Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23-09-2021

THURSDAY 23rd September, 2021

No. 106493

‘COVID-19 hospital’ being outfitted to accommodate over 200 patients

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‘Reparative justice must go beyond apology’ _President Ali contends

_reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to inclusive development

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Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and other officials share a moment with persons living with disabilities, who will be trained in the art of block-making at a newly commissioned training and block-making facility at the Guyana Society for the Blind (Elvin Croker photo) (See story on Page 8)

Inherent vulnerabilities of $59M in home improvement Private school learners developing nations to climate subsidies for over 100 to get education change underrecognised Sophia residents grants from today SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Private school learners to get education grants from today

By Tamica Garnett

DISTRIBUTION of the $15,000 per child “Because we Care” cash grant and $4,000 uniform voucher to learners in the private school system will commence today, with the first stop in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The roll-out will take place at a total of 17 schools in that region, beginning from 08:30hrs at the Little Angels Nursery School and Academy of Intellectual Minds.

The full distribution schedule, which includes the schools and distribution hours, was posted on the Ministry of Education’s social media pages.

Parents are reminded that they are required to walk with a form of identifications to uplift the grant.

The commencement of the distribution to the private school parents comes just one week after President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the welfare initiative will be extended to parents with children in private schools. The programme originally catered only to parents with children in public schools.

Approximately 17,000 learners in private schools are expected to benefit, with a further $320 million being injected into the programme.

For many parents with learners in private schools, the announcement by President Ali was a relief.

Parents said that though some persons

With a young son in nursery school, Trinette Forde was also among those parents who were elated to see the grants being extended to private school learners.

Like Ramroop-Silva, she said that notwithstanding making the sacrifice, parents with children in private schools are facing the same economic circumstances as the rest of the economy.

“I’m glad… I was hoping they would have extended it to private schools. Times are really hard and all parents are in need of assistance. It will come in very handy for my son,” Forde related.

In an interview with this publication, a mother FLASHBACK: Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, overseeing of three, Anitra Nauth, distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant also conveyed her joy at knowing that she will opined that parents with and it’s not easy, although they were in safe hands extended to cover her. children in private schools we [herself and her hus- and not left unattended in Started in 2014, the be receiving assistance do not need assistance if band] are both working, the school compound like “Because We Care” cash for her children’s eduthey could afford private the bills add up,” she said. how it would be in public grant was issued to parents cation. She has three education, this could not She said that her choice schools.” for each child in school. It children who go to pribe further from the reality to send her children to The current school her was geared at increasing vate schools on the West of what such parents face. a private school largely children attend is the sec- enrollment and attend- Coast of Demerara, so “Not because I send my had to do with her deep ond private school they ance in public schools and she will be among the children to a private school concern for her children’s have attended, as she had reducing the dropout rate. first parents to receive means that I am better off. welfare, and a need for to transfer her children to Under the programme, the cash grants.

“It was such a relief It’s not because I am rich, after-care services. a more affordable school $10,000 was initially givhearing that the grant was it’s the sacrifice I am will“I went to public school because of challenges with en out for each child, but ing to make for my chil- and this time is not like meeting the obligations. this was later discontinued extended to the private dren,” Anjanie Ramroop- long ago. I would have “We had no choice but by the APNU+AFC gov- school children as well.

This will help lessen our Silva commented. liked to put them in public to transfer them. Thankful- ernment. burden of school expensRamroop-Silva has two school, but I was told they ly, the new school follows INCREASED AND es. I plan to use the cash primary school aged chil- would be placed according the ministry’s curriculum, RESTORED dren attending a private to my address and my vil- and also provides after With the change in ad- grant to purchase text school in the city. lage is not safe,” she said. care,” she said. ministration, the grant was books for our kids as well “I too have my strugThe mother added: She plans to use the restored and increased to as help purchase school gles financially and to an “Plus, I didn’t have any- money from the grant to $15,000. And in addition supplies,” Nauth said.

She too denounced extent emotionally, be- one to pick them up on purchase textbooks and to this, parents also benefit cause I constantly worry time after school or to stationery for her children. from a $4,000 per child the views that private about my children’s educa- stay with them at home. Her list of supplies came “uniform voucher” that school learners should tion and their well-being. So, it is beneficial for us up to over $30,000. So, can also be used to pur- not benefit from governWe still have to pay fees, because we knew that she is glad to see the grant chase supplies for learners. ment assistance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

‘Reparative justice must go _President Ali contends beyond apology’ _ reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to inclusive development

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to gaining international reparations for the crime of African enslavement and said that those reparations must go beyond an apology.

The Guyanese President said this while addressing a high-level meeting to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action that was held under the theme “Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent.”

President Ali was joined

by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and Permanent Resident and Ambassador to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

The Head of State told world leaders: “Guyana is committed to gaining international reparations for the crime of African enslavement. Reparative justice must not only include a full and unconditional apology from those responsible and/or who

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, on Wednesday benefitted from the transatlan- transatlantic slave trade, African tic trade in captive Africans enslavement, and its enduring and their consequent enslave- effects. ment, but must go beyond The Head of State also reapology.” affirmed Guyana’s commitment The President said that it is to the implementation of the in this regard that Guyana will Durban Declaration and Procontinue to support efforts be- gramme of Action and said that ing made within the Caribbean the country was pleased to join Community to press for the in adopting the Declaration. convening of an international President Ali said that the summit to demand reparative Durban Declaration and Projustice for the victims of the gramme of Action is a compre-

hensive, action-oriented, document that proposes concrete measures to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

He also emphasised that equality and non-discrimination are not only fundamental principles of international human rights and international humanitarian laws, but are also at the root of political, social and economic development.

He said that as the global leaders collectively strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they must be conscious that the overarching objectives of poverty eradication, protecting the planet and building a peaceful world cannot be achieved without addressing all forms of inequality.

“Despite advances made over decades of struggle, racism and racial discrimination continue to be sources of conflicts and inequalities among people in all regions of the world.

“I am proud to belong to a country that honours and celebrates its ethnic diversity.

Our people seamlessly participate in each other’s religious

and cultural festivals and traditions. In many ways, we can be a wonderful example to the world,” President Ali said.

He, however, noted that too often in the political arena, ethnic insecurities, real or perceived, and race are used opportunistically to manipulate issues in a manner that promotes tension and racial feelings.

To this end, he said: “Social media, whilst a powerful tool to inform people, has also been much misused. The Government of Guyana will continue to work assiduously to eradicate all forms of racism and racial discrimination and to ensure inclusive development with equal access and sharing in Guyana’s wealth.”

During his inaugural address to Parliament, President Ali had announced the formation of a ‘One Guyana Commission’ which will be tasked with fostering one nationality and a common love for country, celebrating the ‘oneness’ enunciated in the national motto.

This, he explained, is part of the government’s efforts to put an end to the division caused by race and politics

and to create a path towards building a single Guyanese identity.

“The establishment of a One Guyana Commission attests to the inclusive approach which is necessary to realise the ambitions which we set ourselves both at Independence and upon becoming a Republic,” President Ali emphasised in his Republic Day address.

He also related that this commission takes aim at excising vices of ethnic rancour, hatred and divisiveness while serving to break down barriers of mistrust, suspicion and stereotypes.

“The One Guyana Project will encourage respect for the immeasurable worth of every citizen regardless of his or her race, religious belief or class,” the Head-of-State also said, noting that the goal is to foster greater tolerance and understanding.

He noted that this commission will be given legislative effect and it will facilitate efforts to cement Guyana’s society while respecting the diversity from which “oneness” springs.

Region One ‘agri’ sector to get major boost _ with the establishment of a new agro-processing plant at Mabaruma, other infrastructure work

THE agriculture sector in Region One (Barima-Waini) is being enhanced through a number of development works being executed across the region.

This was according to Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, who made the announcement in separate addresses to residents at Kumaka, Wauna, Kamwatta and White Water villages, on Tuesday.

Among the projects, is the establishment of an agro-processing facility in Mabaruma. He said it is a great investment and it would add value to farmers’ produce.

“What we’ll be doing now across the country, we are now building agro-processing facilities. Right here in Mabaruma, we’ll be building a new agro-processing facility for you here. Your crops, we’ll make it more value-added instead of taking the crops from the

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, handing over faming equipment to the Regional Chairman of Region One, Mr. Brentnol Ashley (DPI photo) farm and go straight to the market, you’ll take your crops to the agro-processing facility,” the minister said.

He added that the region will also receive two tractors and an excavator to help in the maintenance of roads, farms and other agricultural works in the area.

“Comrades we have to change… if we’re farming on the swamps, we have to move out of the swamp area, if we are farming on

the low land area, we’ll have to empolder those areas. And because of that, I’ve promised the chairman that within one month from now I’ll be sending a new machine here to Mabaruma so that you can have the empolderment done and that machine will remain in your community to do works right across the region.

“What we will be doing also too before the year is out, in Region One, through our ministry, we’ll

be receiving two large tractors with implements. The two tractors will have grass planters, harrows, ploughs and that will be based in the region and that will be used to help people,” Minister Mustapha related.

The minister said the ministry will establish an agriculture office in the region which will see officers from various fields catering to the region’s agricultural needs.

Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha committed to

offering two scholarships for youths in the White Water community to attend the Guyana School of Agriculture.

He said it is important, as it would allow for residents to be trained in the sector and return to their communities to overlook and assist farmers in various ways.

While in that community, the minister also committed two shade houses to villagers. He said farming can no longer be done the traditional way, as climate change has taken a toll on weather patterns.

He noted that the farmers who suffered losses due to the recent floods will shortly receive flood-relief grants from the government, to assist them in getting back to their lands.

On this note, he said: “Each and every person who would have suffered losses because of the floods, whose farms were

destroyed, whose garden was destroyed, we will try as much as possible to reach out to them to give them some form of flood relief, and the flood relief will take the form of monetary relief from the government. So, every farmer that suffered losses will have not less than $50,000.”

Residents of Kamwatta raised concerns about markets for their produce and requested the minister’s intervention.

In response, Minister Mustapha committed to informing the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) of the situation and to resolve the issue.

He noted that government will continue to make the necessary investments in the agriculture sector, which remains one of the most important sectors to Guyana.

Seeds, planting materials, tools, and pumps were also donated to the villagers of each community. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

U.S. VP Harris to announce US$10B Ukraine left puzzled after assassination global fund to prepare for future pandemics attempt on president’s top aide (Reuters) U.S. VICE PRESIDENT, Kamala Harris, on Wednesday, will call on countries and companies around the world to create a $10 billion global health fund to prepare for future pandemics, and announce a $250 million contribution from the United States to jumpstart the effort, a White House official said.

Harris will make the announcement during a virtual COVID-19 summit being held on the margins of the U.N. General Assembly. It is aimed at boosting vaccinations worldwide with the goal of ending the COVID-19 pandemic by the end of 2022.

Harris will be chairing a session on preventing future pandemics, a senior administration official said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the United States promised to buy 500 million more COVID-19 vaccine doses to donate to other countries as

U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris (REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo) it faces increasing pressure to share its supply with the rest of the world.

The United States has also been criticized for planning booster shots for fully vaccinated Americans while millions of people around the world still do not have access to the life-saving vaccines. Other countries,

including the UK and Israel, have already begun booster shot campaigns.

The new Global Health Security Financial Intermediary Fund will be created at the World Bank to coalesce resources for pandemic preparedness, the White House official said.

The Biden administration will also request an additional $850 million from the U.S. Congress for the fund, to build on the $630 million in such funding that was secured for fiscal year 2021.

“Her leadership over the last several months has included very specific engagement on preparing for the next pandemic,” a senior administration official said of Harris.

The official added: “She has said it is clear we are not ready for the next pandemic,” the official said, adding that in order to be prepared we need to build the resources to help low-income countries and put in place “some sort of... early warning governance structure.”

During her speech, Harris will also call on countries to create a global health threats council, which would elevate biological threats to the heads of state level to enable accountability among nations, the official said.

Investigators examine bullet holes in a car of Serhiy Shefir, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s principal aide, following an assault outside the capital Kyiv, Ukraine September 22, 2021 (REUTERS/Sergiy Karazy) (Reuters) - Ukrainian The road is lined on looked like an attempt to police are trying to work both sides by forest which intimidate Zelenskiy. out who ordered uniden- would have given the “I think this won’t tified individuals to try shooters good cover to hide frighten the president,” to murder a top aide of and get away. said Shefir.

President, Volodymyr Police said in a stateZelenskiy came to powZelenskiy, after his car ment they had opened a er on a promise to take was sprayed with auto- criminal case on suspicion on the country’s oligarchs matic gunfire on Wednes- of attempted murder and who have wielded outsized day morning in an attack saw three possible motives influence in business and that shocked the political and versions: an effort to politics since the 1991 Soelite. pressure the country’s lead- viet collapse.

Serhiy Shefir, the top ership, an attempt to destaMykhailo Podolyak, aide and a close personal bilise the political situation, one of Zelenskiy’s advisfriend of Zelenskiy, es- or an attack engineered ers, said the assassination caped unscathed, but his by a foreign intelligence attempt might have been driver was badly wounded service. a result of the president’s and hospitalised.

“The purpose of this campaign against the oliThe Black Audi car- crime was not to scare, but garchs. rying Shefir was pock- to kill,” Denys MonastyrZelenskiy said he marked with at least 10 sky, the interior minister, would be doubling down bullet holes. Irina Venedik- said. on his planned reforms tova, Ukraine’s prosecutor Some of Zelenskiy’s rather than backing off. general, said the car had advisers suggested the at“It does not affect the been ambushed as it drove tack might have been or- strength of our team, the between two villages out- chestrated by a disgruntled course that I have chosen side Kyiv, the capital. oligarch or oligarchs fed up with my team - to change, with a presidential drive to to clean up our economy, dilute their influence. Other to fight crime and large inadvisers raised the possibil- fluential financial groups,” ity that Russia might have he said. been behind the shooting, “This does not affect something the Kremlin that. On the contrary, bedenied. cause the Ukrainian people Zelenskiy, who was in have given me a mandate New York for the U.N. for changes.”

General Assembly, said Podolyak, Zelenskiy’s he did not know who was adviser, promised tougher responsible for the attack, measures against oligarchs but pledged “a strong re- after the attack. sponse”.

“This open, deliberate He said he would fly and extremely violent asstraight home after deliv- sault with automatic weapering his speech in New ons cannot be qualified York. any differently than as an “I don’t know yet who attempted killing of a key stood behind this,” said team member,” Podolyak Zelenskiy. “(But) sending told Reuters. me a message by shooting “We, of course, assomy friend is weakness.” ciate this attack with an OLIGARCH REVENGE? aggressive and even miliShefir, 57, is a long- tant campaign against the time associate and friend active policy of the head of Zelenskiy, a former co- of state,” Interfax Ukraine median who became presi- quoted Podolyak as saying dent in 2019 after entering separately. politics and promising to Parliament is this week rid Ukraine of corruption. due to debate a presidenShefir told a news con- tial law aimed at reducing ference the failed assas- the influence of oligarchs sination attempt on him in Ukrainian society.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Inherent vulnerabilities of developing nations to _President Ali says climate change underrecognised _ calls on developed countries to honour pledge of US$100B for resilience building, adaptation to the natural phenomenon

IN calling for a renewed global effort in the fight against climate change, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has contended that more attention needs to be placed on the inherent vulnerabilities of developing nations.

The President made this call during his address at the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders’ Summit, which was held amid the highlevel segment of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In his address, President Ali reminded that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States remain the most vulnerable groups due to their smallness, limited resources, exposure to external economic shocks, ecological fragility and susceptibility to natural

hazards.

Notwithstanding some progress, the President said that the affected nations continue to face challenges in the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework, among other frameworks.

He said that insufficient attention is being paid to the inherent vulnerabilities of these affected nations.

President Ali related: “The Alliance of Small Island States is familiar with the limitations of the use of GDP per capita to govern development financing decisions, especially in relation to SIDS, which are now classified as upper-middleincome countries, even though they have not yet developed levels of resilience that would

negate their vulnerabilities.”

The Guyanese President implored the high-level meeting to work together to ensure that the AOSIS continues to offer advocacy and solutions to many of the challenges that are faced by SIDS and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States.

“In this regard, my delegation supports the Declaration being adopted at this meeting.

This document establishes clear directions for the continuity in the work of the ‘Alliance.’

“Let us strengthen our advocacy on traditional as well as emerging areas of interest, including accelerating the implementation of international frameworks and instruments, targetted to our specific needs and vulnerabilities,” the Head of State posited.

Guyana, he said, would

continue to constructively support the efforts of the AOSIS in promoting solutions ahead of the Conference of Parties (COP) 26 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that will be held late next month.

To this end, he said: “The world must work together to scale up efforts to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change to meet the goal of the Paris Agreement in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

The President also said that the world must continue to call on “big emitters” to commit deeper cuts in their emissions than what exists in their current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

FINANCING He added financing for

Region Eight nightclub owners disobeying curfew order -says Regional Health Officer

By Jared Liddell EVEN with the daily increase in positive cases, Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Eight, Dr. Johnathon Dudnauth, has indicated that several business persons, especially the owners of night clubs, are facilitating the potential spread of COVID-19 as they are blatantly flouting the existing guidelines.

In an interview with this publication on Wednesday, Dudnauth highlighted that while the majority of the region’s population continues to follow the guidelines, it is those persons who party during the COVID-19 curfew that are putting the region at risk.

He noted that one night club in particular has been known to flout the guidelines. “There are persons who do not adhere to [the curfew], especially in Mahdia…one night club in particular would take the customers after the curfew hour to different locations far off from the town and continue business as normal after the curfew hour.”

According to Dudnauth, this was reported to the police and investigations are ongoing into the matter.

Further, he told this publication that many businesses in the region are not adhering to the sanitisation policy for persons entering their establishment.

He noted that in many instances

there are no sanitisers or hand washing sinks to ensure that persons adhere to this guideline.

Dudnauth stated that the regional health officials intend to consult with these businesses to ensure that these systems are implemented in the future.

TESTING Meanwhile, the health official noted that the region has been recording a consistent testing rate. He noted that in the past few weeks, approximately 200 persons have been tested each week for the virus.

“We in the region are reaching out to the public. For the past three weeks we would have been increasing our testing capacity in both sub-regions, the North Pakaraimas, and the PotaroMahdia sub-region. So, our testing rates are in the two hundreds for every week for the past three weeks,” said Dudnauth.

He later disclosed that health officials in the region will begin the roll out of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines in the North Pakaraimas in the next two weeks.

On August 23, 2021, government received 34,000 doses of the U.S. manufactured singledose vaccine. Unlike the other vaccines being produced by the U.S. and several other countries, only one shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is required to become fully vaccinated. All the other vaccines require two doses to reach such a status.

Government, through CARICOM, brokered an initiative with the African Union for purchase of the vaccine. In May, the government was said to have made a down payment of approximately $7.5 million to the African Union for 150,000 doses.

Dudnaught noted that this vaccine will significantly impact the vaccination efforts in the region. He explained that the geographic make-up of the region makes it difficult to get vaccines that require ultra-cold storage into remote communities.

“We were given this vaccine because of the logistics and the geography of our region. Our region is divided into two. The North Pakaraimas, Sub-region One and Sub-region Two, which is the Potaro-Mahdia District, and to get to the North Pakaraimas from Mahdia by trail, it takes at least three days and depending on which village you’re going to, it could take longer.

By air it would take a shorter time, but of course that’s very costly,” Dudnaught explained to this publication.

The regional health official noted that he is hopeful that an additional 500 persons can be vaccinated within the next two weeks.

He said the region has received some 500 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

This is in addition to the doses of AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Sinopharm being administered in the region since the government started its COVID-19

vaccination campaign.

Dudnaught noted that the regional health officials will journey to the North Pakaraimas with doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine to administer to residents.

Other target communities for this vaccine include Mountain Foot and Monkey Mountain.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali mitigation and adaptation is needed, and so is an effort to align financial flows with low greenhouse gas emissions pathways, climate-resilient development and efforts to decarbonise economies.

“We believe that a coordinated and nuanced approach at the international level is necessary in considering forms of financing such as grants, based on a country’s vulnerabilities,” President Ali said.

The President also said that there is a need for developed countries to honour their pledge of US$100B annually under the Paris Agreement, and to commit to unlocking simplified and direct access to concessional finance for climate-vulnerable economies through the use of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).

He also urged that COP26 initiate a road map for a new

collective global finance goal using US$100B as a baseline, and enact comprehensive strategies to increase financial resources for disaster risk reduction, while making necessary investments to reduce hazard exposure and vulnerability to disasters.

The Guyanese President also used the opportunity to thank the Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne for convening the Leaders’ Summit “at this pivotal moment in the Decade of Action” to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as COP26 approaches.

“We applaud your steadfast leadership in promoting the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly in the COVID- 19 pandemic response and in preparation for the post-COVID-19 era,” President Ali said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Silence of convenience A RECENT video, reportedly posted by a sitting Member of Parliament from the opposition, has been deemed as utterly disrespectful to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. Rightfully, there has been condemnation from not just the government side, but from other sections of society.

What has been undisputed from all of the related statements of condemnation, it that the attack on the minister, through the video in question, was an unwarranted and vile one on women in general.

What has been heartening is that a few who share the same political ideology as the Member of Parliament in question, have

voiced their condemnation.

What remains discouraging and even unsurprising, is that senior members of his party and leading organisations, including some who claim to champion the rights of women, are still silent.

Given how these particular organisations have operated in the past with a profound sense of efficiency with regard to issues involving persons deemed as supportive of the current government, the ongoing silence seems convenient and deliberate.

Given that a female Member of Parliament who was recently leading protests against the minister and who is a colleague of the other who posted the

video, has failed to make any semblance of a condemnation even from a general perspective of women, further demonstrates the convenience and deliberateness alluded to.

Unfortunately, this silence of convenience by this these people in question, is nothing new. A casual examination of the attacks on the former Town Clerk, Carol Sobha, would also reveal the absence of condemnation from this particular set. As mentioned, they are swift to pounce on those who they see as affiliates of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the government it leads.

That is not suggesting that condemnation should be made when necessary.

What it points to, is the glaring absence of consistency and the blatant resort to choice when to do so.

That in itself removes credibility of such individuals and organisations who try to impose a sense of being caring.

The female Member of Parliament and her colleagues, spare no effort in finding ways and means to criticise the government on women-related issues.

They even try to discredit polices that are designed to advance the welfare of women on the grounds that enough is not being done.

In all of their arguments, one can be easily sucked into a narrative that these people are the defenders of women and the bastion of

morality where such issues are concerned.

But that is talk and when it comes to action, there is little to prove that commitment. This is easily evident from the absence of an unconditional condemnation of that repugnant video. This further exemplifies the inherent hypocrisy and is demonstrative on an ability to oppose merely for the sake of doing so and an inability to accept that a wrong has been done.

The latter is not surprising given what transpired during the five-month post election period in 2020.

That aside, and given that the expected condemnation would not be forthcoming from those quarters as a result of protecting cronies

despite the national impact, the posting of the video is totally unbecoming of Member of Parliament.

That surely cannot be without consequence. With none seemingly expected from his party and colleagues, one would expect that Parliament itself could make an intervention. If that is a possibility, then many would be eager to know the options. From what has transpired, it seems that such attacks are condoned by some just for scoring political points.

Had it been the other way around, where someone affiliated to the government was involved, the raising decibels by this particular set would have been difficult to measure.

Cultural change in Amerindian community is an evolution, not a revolution Dear Editor,

THERE is now coming to the fore a hesitating but certain evidence of the power of the process of social change.

And I speak particularly, Mr Editor, with special reference to Amerindian culture, as we endeavour to unpack the theme, “Maintaining our cultural integrity; celebrating our cultural identity.”

The perceived change in the visible and perhaps non-visible social expressions of the Amerindian culture is not any indication of a dying culture. I believe changes occur in any culture in order for it to survive. Changing of social norms is indicative

of a culture that is adapting to the effects of a changing world, to the effects of the socio-economic sphere around us and everything that revolves around it, for the sake of its survival.

So an evolution is taking place, does take place and will continue to take place, ad infinitum, to the Amerindian culture as we adapt to a changing world ethos.

Communication, housing, clothing, language, music, etc., keep adjusting; keep adapting, to meet the demands of the social world. Some things must and will go as a matter of course into the dustbin of history, for example the ‘Lap’ that is mistakenly perceived as part of our cultural identity in Guy-

ana. That is not so, Editor.

Certain key aspects of our culture, subject to will of the People; their preferences, must take precedence.

I emphasise: some aspects of a given culture will obviously change, adapt, to meet the demands of a changing human environment. It can never be etched in stone, as such. I think of a ‘closed community’, much like a Chinese community, in Guyana, (subject to correction) where language, dietary preferences, easily survive simply because of what it is: a ‘closed community.’

Today, but much to the loss of our Amerindian tribal languages, our communities are no longer ‘closed’ as in the

past. But can we stop ensuing changes? Of course not. Development will take place, is taking and will continue to take place.

Where development is, change is inevitable.

So, change continues to take place and whether it wreaks havoc on one’s culture or not is not the question. What is needed is the will of the people, the strength of the people to securely preserve what is theirs.

Once my culture is my pride, I must live it, love, protect it, come sunshine or rain. My culture must take precedence over social forces. It takes priority.

In a changing world environment, however, whether we accept it or

not, we will never historically preserve all of the Amerindian culture in its purest form. But that is not excuse to compromise it. Facilitating a cultural evolution; a process that occurs to every social group in every corner of the world are social factors, social forces, both negative and positive. If we are selective in what we adopt as our sub-cultures we could be contributing to the enhanced, improved image of our cultural identity.

So, prevailing changes in the social world which might be contributing to a cultural evolution, is not the issue. We all have a moral obligation to continue to rally our brothers and sisters to continue to

make a cultural impact on the Guyanese society in an approved way as we embrace the change which is already here.

We will be open to change while at the same time not relenting on making our presence felt through our life-style, our language, educational achievements and, of course, our culturally approved ceremonial wear, etc.

The element of change in our cultural practices is bound to occur which I do believe no one can possibly stop.

But it is an evolution; not a revolution.

Yours faithfully, Rev’d Joseph C. Atkinson.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Our mothers and daughters need to be safe

Dear Editor, I AM consumed with a plethora of negative emotions after hearing about the brutal murder of a young Corentyne mother at the hands of her former male partner. I’m gripped by anger, sadness, frustration, and anxiety, all in one. But most of all, I feel a sense of helplessness.

For decades, women of Guyana have suffered unspeakable brutality at the hands of their husband/boyfriend who once promised to love them. It all starts off as a fairytale dream with visions for a better life. And it all ends one day because a selfish, irresponsible, and inherently ungodly man cannot accept responsibility for his shortcomings, walk away from an unwanted

situation, or take “no” for an answer.

In the time-lapse between the start and the end of these abusive unions are obscene episodes of domestic violence and verbal abuse meted out to the young woman with no one to turn to and nowhere to run. In most cases, it ends only when her life ends.

What systems are in place to protect unsuspecting women who would inevitably fall into this trap ultimately created by a dysfunctional society? Most of these young women are forced to stay in abusive relationships that eventually cost them their lives because they have no one and nowhere else to turn. Unfortunately, we live in a society which despise women

who leave failed marriages.

Most of the time, they are ashamed to even tell their parents what is being meted out to them in their new home. We have conditioned our minds to the “blame the victim” mentality to the point where we make people feel that something is wrong with them if they are being mistreated. Nothing could be further from the truth! This backward way of thinking only empowers abusers. We must teach our daughters where to draw the line. We must make them understand what’s tolerable and what’s not in a relationship. And we must empower them physically, morally, and financially to leave abusive unions before it’s too late – as in the tragic case of Roma Raju.

But it gets worse. Often, even when the young woman, having been abused and sensing danger, walks away from abusive relationships, the ex-partner threatens to kill her and even makes good on his threat. One classic example of this is the young mother who was murdered in Rose Hall, Corentyne, while going to work. She leaves a child who will now grow up without the care of either mother or father.

What systems are in place to deter these tragedies from reoccurring? Sadly, very little, if any. We’ve tried through the media to educate our young men and women on these subjects to no avail. These beasts in the form of human beings feel empowered to commit

these heinous acts because there is no fear of reprisal strong enough to deter them. Most of them don’t even care for their own life and so commit suicide after mercilessly taking another life. The others are sent to prison where they are fed fat on taxpayers’ money for the next 40-odd years.

The Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc. have already taken great strides in the direction of educating, empowering, and nurturing back to life young women who were victims of domestic abuse. We have already put systems in place for them to learn life-skills education, earn for themselves, and become independent. But we want to do more. We need a stronger deterrent to this plague of

Guyanese society. We need to send a stronger message to potential abusers that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. And it is for this reason that I, Mr. Suresh Sugrim, of the Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc. is calling on H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali and the Attorney General of Guyana, Hon. Anil Nandlall, to apply the maximum penalty of the law to this monster who has so painfully robbed a young woman of her precious life. It is my firm opinion that such a move will send a strong message to all potential abusers and murderers out there, that this will not be tolerated in Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Suresh Sugrim President HMG Inc.

Dear Editor, HIS name says it all Sherod Avery Duncan-SAD. And his TV show ‘the RING’ is a sad expression of a man who is trying to twist each and every issue and transform it into a political one, peddling falsehoods.

His attempts to blame the PPP/C as the ‘dark forces’, behind the unfortunate septic tank deaths not only highlights his callousness in addressing a sensitive issue but bears testimony to a depraved mind. SAD claimed that since August 2020 ‘dark forces’ have been operating in Guyana. If there is any ‘dark force’ in operation then it is evident when one looks at the host of ‘the Ring’. Something is definitely wrong with

SAD. This man owes an apology to the public for making such an outlandish claim. But he was just being himself.

The rantings and ravings can only be described as a display of lunacy, not to mention his vocabulary which is derived from the depths of the gutter.

SAD should try to look at issues which really need to be addressed. I know how hard it can be for a man who was kicked out from a high position and is now craving for relevance but he needs to understand that it was not Minister Priya Manickchand who dismissed him.

It was not the PPP/C. It was his own government which booted him after an audit disclosed that over 20 financial transactions did not follow the finan-

cial regulations. This is a euphemistic way of saying that the transactions were allegedly fraudulent.

Even though his comrade, the Prime Minister Nagamootoo tried to bail him out, Mr Harmon was adamant that, ‘Duncan remains dismissed’. This was what shattered SAD to the extent that he is now spewing his anger and venom at the PPP/C. Imagine this man even has a severe problem with the way the President wore his suit!

His mindset is that of a racialist and his utterances solidify this presumption.

In one of his clown shows he claimed that the PPP/C will appoint Indians to replace Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo and that he would shave his hairless head if he was proven

wrong. This is definitely an effort to poison the minds of the Coalition supporters and support his theory of ‘racial discrimination’ by the PPP/C. This became more apparent and disgusting when he attacked the person of the Minister of Education. Ad hominem/ ad feminam attacks are the worst fallacies to support an argument but are frequently used when a sound argument cannot be proffered. The jingle is testimony to a mentally sick and depraved mentality. If there are issues against any minister or government official then there is a mature and professional manner to deal with these. But unfortunately this has been the modus operandi of the Coalition since they

cannot find any relevant issues. SAD should realise that the masses out there will not fall for the lies and deceitful statements being peddled in ‘the Ring’ as truths, the fouls and the low blows are too glaring. The fight should be clean. The lies peddled in 2015 will not work again.

Can you believe that SAD was in ‘the RING’ lambasting Dr Frank Anthony for the spread of the COVID-19 and the resultant deaths? Is he aware that it is the Coalition backed GTU which is in the forefront with its ‘Boots on the Ground’ protests against vaccination? The Honourable Ministers, Frank Anthony and Priya Manickchand made every effort to get teachers and

students vaccinated to stem the spread and they were ridiculed and called despicable names. Is this man so barefaced that he cannot realise that they created the COVID-19 crisis and is now blaming the government? But this is modus operandi of the Coalition. What has the opposition done so far to get Guyanese vaccinated?

What had they done at the start of the pandemic in Guyana. It beats how a man can actually try to peddle lies after lies with a straight face. But SAD seems to be the worst product of neo-goebbelism. His mentors in the AFC taught him well. I am sure Nagamootoo and Ramjattan must be very proud of their student.

Yours sincerely H.Yusuf

Sherod Avery Duncan is a true representation of SAD

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Training and block-making facility for persons with disabilities commissioned -will supply blocks to two CHPA housing projects

TWELVE persons living with disabilities (PLWD) will be trained in the art of block-making at a specially built training and block-making facility at the Guyana Society for the Blind headquarters on High Street.

The opening of the training workshop and the commissioning of the $875,000 block-making shed were held on Wednesday.

The initiative, which is part of the government’s Community Employment Stimulation Project (CESP), is being executed by the Ministry of Housing and Water (MoHW) in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), the Guyana Council of Organisation for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPWD), and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MoTIC) through the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

The facility will be cer-

tified by the GNBS which will facilitate the supply of blocks to Little and Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, where 900 houses will be built by the CHPA. The MoHW through the CHPA has also provided start-up materials such as sand, cement, tools and protective gear in addition to support in accessing markets and credit.

Making remarks at the event, Programme Coordinator for the GCOPWD, Ganesh Singh, thanked all the partners involved in making the project a reality, and all of the individuals who went the extra mile to ensure it was realised.

“We are very pleased.

This is one component of the government’s plan to help persons with disabilities to become financially independent, because they can be independent through small business ventures,” Singh remarked.

Also present at the launch was Musa Haynes, a

Programme Coordinator for the GCOPWD, Ganesh Singh, (centre) cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the new block-making shed. Assisting him are Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal; Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and CHPA CEO, Sherwyn Greaves (Elvin Croker photo)

visually impaired 25-yearold who will be among those who will benefit from the training. Haynes shared that he is looking forward to the opportunities that

this new initiative will open up for him.

He said: “I feel pretty good. I think it’s a good initiative of the government.

I’m looking forward to the success of it. It will benefit me financially, and provide me with the opportunity to earn for myself.”

Another 19 persons living with a disability from the North Ruimveldt Parent Support Group are also scheduled to benefit from this training.

Making remarks during the opening ceremony of the workshop, Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, appealed to participants to do their very best.

“Your participation in this activity will allow those of you who are willing to make the commitment to become exposed to the world of work in a more structured manner, become entrepreneurs yourself, better provide for your families and have an improved quality of life,” Croal commented.

Croal pointed out that while the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected everyone, it had exacerbated inequalities. Hence the government is all the more bolstered to implement many more such projects,

with works in the pipeline for similar initiatives in Region Three, Albouystown, East Ruimveldt, Sophia, Mocha, Lusignan, Buxton, Canje and Linden.

“Over the past few months we have introduced several programmes by various ministries which are intended to create employment opportunities for vulnerable persons and communities,” Croal said.

He noted that the training and block-making facility will also be able to capitilise on the reinvigoration of the construction sector, and accompanying rise in demand for construction materials such as blocks.

Croal noted that the government is fully committed to the improvement of the lives and living conditions of persons with special needs through the provision of better facilities, services and job opportunities with programmes such as the CESP. The CESP is the brainchild of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and was created to reduce unemployment and hardships faced by vulnerable communities and groups.

Also making remarks at the opening ceremony was

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues. Rodrigues noted that while the CESP programme was organised initially to benefit vulnerable communities, when the ministry was approached

by Singh to have the benefits extended to persons living with disabilities, the ministry moved without hesitation.

“This initiative demonstrates government’s commitment to break down barriers and to remove discrimination, inequality and stigma in any form in any of our programmes. We’re very proud of this initiative and proud to have a direct line to assist persons living with disabilities when they come in to apply for their house lot allocation.

We facilitate them with the interview process and many persons have been allocated their house lots as a result of that direct line,” she noted.

CHPA Deputy Director - Community Development, Donell Bess-Bascom; CHPA Chief Executive Officer, Sherwyn Greaves, and Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, also made remarks during the simple ceremony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Guyana, Colombia committed to strengthening relations

Presidents Dr. Irfaan Ali and Iván Duque Márquez and their delegations during the meeting on Wednesday GUYANA and fellow South American country, Colombia have committed to strengthen bilateral ties, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said on Wednes-

day.

The Head of State made the announcement following discussions with Colombian President, Iván Duque Márquez, on the sideline

of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

At the productive meeting, the presidents discussed matters relating to climate

change and the environment, strengthening of strategic co-operation in the area of defence and security, and COVID-19 vaccines.

At the meeting, it was

also decided that President Marquez will make an official visit to Guyana sometime in the near future.

Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Minis-

ter, Hugh Todd; Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud were also part of the meeting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Two more COVID-19 deaths, 362 new cases recorded in 24-hour period

THE Ministry of Health has reported that two more persons have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 740.

According to the ministry, the latest fatalities are two women; a 58-yearold woman from Region One (Barima-Waini) who was unvaccinated and a 70-year-old from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) whose vaccination status is unknown. Both women died while receiving treatment at a Ministry of Health facility.

Meanwhile, there are

currently 3,708 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 362 new cases from 1,988 tests.

The newly confirmed cases were recorded in all of the regions except Region Nine.

Region Four accounted for 167 of the new cases; Region One recorded three new cases; Region Two recorded 16 new cases; Region Three recorded 111 new cases; Region Five recorded 21 new cases and eight new cases were recorded in Region Six. Region Seven recorded 24 new cases while Regions

Eight and 10 recorded one and 11 new cases respectively.

Even as new cases were recorded, 326 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 25,702.

The country has now recorded a total of 30,186 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 36 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, 163 are in institutional isolation,

3,545 are in home isolation, and four are in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from September 1, 2021, un-

til September 30, 2021.

They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical dis-

tancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended.

The current curfew begins at 22:30 hours and ends at 04:00 hours.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

$59M in home improvement subsidies for over 100 Sophia residents --persons to also benefit from 50 core homes

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

OVER 100 residents worth of home imof Sophia are set to provement subsidies receive $59 million from the Ministry of

Housing and Water.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said that the programme, which targets low-income households, forms part of the government’s aggressive housing drive aimed at providing adequate housing for all citizens.

“Before the week is finished, we will be having a contract signing for a number of beneficiaries for our subsidy programme and we also have the core homes,” Minister Croal told the Department of Public Information in a recent interview.

Under the home improvement subsidy programme, residents will receive $500,000 in the form of building materials for repairs to walls and floors, and for electrical works and sanitation improvement, among others.

A l l b e n e f i c i a ries are individuals in vulnerable households, living in structures considered to be inhabitable. These include single-parent households.

The programme previously encompassed communities from Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, up to La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara a n d We s t m i n s t e r, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Lust en Rust, and La Parfaite Harmonie Phase

II on the West Bank of Demerara.

The ministry, however, recently expanded the project to include 19 communities on the East Coast of Demerara, stretching the boundary to Victoria. Similar works will commence in these areas, as the programme continues.

In addition to the subsidies, residents of Sophia will also be benefitting from 50 core homes, valuing collectively $200 million.

Funds for both projects were budgeted for under the ministry’s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP).

The $US28 million Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme seeks to improve housing conditions and access to basic infrastructure for low-income communities.

A total of 250 core houses will be constructed and 2,000 home improvement subsidies will be disbursed through this InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB)funded programme.

Last month, over 140 low-income residents of La Parfaite H a r m o n i e , We s t Bank Demerara, signed contracts that will see them benefitting from c o re h o m e s a n d home improvement subsidies. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Region 6 Commander receives positive feedback during community outreach -plans to target unregulated rum shops, narcotics dealers

WITH the aim of tackling social issues, residents of Crabwood Creek were recently engaged by Regional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan and his administration team, at the Crabwood Creek Sports Club Ground, Corentyne.

The visit came at the closing of a one-day community outreach, where several community members and other stakeholders were able to express their concerns as well as make recommendations to the region’s police head and Public Relations Officer, Stan Gouveia and his team from the Police Corporate Communications Unit.

Commander Ram-

lakhan began by stating that he had visited the area with the aim of tackling social ills.

He said that alcohol and other substance abuse were affecting the youths in the community and he challenged everyone gathered to freely share their experiences as well as express their challenges with a view to having recommendations for moving forward, as such would be pivotal to the success of modern day policing.

The superintendent also noted that unregulated liquor stores (rum shops), are proving conducive grounds for the narcotics trade, while domestic violence remains a ripple effect of the abuse of drugs and

other substances.

“I don’t have to say this to my officers; they are here and I want to see action,” the commander noted before announcing that Deputy Commander, Superintendent Hemnauth Sawh, will spearhead an operation which will focus on removing narcotics hustlers and other idlers from the streets of Berbice.

Meanwhile, Gouveia who led the visiting team from the Police Corporate Communications Unit located at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, said, “You may see all these officers in uniform, but they are citizens first and police officers second.” He later highlighted the importance of building bridges for the

Regional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan (extreme left), flanked by residents who had shared their concerns

benefit of the public as well as the police.

Gouveia’s short address allowed the commander time to prepare

A section of the gathering at the meeting held at the Crabwood Creek Sports Club Ground

and present a hamper to a resident who had sought the assistance of the police earlier in the day.

To the woman’s surprise, the commander was able to mobilize and garner assistance, not long after her challenges were brought to his attention.

Commander Ramlakhan reiterated the need for all to be agents of change to bridge the gap, not just as police officers but as social workers and welfare officers.

He said that a brand new 4x4 vehicle has been assigned to the sub-division to assist with patrols, as well as responding to reports made in the area.

The senior police officer posited that as public servants, “police must work and work beyond”.

Earlier in February, while at a public meeting at Number 52 Village, he announced that, through his Traffic Chief, Assistant Superintendent Raun Clarke, residents in Black Bush Polder will benefit from oral examinations in order to attain a driver’s licence.

Since its launch, that project has been highly praised and seen much success with critics and other senior officials asking for the same approach to be adopted in other areas within the region as well as in other divisions where it may be applicable.

It is because of these and other similar efforts that residents throughout the region continue to support the police.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

10 Key points from Xi’s address to the UN General Assembly CGTN

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday.

Here are 10 points from his speech.

1. The history of world civilization is one of fighting pandemics. Rising to challenges, humanity has always emerged in triumph and achieved greater development and advancement. The current pandemic may appear overwhelming, but humanity will surely overcome it and prevail.

2. Staying committed to development as a priority: “We need to put development high on the global macro policy agenda, strengthen policy coordination among major economies, and ensure policy continuity, consistency and sustainability. We need to foster global development partnerships that are more equal and balanced, forge greater synergy among multilateral development cooperation processes, and speed up the implementation of the U.N.

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

3. Staying committed to a people-centered approach: “We should safeguard and improve people’s livelihoods and protect and promote human rights through development, and make sure that development is for the people and by the people, and that its fruits are shared among the people. We should continue our work so that the people will have a greater sense of happiness, benefit and security, and achieve well-rounded development.”

4. Staying committed to benefits for all: “We should care about the special needs of developing countries. We may employ such means as debt suspension and development aid to help developing countries, particularly vulnerable ones facing exceptional difficulties, with emphasis on addressing unbalanced and inadequate development among and within

countries.”

5. Staying committed to innovation-driven development: “We need to seize the historic opportunities created by the latest round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, redouble efforts to harness technological achievements to boost productivity, and foster an open, fair, equitable and nondiscriminatory environment for the development of science and technology. We should foster new growth drivers in the postCOVID era and jointly achieve leapfrog development.”

6. Staying committed to harmony between man and nature: “We need to improve global environmental governance, actively respond to climate change and create a community of life for man and nature.

We need to accelerate transition to a green and low-carbon economy and achieve green recovery and development.

China will strive to peak

carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. This requires tremendous hard work, and we will make every effort to meet these goals.

China will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and lowcarbon energy, and will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad.”

7. Staying committed to results-oriented actions: “We need to increase input in development, advance on a priority basis cooperation on poverty alleviation, food security, COVID-19 response and vaccines, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity, among other areas, and accelerate implementation of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to build a global community of development with a shared future.

China has pledged an ad-

ditional $3 billion of international assistance in the next three years to support developing countries in responding to COVID-19 and promoting economic and social recovery.”

8. “A world of peace and development should embrace civilizations of various forms, and must accommodate diverse paths to modernization. Democracy is not a special right reserved to an individual country, but a right for the people of all countries to enjoy.”

9. “One country’s success does not have to mean another country’s failure, and the world is big enough to accommodate common development and progress of all countries.”

10. “China is always a builder of world peace, contributor to global development, defender of the international order and provider of public goods. China will continue to bring the world new opportunities through its new development.”

BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- China plays a major and constructive role in promoting peaceful development of the world as well as in addressing regional and global problems, experts and politicians have said on the occasion of the International Day of Peace.

Peace is a fundamental determinant of China’s domestic and diplomatic policy, said Mahmoud Raya, editorin-chief of the news website China in Arab Eyes.

Stressing that China has not invaded any other country or region in the world, Raya noted that the Chinese policy is widely accepted by countries around the world.

In terms of the Arab region, China plays a major role in presenting initiatives to solve crises that the region suffered from, Raya added.

Adnan Bourji, director of the Lebanese National Center for Studies, noted that it is necessary to determine the type of peace that the world desires on such an occasion.

It is a peace based on social justice within every society and among human societies, and not a peace imposed by the forces of monopoly and brutal capitalism, where we can see extreme poverty and extreme wealth within one society, he said.

China has worked in development for all mankind with

the spirit that the fate of mankind is common, said Bourji.

“So we see them working with countries, whether small or large, from the point of view of the common interest.”

Adhere Cavince, a Kenyan international relations researcher, said that China is upholding the idea of peaceful development to promote world peace, common development and shared prosperity.

He took the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an example, noting that China, via the BRI, has shared the proceeds of its own development with about 140 countries through provision of wide-ranging public goods.

Cavince also spoke highly

of China for using diplomacy to solve global problems as well as championing multilateralism, especially in the fields of climate change, terrorism and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“China has played an active role in enhancing world order, promoting multilateralism, and tackling key global challenges,” Khuon Sodary, second vice-president of the Cambodian National Assembly and a member of the standing committee of the Cambodian People’s Party, told Xinhua.

Sodary noted that China has actively participated in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations and sent its peacekeepers to join operations

in war-torn countries, which clearly “underline the noble and historic role of China and its people in assisting countries around the world to achieve a long-term peace, stability and development.”

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the UN General Assembly. It was later declared as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.”

Foreign observers hail China’s role in promoting world peaceful development

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

‘COVID-19 hospital’ being outfitted to accommodate over 200 patients _field hospital to provide additional capacity

THE second floor of the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, has been outfitted with pipe oxygen to provide additional support, in the event of further COVID-19 cases requiring hospitalisation.

“Right now, we have 151 cases in hospital, and of that 151 we have 97 at Ocean View. I think 36 persons (are) in ICU. Our capacity at Ocean View is 204 patients. So, we haven’t gotten to full capacity as yet; we’re hoping that we don’t have to be there. But nevertheless, we have been making some additional preparations if we have to go to that full capacity.

“Right now, at the second floor of the O c e a n Vi e w h o s p i tal, we have just put in pipe oxygen. Before

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

on that floor, we used 1000-pound cylinder oxygen, so, we’re changing that… That work is going to be completed this week… So, we’re preparing for if we have a surge in more cases or more people needing hospitalisation that we can probably have the full capacity of 204 persons there,” Minister Anthony said.

The Health Minister also said that the field hospital donated by the Government and people of Qatar earlier this year, will also be set up if the need arises. The field hospital was donated to aid Guyana’s fight against COVID-19.

Dr. Anthony related: “We have started those preparations to put the field hospital in place; with that, we would have an additional capacity for about 60 persons. “…while we have been treating COVID patients at each of these regional hospitals, we have been looking at how we are going to expand the capacity at each of these facilities and the teams that would be managing patients in each of these facilities.

We have done an inspection at West Demerara Hospital and we know that we can increase from its current state to manage close to 40 patients over there.”

Minister Anthony

said the same is being done at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two; the Lethem Regional Hospital in Region Nine, where an Intensive Care component was recently added, and at the Mahaicony and Mabaruma hospitals.

Minister Anthony said at Port Kaituma, there is also an isolation facility and an inpatient facility where over 20 patients are currently housed, some needing hospitalisation, and others resting as part of their isolation.

“So, we have been adding capacity, building our capacity; hopefully we wouldn’t need all of it. But we are preparing nevertheless,” Dr. Anthony said.

As it is now, the safest way of avoiding the severe symptoms of COVID-19 is by taking a vaccine.

To d ate, 3 50 , 1 8 2 or 68.3 per cent of the country’s adult population have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 180,922 persons or 35.3 per cent of the country’s adult population have been fully immunised.

Meanwhile, in the 12 to 17-year-old category, 21,299 or 29.2 per cent of that age group have received either the first or a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

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No COVID-19 vaccine-related deaths recorded at the Palms

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has said that there have been no reports of any vaccine-related deaths at the Palms Geriatric Home.

The ministry’s announcement follows a news report by a media house purporting that some residents at the facility had died after being vaccinated.

To t h i s e n d , in a statement on We d n e s d a y, t h e ministry reaffirmed that residents at the geriatric home were also attended to by the staff on duty, notwithstanding an early morning disruption after several staff members were barred from entering the facility for not being vaccinated.

Like other organisations across the country, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is required to enforce the gazetted vaccination mandate, which stipulates that per-

sons be vaccinated or produce negative COVID-19 PCR tests before entering public buildings.

The ministry related that four residents at the facility who tested positive for COVID-19 and recently recovered is testimony to the care provided to the residents at the Institution.

The ministry also sought to address claims that there were issues with personal protective equipment (PPE) being issued to staff.

“All staff are equipped with the required PPE to execute their duties as safely as possible. The staff at the Palms have never been required to wash or reuse PPE and there is no shortage of PPE at the Palms,” the ministry said in the statement.

It is the ministry’s firm view that everything must be done to protect the vulnerable residents of the

The Palms Geriatric Home

facility.

For this reason, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry took the opportunity to encourage not just the employees at the Palms, but also all Guyanese to take the deadly COVID-19 pandemic seriously and get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against the spread of the virus.

“The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security would like to remind the public that the staff of the Palms serve a segment of the population who are very reliant on others for their care and well-being.

“We always ensure that the residents of the Palms are safe and protected as they constitute a decidedly vulnerable part of the population under our care. We take their health and well-being very seriously,” the statement noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Confessed child rapist sentenced to 10 years

R O B E RT J o s e p h called “Terry” who has confessed to raping a 15-year-old girl, was, on Wednesday, sentenced to 10 years by the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court.

Joseph was sentenced

by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow after he admitted that, on July 9, 2019, in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with the child.

The State was represented by prosecutors Sarah Martin and Na-

feeza Baig, while Joseph was represented by attorney-at-law Dexter Todd.

Prison authorities are expected to make a one third deduction from his sentence.

The judge ordered Joseph to attend counselling sessions that cater for persons who were convicted for a sexual offence while he is behind bars.

According to reports, Joseph is known to the teen’s family. While under the influence of al-

Robert Joseph called “Terry”

cohol he lured the child into his bedroom to watch “Netflix”.

It is alleged that while in the bedroom, he gave the teen alcohol to drink and then fondled her breast and vagina.

Joseph reportedly told the teen not to tell her mother because her family would be, “angry with her and that he was not doing anything bad.”

The victim, however, told her mother and Joseph was arrested.

‘Biggs’ sentenced to 2 years for armed robbery

Joshua Browne, called “Biggs”

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Wednesday, sentenced a 21-year-old baker to two years behind bars after he confessed to two armed robbery charges.

Joshua Browne, called “Biggs”, of Albouystown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the charges.

He admitted that, on June 11, 2021, at Albouystown, while armed with a gun, he robbed a man of four gold chains, a gold band and a ring.

Additionally, he admitted that, on August 13, at King Edward Street, Albouystown, while armed with a knife, he robbed Amira Ali of a handbag, cellphone, cash and documents, all valued at $93,000.

The Chief Magistrate ordered Browne to serve two years on each count, but they will run concurrently.

According to reports, on June 11, the victim was walking along the roadway, when he was confronted by Browne, who was on a bicycle.

Browne pointed a gun at him and snatched his gold jewellery before making good his escape.

Meanwhile, on August 13, Ali was walking along King Edward Street while on her way to work when she was robbed at knifepoint by Browne.

Both victims made reports to the Ruimveldt Police Station and positively pointed out Browne when he was arrested by police on September 20.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Former constabulary inspector dies in accident at Beterverwagting

Charles Roberts A FORMER constabulary inspector attached to the New Amsterdam Town Council, Charles Roberts, lost his life after he lost control of the vehicle he was driving and crashed into a parked trailer on the Railway Embankment Road at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

Reports are that the 59-year-old was driving motorcar PRR 1050 along the road when he reportedly lost control of his motorcar and crashed into the left side rear of a trailer bearing registration number THH 9834, which is attached to motor

lorry GHH 9829.

At the time of the accident, the lorry and trailer were stationed on the grass parapet. As a result of the collision, Roberts received injuries about his body.

He was subsequently pulled from the wreckage in an unconscious state and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination, as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Ferrari’s Lec to start Russian GP from the back

Charles Leclerc is sixth in the F1 standings.

(BBC) - Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start this weekend's Russian Grand Prix from the back of the grid as a result of using a new, upgraded engine.

The new power-unit features a revised hybrid system that provides a significant performance upgrade.

Leclerc has already used his permitted number of engines this season so a new one means an automatic grid penalty.

His Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz will continue with the old-specification hybrid system.

The Spaniard will receive the upgraded engine at an unspecified point later in the season that Ferrari say will "follow an evaluation of the right compromise between competitiveness and the impact of the penalty".

Leclerc's car is being fitted with a new engine for this weekend's race in Sochi be-

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cause one of his battery packs was damaged in the multi-car pile-up at the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.

Ferrari say using the new engine, which includes a new battery, is a "precautionary measure relating to the potential risk of using the battery pack damaged in Hungary".

Leclerc has been using it in the three races since the accident but his car was running short of battery-related parts as a consequence of the accident.

As the new engine was ready to be introduced this weekend, it therefore made sense, the team say, to give it to Leclerc.

The team’s "main purpose" of running the new hybrid system in the final part of this season this year "is to gain experience for the 2022 car project".

Its performance upgrade is said to be less than 10bhp.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

United knocked out of Carabao cup by West Ham (BBC) - West Ham gained revenge for Sunday's Premier League defeat against Manchester United by knocking their hosts out of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.

Manuel Lanzini's ninth-minute effort, his first goal in almost 12 months and only his second since May 2019, proved enough to take David Moyes' men into the last 16.

Not even the second-half introductions of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood could swing the game the home side's way in a performance that exposed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's pre-match chat about the strength of his squad as somewhat hollow.

Lanzini's goal was just reward for West Ham's flying start. Ryan Fredericks eased between Jadon Sancho and Alex Telles before cutting a low cross back to the Argentine, who finished into the bottom corner.

and Solskjaer it is an early end to their hopes of securing the first available silverware of the season, and ending the wait for a trophy that stretches back to 2017.

Man Utd's fringe men fail to shine Defeat came after Solskjaer picked a completely different side - all full internationals - to the one that was on duty at the London Stadium. He now has tough decisions to make about some of his fringe players, who will now have even fewer opportunities to play.

Anthony Martial was a peripheral figure in attack, Juan Mata was replaced by Fernandes in the second-half, Ryan Fredericks was injured while providing an assist for Manuel Lanzini's goal.

Three times in the final five minutes the visitors should have wrapped up victory, but Andriy Yarmolenko, Mark Noble and Jarrod Bowen all failed to hit the target.

In the end though, it didn't matter.

It was the first Old Trafford triumph for the Hammers since Carlos Tevez's match-winner in 2007 kept

them in the Premier League - and their first in a cup competition since Paolo di Canio scored the only goal in an FA Cup meeting in 2001.

For Manchester United

while Lingard, who, like Mata has a contract that expires in the summer, failed to have a notable impact.

In addition, Dean Henderson didn't do much on his first appearance of the season to suggest he is a threat in goal to David de Gea. The doubts over Solskjaer will surface again too after last week's Champions League defeat at Young Boys.

Not that any of this will bother Moyes and his West Ham team, who kept their hosts at bay in relative comfort. Mata did clip the bar from an acute angle and debutant keeper Alphonse Areola made a good save to deny Greenwood.

BCB looking to develop indoor facility BERBICE Cricket Board (BCB) president Hilbert Foster has started discussion with a friend of Berbice Cricket who wants to assist in the development of an indoor cricket practice facility in the Ancient County.

The discussion is in the early stages and the project when completed would be a major boost for our cricket.

The potential sponsor has committed to fund the cost of the nets, batting mats, bowling machines etc if the board can find assistance to build a suitable home for the centre.

The donor, who is based in Australia, also has plans to send two 20-ft containers of cricket gear, footwear and other items once there

is an improvement in the COVID-19 situation.

Foster has committed the board to work along with our friend to make sure the plans become reality sometime in 2022.

The BCB president has stated that he would be seeking re-election in December for a third term and would work hard to leave our cricket at a very high level when his final term ends in 2023.

A large shipment of cricket gear is expected to arrive in Guyana shortly from England from the charity group, Cricket Kindness after a slight delay due to COVID-19.

The cricket gear will be distributed to youths across the county when they arrive.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday September 23, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 3 centuries (2) Colin Munro-267 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) The WI & ENG have contested 18 T20 Int’l matches to date. How many the WI have won?

(2) How many ENG have won?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Nortje, Rabada steamroll Sunrisers Hyderabad

(ESPNCRICINFO) - The South African pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada were too hot to handle for Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday evening in Dubai.

A pair of blistering spells from the duo produced a total of five wickets. This tied down Sunrisers to set up a simple chase for Delhi Capitals as they prevailed by eight wickets with 13 balls to spare. This helped Capitals to move two points clear of Chennai Super Kings at the top of the table, while Sunrisers were staring at elimination, having lost seven out of their eight games so far.

Sunrisers struggled mightily after choosing to bat first, with no one making it past Abdul Samad's 28 in a total of 134 for 9. By contrast, Capitals coasted across the line thanks to a pair of half-century stands, first a 52-run partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer before Iyer and Rishabh Pant sealed victory with an unbroken 67-run third-wicket partnership.

Nortje and Rabada blowing heat Outside of a lone slower ball at 128 kph, Nortje's other 23 deliveries all clocked above 140 kph. Five of those breached the 150kph mark too. David Warner was the first one to feel his wrath, dismissed for a third-ball duck as a leading edge ballooned over point to Axar Patel.

There was no respite at the opposite end as Rabada too was relentless in his hostility.

he broke a deadlock with KL Rahul to move back atop the season’s run aggregate charts.

Second, he passed 400 runs in a season for the eighth time in his IPL career. Only Suresh Raina has done it more, completing the feat on nine occasions.

Anrich Nortje bowled with serious heat in his first game of the season. (BCCI)

Digging it in short to Wriddhiman Saha, the wicketkeeper-batter was late on the pull and skied a catch to Dhawan for the second wicket in the Powerplay.

Rabada was then brought back in the 11th over and he'd put himself on a hat-trick as he claimed a skier tracking back behind the non-striker to dismiss Manish Pandey. That came two balls after Kane Williamson had driven Axar loosely to extra cover as Sunrisers slipped from 60 for 2 to 61 for 4.

Nortje got back into action in the 13th over to zing Kedar Jadhav in the pads with a 147 kph thunderbolt to win an lbw appeal for the

fifth wicket. Samad had worked hard to prop up the Sunrisers innings after coming in at No. 6, but Rabada snuffed him out as he top-edged to the wicketkeeper. Two run-outs in the final over capped a sorry display by Sunrisers.

Dhawan reclaims the orange cap After a brief hiccup in the Powerplay when Prithvi Shaw fell to a superb catch by Williamson at mid-on, Capitals were untroubled for much of the next 90 minutes. Dhawan struck six fours and a six during his 42 and in the process achieved two milestones.

With Dhawan's very first run of the day

Ex and current captain Capitals tagteam Dhawan fell caught on the boundary trying to slog sweep Rashid Khan over square leg. It was the last misstep of the day for the Capitals as Iyer and Pant provided contrasting but equally efficient styles to take Capitals to victory.

Pant took his time initially to get set, scoring just 9 off his first 11 balls. But a pull over square leg for six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 16th finally got him unstuck. He meted out more punishment to Khaleel Ahmed in the next over, ending the frame with a four flicked through fine leg and another six blasted over the leg side.

Barring a brief burst of consecutive boundaries in the 14th over off Sandeep Sharma, Iyer was content to knock singles around with the required run rate well under control. But after Pant's power-hitting was unleashed, Iyer flexed his muscle for the final victory blow, heaving Jason Holder over midwicket and into the second tier for an emphatic end the match.

Juventus fight from behind Monaco GP to be three-day to beat Spezia weekend from 2021

Juventus had drawn two and lost two of their opening four Serie A matches.

(BBC) - Juventus produced a second-half fightback to earn their first Serie A victory of the season against Spezia.

Centre-back Matthijs de Ligt scored the winner from a corner six minutes after Federico Chiesa's equaliser.

Spezia had produced their own comeback from a goal down through Emmanuel Gyasi and Janis Antiste, after Moise Kean's low strike into the bottom corner gave Juventus a 28th-minute lead.

Victory moves Massimiliano Allegri's side up to 12th in the table.

Manager Allegri billed the match as a "relegation six-pointer" after two points from four matches had left Juventus in the bottom three.

Having failed to win any of their first four

games, for only the fourth time in the club's history, Juventus welcomed Kean's first goal, since he rejoined from Everton in August, and in so doing temporarily relieved some of the pressure on the visitors.

But Gyasi levelled with a looping strike five minutes later and, after a couple of good saves by goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet from Paolo Dybala at the end of the first half, Antiste's deflected shot threatened to extend Juve's miserable start.

Chiesa, rewarded for his persistence as the ball broke kindly for his goal, led the Juventus fightback and De Ligt stabbed home with 18 minutes remaining before a nervous-looking Juventus held on for a valuable first three points of the campaign.

(BBC) - The Monaco Grand Prix is to undergo a historic change of format next season by changing to a threeday weekend.

Traditionally, Monaco has been held over four days, with the first practice day on Thursday, and Friday a free day for Formula 1 teams and drivers.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the 2021 But to add flexiMonaco Grand Prix. bility to F1's calendar choices, the event will This season's calendar is still not finalised follow the same format as other races from - there is still one vacant date on November 2022.

19-21 following the cancellation of the Aus"Monaco will be three days, straighttralian Grand Prix. This is expected to be away," F1 president Stefano Domenicali filled by F1's first race in Qatar. told CNN. The Chinese, Canadian, Singapore and "So Friday, Saturday and Sunday instead Japanese Grands Prix have also been canof Thursday, hold, and then Saturday and celled this year because of the pandemic, but Sunday. That's the change we're going to F1 is hoping all of them can return in 2022. introduce next year."

Domenicali said the 2022 calendar would The traditional format was part of Mobe announced at a meeting of the FIA world naco's glamorous reputation. Parties would motorsport council on October 15. be held on boats in the famous harbour on He said there had been interest from Thursday night, leaving Friday free for guests Kyalami in South Africa for a return to the to recuperate or take part in other events schedule for the first time since 1993. before the serious racing action started at the While Domenicali confirmed "discusweekend. sions" with Kyalami had taken place, the F1 is planning a record 23-race calendar Italian added F1 had also "received other for 2022, as it was this year before coronavirequests from countries in Africa". rus-related travel restrictions cut the season He said: "In this moment, I need to to an expected 22 grand prix. keep it confidential."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Samuels charged by Regus Offices to partner with GGA/ Nexgen Golf Academy ICC anti-corruption unit … CWI fully supports Unit

Marlon Samuels' charges relate to incidents that allegedly took place during the T10 league (AFP/Getty Images)

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Marlon Samuels, the architect of West Indies' twin T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016, has been charged by the ICC's anti-corruption unit on four counts of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board's anti-corruption code.

In a media statement yesterday, the ICC said the charges relate to the T10 tournament conducted by the ECB. Samuels has been charged for the following breaches: Article 2.4.2 - Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute Article 2.4.3 - Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of U,S, $750 or more Article 2.4.6 - Failing to co-operate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official's investigation Article 2.4.7 - Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official's investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation He has 14 days from September 21 to respond to the charges.

The investigation concerns the 2019 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 where Samuels was picked by Karnataka Tuskers, but did not get to play a single game.

CWI responded to the charges against Samuels, stating it was "firm in denouncing any such activities within the sport".

"Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been made aware of the charges which have been laid by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, involving former West Indies player Marlon Samuels," the statement said. "Formal charges have been laid with breaching four counts of the Emirates Cricket Board's Anti-Corruption Code for participants of the T10 League in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

"While CWI has yet to receive detailed information relating to this ICC investigation, CWI remains firm in denouncing any such activities within the sport, and fully supports the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in their efforts to rid the sport of all corruption."

Samuels, 40, announced his retirement last year after a career in which he played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs and 67 T20Is since his West Indies debut in 2000, and scored over 11 000 international runs and 17 centuries. While his record suggested he never made the most of his sumptuous talent, his highs were spectacular, most notably when he topscored in the T20 World Cup finals of 2012 and 2016.

He was no stranger to controversy during his career, the lowest point of which was his two-year ban after being found guilty, in May 2008, of "receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute".

Last month, Samuels became one of 19 Jamaican cricketers to feature on a mural unveiled at Sabina Park as part of a larger art project that aims to turn Kingston into a "destination city".

REGUS Offices Guyana has become the latest major company to partner with the Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/Nexgen Golf Academy, to promote the sport to golfers in Guyana.

Recently Regus Guyana Company Operations Director, Stuart May, said regarding the recent partnership, "Service and quality are our main focus and Nexgen Golf has demonstrated its commitment to excellence, so this is a natural fit and reason for our partnership. " The Regus Group is no stranger to golf since it's also affiliated to the top golf courses in Barbados and understands that business persons tend to incorporate the sport into their travel and daily routines.

The partnership will see clients from Regus Offices Guyana receive preferred services at the Academy & Driving Range and at all Nexgen Golf facilities nationwide, starting with the soon-to-open Westside Golf Course in Crane, West Coast Demerara.

May further added, "The development of Golf in Guyana has been absolutely amazing and we definitely want to be a part of the plans for the sport and I can foresee a Regus Offices tournament where players of all levels can compete in Guyana and Barbados on an annual basis."

Executives of Regus Offices Guyana showcasing their long-driving skills at the Academy recently.

Meanwhile, Nexgen Golf Academy president, Aleem Hussain, pointed out," Synergies between the companies help to cater to the influx of expats and re-migrants that we expect the country to garner from the oil-and-gas sector as well as the many related growth industries who will benefit from this relationship with Regus and Nexgen Golf."

Regus Offices joins a growing list of major companies that includes Assuria General Insurance, Copa Airlines, Blue Life Waters, TMK2020 Inc., Tristone Investment and Auto Sales, SUPERGRAPHICS, Service Guyana HVAC, Trophy Stall, Ansa McAl, Toolsie

Persaud Ltd, Sunshine Snacks, Ram & McRae, AR Printery, Shafura Hussain Foundation, Guyana Beverages, Maraiko Bay Resorts, New Trend Auto, CEMEX and many others that have gotten behind the GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy to develop Golf in Guyana.

Those interested in visiting Regus Offices for a tour or to make a reservation can call 223-1000 or visit Regus.gy. If interested persons wish to participate in golf activities, the Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue is open daily from 09:00hrs to 20:00hrs, with COVID-19 regulations in effect.

Galaxy CC into final of Caribbean Fest 40-over tournament

Majestic CC are one win away from the championship title.

A WELL-PLAYED half-century from top-order batsman Karan Ganesh, coupled with a solid bowling performance, lifted the full-strength Galaxy Cricket Club (GCC) to a 95-run victory against Majestic Cricket Club (MCC) in the semi-final of the New York National Cricket League Caribbean Fest 40-over tournament.

A large number of spectators turned out for the pro-Guyanese battle at Baisley Pond Park in Queens on Sunday.

Galaxy won the toss and opted to take first strike, with former U.S. cricketer Ganesh leading the charge.

The Berbice-born was solid, batting at three, after a relatively good start from Mushin Perkhan (27) and Keeran Krishna (30). Ganesh was both watchful and aggressive in his innings as he struck 89 runs from 75 balls while hitting three fours and five sixes.

For the fourth wicket, he and former West Indies U-19 cricketer Zamal Khan added 90 runs, with the latter hitting 46 runs from 45 balls (4x4, 1x6).

Telson Johnson 31 (21 balls, 3x4, 2x6) also played a few quick shots late in the innings to push the score to 272-8 before the overs expired.

SOLID BOWLING LINEUP Needing to score at over 6.8 runs per over, Majestics were on the back foot early. Adding to their predicament was the strong lineup of bowlers in the arsenal of GCC, including Amazon Warriors left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and former West Indies Test leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.

Opening batsman Nadesh Basdeo weathered the storm, but only a 53-run third-wicket partnership between him and skipper Yutesh Dhanpaul showed MCC’s fight. When Dhanpaul fell for 34 (36 balls, 3x6), bowled by Bishoo, the floodgates opened.

Shiv Raghubar got the wicket of Basdeo and cleaned up the tail to finish with 4-32 from seven overs, while both Motie and Bishoo finished with two wickets each as Majestics were bowled out for 177 in the 36th over.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021

Foster thanks contributors following release of BCB coaching manual … dedicates it to memory of late Coach Hyles FOLLOWING the release of its official coaching manual, Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) head, Hilbert Foster, sent his regards to those who played a part in helping the ancient county to create a bit of history.

"On my election as president of the BCB, I committed to leading a revolution that would transform the state of Berbice Cricket.

With the support of my executives and other committed officials we have done just that."

Read some of Foster's words from a recent statement.

So far, hundreds of tournaments, developmental programmes, activities have been organised while players and clubs have benefitted from over $15M worth of items.

The statement continued, "Today, at about 11:00hrs, I received an advance copy of the BCB Coaching Manual, which would be launched tomorrow and a strong emotion overtook me - an emotion full of pride of

what can be achieved when people work as a collective group with one objective of making a positive difference.

Foster thanked the likes of national coaches Julian Moore, Winston Smith, along with Ameer Rahaman, Leslie Solomon, Travis Hardcourt, Brandon Corlette, and Balram Samaroo for their input.

"My only regret is that our colleague and coaching mentor Michael Hyles Franco did not live to be part of history. I am, however, sure that he is watching down from heaven with a big smile. The manual is dedicated to his memory and would be distributed free of cost."

"A big thank-you is also extended to Mr and Mrs Jagdeo of J. Printery of New Amsterdam for their co-operation, along with VJ for his patience and hard work in arranging the articles. The BCB would provide some copies of the manual for our counterparts in the two other counties."

A shot of the new BCB coaching manual which will be available free of cost.

Lady Jags to set up CWI still planning to fulfil camp in Puerto Rico Pakistan tour ... to play two warm-up matches against hosts

THE Guyana Senior Women’s national team will travel to Puerto Rico for two friendly matches and an encampment in October as the squad accelerates its preparation for the initial round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.

The Lady Jags squad will participate in a week-long training camp in the U.S. territory, arriving on October 18 and departing on October 24.

Practice matches against the hosts are scheduled for October 20 and October 23.

Guyana have been drawn in Group F of the CONCACAF W Championship qualifiers with Trinidad and Tobago, Nicaragua, Turks and Caicos and Dominica.

The winner of the group will join the five other qualification group winners and automatic qualifiers, Canada and the U.S., at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship which acts as the region’s gateway to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. “We are in a tough pool that we must win in order to get to the next round of the World Cup qualifiers. There are no easy

games moving forward and every goal for and against counts,” said Lady Jags head coach Ivan Joseph.

According to Joseph, they are “looking forward to the training camp and the exhibition games versus Puerto Rico. The Lady Jags have not been together for over three years, and it will take a while for us to build our style of play and get on the same page in order to give ourselves a chance to succeed”.

A GFF release said domestic-based players have been in training for several months at the Federation’s National Training Centre in Providence, under the guidance of coach Akilah Castello.

The squad in Puerto Rico is expected to comprise a mix of Guyana-based talent and players based in North America and Europe.

Guyana will kick off the journey to the FIFA World Cup with a home match against Dominica and an away tie in Turks and Caicos in November.

The group will conclude in April 2022.

(CMC) - Cricket West Indies (CWI) said it plans to fulfil its tour obligations wherever possible, including to Pakistan in December.

CWI chief executive officer Johnny Grave said the sport’s regional governing body will follow the same measures they did three years ago when the Windies, under Jason Mohammed, were swept convincingly in three Twenty20 Internationals in Karachi.

“At this stage, our intention is to fulfil our touring obligations,” Grave told the Trinidad Newsday newspaper. “We’ve got a pretty clear process that we go through with independent security experts, like we did in 2018.

“We will follow that process, the board of directors, WIPA (West Indies Players’ Association), as well as the players themselves will review the plans and our reports, including the independent security advice. Most of our women’s and men’s players have played in Pakistan in the last few years.”

The Caribbean’s side tour of Pakistan came into sharp focus after New Zealand abandoned its tour to the south Asian country last Friday citing security concerns and England withdrew on Monday from sending its men’s and women’s team there for similar reasons.

“We don’t have to make an imminent decision,” Grave told Newsday. “We will just go through the process first, with the PCB and the security experts.

“We’ll have a meeting with the players to answer any questions and give them all the information. We’re just at the start of that process now, with the women’s team just finishing against South Africa.”

He said: “We’re firming up our plans, with the World Cup qualifiers and, from a men’s perspective, we’re fo-

cussed very much on the (Twenty20) World Cup. That’s the major operations focus.

“We’re looking at getting our T20 players to the World Cup and our Test players into Antigua for a camp, and then over to Sri Lanka. We’re not due (in Pakistan) with the men’s team until December 9, so we’ve got a bit of time.”

West Indies are scheduled to play three One-day Internationals and three T20 Internationals in Pakistan.

International sides have largely shunned Pakistan over the past 13 years following an attack on a Sri Lanka team bus heading to a match in Lahore.

The Pakistanis have played most of their home international matches in the United Arab Emirates, but they have been pushing in the past three years to host them on home soil in effort to spark further interest in the sport in the country.

Apart from West Indies, Zimbabwe, the Sri Lankans, South Africa and Bangladesh have played international matches in Pakistan with little or no trouble.

“I had a call with Wasim Khan, the Pakistan CEO, (on Tuesday) morning to find out everything that had happened during the past week, on the back of New Zealand abandoning their tour and England’s decision not to go there, and to suggest that we have another call later this week with our operational teams to discuss our women’s and men’s tours that are scheduled for later this year,” Grave told Newsday.

“We’ll speak to our independent security consultants, ESI, whom we used back in 2018 when we went to Pakistan. We’ve had an initial meeting with WIPA too about it, and we’re going to follow the same process, that we have done in the past.”

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 23, 2021 FLASHBACK: Guyana’s Chantel Sandiford is congratulated by sisters Kayla and Briana De Souza after pulling off a great save in their 2-1 win over Guatemala at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Lady Jags to set up camp in Puerto Rico

PAGE

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... to play two warm-up matches against hosts Marlon Samuels' charges relate to incidents that allegedly took place during the T10 league (AFP/ Getty Images)

Nortje, Rabada steamroll Sunrisers Hyderabad PAGE

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Samuels charged by ICC anti-corruption 26 CWI still planning to fulfil unit Anrich Nortje bowled with serious heat in his first game of the season. (BCCI)

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… CWI fully supports Unit

Pakistan tour

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27 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021