Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-03-2021

SATURDAY 20 th March , 2021

’ No. 106306

UG to be refashioned PAGE

03

–– to better respond to the needs of a modern society, says President Ali

UG Graduation: President, Dr Irfaan Ali with valedictorians Deepa Odit, 24, (left) from the Turkeyen Campus, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Pharmacy) and attained a GPA of 3.9 and Savitree Budram, 36, from the Tain Campus, who graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Administration) and achieved a GPA of 4.0 (Office of the President photo)

An artist’s impression of the modernised CJIA; the ‘superstructure’ will sit between the departure and the VIP lounge. The ‘commercial zone’ that it is expected to house is indicated by a red roof

CJIA on track to meet December 31 deadline PAGE

18

‘What happened last year must never happen again’ –– says EU Observer Mission, urges stakeholders to implement electoral reforms before next elections

PAGE

16

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Realtor arrested for alleged property fraud

By Richard Bhainie

A THIRTY-SEVEN-yearold realtor and former employee of the Registry of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature have been placed in custody to assist with investigations pertaining to proprietary fraud.

The matter that forms the subject pertaining to the allegation relates to the conveyance of a property and a transport being passed by the Court for the said property, without the knowledge of the proprietor, to an alleged non-existent individual.

The realtor, who has since been arrested and placed in custody, has informed investigators that he was requested by someone, who he has known since 2009, to conduct business pertaining to the alleged fraud, however, he does not know the correct name of the individual, nor does he have contact information for him.

The property at the centre of the matter is situated at Lot B and C, Eccles, East Bank Demerara and the original registered owner by virtue of Transport Number 2491 of 2006 is one Rohit Lall, age 60, an electrical en-

gineer of Lot 42 Eccles Old Road, East Bank Demerara,.

On March 3, 2020, Lall visited the Eccles Ramsburg Neighbour Democratic Council (NDC) to pay his rates and taxes for the said property, when he was informed that the property was transferred to one Mohamed Wazir of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara by way of Transport Number 1532 of 2017.

Upon further inquiries, Lall discovered that the transport was passed pursuant to a Court Order granted by former High Court Judge, Jainarine Singh on Septem-

The copy of the purported fake identification card in the name of Mohamed Wazir that was used to for the conveyance of the property.

ber 25, 2008.

A full blown investigation has since been launched into the matter, which led to the arrest of the realtor; as he was the person who took the transport, which is registered in the name of Wazir, along with a copy of Wazir’s identification card to the Eccles Ramsburg NDC to effect a name change for the property.

PURPORTEDLY FALSE A source close to the investigation disclosed to the Guyana Chronicle that a visit to the premises revealed that Wazir does not reside at the property and the Guyana identification card, in the name of Wazir, used to facilitate the conveyance is purportedly false.

The realtor informed investigators that the transport and the copy of the identification card were given to him by an individual, by the name of “Max” to take to the Eccles Ramsburg NDC to effect the name change for the property.

He also informed investigators that he subsequently made inquiries at the Deeds Registry to verify the legitimacy of the transport before proceeding to Eccles Ramsburg NDC to facilitate the change.

However, the realtor noted that while he has known Max since 2009, he is not knowledgeable of Max’s correct name; neither does

he know a way to contact Max. He also revealed that he has never seen nor does he know anything pertaining to Wazir.

The same realtor was charged and placed on $150,000 bail in June 2010, while he was a clerk at the High Court, by then acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson, for allegedly forging divorce papers.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that between May 1 and June 6 2008 in Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he forged a divorce absolute, knowing same to be forged.

His attorney had noted that the charges against his client are trumped up since his client is a key personnel pertaining to court orders, and applied for bail on the grounds that his client is fully cooperating with the investigations.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., during an appearance on the Department of Public Information programme ‘Government in Action’, on Tuesday last, noted that he is aware of the matter and will be implementing measures to protect property owners from fraud.

Nandlall noted that conveyances progress through a series of transactions before a transport is passed pertaining to a property, and personnel at every stage of the conveyancing process will be inves-

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. tigated for fraudulent conduct.

INVESTIGATE THEM “If there is a Notary Public involved, who may have executed a Power of Attorney, investigate that component of the transaction.

Obviously, the matter was filed at the Deeds Registry, investigate that component, investigate the officers. If it was advertised in the Official Gazette, then let the investigation go as well and let us see where the fraud actually took place,” he said.

Nandlall recommended that as a safeguard, persons should familiarise themselves with the Official Gazette, in which legal notices are published, to acquaint themselves with conveyances.

Nandlall noted that the print edition of Official Gazette being available only at the Office of the President has been a significant disservice to the people of Guyana as it is an important document, and steps will be taken to see that it is distributed countrywide.

However, the Official Gazette is available to be accessed free of cost online at the website officialgazette. gov.gy and the Attorney General encouraged persons to make full use of this service.

Recently, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case of Merlene Todd v Desiree Price and Jenifer Jeboo [2021] CCJ 2 (AJ) GY, a case of proprietary fraud, ruled that significant reforms are to be made to the Deeds Registry Act, to prevent such from happening.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

UG to be refashioned –– to better respond to the needs of a modern society, says President Ali

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has reiterated his government’s commitment to refashioning the University of Guyana to better respond to the needs of a modern society.

The Head of State made the pronouncement on Friday while virtually addressing the 2020 graduating class of the premier tertiary educational institution.

“My Government has made some commitments to boosting tertiary education. My Government has pledged to refashion the University of Guyana to better respond to the needs of a modern Guyana…. We will honour those obligations,” President Ali said.

He pointed to the importance of education in a developing country, calling it a “vital life force” of national development, while he also underscored the need for highly skilled individuals in the ‘new economy’.

TERTIARY EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT The President said that the gov-

Savitree Budram

ernment has committed to improving the technological advancement of the university, and in doing so, will ensure that there is greater access to higher education, by making more courses and programmes available online.

He reiterated his government’s commitment to guaranteeing free university education before the end of its term, along with the provision of 20,000 scholarships to improve the educational capacity of Guyanese.

This, he said, will be supported by the creation of a Guyana Online Academy of Learning, which will fall in line with the government’s intention of expanding access to tertiary education. “… We have already established partnerships with various universities and applied sciences institutions; some of these include, the Indira Gandhi Open University, the University of Applied Science in Germany, the Open University in the UK, and the University of the West Indies Open Campus, to provide over 4,500 scholarships to Guyanese students, commencing in July this year,” the president said.

Guyanese have already started to transition to online learning, according to President Ali. “Since September last year, over 53,000 Guyanese have registered with the Commonwealth of Learning and Coursera, with almost 36,000 taking courses to upgrade or reskill themselves in various fields,” he said, adding: “The transition of the Cyril Potter College of Education and the University of Guyana to online learning is taking place, and we are committed to working with these institutions in attaining their key strategic objectives as they continue to serve our populace.”

GUYANA NEEDS YOU President Ali charged the graduates to position themselves to take full advantage of the unprecedented growth that will be realised across the sectors.

“Guyana needs you; all of you,” he said. “You will be expected to become key players in our efforts to advance our national development. Education has long been universally acknowledged as a cornerstone of development. The quality of human capital has a strong association

with higher national output and increased efficiency,” he added.

The Head of State said that the country will look to its graduates to be at the forefront of promoting innovation and propelling our economy to higher levels of output and attainment.

“It is vital that we utilise our collective skills and knowledge to improve our quality of life. Guyana is embarking not only on a process which will yield higher levels of growth and human development, but which will also require higher levels of education and learning,” he said.

He stressed that a key element of the national development agenda is the growth of a knowledge-based economy, which depends on highly skilled human capital that prioritise life-long learning.

“Today’s graduation is, therefore, just the end of one leg of your journey of continuous learning, for if you do not continuously upgrade and acquire fresh and relevant skills and knowledge, you will be left behind in the new economy,” he said, adding: “The new economy involves a paradigm shift in the way things are done; knowledge is combined with capital and entrepreneurship in ways which are different from in the past. The new economy will be geared not simply at producing raw materials, but by applying technology to transform commodities into wealth.

To compete in the modern world will not be about constraining labour costs, but about catalysing innovation.”

PEOPLE’S PERSEVERANCE The President said that although the convocation ceremony was celebrated virtually this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it does not diminish the significance of the event.

“Today’s convocation is a testament to our people’s perseverance in the face of challenges. Throughout our history, our people have demonstrated the tenacity and desire to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds,” President Ali said, while noting that this courage and determination is exemplified by one of the graduates, Rajni Persaud, a physically-challenged student who graduated with a Diploma in Accountancy.

In closing, he said: “I ask you today

Deepa Odit to believe in your abilities; to be seized by that conviction that no matter what life throws at you, henceforth, that you will prevail.

“It has been a most challenging year for our country, and you students have faced a great deal of setbacks, but you have made it to the finish line. To the University of Guyana’s Class of 2020, I applaud you, and extend my heartfelt congratulations on your long-awaited and well-deserved graduation.”

PRESIDENT’S MEDAL The Head of State also presented the President’s Medal to the two valedictorians: 24-year-old Deepa Odit from the Turkeyen Campus, who completed a Bachelor of Science Degree (Pharmacy), and attained a 3.9 GPA, and 36-year-old Savitree Budram from the Tain Campus, who complete-d a Bachelor of Education (Administration), and attained a GPA of 4.0. (Public Information and Press Services Unit)

4

Guyana to get 205,000 doses of Russian vaccines –– 15,000+ persons vaccinated so far

By Vishani Ragobeer GUYANA is expected to receive 205,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine as the country aims to continue its vaccination rollout to immunise citizens from the Sars-Cov-2 virus that causes the disease COVID-19.

Recently, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that Guyana would receive 5,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia. It is unclear whether this is a donation, but these vaccines are expected shortly.

“Those discussions are ongoing, we were expecting to receive the first 5000 doses from them and we are still working out the logistics to get that from Moscow to Guyana,” Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony noted on Friday, while providing an update on the vaccines.

In addition to that tranche of vaccines, though, the Health Minister highlighted that Guyana has also put in a purchase order for 200,000 doses of

The Russian Sputnik V vaccine the Sputnik V vaccine. He said that within a two-week period, the first 50,000 doses should arrive in Guyana.

The minister did not state how much these vaccines will cost. In the 2021 National Budget, however, a provision of over $750 million was made to support the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccines from February and for the rest of the year in a phased approach.

Already, Guyana has received a total of 103,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines; 80,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine were donated by India; 20,000 doses of the

Sinopharm vaccine were donated by China and 3,000 of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from Barbados.

The government is awaiting a consignment of 104,000 vaccines through the COVAX mechanism, and 149,000 doses under a CARICOM-African Union purchase agreement.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister related that 15,524 persons have been immunised so far. The persons immunised so far are healthcare workers and elderly persons over the age of 60.

The vaccination exercice has also expanded to all regions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Nearly 47% of all COVID-19 cases recorded in Region Four FROM the day that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) arrived on these shores to present, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has continuously accounted for the largest number of infections, with 4,451 of the 9,486 confirmed cases being recorded there, according to the Ministry of Health’s daily COVID-19 dashboards.

Of the most recent cases, Region Four again accounts for the majority, with 26 of the 44 being recorded there, and the remaining 18 coming from Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), which recorded 10; Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), which recorded one each; and Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), which recorded three each.

To date, nine persons have been admitted to the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 45 are institutionally isolated; 767 are confined to their homes; while nine are institutionally quarantined.

Of Guyana’s total number of confirmed cases (9,486), 830 are currently active; and of the 8,453 recoveries, 23 were recorded

within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are being urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six-foot physical distance from others, and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce

the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline @ 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit the Ministry of Health website at www. health.gov.gy.

Public Service Ministry official detained for breaching COVID regulations

By Vishani Ragobeer A government official from the Ministry of the Public Service who was tested positive for COVID-19, was detained and placed

into institutional isolation by members of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) after breaching the home-isolation guidelines.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that members of the public reported seeing the official shopping, though the official was supposed to be isolated at home for a period of 10 days. Responding to the reports made, members of the

Ministry of Health and the Guyana Police Force, who form part of the NCTF, visited the official’s residence and detained the person.

This newspaper understands that the official was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where the person will remain until their 10-day isolation ends on Sunday. It was also reported to this newspaper that a relative of the official

was taken to the isolation facility as well. That relative will be placed in quarantine, not isolation.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said that the COVID-19 curfew and other measures were being enforced against anyone, and promised that alleged unfair enforcement would be investigated.

“No one is exempt and

therefore none is above the law,” said the Prime Minister, who is also the Head of the COVID-19 Task Force.

As per the existing COVID-19 guidelines, each person who tests positive for the novel coronavirus is expected to isolate at home for a period of 10 days.

More severely infected persons are treated at various health facilities.

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

‘Abuse and violence not a joke’, Human Services Minister warns –– in face of the 208 prank calls placed to ‘914’ hotline since its launch last December

By Mesha Sealey JUST four months into its establishment on December 10, 2020, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has already been compelled to appeal to the public to take the ‘914’ domestic violence hotline seriously.

She did so in light of the 208 prank calls made to the hotline to date, as confirmed by a database of all the calls it has received since it was launched.

Noting that the making of prank calls is something one would associate with a child and not a full-grown adult, she asked that persons desist from doing so, as abuse and violence should not be taken lightly and treated as a joke.

She also used the opportunity to urge survivors of domestic abuse not to be deterred from calling in to the hotline, because of what has been revealed.

According to the database, of the 197 reports placed to the hotline between December 10, 2020 and March 15, 2021, 158 dealt with domestic violence, while 39 had to do with child abuse. The cases at reference,

Selected quote by Dr Cheddi Jagan

“Now is the time when we must all give a little more for our freedom, we must care a little more for our people, we must sacrifice a little more for the greater good of our Nation and her future.” 1992

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

the minister said, have since been referred to the various district probation offices, and the Child Protection Agency for further intervention.

“If we look at how these reports come in, we allow the officers to intervene in various ways,” Minister Persaud said. “Officers would be required to contact the police directly, if there are issues that require immediate intervention, to take the person or child to safety. That has been occurring, and, of course, those who are in situations that do not warrant immediate attention, the officers will intervene; whether it’s counselling, or linkage to

our support services,” she explained during the course of a media briefing on Friday.

Giving a breakdown by region, she noted that the one which recorded the highest number of reports so far at 57.4 per cent is Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), with Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) coming second with 36 cases, which is the equivalent of 18.3 per cent of the calls.

Eighteen reports came from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 14 from Region Two (Pomeroon– Supenaam); five each from both Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); and three each from Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

It also transpired that while most cases involving child protection issues were reported by adults outside of the situation, one caller was a male child.

And of the 37 adults who made reports, two were males, 22 females, and 12 did not disclose their identity.

“That’s a good thing,” Minister Persaud said, “because it means people are

being vigilant, and they’re taking the issue of child abuse very seriously. And we would like to encourage that, and support this movement where people are becoming more aware of all the cases of abuse and violence as they exist in the country.”

-Although there were no reports from Regions One (Barima-Waini) or Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), the minister said that this does not necessarily mean that there’s no abuse in those areas, and that as such she and other stakeholders in Social Protection will be conducting a series of social outreaches in various regions, beginning today.

The ‘914’ hotline was launched as a result of the significant decline in the reporting of domestic violence and child abuse due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has since moved to tweak the operations of the ‘914’ emergency hotline to ensure that it is able to accommodate calls from persons who do not speak English, beginning with the employment of operators who are conversant in Spanish as well as Portuguese.

COVID-19 supplies tax relief extended till end of June THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Friday announced that it has extended the tax- relief measures on medical and other supplies for COVID-19 prevention, care and treatment until June 30, 2021.

The items used for COVID-19 purposes will not attract any customs duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Excise tax (where necessary). The GRA, by way of a press release, noted that for VAT purposes, the items have been zero-rated, and as such, no tax should be passed onto customers.

The items under this tax relief include: COVID-19 test kits; diagnostic test instruments and apparatus; face and eye protection, including masks, gloves face shields, hair nets and other protective garments; thermometers; certain alcohol solutions; hand sanitisers; other disinfectants; rubbing alcohol, medical , surgical or laboratory sterilisers; hydrogen peroxide in bulk, as a medicant and to put in disinfectant preparations; other chemical disinfectants; multivitamins; soap and other medical equipment and supplies.

The detailed list can be found at: https://www. gra.gov.gy/tax-relief-for-covid-19-supplies-extended-to-june-30-2021

Duo to make court appearance for murder of homeless man TWO security officers will appear in court, on Monday, for the murder of 58-year-old Mohabir Singh, whose lifeless body was recently found under a shed on the Kaieteur News premises at Saffon Street, La Penitence.

Singh, of no fixed place of abode, was, on March 16, found motionless in a pool of blood. On Friday, Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, after conducting a post mortem examination gave Singh’s cause of death as brain haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head.

Initial investigations led to the arrest of the two security officers as detectives pursued the murder angle.

They were formally charged by police for the capital offence and will be arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Beating COVID PRAISE is in order for frontline workers, Ministry of Health staff and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, other stakeholders and the population in general, for keeping the COVID-19 pandemic to a relatively controlled level across this country, preventing any major outbreak in the society.

A couple of remote villages had to be placed on lockdown, but the overall situation in the country is encouraging and positive. President Ali made a significant statement when he refused to participate in a public event that seemed to be slack with precautionary health measures, signalling the state’s seriousness in tackling the pandemic and implementing preventative measures to keep the virus at bay as much as possible. Government took office late last year, and immediately made sure that the pandemic became the number one priority for Guyanese, and the fruit so far is this show of success.

With just around 200 fatalities, and a strong public education and vaccination programme underway, Guyana may very well escape the brunt of the global crisis that the virus has wreaked on the world over the past year, even with the continuing threat of new variants emerging.

Keeping the country in this careful state of a guarded stance must be of continuing paramount importance.

Brazil, which is neighbouring Lethem and the hinterland, is suffering an incredible fallout from the devastation that the pandemic is inflicting on that country, with fatalities approaching

300,000 Brazilians, today numbering 287,000. Brazil’s experience with the virus is second only to the United States as experiencing the world’s most devastating impact. The U.S. faces a situation of nearly 30 million Americans infected, with 539,000 fatalities. Brazil, with just 2.7 per cent of the world’s population, accounts for 20 per cent of global fatalities. Right on the border of this country, it is a miracle that the Brazilian crisis is not spilling over into Guyana, because of the porous border along the Lethem corridor. Clearly, the Guyana Government is doing an amazing job to keep the Brazil situation from afflicting Guyana.

Right on this country’s doorstep, Brazil is facing an affliction rate of 12 million infected persons. Globally, more than 120 million people got infected, with close to three million fatalities. The COVID pandemic is a deadly advent globally, with many countries suffering enormous loss, both in economic growth and in the social upheaval of society.

Guyana has been spared the brunt of this impact.

This country was able to battle through the global crisis to keep the national economy rising with record and exponential growth last year and projected for 2021. The global health crisis has not afflicted Guyana as much as it has other nations around the world.

India, Brazil, the U.S., Russia and so many countries, face trying times, with challenging years ahead to right their economic stability, and to ensure long-

term effects on infected people do not place a strain on their health care system.

For a relatively poor country going into the pandemic, especially facing the democratic challenges that the Coalition threw up for two years, Guyana is doing an amazing, laudable job to beat the pandemic, and to keep socioeconomic growth on an even acceleration.

Much work lies ahead, as the global village reforms the international systems that underlie how humanity goes about the business of building the 21st century world, including how to put in place systems and structures to avoid future crises such as this pandemic caused.

With the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, the Climate Summit, and other leadership organisations and thought-leadership forums rolling out new goals for societies around the world to secure mankind against unforeseen devastation, there is much legislative and cultural and economic reforms to implement in the near future. In fact, much of it has already started to show up, with, for example, the net-clean climate mandate now an urgent necessity in planning how this country manages and sustains its development.

Mankind may see this COVID pandemic become a demarcation of history, with Before COVID and After COVID a line that tells the story of how the world was transformed post-pandemic. Such is the devastating crisis that the virus has wrought across the world. And, thankfully, so far, Guyana has been riding the

stormy waves with admirable success and low impact.

Guyanese must continue to be encouraged and educated and empowered to play their individual roles to keep their communities safe, both with a strong adherence to preventative measures such as wearing masks and sticking to the six-foot rule in public, and to make sure that people who may violate recommended measures are called out and made to take the health of their communities seriously.

Government has moved with speed and good sense to secure necessary vaccines, and to roll out Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits across the land.

The results are encouraging and give the nation much relief, that Guyanese could breathe a deep sigh of relief. However, there is still much more to be done, especially with new, unknown variants of the virus showing up with dogged determination.

New variants in Brazil are particularly concerning to world health administrators, and so Guyana must continue to be on guard, and to keep on top of research, medical information, and the science around new variants.

Guyanese owe a depth of gratitude to the health care workers and frontline hospital staff and public health officials who dedicate their days with tremendous self-sacrifice to make sure this country does not suffer irreparable damage from this global pandemic.

Charges of ‘act of corruption’ unfair Dear Editor, Although the Ministry of Agriculture has put forward its best efforts to answer questions about the issuance of two sea-bob licences last year, one particular newspaper continues to bombard the Honourable Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, claiming that his decision to issue the said licences was ‘an act of corruption’.

At this point, it is unclear what more is expected to be said on the matter. It

is clear that the editorial section of this newspaper has taken a special interest in the matter and might even have a vendetta against someone involved in the matter.

Requests were made by the press, stakeholders, and interested parties for information on the matter to be made public. The Honourable Minister and the Fisheries Department made every effort to answer those questions in keeping with the Fisheries Act of Guyana.

In the editorial section of the Friday, March 19, 2021 edition of the Stabroek

News, the issuance of these licences was once again criticised.

It must be made clear that since news broke of the issuance of the said licences, Minister Mustapha and the Ministry’s Fisheries Department have engaged the Guyana Association of Trawler Owner and Seafood Processors (GATOSP) on several occasions.

At the time, the identities of the new licencees were questioned. The ministry subsequently made that information available to the public. The individual’s

photo was published in some sections of the newspaper, along with his background and experience in the industry.

Although the GATOSP had initially indicated that they were not satisfied with the way the licences were issued, or the fact that the licences were issued in the first place, the ministry had made every effort to assure the GATOSP and the public that the issuance of the two new licences would See page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

UG’s best graduating students in medicine, social science receive Prime Minister’s Medal

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday conferred two students of the University of Guyana’s Class of 2020 with the Prime Minister’s Medal for outstanding performances in their respective fields of study.

The students being honoured were Best Graduating Student in the School of Medicine, Dr. Jonelle Europe, and Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Social Science with a Degree in Public Management, Ms. Desiree Noble.

Prime Minister Phillips congratulated the pair for their commitment and exceptional performance, in spite of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I know COVID-19 would have presented challenges for students who would have had to attend classes virtually.

Congratulations for overcoming those challenges, and being here today as exceptional graduates of the University of Guyana,” he said.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the parents of the graduates, who were at his office for the simple ceremony.

“For every graduate,” he said, “there are parents or relatives who would have sacrificed a lot, and I would like to congratulate you also.”

Dr. Europe said that she was elated to have received the award.

“I am happy and very proud to have achieved such an accomplishment after working so hard for five years. My greatest challenge is probably the consistency that the programme requires,” the young doctor said.

Dr. Europe, who is currently an intern at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), said that she hopes to specialise in a field of medicine, but she is yet to decide whether she would.

Ms. Noble said that she always believed that she had the potential to do exceptionally well.

“I have always believed in myself, and I know I have the ability to accomplish great things. And I’ve always told myself that if anybody can do it, I can do it,” she said. (DPI)

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips with Dr. Jonelle Europe and Ms. Desiree Noble

Charges of ‘act of corruption’...

From page 6

not threaten the sector or jeopardise Guyana’s Maritime Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.

At the time the licences were issued, only 80 other licences were active. The quota caters for 87 licences.

The editorial stated that the matter has been extensively carried by that particular news outlet. That remains a fact. What also remains a fact is that the editorial in question does not entail any new information on the matter.

The GATOSP has since engaged the ministry by way of a letter dated February 19, 2021, stating that they will abide by the decision of the ministry.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo was also questioned on the matter and maintained that there must be equity in the industry. The VP also suggested that there should be a periodic review of the issuance of seabob licences to prevent a monopoly in the industry.

The author of the piece asserted that when the ministry was confronted about the issue last November, the licences should have been suspended, as that is

what good governance requires. I beg to differ. After concerns were raised, Minister Mustapha met with the GATOSP; he listened to their issues and was determined to come up with a solution that would see the issue being resolved amicably.

In my opinion, that is good governance. If governments rescinded every decision made because a section of the population didn’t agree with it, no policies would be in place.

I can say with the utmost certainty that within the coming weeks another article will be written on the matter. I am also confident that the writer will make good use of a few journalistic jargons to disguise the reconditioned information, as he did in this piece.

As was previously mentioned in my response, the GATOSP has decided to abide by the decision of the ministry.

The matter should therefore be seen as resolved.

The ministry will continue to engage all stakeholders of the fisheries sector,

and all other stakeholders in the agriculture sector as their views and opinions remain of utmost importance to the ministry as it works towards building a resilient and sustainable agricultural industry.

The ministry also remains unbiased in its modus operandi and steadfast in

its efforts to ensure that the government’s development agenda for the agricultural sector is realised.

Yours truly, Janell Cameron Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Agriculture

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

‘Hot Skull’ and ‘Rambo’ acquitted of 2017 murder JUSTICE Brassington Reynolds on Thursday directed a 12-member jury to return a not-guilty verdict for Roberto Miggins called “Hot Skull” and Quasi Benjamin called “Rambo,” who were jointly charged with murder.

The indictment read to the court stated that on October 14, 2016 at Mazawini backlands, NWD, they murdered Hilton ‘Hilary’ Smith.

The defence attorneys Nigel Hughes and Adrian Thompson after the prosecution closed its case made a no-case submission, which was upheld by the judge.

Roberto Miggins called ‘Hot Skull’ and Quasi Benjamin called ‘Rambo’ Justice Reynolds then told the jury that they have to return a not-guilty verdict.

According to reports, on October 14, 2016, Smith of Pomeroon River, Region Two, was shot and killed during a camp invasion at Mazawini backlands, NWD. Reports revealed that a group of men armed with high-powered rifles pounced on the mining pit and opened fire. This forced workers to run for cover in nearby bushes and the gunmen reportedly took away a quantity of raw gold. After the gunmen left, Smith’s body was discovered with several gunshot wounds.

In 2019, the two men were freed of the October, 2016, murder of gold miner Mario Pozzer called “Gaucho,” after Justice Navindra Singh upheld nocase submissions made by their attorneys.

Minibus drivers charged for unlawful wounding TWO minibus drivers, who allegedly inflicted injuries on another for uttering offensive words, on Friday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and were each granted $30,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly Sherlock Drayton also known as “Blink” and Joe Grant pleaded not guilty to unlawful wounding.

The charge alleged that they, on March 12, 2021, at Longden Street, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously, wounded Adrian Brandt.

The court was told that Drayton, Grant and Brandt are known to each other and operate their minibuses on the East/West Ruimveldt route. On the date mentioned, Brandt reportedly blocked a passenger from entering Drayton’s minibus. However, his efforts were futile and the passenger entered. After his failed attempt, Brandt left the location. As he was leaving, he reportedly made offensive utterances about Drayton’s mother. This led to scuffle between the two men. Grant allegedly joined in the scuffle.

A report was subsequently made and following an investigation, Drayton and Grant were charged.

The court was told that Drayton and Brandt have a similar case pending in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The duo will return to court on April 21, 2021.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Linden farmers’ market a success SCORES of farmers and agro-processors on Friday turned out in their numbers to showcase and sell some of their produce and products at the Wismar Market Square.

According to head of the region’s agriculture committee, Mark Goring, cash crop and livestock farmers, agro-processors and other entrepreneurs were able to market their small businesses and sell their produce.

“It was excellent, wonderful; it was four times the size it was last month.

The turnout was really overwhelming, and the people of Linden came out and supported the farmers.

We had so many farmers out there that everybody sold out.”

Goring said that while the initiative provided farmers and other entrepreneurs with an opportunity to sell and promote their produce, it also gave the consumers who were gathered at the market day an opportunity to experience the benefits of investing in the region’s agricultural sector.

“It gave the people of Linden the opportunity to see some of the things that are being produced right here in Linden that they actually think is being imported,” Goring said, adding: “Everything was selling “cheap and sweet,” so persons came out and

Scenes from the farmers’ market held at the Wismar Market Square, Linden, on Friday (Mark Goring photo) support, persons came out and got their greens freshly picked, straight from the farm to the bag.”

Given the success of the day’s events, Goring noted that the Regional Democratic Council and Agriculture Committee of Region 10 will be officially adding the event to the council’s monthly calendar to promote agriculture in the region.

He explained that the initiative held under the theme, “Buy local, grow local, consume local,” will provide a space for those in Linden and other surrounding communities to showcase their talent, as well as promote agriculture and create job opportunities for youths of the region.

“We are providing a

space where the people of Linden can access their farmers, and also at the same time we are creating employment,” Goring said.

He added that many farmers have since expressed interest in doubling their production which he hopes will generate employment for more youths and residents in the region.

Goring further stated that the agriculture committee will also be tapping into other markets across the country with regards to exporting fruits and vegetables to other regions.

“As we go along, we expect it to be bigger and better; we want to tap into the other regions around Region 10, bordering nearly all the regions, except for Regions Two and One.

And so, if we develop our agriculture sector, we can export to all these other regions,” the regional official said.

The next farmers’ market will be held on April 23 at the Wismar Market Square, from 06: 00hrs. to 15:00hrs.

Persons are advised to be mindful of all COVID-19 protocols.

High Court trial of ‘Worrell’ to commence on March 22 THE High Court trial of Eustace Abrams called ‘Worrell’, who is accused of the 2017 murder of gold miner, Orlando La Cruz, is expected to commence on March 22 before a 12-member jury.

Abrams has pleaded not guilty to killing the 40-yearold man on June 15, 2017, at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District (NWD). Justice Brassington will be presiding over the trial.

La Cruz was shot to the right side neck and pronounced dead at the Matthew’s Ridge District Hospital.

Reports indicate that La Cruz was shot after he refused to perform oral sex on one of his drinking buddies at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District.

According to reports, the victim was lying in a hammock in his camp when Abrams and another visited him after which they began consuming high wine and water.

Shortly after, one of the suspects was heard telling La Cruz to perform oral sex on him and when he refused, an argument erupted between the three men.

It is alleged that Abrams collected a cartridge from the second suspect and loaded his shotgun. He then placed the weapon to the right side of the victim’s neck and pulled the trigger. The two men then made good their escape into nearby bushes.

Shortly after, Abrams was arrested. His 57-year-old co-accused was arrested by police on February 24, 2021 at Garrison Hill, Matthews Ridge.

He is currently before the court for his alleged involvement in the crime.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

AG files motion to strike out appealed elections petition

By Richard Bhainie ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Friday filed a Notice of Motion in the Court of Appeal seeking an Order to strike out the matter pertaining to Election Petition 99 of 2020.

In the High Court, the Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, had described the submissions from lawyers representing the petitioners in said matter as “unmeritorious,” and had ruled that the petition is invalid on the basis that the second named respondent, David Granger, was served the petition after the prescribed time for service had expired -- a procedural

impropriety.

Subsequently on February 24, Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, S.C. representing the petitioners Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse, moved to the Court of Appeal to have

Solicitor-General Nigel Hawke

the chief justice’s decision set aside.

In the court documents seen by this publication, Nandlall is seeking the Order on the grounds that the Court of Appeal does not have jurisdiction to hear and determine the appeal.

Nandlall in the motion contended that pursuant to Article 163 (3) of the Constitution of Guyana, an appeal in an election petition lies to the Court of Appeal accordingly: From decisions in the High Court on the granting or refusing of leave to institute proceedings for the determination of any question referred to in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution.

And, the determination by the High Court of any question referred to

in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution or any order made in consequence of such determination.

In these respects, he submitted that the decision of the chief justice (ag) is not a decision granting or refusing leave to institute proceedings for the determination of any question referred to in Article 163 (1); neither did it involve a determination of a question referred to in the same article.

Further, Nandlall contended that “the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to hear an appeal from a decision of the High Court in an election petition must be founded in the Constitution of statute.”

“There is no statutory or constitutional instrument granting jurisdiction to the Court of Appeal to hear an appeal of an election petition for procedural impropriety, or any other reason not stated in Article

163 (1) of the Constitution,” the Attorney-General stated.

In an affidavit in support of the motion, Solicitor-General Nigel Hawke also purported that the Court of Appeal entertaining the appeal pertaining to the elections petition would be “unlawful, irregular and unconstitutional.”

Hawke made his contention on the same grounds as the Attorney-General, noting that the jurisdiction in relation to an election petition is “peculiar and special and the principles of law and procedural rules and regulations attendant thereto are treated, interpreted and applied with a degree of rigidity which distinguishes this jurisprudence from any other.”

The appeal, among other things, is contending that the chief justice erred in law and misdirected herself when she misap-

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. plied the doctrine of strict compliance by holding that such compliance related to the contents of the Affidavit of Service instead of the filing of the Affidavit of Service in a timely manner.

Another ground claims that the chief justice erred and misdirected herself when she failed to consider the objective of the petition in making her decision on the content of the Affidavit of Service.

A date has not been set by the Appeal Court for hearing.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Drivers ‘feeling the squeeze’ as gas prices increase

NOTWITHSTANDING the reduction of the excise tax last month, Guyana is still finding it hard to withstand continual increases in oil prices on the world market.

This has resulted in prices at the pump increasing to over $180 per litre this week.

Last month, gasoline prices at GuyOil stations across the country were reduced from $184 per litre to $170 per litre, and diesel prices from $170 per litre to $160 per litre, following the February 17 announcement

by Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, that government had lowered the excise tax rate on both gasoline and diesel from 50 per cent to 35 per cent with immediate effect.

This followed global oil prices having seen a rapid rise since last year September to October.

Though the excise tax remains at 35 percent, prices for gasoline across various gas stations averaged $189 per litre, as world prices continue to increase.

As is customary, Guy-

Oil carries the lowest price, and as at Friday, its Super 95 was retailing at $188 per litre. At one Shell Gas Station, its signature fuel -save gasoline was being sold for $189 per litre, while at one Rubis outlet gasoline was being sold at $190 per litre.

Consumers said they are “feeling the squeeze.”

“Every day now I’m buying like $5000, $6000 in gas,” 60-year-old taxi driver Winston Khan lamented, as he made a stop at a GuyOil outlet to replenish his tank.

Khan said he had bought $3000 in gas earlier in the day, but that proved to insufficient for him to continue working throughout the day. Khan, who is from the East Coast, said he operates mainly around Georgetown.

“I buying $2500 now and I bought $3000 earlier,” he noted.

Fellow taxi driver, 53-year-old Lloyd Squires, said he shells out approximately $40,000 per week in gasoline for his business.

“The fuel is going up, but you can’t raise the taxi fare, because people will “buse” you, it’s like you

Gas prices at the various gas stations on Friday

just working to full your tank,” he said.

At a Rubis outlet, 52-year-old Margni Siwel, who travels from the Soesdyke highway to the city daily for work, said every dollar counts for him.

“Every dollar matters, and as much as it’s just a difference in few dollars it’s an accumulated amount.

When it went down really nice $5000 used to full my tank,” Siwel said.

Increases in gas prices

this year came following massive global decreases in 2020, which were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Guyana, following the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, 2020, prices at GuyOil stations saw a massive reduction from $201 per litre to $130 per litre from April, 2020.

As the prices increased, another decrease from $165 to $155 per litre was made in September, 2020.

On the world market,

oil prices had risen from US$35 a barrel in late October, 2020, to over US$60 a barrel by mid-February.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), higher crude oil prices are expected in March through to April Manager of the Shell Vlissengen Road outlet, Robin Lowe, said the outlets are simply working with their obligations to the parent company.

“Us dealers, all we do

is just adjust the prices accordingly. If it goes up we have to send it up, if it goes down we have to take it down. We’re not in control of the pricing. We’re advised by SOL when the prices increase; in fact, we are mandated to increase by contract. It’s a derivative of the acquisition cost.

When the world prices go up and then the acquisition costs go up, that’s passed on to the dealers,” Lowe noted.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Drug shortage to be remedied by June –– gov’t aims to stay ahead of shortages, prevent wastage of drugs

By Vishani Ragobeer GUYANA’S medicinal needs are expected to be remedied by June, as intensive procurement efforts are being made to supply the local health sector with medicines and medical supplies amid the forced, large-scale disposal of expired drugs, valued in excess of $1 billion.

“The (PPP/C) govern-

ment has already made significant progress in meeting the needs of the health sector and we expect that by June 2021, the medicine and medical supplies situation will be stabilised, moving from a 80 per cent shortage in August 2021 to about 30 per cent presently and to 0 to five per cent by June 2021,” Adviser at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, highlighted in a statement on

Friday.

The shortage would have been remedied in a shorter period, but the adviser noted that lengthy tendering and international procurement processes along with the COVID-19-related shipping delays resulted in a lengthier stabilisation period than was previously anticipated.

The issue of drug shortages is one that has plagued the local health sector for

Medical supplies stored by the Ministry of Health (Ministry of Health photo) quite some time. The adviser highlighted that from August 2020 to the present day, the incumbent administration was forced to dump more than $1 billion worth of medicines and medical supplies. These supplies were disposed of since the drugs and supplies in storage had expired.

Of those supplies that have not yet been disposed of, Dr. Ramsammy lamented that a “significant amount” have short shelf-life, while the modern warehouse management information system (MACS) had not been kept up to date.

Furthermore, Dr. Ramsammy also highlighted that the Health Ministry’s Materials Management Unit (MMU), located at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), was reportedly unable to meet the needs of the health sector, thereby forcing the regional health authorities to procure the supplies needed through single-sourcing.

CHRONIC MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SUPPLY SHORTAGES “This situation led to chronic medicine and medical supply shortages.... Not only were medicines in short supply, but virtually all the priority medicines were at zero stock levels,” he said.

These medicines, according to him, included antiretroviral medicines for HIV, tuberculosis medicines, insulin and metformin for diabetes, critical hypertension medicines, critical medicines and supplies for the operating theatres, anaesthetics for dental services, HIV test kits and chemistry reagents for the laboratory and others.

Importantly, the adviser noted that the MMU is disposing of more than $1 billion of medicines last week alone. Newly expired medicines, he said, are being disposed of every month.

He also alleged that the previous administration

had about $5 to $10 billion worth in expired drugs.

DRUG TENDERS “We do have issues with some medications being short, and that’s a problem we have inherited, and what has compounded the problem is that drugs weren’t ordered for many years; in the bond itself there were lots of expired drugs,” Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony also said on Friday.

To meet the needs of the health sector, he noted that the government has issued emergency tenders for the procurement of drugs. In his statement, Dr. Ramsammy explained that there is an emergency selective tender utilising 10 selected suppliers that have been evaluated and the ministry is awaiting an award to begin the procurement of a two-month supply of medicines and other supplies. Additionally, he related that there are also two open tenders: one for a four-month supply of drugs and one for a further 10-month supply.

He also emphasised that there was no sole-sourcing of drugs. Instead, he explained that the “selective tender” process was used to meet the demand for drugs and supplies that could not be supplied by the in-country supplies of local suppliers “Once all these medicines start coming in, whatever shortages [we have], we’ll alleviate them and our intention is to keep buying, so that we can replenish before we run short,” Dr. Anthony emphasised, adding: “We have to stabilise the situation now.... It is a big problem that we have inherited and we have corrected a substantial part of it.”

He also highlighted that the large procurement of drugs -- hundreds of varying types of drugs, at that -- can be challenging to get in stock and then distribute them to the regions.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

36 graduate from Childcare, Care for the Elderly programmes THIRTY-SIX women have completed four month-long Childcare and Care for the Elderly courses at the Alpha Foundation College at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

The women on Friday received their certificates at a small ceremony held at the institution.

The certification is being offered through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). The two courses are among several BIT courses being offered by the institution. All of the courses are free of charge.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton was present at the ceremony to distrib-

ute the certificates.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Hamilton emphasised that this course is part and parcel of the ministry’s drive to roll out BIT training programmes in several communities across the country.

“These training programmes would be executed in every region, in every village and town.

Last year, we trained 2000 persons; this year we plan to train 3500, and that number will go up because of the joint collaboration we will have with MOCYS, See page 15

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton (back row) and the graduates

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Construction of new DHB to begin by year-end WITH construction expected to commence by the end of 2021, a spanking new Demerara Harbour Bridge is likely to be ready within two years.

The Ministry of Public Works confirmed on Friday that nine companies have so far been pre-qualified to submit their bids to design, build, and finance the “fly over” structure.

The ministry said that an information session has already been held to apprise the prequalified bidders of the general requirements expected in the upcoming tender. The

statement specified that bidders will be expected to submit their bids within three months of receiving the bid documents, after which, construction will commence.

“Bidders were advised that they will be required to bid on two options: first, a design-build and finance option, and second, a design-build-operate and finance option,” the ministry said.

Pre-qualification of bidders followed the government’s advertisement last September, inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI) and Pre-Qualifications. Some 54 firms

expressed interest in the project, with 44 entities moving to complete the registration process. A total of 21 companies subsequently submitted to become qualified.

“The government is pleased with the level of interest by globally competitive companies and wish[es] to thank all companies that sought to be pre-qualified,” the ministry said.

It added, “Despite the limited number [of companies that were] pre-qualified, the government encourages all of the companies to continue to pursue the many

opportunities in Guyana, as many of these companies are world-class.”

The pre-qualified entities, the ministry said, are China State Construction Eng. Corp (China); Ballast Needam Infra Suriname B.V.; China Geizhouba Group Co. Ltd (China); JV-China Railway International Group Co. Ltd; China Railway Major Bridge Eng. Group Co. Ltd; Reconnaisance & Design Inst. Co. Ltd (China); JV-China Road & Bridge Corp.; Peutes y Calzadas Infrastructuras SLU (China and Spain); JV-OECI S.A. and Odebrecht Engenharia E. Coonstrucao S. A. OEC; JV-China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Ltd; China Railway Construction (Caribbean a) Co. Ltd, and China Railway

Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd (China & Trinidad and Tobago); Boskalis Guyana Inc. Eiffage Genie Civil (Guyana & Netherlands); JV-Rizzani de Eccher S. p. A & Preconco Ltd (Italy and Barbados). Some of the companies have partnered to bid for the project.

While an estimated cost has not yet been announced, the bridge is likely to be a “four-lane, high-span fixed bridge; the new ‘fly-over’ structure is intended to stretch across the Demerara River from La Grange on the West Bank to Nandy Park on the East Bank.

According to the EoI, the new design of the Demerara Harbour Bridge will not require opening or retraction to allow for

maritime traffic, as is the situation with the existing structure. The new bridge is likely to carry a lifespan of at least 50 years.

While the existing bridge is unable to adequately accommodate the daily and growing traffic, it is not necessarily a structure that is substandard. A few years ago, under the leadership of Mr. Robeson Benn, the then Ministry of Public Works had denounced the “myth” that the bridge had an expiration date. It was explained at the time that the bridge is one that can be constantly maintained, in that almost all of its components are “repairable”.

It is unclear whether the government will utilise the structure at another location in the country.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Essequibo infant died from ‘traumatic asphyxia’ – father released FOUR-MONTH-OLD Kaylee Atkinson of Annandale, Essequibo Coast, who was found dead under her father’s leg, died as a result of “traumatic asphyxia”.

This was the finding of Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh who, on Thursday, conducted a post mortem examination which was witnessed by the child’s mother, Tricia Atkinson.

Guyana Chronicle understands that the infant’s father, Troy Williams, was released from police custody sometime after the autopsy was conducted.

The man was arrested after the child’s mysterious death. She was found dead by her mother during the wee hours of Sunday. The child was pinned by her father’s leg. It is believed that the father went to bed in an

Kaylee Atkinson intoxicated state.

Meanwhile, assistance was extended to the family

by Region Two Commander, Superintendent Crystal Robinson, after the young mother reached out to her.

Due to the family’s impoverished state, the Guyana

36 graduate from Childcare, Care for ...

From page 13

MOHSSS and MOE,” Hamilton related.

“Also, our focus in communities is to reskill retirees, and to also train persons with disability.

For persons who already have a skill, we plan to retrain them, so that they can be accredited and certified.”

The Minister added that persons will be selected from respective communities to train persons who are pursuing courses being offered, which, in return, will benefit the community.

Other points raised by the minister were the need for trainees to complete training with dedicated and patient trainers who are ready to deal with persons from all walks of life.

Programmes at the institution particularly target vulnerable groups such as school dropouts.

To register for the course, persons simply need to visit the institution with their ID cards.

BIT Public Relations Officer, Ayana George told the graduates that there are approximately 224 daycare centres in the country, and a number of healthcare facilities caring for elders.

She encouraged the graduates to not sit with their certificates, but seek ways to contribute to the sectors, or generate an income through entrepreneurship.

Course trainer Marva Hestick said the course was designed to enable entrepreneurial-minded persons to learn how to manage a successful daycare, or to work in early childhood education.

By contrast, the Care for the Elderly programme prepares trainees to care for persons between the ages of 45 to 65 years old and over.

Police Force will assist the family with the burial of the child. A hamper along with cash was also handed over to the mother.

Commander Robinson said that she was made aware of the family’s financial situation when the young mother contacted her. She said officers from the division and Cops and Faith were willing to help.

Commander Robinson makes a donation to the family

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

‘What happened last year must never happen again’ –– says EU observer mission; recommends creation of one, complete electoral law

–– urges stakeholders to implement electoral reforms before next elections

By Navendra Seoraj

AVOIDING a recurrence of the destabilising fivemonth impasse, which followed the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, hinges on the expeditious implementation of sweeping electoral reforms, the European Union’s (EU) Election Observer Mission (EOM) has said.

Guyanese, after casting their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure an unimaginable wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.

In this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what was described as attempts by the then incumbent A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society.

It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes.

Though leaving Guyana on March 20, 2020, because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, prior to the climax and conclusion of the political impasse, the EU’s EOM, led

by Chief Observer Urmas

Paet, followed the series of events remotely and was able to determine that such occurrences could only be prevented by legislative and technical electoral reforms.

“It is obvious that what happened last year should not happen again… I guess some changes at least in legislation concerning elections and then some of the technical practices should increase the possibility that it will not happen again,” Paet said during a press briefing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Friday.

Some of the possible reforms and amendments, which Guyana could adopt, have been listed among the 26 recommendations outlined by the EU’s EOM in its final report on Guyana’s elections, which was issued on June 5, 2020.

Those very recommendations were in fact the reason for the mission’s return to Guyana, as Paet said that the plan is to engage election stakeholders and help to kick-start election reforms.

The mission has met already with the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali; Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon; Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir; Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; and Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh.

Based on those discussions, the mission has determined that there is a “genuine interest” to consider their recommendations and broader electoral reforms.

Of the 26 recommendations outlined by the EU’s EOM in its final report, there are eight priority areas which include the revision and consolidation of the fragmented election legislation; the launch of a consultation process to overhaul the composition and functioning of the elections commission; to develop effective legislation to regulate political financing; to foster transparency and accountability in online and offline campaigning; and to transform the state-owned media into a genuine public service broadcaster.

The mission also recommended that the country should adopt clear, written procedures for transmission and tabulation of election results; accompany any declaration of results with simultaneous publications of detailed polling station results and digital copies of all Statements of Poll; and establish a comprehensive election- dispute resolution.

According to Paet, the response to those and other recommendations was positive, but this should have been implied, since stakeholders would have already been aware of the need for changes given the recent occurrences related to national elections.

“I do not think the political leadership is happy… I think they realised some changes are needed… we are optimistic that some recommendations will be considered,” the chief observer said.

COMPLETE ELECTORAL LAW In his view, given how

complicated it is for politicians and other stakeholders to understand each element in the legal environment, there should be one, complete electoral law which encompasses all the electoral procedures.

A defined electoral law would eliminate any ambiguity in the system and create the conditions for a smooth flow.

The government had said already that there are plans to amend parts of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), which relate specifically to the process governing local elections.

Vice-President Jagdeo was reported as saying that the government is looking at the RoPA and will soon be drafting amendments, which are intended to improve transparency in the methodology related to the counting of ballots. In essence, the amendments would remove any ambiguities which exist.

“For instance, the Statements of Poll (SoPs), when they are received, we want them published before the count starts, so even before it starts, the people can see the SoPs, calculate them and see who won,” the Vice-President said.

In preparing the amendments, the government will also be examining the penalties attached to electoral fraud.

Senior officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), including the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and Returning Officer for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo, are already before

the courts for “misconduct in public office.”

As reported, those who have been charged with offences relating to electoral fraud and misconduct in public office are: Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence; opposition activist, Carol Joseph; Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers; the CEO’s clerks, Michelle Miller and Denise Bob-Cummings; Elections Officer, Shefern February and Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan.

They are all accused of inflating the results for Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting district – to give the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition a majority win at the March 2 polls, when in fact, the PPP/C had won by 15,000 more votes.

Deputy Chief of the EU’s EOM, Alexander Matus, reiterated the mission’s conclusion that the initial tabulation of the Region Four results was not transparent and in accordance with existing laws.

While the observer mission has recommended ways to prevent a recurrence of this and other issues, Paet said it is up to the government and people of Guyana to decide what reforms will be implemented.

He believes, however, that for electoral reform to be effective, it must be implemented before the next elections are called.

“Now is the time for decisions and actions. For election reform to be effective, its implementation

Chief of the European Union’s Election Observer Mission, Urmas Paet needs to begin well before the next elections are called.

Inclusive and transparent reform processes help build confidence in elections and their results,” Paet advised.

The EU’s EOM, he said, stands ready to assist Guyana with the implementation of any of the recommended measures.

The assistance which Guyana could leverage and other critical topics will be discussed further when the mission convenes a multi-stakeholder meeting on Monday, March 22, 2021.

Paet said invitations for this upcoming meeting have been dispatched to the Office of the President, the National Assembly, political parties, constitutional agencies, members of civil society and other key stakeholders.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

MoE, Chinese Embassy launch Leadership Award for secondary school students

STUDENTS in Grades 10, who are exemplars in sports and academic performance, or who show great leadership qualities, mental qualities, self-control and sociability will stand a chance to win US$1,000 in the first-ever Guyana-China Friendship Youth Leadership Development Award.

The award was launched on Friday.

The Ministry of Education and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the award, which will see 11 students, one from each school district, receiving one this year. Each winner from the 11 Education Districts will also win US$1,000.

Based on the evaluation of this year’s competition, the embassy will actively consider making the initiative a national annual programme.

“The leadership programme will take the form of a competition that will focus on three areas: a community-based project, critique of a work of art and the participation in sport activities such as athletics, gymnastics, dance and swimming. This is according to the administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Ms. Lorraine Barker-King,” a statement issued by the MoE on Friday said.

Though the competition was expected to be open to students from Grades Eight to Grade 11, due to the COVID-19 school closures, each of the 11 education districts will instead shortlist eight Grade 10 students to participate in the competition.

The ministry noted that the decision to go with the Grade 10 students was because only Grade 10 students are physically attending school.

Though public schools are currently closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are partially open for students of Grades 10, 11 and 12 to attend, as these levels are preparing for their Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams.

“Students will be shortlisted based on the following criteria: participation in sports, academic performance, leadership qualities, mental qualities, self-control, sociability and social action and participation in clubs and societies,” the ministry said.

During Friday’s ceremony, Barker-King said the

programme will contribute significantly to the future development of Guyana.

She said that the staff of the Unit of Allied Arts have been assigned the task of executing the competition and promised that it will be done at the standard that is normally exemplified by the MoE.

DEVELOPING ROUNDED CITIZENS Also present at Friday’s ceremony was Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who conveyed the ministry’s gratitude to be able to partner with China for execution of the programme.

She noted that the partnership advances the MoE’s belief in developing rounded citizens.

“Anything that could help us advance that process is always welcomed,” Minister Manickchand remarked.

She said further that across Guyana there are many examples of students who try hard to do their best academically and at being excellent citizens.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chen Xilai, said he was happy to participate in the launching ceremony.

He said that it is very important for young people to be given opportunities and that China values education, and therefore his country is glad to assist the education sector in Guyana.

Xilai explained that the Leadership Programme came out of discussions held with MoE Special Projects Officer, Dr. Jacob Opadeyi.

He said: “We hope that this award will inspire the Guyanese students to have a dream and exemplify in their studies [and] grow up to be future leaders in various fields in Guyana and contribute to national development.”

He also highlighted that the programme is also a great example of the Guyana-China Friendship relationship.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, was also present at Friday’s launch and described it as an important event. He said that the award programme is significant at this time as it allows Guyanese students to remain engaged even during a pandemic.

He said that the programme will focus on moral values, intelligence, sports,

artistic values and community service. He believes that a programme of this nature will give students the impetus to perform and allow them to see themselves

differently and realise that their life should not be confined to academia.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alfred King, said across Guyana in the 11

Education Districts, students will experience exposure to leadership that will allow them to develop a balanced lifestyle that will complement their academic pursuits.

He said that the Ministry of Education values the partnership, since it will help to enhance the delivery of quality education across Guyana.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

CJIA on track to meet December 31 deadline

By Rehana Ahamad

FIVE years of delays, and several modifications later, the modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is finally on track to meet its latest December 31, 2021 deadline.

This confirmation was given by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, who led an assessment visit to the airport on Friday. Minister Edghill told reporters that 95 per cent of the recent adjustments requested by the Irfaan Ali-led government have been made, and that the entire airport would be fully transformed in a matter of months.

In addition to a spanking new facelift, the modernised airport will boast a superstructure that will be erected between the VIP Lounge and the Check-in section of the airport. This ‘commercial zone’, as it was described, will facilitate the operations of more than 20 businesses, inclusive

of restaurants, duty-free shops and massage parlours, among others.

In keeping with recent arrangements, China Harbours Engineering Consultants (CHEC) will be standing the construction cost to erect the ‘superstructure’, while the government has already approved a local contractor to execute the “retrofitting” aspect of the project.

“There will also be a curtain wall,” Minister Edghill posited.

He confirmed, too, that CHEC will also be financing the construction of an extended ‘wrap-around’ corridor which has to be erected to accommodate the government’s demands for two additional air bridges, bringing the total number to six. The CJIA currently has four defective air bridges that are being repaired.

Edghill said that the two additional bridges will be outsourced by the Government of Guyana, and that CHEC will be building the corridor to accommodate

the specifications of the bridges being supplied.

Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir pointed to several other aspects of the airport that have to be remedied in order to match the government’s modernisation agenda. He said that requests have already been green-lighted by Cabinet, and are expected to see the full rehabilitation of the airport’s taxiway, as well as an office building, which is likely to cost $150 million. These smaller contracts, according to Edghill, have been restricted to local contractors.

Project Manager, Carrissa Gooding said that approval has also been given for the preliminary designs of the scope of works, and that the geotechnical investigation and other necessary surveys are moving apace for the central unit areas.

Gooding said, too, that additional manholes have been positioned as a means of rectifying the sewage problems that once plagued the international airport.

Once completed in December, the modernised CJIA will boast six air bridges, as seen in this artist’s impression As far as security measures go, the airport building has been outfitted with a number of emergency exit doors that will be automatically activated in case of emergencies. Within a matter of weeks, also, the CJIA will be commissioning a state-of-art scanner, which will be able to instantly detect anomalies that would then be examined by officers.

Minister Edghill has assured the media that the CJIA modernisation project is progressing with active bonds to cover the contract being fully intact. “We are not exposed; we have in place full coverage,” the minister posited. He specified that the $6.9 million has been instituted as part of a retention bond, while $1.1M has been withheld for defects liability.

The controversial CJIA project recently benefited from an additional $2.5 billion of Government funds.

Over the past nine years, more than US$150 million has been exhausted on the expansion project, which has encountered several delays and a plethora of problems, including a malfunctioning sewer system and three changes of government. The project was initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s Donald Ramotar administration (2011-2015), and when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition assumed office in May 2015, the project, which had been slated for a December 2017 completion, was halted for a review. Following that review, the scope of work

was adjusted; several changes were made, and a new deadline was set for December 2018. Fast-forward to August 2020, the PPP/C regained power, and the Irfaan Ali government insisted that the contractor must once again readjust the project to be in compliance with the original contract signed by Ramotar prior to 2015.

In December 2020, CHEC demanded more monies to complete the project as per its original specifications; however, after a series of consultations, the company agreed to finance some $1.8 billion in works, at no cost to the Government or the People of Guyana.

These works include the aforementioned “superstructure”, as well as the “wrap-around corridor”.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Go-Invest rolls out nationwide outreach THE Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) on Wednesday started the first of several planned outreaches across the country to promote the government’s investment plans.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Peter Ramsaroop said they are also looking at the work the local business community is doing, while presenting more opportunities for investment.

Go-Invest commenced the outreach in the East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), where a town hall meeting with over 50 business-owners was held.

The group expressed interest in areas such as development of the cattle industry, dairy plant, agro-processing and the expansion of aqua-farming.

Dr. Ramsaroop encouraged them to develop their business plans and work with his office to access incentives.

The CEO also addressed the recently passed 2021 National Budget, which includes benefits for the private sector.

Wednesday’s outreach was also geared at encouraging the private sector to grasp opportunities made available by the government, and capitalising on incentives in the agricultural, manufacturing and tourism and hospitality sectors.

Meanwhile, the GO-Invest team met the proprietor of Nand Persaud Company Limited, Mohindra Persaud, who provided a guided tour of his facility.

The plastic manufacturing plant produces items including disposable cups,

plates and bags.

Persaud said the next phase of development would see them producing plastic cutlery.

The team also toured the Ronald Arjune & Son Aqua Enterprise facility, which covers 300 acres of cultivated land, with 175 acres of ponds. The company plans to develop a packaging and processing facility, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision of rapid expansion in the aquaculture industry.

The team also met the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce earlier in the day to discuss similar issues.

The team also met the Regional Chairman, Regional Executive Officer, the acting Mayor of New Amsterdam and Mayor of Corriverton.

Today, Dr. Ramsaroop told DPI, “We want them to expand their businesses and give them information of the investment opportunities available.”

GO-Invest will also use the opportunity to conduct a gap analysis to see what investment opportunities could be derived from the various sectors.

Other areas discussed included infrastructural development plans for the region, including housing, shore-based ports, the deepwater harbour, the bridging of the Corentyne River and access to farmland roads.

(DPI)

CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, speaking at a town hall meeting in Region Six on Wednesday

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Teen charged with killing Sophia boy to be evaluated THE 16-year-old boy, who allegedly shot and killed a 10-year-old child during a robbery in Sophia, on Friday, appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court, where an application made by the prosecutor to have him evaluated, was granted.

The teen was not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Alisha George.

The charge states that, on Thursday last, at C Field, Sophia, the teen murdered Anthony Cort in the course or furtherance of a robbery under arms.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Cort was gunned down by bandits during a home invasion at Packet Corner, C Field, Sophia.

Police are seeking another suspect; the teenager has been identified as the prime

suspect.

The child had been playing in the upper flat of the house when bandits invaded the property in search of valuables.

After looting the downstairs shop, one of the bandits stayed behind, holding Cort’s mother and baby sister at gunpoint, while the other gunman escorted the shop owner upstairs in search of more valuables.

Before the woman could begin her search for more items for the robbers, Cort exited the room where he had been playing and the bandit reportedly spared no hesitation in opening fire on

the child. After shooting the young boy, the bandits fled the scene, jumping a zinc fence aback the yard.

Prosecutor Thornhill made an application to the court under Section 4(2) of

the Juvenile Justice Act #8 of 2018, that the accused be evaluated.

Magistrate Alisha George granted the request and adjourned the matter to May 12.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

UEFA champions League quarterfinals …

Real Madrid to face Liverpool, Bayern Munich to play PSG

(BBC) - Manchester City have been drawn against Borussia Dortmund, while Chelsea play Porto and defending champions Bayern Munich take on Paris St-Germain, the team they beat in last year’s final.

In the semi-finals, the winner of the Real Madrid v Liverpool tie will face Porto or Chelsea and Manchester City or Dortmund will take on Bayern or PSG. The two-leg quarter-finals will take place on April 6-7 and 13-14.

The first legs of the semi-final will be on April 27-28 with the return ties on May 4-5.

Liverpool and Real Madrid met in the 2018 Champions League final with the Spanish club, who have won the competition a record 13 times, winning 3-1.

The two teams have played each other six times in Europe’s top competition with both winning three games apiece, including Liverpool’s 1-0 victory in the 1981 final.

Premier League leaders Manchester City have only met Dortmund twice. Those games came in the group stage of the Champions League in 2012, with the English side drawing 1-1 at home and losing 1-0 in Germany.

City, who are aiming to win the competition for the first time, remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple and could face England winger Jadon Sancho, who left the club in 2017 to join the German side.

HAALAND ‘NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES’ - GUARDIOLA Norwegian striker Erling Braut Haaland, the son of former City midfielder AlfInge Haaland, also plays for Dortmund and he has scored 20 goals in just 14 Champions League appearances.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” said City boss Guardiola on Haaland. “He

is one of the best strikers in the world right now at his age.

“I know the quality of this player, I think everybody knows.”

On speculation linking City with a move for the 20-year-old, Guardiola added: “He’s a player for Dortmund, I don’t like it when people talk about our players; you understand I cannot answer this question.”

Dortmund are fifth in the Bundesliga and replaced manager Lucien Favre with Edin Terzic in December.

“They (Dortmund) have a lot of quality there,” said Guardiola. “They were able to go through against Sevilla, who in knockout competition is one of the strongest teams ever.

“Dortmund are tough but all of them would have been.”

Chelsea have played Porto eight times, winning five and losing two, and beat the Portuguese side 3-2 on aggregate in their only knockout tie, which came in the last 16 in 2007.

Porto, who are second in the Portuguese top-flight, knocked out Juventus in the last 16.

“Clearly, many people will maybe make us favourites against Porto but that will not help us,” said Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. “You can ask in Turin if that helps you to be favourites.

“We are self-confident and that is strongly connected with our performances.

“We are confident that we face a strong opponent and face them with respect, but now we are in the quarter-final we think about how to win it.”

Tuchel led PSG to last year’s final but the French champions lost 1-0 to Bayern.

Kingsley Coman scored the winner as the German side won the competition for a sixth time, with Tuchel leaving PSG earlier this season and taking over from Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge in January.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Friday, March 19, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S: (1) Shai Hope-110 (First ODI) (2) Danushka Gunathilaka-96 (Second ODI) (1)

(2)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What were the best bowling figures by a WI in a single game in the recent ODI series against SL? What were the best bowling figures by a SL in a single match in the recent ODI series against the WI?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

BCA firmly backs Hope,, Sanasie partnership for CWI presidency (CMC) – Barbados Cricket Association president Conde Riley has praised Cricket West Indies (CWI) vice-presidential hopeful, Calvin Hope, as a “consummate professional” with a broad vision for the development of the game.

Speaking at a media conference here to formally give the BCA’s backing to Hope and presidential candidate, Guyanese Anand Sanasie, Riley said Hope’s trustworthy leadership and “unwavering commitment” made him ideal to serve at the highest level.

“In Calvin you will find the consummate professional, a passionate sportsman and a fierce advocate for ethical, innovative and sustainable approaches to the development of Cricket,” Riley said, Thursday.

“It has never been a difficult ask for anyone to put their trust in his leadership.

The fact is that good people have been doing so for years and he has always been up to the tasks.”

He continued: “I have witnessed his unwavering commitment to the development of the game over the 23 years he has

spent in various administrative capacities at the BCA, consistently advocating for, creating and shepherding in the kinds of policies and practices that elevate the sport and enhance the ability of our athletes to confidently step onto the national, regional and international stages.”

Riley, a CWI director, said Hope brought a “nuanced perspective” to leadership which was critical.

“In Calvin you will find genuine passion and love for the game, a keen eye for talent, potential and opportunities, a deep understanding of the significant role cricket plays

CWI vice-presidential hopeful - Calvin Hope

Hope will go up against Dr Kishore Shallow at the March 28 elections as incumbent president Rickey Skerritt bids for re-election for a second term.

A lawyer and tourism marketing specialist, Hope currently serves as a BCA vice-president and is also a member of CWI’s human resource committee.

in the socio-economic development of Barbados and the Caribbean, and a shrewd manager who values fair, well-reasoned, substantiated debate as part of the decision making process,” Riley contended.

“These are the qualities that are required from those at the leadership

table. It is why we are proud to formally nominate him for a seat at that table – as vice-president of the Cricket West Indies Board.”

In acknowledging BCA’s backing, Hope said he and Sanasie were excited by the possibilities which lay ahead for West Indies cricket.

“We see the world differently from many others around us. Where others only see weaknesses, we acknowledge them, but are far more focussed on the strengths and obvious talent that abound,” Hope stressed.

“Where people see threats and challenges, we see opportunities and growth potential. Given the way we look at and value the human, intellectual and profile of West Indies Cricket, we envision a future for the game that requires a nuanced skill set, a steelier will and a pioneering spirit.

“When Anand and I consider a future born from such a vision, we become excited about the prospects for West Indies cricket.”

Sanasie’s ‘dream’ and ‘hope’ that I be disqualified – Skerritt

GCB secretary Anand Sanasie (left) is challenging Ricky Skerritt for the presidency of the CWI

(SPORTSMAX) - Cricket West Indies (CWI) incumbent Ricky Skerritt has dismissed threats from presidential candidate Anand Sanasie as part of a ‘hopeful’ strategy designed to disqualify him from seeking re-election.

Earlier this week, Sanasie admitted to beginning procedures to bring Skerritt before the CWI Ethics Committee.

If the complaint is ignored at the regional level, the Guyana Cricket Board Secretary has not ruled out instructing his attorneys to bring the matter before the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Sanasie has accused Skerritt of improper conduct after alleging that a meeting between the latter, other board members of CWI, and Guyana Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr was not

only illegitimately convened but that the decisions stemming from it, namely a quickly convened Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) election, were specifically designed to keep him off the ballot. Ramson Jr has flatly rejected the assertions.

In response, Skerritt painted Sanasie’s actions as more of a desperate ploy than anything else.

“He is creating an illusion that somehow I will be disqualified from the election,” Skerritt told Sports Grill.

“It is his dream and his hope that I will be disqualified from the election because it is the only chance they would ever have of winning,” he added.

The CWI presidential elections are set to take place this Sunday.

March 29 is new date for GCB Election

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) has designated March 29 as the new date for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) election.

In a social media post yesterday, Minister Charles Ramson Jr, through his ministry’s facebook account issued a release to this effect.

“Having just concluded the required consultation with Cricket West Indies (CWI) (formerly West Indies Cricket Board), the public is hereby advised that the date for the Guyana Cricket Board election is hereby appointed to be the 29th March, 2021 pursuant to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act.

It continued, The public will note that the GCB election, previously appointed to be the 26th February, 2021, did not occur because

of concerns raised with the duly appointed Cricket Ombudsman by one of the three stakeholders for the election.

A meeting was convened

The last election date for the GCB did not pan out after concerns raised with the duly appointed Cricket Ombudsman, Kamal Ramkarran, Attorney-at-Law

and held with the Cricket Ombudsman, the Attorneys-at-Law for the stakeholders and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The Ministry maintains its confidence in the Cricket Ombudsman, Mr Kamal Ramkarran, Attorney-at-Law, as a professional and as someone with the highest integrity, capable of executing his function thereunder.

The Guyana Cricket Board election must be held as required by the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport holds firm to this position.”

English Racing Tips Kempton 09:30 hrs Straw Fan Jack 10:05 hrs Doukarov 10:40 hrs Nightboattoclyro 11:15 hrs Jeremy Past 12:25 hrs Ebony Gale 13:05 hrs Walking On Air

Irish Racing Tips Thurles 10:15 hrs Betty Zane 10:50 hrs Unexpected Death 11:25 hrs Trickey Trix 12:00 hrs Felix Desty 12:35 hrs Espion Du Chenet 13:10 hrs Myth Buster 13:40 hrs Hunters Yarn

Uttoxeter 09:50 hrs Theme Tune 10:25 hrs Shanty Alley 11:00 hrs Rockadenn 11:35 hrs Time To Get Up 12:10 hrs The Egdar Wallace 12:45 hrs Gaia Vallis 13:15 hrs Duhallow Lad 13:50 hrs No Wprd Of a Lie

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Purple Hearted Race 2 Hammerin Aamer Race 3 Save Race 4 Breakfastatbonnies Race 5 Warfront Fighter Race 6 Moonachie Race 7 Sneakiness Race 8 Bustin Timberlake Race 9 Winds Of Capri

Wolverhampton 13:00 hrs Tundra 13:30 hrs Cosmos Raj 14:00 hrs Futuristic 14:30 hrs Precision Storm 15:30 hrs Quickstep Lady 16:00 hrs Weloof 16:30 hrs Elixsoft

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:10 hrs Royal Wulff 08:45 hrs Grimaldi 09:23 hrs Seehaam 09:58 hrs Mill Queen 10:33 hrs Zouaves 11:08 hrs Tioerra Del Fuego

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

CWI taking territorial bids for ICC U-19 men’s CWC

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) is undertaking a thorough regional bid process for Caribbean countries wanting to host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup (CWC), which will be held in the West Indies at the start of next year as the countdown to the event begins.

The tournament will feature 16 teams competing over a onemonth period starting in early 2022. This is the first time the West Indies will host the event and it is likely to be staged across three host countries and will include the game’s future stars competing in 64 matches in the 50-over format.

The teams will battle for one of the eight spots in the Super League stage before having the chance to win the ICC U-19 Men’s CWC Trophy.

The remaining eight teams will fight for the ICC U-19 Men’s CWC Plate.

West Indies have won the tournament once before, in February, 2016 when they beat India in the final in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Ricky Skerritt, CWI president said, “Our Caribbean region now has another opportunity to host an ICC Global Tournament, with the ICC U-19 Men’s CWC in 2022.

This particular Under-19 cricket event has been growing in popularity because it puts on show the top teams and the future star players of world cricket. The expectations for a

high standard of performance by our own Under-19 Rising Stars have been elevated, and we have to do all we can to help them get well prepared.”

He added: “Most importantly, such a major undertaking reminds us that the people of the West Indies care greatly about cricket and are happy to welcome visiting cricketers, their families, and fans alike to our shores.

and are more than capable of delivering a world-class event, despite having less than a year to deliver it.”

Countries have been required to demonstrate their ability to stage the matches by providing adequate match and training facilities, to undergo a venue inspection, to provide immigration, customs, medical and security support, as well as other operational and logistical

The tournament will feature 16 teams competing over a one-month period starting in early 2022

Fortunately, three such major ICC world events have been successfully hosted by the Caribbean before, including the Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2007, Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups in 2010; and the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018.

In spite of the challenges that will be faced, our past successes give us the confidence that our people are highly professional and competent

requirements including accommodation for the members of the teams, match officials and broadcast crew.

Once all bids have been reviewed, the successful host countries will be announced, and this will be expected within the next month. Those selected will have the opportunity to promote their country to over 75 million people, who will be watching from all over the world.

This tournament will also

Tough to compare current crop with my generation, says Sir Viv (SPORTSMAX) - Legendary West Indies batsman Viv Richards was hesitant to compare the talent of players currently available to the West Indies team with those in his heyday, as he believes eras are simply too different.

Richards represented the West Indies for close to two decades, following his debut in 1974. For the majority of his career, the Windies were known as the world’s best cricket team, securing two World Cups during that time.

The Master Blaster, as he is otherwise known, played alongside some of the game’s greatest players, the likes of Clive Lloyd, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge, and bowlers Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, and Michael Holding, to name a few, listed among his teammates. Recently, the team has fallen far from that type of dominance.

For some, the quality comparison between the talent that was available then, regionally, and the current crop is an open and shut case with overwhelming advantage for the former.

For Richards, however, it isn’t

that simple.

“It’s always tough for you to make comparisons of what took place yesterday to what’s happening today because I think the game would have moved on big time as well,” Richards told the Antigua Observer.

less of the challenges.

“The best way I would look at that is the period of time we were asked to work because remember we are not all the same age at this particular time. So, considering the times in which we all played and what was put in front of us

Legendary West Indies batsman, Sir Viv Richards

“There are a lot of things you would have had yesterday that (are) missing today and a lot of things you have today were missing yesterday, so, it’s a tough task for any individual to make comparisons,” he added.

One thing he insists that players can do from any era is to get the job done, regard-

at that particular time, we got the job done and you may ask that of the individuals today to do the very same.

“I don’t think I can give a definite answer to which period was better, and whoever was making whatever comparison; but all these individuals, at the time they came, they did good,” he said.

inject an estimated US$10M into the economy of each host nation.

Johnny Grave, CWI CEO said: “Cricket West Indies is once again extremely proud to host an ICC Global event.

The West Indies has provided a platform for teams across the world to showcase their talent, skills and hard work in our world-class facilities, driven by professional and hospitable people while being immersed in our Caribbean culture.

The success of the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018 that we hosted was testament to this, where CWI provided the stage for the cricketers to set new standards on the field and attract record-breaking crowds and television viewership.”

He added: “Our recent hosting successes have set the bar high for all future ICC tournaments in the region, and I am confident that CWI will continue to live up to those high standards when we host the ICC U-19 Men’s CWC in 2022.

“We will use this tournament to inspire our young men and women to work hard to attain their goals in sports and academia and to one day represent their region on the global stage.

“We will leverage this tournament to improve the cricket facilities available at the age-group level and to continue to strengthen and build our relationships with governments, local cricket associations and businesses.”

Queenstown U-19 favourites for today’s final after unbeaten run QUEENSTOWN U-19 are outright favourites for the final of the Devon Ramnauth Region Two Youth Development Cricket League, which is scheduled to be played this afternoon at Affiance Sports Club ground.

Reliance Hustlers Youths, who gained a critical walkover victory over Rising Stars Spartan’s yesterday morning, will challenge them for the top prize in the T20 final.

The dominant Queenstown did not waver in their preliminary rounds and went 4-0.

In their latest victory yesterday, they got past Golden Fleece Vikings.

Queenstown won the toss and elected to bat. Let

by Leon Swammy and Azim Mohammed they reached 161-3 from their allotted overs.

Swammy scored 51 in 35 balls, while Mohamed, who has excelled so far in the competition, added 38 not out.

Imtiyaaz Ally, finished with two wickets for the Vikings, who were then routed for a paltry 35 in 13.3 overs. A score of 11 by O.

Chan was the only double digit figure recorded by the Vikings.

Wazim Mohamed and Seon Glasgow finished with three wickets each, while Jason Holder added a pair for the winners.

Along with today’s final, the third place battle between United Warriors and the Vikings is also scheduled for the Affiance ground.

Meanwhile, in a female T10 exhibition clash, DEE’s Angels will meet Capoey All Stars.

According to organiser Ramnauth, several of the top prizes will be dedicated to big names.

The winning trophy is dedicated to Courtney Gonsalves, while the runner-up side will collect the Alfred Maycock trophy.

Third place will receive the Morris Brandon trophy, while the tournament’s MVP would win the Forbes Daniels trophy.

The female winners will receive the Hakim Khan trophy.

Along with trophies, outstanding performers (both male and female) will also receive cricket gear.

Georgetown cricket re-starts today with three competitions

AFTER a lengthy break, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the weathe r, t h e G e o r g e t o w n Cricket Association will return to the field this morning with three competitions in two divisions.

Teams will battle in GISE, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall First-Division Two-Day Cricket, Noble House Seafoods Second-Division Two-Day and NBS Second-Division 40-over competitions.

Police, who are currently tied for second in Zone B of the First-Division battle, will look for an outright win when they tackle the lower-ranked GNIC. With home ground advantage and a superior team, a victory is probable.

GNIC are, however, no pushovers and have held their own against formidable sides in the past. That clash is scheduled to start at 09:30hrs.

Everest will also play hosts when they battle the University of Guyana (UG) in a second-division two-

day fixture.

Both teams are also in Zone B. UG are currently in third, while Everest are in the sixth position. Like Everest, UG also have a solid all-round team, so the match can go either way.

The Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) will also host Malteenoes Sports Club in another quality clash, while Bel Air RU-

Damian Waldron would be key for GDF in their two 40-over clashes over the weekend

BiS II will meet Third Class at Queen’s College ground.

According to Chairman of GCA Competitions Committee, Shaun Massiah, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will play two NBS 40-over matches over the weekend.

Today they will challenge home team and top of Zone A, Georgetown Cricket Club while tomorrow they will meet the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) at Queen’s College ground.

GYO are currently fourth in Zone B, while GDF are seventh, but they have only played two games - the least to date in the competition.

According to Massiah, strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place.

“Please ensure all players wear their masks, walk with their sanitisers, own water and water bottles, rags, food, etc. Keep the distance when in the pavilion, no grouping up, etc.”

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 20, 2021

Double birthday golf classic goes down today at Lusignan TWO long-standing members of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will have birthday celebrations to remember when the inaugural Robert Hanoman and Pandit Ravindranauth Persaud Birthday Classic tees off today at 12:00hrs.

Hanoman, a Life-member and Pandit ‘Ravi’ have opted for the unique celebration among their golf buddies. A large turnout is anticipated for a full round of golf comprising

members and newcomers, with a number of prizes at stake.

The tournament will utilise the Stableford points system and will award the winner, second-place, thirdplace and fourth-place finishers, best gross, closest to the pin, longest drive and best new comer.

In a unique twist, the birthday classic will have a strategic refreshment break at the ninth hole. This is expected to give members the drive needed for

a brisk finish.

A lavish trophy presentation is expected to bring the curtain down on the celebrations at Guyana’s only golf course.

The LGC is reminding members of the public who are desirous of watching golf that the course is open with all COVID-19 regulations in place.

The tournament is expected to be an annual fixture on the LGC’s official calendar of events.

Lusignan Golf Club members at the launch of the Birthday Classic, from left - Paton George, Hardeo Ganpat, Pandit Ravindranauth Persaud, Robert Hanoman and Maurice Solomon

Speakers T20 Club Championship to bowl off on April 3 THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Everest Cricket Club (ECC) launched the inaugural Speakers T20 Club Championship on Friday, March 19 2021.

Friday’s launch in the GCB boardroom featured the 20 participating clubs, along with the main sponsors, in a collaborative move involving GCB, Everest Cricket Club and the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsors GTT, Orson Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer gave insight into the importance of his entity’s contribution to the development of youths, more so, of those in sports, making this a worthy contribution.

Troy Peters, Communications Manager of Banks DIH, further stated his company, a long-time sponsor of sports locally, held a special place for cricket. He said the T20 format being one of the more exciting formats of them all, warranted much support.

Speaking on behalf of Digital Media management company, Technify, Latoya Garraway shared with the audience, briefly, the scope of their responsibility for the tournament. Managing the online presence of the tournament meant live scores and streaming of competitions.

Sponsorship and teams’ information and much more are available at Cricket.gy.

Naim Khan of Eniath Printers and Tony Subraj of George Subraj Foundation NY, both attending virtually, and Tropical Delight’s Brand manager, Safie Mohamed shared the sentiments of other sponsors in being equally elated to be a part of this venture, giving them an opportunity to contribute to the development and promotion of cricket in Guyana.

MD Assuria, Trophy Stall,

Caribbean Education Publisher, among others, have also contributed to the the tournament. Meanwhile, GCB secretary Anand Sanasie noted that the competition had garnered initial support back in November of 2020.

Sanasie thanked the teams for taking the necessary steps to ensure their participation in the tournament and posited that he was looking forward to an exciting, but safe championship, assuring that the COVID-19 guidelines will be upheld, as with past games held by the Guyana Cricket Board.

From the Georgetown district - University of Guyana Trojans Cricket Team, Everest Cricket Club, Police Sports Club, Malteenoes Sports Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation Sports Club (Regal), Demerara Cricket Club and Georgetown Cricket Clubs. West Demerara, Rising Stars Cricket Club, Canal No. 2 Sports Club, New Wales Superstars, McGill SuperStars Sports Club, Belle Vue Sports Club, Cornelia Ida Cricket Club. Essequibo is represented by Bacchus Sports.

Albion Community Cen-

Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, during his remarks, praised the sponsors along with participating clubs.

Mr Nadir said he was overly confident that the tournament would exceed the expected competitive nature and be promoted in the biggest of ways, given the quality of media personnel and the involvement of Techlify.

Among the participating 20 clubs: From Berbice, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (Albion), Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS (RHTYSC MS), Tucber Park Cricket Club and West Berbice; from East Coast Demerara, Lusignan Cricket Club and Bel-Air RUBiS-EC.

tre Cricket Club (Albion) and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS (RHTYSC MS) will field players with national experience at both the senior and junior levels.

Albion will feature Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Jonathan Foo, Shimron Hetmyer among other talented players.

RHTYSC MS will field players such as Clinton Pestano, Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Sinclair who recently made his debut for West Indies.

In Demerara, there are some teams with fewer top performers who may rely more on game strategy and tactics to win the tournament.

These include but are not limited to Lusignan, Belle

Vue, Rising Stars, New Wales Super Stars and the like. Cornelia Ida Sports Club (CI). CI will be led by national player Akshaya Peersaud and will include Ritche Looknauth, while McGill Super Stars Sports Club will be skippered

by Travis Persaud and will include players such as Ronaldo Renee, Kheshram Seyhodan and Andre Seepersaud.

Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) will be led by Devon Lord and will include Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus, Ronaldo Ali Mohamed. The Evererst Cricket Club will field names like Chandrapaul Hemraj, Rajendra Chandrika, Bhaskar Yadram, Tagenarine Chanderpaul Amir Khan and youth player Matthew Nandu.

The Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) will have Steven Jacobs, Shemroy Barrington, Shaquille Williams, and Kellon Carmichael turning out for them Players such as Christopher Barnwell, Trevon Griffith, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Persaud, raymon Perez Steven Sankar Sachin Singh, Qumar Torrington and Raj Nannan will appear for the Demerara Cricket Club The championship presents teams with the opportunity to vie for both of the G$1M worth prizes. That is, in attaining the championship title and awards as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

However, apart from those two main prize attractions, teams have the opportunity to win other consolation prizes, inclusive of a valuable G$500 000 2nd place prize, G$200,000 3rd place prize and G$100 000 for 4th place, among others. The tournament commences on April 3 2021 and will conclude by May 5 2021.

All COVID-19 protocols will be in full effect.

ICC World Test Championships 2019-2021 …

Windies’ campaign closes against Sri Lanka

WEST Indies and Sri Lanka are scheduled to contest the remaining two prelim matches of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Test Championship before the One-off final between tournament leaders, India and New Zealand, which commences on June 18.

Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies concludes with a 2-match Test Series that begins on March 21 that can produce a maximum of 120 points for one of the two sides. According to the points system for the tournament, a 2-match series features 60 points for a win while a 3-match series has 40 points for a win and a 5-match series carries 24 points for a win.

The host nation for the final Test series; West Indies, are sixth on the points table with 160 points while their guests, Sri Lanka, have 80 points on the board.

As per the current regulations WTC league standings would be determined by the percentage of points (PCT) earned by teams. PCT is the percentage of points won out of the total number of points contested by each team.

Should West Indies be successful in both matches, they can complete the tournament with 280 points, and have just enough percentage of points (PCT) to overtake Pakistan who are fifth with 286 points.

However, should the odds favour the Sri Lankans in both

matches, they can overtake both the West Indies and South Africa (144) in points and PCT to claim sixth place.

If the series is drawn, neither side will be able to better their placement.

West Indies have won three of their nine Tests in series that featured Bangladesh, England, India and New Zealand. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has only one Test win, a draw and six losses in their eight matches of the Championships.

Meanwhile, India topped the points table with a massive 520 points which they accumulated from 12 wins, 4 losses and a draw. They face second-place holders; New Zealand, who reached 420 points from seven wins and four losses.

Third are Australia on 332 points and England are fourth with 442 points. In November, the ICC had announced that the points system for the World Test Championship would be remodelled due to the disruption caused to the regular calendar by COVID-19, with teams being ranked by percentage of points earned (PCT) instead of highest number off points earned.

The PCT table as of M a rc h 6 re a d s , I n d i a (72.2%), New Zealand (70.0%), Australia (69.2%), England (61.4%), Pakistan (43.3%), West Indies (33.3%), South Africa (30.0%), Sri Lanka (16.7%), Bangladesh (0.0%).

March 29 is new date for GCB Election SEE PAGE 29

Ombudsman, Kamal Ramkarran, Attorney-at-Law

SEE PAGE 31

ICC World Test Championships 2019-2021 …

ICC World Test Championships 2019-2021 …

Windies’ campaign closes against Sri Lanka Alzarri Joseph celebrates with his team-mates, New Zealand v West Indies, 2nd Test, second day, December 12, 2020

Speakers T20 Club Championship to bowl off on April 3 SEE PAGE 31

Sponsors, players and GCB officials pose for the launch of the Speaker’s Cup Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

|

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2021