43.57.28).

Police Sports Club’s Winston Missingher finished third with time of 44.39.03 ahead of Royston Fordyce, another Police athlete and Cleveland Forde of the Guyana Defense Force.

In the 6-12 Girls 1K race, Running Braves Akeela Dover took first position in a time of 4 mins 34.15 secs from teammates Athaleyha Hinckson second and Shaquna Redmond third as Upper Demerara’s Tesinna Harris finished fourth.

Female Open race at yesterday’s cross country event in Linden

The 6-12 Boys event also over 1Km was won by Upper Demerara’s Kiadan Persaud with Kevon Stephens placing second ahead of the Tytans duo of Jameel Cornette and athlete Salim Horatio third and fourth respectively.

In the 13-16 Boys 2Km race Samuel Booker of Runnings Braves took first place in a time of 8mins 34.75secs, beating Upper Demerara Schools Omar James into second place, as Carmelo Man-son-Hing also of Upper Demerara Schools took third from teammate David Higgins who was fourth.

The 13-15 girls 2Km distance was taken by Hannah Joseph of Upper Demerara schools who crossed the finishing line in a time of 9mins 12.99secs with Running Braves Rosmond Harvey second and Ashanti Josiah also of Running Braves third.

The 16-19 Boys 6Km race saw Courtly Babb of Police Sports Club coming in first with a time of 26mins 07.25secs with Omari Walcott of Tytans second and Odida Parkinson of Running Braves third.

The 16-19 Girls event was won by Shaquka Tyrrell of Christianburg Wismar Secondary School Track Club in a time of 18mins 53.02secs from Ahoya Harvey of Running Braves, teammate Aailya Headley third and another club mate Adriel Austin placed fourth.

AAG’s official Mayfield Taylor-Trim told Chronicle Sport that the turnout was not the usual one in terms of numbers but the performances were satisfactory based on the fact that they were not in training due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 16, 2020

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In-form Pollard, the key to Windies T20 series win ―Skipper fresh off Back-to-back T20 titles, runs under belt A more matured Kieron Pollard will enter the T20 series against New Zealand, not only as Captain of the West Indies but their most capped, arguably the best batsman and the possible key to a historic series win.

Although his international T20 stats pale in comparison to that of his overall prowess in the shortest format, Pollard will definitely be the X-factor going up against the Kiwis in their backyard with an unblemished record against the Caribbean side in this format.

From a confidence level, the burly Trinidadian will easily deal with the pressure of playing in the Bubble, having won back-to-back T20 titles over the summer.

After leading the Trinbago Knight Riders to a historic unbeaten run in this summer's Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) where they won yet another title after running roughshod over the other franchises, Pollard took his talents to AEU where he

Windies T20 Captain Kieron Pollard

inspired his long-time franchise the Mumbai Indians to their 5th title, the most in the competition's history.

With two successive titles in less than 3 months, one being captain and the other coming with the Indians after being one of their longest serving, unofficial captain-like figures over the franchise's existence.

From an on-field, more hands on approach, the 33 year-old will enter the T20 series with runs under his

belt to add to the confidence factor. During TKR'S record CPL season, the then skipper finished with 207 runs with a mind-boggling strike-rate of 204. 95, alos leading the tournament with the most sixes; 20.

Pollard was then named super-striker following the end of IPL 2020, another record season for another T20

team, as he smashed 268 runs at an astonishing average of 52.50, coupled with a brutal strike-rate of 191.42, including 15 4's and 22 6's.

Tracking Pollard's progression from the CPL, it is clear that the right-hander had been getting better with every game or tournament he's played in to date. This purple-patch is ideal for the

Members of the West Indies team preparing for another practice session in New Zealand ahead of their warm-up games

Windies who are without a few of their big T20 stars, while it allows Pollard to further assert himself as not only the greatest overall T20 player alongside Chris Gayle the Windies ever produced, but the answer they need with regard to a leader who leads by example on the international level.

The CPL and IPL will definitely be used as 'warmup' by Pollard, who will no doubt look to transition to the international scene with the same team success rate, but also of the big guns needed to help buff the batting order, especially during the latter stages when runs are needed at a faster pace.

With a strong, young team mixed with veteran players, in-form T20 players fresh off the CPL and IPL, Pollard will no doubt feel safe and ideally confident in bringing their best brand of cricket to the home team come November 27 when the first T20 gets underway.

Prime Minister Softball T20 Cup launched ―Event set to bowl off on November 27

THE Fourth Prime Minister Softball T20 Cup was launched yesterday with Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips bowling off the ceremonial first ball at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

The Georgetown Softball Cricket League three-day event, from November 27 to November 29, will have some 18 teams competing for over $1M in cash and prizes.

The event will have three divisions with six teams each battling in the Legends (Over50) division, the Masters (Over-45) division and the All Stars (Open) division.

At the launch, the prime minister said he hopes the organisers can follow the COVID-19 protocols in place.

“We have a set of protocols that we outlined that

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (right) and President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc., Ian John with the trophies up for grabs

must be in place if you’re going to host any activity… once you satisfy us… you can have your activity”.

According to the PM, having sports return to the forefront is important for the overall mental health of sportsmen and sportswomen.

“It is important that we find a means of relief in such difficult times, often we underestimate the need to take care of our mental health amid a crisis, but sport and other recreational activities provide that opportunity for us to have the necessary distraction.”

The Legends (Over-50) teams include Regal Legends, Savage Legends, President XI-New York, Floodlight Legends, Parika Defenders and Rockaway Legends.

The Masters (Over-45) includes Regal Masters,

Wellman Masters, HS Masters, Fisherman Masters, Success Masters and another team to be announced.

The All Stars will have Regal All Stars, Speedboat XI, Bartica Rangers, Cosscutter All Stars, Spartan All Stars and Payless All Stars.

The winners of all three divisions will receive $200,000 each and a trophy, while the runners up will collect $50,000 each and a trophy.

Meanwhile, the Man of the Series in the Masters Over-50 division would collect a 55” 4K Smart Flat Screen TV, the Man of the Series in the Masters Over45 division would receive a 50” 4K Smart Flat Screen TV, whereas the All-Star Man of the Series would collect a 40” 4K Smart Flat TV.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips about to bowl the ceremonial first ball to officially launch this year’s competition

Prime Minister Softball T20 Cup launched SEE PAGE 27

―Event set to bowl off on November 27

GOA signs onto Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration on Women SEE PAGE & Sport 26

Mr Kalam Juman-Yassin, President of the GOA with Mrs Tricia Fiedtkou, Assistant Treasurer of the GOA at the signing

SEE PAGE 24

Hamilton clinches seventh world title Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship with his team in the Pitlane after the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park on November 15, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Caldeira looking to make his mark at GBBFF upcoming competition

SEE PAGE 25

Renaldo Caldeira said that he would be more proportionate in next month’s competition

Thomas captures featured 10k as AAG restarts SEE with cross PAGE 26 country event Cleveland Thomas took the lead early in the males 10k Open and was never challenged again

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020