Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-10-2021 by Guyana Chronicle

FRIDAY 29th October, 2021

No. 106529

Striking a balance between wealth and the environment SEE PAGE

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali speaking at the launch of the national consultation on the Low-Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (Office of the President photo)

-President Ali opens LCDS 2030 for public consultation

Young artists bring colour to climate change awareness SEE PAGE

The art competition winners with UK High Commissioner Jane Miller and Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcel Hutson (Ministry of Education photo)

Art competition winners with their parents share the moment with UK High Commissioner Miller and Chief Education Officer, Dr. Hutson

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Young artists bring colour to climatechange awareness FOURTEEN young artists were named winners on Thursday in the CoP26 Child Art Competition, a collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the High Commission of the United Kingdom (UK) in Georgetown. Under the theme, ‘The Environment and the impact of Climate Change,’ the competition, according to a release from the Ministry of Education, coincides with the high-level United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (CoP 26) to be held in the United Kingdom this weekend. The competition for children brings awareness to climate change and highlights the importance of young people’s voices and action in addressing the

climate crisis, UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, is quoted as saying. Pressing the importance of behavioural change, the UK diplomat noted persons can practise recycling, avoiding single-use plastic, and turning off lights that are not in use. “The High Commissioner encouraged the winners to be agents of change and to spread the word about how important it is that everyone protects the environment,” the Education Ministry’s press release stated. Turning attention to the winners, the competition was divided into three categories — the five to seven-years-old; eight to 10-years-old; and the 11 to 15-years-old. Turn to page 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Striking a balance between wealth and environment -President Ali opens LCDS 2030 for public consultation

EVEN with a burgeoning oil and gas economy, Guyana is still working to maintain its stance as a global powerhouse in the fight against climate change. In doing so, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government has crafted a revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which was released on Thursday for public consultation. The original LCDS was pioneered in 2009 by then President and current Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and has now been altered in keeping with Guyana’s current status as a petroleum producer. “So, the context of the LCDS we launch today – LCDS 2030 – is very different to the context of 2009…we intend to remain one of the world’s lowest carbon economies – prioritising action on forests and energy,” Dr. Ali noted. He assured that Guyana intends to pursue strong policies to ensure that its oil and gas sector operates to international standards. More notably, President Ali said that government is working to eliminate flaring from oil production, except in the case of genuine emergencies. “When my government took office in 2020, there were no safeguards in place to disallow flaring. As a result, we introduced one of the very few taxes on flaring in the world – where beyond the commissioning period, all flaring will be taxed at US$45 per tonne of carbon, along with the actual gas lost,” Dr. Ali said, adding, “For newly-licensed production, the tax on flaring will be accompanied by legal limits on the overall amount of flaring.” Similarly, he said that new measures have also been introduced to ensure that all waste management is the responsibility of the oil producer, in accordance with international standards, from “cradle to grave”. Added to that, the Head of State said that Guyana will also be working with oil producers to explore and promote use of lower carbon technological innovation, including the use of renewable energy in oil production, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and,

when technologically viable, green hydrogen. The Head of State was keen to note that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government will work to meet its responsibilities to the people of Guyana by maximising the benefits to be accrued from the oil and gas industry, whilst advocating for global policies to create a level playing field that align the global marketplace for oil and gas, with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. In highlighting some of the disparities that exist, President Ali pointed to the fact that the United States of America, the world’s largest oil producer, has a per capita income of US$65,000, which is 10 times that of Guyana. He said, pointedly, that no responsible government should volunteer that its people stay poor so that richer countries can have their market protected. To this end, Dr. Ali insisted that there should be a global price on carbon, levied on the consumption of oil and gas. He believes too that subsidy for fossil fuel production should be removed. “In 2019, fifty of the largest economies in the world, which account for 80 per cent of global greenhouse gas emission, increased their support for fossil fuel production by 30 per cent. Most of this was in developed countries, which are already the incumbents benefitting most from the trillions of dollars in the oil and gas market,” Dr. Ali indicated. Once a level playing field is created, President Ali affirmed that Guyana will not shirk its responsibilities in such a marketplace. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY Also critical to the balance between economy and environment is the need for Guyana to transition from an energy sector that is 97 per cent dependent on fossil fuel, into one that is able to utilise an energy mix utilising Guyana’s renewable resources such as wind, hydro and solar. An iconic aspect of the 2009 LCDS had to do with the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project which was ‘tanked’ by the former

A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government. “All the technical analysis over the years, including a report presented by a consultancy engaged by the last Government and Norway, concluded that Amaila Falls Hydropower project represented the best way forward to expand Guyana’s energy supply,” Dr. Ali reminded. With the PPP/C Government now back in place, the Amaila Falls Project is back on stream, and is now part of a more detailed energy mix. “This energy transition will achieve a level that very few, if any, countries have achieved. Cheaper electricity will be supplied, and that supply can increase fivefold with emissions staying essentially flat,” the President shared. He said that the energy transition will form the backbone of the broader low carbon transition outlined in the LCDS 2030. BILLIONS FROM THE FOREST A significant component of the LCDS, both the 2009 and the 2030 editions, has to do with Guyana’s forest, and how it can be used as a major income earner for the country. “If oil and gas is a bedrock of today’s global economy, the world’s ecosystems need to be the bedrock of the future economy… Guyana became one of the first countries in the world to recognise this,” Dr. Ali posited. He reminded that in 2009, when Guyana set out the original LCDS, Guyana made a landmark offer to “create a global model for jurisdiction-scale action to show how the world’s forests could be maintained”. To put it simply, the LCDS paved the way for countries with high carbon emissions to pay countries like Guyana to maintain its forest. The President noted that for the period 2009 to 2015, Guyana earned US$212 million in payments to be invested in the LCDS. “Guyana alone stores about 19.5 billion tonnes of carbon in our forests,” Dr. Ali added. He said that “Because of the work of the last twelve years, we now know that Guyana has maintained the

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing those gathered at the launch of the revised Low Carbon Development Strategy on Thursday (Office of the President photo)

second highest percentage of forest cover on earth – with more than 99.5 per cent of our forest remaining – an area almost the size of England and Scotland combined.” Dr. Ali noted that Guyana’s ecosystems have enormous value to the global economy. “We have four percent of known animal species. There are more bird species in Guyana than in the entire United States of America. We have 2.4 per cent of known plant species,” Dr. Ali said. He specified that Guyana’s forests alone have an estimated value of up to US$54 billion annually. However, President Ali lamented that, unlike oil and gas, the world does not yet recognise the value of its forest in monetary terms. “This is the main reason that forests across the world are cleared for agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and other uses,” Dr. Ali noted. The Head of State assured that via the LCDS 2030, Guyana will capitalise on its position as a carbon sink, to develop the lives of all Guyanese. “There are a number of possibilities outlined in the LCDS 2030, but I want to emphasise that no agreements will be entered into until after the national consultation is completed and the LCDS 2030 is finalised,” President Ali assured. He said that the document, which is currently in its draft stages, will only

be finalised once all those involved have agreed to its contents. More importantly, Dr. Ali said that particular emphasis will be placed on adhering to a set of United Nations-mandated safeguards, including the principle known as ‘Free Prior and Informed Consent’ (FPIC), which ensures that indigenous peoples and communities have a direct say in the policies and programmes that affect them and their livelihoods. “A dedicated 15 per cent of funds from forest climate services will be invested in Amerindian communities’ priorities, including land titling and capitalisation of the Amerindian Development Fund to implement Community Development Plans. Low carbon infrastructure will be expanded – including transportation, digital infrastructure, e-Governance, and social inclusion. The urban-built

environment – roads, drainage and water infrastructure among other areas – will be improved in all our towns,” Dr. Ali promised. Nonetheless, he said that to carry out the national consultation, the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee will be reconstituted. In encouraging input into the document, President Ali said that Guyana is at a point where it is full of promise and potential, and that once Guyanese come together and seize the opportunities that exist, the country is poised to become a global powerhouse. “We can provide answers to some of the biggest questions the world faces, like balancing energy and climate security or creating the basis for a future ecosystem services economy. We can help our people to become prosperous without leaving anybody behind,” President Ali said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Facebook changes its name to Meta in major rebrand

Facebook has changed its corporate name to Meta as part of a major rebrand. The company said it would better “encompass” what it does, as it broadens its reach beyond social media into areas like virtual reality (VR). The change does not apply to its individual platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, only the parent company that owns them. The move follows a series of negative stories about Facebook, based on documents leaked by an ex-employee. Frances Haugen has

Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice on the metaverse (AFP via GETTY IMAGES)

accused the company of putting “profits over safety”. In 2015, Google restructured its company calling its parent firm Alphabet, however, the name has not caught on. Facebook boss

Mark Zuckerberg announced the new name as he unveiled plans to build a “metaverse” an online world where people can game, work and communicate in a virtual environment, often using VR headsets. He said the existing brand could not “possibly represent everything that we’re doing today, let alone in the future”, and needed to change. “Over time, I hope that we are seen as a metaverse company and I want to anchor our work and our identity on what we’re building towards,” he told a virtual conference. “We’re now looking at and reporting on our business as two different segments, one for our family of apps, and one for our work on future platforms. “And as part of this, it is time for us to adopt a new company brand to encompass every-

thing that we do, to reflect who we are and what we hope to build.” The company also unveiled a new sign at its headquarters in Menlo Park, California, on Thursday, replacing its thumbs-up “Like” logo with a blue infinity shape. Zuckerberg said the new name reflects that over time, users will not need to use Facebook to use the company’s other services. The word “meta” comes from the Greek word meaning “beyond”. To an outsider, a metaverse may look like a version of VR, but some people believe it could be the future of the internet. Instead of being on a computer, people in a metaverse might use a headset to enter a virtual world connecting all sorts of digital environments. It is hoped the virtual world could be used for practically anything from work, play and

concerts, to socialising with friends and family. Facebook said it intends to start trading its shares under the new stock ticker MVRS from 1 December. The company has had multiple hits to its reputation, with The Washington Post today reporting that Facebook withheld important information about vaccine misinformation from policymakers during the pandemic. It was the latest in a series of stories based on internal documents leaked by ex-employee Ms Haugen to the media. Among other things, the reports have claimed Facebook sat on research that showed Instagram harmed teenage mental health, and struggled to remove hate speech from its platforms outside the US. Zuckerberg has described the reports as a “coordinated effort to selectively use leaked documents to paint a false picture of our company”. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Humans turning forests into carbon emitters means more wildfires, which means more carbon emissions.” And wildfires are not the only climate-related threat. Hurricane Maria destroyed an estimated 20 per cent of the forest cover in Morne Trois Pi-

tons National Park, Dominica, in 2017. “There’s an alarming message from this study,” Dr Carvalho Resende said. “Even the best and most protected forest areas in the world are threatened by the

global climate crisis. So action [to cut global emissions] is really needed now to ensure that these forests -- that all forests -- can continue to act as carbon sinks and, of course, as important sites for biodiversity.”

Hundreds of sea turtles wash up dead in Mexico Giant sequoias in California - some of the oldest living things on Earth have been lost to wildfire (BBC/GETTY IMAGES) Ten of the world’s most pro- from fossil fuels,” said Dr of trees and vegetation, the tected forests have become net Tales Carvalho Resende, from research revealed how much emitters of carbon, as they are the United Nations Educa- pressure some of these sites degraded by human activity tional, Scientific and Cultural were under. and climate change. Organisation (UNESCO), who The sites studied in this The alarming insight is co-authored the report. “We assessment have some of the from a study of? planet-warm- now have the most detailed highest levels of official proing gases emitted from and ab- picture to date of the vital role tection. sorbed by forests in UNESCO that [these] forests play?in mitThey are deemed globally World Heritage sites. igating?climate change.” significant in terms of their It revealed 10 ?protected But forests face a raft of natural value to the world and forests had emitted more car- pressures, including illegal are closely and continuously bon than they locked away logging, the expansion of farm- monitored. over the past 20 years. ing and wildfires -- which are “But they’re still under World heritage forests span made more likely by climate significant pressure,” Dr Caran area twice the size of Ger- change. valho Resende said. The main many. Combining satellite-de- pressures are agricultural enThe same research also rived data?with monitoring in- croachment, illegal logging revealed the network of 257 formation at the site level,?re- - human-induced pressures. World Heritage forests around searchers estimated the car- But we also found climate-rethe world collectively removed bon?absorbed and?emitted lated threats - most specifically 190 million tonnes of carbon by??World?Heritage for- wildfires.” from the atmosphere every ests?between 2001 and 2020. ‘VICIOUS CYCLE’ year. But as well as calculating In recent years, what UN“That is nearly half of the the billions of tonnes of carbon ESCO called “unprecedented UK’s annual carbon emissions absorbed by all that “biomass” wildfires”, notably in Siberia, the US and Australia, have generated tens of millions of tonnes of CO2. “It’s a vicious cycle,” Dr Carvalho Resende said. “More carbon emissions In our October 28, 2021 edition, a story headlined “Three foreigners, among 20 persons, apply for GECOM CEO post”, named Jainarine ‘Don’ Singh, as one of the contenders. Mr Singh has since reached out to the Guyana Chronicle, pointing out that he never conceived such intention. The Guyana Chronicle apologises to Mr Singh for any inconvenience this inaccuracy would have caused him.

Erratum

Lepidochelys Olivacea, also known as the Golfina Sea Turtle or Olive Ridley Turtle, is considered vulnerable (AFP/BBC photo) At least 300 sea turtles have washed up dead on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Preliminary examination suggests that the olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) drowned, an official with Mexico’s environment ministry said. The official said they had probably become tangled in illegal fishing nets in the high seas or in abandoned nets known as “ghost nets”. Olive ridley turtles are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the

Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN says that their population is decreasing and that they are listed as vulnerable because they only nest in a small number of places. The turtles were found washed up on Morro Ayuta beach in Oaxaca, on Mexico’s western coast. The beach is one of the sites where olive ridley turtles come to lay their eggs. All of the dead animals were females, turtle expert Ernesto Albavera Padilla

told local media. It is not the first time a large number of olive ridley turtles has been found dead in Oaxaca. In 2018, fishermen found 300 of them entangled in fishing nets. Mexico banned the capture of sea turtles in 1990 and there are stiff penalties for anyone killing them. Officials said Mexico’s navy would join environmental authorities in their investigation of the deaths. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Playing politics with our national accounts THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was established in British Guiana in 1957 by Standing Order No. 70 (2) and is now provided for by Standing Order 82 (1) of the National Assembly. The Standing Committee is established at the commencement of the life of each Parliament and continues for the duration of the National Assembly, unless the National Assembly determines otherwise. The Chairman of the Committee resides in a member of the main opposition. The Public Accounts Committee is therefore an important accountability arm of the State as each budget agency is required to answer to the committee for their stewardship of monies allocated to them by maintaining proper and detailed records which are audited by the Office of the Auditor General on an annual basis and which then is forwarded to the Speaker of the National Assembly for examination and scrutiny by Parliament through the Public Accounts Committee. In so doing, the PAC is responsible for ensuring that public money was spent for the purpose authorised by Parliament.

No one can deny that the PAC is an important body in terms of its mandate and in ensuring full accountability and transparency of public funds. Indeed, it is at sittings of the PAC that accounting officers from government agencies are made to answer for any apparent discrepancies in the use of public funds as highlighted in the Auditor General’s Report. This is why it is so important for the committee to meet as statutorily required and in a manner that will not interfere with the day-today operations of the Executive. Based on recent media reports, it would appear that the Chairman of the PAC, Jermaine Figueira, is insisting, with the support of his APNU+AFC colleagues in the committee, to depart from the established practices of having one meeting per week to that of twice per week, purportedly to deal with a backlog of cases. Interestingly, the PAC was unable to meet during a scheduled session last week after clerks of committees expressed their unwillingness to work with the PAC due allegedly to the unprofessional conduct of some members. This does not auger

well for the work of the committee and certainly not on the Chairman of the PAC whose responsibility is to ensure that the meetings are conducted in an atmosphere of respect and cordiality. In fact, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, had cause to write to the PAC Chair indicating the grievances of the parliamentary staff who have complained that the PAC is not conducive to a healthy work environment. The matter had reached a point where the former PAC clerk had to seek medical attention due to high stress levels emanating from the manner in which the work of the PAC was being conducted. At a superficial level, the argument in favour of more regular meetings of the committee may appear helpful to the work of the committee but, as pointed out by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; it does come with a cost in terms of the disruption of the work of the Executive and, ironically, the Parliament itself. The Clerk of the National Assembly has already spoken to high stress levels by those required to be at the meetings due

to overwork. And, as if that were not enough, there were allegations of disrespect displayed by opposition members who appeared insensitive to the concerns of staff who are required to attend such sessions. One wonders what is behind this sudden and heightened interest in the work of the PAC by opposition members, especially when seen against the background of past attempts by the APNU+AFC and its political predecessor the PNC to stifle the work of the PAC. It is an established fact that both the Office of the Auditor General and the PAC were treated with scant regard by the PNC when in office and for several consecutive years no Auditor General Report was presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly. The PAC did not meet for several years in a row and it was not until the PPP/C assumed office on October 1992 that the Office of the Auditor General was strengthened and audited reports submitted on an annual basis. Further, the Office of the Auditor General was de-linked from the Ministry of Finance and was made an independent budget agency with reporting relationship only to Parliament. These were

indeed significant measures taken by the PPP/C administration to enhance the integrity and accountability of public funds. Not so long ago the government side of the House had cause to seek the removal the former Chairman of the PAC, Mr. David Patterson, after allegations of financial improprieties surfaced which could have raised serious questions on issues of confidence and integrity as it relates to the PAC Chair. Meanwhile, a new parliamentary clerk has been identified to work along with the Public Accounts Committee which is expected to be reconvened on Monday. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, had already indicated her displeasure over the high-handed manner in which the PAC Chair is conducting the business of the Committee and has, in fact, moved a motion for the committee to revert to having meetings once per week. One hopes that good sense will prevail and the work of the PAC will not be sacrificed on the alter of political expediency on the part of the political opposition.

Harmon appears to have the edge at Congress Dear Mr. Editor, AS I ponder on the leadership of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and as I monitor and analyse the various conversations in the printed, electronic and social media, it is clear that the PNC is having a leadership crisis. I say PNC because I am in full agreement with political science professor Mr. Freddie Kissoon that the PNC, AFC, WPA and all the small parties that formed the Coalition are dead. It would be a good time now for me to examine the candidates vying for the leadership of the PNC. Mr. Van West Charles was a known executive member of the AFC and the son-in-law of Mr. Linden F.S. Burnham. I don’t think

that he has much support within the membership of the PNC Congress because of previous questionable actions. He is already a very old man although he is a very smooth man; I don’t think that he will get far with his campaign bid for leader. Now let’s move to Mr. Aubrey Norton. He is a die-hard PNC strongman and he has never wavered over the many decades he has embraced this party. Mr. Norton will get some support from the Congress but I don’t think that he can get over the line. Politics is about money and Mr. Norton doesn’t have any relationship with the private sector. Mr. Norton has never spoken anything over the past 40 years supporting any other race other than his own support

base. He also lacks the ability to provide leadership to garner the cross over votes. So, when you enter politics your goal is to win an election. Can Mr. Norton win an election? Certainly not! His tactics would be to organise and give critical support and leadership to organise street protests, dissent and other activities that don’t do good for any country. Now let us examine Madam Volda Lawrence. It is unfortunate that she would not be running in this race. She is the most popular candidate in the PNC. However, she did something really stupid, that is to put her signature on the Region Four - Statement of Poll in an effort to support Clairmont Mingo’s actions which resulted in her being charged and placed be-

fore the courts for something that can ultimately destroy her political career. The question is, who will Miss Lawrence support at the Congress in December? Whoever, she supports will win the leadership. However, my understanding is that she will be on the sideline and will allow her supporters to make their own individual choice. Finally, Mr. Joseph Harmon. He has been in politics for over 10 years and has acquired some experience serving as Director-General in the Office of the President. His role as Chief Minister under the David Granger lead administration from 2015-2020 has placed him as the front runner for the leadership. During this time, he has developed a reasonable relationship with the

private sector and only he can attract significant financial support for campaign funding. All political parties and elections activities call for large sums of money and the party with the most money stands a better chance of winning an election. In addition, Mr. Harmon might be in a better position of winning crossover votes as he has a number of young former Ministers and Members of Parliament in full support of him as leader of the PNC. The time is now right for him to make public his philosophy and policies as the Guyanese public is eagerly awaiting more details from Mr. Joseph Harmon. Yours respectfully, Raghubir Persaud

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

An editorial which lacks facts and analysis

Dear Editor

THE Business Editorial in the Stabroek News captioned, ‘Agriculture: More Rhetoric’ was most unimpressive and equally disillusioning, since it failed to address what is happening in ‘market’ but rather, seemed focused on the ‘noise’. The Editor accused the Ministry of Agriculture ‘to often talk up the responsibilities of its portfolio without paying due attention to the actualisation of its undertakings’. Has the Editorial sought the ‘actualisation’ taking place? It is disappointing that the editorial has seen ‘no clear commitment to realisation’ of ‘undertakings’, namely, food security and the reduction of the food bill which is in excess of US$5 billion. No doubt, these are serious issues but these have been addressed by this government in a most tangible manner and cannot be classified as ‘rhetoric’, moreover so in the midst of the most vicious pandemic ever and the most catastrophic flood in over 40 years. This flood actually wiped out

many farms across the country. Equally disappointing is the fact that the editorial did not see the emotional ‘oomph’ which farmers have exuded as a result of the financial and technical assistance which the government extended to all farmers affected by the devastating flood. The government saved not only the livelihoods of Guyanese, but salvaged some crops which allow for the continued sustenance of the people. This plague was actually averted was not mere ‘waffle’. It took the ministers of this government and even the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister sleepless nights and working around the clock 24/7 to ensure that agriculture survived and it is a shame that some ‘pen pushers’ would sit in their air-conditioned offices, oblivious of the struggles taking place without. Not only that, it took over $10 billion dollars in actual cash relief and infrastructural works. In addition, the sugar industry was badly hit and sugar production will bear the crippling fallout in this and the next year. I know some of the nay-

GECOM should halt the process of hiring a new CEO until legislative changes are made

Dear Editor,

GECOM should halt the process of hiring a new Chief Executive Officer until legislative changes are made to split the duties of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Elections Officer, and the National Commissioner for Registration. Currently, one person wears all three of these hats and there can be no better example of why the jobs/ responsibilities should not reside with one person than the 2018-2020 elections. Yours sincerely, Robin Singh

sayers will sing the ‘closure mantra’. It is a pity that the Business Editorial did not look beyond ‘emotional oomph’ and critically lacked statistical data analysis. Had it done some analysis as to the budgetary allocation since this government took office and the Bank of Guyana MidYear Report, it would have painted a vastly different picture. Criticisms and condemnations would have been appropriately placed where they belong; -squarely on the Coalition’s maladministration of the entire country and not only the agriculture sector. I could still recall the empty rhetoric of ‘rice bowl’, ‘sugar pot’ and ‘fruit bowl’ from Granger himself and he was not condemned. In the 2019 Budget, the Coalition Government allocated $17 billion to the Agriculture Sector but in 2016 it was $18 billion. It declined progressively. Under this government in 2020 it was $18.4 billion and in 2021 it rose steeply to $22.6 billion. This seems to be costly ‘rhetoric’. I wondered if the continuous slashing of the agriculture budget brought any negative recrimination from the Stabroek Business Editorial. Unfortunately, I have seen none.

In addition, a comparison of the Bank of Guyana Mid-Year Report for 2020 and 2021 indicated that the contraction in the Agriculture Sector was more pronounced in 2020 than in 2021 despite the negative effects of the pandemic and the devastating floods. This would indicate the effectiveness of the strategies implemented by the government, namely, by the Ministry of Agriculture. When we seek to criticise and condemn the sector, one must take strong cognisance of the debilitating factors which wreaked havoc to the sector. We must pardon the ministry for placing undue emphasis to save the sector rather than being involved in pomp and celebration. The Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, in a round-table discussion on the role of farmers and rural communities in the sustainability of agrifood systems, organised by the Council of the Americas and the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), reminded those present that, ‘We must improve the conditions of food producers, who are the true generators of wealth’. He made it abundantly clear that the establishment of infrastructure for the processing

of crops in rural areas will add value and which in turn, will increase the profitability of the farming activities. The thousands who attended his numerous outreaches will know that this is what he continuously reiterated and what he assiduously worked towards achieving. The numerous challenges which the agriculture sector has had to endure have never been greater in any time in our history but with every challenge a speedy resolution was put in place. The devastating effects of climate change will no doubt cause the sector to face even more challenges in the future but it is a heartening relief to note that the government’s agrarian policies are geared to mitigate those disastrous effects in the future. The recent flood wreaked havoc in the sector but as stated before, the government worked non-stop to ensure that the negative effects of the flood were minimised. It deployed all its resources in not only giving

immediate relief with food supplies and other necessities but give monetary relief to the thousands of cattle farmers, rice farmers and cash crop farmers. In conclusion, I will not itemise the numerous investments already taking place in the different regions of Guyana to boost food production and processing since this information is easily accessible. What needs to be understood is our preference for imported foods as against the official commitment to helping the rest of the Caribbean “reduce its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025”. This commitment must be looked through this prism but this is being addressed as the ministry’s continued drive to increase production not only in non-traditional crops but dairy and meat, eggs, fish and shrimp, among others driven by processing and value-added products. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

No added sugars in Legislating ‘local content’ by way of quotas Topco’s Orange Juice is not the optimum approach to maximising Guyana’s earnings from oil industry

Dear Editor, IN response to a letter published in the October 22, 2021, Stabroek News, by Mr. Conrad Barrow titled ‘Kudos to Topco orange juice but specific nutritional details need to be stated’, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) would like to thank Mr. Barrow for his comments and concerns about the labelling of our popular TOPCO Unsweetened Orange Juice. DDL would like to take the opportunity to provide some information regarding the subject at hand relating to our TOPCO Unsweetened Orange Juice. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), total sugars include naturally occurring sugars present in many nutritious foods and beverages, such as fruit and milk; as well as any added sugars (such as sucrose or dextrose) that may be present in the product. There is currently no recommendation for the total amount of naturally occurring sugars to consume in a day. The TOPCO Unsweetened Orange Juice has only natural occurring sugars and no added sugars. Since TOPCO’s Unsweetened Orange Juice has no added sugar and only the naturally present sugars in the fruit, there is no require-

ment to state the percentage daily value. This is in keeping with recent US FDA obligations, which require labels to disclose the grams and percentage of added sugars. The labels for all TOPCO juices are reviewed and approved by the Government Analyst-Food and Drugs Department, as the regulatory agency responsible for enforcing compliance with nutrition label requirements in Guyana. DDL wishes to express to its valued customers that it aims to provide quality products that meet all international best practices and requirements for consumption. Regards, Alex Graham

Dear Editor, LEGISLATING ‘local content’ by way of quotas/ percentages of goods and services is not the optimum approach to maximising Guyana’s earnings from its oil industry. There will always be loopholes, such as quality, experience, competence versus qualification, etc. for the operator and its contractors to slip through. My suggested approach to increase local content is to first act aggressively to lower the cost of oil production by the operator, (EEPGL) ESSO Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. (a subsidiary of ExxonMobil). Understanding this spatial pathway requires some background and explanation. There are four partners in the Stabroek Production Sharing Agreement; - Guyana, Hess, CNOOC, and ExxonMobil which share the profits after production costs are deducted. It is in all part-

ners’ best interest to ensure oil is produced at the lowest possible cost; for that to happen EEPGL must meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves the best value for money. Guyana is not the only partner who is conducting audits to trim costs, HESS and CNOOC must be doing the same with great diligence for their respective shareholders; logically, the three (non-operator) partners should work together to find and disqualify the excesses of the operator (EEPGL) and its contractors. Here is where local content blooms under this model; when Company X’s expatriate engineer employee salary that is 10 times that of a local engineer is deemed non-recoverable, it is inevitable that Company X will actively seek out local engineers to fill positions, similarly, when Company Y is informed that sending a part to be machined in Arkansas

cost four times as much as what it would locally and is therefore ineligible to be considered for cost recovery, there will be a shift to local machining. It is important to include the costs incurred by ExxonMobil’s contractors, for recent information in the public domain suggests that contractors are engaged in sole-sourcing of services and goods from preferred partners to the exclusion of locals who can be competitive given the opportunity. A genuine partnership is one where parties agree to co-operate to advance their mutual interests; the non-operator partners realise that every cent cut in production cost per barrel of oil results in millions of USD increase in profit; when they (the partners) understand that this will come through local content, there will be a seismic shift to local goods and services. Yours sincerely Robin Singh

Minister Rodrigues hit the nail on the head

Dear Editor, MINISTER Rodrigues hit the nail on the head, when she commented on ‘land ownership’ becoming a reality for 37 low-income families in Berbice, in Balthyock Housing Scheme, Mahaica-Berbice, Region Five. In her charge to the recipients, she noted that providing housing solutions for low-income and vulnerable groups is a major priority for the government. She stated that “We know how much it means to the ordinary Guyanese to be able to own a plot of land and to own a home.” What the minister said needs some elaboration, as too many are still taking for granted what is happening in Guyana, as regards home ownership. Dr. Megan Sandel, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, at Boston University School of Medicine, stated a few years ago that “A safe, decent, affordable home is like a vaccine. It literally prevents disease. A safe home can prevent mental health and

developmental problems; a decent home may prevent asthma or lead poisoning; and an affordable home can prevent stunted growth and unnecessary hospitalisations.” This is like ‘wow.’ So, outside of the actual physical home, what is happening is that people’s overall well-being is given quite a shot-inthe-arm. We know that on retaking leadership of Guyana in August 2020, the government did make a promise to deliver 50,000 house lots during its five-year tenure, and all seems more than okay in terms of the fulfilling of this commitment. The latest word is that the government is set to “… not only deliver on its promise of 10,000 house lots … by year-end, but may exceed it.” This was the word of Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, just recently. When she said this, the figure stood at 8,000, and she noted that “We have at least 3,000 more to be allocated for 2021,” and so this Balthyoch

event backs her drive in terms of surpassing the target. Then for added impetus, the minister announced the development of another area close by, which will yield another 300 house lots for residents. She detailed that “There are over 3,500 outstanding applications in our backlog, so we have to work assiduously to make house lots available for this region.” Let me add that home ownership helps citizens build wealth. According to the Census Bureau, homeowners on average have a net worth that is 80 times higher than that of renters. Some of this is because people who are in a better financial position tend to be more likely to buy a home. The implication here is that earnability is getting better for the average Guyanese, as they start to own their own homes. So, there is ‘far more than meets the eye,’ as in getting a home, the entire mental and physical well-being of people are truly enhanced. Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Young artists bring colour... From page 2 Sharav Bubulall of Graham’s Hall Primary; Muzamil Mohamed of Leonora Primary, and Shafena Mohamed of Queen’s College, all placed first in their respective categories. Second-place awardees in each of the categories were Tasmia Kazim of

Academic of Excellence; Shobha Sookram of Rosignol Primary, and Carlana Alexander of St Rose’s High. Third-place contenders were Jamie Prittipaul of Lusignan Learning Centre; Nagesh Phyropersaud of La Bonne Intention (LBI) Primary, and Darshanie

The artwork of overall winner, Brenna Henry

UK High Commissioner Jane Miller and Guyana’s Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, present Brenna Henry with the prize for overall winner

Tickapersaud of Annandale Secondary. Honourable mention went to Adia Alphonso of Marian Academy, Chris Gomes, Hezekiah Vannier, Trevina Dookaran of Blairmont Primary, and Delicia Charles of St Rose’s High. For his part, Chief Education Officer Dr Marcel Hutson expressed elation over the role of his ministry in the competition, adding that the objective to foster awareness in learners for the protection of the planet has been met. Winners of the respective categories aside, the overall winner of the competition is Brenna Henry of Laluni Primary School, who participated in the 11 to 15 category with her artwork titled, ‘Small actions have a big impact.’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

US Embassy launches novel ‘American Space’ initiative here -in collaboration with the National Library

US Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch (second right) with, from left, DCEO Valika Jaikisshun; National Library Chairperson Petamber Persaud; and the National Library’s Chief Librarian Emily King THE US Embassy here, in collaboration with the National Library, on Thursday launched the American Corner Guyana (ACG), which will be a multi-functional space housed at the National Library that will serve to connect foreign audiences with the United States, and provide a number of learning opportunities for local. The ACG is one in a collection of over 650 such in-person platforms around the world known as ‘American Spaces’. “American Spaces are, and always have been, places where people meet people;

where they express themselves; where they listen. These are places where people learn and share ideas, or cordially debate sensitive topics, often all while learning English and other skills,” US Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch remarked during a small opening ceremony held in the Library’s Conference Room. “The spaces may be spots, centres, bi-national centres or corners, depending on a variety of factors. They include libraries, schools, and even theatres, but one defining component has never changed, and that is people,” she added. Ambassador Lynch said it

is very fitting that the Corner is being opened at the National Library, as it’s a place that has always been about “its patrons and the people of Guyana”. “I visited the library before the pandemic, and was impressed with the variety of programmes that exist to engage Guyanese in the love of learning,” the Ambassador noted. Funding for the “American Spaces” programme is provided by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs State Department, with the National Library Facility receiving US$5908 (G$1.01million) to offset

US Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch (left) and National Library Chairman, Petamber Persaud unveil the sign for the new American Corner Guyana infrastructural works to the building where the facility is being housed. The ACG will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 13:00hrs - 16:00hrs, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs, and then again from 13:30hrs to 15:30hrs. It will also be open on Saturdays from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs. Chief Librarian Emily King noted, however, that the opening hours may be flexible depending on the programmes that will be held at the facility. Giving an overview of the project, King explained that discussions between the Embassy, through its Public Affairs Department and the Library had actually begun since 2019, with the funding being approved in 2020.

“The wait is over; the journey is about to begin,” King said at the opening ceremony. “As a public space,” she said, “the American Corner Guyana will bring together persons of all ages and backgrounds to learn, share, and gain skills through various initiatives. Local organisations have already been engaged to assist in developing and executing programmes to foster interest and development of juvenile and youth entrepreneurship and financial literacy.” Noting that the space will play a key role in the overall development of Guyana’s human resources, Ms King said: “What we would like to see is our country growing more engineers, establishing companies leading in artificial intelligence. We want to

have people we can develop and even outsource.” The ACG will also include an “Education USA” section, where persons who are interested in pursuing higher education in the US will be afforded the opportunity to plan, and have discussions with colleges and universities. Also making remarks at the event was the National Library’s Chairman, Petamber Persaud, while representing the Ministry of Education was Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development) Vilika Jaikisshun. During her remarks Jaikisshun called the initiative and wonderful partnership, and noted that it will make a contribution in enhancing education delivery in Guyana. (Tamica Garnett)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Murder accused held in quarantine escapes Lusignan Prison MEMBERS of the Joint Services have launched a manhunt for Kapildeo Gangadin, a double-murder accused, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison Thursday morning, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has confirmed. According to the GPS’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Rajiv Bisnauth, Director of Prisons (Ag) Nicklon Elliot confirmed the escape took place around 04:05 hours after a routine check was conducted. Gangadin, according to the information provided, was housed in the quarantine section of the prison. From initial investigations, the GPS’ statement reported that Gangadin had tampered with the housing unit.

Upon gaining entry from the housing unit, he ventured to the back of the prison where he used a ‘cloth pole’ to climb the fence. It is believed he then proceeded into the farms where he climbed the gate and made his escape into the dumpsite. The GPS reports that a joint patrol was immediately established at the outer perimeter of the prison and a search has been launched to recapture the inmate. The Prison Service cautioned members of the public that aiding and abetting the escape of a prisoner is a criminal offence. Persons with information on the whereabouts of the escaped inmate are asked to contact the nearest police station or call 911.

Escaped: Kapil Gangadin

A section of the quarantine area of the Lusignan Prison

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Former QC ‘Top Student’ admitted to the bar

LIVING by the mantra, ‘Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams’, young Aliyyah Abdul Kadir saw her childhood dream came true when she was admitted to the local bar to practise law here. Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-Law Dexter

Todd to Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Demerara High Court on Thursday, October 28, 2021. Todd presented the court with a brief biography of Kadir, who he described as “an ambitious young lady”. In putting forth her petition, Attorney Todd said that the “outstanding young wom-

an” currently resides in South Ruimveldt, and comes from a “noble” extended Muslim family with high moral values. Todd disclosed that he has no doubt that the newly admitted attorney will break the proverbial glass ceiling, and leave a good impression wherever she goes. Kadir attended The

Islamic School, where, after completing the National Grade Six Assessment, she secured a place at Queen’s College (QC). In 2014, Kadir was among a batch of students from QC who topped the region at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. She graduated with 15 Grade

Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall (left) and young Attorney-at-Law Aliyyah Abdul Kadir (Carl Croker photo)

Ones, and was awarded a scholarship to study at the University of the West Indies (UWI). However, before accepting the offer, Kadir enrolled at The Bishops’ High School, where she successfully attained her Associate’s Degree in Humanities in 2016. Later that year, she enrolled at UWI and read for her Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB), graduating with honours in 2019. After completing her LLB, she attended the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad, and was awarded her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) earlier this year. She also received the Cameron and Shepherd Prize for having the Best Performance by a Guyanese student in Civil Practice and Procedure I and II, and placed on the HWLS Principal’s Roll of Honour. Kadir is now an associate attached to Todd’s Law Chambers, and is soon expected to read for her Master’s (LLM) in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. Justice Morris-Ramlal congratulated Kadir,

who also hails from the mining town of Linden. The judge advised the young attorney to always remember her oath, and to uphold the ethics of the profession. “A good reputation is the key instrument in an attorney’s toolkit; without it, the other tools have minimum utility value...” she told Kadir. In response, the young attorney vowed “to always uphold the laws of Guyana and the Rule of Law”, and to conduct herself in a manner that is in keeping with her legal profession, and her ethical obligations while discharging her duties to the court, her clients, and the citizens of Guyana. “My academic journey does not end here,” she said. “Just as I was able to excel in my legal studies, I undertake to employ the same work ethics in my legal career to continue succeeding.” In closing, she borrowed a quote from former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, saying, “It is absolutely still possible to make a difference.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Miner dies in reported mining pit collapse

THE body of 49-year-old Bertie John Williams of New Amsterdam, Berbice, is now being held in a Region Eight mortuary after a mining pit reportedly collapsed on him in White Hole Backdam, Potaro, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has said. The pit collapse occurred on Sunday last just before noon. According to a statement from the police, Williams was employed as a pitman at a mining operation and was working in the pit with other colleagues when the pit caved in. Although no exact number was provided as to how many persons were in the mining pit at the time, Williams is reported to be the only casualty as the others reportedly managed to escape. The GPF noted that an investigation has been launched.

Flashback: A section of a previous mining pit collapse in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

One-off grant, pension book distribution hassle-free

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, handing a food hamper to a senior citizen at the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Region Three

HUMAN Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud said the government continues to ensure that the distribution of the $25,000 one-off cash grant and 2022 old age pension booklet is hassle-free. “Today [Wednesday] I made a trip to both Leguan and Wakenaam and it is part of the exercise that has been happening since the distribution of the 2022 books and the $25,000 one-off vouchers. And it is important to be on the ground and to ensure processes are flowing smoothly, people are happy.” The campaign which was rolled out to pensioners on the islands of Wakenaam and Leguan on Wednesday, saw over 700 senior citizens benefitting. Dulary Durpat, a beneficiary, was extremely grateful for the grant, since it will assist her to support her sick daughter. “I am happy today to get we lil money, to get we pension book and all these things. I have a sick daughter,” she related. Allan Harrilall also ex-

pressed gratitude to the government for the grant and encouraged other pensioners to spend their money wisely. “I feel more than happy and I thank the government very much for what they have done for we on the island.” Another pensioner, Carmen Empthee, said the money will help her to buy medication, among other things.

“It is very good. Yes, at least I welcome it and I know that everyone else welcome it. It is a good thing.” Additionally, the minister distributed 300 food hampers to vulnerable residents on both islands. The initiative forms part of the minister’s commitment to provide support to citizens during the pandemic

Dulary Durpat, pensioner at the Souci Primary School, Wakenaam, Region Three

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Rich biodiversity observed at proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site A jaguar observed in the Barima-Mora Passage during a biodiversity survey in the area

LOBBYING for the Barima-Mora Passage (BMP) in Region One to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) recently conducted a three-month survey in the area where a number of endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species were observed. Monitoring the medium and large-bodied mammals living in the area, the Barima-Mora Passage Mammals Survey (BMPMS) was a historical one as it covered an area in Guyana that had never before been studied for its biodiversity. “Historically, most of the research activities happening in Guyana happen in the south. So you hear a lot about research being done in the Rupununi, but there has

never been a camera trap in the North West area before. It’s important because it’s the first time that we would be documenting the large and medium-body mammals in this area,” explained Felicia Collins, a Marine biologist and Programme Coordinator for the project. The survey involved 30 camera traps being stationed along the Barima and Lower Kaituma rivers. The survey ran from February 3--May 19 and was made possible by the support of a German NGO - ARA. It was also done in collaboration with Dr. Matt Hallett from the University of Florida and The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The GMCS also collaborated with the Hydrometeorological Services to conduct water- quality testing within the research area.

Extending from the brackish parts of the lower Kaituma River up to the Shell Beach Protected Area (SBPA), the Barima-Mora Passage (BMP) is considered to be the location of one of Guyana’s most intact mangrove ecosystems, and is home to many of the indigenous peoples who live and depend directly on the ecosystem for their livelihoods. World Heritage Sites are areas designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Once designated a World Heritage Site, an area becomes a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO. Turn to page 17

The Barima-Mora Passage (BMP) in Region One (Barima-Waini) which the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) is proposing to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site

A snap of two Giant River Otters walking in the Barima-Mora Passage during a biodiversity survey in the area

A giant anteater observed in the Barima-Mora Passage during a biodiversity survey in the area

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Rich biodiversity observed... From page 16

Though the BMP is a unique and vibrant ecosystem, it is considered to currently be at risk from human activities and climate change; as such, the GMCS is hopeful of getting a level of protection for the area. Because of this, Collins said it is important to understand the kind of plants and animals found in this area and the roles they play in maintaining this ecosystem. “This mammal survey will provide a baseline for monitoring mammal population overtime,” Collins explained, She further noted that: “Also now that we’ve started and we know what is here, we could also begin our national database system, where we could combine with data from the south to say we thought we had maybe a particular population size, but now we get a better overall picture of how we are doing as a country in terms of what we have. We’re not hoping for this to be a onetime thing, but continuous monitoring.” A total of 139 species were documented during the survey of which 18 species are of conservation concern. Collins said that while none of the species discovered were unexpected, she was taken aback by the discovery of just how large a population of Guyana’s famed Giant Anteater, a near threatened species, was present in the area. “To see a healthy population of the Giant Anteater in the mangrove forest was surprising. You’re so used to seeing the anteater as a giant of the savannah you don’t really expect to see them in the swampy mangroves, so I was shocked and thought this is something that a lot of people may not be aware of,” she said. Some other species of conservation concern which were discovered included the Giant River Otter, which is an endangered species, the Jaguar, and Margay, which are near threatened species, and the White Lipped Peccary, which is listed as a vulnerable species. The Red Brocket, which is a data-deficient species, was also seen. “With the Giant River Otters we were very lucky to capture those because they don’t really come out of the river. But we were lucky enough to capture two families crossing in the forest,” Collins related. .

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

COVID-19 Task Force considering ‘fully vaccinated’ mandate for travel to Guyana

WITH the United States (US) and other countries requesting that international travellers be fully immunised before entry, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said Guyana too, will soon set out that mandate for persons wishing to visit here. He said the National COVID-19 Task Force is currently working to change the definition of ‘vaccinated’ in Guyana, to mean fully vaccinated, which will require a person to have both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. “The task force here, we are considering, because our definition of vaccinated was that if you got one dose of your vaccine and the task force is currently examining, whether or not to implement fully vaccinated or what measures to take, so

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony we will see when those orders come out whether those changes would have been made,” Dr. Anthony said during his daily COVID-19 update on Thursday. He said ‘fully vaccinated’ is what countries are

going to accept. “If you need to travel outside of Guyana, let’s say you are going to the United States from the 8th of November, you have to be fully vaccinated, meaning that you have to get both doses of the vaccine.”

Guyana currently requires that persons entering the country present to the relevant authorities a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of travel to Guyana or proof of vaccination with at least one dose of a vaccine. “If we change our definition in the order, moving from vaccinated being at least one dose, to vaccinated being both doses, then of course that would be a requirement for everybody, but at this point in time no decision has been made by the task force,” Dr. Anthony noted. Currently, persons are only required to have at least one dose of a vaccine to access public buildings and businesses; however, this could change if the definition is changed in the updated gazetted order.

Meanwhile, statistics show that the uptake of second doses in Guyana is not where it should be. Dr. Anthony said 55,000 persons are yet to receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccines. The problem now is that the vaccine will expire at the end of November. “If they don’t come and by the end of November, if these vaccines then expire, then we don’t have any in stock then we have to wait until we get another shipment or we purchase another shipment, and that will be a pity because we have the vaccines and if people don’t come and take it and they expire, then you know we will have to look at other options, and that’s very unfortunate because if you get the vaccine you want to make sure that people use it so that they

can protect themselves.” Dr. Anthony said. Out of the 380,257 or 74.1 per cent of the adult population that have been vaccinated, 241,211 persons who have been fully immunised, representing which is 47 per cent of the adult population. “When you look at how much persons got their first dose and how much got their second dose, there is a difference of 139,000 people, so there is still a lot of people who need to come back and get their second dose vaccine,” Dr Anthony said. The disparity with the first and second dose uptake of the vaccination is not only present in the adult population, but adolescents, with more than 9,000 teenagers still to take the second dose of the vaccine. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

‘Distressing’ RCC reports handed over to Speaker THE Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) reports for the last four years contain what its Chairperson, Aleema Nasir, has described as “distressing” information relating to the treatment of children across Guyana. This disclosure was made during Wednesday’s handing over of the 2017 and 2018 RCC reports, at the Public Buildings in Brickdam, Georgetown. E-copies of the remaining reports are expected to be delivered to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. The reports are expected to be tabled at the next sitting of the 12th Parliament and its contents disclosed for public consumption. According to Nasir, the reports uncovered abuse and incest, among other major social ills that are affecting children across Guyana’s 10 administrative regions. Nasir noted that the reports have uncovered some good and bad statistics as it relates to the safety, wellbeing and access to rights of children in Guyana.

Notable, the RCC Chairperson stated that an alarming statistic that was found relates to the number of out-of-school children across Guyana. She highlighted that this number has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “There are a lot of things that have been happening to our children, a lot of them are not in school, many of them are not at school. They are not exposed to schooling of any sort, and we hope that we would be able to make a change in the lives of our dear children of Guyana and make life better for them,” said Nasir. She, however, noted that the RCC has been working assiduously to ensure that those uncovered social ills are addressed. She explained that while the RCC has its limitations with how much it can address the issues, it has been working with governmental as well as non-governmental organisations to provide relief and resources to those children who are in need. COMMENDATION

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, receiving the Rights of the Child Commission reports for 2017 and 2018 from RCC Chairperson, Aleema Nasir (Elvin Croker photo) Meanwhile, Speaker pendent, quasi-governmental of the National Assembly, body with constitutional Manzoor Nadir, echoed sim- powers, established under ilar sentiments and he later Article 212 G (1) (d) of the commended the RCC on the Constitution of Guyana. work it has done since its Under Article 212J(2)(d) creation just over 10 years (e)(f) and 212V(c)(e)(f) the ago. Commission was granted The RCC which was es- jurisdiction to investigate tablished in 2009 is an inde- and resolve complaints on

violation of the rights and interest of the child, ensuring that every child’s voice is heard at all levels in Guyana, in accordance with the Convention on Rights of The Child. “I want to compliment the chairperson and all of the commissioners for the hard work that they have done over the last decade. Ten years is a very short time in the life of a state [commission] but we have these commissions. It’s been a learning experience, I’m sure, for the chairpersons and the commissioners and as we move on from here the work that they have done will certainly guide, inform and enlighten the commissioners for the rights of the child also,” said the Speaker of the National Assembly. COMMITMENT Nadir lauded the commission for its commitment to the needs of children, not just Guyanese but also the Venezuelan immigrants who have been making their way into the country through its borders. He noted that one of the

main challenges the RCC has been faced with was the issue of registration of those children which poses some level of difficulty as the commission goes about performing its duties. “We can’t shut our doors; we now have to open our hearts bigger…. A lot of children are coming with parents or persons who have had some connection to Guyana for decades or who would have moved away from Guyana for many years, so we have a young couple who left is now returning with grandchildren and Guyana can’t turn away those kids, we have to do everything in our power to ensure that we could afford them the opportunity that is enshrined in their rights,” said Nadir. Speaking to the long-awaited appointment of commissioners to the RCC, Nadir disclosed that an “appointment committee” meeting was scheduled for Wednesday and will be the first step in the appointment or reappointment of commissioners.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Employment impact from the pandemic worse than expected -International Labour Organisation THE loss of working hours in 2021 because of the pandemic will be significantly higher than previously estimated, as a two-speed recovery between developed and developing nations threatens the global

economy as a whole, says the (ILO). According to a release, the ILO is now projecting that global hours worked in 2021 will be 4.3 per cent below pre-pandemic levels (the fourth quarter of 2019),

the equivalent of 125 million full-time jobs. This represents a dramatic revision of the ILO’s June projection of 3.5 per cent or 100 million full-time jobs. The eighth edition of the ILO Monitor: COVID-19

and the world of work, warns that without concrete financial and technical support, a “great divergence” in employment recovery trends between developed and developing countries will persist. In the third quarter of 2021, total hours worked in high-income countries were 3.6 per cent lower than the

fourth quarter of 2019. By contrast, the gap in low-income countries stood at 5.7 per cent and in lower-middle income countries, at 7.3 per cent. From a regional perspective, Europe and Central Asia experienced the smallest loss of hours worked, compared to pre-pandemic levels (2.5 per cent). This was followed by Asia and the Pacific at 4.6 per cent. Africa, the Americas and Arab States showed declines of 5.6, 5.4 and 6.5 per cent respectively. VACCINES AND FISCAL STIMULUS This great divergence is largely driven by the major differences in the roll-out of vaccinations and fiscal stimulus packages. Estimates indicate that for each 14 persons fully vaccinated in the second quarter of 2021, one fulltime equivalent job was added to the global labour market. This substantially boosted the recovery. Globally, losses in hours worked -- in the absence of any vaccines -- would have stood at six per cent in the second quarter of 2021, rather than the 4.8 per cent actually recorded. However, the highly uneven roll-out of vaccinations means that the positive effect was largest in high-income countries, negligible in lower-middle-income countries and almost zero in low-income countries. These imbalances could be rapidly and effectively addressed through greater global solidarity in respect of vaccines. The ILO estimates that if low-income countries had a more equitable access to vaccines, working-hour recovery would catch up with richer economies in just over one quarter. Fiscal stimulus packages continued to be the other key

factor in the trajectories of recovery. However, the fiscal stimulus gap remains largely unaddressed, with around 86 per cent of global stimulus measures being concentrated in high-income countries. Estimates show that on average, an increase in fiscal stimulus of one per cent of annual GDP increased annual working hours by three percentage points relative to the last quarter of 2019. PRODUCTIVITY GAP AND ENTERPRISES The COVID-19 crisis has also impacted productivity, workers and enterprises in ways that have led to greater disparities. The productivity gap between advanced and developing countries is projected to widen from 17.5:1 to 18:1 in real terms, the highest recorded since 2005, the release said. “The current trajectory of labour markets is of a stalled recovery, with major downside risks appearing, and a great divergence between developed and developing economies,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder. “Dramatically, unequal vaccine distribution and fiscal capacities are driving these trends and both need to be addressed urgently.” “At the ILO, we have already started to act. Last June, the International Labour Conference adopted a Global Call to Action for a human-centred COVID-19 recovery, a roadmap that commits countries to ensuring that their economic and social recovery from the crisis is fully inclusive, sustainable and resilient. It is time to implement this roadmap, which is fully aligned with and supports the UN’s Common Agenda and its Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection,” Ryder added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

More farmers engaging in shadehouse cultivation

WITH climate change continuing to pose a major risk to the global agriculture sector, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, as part of its 2020 emergency budget, had allocated funds for the procurement of shadehouse materials in an effort to promote smart agriculture in Guyana. A total of $15.8 million was allocated to the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to promote the initiative. While presenting the 2020 budget, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, disclosed that the government was working to provide some amount of relief to farmers whose income was reduced significantly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that $15.8 million would be allocated for the acquisition of shadehouse materials and sprinkler hoses. Those materials, he explained, would be sold to farmers at cost price, saving farmers over 33 per cent and that the monies from the initial investment would be utilised as a revolving fund for future purchases of required materials for farmers.

While giving an update on the response of the initiative, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said many farmers have since expressed their interest in purchasing the materials. “The programme is going well. For the year, NAREI was able to sell 182 sets of shadehouse materials to farmers across the country. The ministry has also made some of those materials available to community farmers’ groups and vulnerable women farmers’ groups across the country. The response has been tremendous so far, from farmers both on the coast and in interior locations. After seeing the devastating effects of the last rainy season, farmers are becoming more aware of the impact of climate change on the agriculture sector, and, with the support of the government, they’ve been making the necessary adjustments like with the establishment of shadehouses,” Minister Mustapha said. According to a United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean report, climate change is likely to have potentially negative impact on the viability of agriculture, and thereby

affect human health both directly and indirectly, through food unavailability and food insecurity, and ultimately the economic viability of many countries worldwide. The report also sighted the impact that the 2005-2006 flood had on Guyana’s agriculture sector, with other crops such as fruits, vegetables, and tubers experiencing an estimated loss of US$ 7.8 million. Taking into account the effects the more recent flood has had on all of Guyana’s productive sectors, the ministry continues to promote smart agriculture practices in farming communities across the country. With both coastal and hinterland agriculture severely affected, more farmers have begun constructing shadehouses to help combat the impact of climate change on their crops. Over the weekend, during a trip to Region Nine, Minister Mustapha visited a shadehouse set up by a group of teachers from the Maruranau Primary and Secondary Schools. Lloyd Ritchie, the teacher in charge of spearheading the project, said that the project was being done under the guidance of the regional agriculture

A section of the shadehouse that is being constructed in Maruranau Village, Region Nine (DPI photo) officers. “The Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group provided us with the plastic and the mesh to set up the shadehouse for the school. The ministry also promised us some seedlings and seeds. By the end of the month, the shadehouse will be ready and we will start putting in the seedlings and

so. The agriculture coordinator has helped us with setting up the beds so when we get the seeds and seedlings we’ll be ready to go on to the next step,” Mr. Ritchie explained. Minister Mustapha commended the teachers for their efforts and said that the ministry will continue to offer support to farmers and groups interested in setting

up shadehouses across the country. He also said that if farmers in the hinterland or outlying areas were desirous of purchasing the materials to set up shadehouses, they could liaise with their regional agriculture extension officer and that officer would facilitate getting the materials to them. (DPI)

Samuel Maughn photos A breathtaking light-up at the Kitty Seawall Roundabout left many in awe, as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha launched their 2021 Diwali observances. Although a Hindu religious occasion, the ‘Festival of Lights’ is treasured by Guyanese from all walks of life. On Wednesday evening, as ‘Deep Jale’ got underway, an exquisite murti of the Hindu Goddess, Maha Lakshmi was lit up in a circle, adorned with lotus petals. Sacred chants and prayers enchanted the venue, in the presence of depictions of Ashtalakshmi, which is known as the eight forms of Lakshmi. Many have described the event as one that was spiritually uplifting with beautiful bhajans done by Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s talented artistes including Karamchand Sugrim of Ber-

bice, Suraj Singh, Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Singh and Ganindra of West Coast Demerara, and Bunty Singh of West Berbice. The Dharmic Nritya Sangh also performed captivating dances that were specially choreographed by President of the Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, aptly reflecting the season. Hare Krishna Isckon Guyana and Feel the Beat Tassa group also provided chants and music to complement the simple, but lovely program. Dr. Persaud, who is also the Minister of Human Services and Social Security committed to making ‘Deep Jale’ a staple on the national calendar. She said that the event complements the Dharmic Sabha’s magnificent motorcade, and went further to urged all eligible Guyanese to get vaccinated so that next year, the country TURN TO PAGE 25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

-Miss, Mrs. and Miss Teen India Guyana also crowned in glamourous style their respective fields. This year, the award was given to Miss World Guyana 2017, Vena Mookram, who was recognised for her consistent dedication towards improving the lives of Guyanese living below the poverty line. Mookram has been instrumental in the execution of food donation exercises and offering medical and financial assistance to those in need. She was also lauded

(From left) National Director, Hashim Ali; Mr. India Guyana 2021, Mario Moonsammy; Miss Teen India Guyana 2021, Beauty Roshani Razack; Miss India Guyana 2021, Maya Persaud; Mrs. India Guyana 2021, Mrs. Melessa Seupaul; and Vice President of the Miss India Guyana Franchise, Melicia K. R. Partab-Alli (Photo by Ravindra Racktoo Photography)

Elegance and charm decorated the environs of the Princess Ramada Hotel last Sunday evening, where the Miss India Guyana franchise holders hosted a captivating multi-component pageant. The extravaganza saw the crowning of the 2021 Mr., Miss, Mrs. and Miss Teen India Guyana representatives. It was a kaleidoscope of rich Indian culture as the event opened with the Miss India finalists who brought to sashayed across the stage with much poise and glamour. By the end of the evening wear, talent, ethnic wear and intelligence segment, second timer Maya Persaud emerged the winner with Lisa Narine as first runner up and Nandanie Sharma as second runner up. The event also marked the first staging of the Mrs.

India Guyana title which saw the top three finalists performing well in all segments. Eventually, Mrs. Melessa Seupaul was adjudged the winner while the first runner up position went to Mrs. Bibi Sahadeo and second runner up was awarded to Mrs. Amelia Bakhsh. Similarly, 2021 also marked the first staging of the Miss Teen India Guyana category. The Top three finalists participated in all segments for a chance to represent Guyana. Ultimately, Miss Beauty Razack was received the crown while the youngest delegate, 15-year-old Yashmeta Lall of Essequibo copped the first runner-up position, followed by Berbican, Chandani Misir as second runner-up. The evening also featured the inaugural Mr India Guyana category, which provides

an important platform for young men to embrace their culture, while promoting their brand and purpose. This aspect of the pageant saw an impressive line-up of nine talented and well-rounded gentlemen who, according to a press release, have worked exceptionally hard, and manage to debut with a high level of perfection. The event culminated with Mario Moonsammy assuming his historic role as the first ever Mr. India Guyana. Moses Ally was named first runner-up, followed by the designing sensation himself, Randy Madray. The organization also executed its annual “Woman of Substance Award” which honours present and past beauty queens of Guyana who have and continue to make outstanding contributions in

This year's 'Woman of Worth' is Vena Mookram, Miss World Guyana 2017

for successfully launching a fitness park in her community of Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. Trinidadian model and actor, Suveer Ramsook co-hosted the event alongside Mrs. India Guyana 2018, Shivanie Latchman. A highlight of the evening was a dance-off between Latchman and Ramsook to Guyana’s ‘Poowah’ song, sung by Vanita Willie.

The event also featured a distinguished panel of experienced judges, led by Chief Judge, Joel Ghansham. The Miss, Mrs. and Miss Teen winners will represent Guyana at the worldwide pageants scheduled for February 2021. All components of the pageant were organised by husband-wife franchise holders, Mr. Hashim Alli and Mrs. Melicia PartabAli.

Theatre personality Simone Dowding was ecstatic to have received her second international award. This time around, she is being recognised not for her on-stage talents, but for the humanitarian work that she does behind the scenes. More particularly, Demian and Demian Entertainment Award (DDEA) has awarded her for the work she

does with children through various drama workshops. “The DDEA is a relatively new initiative, now in its fifth year, that is acknowledging people’s work from different parts of the world,” Dowding, who joined the Theatre Guild some 38 years ago, told Buzz this week. At the ceremony hosted in Maryland, United States last month, Dowding was among several awardees

who hailed from different parts of the world, including India, Ghana, Angola, and Ethiopia. “I was recognized for my work with the children through ‘Purple Arts’ children drama workshop. The nomination came from my work with children,” she shared. Dowding, who is currently working on a film documentary about the first 10 Guyanese women li-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

censed in aviation, has been hosting drama workshops for children for several years now, particularly during July/August school vacation. She teaches children, ages nine to 16 in six disciplines of drama - acting, directing, playwright, costume management, stage management and property management. These children are also taught the art of listening, stage breathing, and stage geography. Since the emergence of the pandemic, however, Dowding has not been able to conduct the workshops. “When I heard the number of children infected with COVID, I cancelled the workshop for 2020 and 2021,” a disheartened Dowding informed. The plan, she indicated, was to host the workshop in an open atmosphere, in Theatre Guild’s outside garden. And even though her sponsors came through for it, Dowding said she still decided to cancel the activity. “I didn’t want to put people’s children at risk;

Local theatre personality Simone Dowding

I didn’t want to take any chances, being that they’re children.” Explaining how it all got started, Dowding recalled that after being in theatre for so many years, she wanted to pass on the training she received. This led to the

Simone Dowding is happy at receiving her second international award, this time the Demian and Demian Entertainment Award (DDEA), recognising her work with children

formation of Purple Arts Productions, which began to work with the children. The young participants of the workshop would normally pay a small tuition fee but even those who cannot afford the money are taken in by Dowding, who has often shared her fondness for children. Having graduated from the Burrowes School of Art and other institutions, Dowding is now the holder of 13 reputable certificates and has won Theatre Guild’s Best Actress Award in 2012 for the play “Old Story Times.” In 2019, she was honoured by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York for her 36 years of contributions to performing arts in Guyana. Through her company, she works primarily with children and seeks to provide them with the opportunities that she never enjoyed as a child. Having worked on the popular Link Show over the years, Simone has also done other shows such as “House of Pressure”, “Miriamy”, “Eleventh Finger” and “Jezebel”, just to name a few. Last August, she said 'Purple Arts’ collaborated with someone who prefers not to be named to donate school backpacks to the village of Lodge, a community where she spent quite a few years of her younger life. This was in keeping with her humanitarian efforts to help others.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

FROM PAGE 22 on hand to share her Diwali experiences growing up; she congratulated the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha for its dynamic role in sustaining and preserving culture in Guyana and highlighted its iconic motorcade which not only stirs excitement among Guyanese at home, but also attracts scores of visitors to

will be able to return to the days of hosting its massive and iconic Diwali motorcade. Dr. Persaud said that in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Dharmic Sabha will be widely broadcasting a virtual motorcade on November 3. She emphasized the festival’s ability to create an environment of oneness and unity, in keeping with its central theme of Maha Lakshmi Puja.

The Dharmic Sabha President also reminded the gathering that prayers to Maha Lakshmi leads devotees to rekindle their inner spiritual light, which triumphs over the negatives not only within, but externally as well. Such prayers, she said, also influences the emergence of goodness and positivity. Dr. Persaud also encouraged all persons to continue the Guyanese tradition of

respecting and participating in each other’s celebrations, as it remains a positive and powerful example to the rest of the world. Dr. Persaud used the opportunity to applaud the creativity and efforts of the Dharmic Sabha’s youths who designed and created the fascinating displays. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Waldron was also

the country as well. She also mentioned the noble values of Diwali and its message, emphasizing the triumph of good over evil. Also in attendance were Ministers Sonia Parag and Anand Persaud, along with British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller. The Guyana Hindu

Dharmic Sabha extended gratitude to all those who supported the event, and highlighted the fact that similar events will be held in Berbice on Sunday October 31, and on the West Coast of Demerara on Saturday, October 30. Here are some images from Wednesday’s ‘Deep Jale.’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

‘Dropping Gayle now wouldn’t be right’ - Windies batting great Lara

Chris Gayle has scored over 14, 000 runs in T20 cricket. West Indies batting great Brian Lara does not believe it would be a good idea to drop an out of form Chris Gayle at this point, despite the player’s struggles at the T20 World Cup thus far. The 42-year-old batsman has faced heavy scrutiny in

recent weeks and has managed just a total of 25 runs in two heavy losses for the Windies at the tournament so far. The storm of criticism surrounding the batsman, however, extends beyond that. Heading into the tournament, Gayle had strug-

gled to look like anything close to the player who has scored over 14,000 runs in T20 cricket. In the last 16 matches, the batsman has averaged 15.93 and scored 239 runs with a strike rate of 13.80, well below his career average of 138.46. Despite that, however,

Lara, considered one of the game’s greatest ever batsmen, believes the player could still have a role to play in the team and should remain a part of the line-up at this point in time. “Chris Gayle is already in the World Cup and his experience and the fact that he can pass on something to the younger players is key,” Lara said recently on Star Sports. “I personally believe that Chris Gayle has to be given a proper send-off. This, I think, is his last tournament. Dismissing Chris Gayle at this stage of the tournament, I am not sure it’s the right thing. I would like to see some sort of nice approach for the rest of the tournament. I think he can still make an impression on the younger players even if he doesn’t score,” he added. (Sportsmax).

Lady Jags make winning start at CONCACAF...

From back page KAMARANG’S Sue Edwards’ 44th minute goal was good enough to earn Guyana a 1-0 win over Anguilla in the CONCACAF U-17 Championships Qualifier at the IMG Academy in Florida yesterday. Guyana had a dominating performance, controlling the flow of the game and much of the position, but they failed to capitalise on the many chanc-

es which were created. Fruta Conquerors’ Sandra Johnson, in the 19th minute, stepped up to take a penalty after referee Annays Rosario didn’t hesitate to point to the ‘spot’ after one of the Lady Jags players was brought down in the ‘18’. However, Johnson’s shot was saved by Dainelle Proctor in goal for Anguilla. Nonetheless, Lady Jags

Racing Tips

held on to their 1-0 cushion which came from the Region Seven forward just before halftime, to take the win in their first Group C game. Guyana will face Honduras on October 30 and Turks and Caicos Islands on November 1. Honduras opened their campaign with a 7-0 drubbing of Turks and Caicos yesterday. Guyana’s 18-strong squad

for the qualifying tournament includes 16 Guyana-based players from across the nation, including five players from the Orealla community in Region Six, five from Georgetown and four from Region Seven. Region One is also represented in a squad boasting a significant proportion of talent from hinterland communities. (Rawle Toney)

English Racing Tips

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Unfazed by uncertainty, Afghans chase T20 Cup semis dreams By Amlan Chakraborty DUBAI (Reuters) - Afghanistan players are not fretting over what the future may hold for the team and are instead pre-occupied with the task of making the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup, spinner Rashid Khan said yesterday. The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will meet next month to discuss the game’s future in the south Asian country under the Taliban rule. Cricket Australia has threatened to postpone next month’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in Hobart if the Taliban government, which took power in August, did not allow women and girls to play the sport. “To be honest, at the moment, we don’t have anything in mind,” Rashid, Afghan cricket’s brightest star, said ahead of today’s Super 12 Group II match against

we’re playing five games and we need to win three games. “No, we don’t think

about what’s happening in the future. We don’t think about what happened in

the past. That is something which is not in our hands; that is not in our control...”

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has requested the support of other full members of the ICC ahead of the board meeting soon after the World Cup. Mohammad Nabi’s team thumped Scotland in their opener and the players know their performance could lift the pall of gloom back home. “What is in our hand is to play the five games of this group stage and try to qualify to the semi-finals and make the country proud,” Rashid said. “... what’s going to happen in the future, that will come with time,” added the 23-year-old, one of franchise cricket’s most sought-after players. “If we have so many things on our mind, that might affect our performance, and the fans will be upset when you don’t perform as a team.”

Eddy and I said in the beginning that the goal was to be undisputed, and now we’re one fight away. “Everyone knows what I’m going to do in the ring. When something is personal with me, it’s different. I have something special in my mind and I’m going to make it a great night for us. “The pandemic made me have to slow down for about a year, so I’m thankful that I’ve been active

since then. Things are going fast now, and I love it. I’m thankful to be in this position.”. “We’ve been training for four months and preparation has been great. Anticipation is sky-high and we can’t wait for November 6 to get here. “Caleb is a skilled fighter who knows how to use his legs. If we come out too aggressive in the first few rounds, we’ll give the fight

away. We need to be patient and get to the middle rounds so we can do what we want to do. “Plant has three main attributes: power in his left hand, his movement and his defense. We’re going to come in and fight our own style. We have to use the style we know how to win with. “Erislandy Lara is probably the closest comparison to Plant amongst Canelo’s

past opponents, or even Shane Mosley earlier in Canelo’s career. In the end, no matter what challenge he presents, we’re not worried about our ability to come out victorious. “This is going to be a tough fight on November 6. It’s going to be a challenge. But in the end, experience will prevail, and we will become undisputed like we set out to do all those years ago.” (Fightnews)

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and teammates watch a review on the big screen during the match against Bangladesh (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley) Pakistan. “We have only this thing in the mind that we’re here for the World Cup and

Canelo Alvarez: Plant crossed a line

Unified WBC/WBO/WBA super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez UNIFIED WBC/WBO/ WBA super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez previewed his highly anticipated undisputed 168-pound championship showdown during a media conference call Wednesday, before he takes on undefeated IBF super middleweight champion Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant on Saturday, November 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. “I hope he has a good chin because he’s going to need it on fight night. “I’m always ready. I just can’t wait. I feel strong and fast. With all of the talk, it’s become personal. He crossed a line. But I have to remain focused because this is a very important fight for me.

“Caleb has good boxing skills. He has good movement and a good jab. But it’s nothing new for me. I know what I need to do. I need to be patient in the early rounds and then start doing my job. “Even harder than getting to the top is staying there. That’s why I try to get better each and every day. That’s what I’ve been trying to do from my first fight up until now. “I’m 100% focused on this fight. There’s nothing else crossing my mind. After it’s over, we’ll figure out who the next opponent will be. “Being the undisputed champion is huge for my legacy. Not only would it be an honou to be the first Latin American fighter to do it, but there’s only a select number of fighters who have achieved this.

Gary Kirsten in the fray for head coach of Pakistan FORMER South African cricketer Gary Kirsten might replace Misbah-ul-Haq as the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Apart from Kirsten, the likes of Simon Katich and Peter Moores are also being considered for the role as well. Before the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup, Misbah-ul-Haq had announced that he would like to resign as head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Along with Misbah, even bowling coach Waqar Younis tendered his resignation. Saqlain Mushtaq is currently serving as the interim head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. It is also reported that the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ramiz Raja, wants to appoint a foreign coach. Gary Kirsten was also the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2008 to 2011. With Kirsten at the helm, the Indian

side won the fifty-over World Cup in the year 2011, after a gap of almost three decades. The Indian side also reached the No.1 ranking in Test match cricket when Kirsten was the head coach of the Indian side. Kirsten has played 101 Tests and 185 ODI matches for the South African side. While he scored 7 289 runs in Test match cricket, the current 53-year-old amassed 6 798 runs in the ODI format of the game as well. Kirsten played his last international match for the Proteas in the year 2004. Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket team have started their campaign in the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup in sensational fashion. The Babar Azam-led side have won both matches that they have played in the tournament so far and are currently placed at the top of the points table in Group 2. While Babar Azam and his men

thrashed the Indian side in their first match with 10 wickets to spare, the ‘Men in Green’ beat New Zealand in their second rubber by 5 wickets. The Pakistan side will next take on Afghanistan on October 29, 2021 in Dubai. (CricTracker)

Former South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Saqlain Mushtaq wants an Indo-Pak ‘final’ clash

THE long-run jinx was finally broken this year as Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets in their first match in T20 World Cup 2021. Before this clash, the head-to-head record between the arch-rivals in World Cup events was 12-0. However, the Babar Azam-led side put up a clinical show in Dubai and scripted history against the Men in Blue. While India and Pakistan aren’t scheduled to meet anymore in the group stages of the competition, Pakistan’s interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq

Former Pakistan spinner and interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq wants an Indo-Pak clash in the final. With the tantalising

wait of several Pakistan supporters coming to an end, Mushtaq was delighted

with his side’s performance. However, the legendary off-spinner had another huge takeaway from the high-voltage game. Following the conclusion of the game, several Indian and Pakistan players were spotted conversing with each other. Mohammad Rizwan hugged Virat Kohli after the game and also had a fun chat with Team India mentor MS Dhoni. For Mushtaq, these were the moments to savour from the game as he wants the two nations to have friendly relations. “Whatever happened in the last match, be it Virat

Kohli, Dhoni hugging our players, it was great for world cricket. Keeping aside India versus Pakistan clash, the best thing, for me, from the match was that it was a win for insaniyat and mohabbat,” Saqlain said at the pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan’s third match of the group stage against Afghanistan today. Speaking of the big picture, Mushtaq said he wants to see India and Pakistan battling it out in the summit clash. “And if India and Pakistan qualify for the final together then the ICC, and the entire world cricket will have some fun. It will

be good for cricket because they are our neighbouring country. If we both play then it will be good for our relationship as well,” he said. Having defeated India and New Zealand in their first two fixtures, Pakistan have virtually sealed a place in the semi-finals as the other teams in the group aren’t that formidable. On the other hand, I n d i a ’s u p c o m i n g match against the Kiwis is a must-win and it would be interesting to see how they bounce back. (CricTracker)

Khawaja builds Ashes case with another Shield century

… Renshaw also made his 13th first-class hundred as Queensland piled up 6 for 487 declared following Labuschagne’s ton on day one QUEENSLAND captain Usman Khawaja is mounting a compelling case for an Ashes recall after scoring his second successive Sheffield Shield century while Matt Renshaw also reached three-figures as Queensland put Tasmania to the sword on day two in Townsville. Tasmania reached stumps 4 for 150, still 337 runs in arrears on the first innings after Queensland made 6 for 487 declared following centuries from Khawaja, Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne. Khawaja continued his fine form following on from his 174 against South Australia to register his 32nd firstclass century. He feasted on Tasmania’s spin duo of Jarrod Freeman and Tom Andrews smacking 11 fours and four sixes. Khawaja shared a 155run stand with Renshaw and looked well set for another score of 150 plus but he fell to Beau Webster who switched from medium pace to off-spin to find the breakthrough. Webster had no such luck with Renshaw who was savage on the Tasmania captain. He too struck four sixes and 12 boundaries in his 120 not out. Renshaw’s first 50 was circumspect but he unleashed thereafter, scoring 69 from his last 62 balls. ( S c o re s : Ta s m a n i a 4 for 150 (Silk 45*) trail Queensland 6 for 487 decl

(Labuschagne 136, Khawaja 119, Renshaw 120*, Burns 79) by 337 runs). He began the 136th over of the innings on 97 and clubbed Webster for a boundary to bring up his 13th first-class century. He then smashed three sixes in four balls before Queensland declared just shy of 500. Tasmania’s top three were unable to replicate Queensland’s batters, all failing to convert starts. Tim Ward fell, hooking Gurinder Sandhu, hitting it straight down deep square’s throat. Connor Sully took a wicket with his first ball in Shield cricket, getting some steep bounce to find Caleb Jewell’s outside edge. Charlie Wakim played nicely for 34 before he was out trying to sweep Matt Kuhnemann, getting a top edge to short fine. Kuhnemann also had Jake Doran caught at short leg with a delivery that turned and bounced. Webster steadied alongside Jordan Silk to see Tasmania through to stumps. Silk played nicely for his 45 not out although he was fortunate to survive a bizarre moment when he defended a ball onto his foot only for it to pop up to silly mid-off. Renshaw, stationed in close, knocked the catch to the keeper Jimmy Peirson but the umpires could not be certain it didn’t touch the ground. (Cricinfo)

Usman Khawaja posted back-to-back Shield hundreds (Getty Image)

Powerzone Volleyball Championship ‘spikes’ off this weekend THE Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will come alive this weekend when the North Nation Inc. inaugural Powerzone Volleyball Championship spikes off with a number of intense battles. Castrol Strikers Volleyball Club, Eagles Volleyball Club, Port Mourant Training Centre and Young Achievers Volleyball Club; will be squaring off against each other in what will surely be a mouthwatering

melee. The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) has been active with its preparation leading up to this weekend’s event with a number of practical sessions amongst the various local teams. Representatives engaged in a sport workshop a few weeks ago where they coached a number of teachers from the various schools across Region 3, at the Leonora

Track and Field Stadium. The teachers were taught the fundamental rules of the game, which they intend to take back to their respective schools to develop a volleyball program.me Meanwhile, It is the aim of the GVF to develop a grassroots programme that caters to U-16, U-19 and U-21 boys and girls in order to resuscitate school volleyball tournaments in 2022.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

South Africa’s de Kock apologises, Westbrook ejected as Lakers blow will take a knee in future big lead in defeat by Thunder

Quinton de Kock has apologised for pulling out of the West Indies game after rejecting a CSA directive “to take a knee” in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement (REUTERS) - Quinton de Kock has apologised for pulling out of Tuesday’s Twenty20 World Cup win over the West Indies after rejecting a Cricket South Africa (CSA) directive that players must “take a knee” in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. In a statement released via CSA yesterday de Kock, who also revealed he has mixed race family, said he meant no disrespect and “would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again”. “I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example,” de Kock said. “If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so. “I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone. I’m deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused.” de Kock says his change of heart came after the players had a meeting with the CSA board on Wednesday evening. “I was raised to understand that we all have rights, and they are important. I felt like

my rights were taken away when I was told what we had to do in the way that we were told. “Since our chat with the board (members), which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions. I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided. “My half-sisters are coloured and my step mum is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement.” The wicketkeeper-batter hopes to return to the team for the crucial third group game against Sri Lanka. “I love every one of my team mates, and I love nothing more than playing cricket for South Africa.” CSA “noted” de Kock’s apology and said it had been accepted. “The Proteas men’s team have agreed to align and unify in taking the knee for the remaining fixtures of the World Cup,” it said in a statement. “Cricket South Africa welcomes all of these developments.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday October 29, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

Virat Kohli (IND)

(2)

29 games

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times Chris Gayle captained the WI in T20 World Cup games? (2)

How many times Dwayne Bravo did so?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Russell Westbrook (centre) had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists, but also 10 turnovers RUSSELL Westbrook was It was the 32-year-old champions the Milwaukee ejected as the Los Angeles guard’s first appearance for Bucks were beaten 113-108 Lakers blew a 26-point lead the Lakers in Oklahoma City, by the Minnesota Timberto lose 123-115 against his where he spent the first 11 wolves, despite Bucks star former side the Oklahoma seasons of his NBA career. Giannis Antetokounmpo hitCity Thunder. LeBron James missed his ting 40 points. The Lakers led 56-30 second straight game because The Brooklyn Nets, anduring the second quarter but of an ankle injury. other pre-season favourite for the Thunder hit back to take a Fellow star Anthony Da- the title, suffered their third 97-95 lead at the third quarter vis scored 30 points but could defeat of the season as they buzzer before staying clear. not prevent the 2020 champi- were beaten 106-93 by the Westbrook recorded his ons from losing a third game Miami Heat. first triple-double for the in their first five matches. Last year’s beaten fiLakers since joining in AuShai Gilgeous-Alexan- nalists the Phoenix Suns gust but also had 10 turn- der led the Thunder with 27 lost for the second game in overs. points to help them secure a row as the Sacramento He was ejected late on for their first win of the season. Kings secured a 110-107 a second technical foul. E l s e w h e r e , r e i g n i n g win.(BBC Sport).

IOC to make decision on weightlifting and boxing ‘as soon as possible’

PARIS, France (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will make a decision as early as possible on whether boxing and weightlifting will be at the Paris 2024 Games, president Thomas Bach said yesterday. “We are quite concerned because in these two federations there are problems of good governance and that is why we are currently monitoring them very closely,” Bach told French sports daily L’Equipe. “We will make a decision as soon as possible in the interest of the athletes.” Both sports have been struggling with governance problems and their participation in the next Summer Games is hanging in the balance. Last month, an independent investigation commis-

IOC president Thomas Bach sioned by boxing’s governing body AIBA revealed that a bout manipulation system existed at the 2016 Rio Olympics. About weightlifting,

Bach said earlier this year that “with regard of good governance I think we still need to see a culture change in this international federation”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

Warner fires Australia to Super 12 win over Sri Lanka

DAVID Warner returned to form with a fluent 65 off 42 balls as Australia made it two wins in two in the T20 World Cup Super 12 with a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. Warner had scored 17 runs in his previous five visits to the crease but took advantage of being dropped on 18 to ignite the chase as Australia overhauled their opponents’ 154-6 off 17 overs. The result lifts Australia level with England on four points in Group 1 ahead of tomorrow’s mouth-watering clash, although Eoin Morgan’s men have a far superior net run-rate. Sri Lanka went hard at their opponents after being put in, but slipped from 78-1 to 94-5 as leg-spinner Adam Zampa (2-12 off four overs) put the brakes on.

David Warner’s fluent 65 came off 42 balls The early impetus came from in-form Charith Asalanka (35 off 27) and Kusal Perera (35 off 25), who put on 63 for the second wicket in 7.1 overs after Pethm Nissanka (seven) mis-timed Pat Cummins to mid off. Asalanka had already struck nine off his first four balls before the left-hander swung Glenn Maxwell’s first delivery over midwicket for

six.

It was the first of several sumptuous shots that helped bring up the 50-run stand off 36 balls and Australia looked firmly under pressure until Asalanka fell sweeping from outside off, striking Zampa well enough but flat and hard straight to Steve Smith to make it 78-2. Perera matched Asalanka’s score with a mighty six off Mitchell Starc (2-27)

Pooran confident West Indies can rebound in ‘do or die’ match THE scenario for West Indies is simple, defeat Bangladesh and remain in contention for a spot in the semi-finals or lose and practically end their hopes of a title defence. The winless West Indies are bottom of the Group One table with a -2.550 net run rate while Bangladesh, who are also winless have a net run rate of -1.655. It means both sides have to win their remaining three matches and hope other results go their way in order to be among the top two teams from the group. The two sides have only met twice at World T20 events, at the inaugural event in 2009 where the Asian side won by six wickets, and then in 2014, where West Indies won a lopsided contest. “I definitely think it is a good opportunity for us to bounce back, we are not sure how Sharjah is going to play tomorrow but our focus is not on the small boundaries, to be honest,” West Indies Twenty20 vice-captain, Nicholas Pooran, stated on the eve of the match. “We just want to execute our skills and once we can do that, the results will take care of themselves. We can’t really say it will be short boundaries and we are going to hit sixes; we want to be aggressive as a team.” Sharjah is the smallest in terms of boundary size of the three venues, but in recent times, the pitch has not been that conducive to high scores, albeit, Afghanistan scored 1904 against Scotland. Furthermore, Pooran has admitted the team’s batting has lacked intent and it has been the main cause for their

West Indies in search of an inspirational performance to stay in the hunt for an unprecedented third World T20 title horrendous start to their World T20 title defence in the United Arab Emirates. In two innings to date, West Indies have scored 198 runs in 34.2 overs but 19.1 of those overs have been scoreless. “Every single team bats dot balls but it is the way we are batting that bothers me. We are showing no intent (and) that hurt us for the last two games. We spoke about it; we have practice in it a bit and guys are going to have a discussion about it again,” Pooran contended. He added, “To be honest, we don’t mind batting dot balls, it is just the intent, we know can make back up but in the first two games, we didn’t show much intent and we are much better than that as a team. It will be West Indies’ first match of the tournament at this venue, moving from Dubai

while Bangladesh return after playing their first. After Bangladesh, West Indies face Sri Lanka on November 4 then their final group match on November 9 against Australia. Match time is 06:00hrs West Indies squad: Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran (v-c), Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein Bangladesh squad: Mahmudullah (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Kumar Das, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Naim, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shamim Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed.

over long on, only to be cleared out very next delivery by a searing yorker that cannoned into middle stump. Zampa then turned the match further in Australia’s favour by inducing a topedged sweep from Avishka Fernando before Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva was caught behind off Starc, wasting a review in the process. Sri Lanka desperately needed some late fireworks and Bhanuka Rajapakse (33 n.o. off 26) obliged, striking Marcus Stoinis for 14 runs off three balls in the 17th over. Dasun Shanaka (12) couldn’t match that potency, top-edging Cummins high to Wade, but Rajapakse continued to bristle with intent and saw Sri Lanka past 150. The focus was on War-

ner at the top of Australia’s chase after the opener’s lean run of form, but it was Aaron Finch (37 off 23) who initially caught the eye, helping himself to two fours in Chamika Karunaratne’s opening over and then driving Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara for delicious boundaries. Wa r n e r ’s s t r o k e p l a y was more streaky, until he smashed Kumara down the ground off a good length to boost Australia to 43-0 off four overs. Two balls later, the 50run stand was up but then Warner received a life on 18 when wicketkeeper Perera dropped a simple, gloved chance down the leg-side off Chameera. Australia openers posted 63-0 off the first six overs, the highest powerplay score

in the tournament so far, before Finch chopped Hasaranga de Silva (2-22) on and Maxwell (five) lofted the spinner for a boundary catch off the toe of the bat. Warner continued to look to dominate, striking Chameera for successive fours after reaching his fifty off 31 deliveries, until he lofted Shanaka to wide longoff looking to close out the match quickly.. Instead, that was left to the ever-clinical Smith (28 n.o. off 26) and the might of Stoinis (16 n.o. off seven), who finished matters with a boundary flurry. Sri Lanka are back in action tomorrow when they take on South Africa. Australia are also in Super 12 action on the same day, going head-to-head against England. (Sky Sports)

TV series on Diego Maradona promises new details, controversy BUENOS AIRES, Argentine (Reuters) - A new drama series based on the life of late Argentine footballer Diego Maradona promises to reveal little-known details about the turbulent life and times of the legendary player and has already caused controversy in his homeland. The series, which was being filmed for Amazon Prime Video when Maradona died of a heart attack in November 2020, tells the story of his rise from humble origins on the outskirts of Buenos Aires to global superstar who battled alcohol and drug addiction. “Maradona: Blessed Dream” mixes archive footage with dramatised scenes from his life over 10 one-hour episodes. It will premiere in Argentina and around the world today. Four different actors play Maradona at varies stages of his life, and others appear as former players, coaches, agents and family. “Would he have liked it?” Nicolas Goldschmidt, one of the actors who play Maradona, said in an interview with Reuters. “I hope with all my heart the answer is yes.” The famously unpredictable Maradona approved the script before his death, prompting speculation that some of the details will surprise. It certainly kicks off in dramatic fashion, with a 40-year-old Maradona on a

Argentina soccer legend Diego Maradons died of a heart attack in November 2020. beach, overweight and out of breath. About to be hospitalised after overdosing on cocaine, his business manager Guillermo Coppola tries to hide the event from the world’s media. HIGHS AND LOWS Maradona’s highs are well known, his spells with Boca Juniors, and of course the historic performances that helped Argentina win the 1986 World Cup. But the lows – his battle with drugs and obesity – and the numerous controversies that seemed to follow him wherever he went are not ignored. “I think there are a lot of things that are still not known and that we are going to discover because this series deals with private and intimate moments,” said JeanPierre Noher, one of the ac-

tors who play Coppola. The series was filmed in Argentina, Spain, Italy, Uruguay and Mexico and has already stirred debate in his homeland, where Maradona is a folk hero and considered as the greatest footballer of all-time. His former wife Claudia Villafane went to court to get some scenes removed and has said she will wait to see the final cut before deciding whether to take legal action. Mercedes Moran, who plays his mother in the show, said when people see it that would help dissipate the concerns. “I think there’s something about Diego, some feeling, some light, something of the best of him,” she said. “That is what we have tried to celebrate with this story.”

Lady Jags make winning start at CONCACAF U-17 Qualifiers

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 29, 2021

SEE STORY ON PAGE 31

Sue Edwards of Kamarang, Region Seven, scored the winning goal for Guyana The Lady Jags at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship Qualifiers (Photo compliments: Dimple Willabus)

Allicock impresses, but bows out of AIBA World Championships

CWI congratulates recently honoured Windies greats - Roberts, Haynes, Greenidge

From left: Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Desmond Haynes and Sir Gordon Greenidge

Guyana’s Keevin Allicock landing his trademark right hand to Thailand’s Rajkuran Juntrong during this World Championship bout GUYANA’S Keevin Allicock saw his time at the AIBA World Championship in Belgrade, Serbia ending, following his defeat to Rajkuran Juntrong of Thailand earlier yesterday. Having received a ‘bye’ to the Roundof-32, Allicock lost all three rounds to the Thai boxer, despite showing his usual flamboyance and good use of the ring.

Allicock, who was the first boxer for Guyana at the Olympics since John Douglas in 1996, was out-boxed by his opponent and finished second on the judges scorecards at the end of each round. Meanwhile, middleweight Desmond Amsterdam, who also received a firstround bye, will be in action this weekend. (Rawle Toney)

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has congratulated West Indies cricket legends on recently being awarded honorary doctorates from the University of the West Indies (UWI). The trio – Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes - received Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees in recent ceremonies. Sir Andy was honoured by the UWI Five Islands Campus in Antigua, while Sir Gordon and Haynes received theirs from the UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. “I felt that it was an honour, and you know, I appreciate anything that is given to me because of my contribution towards the game of cricket and towards the development of Antigua and Barbuda,” Sir Andy said.

During a brief ceremony in Antigua, the CWI, as well as the Board of Directors and staff of Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), recently presented Sir Andy with a token of appreciation. The presentation of the special hamper was made by Enoch Lewis a Director of CWI, and Nelecia Yeates, General Manager of CCG. All three are members of the ICC Hall of Fame. They formed part of the formidable West Indies team which dominated world cricket in the 1970s and 1980s. Sir Andy and Sir Gordon were members of the 1975 and 1979 World Cup-winning teams, while Haynes was a member of the 1979 team. Greenidge and Haynes formed the most successful opening batting combination in the history of international cricket. (Sportsmax)

Pooran confident West Indies can rebound in ‘do or die’ match Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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FRIDAY,OCTOBER 29, 2021