Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-01-2021

THURSDAY 21st January, 2021

' No.106249

Patterson

admits

SEE PAGE 03

–– receiving ‘glittering’ gifts, assumed it was ok –– Minister Edghill says gifts cost $2.4M, calls on Integrity Commission to investigate matter

Father of two killed in West Coast 10 Berbice accident PAGE

Democracy has prevailed!

PAGE

04

President Biden took his oath on a Bible that has been in his family since 1893 and was also used each time he was sworn in as Delaware senator. The book itself is five inches (12.5cm) thick with a Celtic cross on the cover (Reuters photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Harbour Bridge boss walks

The state-owned asphalt plant located at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara

By Vishani Ragobeer PUBLIC Works Minister, Juan Edghill, has confirmed that Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) General Manager, Rawlston Adams, has submitted his resignation letter.

He also disclosed that Troy Halley, who was the head of the asphalt plant, has been removed from that position and sent back to the DHBC. “There is an interim arrangement of how the bridge and plant will be managed until the board (of the

DHBC) is able to put in place necessary mechanisms for interviews, shortlisting and appointment of a general manager,” Minister Edghill said, adding: “These actions are necessary actions to ensure public confidence in the public corporation as it relates to public funds.”

The shake up comes amid the discovery of misuse and mismanagement of funds in several agencies which fell under the purview of the former Ministry of Public Infrastructure. David Patterson served as minister of that ministry under the APNU+AFC Government.

With these changes, the Public Works Minister said that greater compliance with norms, higher standards and greater levels of accountability are expected at these organisations. But, it would appear as though there will be more of such ‘shake ups’.

Over the past weeks, concerning findings have emerged following a probe into the sale of asphalt from the state-owned asphalt plant located at the Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). It was first reported that the management and sale of asphalt were poorly done, since no credit policy

Rawlston Adams (at right) General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation

or credit approval limit was in place. The investigations also highlighted that in 2016, the plant had paid an advance payment of $9M to a company which was registered the following year.

Further probing implicated Adams in the mismanagement of funds. The DHBC fell under the purview of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, and has oversight for the asphalt plant.

Adams was fingered in one of the more startling findings of the investigations, having approved the purchase of an $897,000 wristband for himself on the occasion of In-

ternational Men’s Day 2019.

More recent reports revealed that the DHBC purchased a wristband valued at more than $450,000 for former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

A string of similar pricey gifts were disclosed by Minister Edghill on Wednesday, as he provided receipts and other documents to members of the media. These gifts were from agencies including the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and Transports and Harbour.

“What motivated heads of agencies to spend this kind of money on a minister?,”

Edghill asked, and later added: “I can assure you and all Guyanese that the Ministry of Public Works, over the last 72 hours, I’ve had to sit and reflect on how things like these could have happened and what would’ve been the cozy relationship that facilitated this.”

He noted that the ministry will engage in further probes and asserted that there will even be changes at the Public Works Ministry itself.

“The public purse must be preserved, we must have transparency and accountability,” he emphasised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Patterson admits receiving ‘glittering’ gifts –– Minister Edghill says gifts cost $2.4M, calls on Integrity Commission to investigate matter

AFTER being implicated in receiving a number of pricey, shiny birthday gifts from agencies that fell under his watch as Minister of Public Infrastructure, former minister with that portfolio David Patterson has admitted to receiving the items.

Media reports have suggested that the former minister in the APNU+AFC government had denied receiving the items, but in a release on Wednesday he said he assumed that the gifts were given in full compliance with procurement guidelines.

“In my case, at no time did I ever request, solicit or influence in any way the action of any agency in relation to the presentation of gifts to me or other officials of the government,” Patterson was quoted as saying in the press release.

The former minister is currently the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The PAC is responsible for examining the audited accounts, as presented in the Auditor General’s Report, showing the appropriation of sums approved by the National Assembly to meet public expenditure and such other accounts laid before the Assembly as the Assembly may refer to it; and, exercising general supervision over the functioning of the Auditor General in accordance with the Rules, Policies and Procedures Manual and any other law.

It is also tasked with nominating members of the Public Procurement Commission for approval by the National Assembly and, thereafter, the appointment by the President; and to determine the emoluments and allowances of the Public Procurement Commission in consultation with the commission.

Aside from Patterson, there are three other opposition Members of Parliament on the PAC and five government members of Parliament.

According to Patterson, he had no prior knowledge of any decision or details relating to the purchase or presentation of the gifts to himself or anyone else. But he contended that the prac-

June 2015 to July 2016, “donations” were made to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure valuing more than $6M Included in these donations were items for the ministry in addition to some seemingly personal items for the senior and junior ministers. These items included electronic devices, home furnishings and appliances.

Patterson, in the press release, however denied receiving electronic items, instead highlighting that for security and other reasons he has purchased all the devices he owns.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill shows documents indicating that agencies which fell under the purview of the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure had purchased expensive gifts for former Minister David Patterson (Adrian Narine photo) tice of giving memorabilia “towards the purchase of and other gifts to ministers birthday gifts.” Though Minis not new. ister Edghill said this sum was also for Patterson’s birthEVIDENCE day gift, his name was not On Wednesday, during mentioned on the documents a press conference at the as before. Other purchases Public Works Ministry, were made by the Transport Minister of Public Works and Harbours Department, Juan Edghill highlighted the Guyana Civil Aviation that the former minister Authority and the Demerara had received gifts and oth- Harbour Bridge Corporation er personal items totalling (DHBC). $2.64M from the various The least expensive gift agencies under the then presented to the former minisPublic Infrastructure Min- ter was from the Cheddi Jagan istry, over the course of his International Airport (CJIA) tenure. He provided docu- in 2018, where $25,010 was ments showing the cost of spent on a “token of apprecithe gifts and personal items ation for Hon Minister David that were purchased for Patterson.”

Patterson.

“I wouldn’t argue with a As illustrated in those pin that costs $25,000 for a documents, a number of high- minister…. Nobody around cost birthday presents for the this table would quarrel for minister were approved and a $10,000 perfume set or a purchased. For example, in tie pin and cufflinks costing 2016, the Maritime Admin- $10,000 or $12,000 [but] istration Department (MA- we’re talking here about the RAD) purchased a birthday misuse of public funds,” Mingift for the former minister ister Edghill lamented. valued at $60,000. In 2018, Furthermore, Edghill also documents revealed that MA- said that the junior Minister RAD had purchased another of Public Infrastructure, Angift that cost $384, 700 from nette Ferguson, had received King’s Jewellery World for items valued at about $1.4M Patterson’s birthday. from agencies under the minIn May 2020, MARAD istry. A spreadsheet from the approved a sum of $704,292 DHB illustrated that between

INTEGRITY COMMISSION Following revelation of the documents, Minister Edghill called on the Integrity Commission to investigate whether these gifts that were given by the agencies were declared to the commission.

“The Integrity Commission is clear, you must declare any gift of US$50 in your annual declarations for the year that you received them and if you don’t, you have made a false declaration and it is a criminal act, and you can be prosecuted in the court,” he explained.

The Integrity Commission Act, which makes provisions for the purpose of securing the integrity of persons in public life, states that those in default “shall be liable, on summary conviction to a fine of $25,000 and to imprisonment for a term not less than six months nor more than one year...”

The act continues, “... and where the offence involves the non-disclosure, by the declarant, of property, which should have been disclosed in the declaration, the magistrate convicting the person shall order the person to make full disclosure of the property within the given time, the said offence shall be deemed to be a continuing offence and the person shall be liable to a further fine of $10,000 dollars for each day on which the offence continues.”

He further stated, “If they weren’t declared, let the law be pursued by them having charges and pros-

ecution, because we must have compliance. Public officers must behave in a responsible manner.”

‘RESIGN FROM PAC’ Earlier in the week, when a probe first revealed the gift-buying situation within the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Minister Edghill called for the former minister to abstain from his role as chairman of the PAC, where government spending for 2016 is currently being scrutinised.

On Wednesday, Minister Edghill said, “I am calling on him to do the decent thing and resign as chairman of [the] PAC.” But Patterson, as reported by another news outlet, said that he will not resign from the PAC and stated that Minister Edghill is making some “unproven allegations.”

Patterson’s press release noted, “... the lies and the socalled revelation of the gifts are a deliberate and blatant attempt at character assassination for political purposes, which will

not succeed in derailing his objective of overseeing the government’s expenditure and procurement practices through his chairmanship of the PAC and representation of the Guyanese people in Parliament.”

But Minister Edghill emphasised that there is no political intention behind the revelation of the “misuse of public funds,” neither is there any plan to besmirch or sully the former minister’s character.

Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Democracy has prevailed –– Joe Biden sworn in as the 46th President of the United States

JOE BIDEN has been sworn in as the 46th US President, ending one of the most dramatic political transitions in American history.

“Democracy has prevailed,” he said, after taking the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts.

Donald Trump - who has

not formally conceded the presidency to Mr Biden snubbed the inauguration ceremony, in a departure from longstanding precedent.

Earlier in the day, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th US President by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, with his wife Jill by his side (Reuters photo) The new President swiftly signed a raft of measures reversing Trump’s policies.

Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice-President ahead of Mr Biden. She is the first woman - and the first black and Asian-American person - to serve in the role, a heart-

beat from the presidency.

The inauguration took place at the US Capitol.

There was extra-tight security after the building was stormed by violent proTrump protesters in a deadly riot on January 6. Some 25,000 National Guards protected the ceremony, which missed the traditional hundreds of thousands of spectators because of the coronavirus pandemic. In his inaugural address, Biden said it was a day of “history and hope”.

“My whole soul is in putting America back together again,” he added.

Highlighting a message of unity after the turbulent Trump years, he promised to be a President “for all Americans” - including those who voted against him.

Among those attending the ceremony were three of his predecessors: Barack Obama - under whom Biden served for eight years as Vice-President - Bill Clinton and George W Bush, as well as Trump’s Vice-President, Mike Pence.

The inauguration ceremony included musical performances by Lady Gaga - who sang the national anthem - as well as Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks.

President Joe Biden waves to supporters before he and First Lady Jill Biden enter the White House (Reuters photo) In the afternoon, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris visited Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to pay their respects to US war dead.

The new President’s motorcade then left for the White House. He walked the last block with his family, and hugged his wife Jill before entering their new home.

Biden later told reporters that Trump had written “a very generous letter” to him, adding: “Because it was private, I won’t talk about it until I talk to him.”

Trump was the first President not to attend his successor’s inauguration since 1869. He left the White House early on Wednesday, and flew to the nearby

Andrews Air Force base. In his farewell address at the base, he highlighted what he regarded as the successes of his presidency. “What we’ve done has been amazing by any standard,” Trump said.

The 74-year-old then left for his Mar-a-Lago golf club in Florida, where he arrived later in the morning.

In his last hours as President, Trump granted clemency to more than 140 people, including his former adviser Steve Bannon, who had been facing fraud charges.

The political drama surrounding Trump is far from over.

The US Senate is expected See page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Biden rolls back Trump policies on wall, climate, health, Muslims U.S. President Joe Biden signed 15 executive actions shortly after being sworn on Wednesday, undoing policies put in place by his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, and making his first moves on the pandemic and climate change.

Signing several actions in front of reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon, Biden said there was “no time to waste” in issuing the executive orders, memoranda and directives.

“Some of the executive actions I’m going to be signing today are going to help change the course of the COVID crisis, we’re going to combat climate change in a way that we haven’t done so far and advance racial equity and support other underserved communities” said Biden.

Aides said the actions the Democratic president signed included a mask mandate on federal property and for federal employees, an order to establish a new White House office coordinating the response to the coronavirus, and halting the process of withdrawing from the World Health Organisation.

Biden signed a document to begin the process of re-entering the Paris climate accord and issued a sweeping order

U.S. President Joe Biden tackling climate change, including revoking the presidential

permit granted to the contentious Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Among a raft of orders addressing immigration, Biden revoked Trump’s emergency declaration that helped fund the construction of a border wall and ended a travel ban on some majority-Muslim countries.

The Day One plans were just the start of a flurry of executive actions Biden would take soon after entering office, said his press secretary, Jen Psaki.

“In the coming days and weeks, we will be announcing additional executive actions that confront these challenges and deliver on the president-elect’s promises to the American people,” Psaki said.

Further actions would include revoking the ban on military service by transgender Americans, and reversing a policy that blocks U.S. funding for programmes overseas linked to abortion.

On the economic front, Biden asked the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to extend a moratorium on evictions until the end of March, and the Department of Education to suspend student loan payments until the end of September. (Reuters)

Democracy has ...

to put him on trial soon, following his record second impeachment by the House of Representatives for allegedly inciting the Capitol riot.

Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice-President of the United States as her husband Doug Emhoff looked on (Getty Images)

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were among the guests at the inauguration (Getty Images)

From page 4

On Tuesday, the Senate’s Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, said the mob had been provoked by Trump and fed lies.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Working Together

FOR a democratic society to function well, the structure that forms the foundation for full participation of all citizens in the governance process needs to be strong, sturdy, and sound.

After the struggle for free and fair elections comes the hard work of shifting gear for all parts of the nation to work towards the singular goal of socioeconomic development.

The antagonism and confrontational attitude and debates of the elections campaign period ought to give way to camaraderie, cooperation and conciliation to all branches of the system, including the opposition, collecting their thoughts and working together for the national public good. Political leadership involves looking out for the welfare and development of all Guyanese, whether they voted for the winning or losing candidate of national elections, and the opposition must understand that its supporters need its Members of Parliament to

play a peaceful, positive, progressive role in helping to build their country. No Guyanese wants his/her Member of Parliament to tear down things or to take the attitude of opposing development of the country. Everybody is in the boat together, and each must help to paddle forward, rather than hold things back in the name of opposition.

Whilst good state governance is the crucial pillar for the democratic foundation to maintain its integrity, the role of the national media and the opposition in Parliament must align well in a solid working relationship with all branches of government – municipal, regional and central, and with the judiciary, and with statutory independent bodies that serve as checks and balances on the power structure, such as the ombudsman, consumer affairs and standards organisations, and citizen-advocacy groups. Democracy functions well when there is strong alignment among its structural parts.

In the situation of a Parliament with the arrangement of seating as is the case with the Guyana National Assembly, where the government and opposition benches face each other across an aisle of division between the two, Parliament seems to trigger the default behaviour of adversarial opposition from the opposition towards government's plans, programmes, and projects. In a system such as Guyana's, which adopted the Westminster model from Britain, it is automatically assumed that Parliament is the place where government proposes legislation, budgetary and executive plans, programmes and projects, and the opposition's job is to oppose it all, akin to playing the devil's advocate. Although the Speaker of Parliament plays an independent refereeing role to keep both sides in order, Parliament in Guyana all too often descends into acrimony and strife.

There comes a time when it is useful to question this instinctive modus operandi

of the Guyanese National Assembly, this proposition-opposition worldview. After free and fair elections have decided the party in government based on the popular vote, the business of conducting the nation's affairs falls into the hands of Members of Parliament, and citizens want to see the parliamentarians cooperate, work in the sole interest of the national cause, for the progress and peace of the Guyanese nation -- rather than partisan concerns, and to trust and support the democratic foundation, so that the structural integrity of a well-ordered democracy is upheld.

How inspiring to Guyanese would it be, were a development project to originate within the opposition camp and proposed to government in Parliament, and implemented as a solution from which the entire country benefits, with citizens looking on. Instead of seeing its function as critical and adversarial, were the opposition to reach across the aisle

and engage government for the benefit of their constituents, one feels certain that government would welcome the gesture. Indeed, President Ali has already extended his hand, reaching out to the opposition by inviting Brigadier David Granger for engagement. The government has said it is open to full engagement with the opposition. Guyanese want to see engagement instead of antagonism.

Guyana needs all hands on deck at this hour, as the ship of state enters the big seas of socioeconomic development. Whilst the government steers the ship and manages the direction and maps the course, there is nothing stopping opposition Members of Parliament from lending a hand on deck, for them coming up with progressive ideas and visionary solutions and innovative new insights, and presenting these to government.

Instead of a way of being proposition vs opposition, where the country is all too

often caught in the thick fog of the spirit of distrust, suspicion, and adversity, Guyanese would like to see their political leaders working together, engaging, and praising one another for their contributions to the nation.

The paradigm of a constant adversarial standoff causes the body politic to lose energy as it constantly has to be fighting off an anchor of negativity dragging it down, instead of speeding ahead with the full confidence of all Guyana on board this amazing journey towards creating the future that works for all Guyanese.

Rather than the society suffering through five years in between national elections in the state of a passive stand-off between the opposition and the government, the nation wants the opposition to see itself as a positive, progressive political leadership pillar in the democratic structure.

My encounters with the late Majeed Hussein Dear Editor, THE late PPP activist Majeed Hussein and I were not friends, but I had several helpful encounters with him on the streets, on the campaign trail in recent elections, and during visits to Freedom House to gather data for my research. He was very simple. I found him to be a gentleman. He was very simple and ordinary and very compassionate towards the poor.

I happen to be in Guyana

to conduct an opinion survey, and I used my presence in the country to attend Majeed’s funeral. Everyone I met lauded his role in the PPP, and in helping people.

He was a people’s person; everyone praised his activism and honesty. His kindness and volunteerism would be missed.

Majeed was extremely resourceful. He was also a dedicated activist and loyalist to his party. He played an extremely critical role in protection of the containers

that held the ballot boxes during the five-month ordeal to get the right count as the incumbent government tried to steal the March 2 election.

Although I saw Majeed at Freedom House over the last several years during visits, we never conversed there And I did not know who he was, in terms of office, position, or title. I visited Freedom House to meet longtime friends whom I knew from my decades of struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. I would see

Majeed there, without any interaction; just a ‘hi’ or ‘hello’. We did not know each other by name; I never told him who I was. He must have found out who I was from colleagues.

One day some years ago, I visited a parlour on Robb Street to buy a soft drink. I was chatting with the proprietor about the politics of the country as I normally did with people across the country during my countless visits to conduct surveys. Majeed came to the shop minutes

after to buy an energy drink.

He and the proprietor had a chat and I was introduced. I said I saw him around Freedom House and on campaign trails doing party work, but I never knew his name or role in the PPP. Surprisingly, Majeed announced he knew me through my polling and writings. I normally don’t tell people who I am, as I am bashful on that front; others would introduce me. Before the proprietor could introduce me, Majeed stated: “I know of Mr. Bisram; and I know

of his work. I look forward to his polls, and I read his many letters in the press. I don’t always agree with his views, but I admire his courage.”

Majeed showered accolades on my polling and activism to help protect democracy and free and fair elections in Guyana. We would have several brief encounters, thereafter, talking politics. He was always busy with running errands or engaging in some kind of activity for his party, or for the public good.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Woman impersonates Man impersonating CANU officer Berbice fire victim arrested after botched kidnapping –– collects ‘help’ on her behalf

RESIDENTS of several communities in Berbice have been swindled out of money and other items by a woman claiming to be one of the victims of the Old Year’s Day fire at Tain, East Berbice-Corentyne.

Jagdeo Ramotar and his wife Amanda are urging persons to be on the alert and to report any attempt by this woman to solicit help on their behalf.

They are also calling on the woman to desist from further committing this fraudulent act.

Amanda told the Guyana Chronicle that she and her husband were informed that a woman with children has been visiting communities in East and West Berbice impersonating her, and collecting money from them under the guise that she was gathering funds to rebuild a house.

“She a go around with them children and say how she house burn down in Tain last year just like we story and a collect money and things from the people them, but she lie cause me never go around.

She went to Black Bush Polder, Belvedere, Fyrish, Hopetown and other parts of West Coast Berbice,” the woman said.

The couple made it clear

Jagdeo and Amanda Ramotar

that they have been receiving help from A. Ally Snackette at Tain and from persons who have offered assistance. They insist that they have not visited homes or companies asking for help and if anyone does, a report should be made to the police.

On December 31, 2020 around 15:15hrs, a fire of unknown origin destroyed the rented property that the couple and their five children, aged one, four, six, 10 and 12 occupied.

The family lost everything except the clothes they were wearing at the time. The couple and their children are currently residing with Jagdeo’s mother.

Following the fire, the couple was able to secure a plot of land at Train Line Dam, Port Mourant and they have cleared in anticipation of building their own home. However, they are still in need of assistance and are willing to accept any help offered to them.

The couple has made a report at Whim Police Station regarding the impersonator.

However, with no physical details, ranks are unable to act.

The coupe is seeking the public’s help to capture the woman.

Anyone with information about her can contact the Ramotars on 665-2478.

PNCR expresses condolences on death of Philip Allsopp

THE People’s National Congress Reform has expressed condolences on the death of Philip Anderson Desmond Allsopp on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

Philip Allsopp, as a civil engineer, played key roles in advising, designing or overseeing works on several roadways and highways – including the Georgetown-Timehri; Soesdyke-Linden; Linden-Mabura; Mahaica-Rosignol and

within the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary development project – and in the negotiations for the construction of the Guyana-Brazil international bridge and in talks for the Guyana-Suriname ferry.

Philip Allsopp was born on 8 April, 1926 in Charlestown, Georgetown. He attended Queen’s College, and after leaving school, joined the Public Works Department in colonial British Guiana.

He was awarded an Engineering Scholarship in 1949

to pursue civil engineering studies at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, UK. Philip Allsopp was appointed Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil in 1990 and was awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) for his public service.

The People’s National Congress Reform extends sincere condolences to Philip Allsopp’s children.

My encounters with the...

After he left the shop, the proprietor praised his down-to-earth character and demeanour. I learnt of his generosity and kindness, and of his activities to help the downtrodden and poor.

I learnt that he would seek assistance to help others, not himself. In fact, he neglected his own health to take care of others. He would help

people to repair or build their homes.

Just a couple days before the last elections, we talked about the expected outcome.

He was very passionate about his party; he was confident the PPP would win a landslide -- not less than 55 per cent. He asked for my view.

I responded that the PPP would get about 52 per cent;

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he said I would be proven wrong. The PPP actually got 51 per cent.

Our encounters would be missed, and I am sure his party would miss his activism.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

A SECURITY guard, who impersonated a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer while trying to kidnap a coconut vendor on Wednesday, was arrested by alert police ranks.

Reports indicate the 26-year-old market vendor was on Robb Street, between Alexander and Bourda Streets, Georgetown when the 37-year-old security guard of Haslington, East Coast Demerara approached him while he was gathering coconut to sell.

The security guard was, at the time, driving a white Toyota Premio motorcar and called out to the vendor who walked over to the left side passenger door.

There, the security guard told the vendor that he was a CANU officer and he picked up a handcuff from within his care and attempted to grab the man by his jersey.

The vendor then threw himself onto the roadway and ran away. Police ranks on duty in the area were alerted to the incident and managed to apprehend the suspect after a brief chase.

Police arrested the security guard and a search was carried out on his person and a handcuff was found in his pants pocket.

“The men tell the police he is a CANU officer and the police just look at he and arrest he,” one eyewitness said.

Subsequently, the vendor visited the Albertown Police Station to make a report and pointed out the perpetrator who was sitting on the police bench as the man who tried to kidnap him.

Arrested: Kevin Mc Donald

The security guard remains in custody as investigations continue.

Information suggests that the perpetrator is known for his kidnapping activities.

Other persons are expected to provide police with statements about similar incidents.

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‘Hot Skull’ appeals murder conviction, ‘unfair’ sentence

Alvin Jones called ‘Hot Skull’

ALVIN Jones, called “Hot Skull”, who was last December sentenced to serve 42.5 years’ imprisonment for murder, is now challenging his conviction and sentence.

On December 22, 2020, Jones was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown High Court, after being found guilty by a 12-member jury.

Jones was convicted of the murder of Paul Daniels, 32, called “Dundee”.

The then Georgetown Football Club (GFC) footballer was gunned-down at his fiancée’s Independence Boulevard, Albouystown home on February 2, 2017.

Jones, in his documents filed at the Court of Appeal, claims that his conviction cannot stand. He is asking that his sentence be set aside since it was unfair, too severe, and excessive.

On January 18, 2021, Jones was stabbed several times about his body following an altercation with another inmate at the prison. This newspaper had reported that Jones was attacked after he touched the buttocks of another inmate. He is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that on February 2, 2017, two armed men entered the Daniel’s fiancée’s home through a door, located on the northern side of the building, which was left open.

The armed men held Daniels and the woman at gunpoint, and later relieved him of a gold chain, and an undisclosed sum of money.

The robbers then made good their escape and Daniels gave chase.

During the pursuit, one of the robbers discharged several rounds, one of which hit Daniels in the region of his stomach and chest. Daniels was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced dead.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Qatar field hospital going to ‘Ocean View’ THE field hospital donated to Guyana by Qatar to support the country’s fight against COVID-19 will now be established at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The hospital, which arrived on Tuesday, was initially earmarked for the West Demerara Regional Hospital. On Wednesday, however, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, noted that the ministry later realised that the West Demerara hospital does not have the number of personnel that would be required to staff the facility.

“What we have decided, because we already have a lot of capacity in terms of personnel at Ocean View (the Liliendaal hospital), we think it might be more appropriate for us to set it up in the compound of the Ocean View facility,” he explained.

Additionally, this hospital already has some diagnostic infrastructure. The field hospital is expected to be established in the compound of the Liliendaal hospital, which was formerly the location of the Ocean View Hotel.

The field hospital is equipped

The equipment and parts of the field hospital donated by Qatar

with 60 beds that are able to manage both critical and non-critical patients. Twenty of those beds can be used as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities, since they are replete with monitors and ventilators to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients.

The 20 ICU beds would add to

the Liliendaal hospital’s existing 25-bed capacity. This means that the capacity to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients will be almost doubled.

Last year, President Irfaan Ali engaged the Emir of Qatar, His Royal Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, where a

commitment was made to provide Guyana with a portable field (or military) hospital and ventilators.

The donation of this field hospital is part of a growing relationship between the two countries. Guyana is expected to establish an embassy in Qatar soon.

Balraj Balram ‘stonewalls’ queries on glaring discrepancies

By Rehana Ahamad

“I can’t recall,” and “I’m unable to say,” were statements repeatedly used by Balraj Balram, former Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure, as he was being questioned on a series of glaring infractions that occurred under his watch, the most damning of them being the sole-sourcing of a $72.2 million contract to purchase three motion scales.

The contract, signed by Balram in 2016, contained no dates, bore no witness signatures, nor displayed the verification number from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Even more glaring, was the fact that the contract was signed even before Cabinet had approved the purchase.

As the matter was called into question at Wednesday’s meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Balram was unable to provide answers on the questionable undertaking, defending that it had been five years since the contract was signed.

Balram’s claims of ignorance was much to the annoyance of Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, whose party – the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) was in power during the time the contract was signed.

“You seem to cannot remember where the company is located, if it is in Guyana or another jurisdiction; you also seem to not have recalled that there is no witness on this contract that you signed; you cannot recall that

Former Public Infrastructure Permanent Secretary, Balraj Balram responding virtually to queries from members of the Public Accounts Committee

there is no date on this contract; you cannot recall that there is no NPTAB number on this contract,” Mahipaul lamented.

Meanwhile, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, sought to question on whose authority Balram acted when he inked the suspicious contract. To this, Balram responded that he does not recall the circumstance under which the flawed contract was signed.

“You do recognise that this entire paragraph points to serious breaches of the Procurement Laws of Guyana?” Teixeira queried to which Balram responded, “I agree.”

These breaches were all revealed in the 2016 Audit Report which highlighted that, as at December 31, 2016, the contract sum was paid in full. However, to date, it is unclear whether the purchases were ever delivered to

Guyana. The ministry’s current Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud, has committed to providing further clarity on the issue.

NOT ‘CONCOCTED LEGALLY’ In the meantime, Interim Chairman of the PAC, Jermaine Figueira asserted that the document cannot be deemed as a contract, since it was not “concocted legally”.

PAC Member and attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin, questioned whether Cabinet had approved the sole-sourcing of the devices, and under what grounds.

Persaud explained that approvals for sole-sourcing would have to be done in accordance with specific NPTAB guidelines. In this instance, Persaud said that a justification would have had to be made, stating that the device could not have been supplied

locally.

“I don’t want to speculate until I would have done an investigation to find out exactly what was the process with regard to making representation to NPTAB for sole-sourcing,” Persaud noted.

The 2016 audit report had indicated too that “a performance bond was not presented for audit examination”. It also stated that as of September 2017, the scales, which had a 90-day delivery period attached to it, had still not been delivered.

The purchase of the devices was made under the Ministry’s Equipment/tools line item. “The contract provided for an advance payment of 50 per cent of the contract sum within 30 days of signing of the contract and the balance on delivery,” the report specified.

It highlighted too, the lack of any evidence that an addendum to the contract was ever prepared. In its official response to the Audit General, the ministry said that the observations were all correct and the ministry was working to remedy the situation. The Audit Office had, in 2017, recommended that the ministry pursue the matter to ensure that the scales were delivered.

APNU+AFC MP, Juretha Fernandes, also criticised the vague responses from former PS Balram, calling it unacceptable.

“The whole reason that we have these accounting officers present is to give details as to what went on and why these queries were made in the first place,” Fernandes posited.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Prominent engineer Philip Allsopp dies

Dead: Philip Allsopp

HIGHLY respected engineer Philip Allsopp, AA, who contributed to Guyana’s development and has a great history in civil engineering, died on Wednesday at age 95.

Allsopp was born on April 8, 1926 in Charlestown, Georgetown. He attended Queen’s College, and, after leaving school, joined the Public Works Department in colonial British Guiana.

He was awarded an Engineering Scholarship in 1949 to pursue civil engineering studies at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, UK. Philip Allsopp was appointed Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil in 1990 and was awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) for his public service.

He was the father of five. His contribution as an engineer was so highly recognised by his peers that the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE), which he had been a longstanding member of, had asked him to write a history of civil engineering in Guyana.

He has also written numerous publications and technical reports, including the preparation of a Maintenance Manual for Farm Access Roads, and an assessment of the priority projects for the transport sector for the years 20002010. This was an IDB-funded project.

In the early 2000s, Allsopp was also Arbitrator/Adjudicator in several engineering disputes and designed roads for the Guyana Sugar Corporation, among others.

On Wednesday, the People’s National Congress Reform expressed condolences to the family members, relatives and friends of Allsopp. The party noted his key roles in advising, designing or overseeing works on several roadways and highways – including the Georgetown-Timehri; Soesdyke-Linden; Linden-Mabura; Mahaica-Rosignol and within the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Development Project – and in the negotiations for the construction of the Guyana-Brazil international bridge and in talks for the Guyana-Suriname ferry.

Persons with disabilities better equipped to learn THE Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) is continuing its educational programmes virtually, and is therefore happy to have received a donation of 15 media pads (tablet computers) from Huawei Technologies Limited.

As a consequence of the Coronavirus Pandemic, all GCOPD programmes have been implemented virtually and the trainees and students are thus required to have an Internet- ready device. However, the majority of the persons with disabilities who register for these programmes are not in possession of a device.

GCOPD Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh, told this publication on Wednesday that the tablets will be for three different sets of education programmes.

“Once new persons join our CXC classes, we would give them tablets to work with,” he informed.

Some of the tablets, according to him, will also be used for the skills training programme where persons with disabilities are trained in various areas like Spanish, general office areas and disability studies.

Singh said Huawei Technologies responded promptly to a request from the GCOPD for the donation and that the GCOPD and intended beneficiaries want to express sincerest gratitude for the “kind and timely donation”.

Further, the devices would ensure that persons with disabilities in the rural areas of Guyana are able to access virtual education and training programmes.

GCOPD Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh, with the recently acquired donation

The CSEC Initiative for persons with disabilities, Singh’s brainchild, came about while he was working with the then OLPF (One Laptop Per Family) initiative and was recruited to train blind and visually impaired persons, who received laptops, on

how to use them.

“When I worked with the young people, I saw their potential; that they were very, very intelligent and never had an opportunity. The idea came to me; I guess divine intervention. I thought you can use these

same laptops, put all the learning materials in electronic format, and we basically teach them the same curriculum. I sold the idea to a few persons and some were unwilling to jump on the bandwagon. I sold it to Evelyn Hamilton, Chief Planning Officer at Ministry of Education, and she said it is something she was sure the ministry would support,” Singh recalled.

Dozens of persons have written the CSEC exams since the project got underway and Singh has said that anyone with a disability who would like to start the classes can get in touch with the GCOPD. “We never knew that we could’ve come this far and we continue to grow from strength to strength. We continue to make a significant impact in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired because we’ve seen the difference it can make,” he continued.

One of the teachers, Theresa Pemberton, works very hard to be able to help the students do well. She is very passionate about helping persons with disabilities and goes the extra mile to provide whatever they need to succeed.

She is one of the persons who undertook the mountainous task of copying all of the needed textbooks so that the students can have access to them electronically. The students are able to study for and write the exams only with the help of the textbooks in electronic format.

Courtney Benn sued $414M for breach of contract

By Richard Bhainie LEGAL proceedings have been instituted by the state against contractor Courtney Benn Contracting Services and its insurance company, CARICOM General Insurance Company Inc. for a breach of contract relating to the construction of the St. Rose’s High School.

According to court documents seen by this publication, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Wednesday, filed a fixed-date application in the High Court, claiming in excess of $414,380,902 in damages, restitution and money due, owing and payable to the state.

The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government on August 18, 2018, through the

Ministry of Education (MoE), entered into an agreement with Courtney Benn Contacting Services for the re-construction of St. Rose’s High School, Church Street, Georgetown.

The initial fixed contract cost was in the sum of $352,709,745; however, on December 23, 2019, the government executed an addendum to agreement through the MoE with the contractor to increase the contract sum by $59,594,612, increasing the original amount to $412,304,257.

The contract was to be completed on or before April 8, 2020; however, by virtue of the said addendum, the contract was then extended for a period of 20 months, to be completed in August 2021 by the former administration to accommodate the driving of piles.

The state of St Rose’s High School as at September 10, 2020

TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Father of two killed in West Coast Berbice accident A WOMAN who is still coming to terms with the sudden death of her husband two years ago was on Wednesday plunged into mourning after her eldest son lost his life in an accident at Number 23 Village, West Coast Berbice.

Dead is 29-year-old Andre Joseph of Lot 24 Manchester Village, Corentyne.

Sharon Joseph was in shock when the Guyana Chronicle visited her. She

had received the tragic news moments before this publication’s arrival.

“It’s very rough for me.

I’m so confused. I can’t even believe…,” she said.

She sat there as a relative, who had travelled to the Fort Wellington Hospital, West Coast Berbice, related that the father of two young children died in an accident around 04:30hrs, while returning from a trip to Georgetown.

Police stated that Joseph was heading east in a white Toyota Caldina wagon bearing registration number HB 2975, when, as he approached the double turn at Number 23 Village, he allegedly lost control and collided with a silver Toyota Premio bearing registration number HC 7179.

The Toyota Premio which was being driven by Collis Johnson 39, of Lot 73 Number 53 Village, East

Andre Joseph

The car that was involved in the collision with Andre Joseph

Andre Joseph’s mangled car following the accident

Berbice-Corentyne, was heading in the opposite direction.

Persons who arrived at the scene moments after the crash, related that the road was wet and the impact resulted in Joseph being pinned in the vehicle. Rescuers had to pry open the twisted metal to get him out.

Joseph, along with Johnson and the occupants of his vehicle, Ron Mitchell age 49 of Lot 28 Number 53 Village and Hywon Williams age 29

of Lot 32 Number 53 Village were rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where Joseph was pronounced dead on arrival.

Johnson was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and his condition is listed as stable. The other passengers were admitted for observation.

One of the dead man’s relatives told this publication that he has been plying the Georgetown to Berbice route as a taxi driver for

almost 10 years. He was on his way home when he met his demise.

He was described as a hardworking person, who took care of his family.

Joseph leaves to mourn his mother, reputed wife and two children, ages two and four.

A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the second car returned a reading of zero (0) micrograms.

An investigation into the accident is in progress.

Courtney Benn sued $414M ...

FROM PAGE

The reconstruction works at the site were supervised at all material times by the Project Manager Ron Eastman, a civil works engineer attached to the Ministry of Education.

Upon perusal of a work execution schedule submitted to the MoE and the project manager, it was noted that the contractor failed and/or neglected to complete the works in accordance with the work execution schedule.

In August 2020, based on

an assessment of the works performed by the contractor, the project manager discovered that a mere nine per cent of the whole works was completed after a period of approximately nine months had elapsed.

Consequent upon failure and neglect on the contractor’s part to execute the work in accordance with the work schedule, in November 2020 the Attorney General wrote the contractor terminating the

09

said contract.

The state is claiming general damages in excess of $100,000,000 and $100,000,000 as aggravated damages for breach of contract; $41,230,425 as liquidated damages; $105,812,929 due, owing and payable by the contractor to the state and $67,337,528 in restitution for the advance payment made by the state.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Magistracy most ‘efficient’ jurisdiction for trial of electoral fraud cases

By Richard Bhainie THERE is a gamut of compelling reasons for the court proceedings pertaining to alleged electoral fraud by Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) officials, Keith Lowenfield and Clairmont Mingo and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) chairperson, Volda Lawrence, to be tried in the Magistrate’s Court.

Attorney-at-law and special prosecutor in the electoral fraud cases, Glen Hanoman, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, explained that it is most “convenient” and “efficient” for the cases to be disposed of at the Magistracy level, and that it was unusual for the defence to indicate that it would prefer otherwise.

“Indisputably it is more convenient, more efficient and less costly, not only financially but in terms of precious judicial time and so on, that the Magistrate’s Court is the place where the matter can be conveniently tried and there are many reasons why the process would be swift in the Magistrate’s Court,” Hanoman said.

He noted that it would be common expectation that the defence, prosecution and wider society would prefer to have these matters disposed of in an efficient and time-conserving manner.

However, submissions by the defence indicates otherwise.

With over 20 charges against the accused, if the matters are set for trial in the High Court, this would result in over 20 separate matters being tried, whereas the matters can be tried jointly in the Magistrate’s Court, which would inevitably fast forward the process.

“For example the matters against Mingo are so closely connected in terms of the factual circumstance, it’s exactly the same witnesses, evidence, exhibits; so there is a clear pathway for many of these matters to be tried jointly because of a similarity in facts and circumstances, and if it is tried jointly we will save a lot more time,” Hanoman said.

If the case is set for trial in the High Court, there is the risk that witnesses would no longer be available to testify at the proceedings, as matters before the High Court usually take some time

Clairmont Mingo

to be called up and people might migrate or even die.

In the matters before the court, although the prosecution requested for the travel documents of the accused to be lodged as a condition of their bail, none of those documents were lodged, leaving no real impediments for the accused persons absconding.

Another benefit to having the matter heard in the summary jurisdiction is once a plea of not guilty is entered and trial commences, notwithstanding the accused fleeing the jurisdiction, the trial continues and the court can find the accused guilty in absentia; however, a High Court trial would not permit this.

Hanoman explained that there is also an argument open to the defence in the High Court to say that because of the pre-trial publicity of matters, no jury is unbiased enough to try the matter, risking the matters to be stayed indefinitely.

The mode of trial by judge and jury is by precedent invariably utilised for offences of a serious nature such as sexual offences and the capital offence of murder.

“The type of offence which the accused are charged with, in this jurisdiction or in any jurisdiction, that type of matter is never tried before a judge and jury.

It would be highly unusual for a matter of this nature to go before a judge and jury,” Hanoman said.

He explained that there is a legal test within Guyana’s Criminal Procedure Act that the magistrate must consider when determining the mode of trial, and it is a test that surrounds efficiency and convenience.

He noted that even though the magistrate is person with the ultimate discretion to decide the mode of trial, there must be guidance by the letter of the law.

“A magistrate is a creature of statute and has to be guided by what is written in the law; there is no discretion to go outside of that and the law is very, very clear that the primary concern when making a decision like that is time and convenience,” he said.

The prominent attorney also explained that a decision to have the cases heard at the magistracy level would comply with Article 144 of the Constitution, which states that if any person is charged

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield

with a criminal offence, the case shall be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time. A Guyana Chronicle headline on Wednesday incorrectly stated that Hanoman was contending the opposite as well as mistakenly naming Mortimer Mingo, a former Region 10 Chairman instead of Clairmont Mingo, the person charged with electoral fraud.

On October 21, Mingo and Lawrence were charged jointly; it is alleged that, on March 5, 2020, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud the public, they uttered a certain forged document, that is to say, a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four

Attorney-at-law Glen Hanoman

for the March 2 General and Regional Elections, knowing same to be forged. They were each released on $30,000 bail.

Lowenfield has six charges against him filed by the police following a “comprehensive” investigation into the elections and its aftermath. The charges include three counts of misconduct in public office and three counts of forgery. He is on $300,000 bail.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shali-

mar Ali-Hack, S.C. granted a fiat to Attorneys-at-law Sanjeev Datadin, Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai and George Thomas to prosecute the matter on behalf of the State.

Hanoman informed this publication that the prosecutors who are retained by the DPP Chambers have been instructed by the DPP to request that all the matters be disposed of in a summary fashion in the Magistrate’s Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Solar lights, better roads, improved water access for EBD communities

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal addresses a section of the gathering during the outreach at the Farm Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) compound

RESIDENTS in Herstelling, Little Diamond, Farm and other surrounding East Bank Demerara (EBD) communities, on Tuesday, were updated on a number of plans to be

executed in the 2021 work programme.

Leading the outreach was Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central

Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves.

The meeting was held at the Farm Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) compound.

Through a multi-dimensional approach, the minister and CEO sought to resolve issues in the communities concerning cattle, deplorable roadways and water woes.

Present were representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

Water relief is also on the way for residents, as a new $40M well is slated to be completed at Providence, EBD. In this regard, funds are already budgeted and resources made available to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). A team from GWI is currently working on a project at Farm, and, upon completion, the team will commence the works in Providence.

GWI is also bringing on stream a number of filter mediums to improve water quality along the East Bank corridor. This is expected to be inline by May 2021.

An issue of cattle grazing in the communities was also raised and is expected to be addressed through the Ministry of AgricultureGuyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

Deputy CEO of GLDA, Dr. Dwight Walrond, convened a separate meeting with a number of cattle farmers in the area as they have indicated their willingness to relocate their cattle from residential areas

if they are given lands for such purposes.

With regards to roadways, the 2021 Budget will see the enhancement of several thoroughfares, as part of infrastructure works from Herstelling to Mocha. Internal road upgrades are also slated for Covent Garden, Little Diamond and Farm.

Further, as part of community enhancement works, CH&PA will be installing a number of solar lights following the passage of Budget 2021. These lights will be installed in Farm, Covent Gardens and Providence.

The Ministry of Housing is also working to strengthen the presence of rangers in communities to ensure that individuals operate within all the necessary bylaws and permits.

Additionally, the CH&PA Planning Department is looking at a number of proposals to establish a market that will serve these communities. While a location has been proposed by the local NDC, the ministry will be engaging GuySuCo on the availability of the area identified.

Meanwhile, residents were also able to access services from staff of the Housing Agency as well as the Guyana Water Inc.

Organ transplant legislation to be tabled

By Richard Bhainie

IN pursuit of enacting legislation to govern the transplant of human tissues, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. on Wednesday met with members of the Guyana Medical Council and other key officials.

Dr. Kishore Persaud, Head of Department, Multi-Organ Transplant and Vascular Access Surgery, and his team from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, were also present, a press release from the Ministry of Legal Affairs noted.

The meeting was held to discuss the topic of human-tissue transplant, which would effectively allow for the transplanting of organs to the body of another living person and the ethical issues relating to the matter and any other matter that may arise regarding the said subject.

Currently, Guyana is lacking legislation governing, authorising and regulating the donation

of human tissue and organs to persons who meet the criteria of either being a donor or recipient of such donation.

The legislation also is imperative in order to protect citizens of Guyana from being victims of human trafficking for human organs and tissues, something which the legislation will address.

In those respects, expected to emanate from the legislation are offences and penalties to monitor the trade in human tissues, organs and blood. “A consultative approach has been agreed upon which will include consultative engagements involving all stakeholders and associations and their collective input will be channelled into the legislation and ensuing regulations,� the press release stated.

The Attorney General has indicated that the bill pertaining to the subject matter shall be ready for Parliament on or before May 2021.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., meeting with members of the Guyana Medical Council and other key officials on Wednesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Calls made for very stern action against Courtney Benn Contracting Services

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud (centre) engages members of the PAC

By Rehana Ahamad A 2016 debt of $100 million and the delay of several infrastructural projects could see Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited being disbarred from receiving state contracts.

Wednesday’s meeting of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlighted the startling fact that the company was initially overpaid a whopping $120.6 million for preparatory works required for the upgrade of the East Coast Demerara Highway from La Bonne Intention to Beterverwagting.

Recently appointed Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud, explained that the company was writ-

ten to several times between 2017 and 2020. “Four times in 2017, three times in 2018, two times in 2019 and again in 2020. Additionally, we have also written in 2021 requesting that the contractor make restitution. He has not done so,” Persaud told members of the PAC. The Ministry’s Engineer, Nigel Erskine, explained that the overpayments occurred as a result of the revised scope of works for the project, which entailed a change in building materials.

“The contract provided for the construction of a reinforced concrete revetment on the northern side of the road.

When the project started, we had some difficulties in terms of the procurement of the material,” Erskine explained.

He told the committee that a decision was then taken to revise the contract to use timber revetment instead. “As a result of that, the scope of works changed significantly, because the timber is much cheaper,” the engineer noted.

He was unable to state clearly when the changes were made.

The PAC heard that despite being initially overpaid in 2013, the contractor received further payments in 2014. Questions were also raised with regard to the company receiving an advance of $264 million, which accounts for 76 per cent of the overall project cost.

“Is this a practice, for a company to be paid 76 per cent of the contract sum?”

Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul

Flashback: preparatory works ongoing on the East Coast Expansion project

questioned.

The committee moved to call on former PS, Balraj Balram, to answer to the advanced payments, but he was unable to do so. Balram, in his virtual participation, said that he normally issues payments based on the engineer’s evaluation. The engineer responsible for the project at the time was not present.

Mahipaul then directed his questions to PS Persaud, with regard to the ministry’s next steps to retrieving the outstanding monies. “It is time we move from the first phase of collecting our $100 million, which is writing letters, to taking action,” Mahipaul asserted.

It was then that Persaud decried the inefficiencies

of the Attorney General’s Chambers, which, under the previous administration, failed to take action against the errant contractor. Persaud, who assumed office in October 2020, said that the ministry has already issued termination letters to the company, for various projects dating back to 2016.

Persaud also revealed his intention to keep Courtney Benn Contracting Services away from Government projects, altogether.

“We will not award more contracts to a contractor who has large sums of outstanding works, and also, outstanding sums of monies, to the Government of Guyana,” Persaud insisted. His authority to disbar the contractor, however, immediately came into ques-

tion, with the PAC, led by Interim Chairman, Jermaine Figueira, instructing him to hit pause, at least until the installation of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Madam Gail Teixeira said that while the disbarment regulations could block the company from bidding for future projects, it would not specifically address issues of recovering monies owed to the state. “These are contracts that have been awarded already,” she reminded. Teixeira also emphasised the Government’s duty to ensure that the monies owed are recovered.

“Even if you debar them, you are not going to get the money back,” she posited.

February 9 ruling in Gary Best DUI case

SENIOR Magistrate Clive Nurse, on February 9, is expected to hand down his ruling in the driving under the influence case against former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Rear Admiral Gary Best.

Best, 62 was last year freed of the substantive charge of causing the death of former national cyclist, Jude Bentley, by dangerous driving. Magistrate Rondell Weever had ruled in favour of a no-case submission which was made by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has since moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to have that ruling overturned or set aside.

The DUI matter, which stemmed from that causingdeath charge is being heard

by Magistrate Nurse in the traffic court.

In December, Hughes made a no-case submission calling for the DUI charge to be dismissed on the ground that the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence to prove key elements of the charge.

On Wednesday, Prosecutor Sanj Singh laid over

The late former national cyclist Jude Bentley

written arguments in reply to Hughes’ no-case submission.

Magistrate Nurse later set February 9 as his date for ruling.

Best had pleaded not

Former GDF Chief-of-Staff, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Gary Best

guilty to the charge which alleged that, on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Georgetown, he drove motor vehicle PRR 8182 while his blood alcohol level was at

0.85 micrograms. He was granted self-bail on that charge.

Bentley, 41, a businessman and national cyclist, was riding along the highway as part of his training

when he was struck down in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy, at approximately 05:00hr by a black Land Cruiser. Reports indicated that Bentley and Best were heading east along the road, and that Best reportedly tried to avoid hitting Bentley and struck a utility pole, but still managed to hit the cyclist and drag him several feet from the point of impact.

Best was arrested at the scene, and two breathalyser tests were administered. Both tests reportedly revealed that he was way above the legally-prescribed alcohol limit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

US$4M pumps from India to be operable next month –– as two more engineers from India arrive in Guyana –– plans for new agricultural lands discussed

MOBILE and fixed heavy-duty drainage pumps, which were procured under a line of credit financing of US$4 million from India in 2020, are in the final stages of instal-

lation.

The status of this and other projects were discussed on Tuesday, when Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha met with High Commissioner of India

to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa.

Minister Mustapha informed the ambassador and other officials of the high commission that he met recently with the contractor from India and was given an update on the installation of those pumps.

“I met with the contractor about a week ago. There were some issues that were brought to my attention. I raised them with him and he assured me that by the first week in February, we can have all these pumps fixed and working. When that happens, we will be able to move ahead with commissioning the pumps,” Minister Mustapha said.

Counsellor at the Indian High Commission, Vijayakumar Kizhapate, while providing an update on the installation of the pumps, said that additional engineers have arrived from India to ensure the pumps are fully operational within the given time frame.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha receives a token from the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa

“We have installed three mobile pumps at Ruimveldt, Sussex Street and Cowan Street. The other fixed pumps; two pumps were installed at Devonshire Castle and Hampton Court, one at Hope, and one at Nootenzuil. There were some minor issues. Last Saturday, we brought two more engineers from India and they are taking care of those issues. Yesterday, they said things are coming along alright and that by this week all those minor issues should be resolved,” Kizhapate said.

Minister Mustapha said too that with the government working on developing a comprehensive plan for a complete upgrading of the country’s drainage system, this year’s budget should see allocations being made to acquire additional drainage pumps.

“I’m optimistic that, with the new budget, more funds will be made available to acquire additional pumps because, around the country, there is a need for more pumps. Quite frankly, if we are to properly upgrade the country’s drainage capacity, we have to make these types of investments now,” Minis-

ter Mustapha said.

OPENING NEW LANDS Minister Mustapha also informed the delegation that his ministry is working towards increasing and improving Guyana’s agricultural production over the next few years. This, he said, will be done through the development of new areas earmarked for agriculture.

“There are a lot of areas that will be developed for agricultural purposes and we need to have proper infrastructure in place. For example, I plan to start work on developing the second phase of the MMA Scheme. If that happens, over 100,000 acres of land will come under cultivation. So we’ll need proper drainage, proper irrigation and additional pumps to boost the system. In Essequibo, there is a project that was supposed to start a long time ago called the Aurora Agriculture Development Project.

“I’m looking to start some work there so that we can make lands available to persons interested in farming. During my first outreach to Essequibo when I became Minister, persons were asking about govern-

ment’s plans for the Project and I assured them that it is something we were actively pursuing. In Berbice, the Canje area and the Cookrit Savannah; we’ll need a lot of work to be done in those areas. I also want to start zoning these areas,” Minister Mustapha reasoned.

Further, instead of having cattle and rice together, which usually results in conflicts with the farmers, the minister wants to zone areas to ensure cattle rearing has a designated area and rice cultivation has its designated area.

The creation of such agricultural infrastructure has to be supported by additional drainage pumps, Minister Mustapha said.

“In cases where it is possible for us to do the outfall close to the Atlantic Ocean, we’ll do so because then the siltation will be minimal; but if it’s a far distance, we’ll have to depend on the pumps,” he explained.

Minister Mustapha, along with Dr. Srinivasa, will be conducting another assessment of the newly installed and existing drainage pumps in Georgetown within the coming days.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Housing investing over $2B in infrastructural works in Region Six

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, addresses a Region Six resident’s land matter (DPI photograph)

THE Ministry of Housing and Water is investing over $2 billion in infrastructural works in Region Six under the 2021 work programme.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, made this announcement during a recent engagement with Region Six residents in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council.

“Last year you saw us announcing a number of works to commence here in Region Six to the tune of $54 million.

I can tell you, in our 2021 programme, we intend to invest, in infrastructural works, a minimum of $2 billion in the initial phase. These are for works in Hampshire, Williamsburg, No. 75 Village, No. 79 village, Ordinance and Fortlands.

“We will also have coming on stream the construction of 200 houses. One hundred intended for Williamsburg and another 100 for Fortlands catering for low-income [residents],” Minister Croal said.

The infrastructural works also cover the development of road networks and access to water, he said. The initiative would also provide and create much-needed jobs in the region.

Minister Croal said the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Government aims to enhance the lives of all Guyanese. Through the ‘Dream Realised’ initiative, 300 Berbicians received house lots in December. To date, over 3,600 house lots have been delivered over the span of four months in three regions, through the same initiative.

Further, Minister Croal said the ministry is working to address the backlog in the issuance of transports in the Region.

“I am advised we have currently over 500 transports

that are being processed for Region Six as part of our backlog, so we intend to have that completed in the shortest possible time.”

A similar exercise would be conducted on a larger scale in Region Five to address the backlog there.

“In March, we will have a massive and when I say massive, the entire team [will be in] Region Five during March. The reason being is that we are currently working on fast-tracking the processing of a number of transports from the backlog. So, we are working with the legal team and then to put it through the necessary process with the Land Court.”

The PPP/C Government is committed to allocating 50,000 house lots over five years as outlined in its manifesto. In the 2020 Emergency Budget, the Government implemented several measures to make home-ownership affordable for all. That included the reversal of the value-added tax on building materials to make building homes more affordable. Government also increased the mortgage interest relief ceiling for loans/mortgages to $30 million.

Region Six Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain and Regional Executive Officer, Narindra Persaud, personnel from the ministry, the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the Guyana Water Incorporated also attended the outreach.

The Government is hosting outreaches to ensure that it has continuous engagement with residents and communities countrywide.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

AP Invitational added to World Athletics calendar of events … Pompey promises safety-first approach

By Rawle Toney

WITH the June 19th AP Invitational added to World Athletics Continental Tour, Aliann Pompey, the event’s organiser, believes it will fit perfectly on the international calendar, since it allows enough time for athletes to not only get in shape, but also use the games as their gateway to the Tokyo Olympic Games.

In 2016, the inaugural AP Invitational saw 11 athletes, all overseas-based, qualifying for the Rio Games and this time around it will be no different.

According to Pompey, the confirmed date for the AP Invitational “is late enough to give athletes a chance to get into peak shape and that’s well within the qualifying window for the Olympics Games”.

Pompey highlighted that the AP Invitational continues to be a “great resource for our region, being one of limited regional competitions on the World Athletics Continental Tour. In talking with athletes

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and their agents, interest is substantial as they monitor the quickly changing travel restrictions and protocol to make it a reality”.

The 2020 AP Invitational had to be postponed, like almost everything else following the advent of COVID-19 in Guyana. But, while some events, more specifically in the Caribbean, are moving to the stage of cancellation, Pompey said that she’s thrilled that she can move forward with this year’s AP Invitational.

“To say the desire for a sense of normalcy is great is an understatement. I think this is the opportunity to bring sports back in a major way. It gives the athletes a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games scheduled to begin at the end of July. We have a number of challenges we will face as we aim to deliver a competition of the highest quality,” Pompey said.

Guyana’s Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist, Pompey, is promising athletes and other

support staff that their health and safety are absolutely at the forefront of everything.

The adherence of local and international health protocols will not be compromised, Pompey noted.

With regard to corporate and government support, Pompey has already received the backing of Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Sleepin Hotel and Casino, Ministry of Tourism, Sentinel Security, Atletismo Sudamericano (formerly ConSudAtle) and World Athletics.

“There have been several discussions with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Minister Charles Ramson Jr. He has expressed his support and commitment to the success of the international competition, and has pledged the support of his ministry,” the four-time Olympian said.

She made an appeal to other businesses, corporations and individuals who would like to align themselves with the event, to get on board.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Ramson shoots for enhancing basketball facilities … Basketball body ‘pleased’ following second meeting with Sport Minister SEVERAL basketball courts around the city are being targeted, while the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, will visit those identified by Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) out of the Capital to ascertain the amount of work needed to rehabilitate them.

by Director of Sport Christopher Jones, but a fall-out over funding for the project between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the-then Ministry responsible for sport, saw a standstill of the project since 2018.

“We want to ensure that in Georgetown we have basketball courts strategically located in

L-R: president of GABA, Jermaine Slatter; president of GABF, Michael Singh; Minister Charles Ramson and GABA executive Rawle Toney, following their January 19 meeting Minister Ramson met with president of the GABF, Michael Singh, along with executives of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), Jermain Slatter and Rawle Toney. The local governing body for basketball and its affiliates were updated on a number of plans and ongoing projects by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, with regard to their game.

Minister Ramson reminded the basketball body that the sport is close to his heart and given that it is listed as one of the core sports by his ministry, they can expect more than just financial assistance for their national programmes, especially relating to the growth and decentralising of the game.

The basketball court at the Gymnasium, according to Minister Ramson, is currently being upgraded and upon completion the GABF and their affiliates can call the facility their ‘home’.

In fact, the minister and GABF should be visiting the facility next week, when they will determine where two additional courts can be built at the Gymnasium to accommodate 3-on-3 basketball, after it was noted that GABF will be pushing for more meaningful participation for the shorter format of the game.

The Gymnasium upgrade programme started under the APNU/AFC Government

communities that will be used by nearby communities. The reason we’re doing all of this is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to play sports or in this case, basketball,” Minister Ramson said.

Minister Ramson also pointed out that “the Gymnasium will have an outside washroom facility and possibly a changing-room, so you guys (basketball) will not have to depend only on the Burnham Court to host events. You can call this one your own as well because it belongs to the people.”

Singh, GABF head, upon listening to Ramson and his plans, thanked the minister for his generosity and lauded his proactive approach in engaging the sport.

With Minister Ramson sharing plans for the facilities outside of the Capital, he was asked

by Singh, to visit outlying areas, like Bartica, since spreading the game and helping to provide a space for competitive basketball to be played is part of the governing body’s mandate.

Meanwhile, Ramson confirmed the Government of Guyana’s support for the National team’s participation at the FIBA 2023 World Cup Pre-Qualifiers in El Salvador (April 7-11), while committing to the support of future programmes and projects of the GABF and affiliates.

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mushfiqur Rahim-4413 Testruns (2) Tamin Iqbal-7202 ODI runs

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has taken most Test wickets for BANG to date?

(2) Who has effected most wicketkeeping dismissals in Tests for BANG to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Mohammed says Windies looking to make amends following woeful loss … Tamim praises Bangladeshi bowlers

By Clifton Ross AFTER suffering a 6-wicket loss in the opener of the series, West Indies ODI captain Jason Mohammed said yesterday his players have learnt much following their woeful outing at Mirpur.

The Trinidadian, following the Windies loss, told the media that it was a slightly difficult outing for the new-look team, who will be keen on working out their issues against the spinners in the middle passage of the game.

“It’s difficult to score in the middle overs with the spinners, so negotiating that part of the innings is

Shakib Al Hasan going to be crucial for us.

We need to play that period of bowling a little better and I think we are going to discuss things to see what

best plan there is to come up with”.

A paltry 122 was all the Caribbean side could muster and the home team made light work of the chase as they reached their target with almost more than half of their overs intact.

Former number one ranked all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, made sterling return to international cricket after serving a 1-year ban.

The left-arm spinner snatched up magical figures of 4 for 8 as Windies debut spinner Akeal Hosein also basked in the ambience, starring with 3 wickets for the Windies.

“We have to try to put a little bit more runs on

the board, we are inexperienced in terms of batting but I think the batsmen are capable of doing the job. It was our first outing, the wicket was a little bit difficult but hopefully in the next game, we can put up a better batting performance.” said the skipper.

Meanwhile, match MVP al Hasan regarding his match-winning outing, said after the game that he was keen on putting the ball in the right places.

“The focus was to put the ball in the right areas and let the ball do the work.

I don’t count all the domestic games I played; outside the dressing-room people may think about it but I don’t think about it,” said

Bright starts from Hosein, Mayers fail to spur West Indies victory (CMC) – Akeal Hosein and Kyle Mayers both impressed on debut but their efforts proved futile, as under-strength West Indies slumped to a six-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the opening One-Day International here yesterday.

A side featuring six debutants could muster only a mediocre 122 off 32.2 overs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, with left-hander Kyle Mayers top-scoring with a breezy 40 and Rovman Powell chipping in with 28.

West Indies were tottering on 56 for five in the 19th over before Mayers and Powell staged a 59run, sixth-wicket stand to rally the innings.

Left-arm spinner Shakibal-Hasan, in his first match for Bangladesh since serving a one-year ban, ripped through the innings with a spell of four for eight which earned him Man-of-theMatch honours.

Debutant 21-year-old seamer Hasan Mahmud cleaned up the lower order to finish with three for 28 while fast bowler Mustafizur

Rahman claimed both openers to end with two for 20.

In reply, Bangladesh’s run chase was never really in danger but left-arm spinner Hosein rattled the top order with an excellent spell of three for 26 from 10 overs, as the hosts crawled over the line in the 34th over.

Captain Tamim Iqbal top-scored with 44 while Shakib (19) and Mushfiqur Rahim (19 not out) chipped in to seal an easy if not emphatic win.

Asked to bat in chilly, overcast conditions, West Indies lost opener Sunil Ambris for seven in the second over, playing around a fulllength delivery from Mustafizur, before rain stalled the innings by an hour.

On resumption, Joshua DaSilva departed for nine in the sixth over, well taken at gully off Mustafizur, as West Indies slipped to 24 for two.

Captain Jason Mohammed (17) and Andre McCarthy (12) tried to repair the innings in a third-wicket stand of 21 but left-arm spinner Shakib-al-Hasan (4-8) removed both in quick succession, before

prising out Nkrumah Bonner without scoring, to leave the innings in strife on 56 for five in the 19th over.

McCarthy’s debut lasted 34 balls before it was ended, when he missed a sweep and was bowled and Mohammed, in his first international innings in 2-½ years, stayed around for 36 deliveries before being drawn from his crease and stumped.

Bonner’s debut was fleeting, lasting all of four balls before ending in the 19th over to an lbw verdict.

Mayers counter-attacked by lashing four fours and a six off 56 deliveries, partnering well with Powell who belted a couple of fours and sixes in a 31-ball knock.

The 28-year-old Mayers opened his tally in ODIs with a boundary forward of square off Hasan Mahmud and continued to impress with a sweetly-timed cover-driven four off Rubel Hossain and a six over square leg a few balls later.

Powell perished in the 30th over nicking Mahmud behind and Raymon Reifer fell to the very next delivery,

trapped lbw on the crease, as West Indies lost their last five wickets for just seven runs.

Mayers was eighth out in the 31st over, caught at first slip edging a prod at off-spinner Mehidy Hasan.

Tamim gave the hosts a bright start to their run chase, punching seven fours off 69 deliveries as he put on 47 for the first wicket with Liton Das (14).

Hosein broke the stand in the 14th over when he bowled Das with a beauty that spun from middle and hit the top of off, and three overs later removed Najmul Hossain for one, to a catch by Mohammed at short mid-wicket.

Tamim then put on 26 for the third wicket with Shakib (19) before he was stumped off Mohammed’s off-spin in the 23rd over and Hosein intervened again in the 28th over with the last ball of his spell, cramping S-hakib for room and getting him to play on.

Under no real pressure, however, Mushfiqur (19 not out) anchored two small partnerships to see Bangladesh home safely.

Jason Mohammed Shakib.

Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal who stroked a classy 44 with 7 bound-

aries but shared sentiments that indeed it was a tough surface to play on. He was nevertheless still positive following his team’s win and was keen on remaining focussed ahead of the second ODI. “We bowled extremely well, not just the spinners, but the pacers as well. It was very difficult to bat because of the conditions and there was no sun throughout the game and it’s just the conditions that made the wicket look difficult; not a pitch where you can play attacking shots from the start,” Tamim said.

Meanwhile, Windies will be looking to square the series come today when the second ODI bowls off at Dhaka.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES S Ambris lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 7 J Da Silva c Liton Das b Mustafizur Rahman 9 A McCarthy b Shakib-al-Hasan 12 J Mohammed st Mushfiqur Rahim b Shakib-al-Hasan 17 K Mayers c Liton Das b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 40 N Bonner lbw b Shakib-al-Hasan 0 R Powell c wkp Mushfiqur Rahim b Hasan Mahmud 28 R Reifer lbw b Hasan Mahmud 0 A Joseph b Shakib-al-Hasan 4 A Hosein c Liton Das b Hasan Mahmud 1 C Holder not out 0 Extras (lb3, w1) 4 TOTAL (all out, 32.2 overs) 122 Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Ambris), 2-24, (Da Silva), 3-45 (McCarthy), 4-56 (Mohammed), 5-56 (Bonner), 6-115 (Powell), 7-115 (Reifer), 8-121 (Mayers), 9-122 (Hosein), 10-122 (Joseph) Bowling: Rubel Hossain 6-0-34-0, Mustafizur Rahman 6-0-20-2, Hasan Mahmud 6-1-28-3, Shakib-alHasan 7.2-2-8-4, Mehidy Hasan 7-1-29-1.

BANGLADESH Liton Das b Hosein 14 Tamim Iqbal st Da Silva b Mohammed 44 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Mohammed b Hosein 1 Shakib Al Hasan b Hosein 19 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 19 Mahmudullah not out 9 Extras (b2, lb10, w4, nb3) 19 TOTAL (4 wkts, 33.5 overs) 125 Did not bat: Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Liton Das), 2-57 (Najmul Hossain), 3-83 (Tamim Iqbal), 4-105 (Shakib-al-Hasan) Bowling: Joseph 8-3-17-0, Holder 3-0-26-0, Hosein 10-1-26-3, Mohammed 8-0-19-1, McCarthy 2-0-10-0, Bonner 2.5-0-15-0.

Result: Bangladesh won by six wickets.

Series: Bangladesh lead three-match series 1-0.

Man-of-the-Match: Shakib-al-Hasan.

Toss: Bangladesh.

Umpires: Masudur Rahman, Sharfuddoula; TV – Gazi Sohel.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 21, 2021

Guyana Jaguars second practice game

Albion demands explanation Motie spins Singh’s X1 for Foo’s exclusion to easy 6-wicket win

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE exclusion of explosive middle-order batsman Jonathan Foo from Guyana Jaguars squad for the upcoming Regional Super50 Cup has provoked the ire of members of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC).

The club condemned it as “total nonsense” and demanded an explanation for the non-selection of the right-handed batsman.

Foo was not among the 15 players selected for the tournament, which will be played under strict protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament is billed for February 7 to 27 in Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking on behalf of the club a day after Cricket Guyana Incorporated (CGI) released the names of the selected players, president Vemen Walters said the club was particularly puzzled how Foo did not make the final cut.

Foo, who made his national debut in the 2010 Caribbean Twenty20 and played a leading role in the final of that tournament, scoring 42

Jonathan Foo from 17 balls to help Guyana to victory over Barbados, scored 334 runs from eight games at an average of 55.66 with the highest of 97 not out against the semi-final against Trinidad and Tobago in the last Super50 tournament.

“The Albion Community Centre Cricket Club would like to condemn in the strongest possible terms the treatment being handed out to Foo and would like CGI to give a reason for his non-selection,” Walters explained.

According to the long-serving executive, Foo should have

been an automatic selection based on his performances during the last Super50 tournament.

“Without any doubt, the 30-year-old Foo should have been an automatic choice in the team. The club wishes to remind the selectors and the administrators of Guyana’s cricket that selections must be based purely on merit and performance and Foo has undoubtedly fulfilled such criteria as his performance has been remarkable in the last Super50 tournament.

“This is unbelievable and as such, the club is calling on the Guyana Jaguars’ selectors and by extension CGI to provide an explanation to the cricketing public as to the reason for Foo’s non-selection,” Walters stressed.

The Jaguars would be led

by Leon Johnson, with West Indies player Shimron Hetmyer his deputy. The experienced left-handed batsman Assad Fudadin has returned to the Guyana Jaguars squad while all-rounders Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford miss out.

Paul will sit out of the tournament in order to facilitate adequate recovery from

Veman Walters an injury, whereas, Sherfane Rutherford, who was considered for selection, has opted to play T/10 and T/20 cricket in Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively The squad: Chandrapaul Hemraj, Trevon Griffith, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson (captain), Shimron Hetmyer (vice-captain), Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach.

LEFT-Arm spinner Gudakesh Motie exploited the low and slow conditions of the La Bonne Intention (LBI) pitch effectively, as his incredible effort helped Vishaul Singh’s X1 to an easy six-wicket win in the second practice game yesterday.

Motie, claimed 5-22 off his ten overs, as he ran through Johnson XI’s batting order which failed to justify their decision to bat first and folded for 109 runs in 31.1 overs.

Earlier, Trevon Griffith and Chandrapaul Hemraj got off to a positive start with the openers raising 60 in 8.3 overs but once Hemraj, who went for quick-fired 24-ball 41 (3x4, 4x6), off Romario Shepherd (1-19), Johnson’s X1 batting order simply became unstuck.

To make it worse, fellow seamer Keon Joseph (228), who is among the Jaguars’ 15-man squad, trapped Shimron Hetmyer leg-before-wicket without scoring, before removing Griffith for 17.

Thereafter, it was the spinners, with Motie creating most of the damage. Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo had a wicket apiece. Ramal Lewis contributed 15 to the total at the back end of the innings but it was not enough in the end.

Singh’s X1 lost four wickets before comfortably overwhelming the target, reaching 110 in 19.3 overs.

Opener Kelvon Anderson set the tone for a successful chase with a composed 34 before an unbeaten 28 from Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who struck three fours and two sixes, sealed the win.

Assad Fudadin again failed to impress. He made six before he was dismissed by left-arm spinner Hemraj.

Tevin Imlach contributed 17 while Singh made nine.

Both batsmen fell to medium pacer Christopher Barnwell. Off-spinner Lewis was the other successful bowler.

The third and final game is billed for tomorrow at the same venue.

Muneshwers LTD supports Golden Jaguars’ World Cup journey with health products MUNESHWERS Limited on Tuesday donated a range of health and sanitation products to the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team as players and staff begin preparations for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.

Following approval from the National COVID-19 Task Force, the Golden Jaguars commenced training this month at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre at Providence with strict hygiene and health protocols in place, including COVID-19 tests, mask wearing and the regular sanitisation of equipment.

To support the team, Muneshwers has provided high-quality masks, hand sanitiser, soap and paper towels to ensure that players and staff can remain as safe as possible while in training.

“On behalf of the management of Muneshwers Limited, we are very pleased to partner with the Guyana

Football Federation and to donate these items that we hope will go a very long way in assisting the organisation,” said Richard Coddett, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Manager at Muneshwers.

The handover took place at GFF headquarters in Georgetown, with GFF Executive Committee member Dion Inniss receiving the essential items from Coddett and Muneshwers Secretary Priscilia Ramcharran.

“The Golden Jaguars are embarking on a very exciting journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Cognizant of the protocols and regulations that we must adhere to, we have reached out to seek assistance from corporate Guyana for sanitising products and equipment, and Muneshwers has been the first to step forward to assist us,” Innis said.

Guyana will officially kick off their Qatar World Cup aspirations against Trinidad and Tobago on March 25 in Port-of-Spain.

GFF Executive Committee Member Dion Innis (first from right), receiving the donation from Muneshwers Secretary Priscilia Ramcharran, while Richard Coddett, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Manager looks on.

Guyana Jaguars second practice game

Motie spins Singh’s X1 to easy 6-wicket win See story on page 23

Alzarri Joseph’s stumps are shattered by Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh vs West Indies, 1st ODI, Mirpur, yesterday.

Bright starts from Hosein, Mayers fail to spur West Indies victory See story on page 22

Chandrapaul Hemraj

Gudakesh Motie

AP Invitational added to World Athletics calendar of events … Pompey promises safety-first approach See story on page 20

Work on-going at the National Gymnasium basketball court (Adrian Narine photo)

Ramson shoots for enhancing See story basketball facilities on page 21 … Basketball body ‘pleased’ following second meeting with Sport Minister

After retaining her 2019 API 400m women’s hurdles title, as seen in photo, Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton went on to win bronze in the 400m hurdles at the World Championship in Doha, Qatar.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021