Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-11-2021

MONDAY 29th November, 2021

' No.106560

Dharm Shala appeals for assistance to sustain services

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Guyana to end 2021 on high note –– with close to US$600M in NRF as country receives final oil lift for the year PAGE

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It is beginning to feel like 08 Christmas!

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$60M agro-processing facility in Region Two to open soon 02 PAGE

Two die in separate accidents 07&09 PAGES

Policeman refuses 02 $700,000 bribe, puts alleged corrupters in custody PAGE

Essequibo mother pleads for help to fight cervical cancer 14 PAGE

The Christmas Tree at Rahaman’s Park was lit up on Sunday, ushering in the festive season of Christmas

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Policeman refuses $700,000 bribe, puts alleged corrupters in custody THREE persons are in police custody after they attempted to bribe a police officer on Saturday in order for him to forego investigations against one of them at the Golden Grove Police Station.

The bribe money that was seized by the police The suspects were identified as two men in their 30s and a 25-year-old female.

Reports indicate that at around 17:30 hrs on Saturday, a 37-year-old male was apprehended on two sentence warrants and escorted to the Golden Grove Po-

lice Station and placed in custody.

While there, he requested a telephone call to his lawyer which was facilitated by the police.

The suspect was visited by the attorney-at-law, and shortly afterwards by a 25-year-old female who gave him a package.

According to police headquarters, the detained male then requested to speak to the investigating officer, which was granted. In the presence of another policeman, he gave the investigating officer $700,000 cash to forego investigation/prosecution against him.

The investigating officer immediately told the man of the offence committed and cautioned him. The money was then marked and lodged pending charges.

Thereafter, the female visitor and the 38-year-old male were contacted and told of the offence of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony with a Corrupt Transaction with an Agent.

They were cautioned, arrested and placed in custody pending further investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 29, 2021

$60M agro-processing facility in Region Two to open soon –– GSA students, entrepreneurs set to benefit

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Sunday inspected the soonto-be-opened $60 million agro-processing facility at Cotton Field in Region Two and the Abrams Zuil Secondary School, which is currently under construction.

The minister toured the two project sites as part of a

be opened.

Dr. Singh told members of the media that GSA students and entrepreneurs in the region will benefit immensely when the facility becomes operational.

“While GSA students in Essequibo were able to get the classroom training, when it came to the practical training they would have had to travel to Georgetown to get that in terms of seeing the

form.

“The facility will also be available to local entrepreneurs in the region who would want to use the facility to convert their products.

Entrepreneurs living in the region can be able to process and package their produce at the facility,” the minister added.

Additionally, the facility will process fresh produce into value-added products.

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh hands over paint, construction materials and a grass slasher to the Golden Fleece Sports Club. Also pictured are Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva: Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit and the Prime Minister’s representative, Arnold Adams

Minister of Finance Ashni Singh and team at the Abram Zuil Secondary School three-day visit to the region .

At the end of each inspection, he emphasised the tremendous benefits it will bring to residents.

The agro-processing facility is located adjacent to the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) campus at Cotton Field. Once the necessary equipment has been procured and installed, it will

agro-processing techniques.

So, the construction of the facility will serve multiple purposes,” Dr. Singh said.

He said the facility will allow the school’s Essequibo students to complete their practical training in a laboratory that is equipped with dry and wet processing lines which can convert liquid products into a powdered

Dr. Singh said that the project is part of the government’s commitment to train young people for jobs in the agricultural sector. A similar agro-processing facility was constructed in Berbice.

It was explained that the project comes under the Ministry of Finance with See page 3

Guyana to end 2021 on high note

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 29, 2021

–– with close to US$600M in NRF as country receives final oil lift for the year

ALTHOUGH oil prices have dipped because of a new COVID-19 variant which was detected in South Africa, Brent – the benchmark Guyana uses to sell its crude – still remains over US$70 per barrel of oil, giving Guyana an opportunity to end the year with over US$600 million in its Natural Resource Fund (NRF).

Revenues reaching close to US$70 million could be earned from the sale of the country’s final oil lift for this year, which was completed by the company producing offshore Guyana, ExxonMobil, a few days ago.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, confirmed on Sunday that the country received its final lift and it will soon be exported.

Even amid the fluctuations in market prices caused by the global response to the new COVID-19 variant, Bharrat is hopeful that oil prices will hold so that Guy-

ana could get the best price for its commodity.

Guyana had earned close to US$80 million from the sale of its penultimate lift for 2021, taking the total earnings in the NRF to over US$534 million.

According to the Bank of Guyana’s monthly report on the NRF, the aggregate sum moved from US$436,132,855.53 in September to US$534,016,987.03 in October.

This is as a result of the country earning G$16,757,920,000 from “profit oil” and G$3,647,083,000 (approximately US$17 million) in royalties from ExxonMobil.

Guyana sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million.

In its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million, and another US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude, and

Guyana could end year with over US$600M in NRF US$49.3 million from its A report compiled by the per lift, thereby producing fourth oil lift.

Inter-American Development 50 million barrels of oil an?Further, the country, in Bank (IDB) early this year nually.

March, earned US$61 million shows that earnings from GuyThese increased lifts, from the sale of its fifth oil ana’s oil and gas sector could Minister Bharrat had indilift, and an additional US$60 reach US$31 billion (roughly cated, are possible with the million from the sale of its G$6.7 trillion) by 2035. intended arrival and operasixth lift, before closing SepGuyana could begin fa- tion of three additional Floattember with close to US$80 cilitating up to 50 oil lifts per ing Production Storage and million from its seventh lift. year at one million barrels Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Those include the Liza Unity, which is expected to arrive in November; the Prosperity FPSO which is currently under construction; and the Yellowtail FPSO which is slated to come on stream by 2026.

Further, with crude prices hovering at US$80 a barrel, Guyana would earn as much as US$4,000,000,000 (GYD$836,902,800,000) each year for its 50 oil lifts.

“So, when you crunch the numbers, 50 lifts at a million barrels, and based on the oil price today, if it continues along that trend, you can see or get an idea of the direct proceeds coming to Guyana,” Minister Bharrat said in a recent interview with OilNow. He also reminded that the aforementioned earnings are outside of other benefits such as royalties, which could see a mammoth increase in the country’s overall oil earnings.

“We are not even talking royalties yet,” Minister Bharrat related.

$60M agro-processing facility in Region Two ...

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support from the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank.

The minister was accompanied by Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Susanna Saywack and Regional Prime Minister representative, Arnold Adams.

Meanwhile, during his visit to the school, he said that work was progressing well and that about 18 per cent of the school which cost some $585 million has been completed.

Dr. Singh said that when finished, the school will be able to accommodate 700 students.

In his comments to members of the media, he reiterated that the Government of Guyana is aiming to achieve universal access

to education, whereby every single child must be able to complete secondary education.

“We want to improve the quality of education and as such modern and well equipped high schools across the country are an essential part of ensuring that we achieve the quality of success. The construction of the schools is only one part,” Dr. Singh said.

He emphasised that the government is investing heavily to raise education quality, which includes increasing the numbers of teachers accessing training.

Dr. Singh said that the Abram Zuil Secondary will be equipped with modern science and technical laboratories, which will expose learners to the various skills. The school will also promote a social environment with the construction of a cafetorium, along with a recreational space.

He used the opportunity to urge the contractor to deliver quality work and to work according to the timeline that was given to him.

Dr. Singh added that the building will serve many generations and as such good quality work in keeping with the line of specification is required.

During the morning hours, he delivered a slasher-and-fence material to the Golden Fleece Sports Club. Regional officials who were present handed over paint for painting of the pavilion.

Dr. Singh urged members of the club to ensure that they take care of the slasher and to make it available to neighbouring communities to assist with the upkeep of those grounds.

He also made a commitment through the regional administration to upgrade the sanitary facility and the

The $60M agro-processing facility at Cotton Field, Region Two surface of the ground.

One of the club’s members, Ravindra Madhoo, extended gratitude to the minister for the assistance and said that when the upgrades have been completed, many games will be hosted at the

venue.

On Saturday, the minister led a team from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and was able to resolve a number of long-standing issues.

On Friday, he was part

of the delegation that accompanied President Irfaan Ali to a meeting with farmers at the Jaigobin Hotel. Later that day, he met with members of the region’s business community.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 29, 2021

South Africa’s president calls for lifting of Omicron travel bans SOUTH Africa’s President has condemned travel bans enacted against his country and its neighbours over the new coronavirus variant Omicron.

Cyril Ramaphosa said

he was “deeply disappointed” by the action, which he described as unjustified, and called for the bans to be urgently lifted.

The UK, EU and US are among those who have imposed travel bans.

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Omicron has been classed as a “variant of concern”. Early evidence suggests it has a higher re-infection risk.

The heavily mutated variant was detected in South Africa earlier this month and then reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) last Wednesday.

The variant is responsible for most of the infections found in South Africa’s most populated province, Gauteng, over

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the last two weeks, and is now present in all other provinces in the country.

The WHO has warned against countries hastily imposing travel restrictions, saying they should look to a “risk-based and scientific approach”. However, numerous bans have been introduced in recent days amid concerns over the variant.

WHO’s Africa director Matshidiso Moeti said on Sunday: “With the Omicron variant now detected

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in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity.”

In his speech on Sunday, Ramaphosa said there was no scientific basis for the travel bans and that southern Africa was the victim of unfair discrimination.

He also argued that the bans would not be effective in preventing the spread of the variant.

“The only thing the prohibition on travel will do is to further damage the economies of the affected countries and undermine their ability to respond to, and recover from, the pandemic,” he said.

He called on countries with bans in place to “urgently reverse their decisions... before any further damage is done to our economies”.

Ramaphosa described the emergence of the Omicron variant as a wake-up call for the world regarding vaccine

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South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa inequality - warning that until everyone was vaccinated, more variants were inevitable.

There are no vaccine shortages in South Africa itself, and Ramaphosa urged more people to get jabbed, saying that remained the best way to fight the virus.

A previous statement by the South African foreign ministry on Saturday also strongly criticised the travel bans, saying the country was being punished - instead of applauded - for discovering Omicron.

Omicron has now been detected in a number of countries around the world, including the UK, Germany, Australia and Israel. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, novemBER 29, 2021

T&T: Montano family sweetens empire with chocolates THE Montano family, one of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry, has added a new entity to its business empire.

Montano’s Chocolate Co Ltd (MCCL) has opened a chocolate factory in Arouca, where it now manufactures its chocolate bars — Machel Montano 60 per cent dark chocolate along with cocoa butter, cocoa powder and cocoa nibs.

The chocolate business was launched in 2014 under the Xtatik banner and branded Montano chocolate, in which soca superstar Machel Montano was its brand ambassador and CEO. The venture into the cocoa industry and chocolate manufacturing came when chocolatier Gillian Goddard approached the Montanos with a business proposal to sell her chocolates at their store in the airport.

Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, in an interview with Business Day, said an opportunity presented itself and they purchased the chocolates for Machel Monday that year, which fell on Valentine’s Day. “My mind went straying and the idea of having chocolates for Machel Monday came about. We turned it into Happy Nation, because that was the theme that year for Machel Monday. It did well, and we decided to make chocolate and put it in our store at the airport.”

Since its launch, Montano chocolate has undergone several packaging and product changes to reflect its evolving branding concept and suitability for the various markets it operates in.

“In doing market research we found that we needed more colour, we needed to change it, make it more formal. Some years

passed again, and we made another change.

“After more research we found that the price point was not commercially viable, so we decided to modify the chocolate bar which is now the Machel Montano 60 per cent dark chocolate.”

Montano said at the beginning of their chocolate venture, their bars were made by Alliance of Rural Communities (ARC) where Goddard was co-founder and co-director, and the Trinitario cocoa, produced

by La Reunion Cocoa Estate in Centeno, was used.

Although they have their own manufacturing facility, she said they continued to use Trinitario cocoa from La Reunion because the quality, consistency and taste must be maintained.

The chocolate company has evolved into a family-owned and operated business run by three generations — Winston “Monty” Montano and Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, sons Machel and Marcus along with their wives Renee and Elisha, and six grandchildren, Raylon, Nicholas, Meledi, Malaya, Marley and Micha.

Machel remains its brand ambassador and CEO, while Marcus, a captain pilot with Caribbean Airlines, oversees the operations of the factory. The remaining family members are involved in marketing, promotions, logistics, accounting and other duties of the company.

Music and chocolate are just two of the businesses the family is involved in.

“Monty” also created an eco-friendly space called Almond Park in Toco, after his retirement as a geologist in the oilfields in Siparia.

“This is a part of our legacy,” Montano said.

She said in order for the expansion of the choc-

olate brand, they needed a facility of their own to meet the export needs, but it was a lengthy process to get things in motion and collaborations and partnerships with ministries, ExportTT, ARC, the Cocoa Development Company of TT and others were helpful.

“We decided we wanted to do Montano’s chocolate factory and we started to work again as a family where Machel, Marcus and I took the lead.

“Marcus provided the facility and we had to make financial investments. Along the way we approached the Ministry of Trade and Industry to assist with procuring equipment in a 50-50 partnership.”

Montano added their business model also sought to revitalise the local cocoa industry, assist farmers, entrepreneurs and create jobs.

“We wanted to become more involved in helping to revitalise the cocoa industry and we wanted to diversify, and we wanted to become involved in exporting.

“We decided to expand and to do this, we took the decision to have our own factory, get trained, train our staff, make our chocolates and build on our capacity.”

Through the Machel Montano Foundation for Greatness, she pointed out cocoa producing communities have been provided with the tools, equipment and training needed to make their chocolates and successful business.

Adding that the covid19 pandemic has had negative effects on everyone, Montano said the foundation has been assisting where possible as it did in the past with soft loans to kickstart projects in rural communities.

“Through Machel’s foundation and collaboration with various stakeholders, such as Unicomer

and First Citizens’ bank, we able to help some rural cocoa farmers make their own chocolates and start their own businesses.

“We designed it so that when their businesses flourished and they were able to pay back their loans, that money would

then be reinvested in another community.”

Communities like Brasso Seco, Grand Riviere, Siparia – from which Siparee Choco-Lit with Daisy Dahlin, a chocolate named after late parang queen Daisy Voisin, was created – Lopinot, Biche and

Cushe were all involved in the work they have been doing, she said.

Montano said the addition of the factory in Arouca provides employment for neighbouring communities such as Arima, Maloney, Las Lomas, and Trincity.

“Our focus is also to assist communities and empower individuals to develop sustainable businesses.

Our staff is mainly made of young men and women.

Our investment is in youth.

“We also want our facility to be able to assist the farmers and alleviate some of their problems such as transport, storage and provide opportunities. We are working with the Cocoa Development Company to identify farmers who need help so we can assist.” (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 29, 2021

Development Is About People

DEVELOPMENT is about people. It is about raising the material and cultural conditions in which people live. It is about creating jobs and new opportunities for people, especially young people, to realise their dreams and to grow and develop to the full limit of their potential. It is about having access to better education and health care. And yes, it is about enjoying a bigger basket of goods and services to ensure a better standard of living for all.

A cursory look at life in Guyana since the PPP/C administration took office just over a year ago would suggest that the government has been doing its best to promote a culture of development, one that is intended to benefit the entire population and not one that is skewed in favour of any particular group or segment of the population.

Take housing as an example. Since the ascension of the PPP/C to office on August 2020, close to 10,000 house lots have already been given out at highly subsidised costs, especially for low- income earners. This is in addition to the over 100,000 (one hundred thousand) house lots given out under the previous PPP/C administrations. Indeed, the entire housing landscape has changed significantly with the opening up of housing schemes all over the country. The number of house lots given out so far and the development of new schemes have already surpassed that of the previous APNU+AFC coalition, not to mention its dismal housing record when the PNC was in government during the 1964-1992 period.

The same could be said for job creation. The massive capital programme

undertaken by the government, coupled with that of private individuals, has impacted positively on job creation. This is further boosted by new job opportunities created by the oil and gas sector. The reopening of grinding sugar estates which were closed by the previous APNU+AFC administration has also absorbed hundreds of sugar workers who had lost their jobs and as the industry becomes more consolidated, thousands more jobs will be opened up.

The fact that more job opportunities are being opened up is one clear indication of a better and brighter promise, especially for the young people.

Under the National Youth Empowerment Programme administered by the Ministry of Labour through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), thousands of out-ofschool youths have been

trained in a wide range of courses. The idea behind that programme, initiated by the PPP/C administration, was to inculcate life and entrepreneurial skills to enable young people to earn livelihoods on their own. The government has a fixed number who could be placed on its payroll and the private sector, even though expanding, cannot at this stage of its development absorb the full cohort of new additions to the labour market. This is why micro-enterprise development is of such great importance, especially at this time when new investment opportunities are on the horizon and the service sector is experiencing rapid expansion.

Economic expansion is indispensable for job creation. This is why it is so important for the government to expand its capital works programme which, in addition to job creation,

also lays the foundation for sustainable growth and development. The key to economic development is investment in massive mega projects which require a significant amount of capital formation in order to lessen dependence on borrowed money.

This is why there has to be the right balance between consumption and investment. While wages and salaries are important to ensure a decent standard of living, it is also important to expand and upgrade the social and physical infrastructure of the country, so vital for all-round development.

This is why those who are critical of the recent wages and salaries increase offered by the government are at best short-sighted, or have their own political agendas. And these include some who purportedly claim to have

the interest of the nation's workers at heart. They fail to see development in all its dimensions and ramifications and in a holistic and comprehensive way.

The government has offered increases that are above the inflation rate, which in effect translates to greater disposable income and, more importantly, to a bigger basket of goods and services.

As pointed out by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, we have to guard against those who seek to play politics with the country's development and by implication with the future of our people. Many of those who are today clamouring for higher salary increases were either silent during the days of depressed wages, or were responsible for the pauperisation of public service employees.

Mohamed’s Enterprise qualified for contracts Dear Editor,

MOHAMED’S Enterprise issued a press release in response to grumbling about it being contracted to construct government buildings.

Mohamed Enterprise is known for gold mining.

Not unexpectedly, some in the public feel it lacks skills in building construction.

Having mining skills should not exclude it from construction or other businesses. If a company has the ability and capacity to construct buildings for the state, then it should

be given consideration for contracts. Consideration for contracts should be based on equitable and fair treatment of companies that put in bids or tenders.

I do not know how many companies put in bids and their costs or competence.

The state determines qualification criteria. The state determines ability, capacity, and competence and other criteria for construction.

Mohamed’s Enterprise provided evidence of its ability to construct buildings. I don’t think Mohamed Enterprise has a shortage of skills, labour,

capital, and other resources to put up buildings.

And as such, it should be considered for tenders or bids in construction or in other areas. Mr Mohamed, managing-director of the company, will not put up the building himself. He will contract a company and workers with the competence to carry out the task. The company will be held responsible and accountable for its work.

Delivery of the product is how it should be judged, not a mining background.

What impresses me about Mohamed’s Enterprise is corporate social

responsibility. I don’t know of other companies funding social and religious activities and donating to worthwhile causes. Recently, the company funded the studies of a youngster. I organised several cultural programmes in Guyana. I never approached Mohamed’s Enterprise to sponsor social or cultural programmes. I went to other Indian-owned companies appealing, pleading, begging for sponsorship of Indian cultural activities, including Phagwah and commemorating Indian Arrival. I came up emp-

ty-handed. The owners of two businesses on Water Street shockingly asked how their companies will benefit from donating to worthwhile causes or funding Indian cultural activities. And those two companies got billions of dollars in contracts from the government and also received land to build houses from which they earned billions of dollars. And they are still getting government contracts, although their specialty is not construction of buildings. They put up very good buildings.

If other companies that are not in construc-

tion can be given contracts to put up buildings, why not Mohamed’s Enterprise that has already put up several impressive buildings? The buildings will not be put up by gold diggers, but by experienced engineers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other competent construction workers. Mohamed’s Enterprise is qualified and competent and has unlimited resources to execute state-funded construction.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, novemBER 29, 2021

Dharm Shala appeals for assistance to sustain services

THE Dharm Shala, Home of Benevolence For All Races has made an appeal for help in order to continue its day to day operation of feeding, clothing and housing those who seek its assistance, absolutely free of any charge.

The organisation, in a release, said the old gates have remained opened all these years and some of the requests are very heartfelt experiences for those who manage the institution. This not only applies here in Albouystown but at the Fort Canje, Berbice Dharm Shala.

“The daily expenditure of these Institutions are exorbitant -- electricity, water, telephone, stipends to staff, security, maintenance of buildings and much more.

There are 11 Dharm Shala

buildings, all devoted to humanitarian charity, including four buildings of worship -- two Anglican Chapels and two Mandirs.

“Daily prayers continue with supplications that this selfless service to humanity will continue. May God Bless and sustain those who are supportive of this charity and continue to do so,” the charitable organisation said.

It noted that an official receipt will be issued for any donation received and donations can be sent to the Secretary, Dharm Shala, 140 King Edward Street, Albouystown, telephone number 226 1817 or Mr. Edward Boyer, National Hardware, Water Street, Georgetown.

Meanwhile, the Albouystown Dharm Shala, Guyana’s longest existing

humanitarian charity, will once again be hosting its annual Christmas Day luncheon at 140 King Edward Street, Albouystown for residents and other persons.

The Dharm Shala’s luncheon will be held from 11:00 hrs, preceded by a religious service with musical renditions.

Guyana’s longest existing humanitarian charity, the Dharm Shala would annually treat the elderly persons who reside there to lunch and gifts. Several government officials and dignitaries often visit during the luncheon.

The organisation focuses on housing the poor while providing religious, medical and educational facilities for them. The luncheon has become a tradition in the Albouystown

Speeding motorcyclist killed in Berbice accident RODRIQUES Anthon, 28, of Lot 48 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice lost his life on Saturday after losing control of his motorcycle, CH 2475, and crashing on Asylum Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Police Headquarters noted that the motorcyclist was proceeding west along the northern side of the aforementioned street without a safety helmet at a fast rate of speed when he lost control of his bike, ended up in a northern drain and continued to proceed west where he collided with a concrete culvert situated on the eastern side of Strand Public Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

According to police report, Anthon ‘pitched off’ the motorcycle and further

The motorcycle at the scene of the accident collided into a building lo- public-spirited citizens and cated on the western side of escorted to the New AmsterStrand Public Road, New dam Public Hospital where Amsterdam, Berbice. he was seen and examined As a result of the col- by a doctor on duty who prolision, the cyclist received nounced him dead on arrival. injuries about his head and The body is at the New body.

Amsterdam Public HosHe was picked up in an pital mortuary awaiting a unconscious condition by post-mortem.

President Irfaan Ali serving lunch to the elderly at Dharm Shala 2020 Luncheon community, where the Dharm Shala has kept its home for close to 100 years.

The luncheon is held to pay homage to the late director of the Dharm Shala, Harry Ramsaroop.

Ramsaroop had served

the less fortunate in the Guyanese society for 63 years– until his death in 2013.

Ramsaroop’s mantle of service has now been undertaken by his eldest daughter, Kella Ramsaroop, who func-

tions as the managing head of the organisation.

“We take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your continued support. Best Wishes for the Festive Season,” the organisation said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 29, 2021

‘Stay true to our unique culture during the Christmas season’ –– Minister Walrond urges during light-up at Rahaman’s Park

MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, on Sunday urged Guyanese to stay true to their loving and welcoming nature during the Christmas season.

She made this comment while speaking at the ‘ Annual Christmas Tree Light-up’ at Rahaman’s Park. This marks the 17th year of the Rahaman family tradition, which signals the start of the Christmas season in Guyana.

Minister Walrond said that the tree has become a part of the Guyanese Christmas celebration.

She used the occasion to express her profound gratitude to the Rahaman family for their continued efforts to organise the event, and to ensure that every single year, no matter what happens, that a tree goes up at the spot.

Mickelly Rahaman, describing the event as “magical,” expressed her family’s deep appreciation

The massive Christmas tree at Rahaman’s Park junction (DPI photo)

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond delivering remarks (DPI photo) for being able to engage the people of Guyana as they ring in the festive season. She noted that as a family, the annual Christmas tree light-up has had a lasting impact as it has allowed them to share their love for the season

with persons across the country.

“This is the 17th year that we have been opening the Christmas season with the lighting of this Christmas tree. I’m so honoured to have been a part of such a meaningful event and I

Mickelly Rahaman (DPI photo) am so happy that you are all here to celebrate this time with us. The lighting of the tree has been a very special part of our family and it marks the beginning of the Christmas season for us.

It’s very important for us and you’ve been here helping us to carry this amazing tradition on,” Rahaman stated.

WE SHOULD COME TOGETHER

Meanwhile, Minister Walrond reminded attendees that Guyana has a plethora of rich, diverse cultures and people and said that as we usher in the Christmas season, that diversity should be embraced and loved.

She noted that Guyanese have always been known worldwide for their hospitality and that this should not stop during the festive season.

“I urge us to think of who we are as Guyanese; Guyanese are people who are hospitable, loving, giving, to our core. People come and they speak of our qualities.

They say we are light to be around, and the fact is every community that we are in, we have had the experience of being nurtured by people who didn’t look like us; believe the same things we did, but there was still that feeling of warmth and belonging,” Minister Walrond added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, novemBER 29, 2021

FAO receives 2021 GEO Sustainable Development Goals Award

THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has won an award for developing new methods to monitor a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator on the amount of green vegetation covering the world’s mountains, using satellite images and modelling.

The GEO Sustainable Development Goals Award in the Category SDG Custodian Agency was announced in a virtual ceremony held during the GEO Week 2021 under an initiative led by the Group on Earth Observations for the Sustainable Development Goals.

FAO’s methodology to simplify and automatise the measuring and monitoring of the Mountain Green Cover Index (Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 15.4.2), is based on Earth Observation (EO) products from satellite images and reliable interpretation models.

The technique was developed in 2019 and has been pilot-tested in several countries.

It and can now be used to monitor the Mountain Green Cover Index anywhere in the

world.

The methodology, endorsed by the Inter-agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators, was published in 2021 in the Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (SPRS) International Journal of Geo-Information.

The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 SDGs and 169 targets, supported by 231 indicators. As the custodian agency for 21 of the indicators, FAO has consistently supported the adoption of earth-observation data and geospatial information as an important monitoring instrument.

Monitoring the MGCI over time can provide information on the extent of vegetation change and general health of the mountain ecosystem.

“Our approach not only allows us to generate indicator values for all countries and territories of the world using global datasets, but also encourages countries to use their national data for reporting on this important indicator,” says Anssi Pekkarinen, Senior For-

estry Officer and team leader of FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment.

Part of the FAO’s work towards more accurate monitoring of SDG progress, includes actively working with member countries and partner organisations to further improve the indicator’s methodology and support national reporting with capacity-building tools and materials.

FAO has entered into agreements with several data providers on using earth-observation images to monitor agrifood systems and help countries to achieve the SDGs. The collaboration includes supporting the validation of high-resolution global land cover maps, which are key for monitoring land-based SDGs. The FAO, is also building capacity in countries for producing their own land-cover datasets.

“Though not a panacea for solving all the challenges related to the immense SDG data needs, earth observation data can significantly contribute both directly and indirectly to improving the availability, quality, and consistency of SDG indicators,”

A pine forest in the mountains of North Macedonia (FAO photo) Pietro Gennari, FAO’s Chief Statistician, said.

The findings of a report by the FAO in September showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has set back progress towards the SDGs, undermining decades of development efforts. But the analysis, “Tracking progress on food and agricul-

ture-related SDG indicators 2021” also pointed to several areas in which progress has been made in recent years, including sustainable forest management.

The Earth Observations for the Sustainable Development Goals (GEO SDG) Awards recognise the productivity, innovation, nov-

Motorcyclist, pillion rider injured during attempt to overtake car MOTORCYCLIST Joshua Jack, 20, and pillion rider Neavon Evans, 19, both of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD) were injured on Saturday while attempting to overtake a car on the Hope Public Road, ECD. The driver of the motorcar with registration PKK 5325 was identified as Everton Parkes, 56, of Lot 52 Victoria Village, ECD while the

motorcycle bore registration number CL 2981 According to Police Headquarters, the motorcar was proceeding south along the eastern side of Hope Public Road, East Coast Demerara, at a normal rate of speed when it is alleged by the driver that the motorcyclist was proceeding in the same direction.

While in the process of overtaking the motorcar,

police said the motorcyclist collided with the right side rear portion of the motorcar.

As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist and pillion rider fell onto the surface of the road and received injuries about their bodies.

They were picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where the motorcyclist was seen and

examined by a doctor on duty and was later admitted a patient suffering from a broken right leg while the pillion rider received injuries about his body and is being kept for observation.

A breathalyzer test was

conducted on the driver of motorcar PKK 5325 and it indicated that he had no alcohol in his system.

Police said a notice of intended prosecution has been served as investigations continue.

elty, and exemplary efforts in the use of Earth observations to support sustainable development.

Launched in 2019, this annual award is presented to those making an impact on the monitoring of the 17 global goals put forth by the United Nations.

(FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 29, 2021

Is your child 0 t­o 3 years old?

PEOPLE who work in childcare know the foundation years are from birth to 3 years old. During this stage, children learn more than at any other time of their lives.

Through daycare providers or nursery schools, they hone the skills that prepare them for full-time school. If parents are alert and on point, they also encourage various activities to assist in their child’s development.

There is a lot of information available on child development nowadays. Therefore, there is no reason why parents should not be familiar with their child’s growing needs, should they care to research the same. It only requires a little dedication and the desire to give children the best foundation. The best start, cannot be achieved by a selfish or self-absorbed person but a person who recognises, even anticipates children’s needs from their viewpoint. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to acquire knowledge of what is needed for childcare apart from feeding babies and changing their ‘nappies’.

When children are young (aged 1-2), they understand more than they can express through

words and therefore tend to cry when things are not to their liking or when upset (about or) by something. Rather than find out what is bothering the child and how to rectify the problem, a parent might force the child to stop crying with a couple of light slaps - missing the point that the child tried to communicate by a mile.

Children cry for a reason. It may not be a sensible reason from an adult’s standpoint, but it matters to the child and his/her limited knowledge of the world. Children need to be met halfway by understanding parents who can soothe their anxiety, pain or worry and talk to them considerately. Many parents do the opposite and take out ‘their’ frustration on a crying child, which is counterproductive as nothing meaningful is achieved.

Talking to children and getting to know them during the early years does not mean pandering to their every whim or fancy or molly cuddling them; giving a false concept of the world. They need to build resilience and other traits to survive, so parents should not soften them up. They should be observant and help

them to understand the world around them. Such as cause and effect, e.g. If you do this, that is going to happen.

Children can learn about cause and effect through playing with toys. They push a button, and it makes a noise, or they pile their bricks too high, and they come tumbling down. Cause and effect is a precursor to teaching children about the consequences of their actions later on in life, but during the early years, it is a thinking skill that babies can develop as early as 8 months old.

Adults can help to develop a child’s listening skills by reading and talking to him/her.

Talking should always involve eye contact, so the parent has the child’s attention and vice versa. Parents can speak in a fun way when playing with a child or talk calmly to comfort and appease a child. When parents talk firmly, they can alert a child of danger or explain an undesirable behaviour.

The various tones of voice should be all that is needed to guide a child when young. Slapping a child and calling them ‘hard-ears’ may be culturally acceptable by some, but it is not good practice. Parents have the choice to raise a child with patience and understanding regardless of their various backgrounds or by which methods they were raised.

Reading to children promotes good listening skills.

Parents can start reading to children as soon as they are born if they choose. Some people even read (and play music for) babies in the womb. Parents can start reading books to children as young as 4 months old - they don’t have to read for long, a few minutes at a time will do, but should read consistently.

Language starts to develop in a child’s brain long before the child can speak. Reading aloud benefits advancement considerably. Parents can

show pictures and encourage them to point and ask questions about stories as they grow. Interacting with children whilst reading promotes their thinking, language and social skills. It also encourages children to recognise words so learning to read is easier.

Reading is a good time for parents to snuggle up comfortably with their little ones, so the experience becomes an enjoyable treat from an early age, rather than a chore they are made to perform later on. The best setting to read in, is a quiet, comfortable area, devoid of television, mobile phones or other distractions. Every parent should seek to provide positive surroundings for their children to the best of their ability - in which they can grow and strive.

Parents may become wise after living a somewhat dysfunctional lifestyle and seek to provide a positive environment. At any child development stage, children will benefit from efforts made to assist them. But having measures in place during the early years provides a solid foundation on which confidence, perception, empathy and early learning in children can flourish.

A stable lifestyle is imperative when raising children. Children should not see their parents with multiple partners, in derogatory situations, or witness their parents experiencing mental issues. Even babies can pick up on dysfunctional vibes and feel anxious and unsafe around adults.

Let us do our best to make the foundation years beneficial for children.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, novemBER 29, 2021

Technical training centre, regional labour office for Bartica LABOUR Minister, Joseph Hamilton, on Saturday, visited two sites in Mongrippa Hill, Bartica, Region Seven, for the possible establishment of a technical training centre in the township.

Once established, the

“We have had some difficulties doing the mechanic training programmes because we don’t have a facility.

Cosmetology, we couldn’t do that also, so we want to get this facility up and running,” the minister noted.

Minister Hamilton ex-

Furniture being assembled at the office space to be occupied by the officers centre will be the hub for technical and vocational training for residents of Bartica and surrounding communities.

One of the sites visited already has a building which was previously used as a training centre, while the other is a piece of land under the management of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC).

Minister Hamilton said he will formally engage the relevant agencies to explore the best option for the new training facility.

He explained that the intention is to have a space that communities could utilise for training programmes. Currently, there is no such facility in the region which is hampering the rolling out of many of the programmes offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

plained that the building will also house the regional labour office. Technical officers for the Board of Industrial Training, Labour, Occupational Safety and Health, Central Recruitment and Manpower and Co-operatives Department will also be stationed there.

In the meantime, the officers will occupy an office space at the Bartica Community Centre Ground. Minister Hamilton also visited that office which is currently being furnished.

Already, the ministry has established labour offices in Linden, and Regions Two, Six and 10 with the aim of increasing its presence throughout the country so that citizens could have access to services provided by the agency. Officers of the ministry are also stationed

in every region.

Accompanying the minister was Land Administrative Officer of the GL&SC, Michael Peltier and Prime Ministerial Representative, Ewring Ward.

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Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton; Prime Ministerial Representative, Ewring Ward and the GLSC Land Administration Officer at one of the sites

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 29, 2021

THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has disclosed that sowing of the first crop for 2022 began on November 15, 2021 and is expected to end on December 31, 2021.

The first (spring) crop is planted in November-December and harvested in March-April. According to the GRDB, when sowing is done during this period it allows for the rice plant to flower during the period of high-light intensity which results in higher yields being obtained.

The GRDB further disclosed that synchronization of the planting of rice encourages block planting which will result in better water management and, consequently, conservation, pest control and preservation of dams and access roads.

As it is, Guyana’s rice industry remains among the leading income

tonnes of paddy, rice and its by-products, to the value of close to US$257.3 million.

Sowing begins for first 2022 rice crop earners, raking in some US$123,023,868 (G$25.7 billion) from the export of paddy, rice and rice by-products between January and June 2021, alone.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, had said that these earnings, which resulted from the production of 280,878 tonnes of paddy, represent an improvement when compared to the corresponding period last year, which saw the exportation of 242,000 tonnes of paddy, rice and rice by-products, resulting in earnings that totalled US$99 million.

For the entire 2020, the rice industry raked in US$236.2 million (G$51 billion), as a result of exportation of 574,312 tonnes of paddy, rice, and its by-products.

Even as Guyana looks to double its rice production, the events of 2021, particularly the devastating April-May floods, posed a

A rice field being harvested minor challenge. fields, Minister Mustapha However, Minister Muhad said that he was not exstapha had said that signifpecting any substantial dip icant efforts have gone into in the industry. However, minimising losses and enhe noted, “We still have to suring that farmers are able wait and see at the end of to return to their fields and it all.” get back into production.

Rice Farmers in ReThe most impactful of gions Five (Mahaica-Berthese efforts has been the bice) and Six (East Berbidistribution of flood-relief ce-Corentyne) have borne grants which have already the brunt of the flooding seen thousands of farmers which lasted for more than in all sectors benefitting 60 days in some areas. from $7.8 billion in direct Nonetheless, as far as financial injections. With this year goes, Guyana the majority of rice farmis still hoping to be able ers having returned to the to export some 649,480

MASSIVE SCALE UP Meanwhile, the government is looking to significantly expand rice production, particularly in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

According to a document provided by Minister Mustapha, authorities are eyeing a massive increase of one million bags of paddy, at least by 2025.

This scale up, according to the minister, is being accommodated by way of a number of investments, which have already come on stream, and have begun to bear fruit. These include the reduction in ferry charges to transport paddy from the island of Wakenaam to Parika from $550 to $80 per bag; allowing transportation payments

on credit terms; ensuring that farmers transporting paddy from Parika to Leguan Island can return for free; increased seed paddy availability to farmers from 1,636 bags to 2,067 bags; the introduction of new paddy varieties, such as the GRBD 16 which currently occupies 21 per cent of the region’s rice acreage; the construction of a drying floor at Wakenaam, among other measures.

The region, according to Minister Mustapha’s document, has also benefitted from a bio-fortified trial done at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara; the cleaning of most drainage and irrigation canals, the expansion of the GRDB’s sub-office at Crane, also on the West Coast of Demerara; decentralised seed growers, which increased from 38 acres to 71, as well as the provision of key machinery such as excavators.

Drug use and COVID-19

By Vanesa Cort

SINCE COVID-19 swept across the globe leaving death and illness in its wake, over 18 months ago, many have succumbed

to negative behaviours brought on by the stress of the pandemic.

Not surprisingly, it has been reported that drug use is on the increase, though there has been a shift in the type of

drugs abused and opiod use is now spiraling up while illicit drug use has seen a slight decline.

Disruptions to the supply chain, a decrease in local sellers and social distancing

have all been given as reasons for a reduction in the use of drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

However, one researcher said that she noticed “a spike in substance use that included an increase in both quantity and frequency of use during the pandemic”.

Experts agree, nonetheless, that pandemic-related strain, economic stress, loneliness and general anxiety about the virus “are a major driver for the increase”.

As the pandemic is ongoing, data is still being accumulated on how it has affected people with substance use disorders (SUD), though concerned groups point out that COVID-19 allows for a closer look at drug abuse.

Locally, the use of crack-cocaine is a cause for concern though little is reported about the drug except for news items when quantities are seized or persons are charged with possession.

From the time this ‘fast food’ form of cocaine became available around the world, in the 1980s, it has created immense problems for law enforcement everywhere and soon was termed the drug problem of the century. Authorities struggled to control the burgeoning trade involving ports around the world.

The drug is produced when powdered cocaine is processed and combined with water and another substance, usually baking soda. The mixture is ‘cooked’ (boiled) and when cooled becomes hard and rock-like.

The name derives from the crackling sound made when the drug is heated and smoked. While powdered cocaine is ingested through the nostrils and there is a delay of about ten minutes before it takes effect, crack is almost instantaneously effective.

However, the ‘high’ though intense, only lasts for about ten minutes and experts say that, because the drug is so highly concentrated, it is “extremely addictive (and) it’s possible for a person to become addicted to crack after just one ‘hit’.”

The ‘craving’ for more has caused demand to skyrocket and though this has diminished in recent years, crack still remains the drug of choice for many, who have become addicted to it. Cocaine, from which it is derived, has made drug cartels, particularly in South America, fabulously wealthy as drug distribution networks spread rapidly across the globe.

Huge ‘drug busts’ of cocaine have been recorded in this country and persons are

regularly apprehended at the airport, attempting to traffic in the substance, while Guyana quickly became known as a primary transshipment port for the drug.

All of the cocaine does not pass through the country, however. Some of it remains here and, after processing, is sold as crack at locations nationwide on ‘blocks’, similar to ‘crack houses’ in the US, where people gather to buy and smoke it.

Addiction has become a problem and the pandemic places crack smokers at greater risk because the drug causes sleeplessness and loss of appetite – weakening the immune system – and long term use can lead to respiratory complications.

There is therefore urgent need for greater attention to be paid to this section of our population and substantial resources directed towards the treatment and rehabilitation of ‘users’, particularly in light of the recent discovery of an even more malignant COVID-19 variant.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, novemBER 29, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 29, 2021

Essequibo mother pleads for help to fight cervical cancer

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

THE loss of a spouse often leaves one broken-hearted, but being diagnosed with stage three cancer can be devastating and depressing.

That was the feeling expressed by Jenelle Seymour, 34, shortly after the passing of her partner Graham Hollingsworth, and thereafter discovering the cause of her abnormal bleeding.

Jenelle lives at Lot 22

Public Road, Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast with her three underage children. It was during the month of July that she sought the medical services at the Suddie Public Hospital, in Region Two, where she was being treated for a urinary tract infection.

On October 29, she was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was advised to conduct a subsequent biopsy at a private health in-

stitution, which cost $16,000.

The findings of the biopsy were positive. A computerised tomography scan, commonly referred to as a CAT scan, diagnosed the condition as stage three cervical cancer.

Subsequently, Jenelle was told that the cost for complete treatment is $650,000, a sum that she does not have. A letter to seek financial assistance from the Ministry of Finance was given to her by

THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Works is currently in search of a consultant to commence design works of a Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP), an initiative that is part of the

Adequate Housing and Urban Transport Programme, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

According to the Expressions of Interest, the consultant will be responsible for preparing stud-

ies in implementing the programme. The plan will diagnose and analyse the overall situation, identify key risks, opportunities and entry points for improvements. The studies will also be used to prepare an action plan of activities

the Oncologist at the Cancer Institute, but she was informed that the ministry’s coffers are empty.

Due to that response, Jenelle’s sister, Marsha, has since set up a Go Fund page on Facebook, pleading with kind-hearted persons to assist by raising the necessary monies by Tuesday November 30, the date appointed for the commencement of radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

Jenelle is unemployed;

her deceased partner was the lone breadwinner.

Cervical cancer is one cancer the world can actually eliminate. It is preventable and treatable and the death of a woman makes it a tragedy, said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who in 2018 made a global call for action towards the elimination of cervical cancer.

On November 17, 2020, the World Health Organisation launched a global

Jenelle Seymour strategy to accelerate elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, with a resolution passed by 194 countries.

Work begins on Road Safety Action Plan

Works ongoing on Sherriff Street (DPI photo) and investments to be financed and implemented in order to reduce the number of fatalities overtime.

The consultant must have experience in road traffic safety analysis, particularly relating to engineering, enforcement and investigation; conducting legal services, reviews and comparative law analysis.

It also includes identifying legislative and institutional deficiencies and recommending appropriate measures for improvement.

Legal drafting experience in Guyana would be a distinct advantage. Additionally, the consultant must be experienced in public law and governance and the knowledge of international standards in relation to road safety and traffic management.

Furthermore, the con-

sultant will be responsible for communication studies regarding road use practices, with particular emphasis on analysing current levels of awareness, identifying deficiencies in existing strategies, and crafting behavioural change strategies and messages for all categories of road users.

The estimated implementation period of the consultancy is six months.

The consultant(s) will be selected in accordance with the quality and costbased selection (QCBS) procedures set out in the IDB’s “Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants by the IDB”.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications.

The Ministry of Public Works has already embarked on a massive infrastructural upgrade of Guyana and its roadways.

The Sherriff – Mandela Road expansion, one of the many highly-anticipated road projects in Georgetown, is nearing completion with more than 70 per cent of the development almost complete.

Works have already commenced on the Mandela to Eccles Road which will offset the rapidly-growing traffic congestion on the East Bank Demerara highway.

These are just two projects out of hundreds that the government has embarked on, as part of its manifesto promise of improving connectivity and productivity in Guyana. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 29, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 29, 2021

Discipline key if West Indies to overcome Sri Lanka - Brathwaite C M C – We s t I n d i e s Te s t c a p t a i n K r a i g g Brathwaite says discipline, defending balls and staying at the crease for extended periods will be key for his squad as they seek to combat the Sri Lankan spin attack and end the year with a victory in their final Test here on Monday.

He said if the team can stick to the game plan, they can bounce back and win the second Test to avoid another series loss.

“The plan is to be clear on what you want to do and believe that you can do it… and do it for long periods as well…. I think that’s the key. We gotta have the discipline and the fight to do it for over two sessions, over three sessions. I think that’s very important for us,” the Windies skipper said ahead of the match.

“I think discipline is really the key…. We bowled a number of bad balls and we didn’t bat that well in that first game at all and it’s just about getting the two to blend, and the sooner we can do that and the more consistent we can do that, that would be very, very crucial.”

West Indies lost the first Test at Galle International Stadium by 187 runs after their top order fared badly, managing only 100 for six in the first innings and slumping to 18 for six in the second.

Despite middle-order batter Nkrumah Bonner’s second-innings 220-ball, four-and-a-half-hour defiant knock, and wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva’s supporting fight in the lower order after the Caribbean men resumed the final day on 52-6, West Indies were unable to beat the home side.

But Brathwaite said the

Joshua Da Silva and Nkrumah Bonner frustrated Sri Lanka before lunch, Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st Test, Galle, 5th day, November 25, 2021 © Associated Press team had learned some lessons from Bonner and Da Silva that will be useful in the next Test.

“In terms of how they were able to manoeuvre different balls was a very good example for us, and just the fight that they showed.

Coming back into that last game, and they bringing us from [18 for 6], I think that was commendable. As a batting group, looking on it was good to see, and obviously something to learn from going forward for sure,” the right-handed batsman said.

“I think Bonner and Josh showed that once you have a solid defence, whether front foot or back foot, and you put the effort in and the energy into doing it, you’ll be successful. It’s only sometimes when doubt comes in, that’s when you could slip up a bit….but you know it’s just to be sure and to trust that defence basically.

That’s what the guys did for all that period they batted.

Bad balls will bowl and you will get runs. We did it well in part, it’s just to do it for

an extended period now.

“We had a lot of discussions and one important thing is that you’ve got to defend a lot of balls. So, I think having a straight bat is one thing we discussed which would be very important, and sweeping as well, especially the offspinner. But it’s just to be clear and be confident in whether [you’re playing] forward or back,” he added.

Brathwaite acknowledged that beating Sri Lank would not be easy, but possible.

“We didn’t do as good as we can do as a team, so we know it will be a challenge. But we’re up for the task and we know where we have to improve. First innings total as a batting unit is crucial, especially in these conditions and we know what we have to do and improve on for sure,” he said.

The West Indies skipper added that winning the upcoming Test is important, especially given it will be the last opportunity this year

to get points to go towards the World Test Championship.

Of the three games so far, West Indies have won one and lost two.

“So it’s important to finish strong, in terms of 2021, and be fully focused….

Once we can stick to our plan as batters and bowlers and fielders, we will do well,” Brathwaite said.

“I think we showed good progress in 2021.

It was not a good series against South Africa.

We bounced back decent against Pakistan. In Bangladesh we won that series 2-nil. It is a decent year so far. Winning this game… will be very crucial from a points point of view for the Test Championship.

I think as a team we’ve made some strides and I think that’s most important. Once the group stays together and keeps building that unit, I think that’s crucial for the team but finishing well here is very important for us,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 29, 2021

F1’s Frank Williams dies

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Frank Williams, the founder of one of Formula One's most successful and popular teams, has died at the age of 79.

Williams founded the Williams F1 team in 1977 and quickly turned the privateer outfit into one of the sport's best,

competing and winning against some of the biggest manufacturers in motor racing. The team won nine constructors' championships and seven drivers' championships between 1980 and 1997 and has remained on the grid for over 40 years.

Williams is one of the most important and respected figures in F1 history.

In one of sport's great underdog stories, his team started operating out of an old carpet warehouse but quickly became the team to beat in F1. Clay Regazzoni won Williams' first

race at the 1979 British Grand Prix, with Alan Jones taking the team's first world championship in 1980.

Williams continued to run his team despite a serious car crash in 1986 that left him with tetraplegia. Remarkably, his team won the constructors' championship that same season, and would win both titles in 1987.

Williams then established his team as the dominant force of the 1990s.

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 for his services to motorsport.

Although he gave up day-to-day running of his team to daughter Claire in 2013, Frank remained team principal until September 2020. Ahead of last year's Italian Grand Prix, the Williams family stood down from the leadership of the team following its sale to private investment firm Dorilton Capital.

Until then, Williams had been the longest-serving and most successful

Williams is one of the most important and respected figures in F1 history. team principal in F1's history.

On Sunday, the Williams team confirmed the news in a statement.

It read: "It is with great sadness that on behalf of the Williams family, the team can confirm the death of Sir Frank Williams CBE, Founder and Former Team Principal of Williams Racing, at the age of 79.

"After being admitted into hospital on Friday, Sir Frank passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his family.

Today we pay tribute to our much loved and inspirational figurehead. Frank will be sorely missed. We request that all friends and colleagues respect the Williams family's wishes for privacy at this time.

"For those wishing to pay tribute, we ask that donations are made in place of gifts to the Spinal Inju-

ries Association, alternatively we would welcome flowers to be placed at the entrance of the team's headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire. Details of the memorial service will follow in due course."

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali released a statement saying that Williams "was a true giant of our sport that overcame the most difficult of challenges in life and battled every day to win on and off the track. We have lost a much loved and respected member of the F1 family, and he will be hugely missed.

His incredible achievements and personality will be ... etched on our sport forever. My thoughts are with all the Williams family and their friends at this sad time."

Tributes flooded in from the world of motor racing after the news was confirmed.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday, November 29, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville,Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle; Kemar Roach (10 Tests each) (2) M. Jayawardene, K. Sangakkara; M. Muralitharan (12 Tests each) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many players have captained the West Indies (WI) in Tests against Sri Lanka (SL) to date?

(2) How many players have led SL against the WI in Tests to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 29, 2021

Bangladesh vs Pakistan encounter evenly poised heading into day four (ESPNCRICINFO) - It's still an even contest between bat and ball, and an even contest between Bangladesh and Pakistan as well. Bangladesh, with Taijul Islam in the lead, wrested control of the game early on the third day in Chattogram and didn't relinquish it through the first two sessions, bowling Pakistan out for 286 and helping themselves to a 44-run lead.

Taijul loomed large over the proceedings, taking out

answer is to sleep on it. For the second day in succession, the bowling side found a breakthrough in the morning after toiling through the later sessions on the previous day. This time, Bangladesh ended the opening stand at 146 off just the fifth ball of the morning, bowled

by Taijul. And he made it two in two by following up the Abdullah Shafique dismissal by sending back Azhar Ali for a golden duck.

And Bangladesh had their tails up.

though the umpire turned Bangladesh down, they were not about to let this one go unreviewed. The ball was hitting middle, and Azhar walked back in front of a Chattogram crowd that came alive suddenly.

Babar Azam - and Fawad Alam after him - didn't look comfortable at all against a Bangladesh spin attack that was out for the kill. The Pakistan captain was done in by a beauty from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, playing down the wrong line only to see

Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up three wickets in a fiery opening burst (AFP/Getty Images) seven wickets as Pakistan lost ten wickets on the day for 141 runs. But a searing Shaheen Shah Afridi then picked up three wickets in a rush, and Bangladesh went to stumps precariously placed at 39 for 4, effectively 83 for 4.

How do you break a big partnership when the bowlers appear to run out of ideas? In Chattogram, the

Shafique was fortunate to survive an lbw appeal early on in his innings, on the second day, when Bangladesh failed to review, but when Taijul skidded one through today, the debutant's bat came down far too late and he was trapped lbw.

Azhar, struggling for runs, was squared up by one that turned away and struck him on the back leg, and

the ball crash into off stump.

It was Fawad's dismissal, though, that might illustrate the advantage of not having to bat last. The delivery from Taijul appeared to land in a footmark, and it ripped back in to tuck Fawad up, the ball kissing his glove on its way through to an alert Liton Das. Mohammad Rizwan hadn't looked anywhere

near his best, and was put out of his misery by Ebadot Hossain, trapped plumb in front after scoring five in 38 deliveries.

All along, Abid Ali, overnight on 93, was a picture of calm. He had watched the drama unfold, and brought up three figures early in the session with a flick through midwicket. He wasn't totally immune from hazard, though, and was fortunate to see first slip fluff an outside edge. But, for the most part, he seemed to be batting on a

different pitch.

Abid's battle with Taijul was always going to be key, and when the opener missed a flick to one that had skidded through, the umpire raised his finger.

He had been responsible for 133 of Pakistan's 217 runs till that point, and once Abid fell, the game entered a different stage, and adopted a new intensity.

Pakistan weren't just behind in the game, but also in danger of conceding a huge lead, and possi-

bly being set an insurmountable fourth-innings target. Having watched Pakistan crawl along at under two-and-a-half runs an over, Hasan Ali tried to be more enterprising. In a short and entertaining stay at the crease, he stepped out and smashed a four and a six before the inherent risk in that approach bit him. He stepped out again, a bit too early, and Taijul dragged his length back, giving Liton an easy stumping.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 29, 2021

Iyer, Saha set New Zealand 284 for win (ESPNCRICINFO) - Debutant Shreyas Iyer followed up his 105 in the first innings with 65 to help India set New Zealand a target of 284 in the first Test in Kanpur. He was well-supported by Wriddhiman Saha, who struck an unbeaten 61 after being off the field with a stiff neck on day three.

In the morning session, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson and Ajaz Patel had reduced India to 51 for 5, but Iyer and R Ashwin eased the hosts' nerves with a 52-run stand for the sixth wicket. Then, Iyer and Saha added 64 for the seventh wicket to take India's lead past 200.

Iyer was caught down the leg side off Southee in the last over before tea but Saha and Axar Patel dashed any hopes New Zealand might have had of keeping the target under 250.

The two added 67 in 20.4 overs in an unbroken eighth-wicket stand without showing any urgency until the very end.

India finally declared on 234 for 7, and in the four overs possible before bad light forced stumps, Ashwin dismissed Will Young lbw with the one that kept low. Had Young opted for the review in time, he would have survived as replays showed the ball was spinning past leg stump.

Saha kept wickets at the start of New Zealand's second innings but was substituted by KS Bharat after only two overs.

Earlier, it was surprising to see Kane Williamson starting with batting allrounder Rachin Ravindra after lunch with India placed precariously on 84 for 5.

To his credit, Ravindra was tidy but didn't pose much of a threat.

From the other end, Southee's short-ball ploy against Ashwin didn't quite come off either.

It was Jamieson who eventually broke the stand with Ashwin chopping one onto his stumps, but by then India's lead had crossed 150.

Meanwhile, Iyer showed

Wriddhiman Saha struck an unbeaten 61 after being off the field with a stiff neck on day three BCCI great maturity, playing the ball short midwicket in place. While bat straightaway, but the ball late on a slow pitch and picking Agarwal struggled, Pujara made went for four through the gap up the majority of his runs in the good use of the opportunities between the wicketkeeper and third man region. He brought and moved to 22 off 32 balls. a wide first slip. That prompted However, Jameison then New Zealand to have a more up his half-century off 109 balls, becoming the first India banged one short, and even conventional slip cordon, and batter - and 16th overall - to though the ball was angling soon there was another opporscore a hundred and a fifty in down the leg side, Pujara ended tunity. In Southee's next over, up fending at it and gloved it to Agarwal edged an outswinger his first Test.

Saha stuck around with Iyer the wicketkeeper. The on-field to second slip, where Tom and even hit William Somerville umpire ruled it not out but New Latham took a tumbling catch for a four and a six off succes- Zealand got the decision over- to his left. sive deliveries, the first of those turned on review.

Two balls later, Southee Ajinkya Rahane had scored jolted India further by dismissshots bursting through Henry Nicholls' fingers at midwicket. a valuable 35 in the first innings ing Ravindra Jadeja lbw from Iyer looked to bat more but on Sunday he didn't look around the wicket. With half freely after his half-century. comfortable at the crease. He the side back in the pavilion and While he couldn't add too many opened his account off his 14th it not being clear then if Saha to his tally, his knock had put ball with a four off Ajaz but would bat, India's lead of 100 India in a comfortable position. the left-arm spinner trapped looked paltry.

With India starting the day him lbw on the very next ball Iyer and Ashwin, though, on 14 for 1, Cheteshwar Pujara with the one that went on with eased some of the pressure by and Mayank Agarwal were the arm. hitting four fours in the next Coming back for his sec- three overs and played out offered some freebies on the pads as Jamieson and Southee ond spell of the day, Southee the rest of the first session bowled straight with a catching drew the outside edge of Iyer's without further damage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 29, 2021

Unbeaten Gayle downs Chennai Braves CMC – Chris Gayle put in another unbeaten knock for Team Abu Dhabi on Sunday, to help his team to its sixth win of the Abu Dhabi T10 League and into the playoffs.

His 30 not out, off 16 balls, a game-changing over with the ball from captain Liam Livingstone, and a sensational 15-ball half-century – the fastest this season – by opener Philip Salt saw Team Abu Dhabi beating Chennai Braves by seven wickets at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Livingstone had opted to bowl first after winning the toss, and Jamie Overton removed Braves’ Bhanuka Rajapaksa early. However, Mohammad Shahzad (53 off

30 balls), Chennai Braves’ other opener, and Dasun Shanaka (11 off 11 balls) steadied the ship.

With Braves cruising at 75/1 after seven overs, Team Abu Dhabi needed a breakthrough and they got just that, and more, courtesy Livingstone in the eighth over.

The part-time spinner dealt the Braves a triple blow, removing Shanaka and Samiullah Shinwari off consecutive deliveries to start his over. The captain capped off the game-turning over with Shahzad’s scalp in the final delivery to reduce the Braves to 82/4.

The Angelo Perera-led Chennai Braves could not recover from there on as their

innings wrapped up for 107/6 in their allotted 10 overs.

Needing a solid bowling performance to defend their total, they managed to get early wickets as Mark Deyal sent back Paul Stirling and Livingstone in the second over.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Salt, however, was in mesmerising form at the other end. The Team Abu Dhabi opener scored a 15-ball half-century en route to 63 off just 20 balls. Nuwan Pradeep faced the full wrath of Salt’s heavy-hitting, conceding 46 in his two overs.

Curtis Campher finally removed Salt from the crease, but Gayle, who had scored an unbeaten 52 in

his side’s previous match, and Colin Ingram (8 off 3 balls) made sure Team Abu Dhabi crossed the finish line with three overs and seven wickets to spare.

The win over the bottom-placed Braves took Team Abu Dhabi to 12 points from eight matches and sealed their spot in the playoffs. Although they are on the same points as Decan Gladiators, they are now in second place in the standings, based on net run rate.

Along with Team Abu Dhabi and Deccan Gladiators, Bangla Tigers and Delhi Bulls were confirmed for the playoffs after Sunday’s matches.

Chris Gayle on the way to hitting an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls.

Drakes bowling performance spurs Bulls to win at 88/9 in the 10 overs.

Delhi Bulls and Bangla Tigers ended the day tied

on 10 points but Tigers are third in the standings because of a superior net run

rate. Both teams are among the four that have now qualified for the playoffs.

Odean Smith helps Gladiators past warriors Drakes took 4-9 for Delhi Bulls.

CMC – Delhi Bulls’ Dominic Drakes led a bowling attack that led to the collapse of the Bangla Tigers’ batting order on Sunday, as his side secured a 12-run victory as the Abu Dhabi T10 League continued.

The Barbadian ended with figures of 4-9 in what was the last of the day’s three contests.

Bangla Tigers captain Faf du Plessis had sent Dwayne Bravo’s Delhi Bulls in to bat after winning the coin toss. The Tigers bowlers backed up their captain’s decision

with conviction, picking up wickets at regular intervals and restricting the Delhi Bulls to a modest 100/7.

M o h a m m a d A m i r, James Faulkner and Luke Fletcher earned two scalps each, while Luke Wood registered the remaining wicket. Only Eoin Morgan put on some resistance from the Bulls’ batting line-up, scoring 35 off 19 deliveries.

But captain Bravo led the way in defending the score, dismissing the dangerous Hazratullah Zazai (8 off 6 balls) and Johnson Charles (3 off 3 balls) in

the second over of the innings.

Adil Rashid raced in to support his skipper in the very next over, picking out Will Jacks and Karim Janat cheaply.

With his team struggling at 25/4, Du Plessis came to the crease and arrested the collapse, albeit briefly. The South African scored 26 off 16 deliveries before being caught off Drakes.

Another collapse followed as Drakes picked up James Faulkner, Luke Wood and Vishnu Sukumaran cheaply to end the Bangla Tigers innings

Odean Smith was power hitter of the match against Northern Warriors

(CMC) - Rovman Powell’s Northern Warriors lost to topof-the-table Deccan Gladiators as they faced off in the Abu Dhabi T10 League on Sunday, with Odean Smith’s unbeaten innings of 33 leading the victory for the Wahab Riaz-led side.

Gladiators put a respectable 134/5 on the board that proved too much for the defending champions, Warriors, who were restricted to 115/4.

Powell won the toss and

chose to send in Gladiators to bat. The Warriors bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals, but a solid 39 off 19 deliveries by Tom Moores and 22 off 11 from Andre Russell in the middle order gave the Gladiators a decent launch-pad for the final overs.

Oshane Thomas managed to send both back in the eighth over but a late flurry by Smith guided Gladiators to their 134.

Warriors, the defending

champions, made a solid, yet unimpressive start, with all the top four batsmen, Kennar Lewis (22 off 10 balls), Moeen Ali (22 off 12 balls), captain Powell (25 off 18 balls) and Ross Whiteley (26 not out off 13 balls), crossing their twenties.

The Gladiators bowlers, however, did well to keep it tight and ensured none of the opposition batsmen could break free.

Captain Riaz led the way, conceding just 13 runs in his allotted two overs, whilst taking out the dangerous Moeen Ali. The Gladiators’ miserly bowling ensured the required run rate kept climbing and the Northern Warriors eventually baulked despite having wickets in hand.

Deccan Gladiators are into the playoffs at the top of the standings, having the same 10 points as Team Abu Dhabi but in the lead on net run rate.

Warriors are in fifth position in the six-team tournament, on four points, just above the winless Chennai Braves.

Discipline key if West Indies to overcome Sri Lanka - Brathwaite

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19 Joshua Da Silva and Nkrumah Bonner frustrated Sri Lanka before lunch, Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st Test, Galle, 5th day, November 25, 2021 © Associated Press

Iyer, Saha set New Zealand 284 for win

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22 Wriddhiman Saha struck an unbeaten 61 after being off the field with a stiff neck on day three BCCI 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

Monday, November 29, 2021