Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-10-2021

WEDNESDAY 20th October, 2021

' No.106520

‘Come and invest in Guyana’ –– President Ali extends open invitation to investors at Dubai forum

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President, Dr Irfaan Ali (fifth left); Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson (second left); Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh (third right) and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond (right) with officials of the United Arab Emirates at Guyana National Day, Dubai on Tuesday (Office of the President photo)

Bedridden sugar worker gets second chance to walk again 04 PAGE

–– following removal of large spinal cord tumour

Neurosurgeon, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi (second from right) and other members of the team who assisted in the removal of the tumour from Kishan Sarju (inset)

Agreement signed for $1.1B concrete manufacturing facility in Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Agreement signed for $1.1B concrete manufacturing facility in Guyana

A US$5M investment to develop a 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility intended to produce biaxial voided slab technology in Guyana is the first manufacturing international joint venture partnership and investment between Guyana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The partnership was facilitated by Guyanese merchant bank, Smart City Clearing Company Limited, between Guyanese-based engineering, procurement, and construction firm, Global Infrastructure Solutions Guyana Inc, and Undiome Global DWC LLC, an Emirati-owned company.

A voided biaxial slab is

a type of reinforced concrete slab which incorporates air-filled voids to reduce the volume of concrete required. These voids enable cheaper construction and less environmental impact.

The investment will allow for the creation of Unidome’s state-of-the-art biaxial voided slab technology here in Guyana, to be used to help build and develop key infrastructure needed for the development of Guyana’s burgeoning oiland-gas industry.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unidome Global DWC LLC, Kahlid Al-Qaqa, and the CEO of Global Infra-

structure Guyana Inc, Troy Phillips, at Unidome Global’s MENA headquarters on Tuesday.

It was facilitated by Steven Jasmin and Major Gavin Singh, Managing Directors of the Guyana-focused Merchant Bank, Smart City Clearing Company Limited, and attended by representatives from both the Government of Guyana as well as The Emirati Government.

The Unidome technology helps to limit one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in the construction industry, by decreasing the total amount of concrete needed in projects for which it is incorporated.

It does this by creat-

Smart City Clearing Company Limited Managing Director, Gavin Smith, and Global Infrastructure Solutions CEO Troy Phillips participating in the Unidome signing ceremony in Dubai on Tuesday ing slabs that are lighter, and allow for greater distance between a building’s structural columns.

REDUCES COSTS AND CARBON EMISSIONS According to the company, one container of Unidome eliminates 30 truckloads of concrete, which helps to reduce construction costs by almost 30 per cent, and greatly reducing the amount of carbon emissions that each new project generates.

The technology is envisaged to become a critical building block for Guyana, as the country pursues an aggressive plan of building facilities to support its oil-and-gas sector, such as a deep-water harbour, as well as numerous shore bases and industrial zones throughout the world’s fastest growing oil-producing nations.

According to a press release distributed via Press Wire for the Guyanese Smart City Clearing Company Limited, Guyana Office for Foreign Investment CEO, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop stated, “With many shore bases coming on line, and over 2,000 ho-

tel rooms in development, technologies like Unidome, and partnerships with local Guyanese companies like Global Infrastructure Solutions Guyana Inc. are critical to Guyana’s longterm success.”

HISTORIC EVENT Global Infrastructure Solutions CEO Troy Phillips added, “Global Infrastructure Solutions is honoured to take part in this historic event, as we work together to bring best practices and unique technologies to Guyana.”

Steven Jasmin, Managing Director of Smart City Clearing Company Limited said, “Unidome’s cost effective and environmentally-friendly technology both will help reduce the cost of infrastructure development, while simultaneously helping to foster Guyana’s net zero emission goals.”

This is against the backdrop of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to the environment, and supporting investments centred around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In keeping with the company’s environmental-

ly-friendly mandate to help lesson Unidome’s carbon footprint, the choice was made to establish operations in Guyana to service not only Guyana but the Caribbean region.

“Unidome is quickly growing its global footprint, and as it finalises the development of its fourth plant in Egypt, we saw the opportunity to establish a facility in the world’s fastest growing economy, Guyana, South America.” Unidome Global DWC’s CEO Khalid Al-Qaqa said at the signing ceremony.

The Government of Guyana and the United Arab Emirates seek to work together and evaluate numerous mutually beneficial investment opportunities that will enable the countries to share knowledge, experience, and resources and best practices.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his address at EXPO 2020 Dubai, marketed Guyana as an investors’ paradise, and extended an invitation to investors to be part of the country’s explosive economic and social developmental transformation.

(EIN PressWire)

‘Come and invest in Guyana’ GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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–– President Ali extends open invitation to investors at Dubai forum

By Richard Bhainie

AS Guyana is being prepared for its fastest and most explosive economic and social transformation, cognisant that investment is crucial for converting the nation’s rich abundant resources into prosperity for its people, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has extended an open invitation to investors to participate in the country’s developmental trajectory.

The Head of State spared no effort at marketing Guyana for its diverse economy and vast investment opportunities, by offering a glimpse of some of the country’s main features during his address at EXPO 2020 Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, Guyana National Day. “Guyana is set to become a leading oil-andgas producer, an energy powerhouse, a bastion of food security, a prime destination for sustainable tourism, and a regional information communications technology hub,” President Ali told the Guyana National Day gathering.

However, he highlighted that in order to convert the country’s abundant resources into wealth, and further to translate that wealth into human prosperity, investment is needed, and the government is keen on attracting investments across all sectors to drive the country’s transformative agenda.

“I invite you all to come and do business in my country. We welcome you; we have an open economy, and with investor-friendly policies in place, including attractive incentive regimes, laws which protect the right to property, and

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (centre); United Arab Emirates Minister, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan (right); and First Lady Arya Ali (left) at the Guyana National Day event at EXPO 2020 Dubai (Office of the President photo) which also allows freedom to repatriate profits,” President Ali said.

WIN-WIN The President emphasised that Guyana is a win-win destination for investors, as the country is on an irreversible growth trajectory, with a rapidly expanding economy, and a wealth of sectors with the capacity and potential for expansion, and new resources to support it all.

“If we speak about world food production, environmental services, world-class eco-tourism, freshwater potential, mining opportunities, research and development, human transformation, health and educational services, I assure you Guyana will be an important part of that conversation,” President Ali stressed.

Speaking to his South

American nation’s strategic location, President Ali highlighted that the Takutu River Bridge, which links Guyana to its southern neighbour, Brazil, provides a gateway to the large markets of the continent, and the new bridge to link Guyana to its eastern neighbour, Suriname, will further increase the country’s trade and human contact.

In addition to reminding his audience that Guyana struck oil in 2015, which enabled it to become the world’s fastest-growing economy in 2020, with a 43.5 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth that year, the President also boasted of the country’s commitment to the preservation and protection of the environment.

He disclosed that with more than 80 per cent of Guyana covered with for-

est, and the country being a net carbon-sink, the country’s developmental trajectory will be aligned along a low-carbon pathway, as it also aims to become active in carbontrading markets.

“We will continue to pursue oil production offshore, but onshore, we will definitely intensify the de-carbonisation of the economy. We will do so principally on an expanded Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which will emphasise low levels of deforestation, biodiversity protection, freshwater management, the sustainable development of the marine economy and conservation,” President Ali said.

He described Guyana, a major food producer, as blessed with vast tracts of arable land, abundant sources of freshwater supplies, and a highly-skilled

and experienced agricultural workforce, with agriculture being a pillar of the country’s economy, in addition to the forestry and fisheries sectors.

He took pride in disclosing that diversity is one of the country’s greatest assets, as various peoples coexist in harmony in a multicultural society; one which he intends to make a model of unity and diversity through his ‘One Guyana’ initiative.

BLESSED ABUNDANTLY “Nature has blessed us abundantly with serene beaches, sprawling savannahs, pristine rainforests, diverse flora and fauna, spectacular waterfalls, and a vast network of rivers and other waterways,” he said, offering a glimpse of what Guyana, the

most exciting destination for tourists which was ranked as best in sustainable tourism in 2019, has to offer.

With Guyana depending, considerably, on international trade, and sharing strong ties with foreign counterparts, President Ali assured investors of agreements which facilitate trade between Guyana and all corners of the globe, such as the Caribbean Basin Recovery Act; the Caribbean-Canadian Trade Agreement; the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement; and the Guyana-Brazil Partial-Scope Agreement.

The Head of State highlighted that his government’s vision foresees a prosperous Guyana, where citizens can enjoy high standards of living, including a 21st Century education, and worldclass health services in a healthy, safe, and secure environment, and can pave the way for the next generation.

President Ali expressed delight at being able to participate in EXPO 2020 Dubai, as it provides Guyana with the opportunity to showcase its products and services, and to underline its investment opportunities in infrastructure, housing, energy, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), agriculture, manufacturing, and oil and gas among other sectors.

“Guyana needs to convert its abundant resources. We need you; we welcome you, and we urge you to remember the name Guyana, and to keep the name Guyana in your plans for growth and development, both in country and by businesses and sectors,” President Ali said.

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MacKenzie High loses headmaster to COVID-19 HEADMASTER of the MacKenzie High School, Haslyn Small, on Monday, succumbed to the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) while a patient of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, Georgetown.

The news of his passing sent shockwaves throughout the mining town of Linden, since Small, according to residents, was a role model and a loving parent.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Small, who recently tested positive for the virus, was partially vaccinated.

The 50-year-old will be remembered as a very friendly and approachable teacher, who was always

Bedridden sugar worker gets second chance to walk again –– following removal of large tumour on spinal cord

By Nafeeza Yahya

Haslyn Small helpful to persons from all walks of life.

As of Tuesday, October 19, 2021, a total of 34,608 confirmed cases have been recorded in Guyana.

Of this number, 2,011 are from Region 10.

Wednesday, 20 October 03:30hrs - 05:00hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

A COLLABORATIVE effort between NeuroSpine Services Inc., and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has resulted in the removal of one of the largest intra-medullary spinal cord tumours ever attempted here in Guyana.

Kishan Sarju, a 39-yearold father of three, now has a fighting chance at being able to walk again, and to spend quality time with his family.

This life-changing surgery will pave the way for the Belvedere, East Berbice resident to improve his neurological functions.

Sarju was once an industrious sugar worker attached to the Albion Estate. His life changed after he fell while loading a punt on December 14, 2020. He thought it was just “another fall”, but it would later change the course of his life, as he was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumour, and was initially told it was inoperable by a panel of National Insurance Scheme (NIS) physicians.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Sarju explained that while loading punts, he would often fall, but despite the pain and discomfort, he never paid much attention to them, since he had to provide for his wife and children who are aged six, eight and 10.

“While working, I would fall and get knock, but I didn’t take it for anything. I am a poor man, and have bills, so I just continue to work. I used to get lower back pain, and after it continued, I went for a MRI. I was told I have some damages to my nerves, and they gave me some pills and I went back to work again.

And while working, I find that my left foot start drag,” he recalled.

He said that after this persisted, he stopped working the night shift.

“I start do day work in the gang’ that was lighter work, ‘cause I got my family to mind. But my foot got worse, and I fall down from the labour punt on December 14. I couldn’t help myself; the

workers help me out the water, put me in a truck, and carry me to the dispensary and then to the Port Mourant Hospital,” he added.

Sarju explained to this publication that he initially received assistance from NIS, and was seeing one of the Scheme’s doctors once per month. However, his condition worsened to the point where he was in unbearable pain, was experiencing weakness, and was rapidly losing function in his lower and upper limbs.

Eventually he became bedridden.

After several more tests were done, he was told by the NIS-appointed physician that he had a tumour attached to his spinal cord, and that there was nothing that could be done to improve his condition.

He endured sleepless nights, as he thought about his children growing up without a father, or his being unable to provide for them.

LAST RESORT Sarju recalled that he was advised, and eventu-

Kishan Sarju at the GPHC

ally encouraged to see Neurosurgeon Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi. Not wanting to give up, he travelled to a private hospital in Georgetown, where he met Dr. Dukhi.

“A family told me about Dr. Dukhi, and insisted I see him. I went and took my reports with the MRI of my spine and brain,” he said, adding: “Dr. Dukhi

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Bedridden sugar worker gets second chance...

From page 4

said I have a mass on my cervical spinal cord; in the neck back. When I get the news, a chill passed through my body, as I wonder what would be the next step.

But he ask for some time to study the scans, and when I went back, he said the only thing was a slim chance for surgery; no other option, ‘cause if left as it is, I would die. He explained the difficulty and risks with the surgery, but it was my only chance of surviving. So, I didn’t think twice at this God-given opportunity. The same day, NIS medical board called me, and I went to see them. They told me I have a drop limb. They said they will send a report.”

He recalled that when he returned home, he was despondent, not only because of the diagnosis, but because NIS was no longer paying him.

According to him, the payments stopped after six months, even though he was bedridden, and in no condition to return to work. How he was going to pay for this life-saving surgery was also weighing heavily on his mind.

Sarju said that even with the help of family and friends combined, he wouldn’t have enough to offset the expenses. Relatives began seeking ways to source the money, but were unsuccessful.

He told this publication that many thoughts crossed his mind, and when he had given up all hope, he got a phone call from Dr. Dukhi’s office.

“A day I lie down in bed feeling frustrated, but I prayed when I got a call from Dr. Dukhi’s office saying that he looked through all the reports, and that he will do the surgery for free. The only thing

I could have done was cry; my tears just started to fall.

I couldn’t control my emotions, because I didn’t expect that. Even now as I lay here, I cannot believe I can move my hands and feet again,” Sarju told the Guyana Chronicle from his bed at home.

COMPLEX SURGERY Meanwhile, this publication also spoke with Dr. Dukhi who recalled his first encounter with Sarju.

The doctor said he’d initially thought that the tumour was inoperable.

“He came into my office at Woodlands Hospital on a wheelchair. Upon first examination, he was extremely flaccid; no movements in upper or lower limbs. At first glance, I thought it was inoperable myself. Radiologically, his MRI showed an extensive spinal cord tumour; basically, his entire neck from where his brain joins with his spinal cord was all tumour. So, his entire cervical spinal cord was tumour tissues. I could not have seen the nerves of the spinal cord; all you could have seen was tumour. It had invaded the entire cervical spinal cord, hence the reason he became immobile. This also led to other complications in the spinal cord. Cystic dilations called syringomyelia were seen superiorly in the lower brain stem, and the entire lower spinal cord, thoracic and lumbar spine. These complications further contributed to his loss of neurological functions from this neck down,” Dr. Dukhi explained.

However, after carefully reviewing the scans, and subsequently reconstructing it into a 3D format, Dr. Dukhi noticed that even though all he

was seeing was tumour, the patient still had some viable nerve fibers in the cervical cord. These types of mass lesions are consistent with intra-medullary spinal cord ependymoma or astrocytomas.

Realising there was an option to operate, though costly, Dr. Dukhi related that after listening to Sarju’s heartbreaking story, he knew there was no way he could have afforded the surgery privately. It was then that he took a decision to approach NeuroSpine Services Inc., which had all the equipment needed for such a surgical procedure, and could provide them free of cost.

Given the complex nature of the surgery, hi-tech equipment is needed to monitor the spinal cord’s functions during the operation.

Dr. Dukhi had made up mind, after reviewing the case, that he would also offer his surgical expertise, free of cost, to Sarju. He penned a letter to the GPHC, seeking permission to use its facilities, including

the operating threatre and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), for post-operative care.

Consent was subsequently given, and NeuroSpine Services Inc., provided the equipment for the surgical procedure. October 8 was the date set for the surgery.

ENCOURAGING RESULTS After more than eight hours, the tumour was successfully removed. Sarju was discharged from GPHC on October 14.

This surgery, according to Dr. Dukhi, was one of, if not the most difficult spinal surgery he has ever done, and he is extremely pleased with the results thus far. The post-surgery results are very pleasing, and hence the doctor is very optimistic that Sarju, with extensive therapy, can return to a normal life.

“It was an extremely successful case. I thought it was another opportunity to save someone; to give a family joy and comfort; an opportunity

to put someone back on their feet,” Dr. Dukhi said. “So I knew I had to find a way to make it happen. Our aim now is to rehabilitate him in such a way that he walks again. His chances with rehabilitation and strengthening are very good,” he added.

He posited that this is another accomplishment for neurosurgery in Guyana, and could not have been possible without the combined efforts of NeuroSpine Services Inc., and their staff, and the GPHC, especially the anesthesiologists, Dr. Arturo and Dr. Fernando.

Dr. Dukhi explained that the location of the tumour in the neck involved the nerve that innervates the muscles that control heartbeat and breathing, basically regulating the cardiovascular and respiratory system. At any time this could have stopped, and it would have been a different result, had there been any damage to those nerves during the procedure.

“So, to see him moving

his limbs and breathing as per normal; to be able to discharge him in such quality clinical condition gives us hope. And we expect to see him walk again,” the neurosurgeon said.

Further, the doctor highlighted that in any part of the world, this is an extremely difficult spinal surgery, and there are many neurosurgeons who would think twice about attempting to perform it.

“We are happy that we were able to successfully remove the entire tumour here in Guyana, in a private/public partnership, and more so, we are even happier to see that the patient was able to move his hands and feet again. I want to give special thanks to the entire neurosurgery team, such as Dr. Gabriel, Dr. Anna Singh and others. Without them and the preparations, this would not have been such a success,” Dr. Dukhi said.

For now, Sarju will continue with physiotherapy at the Port Mourant Hospital.

This is a very important part of his recovery process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Carbon Credits GUYANA is one of the few countries in the world that is part of an ecosystem that generates oxygen for global consumption.

It has also pursued a path of low carbon development which makes it an ideal country to market its share of carbon credits on the global marketplace, especially at this time of rising global warming. Guyana forms part of the Amazon rainforest, which is the world’s largest rainforest. It comprised an area of 6.7 million square kilometers.

Nine countries share the Amazon Basin and even though Guyana’s share of the rainforest may be relatively small, it still remains an important contributor to global oxygen levels and an organic part of what is known as the ‘lungs of the earth’.

According to President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the government has signed a letter of intent with a US-based non-profit organisation Emergent Finance Accelerated Inc. to market the country’s carbon credits through a credit contract in which credits will be sold to

private companies around the world.

This is done in order to advance Guyana’s participation in the global carbon market and could, potentially, earn millions of US dollars annually.

A carbon credit is a tradeable permit or certificate that allows the holder of the credit the right to emit a stated amount of carbon-dioxide or an equivalency of another greenhouse gas. Countries and companies that exceed their permitted limits can purchase carbon credits from other nations that have low emissions such as Guyana.

The carbon market was devised to increase climate ambitions and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere by creating a financial incentive to curb emissions. Countries can trade credits with each other in a global market place. And according to Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’s carbon credits have already been listed on the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) platform.

These are indeed innovative and forward-looking thinking on the part of

our leaders for which they must be given full credit.

The first global scheme dates back to the UN’s Kyoto Protocol on climate change which was adopted in 1997.

It was known at the time as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and became operational in 2006. Under the CDM, richer countries could reduce their emissions by paying for the development for carbon-lowering projects in poorer countries and counting these reductions as part of their own targets.

Guyana is well poised to take advantage of the new carbon credit mechanism, thanks to visionary leadership and prudent management of our forestry resources. Already, the country has benefitted substantially under an agreement hammered out between Guyana and Norway to the tune of US$250M, the first international commitment of financial support to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the first partnership of its kind between a developed and a developing country.

These are indeed visionary and in-

novative thinking by our leaders. Both President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo have been proactive in securing the best possible deal for Guyana.

A carbon market allows for investors and corporations to trade both carbon credits and carbon offsets simultaneously. This mitigates the environmental crisis while at the same time creating new market opportunities.

The emergence and growth of carbon markets is relatively new having risen to prominence since the 1997 Kyoto Protocols. Developing countries such as Guyana with huge tracts of pristine forests and rich biodiversity must be compensated one way or the other for preserving its forests and biodiversity and in the process contribute to the lowering of carbon emissions levels.

These and other issues will no doubt be further discussed at the upcoming COP26 Summit in Glasgow which is likely to set new pathways for a transition to a net zero global economy in the decades ahead.

Guyana’s diplomatic relations with the Middle East Dear Editor, SPOKEN comments and a few letters in the media seem to suggest that Guyana’s diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern countries began after May 2015, under the Coalition administration. Nothing could be further from the fact.

Without commenting whether it is good or bad for Guyana to have very close relations with Middle Eastern countries, I note relations with other countries started right after Independence.

After Guyana’s Independence from

the British in May 1966, Guyana established diplomatic relations with several Middle Eastern countries, most of them post-1992 following the restoration of democratic governance.

Middle Eastern (ME) countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Libya, among others, opened embassies in Guyana during the Burnham dictatorship. Some Guyanese Muslim youths went to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Libya to study Islamic theology and the Arabic language post1992.

Relations were established with Lebanon, Kuwait, and UAE in 1995. President

Jagdeo made a State visit to Kuwait in 2010. Relations were established with Iran in 1986 but strengthened in 1995; President Jagdeo visited Iran as head of State during his second term in office in 2010. Relations were established with Oman and Qatar in 1996, Bahrain in 1997, Jordan 1998 and with Saudi Arabia in 2011. No new diplomatic relations were established with ME countries between May 2015 and August 2020.

Diplomatic missions were established in Qatar and UAE in 2021. The visit by the UAE leaders to Guyana occurred in November 2020.

The Coalition is credited with Guyana joining the Islamic Bank and with opening an Embassy in Kuwait. But the expansive relations with the ME countries has largely occurred under the PPP administration.

I do not recall [former] President Granger or [former] Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo visiting the ME. President Irfaan Ali is making a state visit to the UAE to strengthen ties.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (PhD Int’l Rels)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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Scenes from Guyana National Day in Dubai

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Agreement signed for solar demonstration project at Orealla Health Centre

GUYANA on Tuesday signed a grant agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a solar demonstration project at the Orealla Health Centre in Region Six. Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, attended a virtual side event of the Fourth Assembly of the ISA on October 18, 2021, where a signing ceremony was held for the Grant Agreements approved under the US$ 50,000 ISA grant for LDC and SIDS member countries.

The objectives of the ISA support are to provide technical and financial support to LDCs and SIDS member countries of the ISA for the implementation of innovative demonstration solar projects; provide support in building resilience in key sectors such as agriculture and health in the backdrop of the COVID crisis; create a market for innovative solar technologies and to increase their access in LDCs and SIDS member countries; and foster innovation in business model, finance, technology and

implementation modalities.

Guyana submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the installation of a 9kWp Grid-tie Solar Photovoltaic System at the Orealla Health Centre, in Region Six ( East Berbice – Corentyne), which was approved by the ISA. The solar PV system will have an accompanying Battery Energy Storage System of 37kWh to facilitate backup storage at the health centre for periods of power outage or cloud cover.

This intervention is geared at fostering improvement in the provision of health services, and an overall increase in socio-economic development within the community. The grant agreement between the ISA and Guyana was signed on October 18, 2021 for the release of funds and project implementation.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Indar thanked the ISA for the initiative that they have undertaken to set up demonstration projects within a developing economy like Guyana.

He highlighted that the

the work being done in many different parts of the country, so that we could broaden the scale of impact. This project adds to the efforts the Government of Guyana is already undertaking to deploy solar energy solutions as a means of providing access to clean energy, ensuring energy security for all Guyanese and businesses, and driving a just transition away from primitive

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar implementation of this project will go a long way in ascertaining that citizens at the grassroots level gain access to clean energy, which not only makes their lives easier, but also aids in saving on costs that would have otherwise been incurred to purchase fuels.

“With the solarisation of health facilities being done in Guyana through funding provided by the ISA, the government hopes to see a similar impact in the lives of Guyanese. It is the government’s aim to replicate

sources of energy,” Minister Indar explained.

Minister Indar added that Guyana hopes to see many more such initiatives from the International Solar Alliance that could aid in moving the country towards its strategic objectives of a clean and green energy future for the country.

In the process, the government would also like to develop internal ca-

pacity so as to customise the technology to the country’s needs and drive innovation in terms of business models, financing and implementation modalities.

Minister Indar also reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the strategic goals of the International Solar Alliance geared towards greater success in the promotion of clean energy.

Overheated generator causes fire on docked ship THE Sydney Marie, a vessel belonging to Vincentian company, Odin’s Trading, caught afire while it was docked at the Gafoors Complex, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday morning.

The cause of the fire was later determined to be an

scene.

“The generator was severely damaged, and a quantity of rope was completely destroyed as a result of the fire. No person was injured, and firefighters were able to contain the fire to the Generator Room, thereby averting the loss of the vessel,” the

The GFS also noted a number of measures that sea farers could implement to avoid fires on their vessels, including ensuring that all open flames are lit in the presence of people, and extinguished before everyone leaves a room; ensuring that circuit over-

A section of the burnt generator on board the ‘Sydney Marie’ (GFS photo) overheating generator in the fore peak of the ship, which had resulted in arcing and sparking, a statement from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said.

According to the statement, the Fire Service was alerted to the fire at 03:31hrs, and Water Tenders 95 from the Diamond Fire Station and 109 from the Timehri Fire Station responded to the

statement said.

The vessel involved was a red-and-green ship bearing IMO number 7432317, and official number 400913, and was captained by 56-year-old Richard Bynoe, who is also from St. Vincent.

The vessel is used for aggregate transport by Odin’s Trading, which is located at Main Street, Charlestown, St. Vincent.

loading is avoided at all costs; refraining from carrying oil rags into cabins or accommodation areas; not leaving oil pans unattended in the open; adhering to all safety procedures while performing maintenance operations; and ensuring persons on board have an understanding of fire-fighting equipment, and basic training in its operation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Innovative strategies, partnerships urgently needed to arrest women’s economic slide –– as a result of COVID-19, says UN women

WITH the glaring gap in financing for women-owned enterprises, burgeoning responsibilities of care for children and the elderly because of COVID-19 school closures and movement restriction, forcing women out of the formal economy, UN Women is focused on working with its development partners to prevent women and their families from falling into poverty.

On her inaugural mission to the Caribbean, UN Women Regional Director for the Americas and Caribbean, Maria Noel Vaeza, accompanied by the Representative - UN Women Multi-Country Office–Caribbean, Tonni Brodber, met with governments and development partners in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. The Caribbean mission was focused on sharing UN Women’s new four-year strategic plan, particularly strategies towards building forward from COVID-19 in a gender-responsive way.

Regional research has shown since COVID-19, women are forced to balance, and in some cases, choose between, caring for their children and pursuing livelihoods to feed them.

The Regional Director highlighted that whereas women’s participation in the labour force pre-COVID-19 impact had reached to 53 per cent for the Americas and the Caribbean, this figure had now been rolled back to 42 per cent; the participation rate 10 years ago.

Pre-pandemic, unpaid care work constituted almost half of total global work time and women spent about three times as many hours on unpaid domestic work and care work as men. According to a 2020 World Food Programme and CARICOM: Caribbean Community survey, 54 per cent of women and 47 per cent of men experienced an increase in unpaid domestic work, while 46 per cent of

women and 35 per cent of men increased their childcare duties.

There was consensus on the need for greater social protection measures designed to reduce people falling into poverty including long term housing for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), which would be a means of immediate support but would also arrest the longer-term loss of income. The UN Women team highlighted that supporting public private partnerships for the care economy especially for care of children and the elderly is an investment in a nation’s growth. The better practice of Barbados’ government subsidised, and private childcare services were highlighted as steps towards a care system.

Innovative financing for women-owned businesses was also on the table as UN Women highlighted that after women small business owners and entrepreneurs successfully access and apply micro credit and small business loans, they are not granted access to the next level of financing to upscale their businesses and offer more jobs.

STILL VERY MASCULINE “The Financial lending sector is still very masculine and does not understand the advantages of lending to women who are more efficient at repayments.

When women are on Executive Boards, the evidence is there of better profit performance,” Vaeza said.

She highlighted the Investors for Equality initiative launched in Latin America which bring together investors and other players in the financial ecosystem as a better practice for introducing Innovative Financing for Gender Equality mechanisms in the Caribbean.

This builds on the implementation of the WinWin: “Gender Equality Means Good Business” programme in one Caribbean island – Jamaica.

This programme was created in a partnership with UN Women, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the European Union (EU) to promote gender equality through the private sector.

KEY BENEFITS The Joint project approach which harnesses the technical expertise of UN Women and all of the UN agencies in joint programming to “Deliver as One” was hailed as one of the key benefits of UN reform.

Discussions focused on building on the joint programming groundwork laid through the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, and the Government of Canada, UKFCDO-funded EnGenDER joint project which is UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean-led with co-implementation by UN Women Caribbean, World Food Programme and CDEMA - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

UN Women launched a global black women’s programme in this UN Decade for People of African Descent and the MCO Caribbean and UNESCO Caribbean offices in response, have partnered to strengthen women and youth-led enterprises in the cultural and creative industries in the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. To this end, the schedule also included a meeting with Kingston Creative in Jamaica, a non-profit organisation with a vision to develop “a vibrant, inclusive Art District and a Creative Hub for training and development” that will contribute to sustainable national

development through the creative economy. Opportunities for not only economic growth but also two-way communications between UN Women and communities through the creative and cultural industries continues to be an important avenue of work for UN Women.

The visits included meetings with Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport; Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and Sharon Coburn-Robinson, Principal Director, Bureau of Gender Affairs on the Jamaica visit. In Barbados, she met with Minister of People’s Empowerment and Elder Affairs with responsibility

for Gender Affairs, Cynthia Forde and in Trinidad and Tobago with Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, responsible for Gender and Child Affairs, and the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator, Dr. Amery Browne.

The UN Women team, at each stage, reminded those present of the importance of women’s voices being included in policy development and reiterated the need for deeper dialogue and engagement between government, civil society and the private sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Guyanese performers wow Dubai Expo 2020

By Naomi Parris

A TEAM of some of Guyana’s most talented creatives on Tuesday lit up the centre stage of the National Day Celebrations at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

With a series of musical renditions, spoken word and cultural performances, the performers wowed the crowd of foreign governmental officials and investors.

Clad in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead, the performers painted the ambience of Guyana’s most treasured scenery, and sang songs accompanied by dances of the country’s melting pot of culture and traditions.

No stone was left unturned as the performers also highlighted the country’s rich biodiversity.

Performances were done

by Sammy Medas, Tenni-

These Guyanese dancers captivated the gathering with a lovely performance (Office of the President photo)

Local singer, Poonam Singh in action (Office of the President photo)

cia Nekeita, Winston Alexander, Poonam Singh, Gavin Aaron Mendonca, the Christina Daniela National Dance Company and dancer, Jellis.

Meanwhile, President Dr. Irfaan Ali invited foreign investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore the abundance of natural resources available in Guyana.

“I invite you all to come and do business in my country. We welcome

you; we have an open economy, and with investor-friendly policies in place, including attractive incentive regimes, laws which protect the right to property, and which also allows freedom to repatriate profits.”

President Ali added that Guyana needs to convert its abundant resources, material and human, into wealth, and thence to translate this wealth into human prosperity, but to do so, investments are

needed.

“We need investment to drive our transformative agenda, and we are keen on attracting investments across all sectors,” he said.

The Head-Of-State was accompanied by First Lady Arya Ali; Tourism and Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond; Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh; and Go-Invest CEO, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

Local performers on the big stage on Tuesday (Office of the President photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Self-confessed killer appeals life sentence KEVIN Persaud, who had confessed to the fatal shooting of Purcell Moore Jr. during a robbery at Craig Old Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) in 2017, has moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge his life sentence.

In his Notice of Appeal, Persaud is arguing that his sentence is severe in all forms and as such, should be set aside.

He and his accomplice, Selwyn Dawson, called ‘Crack-Skull,’ were indicted for murder, but they both

opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. The duo admitted that on December 20, 2017, they unlawfully killed 40-year-old Moore during the course of a robbery.

In June, Justice Sandil Kissoon, at the Demerara High Court, sentenced both men to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 15 years.

Dawson also filed an appeal against his sentence.

According to reports, Moore, a father of two, was robbed of his gold chain

Kevin Persaud and other jewellery before being shot twice to the head.

The attack occurred one street away from his mother’s home.

Reports are that the man had returned from abroad several weeks prior and might have been monitored by his attackers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Xi Focus:Close-up…

True democracy: People are masters of their country

HOW is democracy defined? What makes a system democratic or not?

Is China’s political system democratic? President Xi Jinping addressed these questions at a central conference on people’s congresses earlier this month. His answers offer insight into how democracy works in the country.

In a democratic political system, people should administer national, social, economic, and cultural affairs in accordance with the law.

Various sectors of society should participate effectively in national political affairs, and State decision-making should be rational and democratic, Xi, also General Secretary of the Communist

Senior UN official deems China an important defender of multilateralism AS the world’s second largest economy, the second largest contributor to the UN budget, and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is an important contributor and defender of multilateralism, a senior UN official has said.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, said the world is looking forward to greater support from the Chinese government to the United Nations.

Over the past 50 years since the restoration of its lawful seat at the United Nations, China is not only a beneficiary, but also an important contributor to the global system, Liu said.

He said the decision by the UN General Assembly to restore all legitimate rights of the People’s Republic of China in the UN system is historical. “I think that has benefited not only China, but the world,” he added.

On Oct. 25, 1971, the UN General Assembly, at its 26th Session, adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority. It decided to restore all lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China at the United Nations, and recognise the representatives of its government as the only legitimate UN representatives of China.

The decision brought China into the already established UN-centred international system, and laid a good foundation for China’s opening up to the outside world in 1978, said Liu, adding that the resumption of the lawful seat helped China “have a wider relationship with all countries”.

Meanwhile, the decision also helped the United Nations achieve universality, and endowed the world with a more balanced international system, as well as a unified global market which facilitated its globalisation process, he pointed out.

Speaking of changes the world is experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Liu said, “The most important lesson human beings have learned from the current pandemic would be that any response in the future for a global crisis requires a global collaboration and coordination.”

“No country would be able to live in isolation,” said Liu, adding that the world would continue to be integrated, connected and globalized, whatever the foreign policy of an individual country would be.

“For all countries, they need to be prepared for how they are going to cooperate in the post-pandemic world,” he stressed. “The world needs to be prepared for future crises; we should do our best to advance the achievements of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda in the coming decade.”

Liu also noted that due to China’s remarkable achievements in all areas, it will become an increasingly influential country. “China needs the world, and the world needs China. That’s a simple logic,” he added.

“I think for the world; for the United Nations, they all expect that China will continue to be an important supporter for international cooperation, for the United Nations and for multilateralism,” he said. (Xinhua)

Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, noted.

“Democracy is not an ornament to be used for decoration; it is to be used to solve the problems that the people want to solve,” he stressed.

China’s application of democratic principles follows an approach Xi has termed “whole-process people’s democracy”. The concept was put forward about two years

ago, during a visit by Xi to a civic centre in Shanghai.

Earlier the same year, Xi had visited residents of a traditional “hutong” courtyard community in central Beijing, and joined them for a “courtyard meeting hall” session. The “courtyard meeting hall” provides a platform for residents to discuss and debate public affairs. Residents’ discussions at the time focused on the renovation and preservation of the traditional

architecture and heritage.

“When the residents enjoy the right to discuss and decide their affairs, they will have a stronger sense of belonging, and being masters.

And community governance and service will be more accurate and meticulous,” Xi noted after talking with the hutong residents.

Whether a country is a democracy or not depends on whether its people are really the masters of the country,

Xi said at the October conference.

If the people are awakened only for voting, but enter a dormant period soon after; if they are given a song and dance during campaigning, but have no say after the election, or if they are favoured during canvassing but are left out in the cold after the election, such a democracy is not a true democracy, he added. (Xinhua)

Wang Yaping: China’s first female astronaut to enter its space station

By Yu Jianbin, Wu Yuehui AT 9:58 a.m. on Oct. 16 (Beijing Time), three Chinese astronauts aboard the country’s Shenzhou-13manned spacecraft, including a female, Wang Yaping, entered the Tianhe core module of China’s Tiangong space station, which marked that the space station received the second crew and the first female astronaut.

About nine hours earlier that day, China’s Long March-2F Y13 carrier rocket, carrying the Shenzhou-13-

Chinese taikonaut Yang Liwei fly to space in 2003, when she was 23 years old.

Wang attended China’s Shenzhou-10 mission in 2013, during which she gave a 40-minute lesson from space to demonstrate many physical experiments in zero gravity, with the help of two other crew members of the mission. She has received many letters from children since, and is widely known as a “space teacher”.

For Wang, the Shenzhou-10 mission was her first step towards the dream of flying to space. This time, she has made a trip to space again

Screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Oct. 16 shows three Chinese astronauts of the Shenzhou-13-crewed space mission: Zhai Zhigang (middle), Wang Yaping (right), and Ye Guangfu (left), waving after entering the Tianhe core module of China’s Tiangong Space Station (Xinhua/ Tian Dingyu) manned spacecraft, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China as scheduled. Then, 582 seconds later, the Shenzhou-13-manned spacecraft separated from the carrier rocket, entered its planned orbit, and successfully sent Zhai Zhigang, Ye Guangfu, and Wang into space.

Wang, once a transport aircraft pilot, started to dream of becoming an astronaut when she watched on TV,

for the construction of China’s space station. The Shenzhou-13 mission will make Wang the Chinese female astronaut that has stayed the longest in space, and the first Chinese female astronaut to conduct extra-vehicular activities (EVA).

EVAs are physically demanding tasks in space station construction. Compared with male astronauts, who gain inborn advantages in arm strength, bodily

A see-off ceremony for three Chinese astronauts of the Shenzhou-13-crewed space mission is held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Oct. 15. Chinese astronauts, Zhai Zhigang (left), Wang Yaping (middle) and Ye Guangfu (right) will stay in space for about six months (Xinhua/Li Gang) form, and arm span, female astronauts need to work much harder to control a pressurised EVA suit, and build upper body strength for movements and operations in one.

Wang didn’t quite understand how difficult it is for female astronauts to work in an EVA suit at the beginning.

The EVA suit tests were beyond her imagination. After working for five to six hours in a spacesuit that weighed 200kg, her hands trembled so badly that she couldn’t even hold a pen.

To better prepare herself for EVAs, Wang has intensified her training, and even sacrificed many weekends and holidays.

According to Wang’s physical training instructor, the astronaut would always stay late for training tasks, and take a lot of exercise involving the shot, push-ups and barbells to enhance her

arm strength for EVAs. Wang felt a sense of achievement every time she finished underwater training tasks for EVAs, said the instructor, who disclosed that sometimes Wang would compare her muscle strength with that of other astronauts.

Wang expressed confidence in her space station construction tasks before the Shenzhou-13-crewed space mission. People say that flying is an uncertain art, but, for astronauts, it is their performance in space that defines their flight missions, she said.

She looks forward to viewing the Earth from space once again, spending a unique Chinese New Year’s Eve during a sixmonth stay in the Tiangong Space Station, as well as conducting EVAs, and exploring the unknown, according to the female astronaut. (People’s Daily)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Pensioner dies in suspected bee attack

A BEE attack is suspected in the death of 66-year-old Haniff Mohamed, whose body was discovered at the Montrose Seawall, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday.

According to a press release from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the discovery of Mohamed’s body was made at 17:15 hrs on Monday last.

Police investigators were told that on Sunday last, be-

tween 09:00 hrs and 18:00 hrs, several residents suffered bee attacks around the Montrose, ECD area.

Residents claimed to have seen the deceased alive on Sunday last, at approximately 20:00 hrs.

After an apiarist, commonly referred to as “beekeeper”, was called to the area to tend to the bees, police say it was then that Mohamed was discovered, motionless, on the ground.

“He was then picked up by public-spirited persons and taken to the GPHC (Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”

While a post-mortem examination is still to be conducted on Mohamed’s body to determine the cause of death, the GPF has acknowledged in its release that there appeared to be bee stings

about his body.

OTHER ATTACKS Earlier this month, the Guyana Chronicle reported that in another part of the country, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne), three persons lost their lives after they were attacked by bees in three separate incidents. They were all pensioners.

The police had confirmed in a press release

that those killed were John Sutherland, 57; Dorothy Muriel Adams, 58; and Sirpaul Hemraj, 62, called “Rishi”.

Sutherland, an amputee who’d lost his left foot, met his demise in the Eversham backlands after he left his home, along with two others, on a tractor to show them a rice field that had to be ploughed.

While in the field, Sutherland and one of his

colleagues were sitting on the tractor’s fender when the driver made a sudden stop and shouted, “Bees!”

The driver and the other man leapt from the tractor and ran to safety, leaving Sutherland, who could not escape with one leg quickly enough, behind. Sutherland’s body was discovered by the two men moments later with bee stings.

Adams, a housewife from Rotterdam, East Bank

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

SOURCE: Photo by fra-NCIS, flickr

Berbice, succumbed after being stung by bees. An eyewitness, one Stevon Ganpat, recalled it was a “sad” sight.

He noted that a person who lives at the house where the bees came from ran out of the house and a swarm of bees followed. He added that he noticed several animals were also on the road, running in different directions, seeking shelter from the bees, and then he saw the woman’s upper body covered in the insects.

“I see this woman walking coming, and if you see bees on this woman! You can’t see her face! From her waist go up,

you can’t see anything! That’s how thick the bees was [sic], and she just sat there on the bench at the bus shed, and she hollering for help, but nobody couldn’t help her,” Ganpat said, recalling the horror of Adams’s death.

Hemraj, a Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) worker of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, was also unaidable when he was attacked by bees in the BBP backdam.

It is reported that Hemraj was sitting on his motorcycle, while Chandradall Nankoo, 50, and Rajendra Mohan, 49, both rangers attached to the region, and Michael Tyndell, 25,

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a mechanic attached to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) were standing next to an excavator when someone shouted, “Bees!”

The trio, excluding Hemraj, who was left behind, ran in different directions seeking shelter.

About half of an hour later, the trio returned to the excavator, where they saw Hemraj covered in mud, and what appeared to be red swelling marks about his body.

He was rushed to the Mibicuri Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

50 white canes donated to Society for the Blind

AS part of the October 14 observance of World Sight Day, the Lions Club of Georgetown

in collaboration with the Mount Vernon Dolphins Pathfinder Club in New York, presented

50 white canes to the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSFB).

At the handing over

ceremony, Administrator of the GSFB, Cecil Morris, noted that the canes will go a far way

in assisting in the rehabilitation of persons who would have recently lost their sight and are learn-

ing to walk with a cane.

He noted that there are plans to do rehabilitative work with members in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. World Sight Day is observed annually on the second Thursday in October. On this special day, Lions Clubs around the world undertake sight-related projects including vision screenings, eyeglass donations, restorative surgeries, eye heath education programmes and the donation of assistive devices to those with vision impairment.

Over the years, the Lions Club of Georgetown has been doing its part to improve the quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired.

“Collette Adams, President of the Lions Club of Georgetown, stated that the Club was happy to be of service to the members of the Society. She indicated that the canes would help to build the confidence of the visually impaired members in order to move around,” a statement from the Club said.

The Mount Vernon Dolphins Pathfinder Club is a world-wide programme organised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. One of the primary objectives of the Dolphin Pathfinders is service to humanity with community service forming a great part of their activities.

“Through community service our pathfinders learn the joy of service, civic responsibilities, and the satisfaction of helping others. We actively engage in community service throughout the state of New York, and we are excited about this “across-border” partnership with the Lions Club of Georgetown to realise this vital project.

It is our prayer that these canes not only serve as a symbol of being visually impaired, but represent their ability to take off,” the statement quoted Pathfinder Director, Rochelle Glasgow, as stating.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Healthcare workers charged for forging COVID-19 vaccination booklets

A NURSE and a nursing assistant attached to the One Mile Health Centre at Linden were on Monday charged for forging COVID-19 vaccination booklets, and each released on $200, 000 bail.

Sandrene Chapman, a 33-year-old registered nurse, and 27-year-old nursing assistant Anastasia McKenzie, appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

In addition to the bail, they are required to report to the Mackenzie Police Station every first Monday.

The case is adjourned until November 23.

According to reports, on October 15, Chapman and McKenzie were arrested at the One Mile Health Centre following a sting operation by the district police for allegedly selling COVID-19 vaccination booklets. The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that the forged booklets were being sold for $35,000 apiece, and the two have implicated several of their peers in the scam.

Recently, Mark Samuels, a driver attached to the Ministry of Health was remanded to prison for allegedly breaking into a vaccination centre in Georgetown, and stealing

66 COVID-19 vaccination booklets.

Similarly, Avinash Ramaherwar, a driver who was employed at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, was remanded to prison for stealing 12 COVID-19 vaccination booklets from the Ministry of Health and forging them.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, during a recent COVID-19 update, said that soon a new type of COVID-19 vaccination card will be introduced as part of efforts to curb the forging of vaccination documents.

“We are going to change the current system, so we are working on that right now. And, very soon, we are going to introduce a different type of card that’s going to be harder to forge; and if people did not have the proper documentation in the first place, then they are not going to get the new card that we’ll be putting in,” Minister Anthony said.

Dr. Anthony said that while the majority of persons in the healthcare sector are “honest, hardworking people”, there are a few who are dishonest, and are facilitating the forging of COVID-19 vaccination booklets. He disclosed that currently, there are 15 cases of this type of forgery being investigated by the Guyana Police Force.

The Health Minister

'Heavy drinker' found dead in yard RABINDRANAUTH Nypaul, 53, called Charlie, of number 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who lived by himself and was known as a “heavy drinker” was found dead in his yard on Monday.

Police said that Nypaul was walking inside his yard when he suddenly felt pain in the stomach, fell on the ground and became motionless.

The body was examined and no marks of violence were seen on it, police said. There was also no sign of foul play. Nyaul was escorted to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

They body is now at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary awaiting an autopsy.

Sandrene Chapman highlighted that this type of practice is dangerous,

Anastasia McKenzie and once a person is caught forging documents, he or

she will face the full brunt of the law.

“If you’re facilitating somebody to get the card, but they didn’t get the vaccine, then, when they get sick, we’ll probably think that they have been immunized, and we are getting a breakthrough infection, when, in the first place, they did not get the vaccine at all. So, we have to put an end to this practice, and I want to urge those healthcare workers who have been involved in this to desist.”

He added that healthcare workers who are found guilty of engaging in such

activities also face the possibility of being discharged from working in the medical field. Additionally, persons found in possession of forged COVID-19 vaccination cards will face the full force of the law.

“This is a really serious offence, the persons who are buying these cards.

If we catch you, you are going to be charged for tendering a forged document.

So, you know, either way it’s those who enable this, and those who are caught with those documents are going to face serious penalties,” Dr. Anthony related.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Statement by the Government Members of the Public Accounts Committee

WE, the five Government members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have noted a press statement issued on ‘Office of the Leader of the Opposition” letterhead by Ganesh Mahipaul, Opposition Member of the PAC on October 19, 2021.

Mr. Mahipaul has misrepresented the facts regarding the “motion to rescind” brought by Minister Gail

Teixeira on Monday October 18th, 2021, to the PAC meeting.

Here are the facts: 1. The motion moved by Minister Teixeira is perfectly in order, and in compliance with the Standing Orders.

Minister Teixeira explained on Monday 18th October at the PAC meeting, that she had consulted with the Clerk of the National Assembly to ensure she was adhering to

the Standing Orders.

2. One of the functions of the Chairman of any Committee of the Parliament is “Putting motions and questions”. This, the Chairman, Mr. Figueira, failed to do by not putting the motion as presented by Minister Teixeira to the Committee for discussion and a vote, if necessary.

3. Another of the Chairman’s functions is “Balancing the rights and interests

of the majority and minority in the committee”. On Monday 11th of October when the motion was moved by Mr. Mahipaul to meet twice weekly, Minister Edghill was in the meeting, virtually.

This was pointed out to the Chairman by Member Seeraj.

He was totally ignored and Minister Edghill was not recognised to make a contribution or vote on the issue.

In fact, the Chairman insisted

that Minister Edghill was NOT online. At the October 18th meeting, this was proven to be false as the log in records of the Parliament Office for that meeting proved that he was in the meeting at the time of the vote.

4. The fact that Minister Edghill was denied his right to speak and to exercise his right to vote on the motion -- although he was present in the meeting -- illustrates the level of crass bullyism by the APNU+AFC Members in the PAC. 5. The Chairman, Mr Figueira, at the October 18th meeting, after saying he needed more time to examine the motion, although the relevant Standing Order was identified, was asked how much time he required, on more than one occasion he indicated (and the verbatim report of Parliament will confirm) that Minister Teixeira’s motion will be on the agenda for the NEXT STATUTORY MEETING OF THE PAC TO BE HELD ON MONDAY 25TH OCTOBER. 6. However, the Chairman, Mr. Figueira hurriedly closed the session by saying PAC is adjourned to Friday 22nd October and walked out.

7. By preventing the motion from being put at the said meeting and then convening a meeting for Friday October 22nd with full knowledge that a written substantive “motion to rescind” had been tabled and circulated to all Members, is a clear and unambiguous attempt at deceit.

8. The public is reminded that this is the repetition of the behaviour of the former Chairperson, Mr. Patterson, who did not allow, in fact never allowed, a motion for his removal to be put to the committee from February to May 2021 in the PAC. 9. In May 3, 2021 the Speaker of the National Assembly wrote the Chairperson that he had no authority under the Standing Orders to prevent a motion from being put to the Committee, in fact he was “compelled” to do so by the Standing Orders.

10. The matter was successfully resolved by a motion to the House to remove him as Chairperson.

The least we have hoped for with any chairperson, and in particular the new Opposition Chairperson of the PAC, is that he would have learnt from his predecessor’s fate and stick to the Standing Orders.

Alas, the APNU+AFC Members of the PAC continue to re-affirm the public’s

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira and the government’s opinion that they are incapable of digressing from crass bullyism.

Furthermore, it must be noted that the PAC is supported in its work by the presence of statutory and constitutional representatives, the Financial Secretary, the Auditor-General and the Accountant General.

All of whom carry out hectic and critical posts in the executing of their mandates as well as the management of the government on a day to day basis. To have these key officers sit for two full days a week in the PAC means that the work of the government will be stymied.

To vote as they did on October 11th without any consultation with these persons is also another example of bullyism.

Mr. Mahipaul has raised the amount of work pending in the PAC and trying to throw shade on the PPP/C Members.

But Mr. Mahipaul and company must answer --who held up the general and regional elections after his government fell to a no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018 for 14 months, in violation of the Constitution?

And who is responsible for attempting repeatedly to hijack the elections and delayed the declaration of the results of those elections for five more months? That is where two years was lost in the PAC to address the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Annual Auditor General’s reports.

And who again, but the APNU+AFC Members, by their bullying tactics in the new 12th Parliament PAC held up its work from February to May 2021, and appears to want to do the same once again.

The Parliament and its Committees are guided by the Constitution and the Standing Orders, and we shall not allow persons, whoever they may be, to trample on the Constitution, Standing Orders, norms and conventions of our parliamentary democracy.

Gail Teixeira, MP Bishop Juan Edghill, MP Dharamkumar Seeraj, MP Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, MP Sanjeev Datadin, MP

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Yarrowkabra man appeals life sentence for killing ‘teen’ peacemaker

ANTHONY Jones, who had confessed to the 2018 fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Nyron Vyphuis, has moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge his life sentence.

Jones is arguing that the sentence is manifestly excessive and severe in all the circumstances of the case. His appeal was

filed by attorney-at-law Stanley Moore, S.C. He was sentenced in August, by Justice Sandil Kissoon who was presiding over his trial in the Demerara High Court.

Jones was indicted of murder but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He admitted that on October

13, 2018, at Yarrowkabra, he unlawfully killed Vyphuis.

Justice Kissoon then sentenced Jones to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years.

According to reports, on the day in question, Vyphuis was at a liquor shop owned by Jones, and

witnessed Jones abusing his wife. The young man, upon realising what was happening, intervened and attempted to stop Jones from harming the woman.

Jones became annoyed and armed himself with an axe, which was eventually taken from him by other persons who were

at the shop. So incensed was Jones, at not being able to harm his wife that he went into his house and armed himself with a knife, which he later used to stab the teenager in the stomach.

The teen managed to run a short distance, before collapsing in a clump of bushes.

Anthony Jones

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 20, 2021

Peerless Shakib keeps patchy Bangladesh on track … Mohamed Naim, Mushtafizur Rahman play key roles as Oman lose by 26 runs

BANGLADESH survived for another couple of days in the T20 World Cup after a hard-fought 26-run win over Oman.

The home side rode high until Jatinder Singh was at the crease, but Bangladesh removed him in the 13th over, and used their experience to close out the game in the last seven overs.

Earlier, Mohammad Naim's 64 had given Bangladesh a good platform for the last five overs, but they failed to build on it, slipping from 101 for 2 in the 14th over to 153 all out.

Shakib Al Hasan contributed with 42 off 29, while fast bowlers Bilal Khan and Fayyaz Butt got three wickets each.

Jatinder kept Oman in the game with his 40 off 33 balls that included 4 fours and a six. He also put together two good partnerships in the top order, but Mahedi Hasan bowled a superbly tight spell,

before Mustafizur Rahman, unusually erratic in his first spell, finished with 4 for 36.

A QUIET SPELL When Oman moved to 57 for 2 in the seventh over, Bangladesh were really looking down the barrel. Mahedi coolly bowled two overs for six runs, slowing down Jatinder and Zeeshan Maqsood in the process. Mahedi is good at mixing his pace, but keeps a fuller length. He has a good record against both left and right-handed batters.

In the midst of a messy bowling performance from Bangladesh, Mahedi stood out. Maqsood couldn't resist anymore with the changes of pace, finally holing out in Mahedi's next over, before the off-spinner finished off with a six-run over.

This 4-0-14-1 spell went by mostly unnoticed, but it was Mahedi who brought Bangladesh back in the game.

JATINDER'S ALMOST ONE-MAN SHOW Oman, however, had hopes as long as Jatinder was at the crease. So good

is Jatinder's form these days that even when he gets out, it's off a very well-timed shot.

He was dismissed when he swept for a catch to Liton Das at deep square leg off Shakib. But it was an innings worth remembering against a top quality bowling attack. At times Bangladesh looked under pressure against Jatinder.

He started with a switchhit four off Shakib early on, pulled him over deep midwicket in the seventh over, and his only six came on the next ball when he struck Shakib inside-out through extra cover. Off Taskin Ahmed's bouncer, Jatinder slammed a pull, and was generally strong against the short ball as well. He also survived a dropped catch on 10, but when he got out, so did Oman from the match.

They hit just one four and a six after his dismissal.

MUSTAFIZUR'S NIGHTMARE & MUSTAFIZUR'S RECOVERY Mustafizur trapped Aqib Ilyas with his first ball of the match, but thereafter had a

forgettable 15 minutes. He conceded five wides in the first over, as his attempt to bring the seaming ball back into the right-handed batter kept slipping down the leg side. In the next over, Mustafizur dropped Kashyap Prajapati at short third man.

It was a regulation diving chance to his favourable left side, but it popped out.

As if all that was not enough, Mahmudullah dropped Jatinder on 10, off Mustafizur. The bowler fumed with his hands over his head, but because this was his captain, he couldn't really react like he would have wanted. Mustafizur's four-wicket haul and a good running catch more than made up for his nightmare start, but Bangladesh can ill-afford an erratic main bowler.

NAIM TO THE RESCUE When Bangladesh batted, their story of poor powerplays continued. They scored only 29 runs on this occasion, but at least one of the openers made a considerable score.

Naim had been struggling in the Dhaka pitches against Australia and New Zealand, except for one innings, but in Muscat, he opened up with some bright shots.

He tonked three of his four sixes delightfully over the range between midwicket and wide long-on, also bringing out a thumping straight drive and an equally hardhit reverse hit. Naim added 80 for the third wicket with Shakib but his dismissal in the 17th over, having already lost Afif Hossain earlier in the over, was slightly unnecessary.

OMAN BLOW HOT AND COLD IN THE FIELD Oman could have had a better day had they held on to all their catches. Particularly that of Naim who survived two drops on 18 and 26. Prajapati, who had earlier dropped Liton at deep square leg, spilled Naim at midwicket.

And Jatinder let the ball slip through his fingers at the sweeper cover boundary in the eighth over. But their luck

Thompson-Herah confirms...

Stephen Francis were going their separate ways.

However, Thompson-Herah rubbished those reports while speaking to Michael Holley and Michael Smith on the NBC Sports talk show Brother from Another in September.

“Persons probably hear something and never hear it properly and put it out there for the world to see. I am the fastest woman alive so they are going to create some sort of news to distract the world; so it's rumours of course,” she said.

However, on Monday night, hours after she was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by the Jamaican government, the woman who ran 10.54 on August 21, the fastest time run by a woman in more than 30 years, Thompson-Herah came clean.

“While pre-season train-

ing has already commenced for Elaine Thompson-Herah, she is still in the process of finalising her training arrangements for the 2022 season,” a statement from her handlers stated.

The double Olympic champion is considering all options available concerning her team, the statement continued.

“In light of an abundance of requests from my fans and concerned Jamaicans, I want to assure everyone that I have begun my training independently and will continue to do so while I finalise all aspects of my team for the coming season,” the athlete is quoted.

“I want to thank everyone for the support and to express appreciation to those who have reached out in concern. I remain committed to representing my country and to lead with

courage and grace as I am aware that I inspire young

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changed with two moments of brilliance: Butt's return catch off a Mahedi bunt and Ilyas' direct hit from point running out Shakib. The mood lifted, Oman now took all their catches, including Jatinder, who took two near the boundary line.

BANGLADESH END MEEKLY If there was one chance to make up for their poor powerplay, it was the last five overs. But Bangladesh disappointed with just 41 runs, losing six wickets. It started with Naim hitting a beautiful six, but Kaleemullah removed Afif and Naim in the following over.

It left Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to make the most of the last 20 balls, They hit a six and a four, before Mushfiqur was caught behind, while Bilal yorked at Mahmudullah's wild swing.

Mohammad Saifuddin got a golden duck in-between, before Oman bowled out Bangladesh off the last ball of the innings. (Cricinfo)

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 20, 2021

RHTYSC Cricket Teams 2021 Christmas Programme …

Panthera Solutions makes significant contribution as teams launch 2021 edition THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) which is widely known for its policy where all members are mandated to participate in programmes that make a positive difference in the lives of youths, the less fortunate and the elderly.

The club and its twelve cricket teams every year undertake a total of 700 activities under a wide range of sub-headings including sports, education, social, coaching, community development, publications, pro-life and charity.

One of the largest programmes the club undertakes each year is its annual Christmas Outreach Programme.

The main objectives of the multi-million dollar programme are to make a positive difference in the lives of the poor during the festive season, to promote the real tradition of Christmas and to place a smile on the face of those who need it the most.

The club has been host-

ing these programmes since 1990 but has been expanding it over the years. The programme also includes the hosting of the very popular Christmas Village in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The cricket teams first hosted the Village in 2015 and over the last six years, it has developed into the moat popular Christmas programme in Berbice. It is visited by thousands of kids and their parents. It involves the transformation of the compound with fairy lights and inflatable characters among other attractions.

Last Friday, the club and the cricket teams officially launched the 2021 edition at its official sponsor, Farfan and Mendes Ltd Head Office in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Panthera Solutions, a member of the company handed over a cheque for $315 000 to RHTYSC vice-president Mark Papannah.

The donation would be

RHTYSC vice-president Mark Papannah receives donation from two representatives of Panthera Solutions in the presence of Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster looks on

used to assist the teams to prepare food hampers and to provide toys to less fortunate children. RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that this year edition would involve the distribution of 1 000 food hampers, 7 000 Christmas toys, handing-over of two homes to less fortunate families and the distribution of bicycles, clothing, footwear and educational material The programme would

also include the distribution of hundreds of special Christmas gifts, donations to churches/clubs, providing Christmas morning breakfast to 500 senior citizens ,hosting of a Christmas Concert and, if permission is granted, the hosting of the seventh edition of the popular Christmas Village.

Foster expressed thanks to the management of Panthera Solutions for the donation and noted that this is the

third successive year that the company was on board with the programme.

Panthera Solutions was established in Guyana in 2019 and is a joint project between Farfan & Mendes and the Crosbie Company of Canada.

It provides industrial solutions and value-added services to Guyana burgeoning oil industry. Foster stated that Farfan & Mendes is the longest-serving sponsor

of the club and has been supporting since 1995, when it donated a grass-cutter. The company became an official sponsor of the club in 1997 and has been sponsoring the Under-15 team since then.

Panthera Solution General Manager, Andrew Dinsdale, stated that his company was delighted to assist the club and the cricket teams to make a positive impact during the festive season.

The company, he disclosed, had a great respect for the RHTYSC,MS and was very impressed with the way it conducts its business..

He noted that the company is also a co-sponsor of the club’s annual magazine and was a sponsor of a cricket development project earlier in the year.

The 2021 Christmas programme starts on December 1 and ends on Christmas morning. A total of over 240 members are expected to be involved in the club’s largest Christmas outreach programme.

England captain Eoin Morgan would consider dropping himself ENGLAND captain Eoin Morgan says he would consider dropping himself at the T20 World Cup if his poor form with the bat continues.

The left-hander has scored only 82 runs at an average of 11.71 in seven Twenty20 innings for England this year.

Morgan managed 133 at an average of 11.08 in the Indian Premier League (IPL), although he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to last week's final.

"I will not stand in the way of the team winning the World Cup," he said.

"I've been short on runs but my captaincy has been pretty good."

Asked whether he would be prepared to drop himself, Morgan said: "That is always an option."

Morgan was rested as Jos Buttler captained England in their seven-wicket defeat by India in Dubai on Monday.

England face New Zealand in their final warm-up game in Dubai tomorrow, before playing West Indies in their opening group game in Dubai on Saturday.

Morgan made two ducks and reached double figures only once in his past nine IPL innings, but he said he will "continue to take risks" in the England middle order.

"I wouldn't be standing here if I hadn't come out of every bad run of form that I've ever had," he said.

"The nature of T20 cricket and where I bat means I always have to take high-risk options. I've come to terms with that."

Morgan, who led En-

"I've always managed to compartmentalise both and treat them as two different challenges," he said.

"Not being a bowler, being a little bit older and contributing less in the field, I've loved the role of captain.

"You get two bites at the cherry when it comes at impacting the game."

Eoin Morgan has scored 2 360 runs at an average of 28.78 and strike-rate of 138.25 in 107 Twenty20s for England

gland to the T20 World Cup final in 2016 and won the

50-over World Cup in 2019, does not think his form will impact his captaincy.

ENGLAND TO TAKE A KNEE AGAINST WEST INDIES Morgan said England players will join West Indies in taking a knee before their game in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Players from both sides took a knee - and several West Indies players raised a right hand covered by a black glove - before each of

the three Tests they played in England in 2020.

They were criticised by West Indies legend Michael Holding for not continuing with the gesture beyond that series.

England players wore T-shirts carrying messages of anti-discrimination in a 'moment of unity' before home matches this summer.

Morgan said: "For further games at the World Cup, we've been speaking to the ICC (International Cricket Council) about the potential 'moment of unity' before the game which we've been doing at home, but it hasn't been cleared whether that's a possibility."

Scotland and Papua New Guinea players took the knee before their T20 World Cup game yesterday. (BBC Sport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 20, 2021

Salah scores twice as Liverpool beat 10-man Athletico

Mohamed Salah is the first player in Liverpool's history to score in nine consecutive appearances in all competitions

MOHAMED Salah continued his superb goal-scoring form as Liverpool made it three wins out of three in the group stage of the Champions League as they beat Spanish champions Atletico Madrid in a game of constant drama.

In a frantic, fantastic match in the Spanish capital between sides that were dazzling in attack but vulnerable at the back, the Reds saw an early two-goal lead wiped out by Antoine Griezmann's double.

The France forward was then shown a straight red card early in the second half, allowing the visitors to reassert their authority and snatch a big win through Salah's well-taken penalty,

awarded for a clumsy barge on Diogo Jota by Mario Hermoso.

Jota almost turned villain, though, as his challenge on Jose Maria Gimenez resulted in a penalty being awarded only for the referee to change his mind after being encouraged to view the incident on the pitch-side monitor.

Earlier, Salah had given the Reds the lead when his low finish at the end of a weaving run found the net off the toe of James Milner before Naby Keita's brilliant volley doubled it.

Griezmann's neat closerange finish and then superb turn and shot across Alisson restored parity, all before the break.

Jurgen Klopp's side are

now unbeaten in 21 games in all competitions and continue to provide an attacking threat opponents are rarely able to deal with.

In their last nine matches they have racked up 30 goals and have scored at least three times in all of their seven away games this campaign.

They now top Champions League Group B by an emphatic five points after their most impressive win so far.

It did not, however, impress Atletico boss Diego Simeone, who spent the game either whipping the home crowd up into a frenzy or berating the officials and then heading off down the tunnel at full time without shaking the hand of Klopp. (BBC Sport)

PSG come from behind to beat RB Leipzig … Messi nets twice in Champions League LIONEL Messi scored twice as Paris St-Germain (PSG) came from behind to beat RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Kylian Mbappe put the hosts ahead, slamming into the bottom corner on the counter-attack.

But Andre Silva and Nordi Mukiele scored from Angelino crosses to put the German side ahead.

Messi had a shot tipped onto the post and tapped the rebound into an empty net and then scored a Panenka penalty to win the game.

PSG won a penalty deep

into injury time, but instead of Messi stepping up for a hat-trick, Mbappe took it instead - and skied it over the bar.

The French side go above Manchester City to the top of Champions League Group A on seven points.

Messi's three goals since joining PSG as a free agent this summer have come in the Champions League, with the Argentine also netting in their 2-0 win over City.

The Barcelona legend, 34, is now on 123 Champions League goals, with Leipzig the 37th team he

has scored against in the competition.

He is the fourth player to score in their first two home Champions League matches for PSG after Neymar, Alex and George Weah.

Mauricio Pochettino's side were well below their best with only four shots on target, including three from Messi.

Leipzig, unfortunate to lose, have suffered defeat in all three Champions League games this season.

They have only won four games in all competitions since Jesse Marsch took over in the summer. (BBC Sport)

Jones appointed interim head coach of T&T women’s national team PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Former Stoke City and Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones was appointed the interim head coach of the Trinidad & Tobago women’s national team.

In a dramatic turn of events, Jones replaced Constantine Konstin, who was appointed to the position last Wednesday, but the T&T Football Association (TTFA) said it had reached agreement with the American to make the change.

“After consultation with Constantine Konstin, concerning the demands of the women’s international window and personal commitments and conflicts that require him to return to the USA at the end of October, he has mutually agreed to step down and offer Jones and the team support over the international window,” a TTFA media release stated.

Kenwyne Jones appointed interim head coach of T&T women’s national team

Jones, a UEFA “A” coaching licence holder, will lead the Calypso Girls in the two international friendlies against Panama on Thursday and next Monday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in the central Trinidad town of Couva.

The 37-year-old will be supported by incumbent women’s national team as-

sistant coach Charlie Mitchell and the rest of the current staff.

“I’m absolutely delighted and honoured for the opportunity to coach the women’s team,” Jones told TTFA Media.

“Hopefully, we will be able to achieve the goals set out for the team in this immediate period. I’ll be trying to bring some stability to the squad and to help them focus on the task at hand against Panama.”

The TTFA said Jones’ interim appointment will run until November 30, and the process for the appointment of the long-term head coach of the women’s national team will begin in early November.

The T&T women’s national team are preparing for CONCACAF’s qualifying competition for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next February.

Akram not happy with decisions taken by Ramiz Raja FORMER Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has disclosed that he is not happy with the way Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has taken decisions since he has been appointed in the role.

Akram added that whenever a new CEO takes charge in an organisation, he should assess the performances of the employees for the first couple of months.

Akram also stated that both Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq, who resigned from their posts of bowling coach and head coach respectively, worked extremely hard for the development of Pakistan cricket.

“Whenever a new CEO or president joins an organisation, he assesses the performance of employees for the first 90 days or two months.

After that the process of changes starts as it is the prerogative of the person in charge. However, here (PCB) it has happened earlier

than usual. Anyway bygones are bygones, but I know that these guys (Misbah and Waqar) worked really hard,” said Akram, according to Cricket Pakistan.

Akram also added that the media might be against a particular player just because he would have declined to do an interview with them.

Adding that it is not possible to make each and every person happy, the 55-year-old concluded by stating that people should continue doing their job and not bother about anything else.

“As far as media is concerned, I’m sorry to say that some people become personal. Sometimes the reason why they are against a player is because he might have refused to give them an interview, that’s it.

“It’s not possible to make everyone happy so there is no point listening to social media. Just do your job, the right, and fair job and don’t worry about anything else,”

Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram

concluded Wasim Akram.

In a career that lasted almost 2 decades, Wasim Akram played 104 Tests and 356 ODIs for Pakistan. While the left-arm pace-bowling legend scalped 414 wickets in the whites, Akram also picked up 502 wickets in the ODI format of the game. Akram retired from the international arena in the year 2003. (CricTracker)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 20, 2021

Berrington, bowlers make it two in two for Scotland in T20 World Cup SCOTLAND took a big step towards qualifying for the Super12 stage of the Men's T20 World Cup with a second win in three days.

Scotland, who shocked Bangladesh on the opening day of the tournament, beat Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 17 runs in Al Amerat, Oman.

Richie Berrington hit 70 off 49 balls and Matt Cross 45 from 36 in Scotland's 165-9.

PNG slipped to 35-5 before being bowled out for 148

in the final over.

Defeat ended PNG's hopes of progressing, but Scotland - who top Group B will go through if Oman beat Bangladesh in the 15:00 BST game at the same ground.

If Bangladesh win, a Scotland victory over Oman tomorrow would take them through as group winners.

Scotland lost openers Kyle Coetzer and George Munsey to fall to 26-2, before a partnership of 92 between Berrington and Cross gave

Richie Berrington led Scotland's batting charge with a 49-ball 70. (ICC via Getty)

them a platform to attack.

Berrington hit six fours and three sixes - one of which went 97m, the longest of the tournament - in making Scotland's first half-century at a T20 World Cup. He and Callum McLeod were dismissed in the 19th over, before four wickets fell in the last, including three off the final three balls.

PNG, playing in their first World Cup, slipped to 35-5, but a 32-run stand between Sese Bau and Vanua steadied

the ship.

Norman Vanua, who made 47 off 37 deliveries, and Kiplin Doriga took 45 from three overs to revive PNG's hopes and leave them needing 46 from 24 balls.

But left-arm spinner Mark Watt pushed one wider to have Dorgia stumped for 18, before Somerset's Josh Davey, who finished with T20-best figures of 4-18, had Vanua and Chad Soper caught behind. (BBC Sport)

Antigua & Barbuda seek competition for U17s after CONCACAF tournament withdrawal ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Technical director Sowerby Gomes said the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) are working to organise a tournament against Caribbean opposition for the Under-17 girls’ national team.

This followed difficulties in securing appointments for players seeking United States visas that forced the team to be withdrawn from the qualifying competition for the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 tournament,

kicking off on Wednesday at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, in the U.S. Gomes said 19 of the 24 selected players needed to travel to Barbados to fulfil visa appointments, but health and safety restrictions related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Bridgetown disrupted plans.

He said the United States embassy in Bridgetown, where the players were to be processed, reshuffled all appointments because of a surge in cases in Barbados

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and gave the players dates that fall way after the tournament was played.

“We had quite a few first-time applicants to the process, and the first-time applicants would have to go down [to Barbados] in person, and as a result, with the continued communication with Barbados, the date that came back to us was a date that was not acceptable because it would go way past the tournament,” he told the Antigua Observer newspaper.

“We would have gone through all of the protocols in terms of touching base with all of our people on the ground in Barbados, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in Antigua, and we exhausted all those options, but still were not successful in getting a proper date so that we could have been able to go before the embassy and get the visas approved.

Gomes told the Observer: “It was very disappointing on our end knowing that we would have applied for the visas since April, and now, based on the whole protocol situation in Bar-

ABFATechnical director Sowerby Gomes

bados with the COVID-19, they came back and gave us a date that would have gone past the tournament. “…that would have been a difficult situation for us since the ABFA would have invested so much cost in terms of getting the girls prepared for this particular tournament.”

CONCACAF announced changes to the groups and schedules for the qualifying tournament on Monday after Antigua & Barbuda and several others withdrew due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

But Gomes told the Ob-

server, there were ongoing talks between a few of the countries that were forced to pull out of the qualifiers regarding a possible tournament later this year.

“We have, so far, been engaging with the other member countries who also had to be pulled out of the tournament for similar reasons, and some for other reasons, and we are looking to have a sort of triangular tournament hopefully in November with St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Dominica,” he said.

“We are trying to assemble all the teams in one particular location, so that we could have a sort of tournament, and that all of these players who have been training towards this particular tournament don’t feel the downer in this whole situation.

“At the same time, we are looking also at coaches’ development and at this particular tournament or games [in November], we will be looking at the assessment of our coaches.”

CONCACAF reformatted the qualifying tourna-

ment to feature two groups of three teams and one group of four teams.

Group A comprises St Kitts & Nevis, United States Virgin Islands, and Suriname, Group B consists of Barbados, Curaçao and Belize, and Group C includes Honduras, Anguilla, Guyana, and Turks & Caicos Islands.

At the end of group stage play, the winner of each group and the best ranked second place finisher will advance to the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship (CWU17).

The CWU17 is scheduled to take place in January next year, with the top ranked 16 teams participating in the group stage of the Championship playing i four groups.

After round-robin play, the top three teams in each group will advance to the Round of 16, joining the four teams from the qualifiers.

The winner, runner-up, and third place of the CWU17 will qualify for the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to be played from October 11 to 30 next year in India.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 20, 2021

West Indies selectors should ignore criticism

By Bryan Davis CRITICISM should be used as a tonic to spur the performance of players onto greater things if only to prove that they are worthy to be in that position.

There have been reactions from coach Phil Simmons, captain Kieron Pollard and the president of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Ricky Skerritt, to criticisms of the WI squad selected for the T20 Cricket World Cup (WC) 2021.

Roger Harper is the Lead Selector, a name that replaced chairman (what was wrong with that title?). His assistant is Miles Bascombe of St Vincent plus coach Simmons.

My bone of contention is why do Skerritt, Simmons and Pollard believe they have to answer the critics for the selections.

Nicholas Pooran, the vice-captain, has now joined in and is pronouncing on the team and Chris Gayle’s presence on it etc. He’s only

26 years old and is now gathering his experience, so he should check the water before jumping in, if only because he’s the only one that could be hurt.

“Methinks thou protest too much” is an adage that fits the scenario. Everyone has an opinion on almost everything that suits their fancy and even more so on subjects of sport. It is open season for all critics to have their go on which of the players could form the best team to bring pride to their country, do well in the contest and win it, if things run in their favour.

The selectors and certainly the president of CWI do not have to answer to anyone as to the selection of the squad to represent WI. The selectors have been the ones chosen by CWI to pick the teams and have been enshrined with that responsibility, designated by the territories that make up WI cricket.

Being aware of that obligation, they don’t have to

President of CWI Ricky Skerritt

answer to anyone; not the officials, be it the president or board member; player, reporter or fan. And there is always a good reason for that.

If the selectors had to answer to everyone then it would be illogical as many would have several opinions and the arguments would be never-ending.

There was a time in the past when a media conference was held with the se-

Jamaica sprint queens conferred with sixth-highest national award ELAINE Thompson-Herah, the fastest woman alive, said she will use the inspiration of being conferred with the Order of Distinction to help motivate women and young girls to strive without limits.

Thompson-Herah, who rebounded from five years of disappointment, to become the first woman to win both 100m and 200m titles in consecutive Olympic Games at the Tokyo Games in August, was among several sports personalities to receive national honours at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards yesterday.

Thompson-Herah, who ran 10.54 on Usain Bolt’s birthday, August 21, 2021, to become the fastest woman alive and the second-fastest of all-time at the Diamond League’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, said the recognition has motivated her to inspire others.

“I have been inspired and motivated by powerful women around the world, powerful women from my island-home Jamaica,” she said on Instagram.

“I feel so honoured and overjoyed to be given this Order of Distinction (Commander

Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Jackie Pusey

Class) by my nation. I now use this classification to help motivate and uplift women and young girls to strive without limits.”

The five-time Olympic gold medallist was among three Jamaican sprint queens to be conferred with ODs in the Commander Class.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the 100m silver medallist in Tokyo, and Jackie Pusey, who at 16, represented Jamaica at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada were also awarded.

Former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams received the

Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for his contribution to the sport of cricket.

The late Jamaican striker, Luton Shelton, Jamaica’s leading male scorer, was posthumously awarded the OD (Officer Class) for his contribution to football. Shelton died in January 2021 from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

He played for Jamaica on 75 occasions scoring 35 goals.

Meanwhile, Dr Praimanand Mongal Beharry Singh received the Order of Distinction for outstanding dedication and service to the field of sports. (Sportsmax)

lectors to explain selections.

This was done in good faith and I’m not sure why it was stopped. It certainly would prevent players and administrators from having to clarify for the public in a piecemeal fashion, selection choices.

Interpreting selections as one body to the media is a much better idea. It shows unity. It doesn’t mean that everyone would agree with the selectors as that could never happen. However, the clarification would be more acceptable. I didn’t agree with it, nevertheless, it helped clear the air for better understanding.

I recall being a Trinidad & Tobago selector for some years and at the end of the meeting in which the team was chosen, it was handed to the president of the Board who checked it, then released it to the media. Questions by media personnel to selectors

were deflected.

I was chairman for a few years and I recall that the modus operandi was such that when the selectors finished their meeting, they left that room in unanimous agreement with the team selected.

Coach Simmons and captain Pollard thought it wise to bow to criticism and try to explain the benefits of their team. I don’t believe that is the way to answer the critics as it would seem to be a guilty conscience about the selection.

Leave it there; then it’s up to the players you have chosen to prove whether you’re right or wrong!

Hence, whenever a WI team is selected, there must always be unison. The points for and against must be argued and one’s intent must be purposeful and honest for there are many factors involved: Number of bowl-

ers, all-rounders, spinners, pacers, batters, the best keeper, the balance of the team, the conditions under which they’re going to play. There are many considerations involved in choosing the best team with the greatest chance to be victorious.

One aspect must be remembered and that is, the officials of WI cricket chose the selectors, hence, they ought to have full confidence in their choices. Therefore, there is no one to whom the selectors are responsible except for themselves and their team.

Performance in the games would be ‘the proof of the pudding’. Regardless of whatever is done before, it all comes down to how the team approaches their game. (TT Newsday – Bryan Davis is a former TT and West Indies Test player)

Shakib Al Hasan starred with bat and ball to keep Bangladesh alive in the tournament. (ICC via Getty)

Peerless Shakib keeps patchy Bangladesh on track

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… Mohamed Naim, Mushtafizur Rahman play key roles as Oman lose by 26 runs

Dinanath Ramnarine joins cricket board election race THE Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) election race is heating up as former West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) president Dinanath Ramnarine has joined the chase for first vice-president.

The TTCB unveiled the final list of nominees on Monday which sees 19 persons bid for 11 positions, including five on the executive.

Former WIPA president Dinanath R a m n a r i n e Ramnarine joins Shareeda Mohammed in the quest for first vice-president. The pair will have their work cut out, however, as incumbent Arjoon Ramlal also seeks re-election at the October 30 TTCB election.

Additionally, Secondary Schools’ Cricket League president Surujdath Mahabir is also challenging long-standing TTCB president Azim Bassarath for his position at the helm of national cricket.

The role of the second vice-president is being contested by just one person while the positions for the third vice-president, general secretary and treasurer are all being targetted by two persons each.

And finally, seven members seek to secure votes to executive member posts on the TTCB. All nominations were received by the TTCB last Thursday and Friday at the National Cricket Centre in Couva.

According to a statement by the cricket board on Monday, “There were no incidents during the nomination process.” (TT Newsday)

Thompson-Herah confirms departure from MVP Track Club Double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah

THE fastest woman alive, Elaine Thompson-Herah, has now confirmed her departure from MVP Track Club and has revealed that she is yet to assemble her team for the 2021/2022 track season that includes the World Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon next summer.

Following an outstanding season in which she won three gold medals at the Olympics and created history by becoming the first woman to win 100m and 200m titles at consecutive Olympic Games (2016, 2021), news emerged that Thompson-Herah and MVP coach TURN TO PAGE 23 ►

West Indies selectors should ignore criticism Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021