Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25-11-2020

WEDNESDAY 25 th November, 2020

’ No. 106194

STRENGTHENING THE BOND –– Guyana, Suriname sign agreement to bridge Corentyne River

–– unit to be established to tap business, investment opportunities in both countries

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President, Dr. Irfaan Ali shares a light moment with Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. President Ali is in neighbouring Suriname on an official State visit (Office of the President photo)

Palm Court International Hotel, new King’s 07 Hotel on the cards PAGE

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– investments worth billions of Guyana dollars

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Suriname, Guyana border issue will not stop development

–– President Ali

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali said Guyana and Suriname will focus on advancement, development, integration and good relations as the Joint Commission between Guyana and Suriname mediate the border issue over the New River Triangle territory.

The Head of State made this announcement on Tuesday at a joint press conference held in Paramaribo, Suriname with the Surinamese President, Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

Focusing on a partnership that will benefit citizens of both countries, President Ali said that while the Commission is doing its work, the focus is to move ahead with strengthening relations between the two countries, and solidifying plans in order to create new opportunities.

“We had a maritime issue that has been resolved, and I am sure you are aware that we have a border commission

possibility of the issue being handled by means of a friendly settlement.

The New River Triangle border issue between Guyana and Suriname dates back to 1840. In 1936, a Mixed Commission established by the British and Dutch Governments agreed to award the full width of the Corentyne River to Suriname, as per the 1799 agreement.

The territorial sea boundary was deemed to prolongate 10 degrees from Point number 61, three miles from the shore. The New River Triangle, however, was completely President Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi at a awarded to Guyana.

The treaty putting this joint press conference in the Surinamese capital, Paramaribo, on Tuesday agreement into law was never that is working assiduously their work, they will bring challenges and opportunities ratified, because of the outon outstanding issues. We their recommendations to in promoting development. break of World War II. have to allow the process us,” the President said in In mid-2011, former In 1936, the Dutch repto bring a resolution, and response to a question posed Surinamese President Desi resentative, Conrad Carel both countries are benefit- by a journalist to him.

Bouterse brought up the bor- Käyser signed an agreement ting. We have to allow the The President said the der issue, noting that his with British and Brazilian Commission to do its work two countries will develop country would be pursuing representatives, placing the at the technical level, and of a framework for trade that actions, based on interna- tri-point junction near the course, when they finalise will be equipped to face the tional law, to explore the source of the Kutari River.

Desiring to put the border issue to rest before British Guiana gained Independence, the British Government restarted negotiations in 1961.

The British position asserted “Dutch sovereignty over the Corentyne River, a 10° line dividing the territorial sea, and British control over the New River Triangle.”

No agreements were made, and Guyana became Independent with its borders unresolved. In 1969, border skirmishes occurred between Guyanese forces and Surinamese militias.

In 1971, the Surinamese and Guyanese Governments agreed in Trinidad to withdraw military forces from the Triangle.

The maritime boundary has long been an issue between Guyana and Suriname, and led, in 2000, to conflict between a CGX oil rig doing work for Guyana and the Surinamese Coast Guard.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

STRENGTHENING THE BOND –– Guyana, Suriname sign agreement to bridge Corentyne River

–– unit to be established to tap business, investment opportunities in both countries

By Navendra Seoraj BOTH Guyana and Suriname are anticipating massive economic advancement within the coming years because of their new-found oil wealth, so, instead of being competitors, the two countries will “join hands” and develop together through a physical connection in the form a bridge over the Corentyne River.

Bridges, roads and other forms of infrastructure are metaphorically referred to as “arteries to development”, catalysing economic growth by increasing trade, transportation and other economic activities.

In a significant step towards physically linking the two countries, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi finalised an agreement for the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River.

The official Memo randum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of this bridge was signed

by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Hugh Todd, and Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Politics, Mr. Albert Ramdin, in the neighbouring Dutch country’s capital, Parimaribo, on Tuesday, one day before Suriname celebrated its 45th Independence anniversary, and both countries marked 45 years of formal cooperation.

Both countries believe the bridge will be the ‘gateway’ to economic prosperity, and greater connection and relations as neighbours.

President Ali, who is on a three-day state visit to Suriname, said during a press briefing that the bridge, once constructed, will serve as a permanent, physical link between the people of Suriname and Guyana, and, by extension, the rest of South America.

ENORMOUS BENEFITS There will be enormous benefits in tourism, transportation and trade, the President said, adding:

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Politics, Albert Ramdin, after signing the historic agreement for strategic dialogue and cooperation in neighbouring Suriname on Tuesday (OP photo) “The proposed road alignment will also create, within its vicinity, possibilities for free trade zones and enhanced land value, which will not only reduce the cost of doing business, but improve the ease of doing business.”

President Santokhi was also optimistic about the potential project, noting that: “The bridge over the Corentyne River is not only important to facilitate the movement of persons and goods, trade and cross-border cooperation, but it also symbolises a transition from the oath to a new era, where there is a well-being and prosperity of the people, democracy and rule of law.”

Plans for the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River were initiated in August, when President Santokhi travelled to Guyana for President Ali’s inauguration.

Since then, both countries have signalled a mutual desire for an invigorated relationship through enhanced and sustained dialogue, and a practical and effective programme for cooperation.

“We have had the opportunity to review progress made on issues we agreed on

in August, and we discussed several other areas for possible cooperation. We have taken the important step by formalising a new cooperation mechanism,” said President Ali. An agreement for strategic dialogue cooperation was also signed by the Foreign Affairs Ministers of both countries, thereby paving the way for a new cooperation mechanism, which establishes a framework for dialogue to guide future collaborative efforts aimed at improving the lives of citizens.

This agreement followed the first meeting of Guyana and Suriname’s Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP), which was formed in October this year.

Through the new agreement, there will be a stronger foundation for a relationship between the two countries.

This will be based on mutual respect and development.

“We will focus on integration and regionalisation in an open and transparent manner, which is results-oriented, forward-looking and based on trust and joint actions.

There are negative issues, but when we convert en-

ergy in the positive direction, only the country and people will benefit,” said President Ali.

BUSINESS FACILITATION In addition to the bridging of the Corentyne River, which will serve as a conduit for such development, both countries agreed on the creation of the Guyana-Suriname Business Facilitation Unit, to manage and facilitate collaboration between national private sector bodies.

The Unit is tasked with promoting investment and business opportunities in agriculture, tourism, fisheries, oil and gas, and other sectors.

“Yes, we are small countries, small population, small human resource base, small investment portfolio, but if we bring synergy to what we do, then we can have greater benefits, greater local content, and more resources flowing into the local economy,” said President Ali. He assured his audience that the Government of Guyana remains committed to the pursuit of the bilateral initiatives agreed upon, adding: “We have shared challenges and threats, but it is equally true we have shared opportunities that can be realized, if

we have greater cooperation, collaboration and integration.

This is what would lead to lasting sustainable relationship that would benefit the people of our countries.”

President Santokhi, too, was convinced that there will be great strides in advancing development in both countries, in the coming years.

“With recent oil findings in both countries, and mitigation of COVID-19, the momentum is there to target our focus on sustainable development and solutions for existing common challenges of two developing countries,” said the Suriname President.

Suriname holds 99,980,000 barrels of proven oil reserves as of 2016, ranking 69th in the world and accounting for about 0.01 per cent of the world’s total oil reserves of 1,650,585,140,000 barrels. It has proven reserves equivalent to 21.1 times its annual consumption.

ExxonMobil has reported that new discoveries in Guyana contain estimated resources exceeding nine billion barrels of oil equivalent, potentially producing 750,000 barrels per day by 2025.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

CJ accepts AG’s interlocutory application ―says it will be part of election petition case

AN interlocutory application filed by the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, will be treated as part of one of two election petition cases before the High Court.

This was disclosed by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire after hearing submissions from Nandlall and Attorney-at-law, Mayo Robertson, during a Case Management Conference (CMC) held on Tuesday for the case filed by petitioners, Monica Thomas and Heston Bostwick.

Robertson, in his submissions, strongly opposed the AG’s attempt to have his clients’ case struck out.

On November 10, Nandlall filed an interlocutory application to have the case struck out on the ground that it did not comply with Section 2 of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act. It was not filed within the timeline fixed by the law, he is contending.

During the hearing, Robertson argued that the AG’s application was improper and should not be allowed. He

submitted that the CMC Order, which was issued by the Chief Justice (CJ) during the last hearing, should be obeyed.

Robertson contended that the AG was trying to force the court to hear the application when November 30 was already set aside to hear those issues.

beyond what was asked of him by the court.

“I want to emphasise that my friend is guilty of the same thing. So, if I am wrong, he is even more wrong. My application is simply an interlocutory application. So, if my application is struck out, it doesn’t really affect me, but his own; both petitions go,” Nandlall said.

In response, the Chief Justice pointed out that an appli-

was raised by the court. There was no need to file an application; submissions alone could have been filed,” she said.

The CJ reminded Robertson that persons would file an interlocutory application for various court cases just as the AG did. Later, she scolded the attorney as she found his submission “untenable.” This led to Roberson apologising.

Nandlall jokingly told the

out.

“While indeed Mr. Nandlall did not have to file the application, he is contending that he had factual issues that had to be disclosed. I don’t necessarily agree because, again, everything that has been referred to in the application is disclosed in the record… there is no harm done and [I] will not strike out the application,” the CJ said.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire Attorney Mayo Robertson

WED, 25 NOVEMBER, 2020 ‒ 01:30hrs - 03:00hrs

Senior Counsel, Roysdale Forde

Former President, David Granger

“The order was specific.

The Attorney General was granted permission to file submissions, so he decided without the permission of the court to file an application,” Robertson stressed.

While addressing the court on his reasons for filing the interlocutory application, Nandlall accepted that he went

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes

cation from Nandlall was not required.

“I really don’t know why the AG filed that application, because it was an issue that

CJ that he would not have minded if the court upheld Roberson’s submission which in the end would have led to both petitions being struck-

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo

She later said that the AG’s application will be treated as part of the case.

On August 31, the coalition, through its lawyer, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, filed documents on behalf of Claudette Thorne while Robertson filed his clients’ documents on September 17.

The petitioners are asking the High Court to determine the legality of the March 2 elections and the results that led to the declaration and allocation of seats in the National Assembly.

Both petitions are seeking an order to direct the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, to declare former President, David Granger, the winner of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

Other attorneys who are part of the case are Raphael Trotman, Olayne Joseph, and Trinidad Senior Counsel, John Jeremie. GECOM is being represented by Dominican Senior Counsel, Anthony Astaphan and local attorney, Arud Gossai.

The coalition has named several respondents inclusive of Keith Lowenfield; Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo; and representatives of several political parties that contested the elections, as it wants the High Court to cancel the polls and order fresh elections within 90 days. Former President, David Granger is also named as a respondent.

The PPP/C emerged victorious following a recount exercise.

In the first CMC hearing, which was held last month, Douglas Mendes, who is representing Jagdeo, argued that the petition was null since his client was not served in accordance with the established procedures.

The case was adjourned to November 30.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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Scenes of President Ali’s visit to Suriname

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, received military ceremonial honours as he and Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, arrived at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday. President Ali is on his first official State visit to neighbouring Suriname. The presidents were accompanied by First Lady, Arya Ali and First Lady of Suriname, Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry (Office of the President photo)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, signed the guest book at the Presidential Palace during his first official State Visit to Suriname. Standing next to President Ali is Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, and the First Lady of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Arya Ali (Office of the President photo)

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, along with First Ladies, Arya Ali and Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry, pose for an official photograph (Office of the President photo)

Mother of seven arrested at CJIA with cocaine in personal items ANTI-narcotics agents on Monday arrested a mother of seven after she was found with 1.948 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her make-up, toiletries, a book and other personal items at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The 42-year-old woman has been identified as Tommy Ann Bunbury, a food vendor who plies her trade at the Downtown Café Grill & Bar on Wichersstraat, in downtown Paramaribo, Suriname.

She reportedly gave her

address as Condorstraat #1 Paramaribo, Suriname, and Lot 10, Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, Guyana.

“She allegedly has been living in Suriname for the past six years, and periodically returns to Guyana to fulfil immigration obligations,” the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) noted.

According to CANU, the food vendor was an outgoing passenger booked to travel on a flight destined for New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, via Eastern Airlines.

The suitcase and other items in which the cocaine was found

Tommy Ann Bunbury She’d travelled from Suriname to Guyana recently to embark on the flight. When law enforcement agents conducted a search on her two suitcases, carry-on piece, and a number of objects, including a hardcover book, handbag, makeup kits, deodorants, nail polish covers, mascara and permanent markers, they found “whitish substances suspected to be cocaine” inside them.

She was promptly arrested and taken to CANU headquarters pending further investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Domestic violence IN most instances of domestic abuse or violence of any kind, it has been discovered that the abuser has emerged from an abusive environment during his/her formative years.

This reality should be factored into sentencing guidelines when perpetrators are taken before the courts for any act of violence. Sometimes rehabilitation, not punishment, should be recommended and enforced.

Domestic violence has been described as “… behaviour which causes one partner in a relationship to be afraid of the other. Domestic violence can take the form of physical, psychological or emotional abuse and forced social isolation away from friends and family members.” However, domestic violence has many victims besides spousal partners.

The laws of Guyana prescribe one’s rights regarding this issue, which are laid out in the Domestic Violence Act (1996) as “recognised under the law and law enforcement agencies, such as the courts,” and stipulates that the Guyana Police Force must help to enforce the rights of, and offer protection to,

any man, woman, or child who may be experiencing domestic violence.

An initiative by the former PPP/C administration to deal with the scourge of domestic violence suggested actions one should take to protect oneself (and possibly others) from domestic violence, and to provide a descriptive analysis of a Protection Order.

One of the suggestions made is to make a report to the nearest police station, and therein lies a conundrum.

Those who are supposed “To Protect and Serve” most often have provided the catalyst for a tragedy to occur by their attitude, attention – or lack thereof, and plain don’t-care-a-damn, laissez-faire behaviour when a complainant drums up the requisite courage (most often with great difficulty) and lodges a complaint.

Many victims of continuous abuse are killed because of the complacency of the members of the Police Force who refuse to investigate complaints and lay charges, or take the actions necessary to protect the victim from further abuse.

Guyanese have stopped being our brother’s (and sister’s) keepers be-

cause, in many communities, neighbours witnessing a continuum of, and escalating instances of abuse refuse to become involved. They prefer to enjoy the enfolding tragedy, even adding to it with malicious rumour-mongering and strife-making, because the titillation of feuds and wars within families find a corresponding resonance in the dark nuances resident in every soul, and the average person refuses to rise above their more decadent equivalencies to achieve a higher plane of thoughts and actions, enough to maybe intercede – and probably save, a family from ultimate destruction.

And one wonders what part the church bodies and religious leaders play in melding communities into units cohesive enough to fashion strategies for interventions within families and the general society in efforts to divert energies into more productive and peaceful approaches to conflict resolution – even to the point of empowerment.

The acceleration in violence-prone conflicts within families and societies is spiraling out of control, to the extent

where many lives have been lost, with many more dislocated, and there seems to be no end in sight.

Unless there is a holistic, proactive approach, where all stakeholders in the nation are made aware that this cause and this fight is a national one because, more often than not, it is our children – the future generations of our nation, who are the statistics of domestic violence, every effort made –valiant and committed as they may be, will prove woefully inadequate, because domestic violence is a national tradition entrenched in the Guyanese psyche.

Persons within communities most often do not think it is their business to report instances of abuse, and many women and children have suffered violations, and have even been murdered, when a timely intervention could have saved someone’s life.

Evil can only perpetuate if good people think it is not their business; so unless we return to the era when each of us was our sister’s or brother’s keepers, there will be many more victims who would suffer even more tragic outcomes to their wasted lives.

Dual citizens can represent us at the Olympics, but not in Parliament Dear Editor, MOST of our national athletes who represent our country at the Olympics are dual citizens.

Our national Lady Jaguars and men’s senior football teams have majority overseas-based players that are dual citizens.

Ambassadors that represent our country are sometimes dual citizens. Individuals who represent us at important world bodies like the UN and in Brussels are, for the most part, dual citizens. Beauty queens who represent our country at international pageants are sometimes dual citizens, yet when it comes to our Parliament, our law prohibits dual

citizens from being members.

The main reason for this archaic law is that a person who holds dual citizenship might have divided loyalty in terms of their true allegiance if they have to mediate on a situation involving the two countries that they are itizens of.

Another reason is that they do not participate in the day-to-day life of the country and pay their taxes, hence, they have not earned the right to be our representative in Parliament.

Progressive sporting bodies like the Olympics and FIFA accommodate dual citizens to represent the country of their choice, with the firm conviction that once an athlete

wears a country’s flag above his heart, he will at all times give his complete commitment, skills, integrity and talent to that flag.

If a Guyanese that holds citizenship to the US is representing Guyana at the Olympics, do you think they will deliberately go easy on the US athletes? On the contrary, they will put all the sweat into glory for self and flag. The same will apply to a dual citizen in our Parliament; there is no reason to doubt that they will not represent themselves with integrity and patriotism. We are a nation that has lost a lot of skilled countrymen during the PNC dictatorship and ensuing years; if we are to propel ourselves into the gilded age, we need to harness as much talent in

the diaspora, and allow these dual citizens full participation in all the decision-making bodies of the country, inclusive of the Parliament.

To weed out the carpetbaggers and allow for dual citizens to participate and pay their taxes, a five-year mandatory residency in the country should be the precursor for entitlement of dual citizenship Guyanese to enter Parliament.

It is time to revoke this medieval law that bars dual citizens from participating in Parliament.

Your sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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Palm Court International Hotel, new King’s Hotel on the cards ― investments worth billions of Guyana dollars

By Navendra Seoraj INDIGENOUS companies are responding to the call for new and modern infrastructure to supplement growth in other sectors within the local economy, with Palm Court and King’s Guyana joining a plethora of foreign stakeholders who are investing in mega accommodation facilities, locally.

Major oil finds, offshore Guyana, have sparked the interest of not just stakeholders in the energy sector, but hoteliers who are anticipating an increase in arrivals to this new petroleum State, which sits on the edge of South America and has a population of close to 800,000 people.

A business-friendly climate, supplemented by the anticipated economic ascension, is being credited for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry such as Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others.

Those companies have responded to the government’s advertisement for expressions of interest and requests for proposals for investors to build hotels in Guyana. The aim, as outlined by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is to provide at least 2,000 first-class rooms, making Guyana “a conventional destination”.

With a vision of contributing equally to the achievement of this national goal, Palm Court will soon be constructing a US$54 million (G$11B) mega Palm Court International Hotel on the outskirts of Georgetown,

CEO of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop signing a MoU with owners of Palm Court, Navin Prashad and Ravin Prashad

CEO of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop signing the MoU with proprietors of King’s Guyana, Looknauth Persaud (centre) and his son

An artist’s impression of the Palm Court International Hotel Hotel 1: The design for the new King’s Hotel and Residences

while King’s Guyana will be constructing a new US$10 million (G$2B) King’s Hotel.

Both proprietors were given the “green light” to initiate their projects following the signing of separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, on Tuesday.

Proprietors of the “Original Palm,” Ravin Prashad and Navin Prashad, in their investment proposal, said the Palm Court International Hotel will be eight storeys high with four sections, spanning seven acres of land.

The massive compound will cater for adequate parking with about 120 lots, while the actual facility will have 150 soundproof rooms, two dining facilities, and an executive bar, gym, swimming pool, sauna, casino and conference hall.

JOBS This mega hotel is anticipated to create over 280 jobs and fulfil the needs of the growing number of persons supporting the oil and gas industry, international investors, visitors and nature-driven tourists.

Another 145 jobs will be created through the construction of the new King’s Hotel, which, according to the investors, will create 120 direct jobs and 25 indirect employment opportunities.

The new King’s Hotel will be affiliated to the existing King’s Hotel and Residences and the Bistro Café and bar.

The new King’s Hotel and Residences, as it is called, will have 40 rooms, two bars and an open-floor for public entertainment.

Services and product

lines to be provided are accommodation, restaurants, bar services, luxury chauffeur car services, a conference area, gym, and luxury retail shops.

The land for the construction of this facility has already been acquired at Quamina and Waterloo Streets, South Cummingsburg, where the iconic Water Chris Hotel once stood.

“We have made this proposal with the intention of continuing and maintaining a high standard… we are noted for our superior quality of service, so we are certain that we can compete with the international stakeholders,” said owner of King’s Guyana, Looknauth Persaud, in an invited comment, on Tuesday.

These potential investments are seen as timely because Guyana is expected to ‘boom’ with its new-found oil wealth, which is expected to drive infrastructural development and other sectoral advancements.

According to a study by Oxford Economics, hotel operations and guest spending support eight million jobs across the U.S. alone. The same study found that a typical hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports 230 local jobs every year.

And the nation’s hotel and lodging industry brings other important benefits to local communities. These businesses are a cornerstone for local economic activity, providing increased tax revenue, capital investment, tourism-related development and promotion, civic leadership, charitable contributions and sponsorship.

These benefits are also expected to accrue to Guyana, as the country continues to function as an investment magnet.

Pedestrian killed in Agricola accident

A 33-year-old driver is in police custody after a motor lorry he was driving on the Agricola Public Road, Greater Georgetown, crashed into a pedestrian on Monday.

The victim, who succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning, is yet to be identified.

Police said the accident occurred about 07:10hrs on the Agricola Public Road (eastern carriage way) involving a motor lorry.

Enquiries disclosed that motor lorry, GPP 8215, was proceeding north along the western drive lane of the eastern carriage way of the Agricola Public Road; at that time, the third lane for north bound traffic was activated.

In the vicinity of Agricola, the driver of the motor lorry observed a pedestrian standing on the median facing east of the centre of the two carriage ways and while the driver of the motor lorry was in the

process of passing, the pedestrian, without looking south, walked east into the path of the motor lorry.

As a result of the pedestrian’s action, the front centre portion of the lorry collided with him (pedestrian). He fell onto the roadway and the rear right side wheel ran over both of his legs.

He was subsequently picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s

Emergency Unit.

There, he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty who treated him for head injuries, internal bleeding and broken feet.

He was admitted as a patient in the critical bay in the emergency unit where he succumbed to his injuries at 07:30 hrs on Tuesday morning.

The driver of the motor lorry was placed in police custody and is assisting with investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

James Bond arrested as probe into land scandal widens

AS the probe into the award of State lands at Peter’s Hall, East Bank of Demerara (EBD) widens, police, on Monday, arrested prominent PNC/R member and Attorney, James Bond, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed.

Bond, who is at the centre of several “deals”, is being questioned in relation to conspiracy to defraud the State.

He is accused of benefitting from land deals emanating from the sale of State lands while purportedly looking after the interest of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) which was presiding over the leasing of the lands.

“I’m still in police custody and am being kept for 72 hrs, at Brickdam Police Station. I will not request bail, because I have nothing to hide. I am ready and willing to do a lie detector test to prove my innocence, but I am still to be provided with the opportunity to do so,” Bond stated on his Facebook page Thursday afternoon.

However, subsequent to that Facebook post, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Assistant Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor noted that “at no time was Mr. Bond asked to submit to a polygraph test or, as described by the post, a lie detector test. Further, the Force has no intention to make any such request”.

Meanwhile, NICIL has formally requested that the GPF investigate a document as an alleged forgery after it was circulated in defence of its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colvin Heath-London.

Heath-London was arrested Friday last and is expected to be placed on station bail soon as investigations continue into the prime State lands.

London’s legal team has laid all wrongdoings at the feet of former CEO, Horace James, now deceased.

Two businessmen embroiled in the scandal – Life 1 Pharms Inc. Director, Avalon Jagnandan, and Director of A-Z Pharmaceuticals Medical Supplies and Equip-

ment Inc., Eddie Doolal, were arrested and reportedly told investigators that it was Bond who facilitated the deals which saw 30 acres of prime State lands being transferred to Chinese national, Jianfen Yu. Furthermore, the businessmen reportedly also disclosed to police that it was Bond, not them, who received a hefty payoff from both deals, amounting to more than $100M. Bond also reportedly received a US$1M payment from Trinidad logistics company, Lennox Petroleum, for the sale of 10 acres of land leased to ARKEN Group Inc. In that deal, ARKEN and its principal leased from NICIL 20.3 acres of land at Peter’s Hall on May 9, 2018 for a 20-year period at US$16,224 per year.

ARKEN later sold the 10 acres to local logistics company, GLASS Holdings Inc. on October 10, 2019 for $200M. Like the other deals, instead of the principals of the companies receiving the payment, it was Bond who received the funds.

In the aftermath of President Irfaan Ali’s Government taking office after a five-month battle following the March 2 elections, several companies have already returned lands, which were supposed to be developed.

This occurred after a significant number of irregular land transactions involving State properties, including former sugar lands worth billions of dollars, were discovered.

In these instances, inves-

tigators found that NICIL, as the representative of the people of Guyana for the transactions, did not even collect all the money when it transferred lands into the recipients’ names.

The police and its Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are involved in the investigations.

SOCU’s role may involve investigating whether crimes relating to money laundering were committed.

The land transactions,

James Bond which spans from Wales, Peter’s Hall and Ogle, have placed attention on a number of former ministers within the Coalition Government of David Granger, now in Opposition.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Classes up and running at the Bishops’ High School –– Minister Manickchand addresses allegations of bullying, discrimination of students by teachers

By Naomi Parris

CLASSES are up and running again at the Bishops’ High School after several teachers had taken strike action after claims by present and past students of bullying, discrimination and sexism hit social media.

The allegations, which were posted on Instagram by a former student, went viral and were substantiated by current students of the school. Several screenshots of the allegations made its way to the teachers and an internal probe was launched by the administration of the school.

On Tuesday, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand spoke on the matter.

“We have to remember that at the end of the day, every adult player in the Ministry of Education, including teachers, headteachers and education officers, our paramount duty is to look after the best interest of children and I’m not certain shutting the school down will ever be in the best interest of children or at least shutting it down for lengthy periods.”

The minister stated that the allegations that were made by the students are not to be and will not be ignored.

“For me, that is something we should always take seriously and really pay attention to and it warrants investigation with a view to making sure that if that happened, we address the needs of those students who might have felt like they were victims of it and particularly to make sure it doesn’t happen going forward,” the minister said.

She added: “It continues to engage the ministry’s attention; we also want to make sure that teachers are not on the receiving end of the abuse; however, we have to be very careful; freedom of expression has meaning.”

Anil Persaud, a for-

mer student of the school, told the Guyana Chronicle in a previous interview that while he respects and loves his alma mater, he cannot deny that the allegations of mental and physical abuse are true.

He stated that the school’s administration is cognisant of this and should definitely change their stance from a defensive position and try to take note of the pattern the students are trying to highlight.

Persaud recalled having similar experiences and stated that some of the teachers at the school “abuse their power” and oftentimes break the morale of the budding minds.

Further, Persaud noted that while discipline is important in running one of the top education institutions in the country, many of the teachers blur the line between discipline and abuse.

“The extent to which it is taken is sometimes questionable, questionable to the character of the teachers and the institution at large, because the extreme measure that is [sic] taken to handle the issues is not what you’d expect from an institution like that and from teachers who have been in the institution for that long.

So, it borders on the lines of being really abusive-verbally abusive, emotionally abusive. The way the teachers acted, it was bullying really when you think of it,” expressed the former student.

He stated that the school has always taken a position to retaliate and punish any student, past or present, who would speak publicly on the atrocities that occurred at the institution.

“I really think that it escalated to the point of the students creating an entire social media page for lack of intervention.

I don’t think there was sufficient intervention from any level: from

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand the ministry, from the school’s board, from the parent teachers association, from none of the sub-institutions within the school…just to protect the name of the school, no one ever said anything, it didn’t get out much and whenever there was an opportunity or an instance where information came out and people spoke, the admin would shut it down,” Persaud explained.

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‘Slow down, don’t drink and drive’ –– Mothers in Black founder urges

By Naomi Parris

WITH recent statistics showing a 37 per cent increase in road accidents for the year 2020, founder of the Alicea Foundation (Mothers in Black), Denise Dias, ushered in Road Safety Week 2020, making calls for road users to be responsible while driving.

“I wish our drivers and pedestrians alike would adhere

to road-safety precautions and respect laws of the road in our efforts to save lives. I am here on behalf of the thousands of victims of traffic crashes,” Dias said at the opening ceremony of the week’s activities on Monday.

Fuelled by the sudden death of her 17-year-old daughter in August 1996, Dias established the Alicea Foundation, also known as Mother’s in Black.

“My eldest daughter Alisa’s life was irreversibly cut short by an alleged speeding drunk-driver when she was only seventeen years old. I always thought, like many of you, that these road tragedies happen to other people; however, on the 23rd of August 1996, I became that someone else; my life changed forever,” she said.

With other grieving mothers and concerned citizens,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020 Dias organised a weekly one-hour vigil outside Public Building until road safety legislation was passed for the use of helmets, seat belts, breathalyzers and radar guns.

“For four years we stood silently together, one hour for each week, rain or shine, with placards and photographs of our loved ones, asking our parliamentarians to implement these laws.”

Dias added that while these laws are in place, it is disappointing to still see so many lives lost on the roadways.

“Though traffic laws are in place, regrettably the rules on our roads are ignored. In the midst of this world wide epidemic this year, road crashes have escalated. Drinking and or drunk driving, overtaking, undertaking, overloading and

speed in a crazed abandon,” she said, are the causes of some of the horrific accidents seen occurring on the road ways.

She stated that for Guyana to see a decrease in road accidents and fatalities, road users must first change their attitude and follow the rules and be considerate of others, especially pedestrians, when driving.

“Like COVID, it is a deadly serious matter to be blunt. I

would rather be spending time with Alicea, probably having dinner tonight and playing with her children.

I am trying to ensure that others don’t face the same tragedy,” she said, adding: “Mothers in Black, no matter our circumstances or how different we are, we understand the agony of enduring a death of a loved one-- our child. It is a pain we share and it is a pain we will suffer for a lifetime.”

Pensioner loses life to COVID-19

GUYANA has lost yet another life to the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the death toll to 147.

The Ministry of Health identified the recent victim as an 87-year-old male from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The pensioner, prior to his demise, was receiving treatment at a local medical facility.

The ministry expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.

Officials of the Health Ministry have also contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone, who might have been exposed to the victim.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said 81 per cent of the persons who contract the virus will have mild symptoms, while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms, and another five per cent will need intensive care.

Guyana, on Tuesday, recorded 35 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of cases recorded in Guyana to 5,189. Of that number, 4,204 persons have recovered so far.

Seven persons remain in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 72 persons are in institutional isolation; 36 in institutional quarantine and 766 persons are in home isolation. A total of 28,160 persons have been tested for the disease thus far.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers 231-1166, 226-7480 or 180/181 for assistance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Travel between Orealla and Siparuta halted – as COVID-19 cases reach 30 in Siparuta

IN an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in the small indigenous community of Siparuta, located along the Corentyne River, travel restrictions between the two communities have been halted as of Monday.

Toshao Carl Peneux told the Guyana Chronicle that the situation is being monitored and a gate has been constructed at Taraculi that connects the community by land. Further, travelling by river to and from either community has been restricted.

On Saturday, Siparuta recorded 16 cases of the virus, and on Monday another 14 cases were recorded, taking the number to 30. Peneux, on Tuesday after-

noon, stated that a number of test results are still pending as he fears the numbers may increase.

However, a team of medical officials are on the ground conducting mass testing in both villages.

Among the positive cases was a pregnant woman who had to be rushed out of the community after she began experiencing difficulty breathing.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, David Armogan, during a virtual press conference on Monday, told reporters that additional medical staff will be sent in and that testing will continue See page 13

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

37% increase in road fatalities for 2020 – speeding, drunk driving among causes

By Naomi Parris DESPITE the implementation of a national curfew and the closing of bars and nightspots to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana has recorded an alarming increase in road fatalities for the year 2020.

At the launch of Road Safety Week 2020, held at Parliament Park, in Stabroek, Georgetown, Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram disclosed that the country has seen a 37 per cent increase in road fatalities, with 115 accidents of which there were 125 deaths; out of those deaths, five were children.

In 2019, Guyana recorded 84 accidents which resulted in 94 deaths, of which eight

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill were children. According to the senior cop, the Guyana Police Force through its traffic department was able to

charge approximately 46,266 persons for not adhering to various traffic regulations.

Some 19,179 persons were charged for exceeding speed limits; 786 were charged for driving under the influence; 986 were charged for failure to wear safety belts and 1,924 were charged separately for breaching traffic light signals and using cellphones while driving.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, who gave the feature address at the event, made a special appeal to road users.

“I am making a special appeal; drink one beer less when driving, make sure somebody else is answering the cellphone and please certainly no texting while driving and thirdly, let us slow down. Let’s get where

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram we are going safely.”

Minister Edghill emphasised that all stakeholders must be part of the campaign

to ensure that all road-safety protocols are observed in an effort to reduce the number of accidents.

“Road safety is not just the police business, it is not just the road safety council’s business, it is everybody’s business and while we are here marking the launch of [Road Safety Week], I join with all the stakeholders and I call upon all Guyanese, young and old, let us make road safety our business.”

The minister urged road users to be mindful and think of others while using the roads.

“Every life matters, life is precious and we don’t want our people, falling dying, being maimed, injured and remained [sic] permanently disabled as a result of careless and dangerous use of the

roads.”

Additionally, Minister Edghill announced that the technical team at the Ministry of Public Works has been engaging the Guyana Society for the Blind to adjust traffic lights, allowing special sounds to be added in order to assist the visually impaired pedestrians in crossing the road.

“We are working assiduously, maybe not at all traffic lights, but especially at the main interceptions to put in, along with the light that changes, special sounds so that the blind will know when it is time to cross on the pedestrian crossing. We are working on implementing that; we have already done some research and we are pricing the technology.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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Travel between Orealla and Siparuta ...

From page 11 until almost everyone is tested in those areas.

The chairman has identified Vryman’s Erven, Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam, East Canje and Siparuta as the hotspots in the region.

He maintained that personal health details should not be shared and explained that for the safety of all, it is important that residents be made aware of areas that are known hotspots.

“I specifically identified these hotspots, because I was advised by some persons not to do this but it is important so that people would know how to operate in certain areas because, for the benefit of the region, I think people should know where the hot spots are,” he said.

When quizzed about the possibility of a full lockdown or partial lockdown in the region, the chairman said the situation is being closely monitored.

“We have to look at the situation carefully and we have to monitor certain areas that we have a spike in at the moment. I don’t think the national task force

would allow it at this stage to lockdown the whole region because we don’t seem to have problems in the entire region. As we do contact tracing more and more areas will be identified. If it escalates to a level at which we will have to lockdown, then we would have to recommend that to the national taskforce. It’s not a decision we can make here at the regional level.”

As of Tuesday, Region Six has recorded four new cases, taking the number to 156 with six deaths. The Guyana Chronicle had reported the death of an elderly man of Siparuta who suffered a stroke and was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he died on Saturday morning.

He was tested prior and the test results returned positive after he died.

Meanwhile, an isolation facility has been set up in Springlands, Corriverton, and persons from the riverain communities who display symptoms will be brought out and placed at the facility, while others who are not showing any symptoms will be quarantined in their respective communities.

The gate that was constructed to monitor travel between Orealla and Siparuta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

587 Guyanese re-employed at Aurora Gold Mine

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat (centre), re-commissioning the Aurora Gold Mine Processing Plant with the management of Zijin Mining and other officials SOME 587 Guyanese have been re-employed by Aurora Gold Mine after being laid off earlier this year, due to the pandemic.

This was disclosed by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who visited the mining operations on Monday to recommission the company’s Processing Plant.

“This is quite outstanding because at our first meeting a few months back, a few weeks after we took office, the company reported that they would re-employ before December, but only two to three hundred Guyanese. So today, we are happy to learn that the company has already re-employed 587 Guyanese,” the minister said.

Minister Bharrat said Aurora Gold Mine, which was recently acquired by Zijin Mining Group Company Limited, a Chinese company, will start full operations soon.

“This is a positive step forward in creating employment for Guyanese and to re-employ those who would have been laid off by Guyana Goldfields previously,” he said.

Minister Bharrat pointed out that Zijin Mining is also hoping to get approval to start regulated underground mining in Guyana.

The company is seeking to start operations by mid-2021. This will see almost 200 additional Guyanese being employed, bringing the total close to 700.

However, Minister Bharrat noted that Guyana lacks the capacity to regulate underground mining. He added that they have had discussions on building local capacity and bringing in experts to regulate the operations.

He also disclosed that the ministry is seeking to partner with the company to develop the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC’s) mining school.

“If we are going to speak on local content as a country, and a Government, demand employment for Guyanese. We need to build technical capabilities; we need to build capacity among our locals,” Minister Bharrat said.

Meanwhile, safety remains a primary concern for the Ministry. Consequently, an agreement was reached with the company for “two GGMC Mines Officers who will be permanently placed here at the Aurora Mines to ensure that the regulations are followed and to advise and guide the company as to daily operations.”

Meanwhile, the minister said the Environmental Protection Agency would be engaged to address any environmental matter.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Joslyn McKenzie, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa and officers from the GGMC also attended Monday’s exercise.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, greeting a Guyanese employee at the Aurora Gold Mine. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Joslyn McKenzie, is pictured at left

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

‘UWI-UG’ bridge a possibility –– UWI eager to assist with creating ‘Higher Education Hub’ DISCUSSIONS for a potential “UWI-UG” bridge are underway, signalling the increased focus on boosting Guyana’s social and economic development and promoting mutual development of the University of Guyana (UG) and the region’s University of the West Indies (UWI).

In a recent press release, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI and President of Universities Caribbean, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, highlighted, “Regional university leaders got together to energise and revamp the Association of Caribbean Universities and Research Institutes—now rebranded as Universities Caribbean in order to create a network of integrated universities for future development planning.”

This was done as part of the efforts to propel regional economic and social development. The membership of Universities Caribbean includes 50 universities, and currently plans are underway for joint inter-university degree programmes. One such project is a Master Degree in Caribbean Civilisation to be delivered by six universities within the diverse language groups of the region.

Professor Beckles noted that many extra-regional universities have expressed strong interests in participating in the Caribbean Education sector, but drew attention to the emerging relationship between the UWI and the government of Guyana to enhance human resource development. It was recently announced that the Government of Guyana is currently negotiating an agreement with the UWI to train up to 20,000 Guyanese over the next five years as part of efforts to propel Guyana’s human resource development strategy.

“Against this background, the UWI is keen to participate in ‘rekindling Guyana’s economic and social development’,” Professor Beckles said in the release. Importantly, he reminded of the “long and intimate” academic relationship the regional university shared with the UG, and highlighted that manage-

Vice-Chancellor of The UWI and President of Universities Caribbean, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles ment of the UWI expressed a keen interest in deepening this relationship when Professor E. Nigel Harris was appointed Chancellor and also with the appointment of Chancellor Professor Eddie Greene. This continued with past Vice-Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith and now, Sir Beckles said, the UWI is ‘further energised’ with the appointment of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin.

“Before COVID-19, Chancellor Greene and I spoke about building the ‘UWI-UG Bridge’. That conversation has been ongoing. We imagined the bridge as a mutual development strategy that will promote regional integration and expand teaching and research capacity,” Professor Beckles said. He added that this bridge has tremendous potential benefits for Guyana.

Furthermore, he noted that President Irfaan Ali conceptualised the idea of Guyana as host to a “Higher Education Hub” through which the UWI wishes to partner in nurturing this infant.

“Guyana will be the development beneficiary,” he assured and said that already, Guyanese scholarswho are mostly products of t-he UG- have made a superordinate contribution to the rise of the UWI. “It is in this spirit of collaboration that we are keen to assist in creating the ‘Guyana Higher Education Hub’.

Together they will constitute a pathway to peace and prosperity through partnership,” he said in the release.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

COVID-19 planning needs ‘gender focus’ - says Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation’s CEO

By Vishani Ragobeer AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have severe adverse effects on people and countries, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation, Reverend Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, has emphasised that gender considerations should form a key part of Guyana’s planning efforts.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Sheerattan-Bisnauth lamented that vulnerable groups, such as women and children, are disproportionately affected, and more so in times of disaster.

“I haven’t heard any kind of gender consideration,” the Reverend lamented, explaining that there are a number of considerations which should be made for sectors which women traditionally occupy.

These sectors include education, nursing, and domestic work.

For nurses and teachers, who are frontline workers, Sheerattan-Bisnauth shared her concern about whether they have children and other family members at home to be taken care of. With the return of teachers to the classroom, however, the Ministry of Education noted that teachers’ children can be accommodated in schools with them.

For domestic workers, on the other hand, the situation is much worse.

“I’ve been hearing and hearing more directly from a lot of domestic workers who’ve lost their jobs and a lot of them have lost their jobs and many of them are the sole breadwinners of their families,” Sheerattan-Bisnauth said.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke to one domestic worker, Samanthani (not her real name), who said that since March, it has been very difficult for her to work. She usually assists with cleaning homes and washing clothes for persons who hire her.

But now, many persons either complain of not having enough disposable money or they express their fears of being infected with COVID-19.

She, however, expressed that the $25,000 cash relief grant did provide some relief to her, even if it was for a short while.

Samanthani’s experience is only one in a pool of numerous domestic workers who have been adversely affected. And Sheerattan-Bis-

nauth related that there are numerous “sad stories” of women who “can’t put food on the table” because they don’t have any source of income.

“I didn’t hear any kind of emergency measures specific to them and I think when we have a dire situation like this, you need a group of people who come with the interests of what will be most essential,” she said.

One of these “essential” interests, she explained, is for those women who are already poor, living on subsistence, and have lost their livelihoods due to the pandemic.

“I hope that the data at (the Ministries of Health and Human Services) and elsewhere is disaggregated because we need to capture these to be able to have a proper strategy,” the Reverend said.

These ministries, she posited, should have planning committees that have adequate representation of persons who can make the gender considerations necessary to ensure that the disproportionate effects on women and other vulnerable groups could be mitigated.

“But so far, I haven’t really seen in the public sphere so much of this to tell me that Guyana has gender very significantly in its planning.”

Another issue of grave concern has been the surge in domestic violence reported locally. This is yet another instance of how careful “gender planning” could help to alleviate some of the woes in society, according to Sheerattan-Bisnauth.

Her personal observation of the limited consideration given to vulnerable groups when planning for the pandemic is one that is of concern to her. But when asked if she believes that economic recovery is being prioritised over ensuring citizens’ security, she reasoned that economic recovery is also important.

“I think there has to be an approach where economic recovery is also important because people need to be feeding their children and earning a livelihood… but we also need that concerted effort with the gender considerations to ensure the economic recovery that we’re going for does not kind of compromise the essentials for our people,” Sheerattan-Bisnauth posited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Granger reaches out to Region Seven residents FORMER President and Leader of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), David Granger, has thanked residents of Two Miles and other riverine settlements for their strong support at the General and Regional Elections 2020 and Local Government Elections 2018.

According to a PNC/R release, Granger, who was on a visit to Region Seven, congratulated Kako Village resident, Dawn Hastings-Williams, on her re-election as a member of the National Assembly and Bartica resident, Kenneth Williams, who was elected chairman of the Regional Democratic Council at the recent elections.

He iterated his compliments to Gifford Marshall, who was re-elected Mayor of Bartica Town at the Local Government Elections in 2018.

The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change Coalition (APNU+AFC) was elected to office in May 2015 and held Local Government Elections 10 months after and in 2018.

In both elections, they were significantly outperformed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), which eventually came to power in 2020 after several attempts by elements in the Coalition failed in their bid to rig the 20202 elections.

Granger, according to the release, reminded residents that the PNC/R – with democratically elected representatives at the national, regional and municipal levels – was the custodian of the public interest and a “guarantor of their democratic rights” in the Region.

He also thanked Barticans for their consistent confidence and support.

The PNC/R Leader’s team also distributed food hampers to riverine residents as relief from the economic downturn and personal distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A section of the gathering at the meeting at Two Miles, Bartica, Region Seven

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Some members of the delegation to Region Seven. From letf, Amna Ally; former President, David Granger; Joseph Harmon and Dawn Hastings-Williams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Wide representati Law Reform Comm –– Attorney-General assures

By Richard Bhainie THE government is working swiftly to get up and running the broken and defunct Law Reform Commission, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, disclosed on Monday.

Speaking at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, Nandlall explained that the establishment of a Law Reform Commission is part of a fundamental component of the US$8 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded Support for the Criminal Attorney-General and Justice System Programme. Minister of Legal Affairs, A Law Reform Commis- Anil Nandlall sion is an instrumental body law revision exercise and in any society as it ensures modernise the laws so that the legal system does not they will be up to date. remain stagnant. It keeps the Nandlall explained that law under constant revision, prior to 2012, the last law-reand makes recommendations vision exercise conducted in to Parliament for the repeal, Guyana was over 30 years creation, consolidation and before, in 1978. codification of the laws.

The law was in a chaThe Attorney-General otic state, with pieces of explained that law reform legislation scattered across is imperative since it “capvarious databases and the tures and embraces the asGreen Volume of the Laws pirations, the exigencies, of Guyana, known as the the social maladies and the Ramphal’s edition, did vicissitudes of society as it not contain the necessary evolves, so that at no point amendments to reflect the in time the laws of our counlaw at the time. try becomes archaic, out of It was until the publishsync with modern reality ing of the Purple Volume and remains static while deof the Laws of Guyana, velopment of the population known as the Nandlall’s moves ahead”.

Edition, that an attempt Currently, Guyana perwas made to consolidate forms law reform in a piecethe law of the day from meal manner, where sections various sources into a sinof the law are reformed gle source. based upon necessity, international obligations and as EXTENSIVE SCOPE a conditionality of the interThe Law Reform Comnational financial institutions mission will comprise a for the country to qualify for magnitude of personnel, financing. spanning from various inThere exists a need for dustries, to contribute liba more organised and proerally to the commission’s grammatic institution to initiatives. execute this mandate.

“The Law Reform Commission is expected to hire LAW REVISION researchers, social scientists, One of the first tasks of financial minds and persons the Law Reform Commistrained in different discision would be to conduct a plines who will constantly

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

ion on mission review issues arising in the country and then consider whether we can find a legislative solution or whether some social problem, some financial issue requires legislation as a component of its solution,” Nandlall explained.

The commission will extend its reach to far-flung communities, including the Amerindian areas, to address problems confronting these communities and determine whether the legislative landscape in place is functionally equipped to tackle the various issues.

It will also examine particular situations and take into consideration recommendations from various agencies on initiatives to pursue.

REPAIRING THE DEFICIENCIES The present Law Reform Commission was constituted by virtue of the Law Reform Commission Act 2016.

Pursuant to Section 4 (1) of the said Act, the President after consulting with the Minister of Legal Affairs shall appoint the Members of the Commission.

Nandlall explained that this is significantly fallacious “because a Law Reform Commission is much larger than the government”.

He added: “The laws cater for much more that the Executive Government, it caters for every single person in the country; so to monopolise that appointment power only in the Executive and for the Executive to determine by themselves who should constitute that commission, in our Government’s humble view, that is not what should be reflected in a national law reform commission.”

In accordance with Section 4 (4) of the Act, for one to be appointed a member of the Commission, the

person must possess legal and judicial qualifications.

They must be the holder of, or held judicial office; be an attorney-at-law for at least 10 years; or possess experience as a teacher of law at a university.

“That is a most myopic and unfortunate view of how a Law Reform Commission should be constituted,” Nandlall explained.

While recognising that the Law Reform Commission must consist of legally-trained personnel, the Attorney-General explained that law-making is much more than technical law; there are social components, financial components, cultural and ethnic components and rights components – to law-making.

“So that when the Law Reform Commission sits, it sits as an organisation that not only represents the entire society, but is qualified to canvas the interest of the entire society,” Nandlall stressed.

Former Attorney-General, Basil Williams, S.C., under the same Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme, tabled and presented the Law Reform Commission Act 2016.

However, though the Commission made the necessary arrangements to acquire a building and retain staff, the commissioners were never appointed.

The Commission shall consist of seven members and the government is working to include every segment of society, including the Private Sector Commission, the Judiciary and the Bar Association, religious and cultural organisations and rights organisations named under the Constitution, namely the Rights of the Child Commission, the Gender and Equality Commission and the Ethnic Relations Commission.

Anna Regina Deputy Mayor dies from COVID-19

THE Anna Regina Town Council has lost its Deputy Mayor, Rudolph Williams, due to COVID-19. Williams passed away Tuesday evening at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Williams was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was immediately transferred to the GPHC. His entire family and relatives were also

tested positive and he had lost some relatives to the virus. Several members of his home circle were also tested positive but are currently asymptomatic.

Williams served the township of Anna Regina from Three Friends to Walton Hall under the PPP/C Government. He was described by the Mayor of Anna Regina, Rajendra Pra-

bhulall, as a very dedicated person who had the PPP/C party at heart.

Williams dedicated his life to bringing about positive change in the lives of his fellow Amerindian brothers and sisters.

Prabhulall also extended condolences to Williams’ entire family.

He said Essequibo has lost a stalwart.

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Dead: Rudolph Williams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Man accused of robbery remanded SHAMAR FRASER, who allegedly robbed a businessman at gunpoint, on Monday made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

Fraser of Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the charge.

It is alleged that, on November 13 at Hadfield Street, Werk - en - Rust, Georgetown, Fraser, while in company of another, and armed with a gun, robbed Eron Baptiste of one gold chain valued at $600,000, one black iPhone 7 cellular phone valued at $200,000, one pink Samsung Galaxy A90 cellular phone valued at $150,000, one black cellular phone valued at $5,000, and $30,000 cash.

Prosecutor Inniss informed the court that Baptiste was familiar with Fraser but they were not friends.

On the day in question, at Hadfield Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, Baptiste was near his business place when someone said, “Don’t move or we gon kill you and handover everything that you have.”

He had moments earlier seen Fraser and another and had decided to return to his place of business.

When Baptiste turned around he reportedly saw Fraser with a black handgun pointed to him. Fraser reportedly snatched the chain from Baptiste’s neck while his accomplice emptied his pockets which contained several cellular phones and cash.

Fraser and his accomplice then made good their escape.

On November 20 Fraser was arrested and subsequently charged.

The matter was adjourned to December 21.

Man charged for stabbing cousin granted bail

AN East Ruimveldt man who allegedly stabbed his cousin for seeking police assistance to retrieve his stolen cellular phone, was, on Monday, placed on $50,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs- Marcus.

Randy Benjamin of East Ruimveldt Squatting Area pleaded not guilty to the wounding charge when he made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The charge alleged that, on October 22, at East Ruimveldt Georgetown, Benjamin unlawfully and maliciously wounded Carlos Oliver with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or to cause grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutor Inniss told the court that, during the month of September 2020, Oliver alleged that Benjamin who is his cousin had stolen his cellphone. On the day in question, Oliver took the police to Benjamin’s home to have him arrested. However, Benjamin managed to escape from the police.

When Oliver returned home from the East Ruimveldt Police Station, he was greeted by Benjamin who was armed with a knife. Benjamin inflicted a stab wound to the left side of Oliver’s body causing him to be hospitalised. Further investigations were conducted resulting in Benjamin being arrested and charged.

The matter was adjourned to December 21.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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India’s ‘fabulous five’ can overcome pink-ball inexperience - Shastri

NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - India coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged his team lack Australia’s pinkball experience but is convinced their “fabulous five” pacemen can bowl the tourists to a second successive Test series victory Down Under.

Australia have played seven day-night Tests, the most by any country, since 2015 and won each of them.

India were late to embrace the innovation and played their only pink-ball Test against Bangladesh in Kolkata last year.

A mouth-watering fourTest series between the top two teams in the World Test Championship standings will get underway with a pink-ball contest at Adelaide from December 17.

“We begin with pink-ball cricket where we lack experience,” Shastri told the Sportstar magazine.

“We have played just one pink-ball Test, but there is a qualitative difference between them (Bangladesh) and Australia. It is like cheese and chalk.

“Our boys have not played much of pink-ball in domestic cricket, but I just want them to go and enjoy their game.”

Skipper Virat Kohli, who led India to their maiden Test series victory in Australia two seasons ago, will return home after the Adelaide Test to attend the birth of his first child.

While it would take some sheen off India’s batting lineup in the last three Tests, Shastri was confident India’s five-member pace attack, which includes Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, could defend decent totals.

“We have a fabulous five ... You put up runs on the board and watch these fast bowlers hunt the opposition.

They can beat Australia in their own den.”

There was no pressure on the team and India would play “fearless cricket” against an opponent Shastri considered the toughest.

“Ask any international player and he will tell you that it is different. It is challenging. Toughest used to be the West Indies in the ‘80s and post that it has been Australia.”

Fourth annual PM ...

handsomely from Mike’s Wellman and New York President’s XI in the Over-45 and Over-50 divisions respectively.

In addition, Regal also had the unique distinction of having all three Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in skipper Mahendra Hardyal in the Legends category, Ramesh Deonarine (Masters) and Sachin Singh (Open). Hardyal “rode” away with the Hero motorcycle, compliments of Rose Ramdehol, while Deonarine and Singh collected television sets, donated by Regal Stationery and Office Supplies. All the MVPs received bats from Hafeez Ali of Rockaway All Stars.

The Over-45 final was billed as a grudge match between the top two teams in the category but it turned out to be a damp squib as defending champions Regal Masters made light work of Wellman who were skittled out for a disappointing 83 in 19.5 overs.

Regal Masters, through a fine 51 from the consistent Ramesh Deonarine, raced to the required target off 13.1 overs, winning their third consecutive title in the process. The victory followed a similar win over Wellman in 2018 in a much closer final.

In the Legends Over-50 final, an emphatic opening partnership of 126 by Veerapen Moonsammy (63) and Mahesh Chunilall (61 not out) enabled Regal Legends to register an emphatic nine-wicket victory over New York President’s

FROM BACK PAGE

XI to cart off the inaugural title. Chasing the visitors 139 for six, Regal Legends achieved the required target with five overs to spare in the 20-over affair.

The winners of the Legends Over-50 category will cart off $200 000, while the runners-up will receive $50 000. The man-of-the-match in the final will receive a trophy while man-of-the-series will collect a 50-inch Smart TV valued at $120 000.

In the Masters Over-45 category, the winners will pocket $20 000 and the runners-up $50 000 while the man-of-thematch in the final will receive a trophy and the man-of-theseries will take home a 50-inch Smart TV valued at $100 000.

In the All Stars category, (Open), the winners will receive $200 000; the runners-up $50 000, man-of-the-match in the final a trophy and the manof-the-series a 40-inch Smart TV valued at $70 000.

The tournament will be live-streamed on Facebook, NCN and YouTube and as usual there will be no entrance fee.

Among the sponsors of this year’s tournament are Banks DIH, Chung’s Global, Danny Persaud (Youtuber) It’s our life ARD, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Price Chopper Store, Star Party Rentals, P&P Insurance, Dyna’s Embroidery, Caribbean Airlines, Crown Mining Supplies and Dinar Trading.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

31

Stoinis ‘five times better than a year ago’: Ponting

IT took only a few days for Ricky Ponting to realise things were different.

The Marcus Stoinis who arrived in the UAE for the 2020 Indian Premier League was not the same player Ponting had had under his watch at last year’s World Cup, when a side injury and a loss of form had crippled the allrounder’s campaign.

Ponting had been told what to expect, but it wasn’t until he saw it with his own eyes that he realised his Delhi Capitals side had a potential match-winner on their hands.

This wasn’t the Marcus Stoinis he remembered from the World Cup. He was fitter.

Bolder. Smarter.

to Ponting before the three Australians linked up at up Delhi for the IPL. “The way Marcus presented himself and the confidence he had in his batting and bowling was something that stood out to me, more so than in the past,” Carey says.

“We know the presence he has on the field but the way he was hitting the ball to all areas of the ground and the way he spent his off season (was exciting).

“And the condition he got himself in … he was in tip top shape.”

Stoinis wasted little time justifying the hype. In his first game of the tournament for Delhi, he came to the crease

Australia white ball all-rounder Marcus Stonis

“Alex Carey said to me, ‘trust me, he’s on top of his game and he’s a different player than he was before’,” Ponting told cricket.com.au this week.

“And as soon as I saw him, I understood what he was talking about.

“From the moment he turned up at the IPL, having come straight from England … he was pretty keen to show me improvements that he’d made.

And his first few net sessions, I could just tell then.

“Having spent a fair bit of time with him over the past couple of years, what I saw from him at the IPL suggests to me that he’s a five times better player than he was 12 months ago.”

Carey’s eyes had been opened on Australia’s preceding tour of the UK, which marked Stoinis’ return to the national side for the first time since he’d been jettisoned following the disappointment of the World Cup. He’d forced his way back thanks to a jaw-dropping KFC BBL campaign for the Melbourne Stars, thriving in his preferred opening spot to score the most runs in a single season and the highest score (147no) in the tournament’s history.

Despite producing only middling performances on that UK tour, batting first at No.5 and then No.3, Stoinis showed enough to compel Carey to pass on the message

with six overs remaining and slammed 53 from just 21 balls before taking two crucial wickets late in the final over to force a Super Over, which Delhi won.

And it continued; 53no from 26 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore, 65 from 46 against Mumbai, even brief cameos like his 24 from 14 balls against Chennai were all important contributions late in the innings, where he’d struggled in the past.

He finished the tournament in 19th place on the run-scorer’s charts but with a better strike rate (148.52 compared to 136.62) and balls per boundary rate (5.04 to 5.73) than he did in his record-breaking Big Bash season, underlining his development away from his preferred opening spot.

“He’s worked really hard on his play against spin bowling and that’s one of the things that’s slowed him down a little bit (in the past),” Ponting says.

“When he’s had to go out and start against quality spin, he hasn’t had the options to rotate the strike as much as he would like. He’s a lot more positive and aggressive against spin bowling now.

“Even the best spinners in the world were trying tie him down in the IPL, but they couldn’t do it. If they overpitched, he’d hit them straight back down the ground first ball. If they were a little bit short, he was happy to go back and pull them for six first ball.

“He’s a lot more confident in his own game and he’s done a lot of work on trying to get better at starting his innings, whether that’s against fast bowling or spin bowling.

“In T20s, it’s thrust upon him to play that way … (and) I think that’s actually a good thing for him because he’s got to go out and try and hit a boundary first ball.

“And he’s starting to prove to himself, he knows within himself, that he can do that now against the best fast bowlers and spinners in the world.”

The question that troubled Ponting for the entire IPL campaign, as is often the case when it comes to Stoinis in T20 cricket, is where the allrounder should bat in the order.

A wealth of Indian top-order players at Delhi meant Ponting had little choice but to bat Stoinis in the middle order, even though he would have preferred him to open. But as the tournament progressed and the top order started to stumble, Stoinis’s hot form forced Ponting’s hand.

Elevated to open for the second qualifying final, the Australian posted 38 from 27 balls and took three wickets in a player-of-the-match display before he was undone by Trent Boult with the first ball of the final, a golden duck an unfitting end to a breakout campaign.

Ponting believes Stoinis can be the solution to Australia’s finishing troubles in T20 cricket, a long search for answers that will continue against India later this month, but the former skipper maintains the right-hander is best suited to the top.

“I think the future for him either at Delhi or whoever he plays for in T20 cricket will be at the top of the order,” he says.

“I think he can do (the finishing role). I think he’s proven that he can do multiple different roles now.

“And I think the more responsibility he gets in the white-ball team, the better he’ll be as well.

“We’ll see what happens over the next few weeks (against India), but if he gets a decent chance at it, I think he’ll impress everyone.

“With the way he’s thinking about the game, with a bit of experience and the consistent exposure he’s had with the Aussie guys, I don’t think it really matters where he plays.”

Having spent the best part of the past three months with Stoinis for both Australia and Delhi, Carey says the start of the international season next week can’t come soon enough for his teammate.

“He’s one guy I’d be really looking out for this summer,” he says.

“We mentioned his batting, but he plays a huge role with the ball now and I

won’t be surprised if he’s one of the better bowlers we see throughout the summer.

“He’s in great mental and physical shape to tackle the summer. He’s so keen

to build on those skills … and no doubt he’s got a huge summer in the green and gold and the Big Bash ahead of him.” (CRICKET. com.au)

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Rohit, Ishant ruled Rohit, out of first two Tests ISHANT Sharma and Rohit Sharma have been ruled out of the first two matches of the upcoming four-Test series in Australia and their hopes of taking part in the last two Tests hinge on swift and decisive action from BCCI, ESPNcricinfo has learnt.

To be in contention for the third Test, Ishant, who has regained bowling fitness but needs four weeks of workload to be ready for the rigours of Test-match play, will have to board a plane almost immediately.

a better chance of featuring in the Test series had he flown directly to Australia with the other squad members from the UAE. Even if he flies out on the earliest possible date, which is December 8, he would have to serve a 14-day hard quarantine, which will keep him out of training until at least December 22.

Ishant’s bowling workload has steadily increased over the past week after he regained full fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where

Rohit Sharma (left) and Ishant Sharma’s absence will further deepen the gaps in the Indian Test team (BCCI/Twitter/AFP)

The 14-day hard quarantine rule in Australia means he can start training only after two weeks; add another four weeks of preparatory training, and he can only be match-ready for the third Test, starting on January 7 in Sydney.

Rohit, who suffered a hamstring tear during the IPL, is understood to be a while away from full fitness. He can be cleared to travel only in the second week of December and will need two weeks of further rehabilitation after which a final assessment can be made.

According to a BCCI functionary, Rohit would have had

he has been training for close to a month, since returning early from the IPL with an abdominal muscle tear.

However, ESPNcricinfo understands there are concerns over his match-fitness, which can only be ascertained once he’s in a position to bowl at least 20 overs in a day.

“If there is a T20 game and he needs to just bowl four overs, Ishant is good to go immediately, but for him to get back to Test-match fitness, he needs four weeks of proper bowling still,” a BCCI source said.

As such, even if Ishant and

Rohit were to fly out in a day or two, the hard quarantine means each of them would need to isolate himself in his hotel room for 14 days. This will mean neither is able to take part in the two warm-up games that precede the first Test in Adelaide which begins on December 17.

The 32-member India contingent has begun training in Sydney while in quarantine since they flew over directly from one bio-secure bubble in the UAE - after the completion of the IPL - to another.

Such concessions can’t be afforded to Rohit and Ishant upon arrival, since they aren’t in a bio-secure bubble at the NCA where they are currently training.

If Rohit is ruled out, the selectors could look at adding Shreyas Iyer - who is already part of the white-ball squads to the Test squad as a reserve batsman.

In 54 first-class games, Iyer has aggregated 4 592 runs at an average of 52.18. He has 12 centuries and 23 half-centuries, and has already been part of India’s red-ball squad when he was called up as cover for the injured Virat Kohli during the 2016-17 home series against Australia - but is yet to make his Test debut.

As for the fast bowling, India already have Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj in their Test squad. Their contingent on the tour also includes Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur and T. Natarajan, who are in the white-ball squads, and two reserve bowlers in Kartik Tyagi and Ishan Porel.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Proteas cricket squad training in separate groups

SOUTH Africa are training in two groups before their limited-overs matches against England to limit the risk of further coronavirus infections.

Two players have tested positive for the virus and a further two have been placed in isolation.

The Proteas cancelled intra-squad warm-up games planned for Saturday and Monday.

“It’s been quite bizarre,” said fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. “We have to take that extra precaution.”

The first of three Twenty20s is on Friday, with three one-day internationals being played from Decem-

ber 4. “ We h a v e t o t r a i n in groups - a group of non-contacts and a group of close contacts,” added Rabada.

“The team is doing well at sticking to strict rules.”

The series will be played behind closed doors in Cape Town and Paarl, with playing and training the only time the players leave their hotel.

For Rabada, it is the second ‘bubble’ experience in quick succession after playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where his 30 wickets made him the leading

bowler in the tournament.

“It can be quite tough.

You can’t interact, you’ve basically lost your freedom,” said the 25-year-old.

“It’s like luxury prisons, but you just have to remind yourself how fortunate we are. People are struggling at the moment and we must be grateful for the opportunity to earn money and do what we love. We stay in great hotels, but it’s like a spoiled kid not getting what they want at the candy store.

“You’re just surrounded by four walls most of the time and that can be a factor mentally. Once we start playing it will take away from the desolate times.” (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

33

Taylor sidelined with injury, Matthews fails to fire for Hurricanes

SYDNEY, Australia (CMC) – Injured West Indies Women captain Stafanie Taylor was a non-starter and fellow all-rounder Hayley Matthews made a minor contribution in the final round of preliminary matches in the Women’s Big Bash League on Sunday.

Taylor was not expected to play after sustaining a leg injury on Saturday, but she watched her Adelaide Strikers teammates upstage semifinals-bound Perth Scorchers by three runs to close out their participation in this season’s competition in a thrilling fashion.

Matthews returned to Hobart Hurricanes line-up, after not playing in the previous two matches. She was dismissed for a four-ball duck and took one for 12 in three overs with her uncomplicated off-spin, but the Sydney Thunder confirmed their place in the semi-finals with a six-wicket victory.

At North Sydney Oval, Strikers fought back to pull off an incredible upset win over Perth Scorchers against the odds, finishing their season on a high note, after being knocked out of semi-finals contention on Saturday.

Amanda-Jade Wellington hit five fours and two sixes in the top score of 48 from 25 balls and led a solid batting effort for Strikers to reach 159

for six from their allocation of 20 overs, after they were put in to bat.

South Africa Women’s Laura Wolvaardt supported with 37, Katie Mack made 32 and Madeline Penna added 20 to prop up the Strikers batting.

Mack and Woolvaardt added 57 for the second wicket to hold the top order together before Wellington led the late charge, dominating a fifth-wicket stand of 43 with Bridget Patterson before falling to the penultimate ball of the innings.

Rookie England Women pacer Sarah Glenn was the pick of the Scorchers bowlers, taking four for 18 from her allotted four overs.

Scorchers appeared well placed to successfully chase down the target, when New Zealand Women’s Sophie Devine and Australia Women’s Beth Mooney put on 118 with little trouble for the first wicket.

Devine was caught behind off Australia’s pacer Tahlia McGrath for 57 off 42 balls that included nine fours and triggered a period of instability in the Scorchers batting.

Five wickets fell for 20 in the space of 19 balls and Scorchers found themselves needing 22 from the final three overs, before the match came down to Scorchers needing nine from the final over, which was

bowled by Australia Women pacer Sarah Coyte.

Jemma Barsby was run-out off the first ball of the over, a dot-ball and three singles followed, as Scorchers struggled against Coyte, the top wick-

double-header at North Sydney Oval.

At Drummoyne Oval, batting was once again the bugbear for Hurricanes and Matthews was one of the batters that fell cheaply and sank the Hobart

Stafanie Taylor (2nd left) watched from the sidelines after sustaining the injury

et-taker in the competition.

Needing five off the final ball, Strikers remained in the hunt, as Katie Mack collected in the field, returning the ball to the bowler as Coyte took the bails off, claiming a final wicket, and victory, for her team.

Strikers ended sixth in the preliminary competition on 13 points and Scorchers finished fourth on 14 points and will face chart-toppers Melbourne Stars in the semifinals today in a

side to four runs for three wickets in the first three overs.

They never fully recovered and were restricted to 115 for nine from their allocation of 20 overs, after they were put in to bat.

New Zealand’s wicketkeeper/batsman Rachel Priest hit 32 and Sasha Moloney gathered the top score of 39, sharing 57 for the third wicket to give the innings a bit of substance.

A late flurry for 24 not out from their captain Corinne Hall pushed them over the 100-run mark, with South Africa fast bowler Shabnim Ismail taking three for 10 from her allotted four overs and Hannah Darlington grabbing three for 24 from her four overs to be the main destroyers of the Hurricanes batting.

Missing new-ball bowler, Belinda Vakawera, who in-

jured herself in the previous day’s match against Scorchers, a target of 116 was always going to be tough total to defend.

When Hall also came from the field with an injured calf midway the innings, things continued to get worse for Hurricanes.

The Canes rallied as best as they could, but the England Women’s pair of Tammi Beaumont with 22 and Heather Knight with 25 set things up for Thunder and they formalised the result with 19 balls remaining.

Hurricanes ended at the bottom of the eightteam table on eight points, and Thunder finished third on 16 and will meet second-place Brisbane Heat in today’s semi-final double-header at North Sydney Oval.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

More than 80 women sign up for CWI Coaching Foundation Course

WOMEN’S cricket will take centre-stage in the coming week as Cricket West Indies (CWI) continues to unfold its plan to grow the game and create more opportunities for females who are keen to develop their skills and help increase participation in the sport, at all levels.

CWI will deliver a series of free events - featuring several former players and administrators - which include an Online Women’s Foundation Coaching Course for over 80 present and past players, an interview series with special guests that explores the past, present and future of West Indies women’s cricket, as well as several Cricket Development Workshops held in Antigua.

The aim of these initiatives is to engage, inspire and recruit more female players, coaches and course facilitators.

CWI president Ricky Skerritt was scheduled to address the participants

at the start of the virtual training session last evening. In response to a question following his speech at the recent UWI Frank Worrell Lecture series, Skerritt promised that West Indies Women’s Cricket would soon see an increased attention and focus which he said

Coaching Development Manager, will be part of the CWI team who will be delivering these events in collaboration with Territorial Boards, Ministries of Sport and a host of past greats and contributors to West Indies cricket.

“In what is a hugely

CWI’s Coaching Development Manager Chris Brabazon

should help vitalise Women’s cricket and strengthen the female cricketer’s pathway from grassroots to the international stage.

The president highlighted the recent appointment of Courtney Walsh, as one of the key steps already taken.

Chris Brabazon, CWI’s

exciting time for women’s cricket with the inaugural ICC Women’s Under-19s and Cricket World Cups on the horizon, we want to ensure that women and girls from across the Caribbean feel that they can be part of the game in a playing, coaching or administrative

capacity at any level, as their involvement is crucial to a thriving and sustainable cricket pathway,” Brabazon said.

“The response to this week’s Online Foundation Course has been overwhelming with over 80 women signed up to take part in the event which is a clear reflection of the passion that exists for the game. The course will be held online, via Zoom, over two evenings due to the present COVID-19 restrictions.

“We will also be releasing a series of interviews and presentations that highlight the rich heritage of women’s cricket, the current landscape and the future direction which will bring together some of the ‘best of the best’ to share their views including newly appointed West Indies Women’s coach Courtney Walsh, Jimmy Adams, Merissa Aguilleira and Anne Browne-John.”

(Sportsmax)

Giroud winner puts Chelsea in Champions League knockout stages RENNES, France (Reuters) - Striker Olivier Giroud scored a dramatic last-minute winner as Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Stade Rennais at Roazhon Park yesterday.

Sehrou Guirassy looked as though he had secured a point for his side with an equaliser minutes earlier, but Giroud profited from some poor Rennes defending to claim the win after Callum Hudson-Odoi had put the visitors in front in the first half.

Chelsea top Group E with 10 points from four games, level with Sevilla but ahead on goal-difference, after the Spanish side also claimed a late 2-1 victory in Russia against Krasnodar to seal their passage into the knockout stages.

Rennes, who have one point, had their moments but were largely kept at bay by Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who left the Brittany club for Stamford Bridge in September and made a number of outstanding saves.

The visitors should have gone in front inside four minutes as Timo Werner inexplicably blasted over from closerange with the goal gaping.

Hudson-Odoi’s low cross just needed to be steered into the net, but the German forward fired well over the bar from six yards out.

They did grab the lead midway the first half though when Mason Mount’s pinpoint 50-yard pass behind the Rennes defence allowed Hud-

son-Odoi to sprint clear, before he showed excellent control and provided a cool finish past Alfred Gomis.

Gomis saved brilliantly from Mount, but it was Mendy who was the busier of the two goalkeepers. He was finally beaten on 85 minutes as Guirassy was left unmarked

at a corner and powered his header into the net.

It looked to have sealed a point for the home side, but when Rennes gave up possession just outside their box, Hakim Ziyech set up Werner, whose shot was saved by Gomis, only for Giroud to head in the rebound.

Manders elected new president of Bermuda Cricket Board HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Former national all-rounder Arnold Manders has been elected the new president of the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB).

Manders, 61, was given the nod, by a vote of 8-5, at last Thursday’s annual general meeting, when he ended incumbent Lloyd Smith’s three-year term.

Manders knows he faces a huge task with Bermuda having plunged down the World rankings since qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 West Indies, but he feels he has much to offer as the new president.

“My wife thought I was crazy, but cricket has done a lot for me over the years,” he told the Royal Gazette newspaper.

“I travelled around the world, played against some of the greatest players in the game and I think this is my turn to try to put something in that is going to bring us back to where we were before.

“That’s what I say to my mates: ‘Don’t sit down and complain; come on board and let’s run with it’.”

Manders, a right-handed batsman and off-spinner, still plays in the island’s Evening Cricket League and has already served in a variety of positions.

He has been director of cricket, national coach, Bermuda captain, as well as Bermuda Under-19 coach, a position he says remains close to his heart.

He was both Under-19 coach and chief selector

for the senior team, when Bermuda qualified in 2005 for CWC 2007 and ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2008 Malaysia.

He had spent this year thinking about running for president after winning a vote in January to become first vice-president, when the clubs’ backing for Smith sparked an exodus by almost the entire executive committee.

Arnold Manders is the new president of Bermuda Cricket Board

The walk-out was in protest at Smith’s decision to bring former West Indies Test captain Jimmy Adams, the current Cricket West Indies director of cricket, as a guest speaker against their wishes, when the cashstrapped board was struggling to stay afloat.But the clubs came to the rescue and voted against a motion to censure the president, who had replaced Lloyd Fray in November 2017.

Kellie Smith was elected the board’s first female first vice-president, stepping into the post that Manders left vacant.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Wednesday, November 25, 2020

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Dinesh Ramdin-63 (43 catches/20 stumpings in 71 matches (2) Brendon McCullum-32 (24 catches/8 stumpings in 71 matches)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring their second goal v Stade Rennes with teammates in France - November 24, 2020 (REUTERS/Stephane Mahe)

(1) How many players have captained the WI inT20 Int’ls to date?

(2) How many players have led NZ in T20 Int’ls to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 25, 2020

35

Simmons looks for Windies batsmen to step up in preparation for Tests AUCKLAND, New Zealand (CMC) – West Indies head coach Phil Simmons said he would love to see his side improve in all areas when they face New Zealand ‘A’ in a four-day, first-class tour match, starting tomorrow (18:00hrs Wednesday – East Caribbean Time).

Simmons said the side played fairly well against the same opposition in a three-day, warm-up match, which ended last Sunday at John Davies Oval, the same venue for this four-day match.

But, Simmons said, they needed to step up with the countdown now on to the start of the two-Test series against the Black Caps.

“We need to see the same thing again with the batsmen,” he said. “The big partnerships. The big scores. And, maybe, a few more players getting big scores and getting time at the wicket. That is most important in this game.

“But, at the end of the four days, the best thing that can happen is that we win the game, so that we go into the (first) Test with that kind of confidence behind us.”

Simmons said: “For me,

those are the important things.

The bowlers, they continue to step up every time we go into a Test match, so I am not too worried about the bowlers.

“But we need some big scores from the batsmen, so I will be looking to see if that happens in this four-day game.”

Simmons said it was heartening to see the cream of the Windies batting spend valuable time at the crease during the warm-up match.

Left-hander Darren Bravo led the way with 135, Shamarh Brooks supported with 80, opener Kraigg Brathwaite made 47 and vice-captain Roston Chase added 42 in a West Indies first-innings total of 366.

But the Windies head coach said he wanted to see the batsmen continue to trend in that direction, and for left-handed opener John Campbell and compatriot Jermaine Blackwood to show a similar level of application.

“I think (for Campbell and Blackwood) it is about spending time at the crease,” he said.

“The good thing about the first game we played is that Bravo, Brathwaite, Brooks and Chase, they all spent time at the

crease.”

He said: “In this (second) game, it is about spending time at the crease … I am looking at the time the batsmen spend at the crease and how they control their innings, and this is what I am looking for from John and Blackwood in this four-day game.

“I will be one of the happi-

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons

est men in the world if we can continue with the partnerships and the time at the crease. The scores will come because we have batsmen with talent. But it’s about understanding that you have to spend time out

there to score the runs we need, to get to 400, 450 and so on. I would be extremely happy if that happens.”

Simmons said he believed there was now real competition for places in the West Indies Test batting line-up and incumbents were now under pressure to perform at a high level consistently.

“I do not know about last chances for anybody,” he said.

“I think it is a case where everybody is under pressure.

“We are getting more and more a group of batsmen fighting for four or five places. Within that group – with Hetmyer coming back in after missing the England Tour, and Bravo coming back in and Shai Hope is not here – you are getting a group that is fighting for three positions or four positions, as the case may be.”

He said: “There will be pressure on (the batsmen) to perform and that’s what we want. We need the performances, and if you perform, you will be there.

“And the performances we are talking about is hundreds, big hundreds that’s what we keep singing to the players. We

CWI sending two officials on fact-finding mission to Bangladesh ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) will be sending independent board director Dr Akshai Mansingh and security manager Paul Slowe to Bangladesh to conduct a detailed assessment of the country’s COVID-19 response protocols ahead of a scheduled tour next January.

Mansingh is a member of the medical advisory committee of CWI and the sport’s World governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and Slowe is a former deputy Commissioner of Police in Guyana and has been CWI’s security manager for almost a decade.

CWI chief executive officer Johnny Grave said West Indies would be the first international team to visit Bangladesh since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and Dr Mansingh and Slowe will get first-hand knowledge of Bangladesh’s readiness for the Tour.

“Acting always with the health and safety of our touring party at the forefront of our minds, we have decided to conduct a pre-tour recce by sending two highly-experienced professionals to as-

sess BCB’s bio-secure plans and protocols,” he said.

“Our respective medical and operations teams have held a number of positive meetings over the last few weeks and

Independent Board member Dr Akshai Mansingh

following receipt of the report from our inspection team, a recommendation will be made to our board of directors on whether it is safe to tour Bangladesh early next year.”

No such pre-tour assessments were conducted before West Indies travelled to England or the current tour of New Zealand.

CWI president Ricky Skerritt said in a video conference interview with a Bangladesh TV station on Sunday that the Tour of Bangladesh was possible, but there

CWI Security Manager Paul Slowe

were genuine concerns about the country’s preparedness to stage an international tour.

“We want to be sure that the protocols established in Bangladesh meet the requirement that we have established so far in the various tours we have been on,” Skerritt told the Dhaka-based Maasranga TV. “There are case studies to

benchmark from.

“Certain standards were set, certain learnings were achieved, and I think once Bangladesh can meet those standards, I don’t think there’s going to be any major problem. We just have to verify in our own way that the situation will be safe for all concerned.”

Dr Mansingh and Slowe will visit all the proposed facilities for the tour in the capital city Dhaka and second city of Chattogram, attend matches in the Bangabandhu Twenty20 Cup and meet with health and security officials about the country’s COVID-19 response protocols.

The Tour of Bangladesh would be the third tour for the West Indies men’s team since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. They are currently in New Zealand for three T20 Internationals and two Tests.

This past June, they visited England, where they played three Tests in a bio-secure environment, marking the return of the sport on the international stage.

The West Indies Women also toured England this past September for five T20 Internationals.

need that kind of performance from this team.”

The West Indies side will be boosted by the arrival of Test captain Jason Holder for the match.

T h e Wo r l d - r a t e d all-rounder is scheduled to leave managed isolation under New Zealand’s COVID-19 protocols tomorrow.

Simmons said he will be included in the final 11 for the four-day match, but he will arrive around tea on the first day.

The first Test between New Zealand and West Indies starts on Thursday, December 3 at Seddon Park in Hamilton, and the second Test begins on Friday, December 11 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Squads: N E W Z E A L A N D ‘ A’ (from): Cole McConchie (captain), Joe Carter, Dane Cleaver, Henry Cooper, Jacob Duffy, Ken McClure, Henry Nicholls, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Rippon, Ben Sears, Sean Solia, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

WEST INDIES (from): Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Chemar Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach. Reserves: Joshua da Silva, Nkrumah Bonner, Preston McSween, Shayne Moseley, Raymon Reifer, Jayden Seales.

Kiwi Greg Barclay elected chairman of cricket’s World governing body ICC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – New Zealander Greg Barclay is the new chairman of cricket’s World governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC).

B a r c l a y, a n A u c k land-based commercial lawyer, has been a director of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) since 2012 and currently NZC’s representative on the board of the ICC.

New ICC chairman Greg Barclay

“It is an honour to be elected as the chairman of the ICC and I would like to thank my fellow ICC Directors for their support,” he said in an ICC media release.

“I hope we can come together to lead the sport and emerge from the global (COVID-19) pandemic in a strong position and poised for growth.”

Barclay secured an 11th vote from Cricket South Africa in a second round of voting, to beat Imran Khwaja, who had been the interim chair-

man after Shashank Manohar stepped down from the post in July this year.

Barclay had secured 10 votes to Khwaja’s six in the first round of voting last week, but ICC stipulations meant he needed 11 – a two-thirds majority of the 16-member ICC board of directors.

“I look forward to working in partnership with our members to strengthen the game in our core markets, as well as grow it beyond that ensuring more of the world can enjoy cricket,” he said.

“I take my position as a custodian of the game very seriously and I am committed to working on behalf of all 104 ICC members to create a sustainable future for our sport.

“I’d like to thank Imran Khwaja for his leadership as acting ICC chairman during a difficult period for the game and I look forward to continuing a close working relationship with him in the future.”

Barclay will step down from his position at NZC to lead the ICC in an independent capacity.

He was a director of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015 and was a former board member and chairman of the Northern Districts Cricket Association in his homeland. Barclay is also an experienced company director, holding board positions with various New Zealand and Australian companies.

Fourth annual PM Softball Cup bowls… Regal offfaceFriday stiff opposition to retain titles

FLASHBACK: Last year’s Over-45 winners Regal Masters after their victory over Mike’s Wellman

By Frederick Halley WHEN the fourth annual Prime Minister Cup Softball Cup, organised by the Georgetown Softball League (GSCL) Inc, bowls off on Friday at various venues across Georgetown, Regal will be aiming to repeat history by becoming the first club to qualify for all three finals, a feat they accomplished last year.

Despite the absence of the usual overseas teams, apart from two from New York (Rockaway Legends and President’s X1 in the Over-50 category), the tournament is expected to be highly competitive with several

teams aiming to dethrone Regal in all three categories.

Chief among them are Speedboat who failed to qualify for last year’s semi-finals after winning in 2017 and 2018, Mike’s Wellman who still have a score to settle after losing two consecutive finals in the Over-45 category and Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) with a star-studded squad to vie for supremacy in the Legends Over-50 division.

For several weeks, the staging of this year’s tournament hung in the balance due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has overwhelmed most countries. However, with the blessings of the Ministry of Health and the National COVID-19 Task

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (right), and president of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. Ian John during the launching ceremony with the trophies

Force, outdoor sport is once again permitted in Guyana, albeit with specific guidelines.

According to a release from the Ministry of Health, “We have provisions in the Order that is currently enforced for limited provision of sporting events. In the specific instance of cricket, we have granted permission for cricket matches, but without spectators, and along with the permission among the conditions that they have to uphold is that bars at these events must be closed; there must be no bars,” Dr Frank Anthony said in his daily COVID-19 update last Tuesday.

In what was considered unprecedented in 2019, Regal vied for supremacy in all three categories – the Open team clashed with Grill Masters of Berbice, the Over-45 battled Mike’s Wellman in a repeat of the 2018 final and the Over-50 faced New York’s President’s X1.

Due to logistical problems, occasioned by faulty floodlights at Everest Cricket Club ground, the teams were TURN TO forced to share honours in PAGE 30 the Open category while Regal won

NFL makes history with India’s ‘fabulous five’ all-Black officiating crew in Tampa

can overcome pink-ball inexperience - Shastri SEE PAGE 30

The first all-Black officiating crew works Monday’s football game between Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida (Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Mohammed Shami (right) and Jasprit Bumrah, spearhead of India’s “fabulous five” pacemen SEE PAGE 35

THE Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams’ NFL game was officiated by an all-Black crew on Monday night.

Why it matters: It’s the

first time in NFL history this has happened. It comes “55 years after Burl Toler became the first Black official in the NFL,” the Rams noted in a statement. NFL football op-

erations executive vice-president Troy Vincent said in a statement, “This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasur-

able contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game.”

Kiwi Greg Barclay elected chairman of cricket’s World governing body ICC

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020