Guyana Chronicle E-paper 2020-10-10

SATURDAY 10th October, 2020

' No.106148

COVID-19 results within 2-3 hours

SEE PAGE 03

–– as gov’t acquires new automated testing machine from China

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, receives the donation from China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, as officials of the Chinese Embassy and Ministry of Health look on (Adrian Narine photo)

Myers on $300,000 bail for ‘Mystery man’ misconduct charges; November burns down Caricom Auto Sales trial for Lowenfield PAGES

15&17

Two die in Chateau Margot accident 04 PAGE

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Guyana waiting on CXC reviews before announcing results

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Guyana waiting on CXC reviews before announcing results

By Tamica Garnett EDUCATION Minister Priya Manickchand has confirmed that the Ministry of Education (MoE) is awaiting the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC)’s completion of the ongoing review of Guyana’s results before publicly releasing data from the examinations.

Following the September 22, 2020 release of the results for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), several students, schools and countries have challenged the grades issued.

In Guyana, individual students as well as the Government, through the MoE, had requested official reviews of some of the results.

Minister Manickchand established that it would be unfair to the students to release the results, when other students are awaiting reviews.

“Entire schools and students have appealed their CXC grades, and we thought it prudent to wait until those

appeals come back in. We don’t want to have people disappointed; we will just await on CXC official release of results, or we could make the announcement, if all the reviews [for Guyana] are back in,” the minister noted.

She added: “We have students with 20 ‘Ones’, but then we may have a girl with 17 ‘Ones’ and four ‘Twos’ who is reviewing that; it would be harmful to both of them if we announce one student as the top student, and then taking it away next two weeks.”

CXC customarily releases preliminary results, which is followed by a review process before the official declaration of final results. This year, the deadline for submitting requests for queries and reviews of the preliminary results ends on October 23, and the first official results from CXC is scheduled to be released from November 6.

Guyana is one of several nations across the Caribbean region challenging the results, where proponents are claiming mass discrepancies such as a high number of ungraded results, and alleged

made official reports to the MoE of unprecedented numbers of “ungraded” results across 15 subject areas, while 24 schools have requested reviews for unsatisfactory results across 20 subject areas for CSEC, and six schools submitted requests for a review of unsatisfactory results in seven subject areas for CAPE.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

unjustified lower-than-expected grades.

Complainants believe that the discrepancies are due to the Council administering a modified version in 2020 of its customary annual CSEC and CAPE, which were to exclude the regular Paper

Two component.

CXC has since convened an independent team to holistically review the Council’s 2020 examinations, with the team expected to report to the CXC chairman by Friday, October 16.

In Guyana, 20 schools

SETTLED Of the 20 schools reporting a high number of “ungraded” results, the minister confirmed that 12 have thus far had their situations settled.

The minister clarified, however, that some of the factors that caused the students “ungraded” results were on the part of Guyana, when it came to the submission of the School Based

Assessments (SBAs) for CSEC students, and Internal Assessments (IAs) for CAPE students.

“Of the 20 schools that got ungraded, we’ve gotten back results for 12 now, but we have discovered that many of those schools did not submit the SBAs, or did not submit them properly.

So that is something that we have to manage better at the Ministry of Education,” the minister explained.

She continued: “We have discovered locally that some of it can be attributed to our systems and our schools, and a failure on the part of the ministry to properly administer the SBAs. We have to make sure that we ensure our teachers submit what they’re supposed to submit.”

‘Mystery man’ burns down Caricom Auto Sales

POLICE and fire service officials are probing a suspected arson that gutted the Caricom Auto Sales building located at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara on Friday, leaving millions of dollars in losses.

The fire started around 14:00 hours and quickly ripped through the building.

Businessman Imran Inshan

The remains of the Caricom Auto Sales building following the blaze (Adrian Narine photo)

However, quick response by the Guyana Fire Service prevented further destruction to a nearby home and a Chinese window factory.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at the scene, the property owner, Imran Inshan, said he was a few yards away when he saw his workers running out of the building as smoke emanated from inside.

Inshan said according to his workers, a man, who had on a mask, went into the building to inquire about vehicle spare parts.

An employee told the customer that they did not have the parts he requested and the man requested that

the employee light a piece of “pink paper” and the employee did. The man then threw the paper into the office.

The businessman explained that paper was laced with gasoline and shortly after a loud explosion was heard and the fire quickly spread.

The man quickly ran out the building, got onto this bicycle and rode away. The police was summoned and nearby CCTV footages will be reviewed.

According to the businessman, the building had about $80M worth in spare parts while the structure itself is valued at over $70M

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GUYANA CHRONICLE saturday, october 10, 2020

COVID-19 results within 2-3 hours –– as gov’t acquires new automated testing machine from China

By Navendra Seoraj

PROCESSING time for samples taken from persons to test for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will be reduced from about eight hours to two-three hours, as Government received a new automated Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing machine from China.

The machine and supporting equipment, valuing around G$17 million, were handed over by China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun to the Ministry of Health, on Friday.

As it is now, the country is equipped with just one machine, which is being utilised by the National Reference Laboratory.

And, it was reported that the machine is

over 20 years old and was previously used to test for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The situation was, however, only made known when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was elected to office early August.

Despite the existing constraints, the new Government has sought to get maximum results from the existing resources. Health authorities have so far tested 15,568 persons for the disease, with 12,210 being negative and 3,358 positive.

With the automated machine, authorities will be able to do about 96 tests in about two hours, and if there are several shifts, 500-800 tests could be completed easily in one day.

The machine and other equipment which were donated to the Ministry of Health (Adrian Narine photo)

COVID-19 death toll passes 100

A 28-year-old man from Region Two and a 57-year-old man from Region Four are the latest COVID-19 fatalities as the total number of recorded deaths in Guyana climbed to 102.

Some 29 new cases were recorded over the past 24 hours, according to the latest statistics provided by the Ministry of Health.

The two persons are said to have died while receiving care at a public health facility. The death of the two men come even as men continue to account for a higher number of cases recorded in Guyana.

Of the 3,358 cases recorded to date, 1782 have been male. However, of the

newest cases, 12 were male. The latest numbers came as another 118 persons were tested over the past 24-hour testing cycle, bringing the total number of persons tested to date to 15, 568.

Some 2180 have recovered from COVID-19 but 15 are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), down from 16 that were in the unit on Thursday. Sone 115 persons are in institutional isolation while 59 persons are in institutional quarantine and 948 persons are In home isolation.

Region Four continues to account for the majority of the country’s cases, recording 1,566 cases to date, the only region to hit a four-digit number in cases.

“It is an automated machine that is going to help us to speed up the process. We bought a similar machine but we are having some challenges in getting it to Guyana.

So in the meantime while we are waiting for that machine that we have bought, we are going to start utilising this one,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, as he expressed gratitude to the Chinese Government for this donation.

Tests were being conducted manually, but the new machine will complete the process faster because every stage is automated.

“What happens is that when you take a batch there is a process that this thing would have to go through…so when you take the swab (sample), you put it in a little container and from that you have to purify it, extract it, amplify it and then you put it in the machine to read.

“Instead of everything being done manually, this machine (the automated machine) would do it in an automated way so this process will finish faster…it would move automatically from one process to the other, so

nobody doesn’t have to trouble it…so that is why it would be faster and it would take about less than two hours for us to complete a batch,” said Dr. Anthony.

Local authorities and professionals will also be guided by professionals from the Chinese Medical Brigade, which arrived in Guyana a few days ago.

Dr. Anthony said the Chinese Government did not just send a machine to Guyana, they sent someone who was properly trained to utilise the automated machine.

“So that person (from China) went to the factory (in China) got all the relevant training and so yesterday (Thursday) he was at the national public health reference lab and assisted our staff in setting up the machine,” said the health minister.

Ambassador Jianchun said China made the donation because it recognised that Guyana needed help to combat COVID-19. To this end, he committed that more help will be provided to local authorities as they continue to fight this disease.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Mother of four jailed for ganja trafficking

MAGISTRATE Crystal Lambert, on Friday, sentenced a mother of four to two years imprisonment along with a fine of $754,000 for trafficking cannabis.

Last month, Anitha Qualis of New Amsterdam, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Lambert in the Bartica Magistrate’s Court and admitted that on September 19, 2020, at Karrau Village

Essequibo River, she had in her possession 503 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The unrepresented woman was remanded and her sentencing deferred pending a probation report.

When the case was called on Friday, Qualis was represented by attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon, who was retained on her behalf by an Essequibo businessman.

Dhurjon pleaded with the magistrate to be merciful and not to administer a custodial sentence on his client, but rather other alternatives that would prevent her from being behind bars.

The lawyer explained

Anitha Qualis

that his client had a hard life and was not able to attend secondary school.

At the tender age of 15, she had her first child and was belittled and abused by her partner, who eventually abandoned her with their children.

Dhurjon told the court that Qualis recently lost her job at a snackette and felt an irresistible compulsion to do all things necessary to feed her starving children.

After the Magistrate handed down the two year sentence, Dhurjon asked the

court for a suspension of the sentence under the Criminal Law Reform Act, Cap.11:05.

Magistrate Lambert refused the lawyer’s request and ordered that the woman serve her sentence.

Dhurjon signalled his intention to appeal the severity of the sentence and to seek her urgent release in light of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the prisons.

According to reports, on September 19 around 14:30 hours, ranks were on mobile patrol at Karrau Village when

they observed Qualis acting in a suspicious manner.

The ranks intercepted Qualis, who then pulled out a black parcel which was underneath her clothes.

The bag was searched and compressed cannabis was found inside. She was arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station where she was charged with the offence.

Two killed in Chateau Margot accident A SECURITY guard and a mechanic were killed in an accident on the Chateau Margot Public Road, East of Demerara (ECD) on Friday.

Dead are Lionel Brower, 52, a security guard at Demerara Bank, East Coast Branch and of Lot 100 Bach-

elor’s Adventure, ECD and Kevin Persaud, 24, a mechanic of Lot Eight, Goedverwagting, ECD. Brower was riding motorcycle CJ 7915 while Persaud was driving motorcar PEE 3030.

Reports indicate that the motorcycle was proceeding east on the southern side of the road and the car was proceeding in the said direction

The vehicle after it was pulled from the canal

The motorcycle involved in the crash

at a very fast rate when it collided with the rear of the

Saturday, October 10, 2020 -- 12:00 HRS

motorcycle.

After the collision, the driver of the car lost control and ended up in a canal on the northern side of the road.

The motorcycle ended up on the southern driveway.

The driver of the motor cycle ended up about 100 feet east on the southern side of the road.

Both drivers received injuries about their bodies and were picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by police where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead.

The bodies are currently at Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting autopsy as investigations continue.

Granted bail for unlawful wounding LESTER Hopkinson was on Friday brought before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, charged with unlawful wounding.

Hopkinson, a 25-year-old vendor of William Street, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to the charg,e and was placed

on $25, 000 bail.

It is alleged that on August 17, 2020, at William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Floyd Beckles.

The matter was adjourned to November 6, and is set to be heard in Court 11.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

16 GDF officers trained as unit commanders SIXTEEN Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers on Friday completed more than 14 weeks of training designed to equip them with the skills required to function as unit commanders and senior staff officers in military operations.

The Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) includes modules which cover a number of areas, including staff duties and communication skills, military law, command and leadership, military ethics and history, internal security operations and intelligence, and security.

Students also benefitted from virtual lectures from Brigadier Errol Johnson of the Jamaica Cadet Corps; Commander Park Peterson of the Barbados Coast Guard; and Carlton Joao of Banks DIH Guyana Limited.

Training was conducted

Chief-of-Staff (ag), Brigadier Godfrey Bess addressing the 16 GDF officers who are now equipped with the skills to function as unit commanders and senior staff officers in military operations

in adherence with COVID-19 restrictions.

At the closing ceremony held on Friday at Base Camp Ayanganna, Captain Jermaine Newton was awarded the

prize for Best Graduating Student.

Captain Sven Douglas was the runner-up student, while the prize for Best Research Paper went to Captain

Bogus property owner allegedly swindles man out of $5M LLOYD Walton Nisbett was on Friday brought before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, charged with obtaining money under false pretense.

Nisbett, of Craig Street,

Campbellville, denied that he, on May 22, 2019, at George Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $5M from Vickram Lall by falsely pretending to him that he was the owner of the property situated at Lot 38 Cum-

mings and Fourth Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown, and was in the position to sell the said property, knowing same to be false.

Magistrate Daly placed Nisbett on $65,000 bail, and adjourned the matter to next Friday.

Mirza Wahid.

Chief of Staff (ag), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, in the feature address congratulated the graduates, and urged that their successful completion of the course does not absolve them of the need to continuously keep their minds and thoughts engaged.

He urged them to pursue higher learning, and to shun complacency.

“There is nothing routine about assuming higher command within the GDF. We have not trained you to be routine; we have trained you to be exceptional. You must be exceptional in your thinking, and conceptualising. You must be exceptional in your interpretation of statutes, your application of knowledge, and your manner of engaging and delivering judgements that will enable your command to be seen and understood to be not just effective and efficient, but, more importantly, transformational,” he said.

Brigadier Bess added: “Your effectiveness will always be evaluated against the depth and the breadth of your understanding of the changing dynamics of this environment.

You are ready to graduate today, but are you ready for the future? Your capabilities will be fully demonstrated when you hold the command for which you have now been educated.”

The graduating officers were reminded that the GDF is evolving, and the Chief of

Staff emphasised that they must evolve with it.

“You must be able to see where changes to the status quo are necessary, and need to be supported by relevant actions,” he said, adding: “Additionally, you must understand when and how to apply forceful and direct commands, and when to engage in diplomatic behaviour, since the intelligent and astute application of your composite military and academic qualifications and experiences to assuming and delivering in your command will be your most important base going forward.”

Expressing the hope that the lessons learnt during the course would open their minds to the possibilities as to where the GDF can go, Brigadier Bess urged the graduating officers to continue to put their shoulders to the wheel to get the work done.

The SCSC is a capstone military course, and its successful completion is a prerequisite for entrance into the Senior Officer Corps.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

(ag)

The world in action

GOVERNMENT officials are currently engaged in the processes for the distribution of the coronavirus relief cash-grants, with priority being given to the most afflicted, most vulnerable hinterland communities, simultaneous to medical interventions intended to halt and even reverse the spread of the deadly pandemic.

However, indigenous people from other parts of the world are not that fortunate; Brazil’s First Peoples included.

Avaaz is a community petitions platform that is supporting thousands to start and win campaigns at the local, national, and international levels. It is a U.S.-based nonprofit organisation launched in January 2007 by founder and CEO, Ricken Patel. The organisation addresses issues such as animal welfare, the environment, human rights, social justice, and local and community issues among others.

Oscar Soria, an official of Avaaz, dispatched to international supporters a letter that describes, in excruciating detail, the toll the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on indigenous tribes in the Amazon Basin, primarily in Brazil.

“…The crisis facing the Amazon is huge… I made the first call, and cried.

Then I made a hundred more -- talking to Amazon chiefs and elders throughout the rainforest.

“The voices changed, but it was all one story: of Earth’s most resilient people, passionate guardians of the forest, facing utter devastation by COVID-19.

It’s killing their elders, their children, mothers, and warriors.

“One man was days from any hospital, and his wife was sick. The next time we spoke, she was dead. And yet he couldn’t stop to grieve. Too many of his people still needed help.

“The scale of the suffering nearly broke me -- the Waorani, the Yanesha, the Kayapó, and dozens more -- they’ve given all they can to protect their families and the rainforest.

“Over thousands of years, tribal elders have grown a deep, intimate wisdom of the rainforest, and how we can help it to heal. But now that ancient human library is being ravaged by the virus, just at the moment the world needs it most.

“More than 150 tribes in Brazil are

already infected, and people are dying at double the rate of the general population. I know how desperate it is. They told me through tears.

“We’ve just helped over 35,000 indigenous families across the Amazon, but we have to do more... If we raise enough (funds), we can: Provide vital COVID-19 testing kits, medical supplies, and food packages for desperate families; fund mobile health facilities and makeshift ICU beds in remote areas, and rebuild rundown health centres; buy vital communication equipment so communities can coordinate evacuations, report infections, and call for help.

This is our chance to defend the defenders; to lift up the people who’ve cared for and protected the world’s most precious rainforest for millenia… Let’s do all we can to lift up the guardians of Earth’s most precious rainforest.”

Soria informed that testing, treatments, and oxygen tanks have been provided in one of the 262 rapid-response ICUs Avaaz has helped set up in remote areas of the Amazon.

Community members receive medical advice and training in COVID testing at makeshift clinics.

There are no roads deep into the Amazon, so, in those remote regions, food aid and medical supplies are delivered by boat.

Families grow healthy food in community food gardens, while supply chains remain severely disrupted.

Avaaz is a 60-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people shape global decision-making. (‘Avaaz’ means “voice” or “song” in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world, with the team spread across 18 countries on six continents, operating in 17 languages.

Guyanese indigenous communities are not neglected by their government, which has taken a multi-pronged approach to address issues of concern to every community countrywide; and Guyanese of Amerindian extraction are not being neglected anymore in the national landscape as Guyana embraces its new, highly-marketable product: Oil.

A greedy few enjoyed the good life Dear Editor, THIS year’s Nobel Peace Prize went to the World Food Programme (WFP) for its “efforts to combat hunger”, and its “contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has described the WFP as “a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.” The WFP, a United Nations agency, represents the best of the international community and its collective action to create a more hopeful world, the USA being one of its biggest donors. This is another blow to President Trump, who was overlooked for the third time for this prestigious award. Despite the fact that Trump did help forge agreements between Israel and two Arab states that previously refused to recognise the U.S. as an ally, his misleading presentation of himself to the world was incredible.

His actual national security record features a massive troop deployment to the Middle East, brutal U.S. interventions in places

like Yemen and Somalia, a disdain for diplomacy, and frequent fantasies about inflicting violence abroad. President Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, a clinical psychologist, told reporters that her uncle, who was hospitalised for treatment of COVID-19, was brought up to view sickness as “unacceptable” and a “weakness”, and it may sound cruel, but it happens to be true.

She added, “That’s why the U.S. is in the horrible place we’re in, because he cannot admit to the weakness of being ill, or of other people being ill.” Democratic presidential candidate, Joe Biden may well have been referring to Guyana and David Granger when he summed it up best at the last debate, saying: “Under this president, we’ve become weaker, sicker, poorer, more divided, and more violent.”

Guyanese would recall the nation’s sad state of affairs when the PPP/C government took over from APNU+AFC on August 2, 2020. The man-in-the-street was poorer and suffering; medication was scarce, while millions were wasted on expired drugs and

the renting of a warehouse; their COVID-19 Task Force was ineffective; people were more divided from a fraudulent election attempt; violence was gradually agitated by the political rebels.

Again, Guyanese became frustrated after a tedious waiting period of some five long months, during which time, many were forced to become dependent on aid, alms, handouts, help and charitable distributions. Many were uncontrollably resorting to begging, and being reduced to the embarrassment of pleading for donations while looking and searching for food, because they knew not where the next meal would come from.

How can Guyanese ever forget this inhumane and abominable catastrophe, and forgive the APNU+AFC Party for reducing them to disgrace and shame? They will ride with this stigma all the way to the next election.

The caretaker government was never up to the job, and a number of their members and those from GECOM were viewed as questionable candidates for psychiatric treatment. Their behaviour left much to be desired, and also

left many wondering!

Leana Wen, a CNN medical analyst and visiting professor at George Washington University, said she would perform a psychiatric evaluation on President Trump if he were her patient, and left the hospital while still infected with the novel coronavirus “to go for a car ride”.

How can Guyanese ever again place trust, faith, belief, hope and depend on any promise the APNU+AFC Party will make to try and convince people to support them and accept them as honest leaders who will genuinely work in their favour and protect their interest?

They (APNU+AFC) have continuously shot themselves in the foot, and daily, Guyanese are finding out for themselves how wrong they (Guyanese) were, and what a terrible mistake they had made when they voted for such cruel, callous, corrupted and collusive culprits!

From the $329 billion budget presented by the PPP/C government, some $170 See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE saturday, october 10, 2020

Blessing or nuisance?

Dear Editor, SOCIAL media may seem like a blessing to Mankind, but it can also be a nuisance and an instrument of great terror.

I am writing this letter to express my concern as it relates to certain evil-minded individuals who use this platform to promote animosity and spread fear, so as to potentially establish civil unrest or war in our country.

In Guyana, we have seen people who have been incited by social media to hurt fellow Guyanese, and even to destroy public property. We saw a certain opposition lawyer, via social media, who encouraged people to do bad things while he is safe and secure behind closed doors in his palace. While most are ignoring his calls and staying in their homes, he is putting the lives of others at risk. Little do these people know that he is only causing them to accumulate criminal records with possible imprisonment.

I would like to point out that Guyana was in such peace and calm before the elections and even immediately after the elections of March 2, 2020. Our citizens were cooperative, respectful, and helpful. In the nation, there was no tension; our people were in a state of unity, harmony, tolerance, and reverence, but after March 4, 2020, misery descended on the nation, with fear and hatred spreading like a wildfire trapped in a dry forest.

Some people started to use the medium of social media to make derogatory statements, using the nastiest of words to describe members of another race. They even went so as far as to abuse the reproductive parts of our holy mothers and holy wives. Hate amongst a particular set of people of both sides was all over social media, encouraging public terror and causing discomfort and even others encouraging retaliation. The recipe for civil war was actually on the fingertips of some people.

Heads of diplomatic missions were threat-

ened, as well as elegant Guyanese who were observers were heckled, humiliated, and their lives put at risk. Following this abuse of social media, I was pleased to hear His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali saying that they will be making the laws governing social media stiffer with major penalties. I fully concur with this statement made by His Excellency President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Now more than ever, I believe this is a necessity.

During the election count, we recall how one opposition leader sent a message of lies via social media that the then-presidential candidate, Dr. Irfaan Ali had invaded the area with dozens of armed personnel. This created a ripple effect of attacks and profound embarrassment on our country. All this happened because of the influence of social media, whereby this individual misused the platform to spew his hate. This is why I say that social media can be both constructive and destructive. Thank God for the positive ones who post about the realities, for e.g. those who post in the form of rules or readings, and who encourage all citizens to protect themselves from COVID-19 by learning to grow their own food, becoming self-sufficient and positive citizens to their country.

Respected editor, it would be remiss of me not to mention those dangerous mouthpieces of hate, particularly those living in the United States of America. They assume that since they are abroad, they can say what they want, and provoke violence in the form of murders, assaults, shootings, beatings, rapes, burning of vehicles, robbery of paddies and personal belongings against a particular ethnic group.

This technique of using social media to create conflict, a pandemonium, and a state of war must be prevented by the strong rules and laws passed in our Parliament; it has to be in such a way that if the evidence is there whereby these culprits have been inciting Guyanese to riot, hurt, burn, loot, or rape any

A greedy few ...

From page 6

billion are inclusive as expenditure from the previous APNU+AFC Government for a seven-month period this year, most of which are not properly accounted for.

The magnitude of misappropriation of funds and unaccountability is so infamously magnificent that the Auditor General and team would need more than magnifying glasses to muster courage and memorable moments, in order to ascertain the manifestation of this unbelievable phenomenon. Oily hands do stick in many corners to create bulging pockets. Doubling the staff at the Auditor General’s office is not only plausible but possible, also because there is enough work to outlast the size of that department.

That 50,000 employment mark by the

President will be further reduced. President Irfaan Ali’s budget does cater for the many immediate needs of the people, and is intended to return money in the hands of the working people, and at the said time to reduce their pain and suffering.

The PPP/C will ensure that no more will Guyanese have to undergo any more inglorious and undignified trials, whereby they will have to succumb to hunger, poverty, suffering, begging and other demeaning habits that were enforced upon them by the ruthless, heartless and merciless APNU+AFC that was only in power to serve their own, greedy needs to make only them live the good life.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

citizen of this country, then they must face the music. We must be able to set an example of all of them by taking one or two of them into the legal channel of extradition. This might be costly, but it is a noteworthy investment.

The government should also ensure that they are blacklisted at the airport, so that as soon as they arrive in the country, we will be informed and therefore make the requisite arrests so that they face the consequences.

These violent warlike individuals living in Guyana and overseas need to realise that what they are putting out is what they are going to get. When a person preaches hatred and induces terror, they must realise that these are the illicit gifts of nature that will revisit them.

Apart from the political pain caused by social media, bullying has become quite a scourge. Many children, young people and adults have committed suicide due to the aforementioned. It is also known that certain men have exposed sexual relations with females; putting them to shame for

a lifetime. It is also known that several women have shared nasty videos of fellow women on social media. We need serious laws to mitigate all of these, and to prevent them from causing damage and injury to others.

I ask our government to consider the points I have raised above. Let us make a move as soon as possible, so that these laws be enacted, where we will see the negative thinking and actions of these culprits be circumcised and castrated.

We need people who strive to promote respect, integrity, grace, morality, compassion, and unity; not those who turn social media into a hated platform.

I firmly believe that if they do not have anything positive to say, the only thing to do is to shut up, and haul themselves in a corner.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan, Snr

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

‘Dhallback’ charged with murdering ‘children-mother’ A MAN who brutally chopped the mother of his children after accusing her of infidelity, on Friday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with murder.

Nicholas Williams, called “Dhallback”, was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

It is alleged that on October 6,

2020, at Cooper Street, Albouystown, Williams murdered Clarabel Johnson.

According to the facts presented to the court by the police prosecutor, Williams and the deceased have three children, but were residing at different addresses. On the day in question, at about 06:00hrs, the deceased left her home to visit a friend at King Edward Street, Albouystown.

The prosecutor told the court that

the friend was not home, and while heading back to her residence, Johnson was confronted by Williams, who accused her of infidelity, and shortly thereafter chopped her at the back of her right knee with a cutlass.

According to the prosecutor, Williams then used the cutlass to hit the deceased in the head and made good his escape. Johnson was rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital, where

she succumbed around 07:21hrs. The cause of death has been given as an incised wound to the right leg, which resulted in severe hemorrhage, and blunt trauma to the head.

The court was told that following his arrest, the suspect submitted a written statement under caution, admitting to the crime.

The case has been adjourned to October 23, 2020.

Are trade unions observing the law regulating their existence?

TRADE Unions Act: Chapter 98:03 provides for the Regulation and Registration of Trade Unions to enable them to function in good standing of the law. Some of the main provisions of

the Trades Unions Act include: * Trade Unions are prohibited from carrying out business and function legally unless it is registered (Sections 11-12) with the Registrar of Trade Unions in

accordance with this Act. * The purpose of any trade union shall not be unlawful so as to invalidate any agreement (Section 5). * The Act protects trade unions against action of tort and breach of contract or agreement or trust in pursuance of a trade dispute (Sections 7 and 8). * The Act provides for the property of the unions to be vested in trustees, (trustees cannot hold office in the same union), for legal actions by or against trustees, and limitation of responsibility of trustees (Section 16-21).

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY The Act expressly requires every Treasurer or other Officers to render to the Trustees, the members of the union at a duly constituted meeting of the union, a just and true account of monies received and paid, funds remaining and all bonds and securities of the union.

The trustees are required to submit to the Auditor General for audit within fourteen days of the receipt of the account from the treasurer (Section 22).

Questions for continuing representational and collective bargaining relations with Trade Unions: i) Should the Government and Private / Corporate Employers require from the Trustees of a recognized Union, a certified statement that this financial obligation has been fulfilled? ii) Should the Auditor General, upon request, confirm that the receipts of accounts/financial statements from the Trustees for auditing? iii) Should the Auditor General publish annually the names of the Unions whose financial accounts have been audited?

The Act further stipulates the requirements and conditions in relation

to the registration of union rules, the registered office of the unions, withdrawal or cancellation of certificate of registration, change of union’s name, amalgamation of unions, registration of change of name and amalgamation, and dissolution of the union (Sections 25-33).

ANNUAL RETURN AND REGISTRAR’S REPORTS Section 35 of the Act imposes an obligation on every registered trade union to present to the Registrar a general statement of receipts, funds, effects, and expenditure before the 1st May in every year.

The general statement must show fully the assets and liabilities of the preceding year and must be prepared together with such information and in the manner stipulated in this Act. Questions: i) Should the Registrar of Trade Unions publish a list annually of the Unions complying with these legal and lawful requirements? ii) Should the Registrar of Trade Unions provide the relevant information, on request to a Company, the Government that recognizes the appropriate Union for collective bargaining purposes?

The Registrar of Trade Unions is required to lay before the National Assembly, annual reports with respect to matters transacted by the Registrar in keeping with the requirements of the Trade Unions Act (Section 36). Question: Should the annual to the National Assembly by the Registrar, made available on request to the Clerk of the National Assembly, to an employer, or research students?

Sincerely, Samuel J. Goolsarran

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Gainful employment must be guaranteed with new investments

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– Minister Mustapha to French delegation

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, with the delegation and other officials from the Ministry of Agriculture

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Friday, met a delegation comprising French investors and representatives from the French Defence Attaché to Suriname and Guyana and the French Development Agency (FDA), to discuss several developments for the agriculture sector.

During the meeting, the team discussed their plans to invest in the development of organic farms to cultivate pineapples and other fruits to supply international markets, through the production of value-added products.

Managing Director of Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited, Christophe Sureau, said the aim of the company is to tap into regional and international markets looking to purchase organic commodities.

“We have been engaging with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to acquire additional lands to develop an organic farm. We can acquire certification but we need these lands in areas that have not been exposed to any type of intensive farming where chemicals were used.

If we plant on lands that have traces of chemical exposure, we can lose that certification.

We want to start with pineapples. We will also establish other crops like mangoes, pawpaw and guava. We have the market for these products. It’s just the question of getting the raw material to supply the production,” Sureau said.

Amazon Caribbean Guy-

ana has its farm at Herstelling on the East Bank of Demerara and its factory at Rosignol, Berbice, where they process pineapples into juices and fruit cocktails for export. Since they commenced their operations, they were able to employ over 300 persons, but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, they were forced to cease operations and send their staff home.

“Even though we had put systems in place to ensure the safety of our employees during the pandemic, the impact it had on the export market is what forced us to lay off the employees. Because, at the moment, our products are solely for export, our shipments for the remainder of the year were cancelled and we were unable to pay the persons who worked at the factories. We are hoping to commence operations in January and all of the staff will be rehired. With the expansion, we will also be able to hire additional staff,” Sureau added.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, while applauding the company for its progress thus far, said that he welcomes investments that result in development and gainful employment for the citizens of the country.

“As Minister of Agriculture, I welcome investments and if you notice, I’ve been asking about employment because that is the main focus of this Government - to ensure investments equal em-

ployment for our people. If people are employed, the society will be developed. So, we will be working with you to see how best we can help you during this process,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Minister also thanked the team for the role the European Union (EU) played in restoring democracy to Guyana during the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“Our democracy was threatened and was about to be stolen. Because of the pressure applied by the EU and countries like France locally, we were able to restore our democratic rights. Government is working to develop mechanisms to ensure what took place from March 2nd to August 2nd doesn’t happen again,” Minister Mustapha said.

The representative from the French Development Agency also informed Minister Zulfikar of the role of the Agency.

“We support development projects in different countries where we have interventions. The agency basically finances and supports projects in different areas. We propose financing according to the priority and the needs of the country. We have financial tools that adapt to the needs of the country in the form of loans and grants. Our main objectives in Guyana are in the areas of environmental protection and energy conservation and linking those projects with other sectors,

for example agriculture,” the representative said.

The team is expected to

return to Guyana shortly when they will have another series of meetings

with other Government officials to discuss areas for development. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Mahaicony residents gain first-time access to potable water

RESIDENTS of Esau and Jacob, Mahaicony are happy to be receiving water for the first time, after an intervention by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues.

The community had encountered many failed attempts over the last few years to gain access to potable water. On Friday, the minister, along with Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally, and a team of GWI and regional officials visited the area to get a first-hand look of the works undertaken.

The minister explained that a resident by the name

of Nyoka Persaud recently reached out to the ministry to inform them of the struggles they were facing as it relates to potable water access.

To execute the project, the ministry received assistance from Jagmohan of Pure Harvest Inc. He provided 266 lengths of pipes to facilitate individual service connections to households for the first time. The works were executed by GWI in collaboration with Jagmohan’s workers. This entailed connecting pipelines to the Strath Campbell well station, laying distribution lines and installing individual service connections.

Minister Rodrigues noted the ministry is appreciative of the private sector support and community effort to work alongside GWI to bring immediate relief, explaining that the ministry did not get to cater for the area in its current budget.

She noted however that her priority is to provide potable water access to unserved communities by the end of government’s first term.

Regional Executive Officer of Region Five, Genevieve Blackman; Region Five Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal and residents, expressed their gratitude for

GWI officials and Permanent Secretary of the Housing and Water Ministry, Andre Ally at a meeting with residents in Mahaicony

Residents of Esau and Jacob who received water service for the first time

Minister Rodrigues cuts the ribbon to signal first-time access to water service in the community

Minister Rodrigues turns on the tap to sample the water

the timely intervention while adding that it would provide major relief to the community.

Prior to the installation of service connections, residents relied on the rain and purchased water during

the dry season, since the nearby river does not provide fresh water.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Guyanese to benefit from significant increase in electricity generation –– Prime Minister says PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips, on Friday afternoon, said Guyanese can expect to benefit from an exponential increase in electric power over the next four years.

The Prime Minister made these comments during a guided tour of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Garden of Eden Power Station, where he also inspected the progress of a 46.5-megawatt power plant being built by Wärtsilä.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2021 at a cost of approximately US$52 million.

Additionally, it was pointed out that Guyanese can also expect to benefit from the generation of 200 megawatts of power with a gas-to-energy project which is expected to be completed

by December 2024. The country’s peak demand for power at this time is 125 megawatts.

The Prime Minister said the Government will continue to support the strategic development of GPL, to the benefit of all Guyanese.

“I want to compliment the CEO, Deputy CEO and all the other staff of GPL for the hard work that they are putting in 24 hours a day to keep the lights on in Guyana.

With a project like this and many projects that we have planned for the future, we will reach to a point where electricity will be 100 per cent reliable and there will be no power outages”.

According to Ryan Ross, Divisional Director (Projects), GPL, the new power plant is a modern dual fuel facility that will be able to utilise heavy fuel oil and

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (blue mask), inspects equipment at GPL's Garden of Eden Power Station (DPI photo)

natural gas simultaneously.

Additionally, Gary Hall, Divisional Director, Administration of Power Producers and Distributors limited (PPDI), said there has already

been a significant overhaul to the power generation system for 2020, which will result in a stable supply of power by December.

“We have had to do elev-

en overhauls this year… we have at least three to finish before the end of the year; all of our maintenance activity should be finished on or before the first week of

December, so we should have full generation availability.”

Also present during the tour of the facility was Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Albert Gordon. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Early intervention vital to tackling mental health IN the Caribbean and worldwide, mental health disorders are now recognised as the fifth major non-communicable disease and a major threat to health and economic development in the 21st century.

According to the World Health Organisation, one in four persons globally will be affected by a mental disorder or neurological disorder in their lifetime and 450 million are affected by these disorders, such as, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia and substance (e.g. alcohol, nicotine) dependency.

Mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability and a major contributor to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region. In Jamaica for example, the burden of mental illness is predicted to cause US$2.76 billion in lost economic output from 2015-2030.

This year’s World Mental Health Day, on 10 October, comes at a time when lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign focuses on investment in mental health, a release from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) said.

“Good mental health is critical to the functioning of society at the best of times.

It must be front and centre of every country’s response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The mental health and wellbeing of whole societies have been severely impacted by this crisis and are a priority to be addressed urgently,” World Federation for Mental Health said.

The current COVID-19 pandemic is also affecting different people in different ways, and is having a major impact on persons’ mental health and well-being including those persons who have existing mental illnesses. Persons with mental disorders often face stigma and discrimination, limitation of human rights, abuse, neglect and inadequate access to community-based treatment, care and support services. Addressing stigma and discrimination are important strategies in programmes for mental health disorders.

Investing in interventions designed to improve health can help reduce the burden of these illnesses. There are cost-effective interventions that Caribbean countries can implement to prevent and control mental illnesses.

Scaled up treatment for mental health disorders are likely to increase healthy life years, thus avoiding significant economic losses and social costs. Over a 15-year period, scaling up treatment for mental health conditions in Jamaica would result in J$4.2 return on investment for every J$1 invested.

“We must support interventions and investments aimed at prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. So that we move closer to achieving our goals, we need to continue to pledge support to the 2007 Declaration of Port of Spain: Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4 which aims to reduce, by 2030, premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one third, through prevention and treatment and the promotion of mental health and well-being,” said Dr. Joy St John, CARPHA Executive Director.

She further stated that a ‘whole of society approach’ is essential in order to prevent and control mental disorders and other NCDs. No one person, organisation or government can do this. All

members of society need to play their role to achieve success.

CARPHA continues to work closely with the Caribbea n C o m m u n i t y ( C A RICOM), institutions of the community, member states and its public health partners to create the needed alliances between governments, academia, civil society and others, to help to shape regional and country-level policy and programmes that address the issues of mental health disorders and to promote mental wellbeing.

In September of this year, CARPHA and countries across the region celebrated Caribbean Wellness Day. The annual event was geared at increasing awareness and promoting activities to address non-communicable diseases including mental health.

“CARPHA urges everyone to engage in healthy lifestyles like being physically active, engaging in healthy eating; if you smoke, please quit, reduce consumption of alcohol to the recommended safe quantities, get annual health checks, improve your personal relationships with family and friends and take care of your mental health.

During the pandemic be calm, be safe, and seek help if unable to cope,” the release concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Barbadian jailed, fined $51.9M for ganja bust

A 41-year-old Barbadian, was, on Friday, sentenced to three years in prison and fined $51.9 million after he took ownership of marijuana that was found aboard a cargo vessel earlier this week.

Michael Forde, a seaman of St. Michaels, Barbados, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and admitted that, on Wednesday, at a Georgetown wharf he trafficked 69.246 kilograms of cannabis.

He was jointly charged with Hardat Monilall of Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown and Trevor Robinson of St. James, Barbados.

Additionally, Randy Welch of Golden Grove, East Bank

Michael Forde

Demerara, was charged for aiding the trio in the commission of the offence.

However, during Friday’s hearing, Customs Anti-Narcotics (CANU) Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford withdrew the charges against Forde’s co-accused given his confession.

James Emptage and Clyde Outridge were also arrested on board the vessel, but they were later released.

According to reports the Barbados registered cargo vessel which was laden with vegetables was searched on Tuesday. A second examination the following day unearthed over $60M worth of marijuana in 71 large bulk parcels in a section of the vessel marked “CV1 Barbados.” They weighed 69.246 kilogrammes.

CANU believes that the vessel has been in Guyana for several weeks and had undergone repairs while docked at the GNIC wharf on Lombard Street, Georgetown.

The seized narcotics

Meeting to resolve land issues on Essequibo Coast on Monday PERSONS with pending housing and land matters along the Essequibo Coast will soon have these issues resolved when a high-level team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be conducting a series of meetings on Monday.

The meetings will be held at the Charity Secondary School beginning at 9:00 hours; State House Anna Regina at 13:00 hours; and Onderneeming at 15:00 hours.

According to a release, these engagements are as a result of numerous complaints made by residents during an outreach over the weekend with Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. Residents told the minister that their monies have been tied up with the housing agency for years as they await solutions to their issues, in other instances, titles have not been forthcoming for them to proceed with financing and construction.

Additionally, there is the issue of persons being asked to repeatedly make an application for house lot because their information cannot be found in the agency’s database. The residents told Minister Croal that they are at their wit’s end with attending meetings for just documentation purposes and no solutions to their issues that have been existing for years.

Moving forward, the minister recently announced that the entire housing operations in Region Two will be revamped to better serve the needs of applicants. These upcoming meetings will aid in kick-starting this new way in which the agency delivers services.

According to Minister Croal, a few policy decisions have been made in relation to addressing the issues in the region and this will commence with a massive data collection exercise.

Following the data col-

lection exercise, the agency’s database will be updated and persons will be dealt with in chronological order. Other policy decisions will guide the way matters are dealt with relating to the issuance of titles and transport and other land matters.

Over the coming months, residents of Pomeroon/Supernaam, Region Two, will be better served from the Ministry of Housing and Water as plans are onstream for a more equipped and staffed regional housing office.

In the interim, the ministry will continue its work in acquiring lands for distribution in the region and to complete infrastructure in existing schemes. The government’s ambitious housing drive will see the allocation of 10,000 serviced lots annually. This vision will be realised through funding from Central Government and Public-Private Partnerships.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Coconut industry expansion on Agriculture Ministry’s agenda

Minister Mustapha and CARDI’s Jhaman Kundun, engaging in a coconut tree planting exercise

THE Ministry of Agriculture is moving full steam ahead with its plans to expand Guyana’s coconut industry.

This was revealed by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a recent visit to William Adams Coconut Farm at Dalgin on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Minister Mustapha revealed that the sector will be developed by intercropping, which will later be adopted all across the country.

With the many measures that were put in place for farmers in the 2020 Budget, the Agriculture Minister believes that this would boost production.

“The land rental fee, we have reduced from $15,000 back to $2000 and $1000.

We have removed the drainage and irrigation charges from $8,000 to $2,500; the VAT from agriculture supplies and inputs; equipment like spray cans that farmers will need do not require paying VAT. That is the kind of policy that you should have in a country to enable farmers to produce; give them the facilities and also provide a similar environment, where the government’s policy is friendly to all,” the minister said.

The Adams farm, owned

by Mr. William Adams, a re-migrant from the USA, has approximately 20 acres of land cultivated with coconut varieties for water.

The Caribbean Agricultural

Research and Development Institute (CARDI), along with other stakeholders, have been working with Mr. Adams to pilot and demonstrate various forms of intercropping.

According to Minister Mustapha, agriculture is the backbone of Guyana’s economy and as such the ministry is working assiduously to transform the coconut industry.

Guyana is expected to join the International Coconut Community soonest, having received an invitation from Malaysia.

Last year, another overseas Guyanese had made public his plans to inject some $500 million into the development of the coconut industry on the Essequibo Coast.

Businessman Dudley Stephens of Maria’s Lodge, Essequibo Coast, had told the Guyana Chronicle in an October 2019 interview, that his aim was to establish a coconut estate in Capoey thereby creating jobs for persons in the community as well as on the coastland.

He had noted that the coconut estates will be intercropped with pepper and citrus and subsequently, an agro –processing facility will be built.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

November trial for Lowenfield

GECOM Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr. Keith Lowenfield

CHIEF Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, who is before the court on three private criminal fraud charges, is expected to go on trial next month.

On Friday, when the case was called before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, the prosecutor had just filed additional statements. He was given until October 23 to file the remainder.

The charges were filed by People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) member, Desmond Morian, and General Secretary of The New Movement (TNM), Daniel Kanhai, on June 30, 2020.

The magistrate set November 13 for the commencement of the trial for the case filed

by Morian, while Kanhai’s matter was given a November 20 start date.

Lowenfield’s attorney, Nigel Hughes, had written the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), requesting that the three criminal charges be withdrawn.

The DPP is yet to respond to that request. No representative from her chambers was in court for Friday’s hearing.

When the charges were read to Lowenfield in July, he was not required to plead. He was later released on $450,000 bail.

Kanhai is alleging that Lowenfield, between March 5 and June 23, 2020, at Georgetown, conspired with person(s) unknown to commit the common-law offence of fraud, to wit, by representing to the Guyana Elections Commission that tables attached to his Election Report, dated June 23, 2020, accurately reflected the true results of the said election, in order to materially alter the results of the said election with intent to defraud, knowing the said tabulation to be false.

Morian is alleging that Lowenfield, between March 5, 2020, and June 29, 2020, while performing his duty as CEO, without lawful excuse or justification, wilfully misconducted himself at Georgetown by ascertaining results of the

March 2 elections knowing the said results to be false. This wilful misconduct, he alleges, amounted to a breach of the public’s trust in the Office of the Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission.

The second charge filed

by Morian against Lowenfield claims that, in collusion with Region Four District Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, he altered results that had been declared in March for that district.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched a “comprehensive” investigation against Lowenfield and Mingo, after it received formal reports of alleged criminal misconduct by the duo.

The police, in a statement, noted that formal reports allege criminal conduct by the two and others in relation to the elections and events subsequent thereto.

As a result, Police Headquarters noted that legal advice was obtained from the DPP, and the GPF was advised to launch a comprehensive investigation into these allegations in accordance with its mandate.

“The DPP has further indicated that in the exercise of powers vested in her, under Article 187 of the Constitution, she will take over the private criminal charges currently pending in the Magistrates’ Court in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and its aftermath,” police stated.

As the country’s Chief Elections Officer, Lowenfield had presented results for the elections with the exact inflated figures for the APNU+AFC Coalition as was declared by Mingo The results were described as fraudulent and there was a public outcry. A national vote recount which was done subsequently, clearly established that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was the winner of the elections.

The elections’ results were finally announced on August 2, after a five-month delay.

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Myers on $300,000 bail for misconduct charges DEPUTY Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, was on Friday released on $300,000 bail after pleading not guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office.

She appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Myers was represented by attorneys Nigel Hughes and Ronald Daniels, while prosecutor Teriq Mohammed of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) chambers appeared on behalf of the State.

The charges against Myers alleged that between March 4 and March14, 2020, in Georgetown, while being a public officer, that is to say the Deputy Chief Election Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, she willfully misconduct herself together with Clairmont Mingo and others, to declare a fraudulent account of votes for the General and Regional Elections which amounted to a breach of the public's trust in the office of the said DCEO of Guyana Elections Commission, without any reasonable excuse or justification.

She was released on a total of $300,000 bail and the case adjourned to October 23, 2020.

Opposition-nominated Commissioners, Desmond Trotman and Vincent Alexander were present in court to show support for Myers.

On October 6, Myers surrendered herself to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after she was tipped off that the police were preparing to release a wanted bulletin for her. She had reportedly evaded investigators for over a month.

During her interrogation, she was asked 11 questions to which she replied, “I reserve my right to remain silent.” She was not granted station bail and remained in custody until her court appearance.

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, is also before the court for alleged fraud and misconduct regarding the March 2 elections.

Additionally, District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, was in August placed on $600,000 bail on four charges of misconduct in public office per-

taining to the said elections.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched a ‘comprehensive’ investigation into all allegations of criminal misconduct in the aftermath of the 2020 elections.

With public trust in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) significantly eroded, President Irfaan Ali recently announced that an international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will be held to probe the weaknesses of the elections body.

President Ali maintained that an independent CoI would not be overreaching as the aim of the exercise would be to protect democracy and the will of the people.

“This is an independent CoI that goes there and looks at what took place not only on Elections Day; it has to look at everything that took place. The world wants to know what took place,” the Head of State said.

The PPP/C government took office five months after the elections were held.

“This government is the beneficiary of the will of the people. This government is here because the will of the people spoke. This government is here because the people elected this government; we are not the beneficiary of any system,” he asserted.

While the CoI will produce recommendations to fix the system, it will not interfere with the election petitions filed by the APNU+AFC. “The CoI has nothing to do with the actions filed.

The judiciary will deal with that. That’s a separate arm of government; it cannot influence the judiciary,” the President said.

During a recent regional interview, Dr. Ali stated that the CoI was necessary to ensure that the persons who attempted to obstruct democracy and the will of the people are held accountable for their actions.

DEPUTY Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers (Carl Croker Photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Bartica remarkably transformed –– mayor happy about First Lady’s beautification project

By Telesha Ramnarine BARTICA Mayor, Gifford Marshall, has commended the move by First Lady Arya Ali to implement a ‘National Beautification Project’, and said the township is working to emulate the fine example being set in beautifying its own environs.

“I must say how elated I was when I read an article emanating from the First Lady’s Office, articulating the vision for a National Beautification Project. I commend this transformative initiative,” Marshall told the Guyana Chronicle recently.

Ever since Bartica became a town, the local authorities have used every platform possible to emphasise the need for a ‘green’ approach to the environment, resulting in a

remarkable transformation to Bartica’s landscape.

“There needs to be a new thought process, a… shift towards cleaner, eco-friendly communities across Guyana,” Marshall posited.

Amidst, encumbrances on parapets and reserves, irresponsible disposal of garbage, stray animals, increased vehicular air pollution and push back from some residents, he said the municipality of Bartica is forging ahead monthly with initiatives that will aid in the beautification of the town.

“We are grateful for the growing support amongst stakeholders in support of our efforts. Our vision, have seen avenues, reserves and open spaces being enhanced with trees and flowering plants,” Marshall observed.

The Monument of Hope will soon benefit from three

species of palms namely; Fish Tail, Fox Tail and Christmas Palm, while dozens of flowering trees have already been planted along 7th Avenue, in front of the cemetery.

Caribbese Hill is also experiencing a much-needed enhanced environment. A number of trees have been planted and benches were installed. Work has also started at the junction of 7th Avenue and the Potaro Road.

“On completion, the transformation will be admired and to the benefit of all. The vision of a national beautification project shared by our First Lady must be embraced by all. Improving the aesthetics of one’s community positively impacts property value, reduces crime and promotes tourism,” Marshall stated.

Meanwhile, the First Lady had highlighted that

First Lady, Arya Ali

her National Beautification Project will rely on scenic conservation to safeguard the picturesque qualities of Guyana’s roadways, urban spaces, and countryside; while simultaneously creating a more environmentally-friendly society.

Mayor of Bartica Town, Gifford Marshall

She has explained that plans are underway at her office to identify spaces for eco-friendly parks in each administrative region and to embark on an ongoing national tree planting exercise.

Just last month, she hon-

The Bartica Boardwalk Project

oured commitments made to local group, ‘Seawalls and Beyond’, to participate in one of its clean-up exercises and to provide the group with much needed supplies to continue its work.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Bartica remarkably ...

FROM PAGE

While there, she commented that one of the pillars of the National Beautification Project focuses on regulation and monitoring of any form of unlawful intrusion on the landscape or community appearance of public spaces.

While the removal of waste at this time is being done by volunteers, the First Lady noted that maintenance

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will be important and so she has committed to engaging the relevant authorities to ensure that the area is properly maintained.

She has also indicated that part of her restoration plans for the seawall will be the planting of trees along the coastline, and the reintroduction of the creative arts at the famous bandstand.

Residents of Bartica planting trees in the community

The beautiful Bartica Township

Tropical Rhythm launches ‘Cash in your Rhythm’ promotion

BUH, Non-Alcoholic Brands, Nigel Dodson (second left) and Brand Coordinator Tropical Rhythm, Triston Freeman (second right) flanked by Tropical Rhythm Brand Ambassadors during the promotion launch on Friday

TROPICAL Rhythm launched their ‘Cash in your Rhythm’ promotion at the TWEE Gourmet Shoppe, Giftland Mall, on Friday.

A grand prize of $1,000,000 will be up for grabs on the final drawing date of November 25 while consolation prizes will be up for grabs on the draw dates prior to the final drawing of the promotion.

At the launching, Business Unit Head (BUH) for Non-Alcoholic Brands, Nigel Dodson, was keen to note

that Tropical Rhythm is the juice to drink this Christmas season.

“In keeping with the culture of ANSA McAl we want to give back to our consumers and they will have that chance when they drink Tropical Rhythm throughout the Christmas season.”

“The promotion is the first of its kind being that it is a WhatsApp promotion, which makes it accessible to anyone with a smart phone.

What makes it unique is that you don’t need a coupon to enter the promotion,” Dodson

highlighted.

Brand Coordinator of the Tropical Rhythm brand, Triston Freeman, added that, “it’s very simple to enter, just snap a photo of your receipt and send it to the WhatsApp number that will be on our flyers and in the press.

“We know that at this time things are not easy on everybody and this is our way of spreading some cheer by giving our consumers a chance to have that extra cash in hand,” Freeman noted.

The promotion will be conducted in all major super-

markets countrywide.

Only the purchase of the Tropical Rhythm bottles will be accepted during the promotion.

In addition, should persons be unable to access WhatsApp to submit their receipts, there will be agents at all major supermarkets to aid in the assistance of consumers that have an interest in submitting their receipts.

The drawing dates are October 14, 21, 28; November fourth, 11, 18 and 25.

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Barcelona treatment made me cry before Atletico Madrid move –– Luis Suarez LUIS Suarez says he cried over the way he was treated

by Barcelona before leaving for Atletico Madrid.

The Uruguay forward ended a six-year spell at Barca in September and says he was stopped from training with the first team before his departure.

“Those days were very difficult. I cried because of what I was having to go through,” said Suarez, 33.

“I was hurt most of all by the way they did things, because one has to accept it when a cycle comes to an end.”

Suarez joined Barcelona from Liverpool for £74M in 2014 and became the Spanish giants’ third all-time top scorer with 198 goals, winning four La Liga titles, four domestic cups and the 2015 Champions League in the process.

He netted 21 goals in 2019-20 - his lowest tally during the six years - and, after not being involved in Barca’s pre-season matches, he left with one-year remaining on his contract.

Atletico paid a nominal fee of no more than 6M euros for Suarez.

“I didn’t take the club’s message that they were looking for a solution for me in order to mix things up very well,” added Suarez, who has two goals in three games for Atletico.

“Not everyone knows what happened but the worst thing was going to training and being sent to a different group from everyone else because I was not allowed to play in practice matches.

“My wife could see how unhappy I was and she wanted to see me smile again and when the chance came to join Atletico I had no doubts.”

Barcelona’s record scorer Lionel Messi posted a message of support for Suarez on social media, saying he had been “kicked out”.

Messi says Suarez deserved more from Barca in move to Atletico “I wasn’t surprised that Messi supported me publicly because I know him too well,” said Suarez. “He knew the pain I was going through, the feeling that I was being kicked out was what hurt me the most.

“The way they did things was not right and Leo knows how me and my family suffered.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Ex-Ghana FA boss’ lifetime FIFA ban reduced to 15 years THE lifetime ban of former Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi has been reduced to 15 years after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

A former FIFA Council member and vice-president

of the Confederation of African Football, Nyantakyi, was banned for life by FIFA in October 2018 for breaking bribery and corruption rules.

He was filmed taking $65 000 from an undercover reporter.

“Kwesi Nyantakyi is

banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for a period of 15 years, commencing on October 29 2018,” CAS told BBC Sport Africa.

The Ghanaian’s initial fine of 500 000 Swiss francs

Monte Lynch reveals racist abuse from players, spectators during playing career

By George Dobel

Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi ($550 000) has also been reduced to 100 000 ($110 000) following a CAS ruling in April which has only recently come to light.

Nyantakyi, who expressed a desire to clear his name just days after the decision of FIFA’S Ethics Committee, appealed to CAS in December 2018.

April’s ruling can be appealed at the Swiss Federal Tribunal should Nyantakyi wish to do so.

“At the time of writing, CAS has not been informed that an appeal has been filed,” the Switzerland-based organisation added.

The film of Nyantakyi taking $65 000 was captured by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and BBC Africa’s investigations unit, Africa Eye, received exclusive access to the footage.

Nyantakyi was pictured placing the “shopping money” into a black plastic bag from an undercover reporter pretending to be a businessman keen to invest in Ghanaian football.

He later agreed a sponsorship deal, invented by the reporters, which could have enabled millions of dollars supposedly destined for the Ghana FA (GFA), which had presided over since 2005, to be diverted to one of his own companies.

Nyantakyi has claimed the footage was doctored to falsely incriminate him.

The second most powerful man in African football at the time of the sting resigned as GFA president shortly after the film was made public in June 2018.

(BBC Sport)

FORMER England international Monte Lynch has become the latest player to reveal that he experienced racial abuse during his time in county cricket.

Lynch, who was born in British Guiana (now Guyana) but moved to London as a 13-year-old, enjoyed a long county career with Surrey and then Gloucestershire.

He also played three ODIs for England in 1988 and, since his retirement as a player, has enjoyed a secondary career as a coach.

Now, in an interview with The Cricketer magazine, he has claimed he was abused by both fellow players and spectators during his playing career and that he intends to release a tell-all autobiography in 2021.

“Racist notes were slipped under my hotel (room) door,” Lynch said. “My coffin was filled with orange juice and milk. There were lots of issues.

“At Headingley, when I played the ODI, three Yorkshiremen walked past and said: ‘We are going to give you black ***** a good ******* hiding tomorrow.’ We were often called ‘chocs’ and referred to as ‘you lot’.”

Lynch’s comments are the latest in a series of such revelations that have rocked English cricket this year.

Perhaps inspired by events in America and the death of George Floyd in particular, a series of former players have come forward with details of their own struggles with racism in cricket.

Among them, Michael Carberry suggested “cricket is rife with racism”, and Azeem Rafiq suggested Yorkshire, as a cricket club, was “institutionally racist”.

Meanwhile, Michael Holding and Ebony Rainford-Brent provided compelling experiences of their own on the issue for both ESPNcricinfo and on Sky. As a result, Yorkshire has called for an investigation into the allegations while the ECB is in the process of setting up a Diversity and Inclusion taskforce.

“Sky asked me on with Ebony Rainford-Brent and Michael Holding,” Lynch added. “But I did not want to air my views nor reveal what happened to me on TV. “People keep asking why I haven’t said anything but it will be in a book I plan to bring out next summer. It will cause a stir. It will say it all.

“Years later former players hugged me and said that they wished they had done something to help me.”

Rashford becomes MBE in Queen’s ...

From back page 72% go to those who have worked tirelessly for their local community,” the Cabinet Office said in a statement.

“This reflects the huge voluntary effort across the country in response to COVID-19, with recipients cumulatively supplying millions of free meals to those shielding, delivering care packages to (health service) frontline workers and clocking up countless voluntary hours to support those at risk.”

In the British honours system, MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire. It is outranked by the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) and by the top award, the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Former Bauxite Bombers boxer Walter Smith laid to rest in New York

By Joe Chapman WALTER Smith, aged 64, one of the founder boxers of the Bauxite Bombers Gym which terrorised opposing gyms around the country in the 1970s and 1980s, was buried last Tuesday at the Cypress Hills Cemetery, 833 Jamaica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208. Smith had passed away at a New York hospital on Thursday, October 2.

Known for his willingness to take on opponents and not back down, Smith is best remembered for being the first boxer to defeat Terrence Alli when he fought Alli in 1980. However, Alli, who later fought for three world titles, avenged that loss in that very year.

Smith had an impressive amateur boxing career. He last represented Guyana at the Pan American Games in 1979 before turning to professional boxing and migrating to the United States in 1984.

However, he suffered from paralysis in 1986 from

Walter Smith a fall while doing construction work in New York.

Walter graced the square jungle with other top class boxers who were national champions of the Linden gym such as Ramesh Best, Terrence Bristol, Mortimer Cornell, Conrad Wilson, Colin Livingstone He leaves to mourn his children Wayman, Carlos, Tasha and Alicia all residing in the United States.

Speaking to one of his sons, Carlos Smith said his

father was in and out of hospital but succumbed last Thursday.

Smith was among the many Linden National amateur boxing champions who brought joy to the fans of the pugilistic sport, especially in Georgetown when the Bauxite Bombers Gym was ranked among the best in the country. He would certainly be remembered among the pantheons of outstanding Linden amateur boxers during the mid-1970s and early 1980s.

Former National boxing coach and Bauxite Bombers official Ashton Angel, who resides in the United States, was shocked at Smith’s passing. He told Chronicle Sport, “He was among the best of my fighters. It is a sad situation about his crippling injury (which was in 1986) when he was a construction worker in New York. He really survived long. He had a lion’s heart, very cunning and never backed down from a fight.”

United States-based former light heavyweight champion Conrad Wilson

remembers Smith as one who inspired him because of his courage. Wilson, one of the top boxers from Bauxite Bombers Gym back then, said, “Walter always got a positive thing to say and he was a very good brother in and out of the ring especially when we went to fight in Georgetown.”

He remembers a fight between Smith and another Linden boxer, Sherman Alli, in an amateur final in Georgetown where he (Wilson) listened to the commentary on the local radio after he was injured and had to return to Linden.

He said Walter’s performance in winning (against) that exciting fighter helped him (Wilson) return to the ring after he had suffered an injury to his hand. “It was an exciting final and a tremendous performance by Walter,” Wilson said about the mid-1970s bout.

Wilson said when one speaks about the glory days of Bauxite Bombers Gym from Mackenzie, Linden, the name Walter Smith will

be featured among its best gladiators.

He said he worked with Walter in Brooklyn after he arrived there in 1981 but later Walter was injured after falling from a scaffold. He became crippled from the neck down in 1986. It meant that he could not work anymore.

He recalls Walter always was positive when entering the ring and this was a hallmark of his fighting career to the end.

His brother Jeff Smith when contacted yesterday said he remembers with pride the inimitable voice of popular radio sports announcer, the late BL Crombie, the next morning announcing that Walter Smith had knocked out his opponent for a successful defence of his amateur featherweight championship, saying Walter had successfully defended his featherweight championship with a knock-out victory.

Another fond memory was, according to brother Jeff and Wilson, was when there was a controversial decision against Smith at the Mackenzie Sports Club

ground where the packed turnout was left stunned that Walter had lost a fight which they home crowd felt was a unanimous win in his favour.

Smith, after he became a professional in 1980 is also credited as the boxer who handed Terrence Alli his first loss as a professional, defeating him in a lightweight clash on his debut March 3, 1980, but Alli later avenged that loss later that same year.

Hinterland boxing coach and the man behind the Pocket Rocket Gym in Linden, Orlan Rogers noted: “This is a real blow for Linden and the boxing fraternity. Walter Smith at one time was managing the Young Lions Gym of Wismar and even gave assistance to the Pocket Rocket Gym over the years. He also gave insights to myself and Lions Gym boxing coach Dirk Alexander, so we feel his loss to boxing.”

Chronicle Sport expresses its condolences to the grieving family of the late Walter Smith as well as to the boxing fraternity.

Axed Khawaja praises improved selection process USMAN Khawaja has praised the improved lines of communications between national selectors and players, insisting he is crystal clear on where he stands as he begins a fresh bid to reclaim his Test spot.

The Queensland captain is eager for an improved showing in the Marsh Sheffield Shield when the Bulls begin their campaign against Tasmania today at Gladys Elphick Park (also known as Park 25), the first of four games they will play in an Adelaide bubble.

After going from being Australia’s most important batsman while Steve Smith and David Warner were banned to being out of the team during the Ashes three Tests into their return, Khawaja averaged just 18.36 from seven Shield games last summer.

But having been told he remains “in the scope” of selectors, Khawaja says he is happy to bat anywhere Australia want him.

The 33-year-old will slot in at No.4 for Queensland below Test pair Joe Burns and Marnus Labuschagne, as well as impressive young opener Bryce Street.

“First and foremost, I’ve got to scoring runs to be picked back in that Australian team,” Khawaja told reporters via Zoom yester-

day. “Wherever I’m batting it doesn’t really matter.

“I’m pretty sure I’ve scored hundreds in every position, one to six. I can bat anywhere in the top six.

“There’s got to be an opportunity to get into the Australian team. If everyone is peeling off hundreds in the Australian team and I’m peeling off hundreds, it’s pretty hard to get back in. I’m a realist, I understand that, and I don’t wish bad on anyone, I never would. I know how hard it is at the top.

“I want to score runs for Queensland, I love playing for Queensland … and whatever else happens will take care of itself.

“I wouldn’t be playing Shield cricket if I didn’t want to be playing for Australia. The hunger is always there but you’ve got to have a balance to it. The times where I’ve wanted it too much, it’s never worked out.”

Khawaja revealed he has been in constant communication with Australia coach Justin Langer and suggested the overall selection process has improved markedly.

Former Australia captain George Bailey earlier this year joined the panel which already featured Langer and chairman Trevor Hohns.

Queensland skipper Usman Khawaja enters the new Shield season knowing exactly what he has to do.

“It’s definitely an improvement. The avenues (of communication) are a lot better now,” said Khawaja.

“I’ve been dropped a lot so I’ve seen both sides of it.

“Initially it was just, ‘You’re dropped, seeya later’. It’s a lot better now.

Trevor Hohns calls you, he’ll get in contact with JL, he’s always open for a conversation. George is open for a conversation.

The lines of communication are definitely better.

“They leave it towards the player a little (to initiate communication) which is good because every player handles it differently; every player wants to ask different questions.

“Some players want to ask things straightaway, others want to go away and think about it. It’s definitely an improvement from what

it was a few years ago.”

Khawaja also said he has spoken recently to cricket legend Adam Gilchrist, with the pair discussing a run of contentious decisions that marred the former’s tough Shield season.

The left-hander had appeared visibly upset with a number of lbw and caught-behind calls but Gilchrist reminded Khawaja that “cricketers are really good at remembering the

bad stuff, but not the good stuff that happens too”.

“I got a couple of tough decisions, a couple of ‘stinky’ decisions as I like to call them, but that’s a part of the game,” said Khawaja.

“We remember the bad ones and I probably don’t remember the good ones I’ve gotten too. It balances out … I had a conversation with ‘Gilly’ a few weeks ago and he said the exact same thing.

“The key is to not get too down on yourself. I’ve never been the type of guy to think ‘The world’s against me, everything is against me, it’s too hard’.

“It’s more like, ‘Let’s keep training, do the hard work’ and if you do it enough you’ll get the line ball calls go your way at some point. That won’t happen if you’re not training and doing the hard work.” (Cricket.com.au)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Djokovic survives Tsitsipas challenge to set up Nadal final PARIS, France (Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic defended resolutely to outlast big-hitting Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 in an enthralling contest yesterday to advance to the final of the French Open.

The Serb will meet 12-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, seeded second, in another mouth-watering clash tomorrow with the Spaniard also bidding to equal Roger Federer’s record men’s haul of 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

“Here, he (Nadal) is the favourite; it’s his home here.

With all the titles he’s won ... but in 2015 I won here against him in the quarter-finals,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

“I hope I can recuperate, I need my best tennis. It’s maybe the biggest challenge in our sport to play Nadal at Roland Garros. I look forward to it. I’m happy to be

Spain’s Rafael Nadal(left) and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic will meet in the French Open final for the eighth time. (Christophe Simon/AFP via Getty Images)

here and motivated to win.”

Djokovic, whose 2016 Roland Garros triumph features among his 17 major titles, had a match point in the third set but saw the 22-year-old Tsitsipas fight back spectacularly to level the match at two sets apiece.

Tsitsipas, seeded fifth, ran out of steam in the deciding set but saved another match point before the 33-year-old sealed the win with a crushing service return in three hours 54 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

“We have to congratulate Stefanos for this great battle.

In the end he was tired obviously, it was not easy after four hours,” Djokovic said. “He’s a very good player and I wish him well for his career.

“I was calm on the surface but inside it was something totally different. I thought that after losing the third set, and the fourth, I was still solid.”

Windies could face ease from COVID-19 bubble: Harper BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies are not expected to face the psychological challenge of a complete bio-secure bubble on their tour of New Zealand starting next month, because of the efficient manner in which public health authorities in the south Pacific nation have managed the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Caribbean side were subjected to a stringent protocols on the tour of England last July where players were forced to hunker down in hotels based at the playing venues, with limited or no interaction with the general public.

However, the United Kingdom has been hard hit by the pandemic, resulting in half-million recorded infections and 57 000 deaths while New Zealand remarkably has reported only 1 800 infections and 25 deaths.

There are currently only 39 active cases.

Convener of selectors, Roger Harper, said while all cricket tours would now be guided by COVID-19 protocols as part of a new normal of the international game, New Zealand would provide some respite for players from the diffi-

cult mental grind of constant lockdown outside of cricket.

West Indies could face an ease in the bio-secure bubble.

“This is the state of the world. There are a lot of people because of the situation who do not have an opportunity to work and I think this is the perspective we have to look at this form,” the former West Indies off-spinner told the Mason and Guest Cricket Show on Starcom Radio here.

“We have an opportunity to work; we have the opportunity to play something which I’d like to think they love doing. I know it’s challenging being away from home at this time being in a different environment but I think we have to look at things from the positive perspective and I think … we have to make adjustments.

“New Zealand is a little different to England in that they have managed to be in not a bad place relative to the COVID-19 as most places around the world … so they (players) won’t be in a complete bubble so to speak.

“Once the squad quarantines and there

Paul Pogba says it’s a dream to play at Real Madrid one day MANCHESTER United midfielder Paul Pogba has admitted that it is a dream of his to play for Real Madrid one day.

But the 27-year-old added that he will “do everything” to put United “where the club deserves” to be.

The France player has regularly been linked with a move away from the team he re-joined for £89M in 2016.

The World Cup-winner’s contract expires in the summer, although United can activate the option of a further year until 2022.

And Pogba said he has not had any discussions with the club over an extension.

“No-one has told me anything,” he said at a press conference with the France national team on Thursday.

“I have not spoken to (United executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward. We haven’t spoken about a new deal.

It is a dream to play for Real Madrid - Paul Pogba “At the moment, I am in Manchester and I am concentrating about getting back to my best form.

“I think there will be a moment when the club will come and talk to me and maybe offer me something, or not.”

Asked about the prospect of a move to Madrid, with whom he has been linked on

a number of occasions, he replied: “All football players would love to play for Real Madrid. It is a dream for me, why not one day?

“I am in Manchester and I love my club. I am playing in Manchester, I’m having fun and I want to do everything to put the club where it deserves.

“I will give everything to the max, like my teammates.”

United have had a troubled start to the season, winning just one of their opening three league games.

Their last game before the international break saw them hammered 6-1 at home by Tottenham to leave them 16th in the Premier League table.

Pogba has started all three of United’s league games this campaign, having self-isolated after testing positive for coronavirus in August. (BBC Sport)

West Indies could face an ease in the bio-secure bubble. are no infections and everything is fine, Furthermore, they have won just three of they’ll have the opportunity to move around their last 19 Tests against the hosts and only freely so psychologically that should be a lot seven of their last 20 Tests overall. easier.”

However, following on from their series West Indies will clash with Black Caps in win against England in the Caribbean last year three Twenty20 Internationals and two Tests and an impressive victory in the first Test at from November 27 to December 15, in their Southampton last July, Harper is hopeful West second tour in four months, following the re- Indies can flourish in New Zealand. sumption of international cricket.

“I would like to think that we can build on The squad, which was this week finalised the performance in England,” Harper said. but yet to be announced, will leave the Ca“We won a Test match in England. We ribbean on October 27 to facilitate mandatory won a Test match overseas – something we quarantine and a training camp, in the buildup haven’t been doing that consistently in the to the series which gets underway with a T20 past.

International in Auckland.

“And while I thought we were in a position According to Harper, arriving a month to do much better from the way the tour turned early in New Zealand would be key to the out, we’d like to go to New Zealand and be able side’s preparations. to build on that, win a Test match over there and “It will work out a little bit better (than re- try and win the series. maining in the Caribbean) because the players “New Zealand, by the way, are no team can have their quarantine and get acclimatised to be under-rated. They play very well and to the actual conditions in which they’ll be extremely well at home and they beat Incompeting,” Harper pointed out. dia in a series down there (recently) so we West Indies face a stiff challenge especially know it’s going to be tough but I think we in the longer format as they have not won a Test are capable of putting up very competitive series on New Zealand soil in 25 years. performances in New Zealand.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday October 10, 2020)

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle-17 (2013) (2) 58 centuries

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in an IPL season to date?

(2) What is the highest ever partnership for any wicket in IPL cricket to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 10, 2020

Judge Gobin reserves judgement in TTFA, FIFA battle HIGH Court Judge Carol Gobin is expected to deliver her judgement in embattled T&T Football Association (TTFA) president William Wallace and his United TTFA executive team’s lawsuit against FIFA by 15:00hrs on Tuesday.

Gobin reserved her decision in the case after hearing submissions from lawyers representing Wallace and his team during a virtual trial, Friday morning.

While FIFA’s local legal team were present, they did not participate or challenge the opposing side’s evidence and submissions as they maintained that they had received instructions to not play a role because of its pending appeal over Gobin’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

They again attempted to convince Gobin to postpone the case to after the appeal but were once again blanked

by Gobin, who questioned why they did not apply to the Appeal Court for a stay of the

proceedings.

Through the lawsuit, Wallace and his three vice-presidents - Clynt Taylor, Joseph Sam Phillips, and Susan Joseph-Warrick - are seeking a declaration that the decision to remove them in March and replace them with a committee comprising businessman Robert Hadad, attorney Judy Daniels, and retired banker Nigel Romano was null, void, and of no legal or binding effect.

They are also seeking a permanent injunction barring FIFA from meddling in the TTFA’s affairs by allegedly seeking to circumvent the democratic process by removing duly elected executive members.

Gobin has also been asked to decide whether FIFA’s statutes, under which the replacement was done, are in conformity with the local legislation, which established the association.

Wallace and his team initially brought proceedings

High Court Judge Carol Gobin will deliver her judgement on Tuesday at 15:00hrs. against FIFA in the Court for Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but were forced to withdraw as they could not pay the the 40 000 Swiss francs (TT$276 000) in associated costs.

Their position was partly due to FIFA’s policy to not pay its share of the fees and CAS’s rules, which require the other party to pay the full costs when the other fails in its obligations.

After the case was filed,

Hetmyer shines as disciplined Capitals prove too good for Royals A SUPERB bowling display helped Delhi Capitals earn a 46-run win over the Rajasthan Royals and move atop the Indian Premier League (IPL) table yesterday.

Shimron Hetmyer’s electric 45 off 24 balls and 39 from Marcus Stoinis were crucial in the Capitals’ innings of 184-8, having been 79-4.

Andrew Tye’s penultimate over went for 23, with a slip resulting in five runs when his no-ball raced to the ropes and the following free hit was dispatched for six by Harshal Patel.

The Royals’ chase fell apart when Yashasvi Jaiswal (34), Jos Buttler (13) and Steve Smith (24) could not build on starts, with Rahul Tewatia’s 38 only prolonging the inevitable before they were all out for 138.

Each of the Capitals’ bowlers claimed at least

one wicket, with Kagiso Rabada (3-35), Ravichandran Ashwin (2-22) and Stoinis (2-17) all doing damage.

Capitals are now top having won five of their six matches, while Royals are languishing in seventh after the defeat in Sharjah.

HETMYER BRINGS THE HEAT Hetmyer has not always had the opportunity in this season’s IPL due to the Capitals’ strength before him in the batting line-up.

But with five sixes and a four in his blistering knock, the West Indies batsman played a big hand for Delhi in the middle order.

MORE ASHWIN WOE FOR BUTTLER Last season Buttler was controversially subjected to a Mankad by Ashwin and the same bowler ac-

Shimron Hetmyer’s electric 45 off 24 balls contained five sixes and a four. counted for the England star’s wicket again.

There was no controversy on this occasion, as Buttler went for the big hit over long-on but could only pick out Shikhar Dhawan at square leg.

FIFA applied for it to be struck out as it claimed that the TTFA by virtue of its membership with FIFA agreed to forgo all legal action in local courts in favour of proceedings before the CAS. The application was initially blanked by Gobin, who ruled that the local courts are the appropriate forum to resolve the dispute.

With the appeal against her ruling still pending, Gobin set the date for the trial of the case as October 9 and gave FIFA an extension to file its defence. FIFA failed to meet the deadline as it maintained it position that it did not accept the jurisdiction of the court in the matter.

Wallace and his team also obtained an injunction against the normalisation committee after it attempted to facilitate an extraordinary meeting among members to vote to withdraw the case.

The injunction, which will remain in place until

discharged by Gobin, was not opposed by FIFA and was granted.

Wallace and his team attempted to withdraw the case on FIFA’s extended ultimatum of September 23 but filed the application to withdraw, which still had to be determined before the case could be considered officially withdrawn, two minutes past the deadline.

After FIFA’s suspension the following day, Wallace and his team filed another application to withdraw the withdrawal application, in which he admitted that he was grudgingly discontinuing the case based on a majority vote during an emergency meeting between his team and stakeholders.

The legal manoeuvre coincided with an announcement from second vice-president Joseph-Warrick that she was resigning from her post.

The United TTFA also approached CAS for a tem-

porary stay of this country’s suspension to allow its participation in CONCACAF’s 2021 Gold Cup draw on September 28.

The hearing of the injunction application was deferred after CONCACAF announced that its council had met and agreed to conditionally keep T&T’s place in the draw.

In the event, that the suspension is not lifted by either FIFA or CAS by 17:00hrs on December 18, T&T will be replaced by Antigua and Barbuda as the next highest-ranked team based on performances during the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League.

Wallace and his colleagues are also being represented by Dr Emir Crowne, Crystal Paul, and Jason Jones, while Christopher Hamel-Smith, SC, and Jonathan Walker are also appearing for FIFA. (Reprinted from Trinidad Guardian)

Ambrose expected Rose, Collymore to be next great Windies pace-bowling duo WEST Indies legend Curtly Ambrose has revealed that he expected the pace bowling tandem of Franklyn Rose and Corey Collymore to pick up where he and strike partner Courtney Walsh left off.

Walsh and Ambrose are widely considered the last in a long line of dominant and fearsome West Indies bowlers that had stretched on for several generations.

Before the heyday of Walsh and Ambrose, West Indies quicks like Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, and Malcolm Marshall hunted in packs as they menacingly stalked the crease of fearful opposition batsmen.

It came to an end with Walsh and Ambrose, however, and so it seems did the West Indies fortunes as a winning team.

“Before Courtney and I left the team, we had around six fast bowlers around us. We thought maybe three or four of them could become

Pacers Franklyn Rose (left) and Corey Collymore great,” Ambrose told the you never know which side Mason and Guest radio of the bed he’ll wake up on. programme.

So, you can never be too “We had Franklin Rose, sure with him. Collymore, Reon King, Dillon, Nixon when he first played against McLean, Pedro Collins, Australia in 1999, I said to and Corey Collymore - six Courtney ‘hey we have a who I thought would have young man here who looks carried on the tradition of the part’ and then, unfortufast bowlers,” he added. nately, his back went out “Courtney and I talked soon after that and he has about it and we always never been the same.” felt that Franklin Rose and In recent times, KeCorey Collymore would mar Roach, who recently be the two guys to lead the claimed his 200th Test rest of the attack. These wicket, has come to the were two guys who had fore along with Shannon tremendous potential to Gabriel, Jason Holder, lead the rest of the attack,” and Alzarri Joseph to Ambrose said. give the bowling line-up “Franklin Rose turned more credibility. (Sportsout to be a bit of an enigma, max)

Ramson ‘discontented’ with pace of work at Burnham Park ... AAG hints at important changes to layout of synthetic track

By Rawle Toney DECEMBER of this year will mark two years since construction to the synthetic track in Berbice at Burnham Park has started and from the looks of things, projecting a completion date would be highly incorrect.

Yesterday, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, in the company of executives of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), toured the facility and while both were pleased with the work done so far, Ramson was not satisfied with the amount of work done over the past two years.

“I’m not satisfied because it’s behind time,” Ramson candidly told reporters after wrapping up his visit to the facility.

“I can’t say if they’re over budget or under budget. I obviously know that work had stopped here (in New Amsterdam) several times. So we can’t have a situation where contractors are being paid to do a job and the job is to be completed at ‘X’ time and it’s not being done,” Ramson noted.

Under the APNU+AFC coalition Government, whose 2015 Campaign promise is being manifested in the track in Berbice and Linden, award-

(L-R) AAG Council members Keith Campbell and Buster Wright, vice-president Amanda Hermonstine, Mayor of New Amsterdam Winifred Haywood, Minister Charles Ramson, Council member Niall Stanton and president of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson. ven’t been aggressive in not consulted on the design ed the contract to construct according to design.” terms of getting to the bot- or layout for the track and the facility in the Ancient HOLDING CONTRACtom of these types of proj- they’re appreciative of being County to BK International to TORS ACCOUNTABLE ects, it is something that given the opportunity by the the sum of $141.86M. Ramson further rea- needs to be done in the point minister to have a ‘say’.

The end of 2019 was given as an estimated time for soned that the People’s Pro- of view of accounting to the “We would’ve spoken to the project to be complet- gressive Party/Civic Gov- people what has been spent, them about some concerns ed, Project Manager Lionel ernment had campaigned on what needs to be spent, how we had and about them Kandasammy at the time had a platform of accountability quickly can it be done and going ahead and doing stuff and as such,, as Minister of how long it’s behind time,” without proper consultation stated.

While Ramson did not Sport, he intends to fulfil Ramson said. with us (the AAG) and even Meanwhile, president of up to now we’re seeing some lament on the delay, he did those promises.

“As the government we the AAG, who was accom- stuff showing up that this however acknowledge a number of factors, specifically have to ensure that we have panied by his vice-president current minister had to talk the advent of COVID-19 that value for our money too. We Amanda Hermonstine, coun- about. For example where have to ensure that there isn’t cil members Niall Stanton, my FAT Cameras (fully aucould’ve contributed.

However, he stressed a lot of leakage for money go- Keith Campbell and Buster tomatic time, used for photo that “it becomes too cozy ing in different directions and Wright, told Chronicle Sport finish) got to go, it might of a situation where ex- projects not being completed that yesterday marked his first conflict with the long jump visit to the facility. cuses are being made for on time. pit,” Hutson said.

“So even though we haHuston said the AAG was contracts not being fulfilled Asked if the changes

Monte Lynch reveals racist abuse from players, spectators See story during on page 32 playing career Monte Lynch during his Surrey playing days. He also represented Guyana in Regional four-day and limited overs cricket. ( Getty Images)

might further set back the completion of the facility, Hutson said, “It’s a work in progress and for me, I mean, we were in Linden with Dr (Aubrey) Norton when they were discussing setting up the track, and after that, we got a word with him, the project coordinator Ms (Melissa) Dow-Richardson when work had already started and we spoke extensively about the long jump area not being on the curve, which they agreed that they were going to change.

“But now when we see the long jump (in Berbice), it’s encroaching too much on the finish line area and they will have to make some kind of adjustments.”

Huston called the construction of the facilities in Linden and Berbice “a work in progress” while adding that in the end, he’s happy that athletics can finally see true development of the abundance of talent in Guyana.

Following this year’s National Budget, $2.7B was allocated for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, for which $805.3M is for sport.

Additionally, $185M was allocated for the National Sports Commission to accelerate works on the synthetic tracks in Regions 6 and 10, as well as the purchase of sports gear and ground enhancements.

Rashford becomes MBE in Queen’s Birthday honours list LONDON (Reuters) - Footballer Marcus Rashford is among those to receive awards in Queen Elizabeth’s birthday honours, an annual list dominated this year by frontline workers against the COVID-19 pandemic and community champions.

The 22-year-old Manchester United and England forward who successfully campaigned to extend free school meals this summer, receives an MBE for services to vulnerable children during the pandemic.

Body Coach Joe Wicks and Mr Motivator (Derrick Evans) also receive MBEs for their live workouts to encourage people to stay physically fit

during lockdown.

Among other awards, “Poirot” actor David Suchet is knighted and there are damehoods for food writer and broadcaster Mary Berry and actress Maureen Lipman.

CBEs go to physicist Professor Brian Cox, TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, actor Adrian Lester and singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading.

In sport, Welsh former rugby player Gareth Thomas receives a CBE and cricketer Darren Gough is awarded an MBE. “Of those who have been awarded, England and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020