Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-12-2021 by Guyana Chronicle

THURSDAY 30th DECEMBER, 2021

No. 106590

Landmark Natural Resources Fund Bill approved

- as Opposition ‘plunges’ National Assembly into chaos with protest, attempts to steal Speaker’s mace SEE PAGE

An employee of the National Assembly being verbally abused as he clutches to the Speaker’s Mace

A scuffle ensues as Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, attempts to steal the Speaker’s Mace

Opposition Members of Parliament interrupt the presentation of the NRF 2021 Bill

Milestone Local Content Bil passed with amendments

A human barricade is formed to protect Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, from the protesting parliamentarians

Policewoman who returned money among 12 promoted on the spot SEE PAGE

SEE PAGE

Health Minister warns of infectiousness of Omicron variant SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Milestone Local Content Bill passed with amendments - as gov’t accepts 10 of 14 Opposition proposals

By Rehana Ahamad AFTER a year of consultations, the landmark Local Content Bill was finally passed in the National Assembly on Wednesday, with the government accepting 10 of the 14 amendments proposed by the main parliamentary opposition. The proposed amendments, although submitted merely one day before the debate, were considered by the People’s Progressive Par-

ty/Civic (PPP/C) government to be fair and worthy of inclusion to the Bill. “The natural resources of this country belong to the people of Guyana…if there are suggestions from any groups that will strengthen the Local Content Bill and will add to bringing more benefits for Guyanese, we are open to that,” Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said in his passionate presentation during the al-

most seven-hour-long debate on the Bill. He noted that while most of the proposed amendments were facilitated, there were some that the government “just could not agree with.” This included a recommendation that the local content stipulation must only be applied to persons born in Guyana. The refusal to include this particular amendment was robustly defended by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who argued that because Guyana has a meagre population count in the vicinity of 750,000 persons, the country will soon have to re-examine its immigration policies to allow for an importation of the human resources needed to drive the country’s magnanimous growth. To this end, he asserted that the country’s growth will accommodate the much-needed input of Guyanese residing in the diaspora. Additionally, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), via its Member of Parliament, David Patterson, proposed that the inter-agency committee be replaced with a Local Content Oversight Committee. This recommendation was also accepted by the government, which agreed to replace the agency with a Local Content Advisory Committee. The Opposition also recommended the addition of several agencies to be part of

the committee; this too was agreed to, paving the way for a member of the National Toshao’s Council, the Guyana Bar Association and an Opposition Parliamentarian, to hold seats on the Committee. “We are saying yes, we agree to it,” Minister Bharrat said, as he emphasised that the bottom-line of the Bill is to ensure that the oil and gas sector is able to optimally serve the people of Guyana. “All of us in here, that should be our objective; regardless of where we sit,” Bharrat told his colleagues on the opposing side. The minister reminded that the Local Content Legislation would not be set in stone, since the government has repeated that as more and more Guyanese are trained, the laws would be amended to guarantee increased employment and business opportunities for the people of Guyana. As stipulated in the Local Content Bill, not only would a company have to have a Guyanese national owning 51 per cent of its shares to be considered a “local entity,” but the company’s management team also has to comprise seventy per cent Guyanese, while its overall staff complement has to also be ninety per cent Guyanese. The Bill also requires the establishment of a Local Content Secretariat, which would be charged with setting up two registers -- one comprising local businesses, and another outlining a list of Guyanese seeking employment within the petroleum sector. The Opposition, on Tuesday, recommended that the registers be published on the Ministry of Natural Resources’ website and in the local press; this was also agreed to by the government. Based on feedback from Guyanese within the oil and gas sector, the government also moved to table some additional amendments of its own. EQUAL PAY One of those changes seeks to ensure that Guyanese who possess the same skills and competencies as their foreign counterparts are paid equally. “We have listened to the Guyanese workers in the sector and tabled that change,” Minister Bharrat noted. The Bill outlines 40 sub-sectors which would legally require oil companies to procure goods and services as well as employ specific percentages of Guyanese in their day-to-day

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat operations. their programmes to train As the Bill was being and build capacity among debated in the House, the their local workforce. government even moved to Once the Local Content increase some of the stipu- Secretariat is established, lated percentages in order to those plans would have to be secure more opportunities for updated and submitted annuthe people of Guyana. ally for review, after which For instance, up from 20 it will be forwarded to the per cent, oil companies will subject minister for approval. be required to employ at least This submission, accord90 per cent of Guyanese or ing to Minister Bharrat, will Guyanese-owned compa- help to inform the governnies to satisfy its accounting ment of the needs of the needs. petroleum industry, and what It will also have to ensure has to be done for Guyanese that 100 per cent of its insur- to capitalise on the majority ance needs are met strictly of available opportunities. by Guyanese and Guya“We want our local businese-owned entities. nesses to be competitive both The similar percentage in price and competence,” applies to the provision of Minister Bharrat said. ground transportation serHe also admitted that vices, the provision of im- crafting the legislation was migration support services, not an easy task, given the customs brokerage services, newness of the petroleum and visa and work permit sector. services, etcetera. “We can only know our The minimum local con- capacity once we do a true tent requirements contained assessment. This Bill will in the legislation relate to help us to truly assess our caengineering and machining, pacity in our businesses and which secures only a meagre what capacity building we five per cent of opportunities have to do,” Bharrat posited. for Guyanese workers in that In wrapping up the field, followed by metrology lengthy debate, Minister and dredging services at 10 Bharrat responded to the per cent and aviation and Opposition’s call for the borehole testing services at Bill to be placed before a 20 per cent. Parliamentary Special Select However, the govern- Committee. ment has made it clear that it He sought to point out will be collaborating with the several pieces of legislation private sector to embark on a such as the Petroleum Commassive training programme mission Bill, the Animal to ensure that more Guya- Welfare Bill and the Food nese are trained to fill the Safety legislation, among existing employment gaps. others that have been stalled CONSTANTLY UPat the level of such select DATED committees. Minister Bharrat has also “Where are these bills reiterated the government’s today?” Minister Bharrat assurance that the local con- queried. He surmised that tent requirements will be the government cannot constantly updated to accom- allow the “grass to keep modate the growing numbers growing while the horse of trained persons. starves.” Further, foreign comThe Bill, which now has panies operating within the to be assented to by Prespetroleum sector will be ident Dr. Irfaan Ali, was required to submit a mas- deemed an excellent piece ter plan, containing three of legislation, which will sub-plans that depict their benefit from continuous employment practices, their consultation and updates, procurement strategy, and going forward.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Landmark Natural Resources Fund Bill approved

- as Opposition ‘plunges’ National Assembly into chaos with protest, attempts to steal Speaker’s mace By Rehana Ahamad

GUYANA’S oil revenues will now be governed by a piece of legislation that assures greater levels of transparency and accountability on the part of the government. This was made possible with the passage of the 2021 Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Bill, which was passed in the National Assembly on Tuesday night, amid massive uproar from the main A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Opposition. The 2021 Bill essentially replaces the “inadequate” NRF Act, which was “rushed through” the National Assembly in January of 2019, by a “defunct” APNU+AFC government, which was already toppled with the passage of a no-confidence motion in December 2018. The 2019 legislation did not benefit from the input of then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition. Soon after its passage, the 2019 legislation was heavily criticised by a number of stakeholders, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), one of Guyana’s leading financial partners, which described the Act as being one that “departs from good practices.” The IDB said too that the complexity of the legislation essentially conspires against fiscal transparency and public understanding. As a result of those

“inadequacies,” the then APNU+AFC government was able to deny having collected a US$18 million signing bonus from ExxonMobil Guyana. “If they gon try to hide [US$]18 million, you [can] imagine what they gon do when hundreds of millions start to come in,” Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, reasoned during his passionate defence of the proposed repeal of the Act. As part of the new legislation, any Finance Minister who fails to disclose receipts of oil revenues of any kind, within a three-month period, will face up to 10 years imprisonment. Initially, after the passage of the historic Local Content Bill, the National Assembly resumed, with the Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, calling on Minister Singh to jumpstart the parliamentary debates. CHAOS AND THIEVERY This was objected to by Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, who asked that the Bill be sent to a Special Select Committee. Speaker Nadir then responded to say that he prefers listening to the arguments on both sides, before determining whether or not the Bill should be sent to a select committee. Minister Singh then took to the podium, but his presentation was interrupted by members of the APNU+AFC

Opposition who kept banging on their desks, chanting the words, “no thieving bill must pass.” The uproar continued for several minutes, even as Minister Singh pressed ahead to make his point. As the chaos grew, the Speaker arose from his seat and asked that order return to the House. “I am on my feet,” Mr. Nadir cautioned. However, the protest from the Opposition grew, as the Opposition MPs, armed with placards, converged at the centre floor of the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where the National Assembly is being held. The Speaker, in a bid to carry on the business of the House, advised Minister Singh to proceed. The growing uproar eventually forced Speaker Nadir to call for a short suspension, during which, the Opposition continued their protest. The Speaker returned to the dome several minutes later, and Dr. Singh was asked to continue, but in doing so, he was gradually surrounded by the opposition MPs who continued their loud chants and whistle-blowing. This forced the government Members of the National Assembly to form a human barricade around the minister as he continued his arguments in favour of the new Bill. By this time, Parliamentary staff had already formed a shield around the Speaker. A few minutes in, a brazen attempt was made by

Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, to steal the Speaker’s mace; she was immediately joined by some of her other colleagues. This unprecedented act was foiled by a young clerk of the House, who managed to secure the instrument, which he held on tightly to as he laid on the floor of the conference centre. A video posted on social media shows one of the Opposition parliamentarians verbally abusing the young man, using racial slurs. By that time, the NRF, as presented by Minister Singh, was passed. TRANSPARENCY The new Bill, which now has to be assented to by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, will demand that withdrawals and spending of the oil revenues benefit from several layers of scrutiny, including pre and post parliamentary scrutiny, as indicated by President Ali said on Tuesday. The new legislation requires that withdrawals from the fund only be used to finance national developmental projects or respond to major natural disasters. Further, those projects would all have to be included as components of the national budget, which is subject to parliamentary debates and approval. Moreover, in accordance with existing financial regulations, the projects and programmes funded by oil revenues would also have to also be investigated by the Office of the Auditor General,

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh after which, a comprehensive Audit Report has to be compiled and submitted to the National Assembly. That report then has to face further scrutiny by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is led by the Opposition. The new Bill also seeks to reverse some of the “fatal flaws” which were detected in the 2019 Act. Apart from being passed by a toppled government, the 2019 NRF Act makes it especially complicated to calculate how the country’s oil revenues are being spent. To right that particular wrong, the 2021 Bill proposes that withdrawals be capped so that money from the fund could be saved for future generations, and that a formula be introduced to allow for easy calculation by all Guyanese.

To this end, in the first instance, Guyana will be able to withdraw 100 per cent of the money contained in the fund, after which the cap will take effect at 75 per cent of the second US$500 million deposited into the NRF during the preceding fiscal year of its passage, followed by 50 per cent, then 25 per cent, five per cent, and finally, at three per cent of any amounts in excess of $2.5 billion. Under the new legislation, the excessive powers previously given to the Finance Minister will also be reduced, as it introduces a Board of Directors and an oversight committee to manage the fund. Those bodies will comprise of a number of diverse stakeholders including members of the private sector and a person nominated by the National Assembly. Nonetheless, once the Bill is assented to by President Ali, the government could begin to make withdrawals to fund its development agenda, which is premised on utilising the oil revenues to propel and enhance a number of critical non-oil sectors such as education, agriculture, health and social services. The government also has plans to embark on a massive energy mix which will not only contribute to the fight against climate change, but will also cut the cost of electricity by 50 per cent, thereby boosting the manufacturing and services sector, whilst encouraging further investments.

Government condemns Opposition’s defilement of National Assembly

(Statement from the Government of Guyana) The Natural Resources Fund Act of 2021 was passed and is now lawful. The Natural Resources Fund Bill, No. 21 of 2021, was passed in the National Assembly of Guyana on December 29, 2021, despite the Opposition’s despicable and reprehensible behaviour to block its passage in the National Assembly. The 2019 Act stands successfully repealed at the moment and has been replaced by this hallmark piece of legislation which will ensure the security, transparency and accountability that Guyanese need in order to benefit from the

oil and gas revenues. The Bill provides for a governance structure of how these funds will be used with continuous public disclosures, audits and Parliamentary approvals. It must be noted that at the time when the vote was called, every Member of the government side of the house was seated and voted for its passage. The mace was also in place at the time when the question was put to the house and the vote taken. The APNU+AFC coalition and the rest of the Opposition Members of Parliament should examine the video footage and other recordings of the events in the National As-

sembly that prove that the Natural Resources Fund Bill was lawfully passed and is now binding and legal. Therefore, no spin and statement of the APNU+AFC Coalition Opposition, after their despicable and revolting behaviour, can change the sequence of events which unfolded on Wednesday. No propaganda or false information can be peddled by the Opposition which decent minded people would believe. The APNU+AFC Coalition Parliamentarians’ objective of stopping the passage of this important piece of legislation that would benefit all Guya-

nese and move our country rapidly forward in its transformation as a modern democratic nation, ended in abysmal failure. Blinded by their antinational stance they failed to notice that the Government was determined to proceed with the people’s business and conclude this historic piece of legislation on behalf of our people and nation. The PPP/C Government will not be derailed by threats, intimidation and bullyism; this has been affirmed during the long five months after the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections when the same APNU+AFC Coalition

tried to steal the elections and subvert the will of the people to elect their representatives at a free and fair elections. The Government of Guyana strongly condemns the APNU+AFC Coalition Parliamentarians’ lawlessness and defilement of the National

Assembly, the Speaker, the Clerk and staff have never seen before. The Government urges the Speaker to do what is necessary to avoid a recurrence, unchecked our highest law-making forum will be further desecrated unimpeded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

55 persons living with disabilities graduate from BIT programmes Angelica Bassoo and her mother Leroy Phillips

Gabrielle Mckenzie FIFTY-FIVE persons with disabilities, from six of the 10 administrative regions, have completed courses in disability studies, food preparation, general office administration, Spanish and website designing. The training programmes were executed by the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT). Speaking at the simple, yet significant graduation ceremony, held at the Regency Suites, subject minster Joseph Hamilton assured those present that the government, under the relevant agencies and ministries, will ensure that persons living with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate in the development of the country. “At the level of the Ministry of Labour, at the level of the Ministry of Human Services and all other ministries that can play a role, we equip people with disabilities with the requisite skill to participate in national development,” he said during his address. Minister Hamilton noted that, though simple, the gradu-

ation ceremony marked the beginning of a new journey for the persons who had successfully completed the training programmes. “This is a graduation to ensure that people become economically viable, to ensure people become independent, to ensure people with disability can have the same opportunities like other people,” he said, adding: “We have to do everything that is necessary, everything that is possible to ensure participation of all Guyanese.” Also delivering remarks at the ceremony, was BIT’s CEO, Richard Maughn, who noted that the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) and BIT had been working handin-hand to ensure that more persons across the country were sensitised and were adequately trained. “As a training institution, we are improving people’s opportunities and empowering people so that they can improve their lives by offering individuals the opportunity to receive vocational education and train-

ing,” he said. Maughn reiterated that the institution will ensure that persons living with disabilities are given the opportunity to contribute to the country’s national development. “We will focus on developing so that they can contribute to national development. Each and every one of you in here have the ability to contribute…” he emphasised. The CEO later made a commitment to build stronger ties with the GCOPD and to push for more advocacy and training programmes. He assured that BIT will continue to encourage persons to be independent. “At the Board of Industrial Training, driven by the policies of the Government of Guyana via the Ministry of Labour and Minister of Labour, we will continue to be an engine or to be a means of teaching people how to fish for themselves,” he said. Since 2016, GCOPD, in partnership with BIT, has implemented skills training for persons with disabilities across

Guyana. Approximately 600 such persons have benefitted from the training partnership since its inception. Most of them have either gained some form of employment or would have established their own small businesses. Meanwhile, the latest batch of graduates are from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10. The youngest graduate, 16-year-old Angelica Bassoo, who is now fluent in Spanish, is excited to share what she has learnt from her training programme. The teen related to the Guyana chronicle that her certificate was more than just about self-improvement. She hopes to encourage more young people living with disabilities to rise above their challenges and to not let the inconveniences they may face limit their dreams or talents. Also excited to receive her certificate was Gabrielle Mckenzie, who received a certificate in Disability Studies. The young woman noted that she too

will be educating and sensitising others on the issues faced by persons living with disabilities. “I hope to use this certificate to better communicate with the non-disabled society and persons to let them understand our challenges, as persons living with disabilities, and how their perspectives need to be changed.” Leroy Phillips who also re-

ceived a certificate in Disability Studies expressed his elation at the interest being shown in the disability community. Phillips used the opportunity to encourage persons with disabilities to take full advantage of the training programmes being offered by BIT to further educate and improve themselves as individuals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Reaching Consensus

IT is not easy to reach consensus on almost anything of importance to the nation. This is due in no small way to the political polarisation that had characterised our body-politic ever since the split of the PPP in 1955, when anything, however well-meaning and in the best national interest were not subjected to opposition by the People’s National Congress (PNC). The records will show that the PNC was opposed to lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 as proposed by the PPP. It teamed up with the then United Force to oppose the Kaldor Budget in 1962 which was crafted by the PPP Government to generate more money for national development. That was necessary because of the refusal of several western countries to render developmental assistance to the country because of ideological reasons. On the 31 January 1962, the PPP Government introduced in the House of Assembly

a budget to raise money needed for the payment of wages and salaries. The budget was also aimed at strengthening the country’s financial position and more specifically to raise money to finance an industrialisation programme to help solve the urban unemployment problem. The budget proposals were based on the recommendations of Cambridge-educated economist and tax consultant Nicholas Kaldor whose services had been obtained by the United Nations. Kaldor had advised the governments of India, Ghana and several other developing countries on the restructuring of their tax systems aimed at preventing the unnecessary outflow of capital; blocking loopholes in the tax system, preventing the evasion of tax payments and improving the balance of payment position. The budget won approval in many circles including the New York Times which, in an editorial, described the budget as ‘courageous and econom-

ically sound.’ Despite such praise for the budget, it was opposed by the political opposition which claimed that the budget was ‘anti-working class and communistic’. A series of protest actions and politically motivated strikes took place which culminated in burning and looting of several businesses in Georgetown, referred to as ‘Black Friday’. The point in going back to our political history is simply to make the point that the PNC has had a history of opposing legislative measures, however progressive and in the national interest with the sole aim of scoring cheap political points regardless of the consequences it could have on the overall national good. More recently, it opposed, and when in office, aborted the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric project which, by now, would have been at an advanced stage of completion if not fully operational and which would have resulted in cleaner, reliable

and cheaper energy to consumers and for manufacturing. It jettisoned the construction of the Specialty Hospital, and even against the recommendations of its own Committee set up to examine the future prospects of sugar, closed down a number of grinding sugar estates with disastrous consequences to the workers, their families and to the economy as a whole. Despite assurances by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali that the country’s oil revenues will be subjected to both pre and post-parliamentary scrutiny, the political opposition continues to raise all manner of objections to the proposed National Resource Fund (NRF) legislation. Interestingly, most, if not all of the demands made by opposition elements are already embedded in the proposed legislation, which raises some serious issues as to their true motivations. Sadly, there are some civil society groups that seem to find some common ground with the

APNU+AFC political opposition without seemingly taking time to study the proposed legislation in its entirety and its full ramifications. Take for example the issue of withdrawals from the fund. There are builtin mechanisms which provide for parliamentary debate and approval before any withdrawals could take place. There are also provisions for projects and programmes funded by the oil revenues to be investigated and scrutinised by the Office of the Auditor General and placed before the National Assembly by way of an audited report which will then be subjected to further scrutiny at the level of the Public Account Committee (PAC). Further, the utilisation of withdrawals from the fund are not envisaged to be done at the whims or fancies of the subject minister of any other government functionary but specifically to finance programmes and projects to accelerate a number of

developmental projects, more particularly those in the non-oil sectors such as health, education, infrastructure and tourism, among others. No less substantial is the fact that the proposed legislation seeks to remedy deficiencies in the existing legislation which was hastily put together by the then unconstitutional and illegitimate APNU+AFC regime without inputs from key stakeholders including that of the then PPP/C opposition party. The Natural Resource Bill, without any doubt, is an advance over what obtained previously and, all things being equal should have an easy passage in the National Assembly. The hard fact is that the political opposition seems bent on making life difficult for the ruling party and are prepared, even against the best interest of the Guyanese people to misrepresent the facts and stand in the way of progress and national development.

The leopard cannot change its spots

Dear Editor, WHY is it that some people are of the false notion that Mr Aubrey Norton as the leader of the PNC will herald a metamorphosis that has eluded the party for more than half a century? Let us rewind a bit. The PNC was formed in 1957 with LFS Burnham as the leader. It could

only have won 11 seats in the 1961 Elections but in 1964 it was able to form its first Coalition Government with the United Force Party. This unholy alliance was formed to oust the PPP since it was clear that the PNC by itself will never be able to win an election. But the Coalition soon disintegrated and in

1968, Forbes Burnham saw that the only way the PNC could hang on to power was to rig the elections which it did until democracy returned to Guyana in 1992. Over the years the PNC, though it had undergone some label changes and leadership trials, had failed to change its corrupt and rigging psyche.

During the period 1964 to 1992, Guyanese witnessed a sharp descent into the abyss of dictatorship, resulting in devastating social and economic degradation. This period referred to as the ‘28 years of PNC dictatorship’ caused Guyanese to flee in numbers to all parts of the world. After Burnham’s demise

nothing changed until the Hoyte’s Administration was forced by threats to be under the economic guillotine that they agreed to install the mechanisms for free and fair elections. The PNC was never a responsible Opposition and never displayed any level of patriotism. Its leaders were simply inter-

ested in power at all cost. It did everything in its power to make Guyana ungovernable under the PPP: there were violent street protests, burning and looting and rape and murder. They stopped at nothing and targeted Indo-Guyanese. The PNC has a new leader but from past experience the innate SEE PAGE 7

Indentureship scholar passes on 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

teachers in the Indian diaspora, including many Guyanese who cite his works in their studies on the subject. He was Fiji born but very much “Guyanese” at heart in terms of his indentureship scholarship and support for democracy in Guyana. Dr. Lal was also known as a pro-democracy fighter and champion of the poor. Dr. Lal was widely known as a foremost

scholar of Indian indentureship. He authored several books and countless studies (papers and articles) that were peer reviewed on Indian indentureship including on Indians in Guyana. His Encyclopedia of Indians in the diaspora included a chapter on Guyana. Dr. Lal presented a paper on the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana at a conference held in July 1988 at Columbia University organised by this writer and others. There, he met Basdeo Panday and the great Cheddi Jagan offering support for the struggle against the Guyanese dictatorship. He also was supportive of the struggle for restoration of democracy in Fiji where the democratically-elected government was overthrown by the military in 1987. He was very simple, grounding with Guyanese when he visited Queens and cheering Indian Guyanese cultural presentations at various locations. Prof Lal also served as

editor of several academic journals and contributed articles in the mass media in several countries. And he served as Honorary Patron for the Ameena Gafoor Institute in London when it was launched by Prof David Dabydeen and Ms. Ameena Gafoor. Prof. Lal taught at several universities in Fiji, USA, Australia and India. He was a visiting scholar at several universities, including the prestigious JNU, New Delhi. He visited several societies where indentureship was practised including Trinidad and Suriname. Prof Lal related, during his presentation at an academic conference in Trinidad, that his nanna was assigned as a girmit or labourer to British Guiana but on his way to boarding the ship, the gangway closed leaving him behind. He was placed on the next ship bound for Fiji as an indentured labourer. Politicians in Fiji, including political activists, praised his work, espe-

to remodel Guyana on the path back to Burnhamism. In addition, the corruption and cronyism experienced during the 28 years began in earnest after just a few months in Government and it was only a matter of time before the reserves were depleted. Then the no-confidence motion (NCM) in 2018 precipitated the downfall of the PNC dominated Coalition in the 2020 General Elections, but not after many frivolous, vexatious and costly court cases to overthrow the NCM. However, after five months of relentless attempts to rig the 2020 elections in plain sight, the PPP/C Government came in to power. It must be noted that after every failure to win an election, the leadership of the PNC is questioned and came under scrutiny. The membership wanted a

resurrection of the late dictator, L.F.S Burnham who ensured that the rigging machinery was on full throttle all the time. The late Hoyte was lambasted as being ‘too soft’ and was censured for allowing free and fair elections and Corbin was condemned for his inability to wrest power from the PPP. The latest victim was Granger even though he tried his utmost to hang on to power by trying various rigging tactic, he lost. Now the PNC needs a leadership which can propel them into government regardless of what it costs. The end will justify the means. It is now expected that Norton will once again ignite the old PNC modus operandi and wrest power at any cost. In conclusion, the PNC cannot be trusted. Some Guyanese were misled in 2015 with

false promises to believe that the PNC and the AFC together can bring about a better life for Guyanese. This never materialised. It was corruption galore. Guyanese saw this first hand and they suffered from severe economic hardships. They also witnessed the rigging propensity and the inherent evil of the PNC live and direct. No Coalition was ever good for this country. The PPP/C has once again in just a year chartered a progressive trajectory and the lives of Guyanese are improving daily. No more will Guyanese believe the lies peddled by the PNC and the AFC. The leopard will never change its spots and the PNC will never change despite the changing of the leader. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Professor Brij Lal

By Vishnu Bisram PROFESSOR Brij Lal of Australia, who was born and schooled in Fiji, died on Christmas morning in Queensland. He was 69. He was undoubtedly one of the leading historians and scholars of indentured labour. His academic work has touched many academics, researchers, historians, activists, and

cially for championing democracy. In addition to championing democracy in Fiji, he sympathised with Guyanese in their struggle for the restoration of democratic rule during the period of the Burnham/Hoyte dictatorships. Scholars from around the globe, including from Guyana, showered accolades on Dr. Lal. Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack, Lomarsh Roopnarine, Tara Singh, and myself penned a joint tribute published in the Fiji Times. As many people have attested, he was generous with his time, ideas, and help to young scholars including to me when I hosted him in July 1988 at my home in Richmond Hill. I met him several times thereafter in Trinidad, India, Mauritius and elsewhere engaging audience on indentureship. He was a terrific person, a gentleman, and a scholar par excellence. As one academic from Guadeloupe living in

France noted, his strong voice as a champion of democracy and human rights as well as his service to the Indian diaspora will always be remembered. Prof Lal’s legacy and contributions on the history of indenture and on Girmitiya (Bhojpuri term for indentured laborers) people will live forever. His death has left a void on studies of descendants on indentured labour. As Prof David Dabydeen penned in a brief tribute, “His demise will be felt for a very long time. We, at Ameena Gafoor Institute of Indentureship Studies remain exceptionally grateful for his multiple deeds of kindness and support.” He was also a sports enthusiast, a great fan of West Indian cricket. He spoke glowingly of Shivnarine Chanderpaul as a batsman, expressing disappointment that he was not allowed the opportunity to score the most test runs by a West Indian.

The leopard cannot change its... FROM PAGE 6

mentality of the old PNC will remain unchanged. Guyanese has witnessed that after the demise of the maximum leader, Forbes Burnham and the taken up of the leadership of the PNC by the late Desmond Hoyte, nothing changed and in fact the rigging got worse and after the return to democracy in 1992 the PNC embarked on a journey of ‘mo fya slow fya’. The party’s leadership changed again in 2012 and Granger took over the helm. Unfortunately, despite great expectations, the old PNC terror tactics went unabated. Some had thought that Granger will make a difference if he became the President. This was wishful thinking. Mr Granger as President disregarded the Supreme Law of the land and he began

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

2021 was a busy year for DPP’s Chambers THE Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in 2021, recorded its legal advice in 3,297 files received from the Guyana Police Force and other local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, 156 cases were ‘disposed of’, 128 of which received attention in the courts, while the remaining 28 were nolle posequi by the DPP. In its year-end press release issued on Wednesday, the chambers stated that, of the 128 court cases, 66 were presented at the Demerara Assizes, 27 at the Berbice Assizes and 35 at the Essequibo Assizes. A total of 151 persons appeared in those cases. There were 69 cases for the offence of murder, 6 cases for the offence of manslaughter, 45 cases for sexual offences and 8 cases for the offence of attempt to commit murder. The chambers said it had recorded 37 convictions, 49 guilty pleas, 22 formal verdicts of not guilty, 30 not guilty verdicts by jury, 2 mistrials, 7 hung juries and 28 cases were nolle prosequi. In 2021, the chambers received 219 committal depositions; 122 of which came from the County of Demerara, 43 from the County of Berbice and 54 from the County of Essequibo. Of these 219 depositions, 130 have been indicted, 8 charges were discontinued, 74 are receiving attention and 7 were remitted to the Magistrates’ Courts. According to the release, the Demerara January 2022 Criminal Assizes will open on Tuesday, January 11. There are 364 cases listed to be heard. Justice Brassington Reynolds, Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall have been rostered to sit during this session. Justice Sandil Kissoon

will continue the Berbice October 2021 Assizes in January. The Berbice February 2022 Criminal Assizes will commence on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, while the Essequibo October 2021 will continue in January. The Essequibo February Criminal Assizes will open with Justice Jo-Ann Barlow on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. It was noted that, during 2021, the DPP appeared in 25 matters in the Court of Appeal (CoA). Of those 25 appeals, 10 were for the offence of murder, 6 for sexual offences, 2 for the offence of fraudulent conversion and one each for the offences of manslaughter, dangerous driving, obtaining upon a forged document, possession of explosives, obtaining money by false pretence, robbery under arms, attempt to commit murder with an alternative of wounding with intent. In seven of those matters, the CoA affirmed the convictions but varied the sentences. Another appellant was granted his application to appeal and will have a new trial; three applications were dismissed and two appellants had their convictions and sentences set aside. Seven appellants were granted an extension of time to file and serve notices of appeal, one application for bail pending appeal was granted, three appellants withdrew their applications to appeal and one applicant decided he will pursue his application to appeal despite a notice of abandonment. Also in 2021, the Demerara Full Court sat for three matters. One of those cases was for the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The court allowed the appellant’s application to quash the conviction and set aside the sentence. The other two matters were for illegal entry into Guyana. Those appellants had their

sentences reduced and were ordered deported. Meanwhile, the Berbice Full Court heard 20 matters for the various criminal offences which included dangerous driving, abusive and threatening language and assault. Four appellants withdrew their applications to appeal. The court allowed six applications; three of those in part, when it affirmed the convictions and reduced the sentences of the appellants; two others were successful in having their convictions and sentences set aside, while the other one had the conviction affirmed but had a $125, 000 fine imposed on him. The court dismissed 8 applications. In one of those, the court varied the appellants’ sentence with a fine of $50,000; in another four, it ruled it had no jurisdiction, while in the other three, there were no appearances by legal counsel, and the matters were dismissed. Two appellants were allowed their applications to appeal against magistrates’ decisions. In June and October, the DPP appeared in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for two matters. One of those was an appeal filed by murder accused Marcus Bisram against a ruling made by the Guyana Court of Appeal that there was sufficient evidence for him to be committed for trial for the offence of murder in the High Court. The CCJ has granted him a stay in the matter pending the appeal. The other appeal was that of Calvin Ramcharran for the offence of rape and causing actual bodily harm. The arguments in that matter have been completed and the CCJ will rule soon in the case. Two other convicted prisoners, Bibi Shareema Gopaul and Jarvis Small have since filed appeals to the CCJ against their convictions and sentences, the release added.

Flood-affected Region Three residents to get relief supplies 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

RESIDENTS of Region Three who were affected by flooding over the past few days are set to benefit from relief supplies which were handed over by the Civil Defence Commission to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). According to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), some 3,000 cleaning hampers were handed over to the RDC on Wednesday. Those supplies were subsequently delivered to the Uitvlugt/Tuschen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (RDC), and the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida NDC under the direction of the Regional Executive Officer, Jagnarine Sauwack, and Regional Chairman, Mohamed Ayube. The hampers were part of an intervention by the Cabinet Level Flood Prevention Task Force to alleviate the impacts of flooding on residents in Region Three communities. In addition to hampers, to tackle the situation directly, mobile pumps were placed at strategic locations, and the desilting and cleaning of drains and canals were underway to facilitate faster drainage. The task force report-

ed that it will continue to monitor Region Three and all other regions across Guyana, during the current rainy season. In a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Ayube said floodwaters were receding rapidly in most of the affected communities. According to the chairman, while there had been a notable decrease in the water level at Zeelugt and Meten-Meer-Zorg, Stewartville was still inundated and an emergency pump had since been installed to address the situation. When asked what were the region’s long term plans to mitigate the effects of flooding throughout the rainy season, Ayube said the RDC will be closely monitoring the sluices to ensure that they were operable and will ensure that all canals and drains are clean and clear to ensure proper drainage, especially in flood-prone areas across the region. On Tuesday, a flood assessment was conducted by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a visit to the two communities that were severely affected. Although a lot had been

done to mitigate the impact of flooding, Guyanese were urged to take precautions because of the weather forecast for the next few days. In a weather update on Wednesday, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) urged Guyanese to brace themselves for more heavy

Chairman of the Region Three RDC, Mohamed Ayube, hands over floodrelief supplies to the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida NDC

Hampers being delivered to Uitvlugt/Tuschen NDC rains. According to the re- locations. All other areas observant and take all lease, rainfall could reach will see scattered showers necessary precautions up to three inches along the throughout the period. One during this time and recoast and inland areas. inch of rainfall could be port incidents of flooding The CDC said: “Fre- expected in other parts of to the National Emergency Monitoring System quent and continuous rain- the country.” fall will occur over the Residents countrywide (NEMS) on 600-5700 or coastland and some inland are advised to remain 623-1700.

Man nabbed at home with stolen car

A mentally ill man who allegedly stole a Toyota Spacio motor car from the yard of a Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo businessman and drove it to his Vergenoegen, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home, has been arrested.

Police said that ranks found the 25-year-old suspect, who is a patient at Dr. Bhiro Harry’s clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital, relaxing in a hammock at his home. According to a press release from police head-

quarters, the victim, on Tuesday, parked his motorcar bearing registration number PPP 8174 in his yard, with the keys inside, and went upstairs. Shortly after, he returned and discovered that the vehicle was missing. As a result, an alarm was raised, and the police informed. Acting on information received, police ranks visited Vergenoegen, WCD where the vehicle was found, parked in front of a home at Mc Watt Street. “Contact was then made with a male who was lying in a hammock in the said yard, who immediately admitted to taking the car. He was immediately told of the allegation, cautioned and taken into custody,” the police release said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Construction of 63 brackish shrimp ponds completed in Berbice

- as government aims to ramp up production THE government is one step closer to achieving its target of doubling the country’s production of brackish water shrimp from 250,000 to 500,000 kilograms by 2025, with the completion of 63 out of 74 ponds in Region Six. The Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department, with assistance from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), had commenced construction of 74 ponds for the rearing of brackish water shrimp with the aim of transforming the country’s aquaculture industry. The construction of 74 ponds forms phase one of the project to increase the shrimp production. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the remaining 11 ponds are 85 per cent completed. “We are doing the earthworks and installation of tubes to assist with providing sufficient water supply to the ponds. Currently, there are three machines working at different locations to complete

these works as soon as possible,” Mustapha said. Aquaculture, a component of the agriculture sector, is the process of rearing, breeding and harvesting of aquatic species, both animals and plants, in controlled aquatic environments like the oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. Aquaculture in Guyana occurs in both brackish and freshwater earthen ponds from extensive to semi-intensive operations During a past interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Mustapha said that aquaculture shows strong potential in Guyana, highlighting that the country has all the necessary resources to develop a thriving aquaculture sector. “Aquaculture in Guyana shows strong potential since the country has relatively large acres of flat lands with suitable soil types and access to large quantities and good quality freshwater (water conservancies) … more so, there are existing drainage and irrigation infrastructure in some

areas, sub-tropical temperatures for shrimp and fish production and good availability of agricultural/ fisheries byproducts for the formulation and manufacturing of aqua feed,” he said. Earlier in the year, Minister Mustapha met with various stakeholders at the Albion Sports Complex, where he stressed that the government is “looking to improve shrimp farming in Berbice” and announced that his ministry will be spending $58 billion on shrimp ponds in Region Six to boost production. “We are doing this not only to increase your livelihood in terms of income, we are doing this to increase the capacity of the shrimp production in Region Six and at the same time you will also create employment for people,” he said. The government, through its updated inland and aquaculture strategy 2021-2026, plans to address the challenges plaguing the aquaculture in-

The ponds that are being constructed to double production of brackish water shrimp dustry and create an enabling and sustainable environment for investments geared towards the sector. Speaking at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) 26th Annual Presentation of Awards Ceremony at the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara on December 3, 2021, President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted that “there is a misconception of what modern agro-processing and agriculture is.” The Head of State said that based on his interactions with overseas-based Guyanese, “swamp shrimp” – which is

locally produced – is a “niche market” in the Guyanese diaspora, however, the country was not satisfying 50 per cent of the market. “I came back and I asked the Minister of Agriculture what is this thing about swamp shrimp, then I realised that it is the most sought-after shrimp in our diaspora and we were not even satisfying 50 per cent of the diaspora market for swamp shrimp … This is a niche market for us, we don’t even need to do any marketing,” he said. Amid this, the Head of State encouraged the entrepreneurs to form strategic

partnerships which will inevitably make the requisite resources available to them to pursue massive transformation and growth, and has pledged his government’s support to ensuring the development of industries. “So what we did immediately? We took resources, we called all the farmers in swamp shrimp together and we said we will help you put the infrastructure in place, we are going to build the lab, we’re going to build the hatchery, up your production and today we have a massive project going on in Region Six,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Health Minister warns of infectiousness of Omicron variant

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Wednesday, advised persons to take the necessary precautions against COVID-19, especially since the Omicron variant of the virus is “spreading faster than anything before.” While local health authorities have not yet recorded any cases of Omicron, the variant has been causing some concern in developed countries including the United States and several countries across Europe. “With the Omicron variant, it is highly transmissible, because the characteristics of the virus have changed. It has about 52 mutations on the virus… and because of these changes, it has caused it to be more transmissible,” Minister Anthony said. Minister Anthony, on Wednesday, said that while there is currently no cure for the virus, persons are urged to take necessary precautions to minimise the spread of the virus, which include wearing of face masks, sanitising, social distancing and getting vaccinated. He said that one of the fastest spreaders of COVID-19 are persons who do not wear masks. The virus, he added, is most easily transmitted when persons leave their mouths and noses exposed. The Health Minster further said that many persons are in possession of masks, but do not wear them properly thus increasing their risks for contracting the virus.

“If you wear a N95 mask, but you don’t wear it properly you are going to get infected. A lot of people might have a N95 mask, but they have it below their nose, which means that you could get infected and if you have it below your chin then your nose and mouth are exposed and you could get infected because you’d be able to breathe in the viral particles. “So, if you’re wearing masks and you want to have protection, you have to wear it consistently and you have to make sure you’re covering your nose and your mouth,” the Health Minister said. He further advised persons that the best protection against COVID-19 is a combination of social distancing, wearing masks and frequent sanitisation. “If you’re close up to someone, you’d have more viral particles coming at you than if you’re further away… when you’re further away, it prevents that because it then dissipates and if you’re wearing the right types of masks obviously, you’re not going to get infected once you’re wearing it properly,” Dr. Anthony said. VACCINATION According to COVID-19 statistics released on Tuesday, some 410,181 adults and 30,214 adolescents have received their first dose of one of a COVID-19 vaccine which the country has made available to citizens. Those numbers, when

broken down, mean that 80 per cent of the country’s adult population and 41.4 per cent of its adolescent population have received their first shot of a COVID-19 “jab”. In terms of second doses, statistics show that 57.2 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated, representing some 293,601 persons, while 21,527 adolescents received their second shot, representing 29.5 per cent of that population. “Booster doses are going up gradually. We have had 10,708 persons receiving their booster dose and again I want to encourage persons to take their booster doses to get protected against Omicron,” Dr. Anthony said. With the exception of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, for persons to be considered fully vaccinated with the available vaccines, namely, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V and Pfizer for adolescents, they must be administered both components of those vaccines. The Health Minister reminded that COVID-19 is spread by people’s behaviour, so if persons are not adopting safe practices, there is a high possibility of them being infected, with some suffering mild consequences while others could die. “Different individuals will have different vulnerabilities and we can’t say well this person will get a mild form and that one will get a severe form and that is why everybody needs to really protect themselves,” Dr. Anthony said. He added: “If you are going to play hide and seek and have parties because you think that’s the right thing to do, you might get away with it because the task force cannot monitor everything. But think about this, you are putting yourself, your friends, your family in danger of getting a deadly disease and is that really necessary.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

‘Be mindful of the effects of firecrackers on animals’ - animal rights activist urges

THE New Year is a time when persons mark new beginnings. This is often welcomed with grand celebrations featuring the loud bangs of firecrackers and squibs. While this is enjoyable for some people, pet owners and animal lovers are left with a level of deep discomfort, much like their animal friends, due to the harmful effects these can have on household pets and other animals. The use of firecrackers, by law, is restricted to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), which has the power to confiscate these firecrackers that are in the possession of civilians. Recently, the Guyana Chronicle spoke with Hema Richard, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Rosewood Foundation, a volunteer-based animal welfare organisation. Richard disclosed that Rosewood and several other

animal-rights groups, including the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), have approached the GDF to have these firecrackers seized from unauthorised persons. “They are not only a hazard to animals but they are a hazard to children. There are risks involved to children and older people as well,” Richard told this newspaper. Scientifically, the hearing of animals is far more advanced than humans. Richard explained that even though the animal may be distanced from the firecrackers, the effect is felt as though it were right in front of them. She said many animals try to run or hide from the sounds. In their attempt to flee frantically, their risk of self-harm or harm by neglect is high. “This can cause accidents on the streets because if people are driving and a dog, cat or any

other animal just runs into the street, then a driver can swerve from that animal and can cause an accident or the driver can actually hit the animal,” Richard explained. Some animals which were pets, she continued, have had to be ‘put down’ last year due to the severity of injuries incurred during these frantic episodes caused by the explosives. “The vets could not do more than what could have been done for them and they eventually had to be euthanized,” Richard said. Birds and other small animals are also affected by seizures and heart attacks caused by these explosives, the Rosewood Foundation PRO confirmed. She said that not only are dogs and cats affected but birds and other small animals can have seizures or heart attacks. The Rosewood Foundation

representative is urging persons to join the advocacy against unauthorised use of firecrackers. Explaining the emotional bond formed by humans with animals which are pets, Richard said: “They are a family member, and to have to go through that kind of traumatic experience when your animal is seizing and there is nothing you can do except wrap it up in a blanket and hold it; is a very traumatic experience for someone.” Asked for advice on how to protect animals from potential harm from fireworks, Richard said keeping animals indoors has been helpful. She said also that keeping the animal in an indoor space where they cannot hurt themselves has been helpful. Music drowns out the bang of the explosives. Richard lauded the effort of the GDF which, she said, has become more aware of the advocacy against animal cruelty. The Rosewood Foundation is receiving donations in cash or kind including items for the animals, cleaning supplies, and medication. Concerned citizens can also sponsor veterinary visits. “We don’t have a shelter. We foster animals at our homes… and people see them and they either adopt or they donate to help take care of animals,” Richard said. Local veterinarians support the work of the Foundation.

Cats saved by the Rosewood Foundation

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Human Services Ministry launches books to fight child abuse IN an effort to make conversations on child abuse easier between adults and children, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, this week, launched a story book and colouring book. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in conceptualising the ideas for the books, took into account that it is not always easy for adults to explain matters related to child abuse. The books were launched under the ministry’s “Every Child Safe” campaign, which started earlier this year. “The books are a comfortable way of opening up conversations between an adult and child so that they can address child abuse. It can be quite an uncomfortable subject for the adult to discuss with the child, but this colouring book gives the opening and guides the adult on how to explain in a very meaningful way,” Dr. Persaud said. The intention is also for children to be educated on the subject and

to know what to do in the event they are being abused. For instance, the books prominently feature the ministry’s hotline numbers that could be used to get help. “This is an important component to the campaign where our facilitators will go into communities and work with people. It’s a very action-oriented campaign, so they will now have colouring books and story books for children that will educate them in a very sensitive and age-appropriate way on child abuse,” Minister Persaud said. In addition to the books being used by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), the entity that is spearheading the campaign, they will also be given to the Ministry of Education for use however the officers there see fit. Funding for this project was provided through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The story book is a compilation of stories that came out of the Short Story Writing Competition for young writers. “The colouring book

was a project I worked on with my team members and it is also activitybased so that children can definitely have insight into child abuse,” Dr. Persaud said. Under the “Every Child Safe” initiative, more is being done than just making information available to the public; a personal and consistent check-in with members of communities all across Guyana is carried out for help to identify perpetrators and bring relief to sufferers. “These communities become essential partners of ours, so that wherever child abuse rears its ugly head, we will be able to know because there are people out there as our eyes and ears. Perpetrators will have the eyes of an entire community on them, so no one can escape that kind of scrutiny,” Dr. Persaud had said. The campaign fosters heightened vigilance on child abuse in communities, and people will now be more aware of crimes that they should look out for and how they should report cases of

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, designed the books in such a way to help adults better explain to children, issues of child abuse child abuse by utilising the 914 hotline, and all the other avenues available to them through the ministry. Meanwhile, the 10 persons who won in the competition were Aradhya Ramjag (Aaila

Runs Away); Daniel Persaud (Quick Thinking); Rondel Parks (Annie Calls 914); Vanessa Ramdehooll (Puppy Love); Daniel Lalchand (Early Morning Scare); Sajid Amin (Praying

for a Miracle); Giovanna George (Tickling Tommy); Rachel Davis (Fire, Fire!) Roshanie Mahadeo (The Black Coat), and Shaquana Richards (Veronica’s Father).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Self-confessed rapist appeals Bandits beat, rob 20-year jail sentence woman at Better Hope

Gregory Ramkissoon called ‘Skeage’ A man who was sentenced kissoon called ’Skeage’, had to 20 years’ imprisonment admitted that on January 4, after he admitted that he 2016, in the County of Demraped a four-year-old girl erara, he engaged in sexual in 2016, has approached activity with the child. the Court of Appeal in orHe was sentenced by Jusder to challenge the sever- tice Simone Morris-Ramlall, ity of his sentence. at the High Court, to 20 years In 2019, Gregory Ram- with the possibility of parole

after serving 15 years. He is also serving a sentence for indecent assault and sexual assault committed on the same victim. Through his attorney, Ramkissoon has filed an appeal at the Appeal Court located in Kingston, Georgetown. In his appeal, Ramkissoon is claiming that the judge did not take into account his early guilty plea, thus imposing a severe sentence on him. He also claimed that Justice Morris-Ramlall failed to explore the possibility of a probation report and did not take mitigating factors into consideration before imposing the sentence.

TWO bandits invaded the Phase Two, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara home of a 54-year-old woman in the wee hours of Wednesday morning and after beating her with a cutlass, escaped with an

undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery. Police Headquarters revealed that the victim, who lives alone, was awakened at around 04:20 hours by a noise. While making checks, she was confronted

by the suspects who placed a cutlass to her neck. The bandits tied her up and relieved her of a quantity of jewellery among other valuables. According to the police report, the woman was beaten with the cutlass by the bandits, causing her to receive injuries. The victim managed to untie herself after the bandits escaped and raised an alarm. She was accompanied to the Vigilance Police Station and then to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation to seek medical attention.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

India’s seamers strangle South Africa (ESPNCRICINFO) - India's irresistible seam bowlers worked their way around a stubborn Dean Elgar and left the visitors six wickets away from victory at SuperSport Park. In pursuit of 305, South Africa were 94 for 4 at close on a track that was still offering sideways movement. More than that, it was the uneven bounce that posed an ever-present threat to the batters. Jasprit Bumrah got balls to kick up from a length, Mohammed Shami from short of a length and Mohammed Siraj from various lengths. Late in the day, a length ball from Shardul Thakur rolled through at shinheight, but Elgar stooped low enough to keep it out. Rassie van der Dussen was fairly organised in defence until the final exchanges when he shouldered arms to a sharp bouncer from Bumrah that clanked the top of off. Bumrah then yorked Keshav Maharaj, the nightwatchman, off what turned out to be the last ball of the day. Elgar, meanwhile, was unbeaten on 52 at stumps. When the seamers erred too full or too straight, a switched-on Elgar put them away confidently with checked drives and flicks. One such flick, off Siraj, got him past fifty. Shami, who excelled with a five-wicket bag on day three, got the new ball along with Bumrah, ahead of Siraj. He made it count immediately with a delightful set-up. His first ball to Aiden Markram was full enough for the drive and snagged the outside edge, but it didn't

Rassie van der Dussen ducks under a bouncer, South Africa vs India, 1st Test, Centurion, 4th day, yesterday (AFP via Getty Images)

carry to Rishabh Pant. The second was shorter and seamed away to graze the outside edge once again, but this didn't carry either, falling short of gully. Having scrambled Markram's judgement with the first two balls, he made the incision with the third that veered in and had the opener chopping on for 1. Keegan Petersen clipped Shami through midwicket and caressed him down the ground for fours, but Siraj came on and bested him with a set-up of his own. After pinning Petersen just above the knee-roll with an in-swinger - it was bouncing over the stumps - Siraj found the outside edge with an out-swinger. Elgar then got together

with van der Dussen and briefly repelled India's attack with a 40-run partnership for the third wicket. Bumrah, however, seized the day with his terrific double-strike. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen had thrived earlier in the day, sharing eight wickets between them to bowl India out for 174 from an overnight 16 for 1. It was Pant, who top-scored for India, with a run-a-ball 34, swelling the lead beyond 300. In a rollicking passage of play, Pant advanced at Wiaan Mulder and swatted him over mid-off with one hand. He cracked Jansen over point and pulled Rabada to the midwicket boundary. However, when Pant walked

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday December 30, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 278/3 (AFG vs IRE, Dehradun, 2019) (2) 21 (Turkey vs Czech Rep, IIfov County, 2019) Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest first wicket partnership in Tests to date? (2) What is the highest tenth wicket partnership in Tests to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

at Rabada and aimed another pull, the quick benefitted from a bit of extra bounce and had him flapping a catch to mid-on. Thakur, India's nightwatchman, was the first to be dismissed on day four, also undone by irregular bounce off the bowling of Rabada. Rahul, India's first-innings centurion, continued to show impeccable judgement outside off, before Lungi Ngidi

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found extra bounce and removed him. Ngidi could have had Cheteshwar Pujara on 4 had Rabada not shelled a fairly straightforward catch at midwicket. Pujara added 12 to his tally before Ngidi had him caught down the leg side by the keeper. Jansen sliced through the middle order, removing both Virat Kohli (18) and Ajinkya Rahane (20). For the second time in the Test match, Kohli went searching for a ball that finished wider than a set of stumps outside off and edged a drive. As for Rahane, he motored along to 20 off 22 balls before holing out to deep square leg. Having taken Jansen for 4, 6, 4, including a hooked six in the 37th over, Rahane hooked again in Jansen's next over, although half-heartedly, and couldn't control it this time. India's lower order and then South Africa's top order spiralled out of control during extended sessions. There's forecast for some rain on the final day, but, despite that threat, India will fancy their chances of going 1-0 up. dom 09:50 hrs Mille Sussurri 10:25 hrs Rainyday Woman 11:00 hrs Eaton Miller 11:30 hrs Time To Tinker Haydock 08:30 hrs Macho Mover 09:00 hrs Torn And Frayed 09:35 hrs Captain Broomfield 10:05 hrs Blaklion 10:40 hrs Mister Watson 11:15 hrs Orrisdale 11:45 hrs Canty Bay Wolverhampton 12:00 hrs Allowed 12:30 hrs Obsidian Knight 13:00 hrs Hot Diggity Dog 14:00 hrs Tom Collins 14:30 hrs Rockesbury 15:00 hrs The First Hurrah 15:30 hrs Capricious

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Legendary American football coach John Madden dies

John Madden became the face of Madden NFL Football, one of the most successful sports video games ever

(BBC) - Legendary American Football coach and commentator John Madden has died at the age of 85, the National Football League (NFL) has announced. The league said he died unexpectedly and did not give a cause. Madden led the then-Oakland Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory in 1977 and became a hugely popular television analyst after retiring from coaching. He later became the face of Madden NFL Football, one of the most successful sports video games ever. "Nobody loved football more than Coach," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today." Madden coached the Raiders from 1969 to 1978. He won Super Bowl XI when they went through the 1976 regular season with a 13-1 record. He boasts the best winning percentage of NFL coaches who have taken charge of more than 100 games. But he will perhaps be best remembered for his three-decade career in commentary, after retiring from coaching at just 42. Known for his unpretentious style, Madden travelled to games in his own bus because he suffered from claustrophobia. He also developed a fear of flying. Many younger fans know him as the man who gave his name to Madden NFL, published by EA Sports since 1988. The video game became so influential that some players and coaches learned new tactics from playing it. Madden NFL became renowned for its realistic gameplay. EA first approached Madden with the idea in 1984, but it took four years before he was finally satisfied with the game, insisting it had to be as realistic as possible. John Madden won 16 Emmy Awards and covered 11 Super Bowls from 1979 to 2009. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. "People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy?" he said when he was elected to the Hall of Fame. "I'm a coach, (have) always been a coach."

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Rangnick blames COVID-19 for Manchester United form

(BBC) - Interim boss Ralf Rangnick says disruptions caused by COVID-19 have impacted his progress since taking over at Manchester United. The German, 63, is unbeaten in four games since replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the end of November. But he says the COVID-19 outbreak that led to the closure of the club's Carrington training base and the postponement of two games has complicated his work. "Of course not," Rangnick said when asked if he had achieved his targets. "Every coach, every ambitious coach - and there's no difference between other coaches and myself in that area - wants to take faster

Ralf Rangnick says he has been prevented from taking "faster and larger steps forward" at United

steps and larger steps forward. But in order to do that, you need to be able to train." After beating Crystal

Palace and Norwich either side of a Champions League draw with Young Boys in Rangnick's first three match-

es, games at Brentford and at home to Brighton were postponed because of a number of COVID-19 cases at United. They returned to action at Newcastle on Monday, with Rangnick admitting that he "did not like the performance at all" as his side escaped St James' Park with a 1-1 draw. "The last three days, we were almost back to full strength with regard to the size of the squad, but we couldn't do that much in training," he added before today's home match against Burnley. "On the other hand, in those two-three training sessions, the team looked good and therefore in Monday's game it was really a bit of a negative surprise, the way that we played with regard to game speed, game tempo and physicality."

Arteta to miss Manchester City’s clash after positive COVID-19 test Arsenal's game against Wolves on Tuesday was postponed because of an outbreak of coronavirus in Bruno Lage's squad

(BBC) - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will miss the Premier League match against Manchester City on January 1 after testing positive for COVID-19 for a second time. Assistants Albert Stuivenberg and Steve Round will take charge at Emirates Stadium. Calum Chambers, Cedric Soares, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ainsley Maitland-Niles missed the 5-0 win over Norwich on December 26 after testing positive. Arteta tested positive in March 2020. "Mikel is isolating in line with Government guidelines and we wish him well," read an Arsenal statement.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard and Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira missed matches over the Christmas period following positive tests. Arsenal, who have won their past four league games, are fourth in the table, 12 points behind leaders City. Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been overlooked for the past five games in all competitions after being stripped of the captaincy, will also miss the City match. He is in Dubai with the Gabon squad preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Boland enters ICC rankings at 74th place (ESPNCRICINFO) - Australia's most recent Test debutant Scott Boland has entered the ICC rankings for bowlers at 74th place with 271 points after his impressive debut of 6 for 7 in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test. England's James Anderson, who took 4 for 33, helped him gain three places to fifth spot. Boland was named the Player of the Match after he helped Australia win the MCG Test - by an innings an 14 runs - on the third day and retain the Ashes with a 3-0 lead. Pat Cummins, the only bowler above

900 points, retained his top position with his tally of five wickets in the match - 2 for 54 and 3 for 29. Among batters, Marnus Labuschagne scored only 1 but he also retained his top spot even though his team-mate Steven Smith dropped one place to fourth, his lowest position since December 2015, with his low score of 16 in Australia's only innings. In the all-rounders' rankings, Mitchell Starc overtook Ben Stokes to move to fifth place. Along with his five wickets, Starc stayed unbeaten on 24 while Stokes scored 25 and 11, and managed just one wicket in 10.4 overs

Scott Boland with the Mullagh Medal for Player-of-the-Match after the Boxing Day Test (Getty Images)

McDermott becomes first BBL player to score consecutive centuries title hunt after a scratchy start to the season. Renegades (one win and five losses) are

Ben McDermott brought up back-to-back BBL centuries (Getty Images)

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Hobart Hurricanes opener Ben McDermott has become the first player in BBL history to crack successive centuries, firing his side to a comprehensive 85-run win against Melbourne Renegades. The powerful right-handed opener clattered nine sixes and as many fours in a stunning knock of 127 from 65 balls at the Docklands Stadium last night. It was the third-highest individual score in the BBL, behind Melbourne Stars' Marcus Stoinis (147*) and Hurricanes team-mate Matthew Wade (130 not out). It came to an anti-climactic end when he was run-out by Sam Harper on the final ball of Hurricanes' innings. At the halfway point of their innings, Hurricanes were ticking along slowly at 3 for 66, with McDermott unbeaten on 39 off 31 balls. But the 27-year-old got going during the power surge as he and Peter Handscomb (24 off 20) took 44 runs off Zahir Khan (19) in the 13th over and Kane Richardson (25), who finished with 0 for 63 from four overs on return from illness.

Tim David (30*) came to the party late with four huge sixes in a nine-ball cameo as Hurricanes belted the most runs ever recorded in the back half of a BBL innings for a total of 5 for 206. In response, Renegades opener Harper whacked the first ball of their chase for six and made a gritty 57 off 35. But the hosts were never seriously in the hunt, bowled out for 121 in 15.5 overs. Tom Rogers (3 for 24) and Sandeep Lamichhane (3 for 32) were the wicket-takers for Hurricanes. McDermott is the first player to hit three BBL centuries, with two of those against the team that delisted him at the end of 2016. Promoted to the top of the order on Christmas Eve, McDermott now has 304 runs in three innings as an opener at a strike rate of 180.95. He clobbered 67 off 43 against Stars and followed it up with an unbeaten 110 off 60 against Adelaide Strikers on Monday. The three monster efforts have led to a hat-trick of wins and put Hurricanes (with four wins and three losses) firmly back in the

staring down the barrel of a third-straight wooden spoon after five consecutive losses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Djokovic withdraws from Serbia's ATP Cup team Novak Djokovic would be going for a record 21st men's Grand Slam title at the Australian Open

(BBC) - World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Serbia's ATP Cup team. There remains uncertainty over whether the 34-year-old will compete at the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on January 17. All players and staff at the 2022 Australian Open must be vaccinated or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts. However, defending champion Djokovic has not spoken publicly about his vaccination status. The nine-time Australian Open winner has been replaced by world number 33 Dusan Lajovic for Serbia

in the 16-country ATP Cup, which begins in Sydney on Saturday. Austria have been replaced by France at the event, following the withdrawals of Dominic Thiem, ranked 15th, and Dennis Novak. Djokovic, who defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 final to claim a record-extending ninth Australian Open men's singles title, is on the entry list for the first Grand Slam of 2022. Meanwhile, former US Open c h a m p i o n , S a m S t o s u r , h a s a nnounced that the Australian Open will be the final tournament of her singles career. The 37-year-old Australian will

continue to play doubles in 2022, following what will be her 20th Australian Open and 69th Grand Slam singles appearance. "It really means a lot to me to be able to finish in front of my family, friends and Aussie fans who have stuck by me through thick and thin," Stosur said. "I'm sure it's going to be a mix of emotions but I wouldn't want it any other way, as I always thought I'd finish playing in Australia. I do, however, plan to play the rest of the year in doubles but this will close the first chapter of my career."

England coach to miss fourth Ashes Test

(BBC) - England men's head coach Chris Silverwood will miss the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney after being forced to isolate for 10 days. He must isolate after a family member as part of England's touring party in Australia tested positive for COVID-19. The fourth Ashes Test starts in Sydney on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. England have recorded seven positive cases - three support staff and four family members - since a PCR testing regime began on Monday, December 27.

Silverwood and his family will have to isolate in Melbourne where England suffered their latest defeat as they went 3-0 down on the way to losing the Ashes. England will have a fourth round of PCR tests today before they, along with Australia, are scheduled to fly to Sydney on a chartered flight tomorrow morning. Silverwood and England captain Joe Root have come under pressure after their side's performances against Australia. England are without a win in 13 Tests in Australia, losing 12 and drawing one.

Silverwood has come under pressure following England's performances in Australia

Abbott’s heroics help Sixers ... seemed undaunted by the situation, but when he fell for 15 the unthinkable was unfolding. At 7 for 35 they were in serious danger of suffering the ignominy of the lowest ever BBL score of 57 before Abbott continued his remarkable game to fuel Sixers' momentum-shifting 30 runs in the power surge. Suddenly, Sixers only needed a run a ball in the final four overs but, of course, this seesaw of a game went down to the wire. Sixers appeared home needing just two runs off the final over but were stymied by brilliant yorkers from Xavier Bartlett. Needing one run to win off the final ball, fittingly, Abbott proved the hero with a flick through the in-field to trigger memorable celebrations in one of the best games of the season. Inspired Heat fall short Defending a low total, Heat, obviously, needed early wickets and they delivered on a

pitch that appeared more akin to a Test deck. The pumped-up Heat had their tails up and could sniff a stunning heist as their seamers bowled an immaculate line on a pitch favouring bowlers much more than is the norm in T20 cricket. Off-spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman joined in the party with the key wicket of Henriques as Heat gained a stranglehold. Jake Wildermuth proved an inspired X-factor with two wickets to seemingly snuff out any chance of a Sixers revival. That was until Abbott counterattacked and Heat suddenly lost their nerve before Bartlett bowled a brilliant final over but it proved not enough. Abbott can do no wrong Renegades youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk appeared to have the catch of the tournament wrapped up after his leaping one-handed screamer against Adelaide Strikers earlier in

the season. But he has serious competition after Abbott pulled off a jaw-dropping catch to leave Chris Lynn shell-shocked. The belligerent Lynn appeared to have smoked a boundary through extra cover only for a soaring Abbott to somehow grasp the peach of a catch in the shadows as an unmoved Lynn could do little else but offer a wry grin. It highlighted a fantastic performance from Abbott, who also claimed wickets with clever slower balls to dupe Tom Cooper and dangerous Ben Duckett. His memorable night was only just starting. Heat's batting struggles In a desperate bid to turn around their season, Heat rejigged their batting order with skipper Jimmy Peirson taking on the burden by moving from No.6 to open in a direct swap with Max Bryant. It didn't work with Peirson

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holing out in the first over to trigger carnage for Heat, who lost three wickets in the fourover powerplay. Lynn, the BBL's all-time leading run scorer, perhaps was unlucky to fall to an absolute stunner but his trademark pyrotechnics have been few and far between this season contributing to Heat's struggles. The pressure fell on in-form Duckett, whose switch-hitting prowess stole the show last time against Melbourne Stars, and he unleashed his favoured shot early against Shadab Khan, who made his debut for Sixers. The English import had few worries against young leg-spinner Lloyd Pope as he started Heat's long road to recovery. But he was bamboozled by Abbott as Heat were on the brink of embarrassment at 7 for 63 before Wildermuth nudged them into triple digits in an invaluable knock of 27. Heat, however, will rue not being able to eke out a few more runs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021

Reifer hails U19 win as confidence-booster (CMC) – Head coach Floyd Reifer has hailed Tuesday’s win in the second Youth One-Day International at Arnos Vale as a welcome boost of confidence for West Indies Under-19s. A stunning collapse chasing a small total in Sunday’s opener at Cumberland Playing Field had left the home side with an 18-run loss but they bounced back strongly to pull off a comfortable eight-wicket victory and leave the four-match series evenly placed. “The win was good for the team and good for the boys’ confidence, and as we go into these games we’re really building towards the World Cup,” Reifer said.

“We’re looking for our boys to develop in certain areas; we’re looking for improvement. Our main focus now is game awareness and situation awareness. “Obviously the tactical side of the game as well – making sure everybody is comfortable performing his roles and has the ability and skill to perform them and the mindset to perform these skills under pressure.” Sunday’s loss was especially heartbreaking, the Rising Stars seemingly coasting to victory at 121 for three in pursuit of an uncomplicated 147 before losing their last seven West Indies Rising Stars head coach Floyd Reifer

Abbott’s heroics help Sixers past Heat

Sean Abbott struck the winning runs (Getty Images)

(ESPNCRINCFO) - Sean Abbott produced heroics with bat and ball while also taking a blinder of a catch as Sydney Sixers overcame a horror batting collapse to beat Brisbane Heat off the last ball on a bowler-friendly SCG deck. Chasing just 106, Sixers were lurching at 8 for 47 and in serious danger of the lowest ever BBL score before Abbott capped his remarkable performance with a match-winning 37 not out, punctuated by hitting the winning blow off the final ball. He combined with Ben Dwarshuis in an unbroken ninth-wicket partnership of 59 to get

two-time defending champions Sixers (6-1) over the line and inflict heartbreak to gallant Heat (2-5) whose season is at the crossroads. Sixers collapse before Abbott's heroics Sixers' hopes of an easy chase dissipated with the early wicket of Josh Philippe, who has been such a driving force for them this season and which triggered a horror show. It was jarring to see the otherwise composed Sixers look so shaky as they could not establish a partnership to steady the ship. Moises Henriques was the only batter who TURN TO PAGE 30

wickets for seven runs in the space of 25 deliveries. The second contest saw improved all-round execution from the hosts, bundling out the visitors for 103 with a clinical effort in the field, and then producing a measured run chase to wrap up an easy win. “I thought the bowlers bowled very well, the fielding performance was a major improvement so that’s something we want to be consistent in doing – saving ten, 15 runs everytime we go on the field,” pointed out Reifer, who has overseen the side’s preparation over the last year.

“We still have a long way to go in terms of where we want to be, so we’re just taking one game at a time, and we look forward now to the next game on Thursday (today).” The series is the second of the year for West Indies Under-19s who also toured England for six ODIs against the hosts last September. West Indies Under-19s have been installed in Group D alongside Australia, Scotland and Sri Lanka for the ICC Under-19 World Cup which runs from January 14 to February 5 next year in the Caribbean.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 30, 2021 The West Indies U19 celebrate a dismissal

Reifer hails U19 win as confidence-booster

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India’s seamers strangle 26 South Africa PAGE

Rassie van der Dussen ducks under a bouncer, South Africa vs India, 1st Test, Centurion, 4th day, yesterday (AFP via Getty Images)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021