Guyana Chronicle E-paper 9-2-2020

WEDNESDAY 2nd September, 2020

’

Democracy’s back!

No. 106110

–– says prime minister as Members of Parliament return to the House Manzoor Nadir elected 02 Speaker, Shuman Deputy

PAGE

03

PAGE

Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, and Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman, take the oath of office, at the commencement of the 12th Parliament, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday (Delano Williams photo

Lowenfield’s personal 10 assistant arrested as probe into elections fraud widens PAGE

Amerindian 05 development non-political, non-negotiable PAGE

–– President says at launch of Heritage Month

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Manzoor Nadir elected Speaker, Shuman Deputy

By Lisa Hamilton

EXPERIENCED politician of 40 years, Manzoor Nadir, was elected Speaker of the National Assembly for the 12th Parliament on Tuesday.

Nadir, a former minister of labour, was nominated by Prime Minister, Mark Phillips and seconded by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

He is an economist by profession and possesses a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Manchester through a Scholarship by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. He also has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta.

Delivering brief remarks after taking his oath, Nadir said that he accepts the nomination humbly and with gratitude and looks forward to being impartial, fair and just while upholding the rule of law.

“As Guyana continues to transition into a vibrant and stronger democracy within an emerging oil economy, it is of utmost importance that this 12th Parliament is effective, successful and exemplary,” he stated.

The speaker added that though COVID-19 prevents meeting in the actually Parliament building, he is committed to working with all sides of the House to ensure that this 12th Parliament is inscribed in the history of Guyana.

He also reminded Members of Parliament (MPs) that their constituencies entrusted them with their future and rely on them to be their voices in the House. He said: “As you took

your oaths today, I urge you to always be accessible to your constituency and to uphold your vows to the people of Guyana.”

Nadir has also served as the former leader of The United Force (TUF) in the Cabinet of the PPP government for 10 years, during which time he held the position of minister of labour from 2001 to 2011.

During his previous parliamentary stints, he piloted several bills and acts and served on many parliamentary committees. Among the bills piloted were the Guyana Tourism Authority Act, the Investment Act, the Small Business Act, the Competition and Fair-Trading Act and the Consumer Protection Bill.

Subsequent to his remarks, he spoke alone with media operatives,, telling them that he intends to “raise the bar” of operations in Parliament to international best standards.

He also said that he would ensure that every MP is given the respect he/she deserves.

Questioned on how he intends to the manage the proceedings of the National Assembly without swaying to one side over the other, Nadir said: “When you sit in the Speaker’s chair you have to exercise the highest level of tolerance, fairness, impartiality, decency and I think I have that within me.”

WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE Vice-president Bharrat Jagdeo also threw his support behind Nadir earlier when he told reporters: “We thought Mr. Nadir brings a wealth of experience as a parliamentarian and I think he under-

stands the necessity of moving our national agenda forward.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman was elected deputy speaker. He is the first person of Indigenous heritage to hold the position.

He was nominated by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and seconded by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira. Shuman is the first representative of three partiers which joined their lists prior to polling day to secure their presence in the National Assembly.

Together, the parties gained 5,214 votes at the elections with the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) gaining 2,657 votes; A New and United Guyana (ANUG) securing 2,313 votes; and The New Movement (TNM) gaining 244, pushing the parties over the required

mark.

Shuman was toshao for his village St. Cuthbert’s Mission in Region Four and served as vice- chairman of the National Toshaos Council. He formally entered politics in 2019, forming the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and contesting the March 2, 2020 elections as its presidential candidate.

Though former Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, nominated former Speaker of the House and fellow AFC member Raphael Trotman to the post, the votes for Shuman outnumbered Trotman’s.

In Guyana’s Parliament, the deputy speaker is elected in a similar manner to the speaker, except that the speaker, if present, presides over the elections.

The deputy speaker replaces the speaker when the latter is unavoidably absent.

Man abandons vehicle with cannabis after seeing cops A MAN fled and left behind a blue Honda CRV motor vehicle at the Montrose Seawall, East Coast Demerara, after police approached the vehicle Monday night. Some 60 kilogrammes of cannabis were found in the vehicle.

Reports indicated that the anti-crime patrol in Montrose observed the blue CRV motor vehicle parked at the seawall, and, on approaching same, a man exited and sprinted into the mangroves on the seawall and escaped.

Police checked the vehicle and discovered two bags containing several parcels of

Some of the compressed parcels of cannabis suspected cannabis on the rear seat of the vehicle.

The vehicle with the suspected narcotic was taken to the Sparendaam Police Station where it was processed for latent

fingerprints, but none was uplifted.

The suspected narcotic was weighed and lodged.

Investigation continues.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Democracy’s back!

–– says prime minister as Members of Parliament return to the House

By Lisa Hamilton

WITH an air of nostalgia, former Members of Parliament (MPs) and the newly elected returned to Parliament on Tuesday and, though in a different setting, those experienced fell back into the groove while those new to the setting fitted in seamlessly.

Ahead of the 10:00hrs commencement, a constant trail of vehicles made their way into the compound of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the location designated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali as the best suitable for the business of Parliament during the global health crisis.

In the compound, wide and spacious, every person who arrived was greeted by a team of health workers who checked temperatures and performed full-body sanitisation with sprays of alcohol-based sanitisers.

At the door of the centre, members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) professionally carried out their duties of checking the belongings of those who entered to ensure that there were no security threats.

As the time narrowed for commencement, MPs from both sides entered the building, all dressed sharply for the auspicious moment which would ensure that the county soon receives the budget for this year, postponed due to the five-month-long election.

BACK IN ACTION Making his way to the parliament chamber for the first time as prime minister, Mark Phillips told the media: “[I have] great expectations! Democracy has returned to Guyana!”

The media had lined up in the lower flat hoping to get comments from the leaders as they streamed in.

In a crisp, dark burgundy suit, Vice-president Bharrat Jagdeo entered the conference centre and, when stopped by the media, told them that he was eager to get to work on the plans included in his party’s manifesto.

Attorney-General (AG), Anil Nandlall, returning to the position he held in the 10th Parliament, said he expects Parliament to be very active. As attorney-general, he said he would ensure that there is a “menu of legis-

lation to address the health crisis, security, social issues and constitutional reform.”

“We are going to have a very vibrant and very energetic parliamentary agenda, because we believe in parliamentary democracy; we believe that people must see how government is conducting government’s business,” he said.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, not new to the parliament scene, soberly told reporters that he expects that the budget will be approved as soon as possible so that Guyanese can get the improved assistance needed to fight COVID-19.

REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE Right behind Dr Anthony was MP and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman, the first of three party leaders set to represent the joinder parties of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), The New Movement (TNM) and LJP. He was outfitted with his traditional indigenous wear which corresponds with this month’s celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill is sanitised by the health team outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (Delano Williams photo) elected to Parliament from a single party.

“I expect that the Parliament that will do the work that is necessary for the people and that they’re going to conduct themselves in a dignified and unified manner because all of Guyana is watching,” he said.

Making an appearance too as Opposition MPs were former Director of Sport Christopher Jones and firsttime representative of Region

Prime Minister Mark Phillips takes his oath as a Member of Parliament (Adrian Narine photo) Meanwhile, Ramsaroop told those within his region: “Expect a lot of one-to-one interactions.

Whenever there’s an issue, I’ll be there and I’ll ensure they’re represented at the highest level.”

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues takes her oath as a Member of Parliament (Adrian Narine photo) Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman in his indigenous wear greets Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir (Adrian Narine photo)

However, Shuman said that he wore it because it was the first time in history that an indigenous leader has been

Four, Deonarine Ramsaroop.

Jones said the the coalition will give robust representation to the people of Guyana.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS Having achieved a successful recovery from COVID-19, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Waldron took to Parliament in person on Tuesday.

She said she wants Guyanese to see that the PPP/C is serious about fulfilling the promises made. Also making a full recovery and appearing in person was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd.

Stepping through doors

to the centre not long after, was trade unionist Seepaul Narine, a man in need of no introduction as he also serves as General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

He told the media that he plans to bring justice to the working-class people as this is the basis upon which his party, the PPP/C, was formed.

“It is my high expectation that the livelihoods of the working people in this country will be improved tremendously under this government,” he said.

Other new faces to Parliament were Opposition MPs, Vincent Henry, who entered garbed in his indigenous neck wear and See page 9

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

House clears $11.2B for constitutional agencies

By Navendra Seoraj

IT was “smooth sailing” during the first sitting of the National Assembly, as the absence of the political opposition made for an “easy passage” of the proposed $11.2 billion budget for 16 constitutional agencies.

In what some persons called a historic move, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, tabled a motion to suspend Standing Order 71(2), in order to continue and conclude the consideration of the current and capital budgets of the constitutional agencies, for the year 2020.

Minister Teixeira, in her motion, said there were no changes to the requests made by the constitutional agencies, so it would be wise to move quickly through the issue so that they would not have to meet again to consider the estimates.

Her motion was unopposed, so newly-elected Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, resolved the House to the Committee of Supply in order to consider the estimates for the constitutional agencies.

To further expedite the process, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Juan Edghill, proposed that since there is no opposition or amendments to the estimates, it should be approved unamended.

The process ended ‘quietly’ with the approval of $11.2 billion for those agencies, which will now be financially equipped to effectively execute their mandates for the rest of the year.

The approved budget for constitutional agencies, includes $4,943,052,000 for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); $1,799,248,000 for Parliament Office; $908,636,000 for the Audit Office of Guyana; $150,636,000 for the Public and Police Service Commission; $117,075,000 for the Teaching Service Commission; and $2,443,164,000 for the Supreme Court.

The proposal also includes $229,412,000 for the Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecution; $70,001,000 for the Office of the Ombudsman; $40,911,000 for the Public Service Appellate Tribunal; $220,802,000 for the Ethnic Relations Commission; and

Wednesday, September 2, 2020–– 05:00hrs & 06:30hrs

$10,020,000 for the Judicial Service Commission.

Government will also be seeking approval of $24,392,000 for the Indigenous People’s Commission; $25,958,000 for the Human Rights Commission; $46,095,000 for the Rights of the Child Commission; $49,945,000 for the Women and Gender Equality Commission; and $206,460,000 for the Public Procurement Commission.

With this out of the way, the new focus will be on the passage of the National Budget, which is expected to be tabled in the coming week.

The country’s last budget, Budget 2019, was passed in December 2018 to the tune $300.7B. And, with the country already nine months into 2020, it is important for a budget to be passed soon.

PROTRACTED

ELECTORAL PROCESS As customary, the National Assembly would have been in recess, but because of a protracted electoral process, which concluded in August, parliamentarians are forced to meet in order to deliberate on critical parliamentary matters, including the presentation and consideration of the 2020 estimates.

The need for a budget is even more critical at this time because the country is faced with the dire direct and indirect effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The pandemic not only poses medical challenges, but it has also changed the usual way of life, and this is evidenced by the numerous measures employed to promote social distancing and constant sanitisation.

Even the illustrious Parliament Building was not used as sittings have been shifted to the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, for now.

In keeping with the COVID-19 control measures and the urgency to conclude the work of the National Assembly, Minister Teixeira tabled a motion to have the time for sittings adjusted to 10:00 hours - 20:00 hours.

This motion was unopposed.

The time was adjusted in anticipation of the potential budget debates and consideration of estimates.

It was reported recently that Guyana has been without a budget for over a year and the extraordinary spending that occurred between March 2 and August 2 has left the treasury in an empty state, President Irfaan Ali had said.

According to him, the mismanagement of many State institutions and decision-making processes of Guyana resulted in the tremendous loss of finances, compared to pre-2015.

“We are going to ensure that we do a comprehensive

report on every aspect of the economy, every sector, so that the Guyanese population can understand what is taking place,” the President told Newsroom in a recent interview.

The budget to be laid in the National Assembly will focus on making resources available to tackle a number of pressing issues.

“The first few weeks have been used for bringing together the pieces to have a full assessment of the situation, and developing strategies in the emergency budget to address the immediate concerns and needs, as we move towards the planning of a full budget next year,” he said.

He also noted that Vice-President (VP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, will be reading the budget in Parliament, as government continues search for a minister of finance.

Two succumb to COVID-19 THE Ministry of Health has reported that two persons died from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Monday.

According to a statement from the ministry, the patients were a 72-year-old man from Region Four and a 29-year-old woman from Region Six. “Upon admission to our medical health facility, a swab test was done on both patients, and, following their

death, the results came back as positive. The MoH [Ministry of Health] is in contact with all relatives and other contacts to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who might have been exposed. The ministry is asking that patient confidentiality be respected and the families be allowed to mourn in peace,” the statement from the ministry said.

The Health Ministry has expressed condolences to the

family of the two persons and said it will make every effort to provide all the necessary support, during this difficult time, to assist the families to deal with the situation.

Members of the public are encouraged to observe the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No. 9) published in the Official Gazette on 31st August 2020 which em-

phasise the need to practise physical distancing of at least 6ft; correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving homes and the importance of good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

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

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Amerindian development non-political, non-negotiable

5

-- President says in celebration of Heritage Month

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, has directed Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, to fast track hinterland COVID-19 interventions as government takes US$10M from a line of credit to develop Amerindian communities and their living standards.

Under the theme “Fostering traditional practices for a safe environment”, Amerindian Heritage Month 2020 was launched Tuesday, and President Ali, in his address, advised sweeping consultations with Amerindian leaders and communities in response to emergency measures.

According to the head of state, the theme for Heritage Month emphasises the key role which cultural assets, including indigenous knowledge, traditions and customs, and lifestyles, can play in ensuring a safe environment.

“Indeed, as we confront the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, indigenous traditional

practices will form a key part of the arsenal of measures intended to stem the spread of the virus,” he said.

The government, the President said, remains resolute in ensuring the safety of indigenous communities.

“We will be announcing measures, very shortly, that are aimed directly at every household in the hinterland to bring relief, to bring ease and to improve your living standards,” the President said.

Guyana’s First Peoples, the President noted, can be assured that, under his administration, their economic and social empowerment will be non-political and non-negotiable.

“We will ensure that Amerindians are not left behind in the transformative developments, which will sweep our country into a modern future over the next few years.

Amerindians, like every other ethnic group that make up our diverse society, are

guaranteed equitable benefits from national development under my administration,” President Ali promised.

CONCRETE STEPS Government, he said, will take concrete steps in successive budgets to address the needs of Amerindians and all aspects of their development.

“The firearms of your farmers and leaders will be returned, as will your dignity and respect. You will benefit from a special budgetary allocation for housing and home improvements, and government, at every level, will function with the inclusion of qualified and talented Amerindians, as we have already done in the 12th Parliament,” the President said in his address.

The head of state said his government will ensure that the benefits derived from the new-found oil and gas resources in the coming years, are equitably distributed, with no policy to take away

and deprive Amerindians of their rights to these resources.

“This historic year of the preservation of our cherished democracy, offers renewed hope for all of us, hope of a better quality of life and a more secured future for all; a more integrated Guyana, for the environment, for each other and together, we charter the way forward for a safer, more secure Guyana in which all of us can proudly be a part of and can say the development of our country is linked to the development of our communities,” President Ali said.

In commending the great strides of Amerindians, the President said that, not only were five talented Amerindians sworn in as members of the National assembly to comprise the 12th Parliament of Guyana, but government supported the election of the first Deputy Speaker of Amerindian heritage.

“You will see many

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

more appointments of persons of Amerindian heritage and those appointments are not made for any other reason than the fact that they are talented Guyanese and they deserve

the appointments that were made. We are sure and confident that they will make a strong contribution to Guyana and Guyana’s development,” the President noted.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Servant leadership OVER the last few months, this nation was tested by a political terror outfit that was allowed to hijack it. All of our people must be grateful for the voice of our regional and international brothers and sisters who held resolutely to the philosophy – one person: one vote, and thus contributed to the crushing of the strategy to destroy our motherland.

Today we have a democratically-elected President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali in place, and functioning to the best of his ability. One of his first acts in service to all the people in our rainbow nation was to unveil a program that is going to be offering G$25,000 relief to each household due to the adverse economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is who we are as a nation; we are our brothers and sisters’ keepers. This is what a caring government does for its people who have suffered immensely due to the mishandling of this health crisis by the Granger squad because they were more obsessed with political power to feather their nests.

Today, we reaffirm that spirit of looking after each other as we saw a group of young people on Sunday, August 30, 2020, led by led by one Carl Melville and Sasenarine Singh, cleaning and removing over one tonne of garbage from the seawalls. Also, a local private sector company donated six garbage bins for the bandstand area, which should serve the objective of greater cleanliness.

Then within three hours, His Excellency, the President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the First Lady walked into Tiger Bay and

spoke directly to the residents there and distributed over 500 food hampers and hundreds of face masks. What the public did not hear, but what was witnessed by those nearby, was the one-on-one conversations between a President and his people. One young man called “Gado” called the President into his yard. The youthful President jumped over the drain and walked into Gado’s yard and listened to this young man.

This is what Gado said, “Mr. President, I have a young family, I need a piece of land.” And this was how his President responded, “My government shall fix this”, as he asked one of his advisers to take Gado’s number and to pass it on to the Minister of Housing to facilitate the commencement of the process?

The overwhelming majority of the people welcome these acts of servant leadership that were absent from the land when the aloof and arrogant David Granger held the office.

The disdain for the nation was so much that Mr. Granger ignored the fourth estate with fewer press conferences.

That is why it is shocking to witness scenes of fundamentalist protesters griping about Clairmont Mingo and goaded on by Granger because he was an absent leader when he was President.

Mingo has four separate charges of electoral malpractice as witnessed not only by the local observers, but the foreign observers in the Ashmins Building. Yet, Granger has found the time to support Mr. Mingo but had no time with the plight of the people. Further, you have got to have some brass as a

former President to advocate for Mingo’s rights but totally ignore the rights of the Guyanese people for five months of 2020 when Mingo’s actions as the Returning Officer sought to frustrate democracy.

So despite all that happened between March 2, 2020, and August 2, 2020, this nation must demand that the colourful thread of this rainbow nation must be allowed to be woven to form a stronger nation in unity. The intimidating tactics of the Granger Squad must be rejected.

We also condemn the deliberate exposure of the masses to the coronavirus because of these acts of accumulating people in packs; some without masks in total violation of the COVID-19 regulations. Even Granger had his nose uncovered when speaking to the media in front of the courts exposing him to the deadly virus and if he was a carrier, exposing the listeners.

The time is now for Guyana to represent to the world that every creed and race can stand side by side in harmony and work together for the greater good of all but we must do so following the rule of law and responsibly.

That is why it makes sense to do what His Excellency is doing. Engage responsibly and directly to empower all.

The ways of the Granger gang must be rejected where they use the poor and the working class conveniently to serve their political interests and not the interest of the people. United we stand; divided we fall.

The ABCE will not stand idle and allow democracy to erode or be erased Dear Editor,

WELL, what else is new? Just as was expected, the APNU+AFC Party walked out of the National Assembly just after taking their oaths yesterday. This happened at the opening of the 12th sitting of Parliament at the ACCC, an alternative to the Parliament Building Chambers due to the COVID-19 crisis and, resuming after an absence of 467 days.

Mansoor Nadir was sworn in as the new Speaker of the House and Lenox Shuman as the Deputy Speaker of the House, out voting APNU+AFC Party’s submission of Raphael Trotman. One would recall the famous “Chase them out” election speech by the General Secretary for the PPP/C party during the election campaign that created quite a stir. Well, no one did anything of the sort yesterday but on their own accord, they made an early departure and it wasn’t to catch a flight. Was it because of embarrassment? Were they too ashamed to face the public? Were they not ready as the bold and beautiful to defend lies, deceits,

dishonesty and integrity? Are they still reeling from their defeat and have not recovered to stand firm in front of the media and press? Are they still in a state of shock to think and speak without a forked tongue? Do they still need time to straighten their convoluted minds?

Perhaps, the best escape route is to dodge and run when heavily burdened with a guilty conscience! But when bruised, battered and in excruciating pain, bed rest is a good remedy. Then again, the APNU+AFC is accustomed to all play, no work and free money from big draw down! No wonder the PPP/C government is on a clean-up campaign mood to wipe the slate from all the “fat cat” pays that milked the cow without lifting a finger.

Electing, mind you not selecting, the true and real son of the soil as deputy was such a convenient reason for the ideal season! The cat pounced on the mouse.

The PPP/C (aimlessly or carelessly) hit the ball straight into the waiting APNU+AFC party’s hands.

Guyana wonders what inventory method the APNU+AFC Party prefers! Is

their choice Fi-Fo or Li-Fo? Is their train of thought derailed, on a waiting list or in a parking lot? Sorry, there is no train in Guyana, the PNC banned the train system for the bus system and that system was busted too! Who will they turn to for help, Chris Ram or the Auditor General, certainly not the wily one who is a sore loser or the athlete that trots at a two per cent speed then to one per cent! Queuing up for service was created by the PNC nickname of “GuyLine.” In any civilised society, the respect for “first come, first served’ is expected, unless you are part of the vulgar and rumbustious cabal. Ole people say, “blood runs in vein, not in drain” and “muma does feel for pickney.” If this is so true, why would you deliberately make the call to your children and expose them to danger?

Are they your outside children that is why you are not so concerned about their safety, or, the call came from a recalcitrant father who is not as humane as a mother? Then again, the Devil comes in every nook and cranny and in every shape and size to do his job. Both sides of the divide acknowledged that the Guyana Elections Commission is

an “independent” entity and is not politically influenced.

APNU+AFC further claimed that they do not dictate to or control the personnel or the work of GECOM. Yet, today, when personnel from the GECOM Secretariat are charged with misconduct, it is the very APNU+AFC Party that stands to support and defend the wrong doers and called out the entire nation to protest and support their cause. Of course, one can understand why since, it was the very personnel who are charged, they are the ones who did the dirty work of the APNU+AFC Party. They were mere instruments, fooled and misguided, certainly unable to think for themselves and lacked foresight and in hindsight, now regretting and paying for their errors and mistakes. Were bribery and coercion involved? One of them was promoted, on whose direction and recommendation? Will they confess and confirm who were the intellectual authors who orchestrated the operation and called the shots? The miscreants were certainly not left to “walk alone.”

The PNC cannot shed its skin nor can they remain disguised for too long.

They have to exercise their true nature otherwise they will translate their frustration through various outlets, sometime. It is either their way or the highway. Violence has always manifested itself after each election in various degrees except for the 2015. It was just a matter of time for a repeat for the 2020 election. The scene has shifted from Demerara to Berbice. But, mind you, the ABCE is still very much alive, present and observing. US Secretary of State, Mr. Mike Pompeo’s tweet to President Irfaan Ali on Monday was not merely coincidental. He reiterated the US commitment to help Guyana to advance shared values, economic prosperity and security in the region. The ABCE will not stand idle and allow democracy to erode or be erased after their huge sacrifice.

CARICOM is paying rapid attention also to Guyana’s daily activities and share the same view with the ABCE. People want peace PNC. Respectfully, Jai Lall

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Towards a professional, neutral, politically impartial, and efficient public service in Guyana IT is wise and commendable that the new PPP/C Government has re-established the Public Service Ministry, and has declared, through the new Minister of the Public Service, Hon. Sonia Parag, that this ministry would be developed into a professional, neutral, politically impartial, and efficient public service.

In this regard, it would be useful for the minister and the senior staff review the report and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service with view to adopt and implement the recommendation of report. This report was submitted to President David Granger in May 2016 by Professor Harold Lutchman, chair of the three-member commission with Mr. Samuel J. Goolsarran, and the late Ms. Sandra Jones as commissioners. The report was also circulated to members of the National Assembly for debate and consideration.

There was no debate following disagreement between the government and opposition on referring the report to a select committee of the National Assembly.

The recommendations include: 1. The enactment of a Public Service Law with related regulations and a code of conduct to create and develop a professional and politically-neutral Public Service with high integrity for effective public management and administration.

2. The Public Service Commission (PSC) be constituted always with suitably qualified persons of high integrity to be fair and impartial in the execution of

their duty in line with the Constitutional prescription that they exercise independent judgement and not be influenced by political and other external considerations and influences.

3. The Constitution and other laws should be appropriately be amended to empower the Public Service Commission to appoint, on open internal and external completion and merit, Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers., and all other appointments to established Public Service positions. Correspondingly, the Public Service Ministry and the staff of the entire Public Service should be constituted with professional personnel with high integrity to rebuild trust and confidence in the Public Service 4. Contract employment of low level and general staff in the public service should end. However, contract employment in the public service should be restricted to high level, professional, scarce skills not available in the public service, and for project work.

5. There should be higher retirement age of 60 and 65 for public servants with corresponding higher public service and NIS pensions.

6.. There should be a high level representative committee to identify, on the basis of merit, candidates to be awarded fellowships and scholarships 7.. The Public Service compensation system should be reviewed and redesigned within an attractive and appropriate graded salary structure with the involvement of the recognised trade union.

8. A Salary and Remu-

neration Commission be established to make recommendations to the National Assembly on remuneration for high level political and public service offices including the President, Vice-Presidents, Prime Minister, Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, Members of the National Assembly, Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, and Regional Chairpersons.

9. Role and Function of the Public Service The CoI stated that a review of the earlier inquiries and studies into the Public Service and many who testified before this commission, advocated for the Public Service to be impartial, neutral, professional, non-partisan, non-political, serving the public interest in keeping with the rule of law – the Constitution and other laws of the land, International Treaties and Conventions within the frame work of Constitutional fundamental rights. These principles are in line with Article 38G of the Constitution states that: “(1) The integrity of the public service is guaranteed.

No public officer shall be required to execute or condone irregular acts on the basis of higher orders.

(2) The freedom of every public officer to perform his or her duties and fulfill his or her responsibilities is protected.

(3) No public officer shall be the subject of sanctions of any kind without due process.

(4) In the discharge of his or her duties, a public officer shall execute the lawful policies of the government.”

Ancestral records

Dear editor,

I WOULD like to write to the pastor or his understudy at the St Marks Church, Enmore North, East Coast, Demerara, but I can’t find an email address for them.

Might someone be able to help in the matter please?

My great grandmother got married in

this village and my grandmother and her sisters attended the St Marks Church when they were growing up.

I would be most grateful is someone could help in this matter.

Kind regards, Tara Sherwood

10. The permanent secretary and professional relations with ministers The CoI emphasised that the public administration system, in line with the Constitution, Article 115 and other laws, mandate that where any minister has the responsibility for any department of government, shall exercise general direction and control over that department and, subject to such direction and control, every department of government shall be under the supervision of a permanent secretary. This direction and control is of a general and policy nature.

While the minister is primarily concerned with the determination of policy, the permanent secretary and the

technical and other staff under the permanent secretary are required to faithfully implement the policy decisions of the government of the day in an impartial and professional manner.

The CoI reminded that the permanent secretary assists the minister in the formulation of policies, prepares papers for Cabinet, and is also the accounting officer who manages and is accountable for the funds voted by National Assembly for the ministerial departments, and is answerable to the Public Accounts Committee of National Assembly for public expenditure.

Bertram Collins Public Administration College: The function of this entity

should be sub-summed and absorbed into the Public Service Ministry Training Division. There is no need for a duplicated function which is the remit of the Public Service Training Division.

The above recommendations are essential for good governance and public management and public administration of the Public Service, fair employment practices, and developing a professional public service to serve the national community fairly without political and racial/ethnic discrimination; a public service which can make Guyana proud.

Yours sincerely, Joshua Singh

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

‘Ponzi Scheme’ couple for court today –– as criminal charges against them begin to mount

ACCELERATED Capital Firm Inc (ACFI)’s Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael were on Monday, August 31, 2020 taken before the court to answer 12 fraud-related charges.

On that day, Dominguez and Ishmael, of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court, where they were charged jointly but not required to plead.

Particulars of the charges allege that between May and July, 2020, with intent to commit a felony, the couple conspired with persons known and unknown to obtain a total sum of over $30M from 12 victims under false pretence.

The Cuban national and his wife were represented by Attorneys-at-Law Glen Hanoman and Dexter Todd.

The duo was released on $3.6M bail each, and the case adjourned until September 21.

However, the couple is also expected to appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court today to answer to 11 new charges.

When they appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the said Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 31, 2020 it was to answer to 10 charges, the particulars of which allege that between the months

Dominguez and his wife, ACFI Director, Ateeka Ishmael of May and July 2020, they, with intent to commit a felony, conspired with persons known and unknown to obtain a total sum of over $60M from 10 victims under false pretence. They were released on $1M bail each, and the case was adjourned until October 5, 2020.

The couple had first appeared on Thursday August 27, 2020 before Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer at the Vigilance Mag-

istrate’s Court, where the charges against them was that between May and July 2020, they, with intent to commit fraud, obtained a total of $24.7M from 13 persons by false pretence.

At the time, the couple, was not required to plead to the charges, and granted $3.9 million bail each. That matter was adjourned until September 18, 2020.

The couple had also made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where a total of six similar charges were read against them, alleging that they’d obtained in excess of $1M unlawfully, For those charges, the couple was remanded to prison until September 21, 2020.

However, the police on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 slapped additional charges against the couple.

Thus far, a total of 57 persons have come forward and lodged complaints against them with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), claiming to have invested millions of dollars in ACFI. The duo was first held by the police one week ago following an investigation into widespread rumours that they were running a “Ponzi Scheme”.

A Ponzi Scheme is a form of fraud in which investors are made to believe in the

success of a non-existent enterprise, and encouraged to invest because of the payment of quick returns. However, the first investors are only being paid from money invested by successive investors, a charge that both Dominguez and Ishmael have since vehemently denied, via a statement, saying: “The funds necessary to refund our clients are ready to be disbursed.”

The police here have listed Dominguez, a naturalised Guyanese of Cuban origin, and his wife, who’s Guyanese by birth, as grave flight risks, given that they have no assets in the country.

The pair is said to have been operating their investment company, ACFI, here in Guyana from as far back as 2017, but have never been licensed to do so by the Guyana Securities Council (GSC) as is required.

According to reports, some 17,000 Guyanese are said to have collectively invested approximately US$20 million in the company, which first came to the limelight earlier this month, when several persons came forward, claiming to have not received any returns as promised ACFI has been attributing its failure to remit payments to clients to its lack of a bank account, as several local commercial banks have closed whatever accounts they’d held with them.

Nicholas Boyer new PSC chairman EXECUTIVE members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have elected Nicholas Boyer to serve as the new chairman of the commission.

Boyer replaces Gerry Gouveia, who had indicated that he will not be available for re-election because of his commitments as advisor to the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Boyer, of National Hardware Guyana Limited, was elected during the commission’s Annual General Meeting which was conducted virtually, on Monday.

In addition to Boyer’s appointment, the commission also elected Victor Fernandes to be vice-chairman; Ramesh Dookhoo as secretary; Zulfikar Ally as treasurer; and Maniram Prashad as corporate coordinator.

President Ali, in addressing the members of the PSC, said the relationship between the government and the business sector will be of significant importance to the development of the country.

According to a press statement, the head of state said: “the role the private sector played in ensuring that we are here today in a democratic environment is enough to convince anyone that the private sector is not only an important stakeholder, but one of the strongest stakeholders in advancing Guyana’s prospect and developmental opportunities.”

The President further outlined plans to facilitate a more robust private sector that brings new investments, expand production, increase exports and improve competitiveness.

President Ali further thanked the leadership of the PSC and all those in the private sector who played a key and important role, during the elections, but, importantly, after the elections in ensuring Guyana stuck to a democratic pathway.

Gouveia, in his remarks, said his main focus during his tenure as the chairman of the Private Sector Commission surrounded encouraging and promoting active participation from all regional chambers in Guyana. He said that this was achieved through various visits and engagements

Newly-elected PSC Chairman, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer with the different chambers.

He noted that work done for the inclusion of women and youth involvement was a pivotal undertaking in the role of chairman of the PSC, referencing, in particular, the formation of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Further, he highlighted the many outreach activities the PSC became deeply involved in, which ultimately secured active participation among those groups.

Gouveia said that the PSC’s participation in a number of strategic engagements was held, throughout 2019, with other civil society organisations, political parties, government agencies, and the U.S, Canadian, British and EU Diplomats, on issues of governance and national development.

Gouveia charged his successor to have engagements with the government for the implementation of future developmental plans for the private sector.

The Private Sector Commission of Guyana was established in 1992 by five private sector associations, with the aim of bringing together all private sector organs and business entities under the purview of being a national body.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Democracy’s ...

9

From page 3

former Magistrate Geeta-Chandan Edmond decked out in black.

First-time Opposition MPs also included Ganesh Mahipaul and Devin Sears ; they entered the building together. “We are here to represent our Guyanese people. We have to represent them and we have to ensure we uphold the rule of law,” Mahipaul said. Meanwhile, optimistically, Sears said that he was looking forward to a smooth proceeding.

Another MP of the Opposition representing Region Six, Dineshwar Jaipersaud said that he intends to hold the MPs representing his region responsible for the efficient delivery of services and will make representation on their behalf.

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES While heading briskly in, Minister of

Guyana. She said that Guyanese can look forward to their interest being faithfully represented by her.

Returning to the House under different circumstance was Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira.

The seasoned minister said that she was eager to get to work and to rectify the issues affecting the country.

When Parliament finally commenced, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs proceeded to guide the House through roll call. The hybrid Sitting allowed for some members to attend physically, while others attended virtually.

Those attending virtually included General-Secretary of the Alliance For Change (AFC), David Patterson and Opposition MP, Ronald Cox. This was followed by the election of

Vice-president Bharrat Jagdeo makes brief comments to the media (Delano Williams photo)

Inside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where Parliament is being held (Delano Williams photo) within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy assured the media that he intends to robustly highlight the issues affecting Guyanese and will add his voice and perspective to the parliamentary debates. McCoy is no stranger to the public life but this is his first time as minister and as a representative in Parliament.

Not new to Parliament, Minister of Local Government Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall said that the public can expect that the same energy that the PPP/C pushed with for development while in Opposition will be transferred as the party serves as Government. “We’re accessible and they [Guyanese] must feel comfortable that we’re going to deal with their issues,” he said.

Amanza Walton-Desir, Opposition MP, stopped to tell reporters that she would stay true to the Oath she’ll swear to which is to bear true allegiance to the people of

new Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir and Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman. All MPs then took the Oath of Office, individually holding up their preferred religious book followed by prayers.

Around 11:30hours, when the prime minister rose to congratulate the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, members of the Opposition began to walk out of the House led by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon.

Manzoor, as Speaker, continued the proceedings which led to the approval of $11.2 billion for constitutional agencies for the remainder of the 2020 fiscal year.

The reading and approval was conducted in record time, less than 20 minutes, likely due to the Opposition’s absence.

The leaders will return to Parliament at a date to be set soon.

Tuesday marked the first time that Parliament was held in 476 days.

Members of the opposition take up their seats in Parliament

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

‘Human Services’ ready to take ‘Family Matters’ countrywide

–– following success of three-year ‘pilot’ offering counselling to ‘troubled’ youths FAMILIES with children that are exhibiting disruptive behaviours can now reach out to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) to be a part of their “Family Matters Programme”, which offers regular face-to-face counselling sessions to families facing such difficulties.

Following a three-year pilot programme that concluded in July, and involved some 260 families, the Ministry has announced that the decision was made to have the programme expanded to be available to families countrywide.

The programme will target youths between the ages of 10 – 17 years old who need help with anti-social behaviours which negatively impact their family networks.

The Ministry has already released a brochure and advertisement video for the programme, in the hope that more families will come on board to utilise it.

“Families are valuable to the nation; we are here to help the youths in your family through a transformative programme that addresses disruptive behaviours. Please don’t hesitate to call us; we are here to help you and these young people,” Minister of Human Services

and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said of the programme.

The pilot programme was sponsored by the USAID Community Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) project, and involved families from five communities, namely: Sophia, Lodge, East Ruimveldt, La Penitence and Corriverton.

During counselling sessions, which are typically held in the families’ homes, the counsellors attempt to strengthen the bonds that hold family members together and connect the family to the wider community.

During the pilot programme, 15 fifteen family counsellors, 14 part-time counsellors, and 10 MoHSSS representatives were trained

by USAID/CFYR. Eligible youth were identified through the Youth Services Eligibility Tool (YSET) assessment, used to determine their level of risk. Risk factors were adjudged based on criteria such as anti-social tendencies or risky behaviors; weak parental supervision; critical life events; impulsive risk taking; neutralisation of guilt; negative peer influence; peer delinquency; family anti-social behaviour and self-reported delinquency.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Childcare Protection Agency and the Family Enhancement Services of the Probation and Social Services Department, implemented under the theme, “Family Matters Transforms the Ways Families Function So they Can Better Protect At Risk Youth”.

The programme consists of seven phases that are completed across seven months, whereby trained family counsellors carry out regular face-to-face counselling sessions with participating youths and their families.

Phase One involves referrals and collaboration; while Phase Two is Establishing Agreements”.

Phase Three is Redefining; Phase Four is celebrating changes; Phase Five is Integrating; Phase Six is Next Level Arrangements; and Phase Seven is “Re-evaluating”.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

Lowenfield’s personal assistant arrested as probe into elections fraud widens THE personal assistant to Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, has been arrested, as investigators continue their probe into allegations of fraud following the March 02 General and Regional Elections.

Duarte Hetsberger, 39, is a lieutenant in the Guyana Defence Force but was seconded to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) a few years ago.

Police said he was arrested in relation to his alleged criminal conduct surrounding the elections.

Arrested: Duarte Hetsberger In 2016, Duarte Hetsberger served as the returning officer for Georgetown for the Local Government Elections.

He served in the same capacity for the 2018 Local Government Elections.

The arrest was made one day after misconduct in public office and fraud charges were filed against the District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, and two of his colleagues, Shefern February and Enrique Livan.

Mingo was placed on $600,000 bail while February was released on $300,000 bail and Livan $150,000.

Meanwhile, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, is on $450,000

bail after he was placed before the court for alleged fraud and misconduct.

He is expected to return to court on September 11. The charges in question were filed by Desmond Morian, and Daniel Kanhai, on June 30, 2020.

In his private criminal charge, Kanhai is alleging that Lowenfield, between March 5 and June 23, 2020, at Georgetown, in the Georgetown Magisterial District, County of Demerara, State of Guyana, conspired with person(s) unknown to commit the common law offence of fraud, to wit, by representing to the Guyana Elections Commission, that tables attached to his Election Report, dated June 23, 2020, accurately reflected the true results of the said election, in order to materially alter the results of the said election, with intent to defraud, knowing the said tabulation to be false.

Morian is also alleging that Lowenfield, between March 5, 2020, and June 29, 2020, while performing his duty as the chief elections officer of GECOM, without lawful excuse or justification, wilfully misconducted himself at Georgetown, within the Georgetown Magisterial District, by ascertaining results of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections for Guyana, knowing the said results to be false. The said wilful misconduct amounting to a breach of the public’s trust in the office of the chief elections officer of the Guyana Elections Commission.

The second charge which was filed by Morian against Lowenfield claimed that he, allegedly, with Region Four District Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, altered results that had been declared in March for that district.

Recently, Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched a ‘comprehensive’ investigation against the Chief Elections Officer and the Returning Officer for Region Four after it received formal reports of alleged criminal misconduct by the duo.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

800 hampers distributed to East Canje communities

–– gov’t committed to improving life of every Guyanese, says President

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur WHILE distributing some 800 hampers in the East Canje area in East Berbice, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has assured residents that his life as President is committed for the betterment of every Guyanese and he will do everything in his power to provide a better life for all.

“Every day of my life is committed to you the people, not only of Gangaram, Berbice but to the people of Guyana; everyday will be committed to do the best. I aim to make life easier, to make improvements to your community and to bring improvements to your own life,” he said.

The President was, at the time, addressing residents in Gangaram, where he distributed hampers to residents. The hampers which

contained a month’s supply of groceries and cleaning supplies were given to 800 families in the villages of Gangaram, Betsy Ground, Goed Bananaen Land, Adelphi, Reliance and Canefield.

Speaking directly to the retrenched workers and their families, the President said he knows of the tremendous difficulties they have been facing, along with the fact that much help was not afforded them over the past few years. He assured them that a plan of action, as promised in the manifesto was being implemented.

“We know that there were promises in the manifesto and we know that we are committed to those promises.... We are not shying away from that. I want to assure you that we are going to work aggressively, every day, so that economic livelihood can come back

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, interacting with residents during his visit to Region Six on Tuesday (Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur photo) in these communities. We are going to work to support your own livelihood and we have already appointed a new REO. We expect that between the chair, REO and the leadership in the region that you will have continuous

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and others with some of the recipients of the hampers distributed on Tuesday (Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur photo)

consultations in the communities,” the President said.

He noted that while there is a lot that See page 12

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Bandit, getaway 800 hampers driver arrested after distributed ... foiled robbery From page 11

A GUNMAN and the driver of a getaway car were arrested on Tuesday after robbing a 42-year-old caterer in the vicinity of Bourda Market, at approximately 14:30 hours.

Reports indicated that the victim was about to make a purchase at a stall in Bourda Market when the suspect approached her with a firearm and demanded her bag.

She refused and the suspect thereafter dealt her a ‘lash’ to the chest with the handgun, then grabbed her bag and ran south out of Bourda Market, and into a waiting car which was parked north, on Regent Street, Georgetown.

The police were contacted and they located the getaway car and gave chase when the bandit attempted to dispose of the firearm by throwing it out the car window.

However, it was subsequently retrieved

the government would like to get done, the lack of finance, due to the depleted treasury the government inherited from the previous administration, has placed the present administration in a difficult state.

“The liabilities that were left that we now have to clear up, the room for the emergency budget does not allow that great flexibility in what we would like to do and what we want to achieve.

We are also planning on a much larger budget for early next year, outside of the liability that we have to take care of this year,” he said.

The firearm retrieved by police by the police.

Both suspect and the driver of the motor car were arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station where they remain in custody, assisting with the investigation.

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS The President also noted that there will be some major announcements before the end of the week and the release of resources into the economy that will make the lives of all Guyanese better.

“Before the end of this week, too, I will be addressing the country on a number of measures that we are going to bring in place

PUTTING MONEY IN EVERY HOME Government is also vigorously trying to secure additional funding to ensure measures are in place for everyone, and has been engaging the private sector and other stakeholders on the best way forward.

“We have set aside already $5B; we are trying now to raise and additional $2B to help in COVID relief, that is outside of the household foodstuff. We are trying to put money into every single family home before the end of this year so that we can give you some amount of help in dealing with COVID,” he said.

The residents also had the opportunity to air their concerns to the President which included the provision of proper recreational facilities, state of roads and provision of essential services such as healthcare, water and electricity as well as job creation.

The president reassured the residents that his government remains committed in ensuring that their concerns are addressed.

“We are trying to reconfigure resources that were there to help more at the house-

Berbicians welcomed the good gesture by President, Dr Irfaan Ali (Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur photo) that will bring immediate relief to your life, that will release immediately, resources in the economy, so that more money will be available in the economy, so that your cost of living will be reduced and those are some of the campaign promises. We are costing them right now and before the end of the week, I will be addressing the country about the immediate measures that will be taken,” he said.

Touching on the COVID-19 pandemic, the President implored the residents to take the situation seriously and adhere to the guidelines, while noting that more resources were being sought to help in the fight.

“The pandemic is not a joke, wearing your mask is absolutely essential when you are in pubic, adhering to the guidelines is absolutely essential in safeguarding you, your family and your community, so I want to implore upon you to please do your part in helping us to deal with COVID-19 and to ensure we rise through this period as successfully as possible and that we save lives. All of us have to play a part in this,” President Ali told the gathering.

hold level... a lot of work is going on to mobilise new resources to find resources and to bring together the pieces of government so that we can pursue the agenda in our manifesto, so that we can pursue better programmes for you. We are also going to start an aggressive investment programme for agriculture. We have to support agriculture, we have to support farmers. So you will see a lot of these things being rolled out very shorty, but, like I said, we are faced with a difficulty in this budget in the sense that a lot of liabilities in the previous government are there taking up the room in this budget. We are also looking to ensure how we can include the private sector, the business community, the farmers. We want everyone to be a part of the development shift that will take place,” the President assured.

Maharani Lalta Persaud, 67, of Adelphi, was moved to tears as she received her hamper. She expressed gratitude and blessings to the President and all stakeholders who contributed to assisting with the hamper.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

‘Front-liners’ commended for keeping COVID-19 death toll in check –– Minister Anthony calls on the citizenry to also do their part

REGARDED as national heroes the world over, healthcare workers are the ones who have been on the frontline, valiantly battling with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and at great risk to themselves and their families, to help slow its spread and limit the deadly toll it exacts on a country’s population.

As a medical doctor by profession, Dr. Frank Anthony knows only too well what’s at stake in a crisis such as the one precipitated

by COVID-19, even though he only recently took over the reins of the Health Ministry, and as such was moved to commend said “front-liners”, as they’re called in the medical field, for their show of strength, wit and sacrifice, even while under enormous pressure.

As he was at pains to point out to the viewing public during a COVID-19 update over the weekend, despite the fact that the number of cases have been exponentially on the increase here, our healthcare professionals are working beyond the call of duty, and drawing on all their best-practice skills to prevent severely ill patients from dying.

“They have been trained

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony in understanding the disease clinically and how to respond to that… So I want the public to understand that from a treatment point of view; from a clinical point of view, we are doing all that we can at this present moment, but, unfortunately, as at other places where this is taking place, we will see deaths,” Dr. Anthony said.

He went on to explain that approximately 80 per cent of all those infected with the disease present with mild symptoms, and that only 20 per cent of those whose tests proved positive would require a stint in hospital.

He, however, warned that of that lot, about four per cent would need to spend time in

the Intensive Care Unit; and the bad news is that some will make it, and some won’t.

“Generally, they are very critical, and in terms of the treatment that we are offering, we will provide the best that we can offer right now, but unfortunately, we will lose some of those patients, because there are various challenges with treating the disease,” Dr. Anthony said.

Health professionals have cautioned that persons have a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 if their immune systems are already battling with a communicable or non-communicable disease.

And the rationale here is that a weakened immune system increases the body’s ability to fight off new infections.

As such, the fight against the virus is one that will need all hands on deck, which is why persons are religiously reminded to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols for the safety of themselves and their families.

Warning that the emergency protocols to help slow the spread of the virus will be extended, Minister Anthony said: “We are going to extend the orders. The specific measures that are going to be in place have been discussed with

Enhancement underway at the Night Shelter SHORTLY after assuming her post as Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud visited some of the institutions that fall within the ambit of her ministry.

One such institution is the Night Shelter and after a critical assessment, it was determined that major restructuring was needed.

During a virtual press conference on Monday, Minister Persaud disclosed that rehabilitation works on the physical structure of the facility have already commenced; she also disclosed that in the new year further enhancement works will be executed.

“I want to look at the

conditions for those persons who utilise the facility. Even though persons are homeless, there are considered indigent population; we want to ensure [that] they have dignity when they are within the Night Shelter,” Minister Persaud stated.

Dr. Persaud noted that the ministry will be reviewing the living conditions, the delivery of services and medical care provided to the residents, whilst partnering with other agencies to effectively transform the facility.

These measures, the minister noted, will be complemented by a programme, the aim of which will be to reduce the number of persons on the streets and integrate them into

Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security the shelter.

Minister Persaud said the public will soon be further informed of this initiative, as well as of plans for the Hugo Chavez Rehabilitation Centre.

Meanwhile, in keeping with the restrictions of the COVID-19 protocol, the minister reported that the shelter is operating at a reduced capacity of about 50 per cent to ensure that residents are protected from the virus. (DPI)

various people; there is no one-size-fits-all for the whole country, because different areas of the country would require different measures to be put in place. And that’s how we will be addressing it.”

In closing, he disclosed

that an analysis conducted by the Ministry of Health has determined that it was necessary to extend the orders, based on the epidemiological situation in each region; which speaks to the distribution patterns of the virus

and the factors affecting the health and disease conditions in particular populations.

Additionally, specific measures will be taken in regions where there has been a spike in new cases within the last two weeks.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Kevin Jeffrey is this year’s ‘Top Gold Achiever’ –– as curtain comes down on Mining Week with virtual award ceremony

Minister Bharrat presenting the ‘Top Gold Achiever’s award’ to GGDMA’s Kevin Jeffrey DESPITE not having the usual vibrant celebrations this year for the annual celebration of mining week, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources still pressed ahead with the week-long activity with a series of virtual events which came to a close on Tuesday with an award ceremony.

Held at the Pegasus Hotel, the ceremony saw several miners being awarded for their contribution to the sector in the last year.

The event, which was held in conformity with strict guidelines and all coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols being observed, saw among those in attendance GGMC Commissioner Mr. Newell Dennison; Minister of Natural Resources Mr. Vickram Bharrat; Department Heads and Representatives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners

Minister of Natural Resources Mr. Vickram Bharrat Association (GGDMA), Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), and the National Mining Syndicate (NMS); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Guyana Gold Board (GGB); and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

Commissioner Dennison, during his address noted that the GGMC hosted a virtual mining week presentation on its web platform, where a collage showcased previous mining week activities, as well as conference material and technical information on moving forward within the sector.

He also conveyed the importance of providing support for the social and domestic affairs of those mining communities that are occasionally overlooked.

“We want to continue to find ways in which we can assist particularly the youths, who are a part of the mining family, and also those in the mining community who are vulnerable, in order to be more inclusive,” Commissioner Dennison said.

Minister Bharrat, on the other hand, reminded his audience that while Guyana is currently an oil-producing nation, it is mining and the other traditional sectors that kept

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Minister Benn, adviser make assessment visit to Brickdam Police Station

HOME Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, recently visited the Brickdam Police Station to assess the building and to have a first-hand understanding of the Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS).

The minister was accompanied by newly-appointed advisor to the minister on the security sector, Harry Gill, and a team of technical staff from the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with commander of the Division, Assistant Commissioner, Simon Mc Bean.

Several suggestions were proposed during the visit, including a refresher training for police ranks to effectively use the Inte-

grated Crime Information System (ICIS).

The ICIS was officially launched in 2010, and, to date, 47 police stations utilise the system in their day-to-day operation Meanwhile, Gill, who was a former parliamentarian with oversight of the security sector, said the Brickdam Police ‘lockups’ that was constructed is inhumane to house prisoners since poor ventilation and design have turned it into an oven.

In an invited comment, he said that the ‘lockups’ was not used for the past several years because of the poor design.

Monies were allocation in the 2016 budget

it going over a number of years.

“Mining plays a significant part in the economy of our country,” Minister Bharrat said, adding: “The Government of Guyana will continue to support the mining sector, and we are committed to ensuring that we work with all the sectors to move our country forward, so that every Guyanese can benefit from these sectors.”

The three categories of awards this year were: ‘Top Gold Producers’; ‘Top Diamond Producer’; and Environmental Stewardship.

The ‘Top Gold Producers’ category saw GGDMA’s Kevin Jeffrey, and newcomer S.A.B. Mining walking away with awards for small and medium-scale gold mining operations, while Chunnilall Babulall took the prize for Top Diamond Producer for the second consecutive year.

Environmental Stewardship Awards were rewarded to the Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc. (GINMIN) for its work in the area of Bauxite mining; Baracarra, for its work in quarrying; Ramlakhan Seenauth (Sand) and Capoey Reservation (Loam).

This year’s activity was held from August 22 – 29 under the theme, ‘Reflecting on the past; innovating for the future: A journey through the archives of mining week.’

GGMC’s Commissioner Newell Dennison

to carry out the remedial works on the facility, but there were some issues regarding the tendering process which further delayed the process.

15

From left: Newly-appointed adviser to the minister on the security sector, Harry Gill, and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, along with other security officials

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

29 ventilators to aid in fight against COVID-19 –– gov’t receives 5,000 surgical masks from local donor, other items from CARPHA

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S capacity to provide care to persons suffering from the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been boosted with 29 ventilators.

The ventilators, which play an integral role in providing relief to patients suffering from respiratory distress sometimes caused

by COVID-19, were purchased by the Gov-

ing Technology.”

This donation was made by Feyaad Nohar of Leading Technology located on Croal Street, Georgetown.

Nohar in brief remarks said that it was an act of kindness since he recognised that there were many persons who cannot afford masks. With that in mind, he plans on distributing masks to the various administrative regions. Aside from the Ministry of Health,

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony (left), receives equipment from Feyaad Nohar of Leading Technology ernment of Guyana with funds acquired from the Indian Government.

Guyana had received US$1 million from the Government of India for the COVID-19 response. This allocation of US$1M was from the “Quick Impact Development Project” that is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support Guyana’s response to COVID-19.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, confirmed that the ventilators are in Guyana and authorities have already decided where to place them.

“Over the next couple of days they [the ventilators] will be distributed to various hospitals,” said Dr. Anthony.

Guyana on Monday also received medical equipment from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

Dr. Anthony said the country received a number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from CARPHA, which has been coordinating distributions across the Caribbean.

The agency received several donations from various international organisations and has been distributing same to various countries.

In addition to CARPHA’s delivery, health authorities received 5,000 three-ply surgical masks from local company, “Lead-

masks were also donated to the Guyana Police Force.

Dr. Anthony expressed gratitude for this contribution which has added to others made by international partners such as PAHO/ WHO, the Indian High Commission, the Chinese Consulate, the International Committee for Democracy and VAS Energy Inc. and the Civil Defence Commission.

The minister of health said that the items were stored at the Materials Management Unit (MMU) and can be accessed through the usual method of requisition.

Government has been actively seeking support to fight COVID-19 and it reported recently that President Irfaan Ali, in an address to the nation, had announced that government was in the process of securing US$60M to fund various aspects of its response to the deadly pandemic.

President Ali had said that those funds were being sourced from various international development partners, including the World Bank, the IDB and the Islamic Development Bank. There has also been rapid-response assistance from bilateral partners.

According to the President, the government has consulted with stakeholders nationwide to address the COVID-19 epidemic in a holistic manner.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Counterfeit ring busted in Berbice

FOUR persons were arrested at around 21:30 hours on Monday evening after police, acting on information they received, conducted a search of a house at Grant 1803 Crabwood Creek, Corriverton, where they discovered $320,000 in counterfeit notes.

The forged Guyana currency was found in a batch of 64 $5000 notes.

Acting on further information, police conducted another search at a house located in Grant 1806, Sea Dam Crabwood Creek where one white HP desk jet printer and two laptops were found.

The equipment is suspected to be the ones used to print the fake currency. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the suspects may have printed in excess of $800,000 already.

The four persons arrested, including one female, were taken to the Springlands Police Station pending investigation.

The equipment was also lodged as evidence.

Pensioner found dead in home

A PENSIONER who lived alone was discovered, on Tuesday, beaten to death at his Lot 6 Hope Lowlands Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Dead is 90 year-old Sukhnanan Dugi, called Henry Sukhnanan. Police disclosed that the murder occurred between Monday and Tuesday morning.

Reports indicate that the pensioner lived alone in a two-storey wooden and concrete house and was last seen alive around 16:00 hours on Monday by his niece who visited him.

It is alleged that the niece visits regularly to cook, wash and clean for the pensioner and would usually run errands.

“The niece stated that on Tuesday, she went from her home in Vryhied’s Lust, East Coast Demerara to the Cove and John Post Office to transact business on the his behalf and on her arrival at the his home at about 11:00 hours, she observed his slippers at the top of the step and upon entering the house she saw what appeared to be bloodstains on the floor in the vicinity of sitting room and the kitchen and then saw his lifeless body lying under the kitchen sink with his head and upper body covered in what appeared to be blood,” police said.

The police was subsequently alerted and visited the scene where the body was examined and they discovered two open wounds at the back of his head, another wound to the right side of his face and swelling to the left side of his face.

Wounds were also found on his right hand and wrist.

A piece of wood, suspected to be the murder weapon, was recovered along with a bloodstained piece of cloth on the floor. The interior of the house did not appear to have been ransacked, and no signs of forced entry were observed.

The body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy as investigations continue.

In photos are the equipment and money seized in during the search.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

‘Heritage Month’ will be just as rich, colourful and fun-filled –– Min. Sukhai promises, even if it is does happen to be virtual

By Naomi Parris OWING to the outbreak here of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the usual pomp and ceremony associated with the lavish and colourful celebration of Heritage Month will be held virtually this year, but with much the same energy and attention to detail as we’ve all grown accustomed to in the past.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai sought to reassure those of us who look forward to this event every year that in spite of the novelty of the situation, an exhilarating programme of activities has been arranged to honour the country’s First Peoples.

“We have taken into consideration the advent of COVID-19, and we are going to ensure that our menu of items will not put at risk our nation, neither put at risk the participants and supMinister of Amerindian porters who are expect- Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai ing us to entertain them, and to observe in recognition the heritage of Guyana’s people,” Minister Sukhai said Tuesday during a virtual media briefing, which also served as the official launch of the month-long activity.

The Minister noted that given the situation with the pandemic and the effects it has had on Indigenous communities here, the theme of this year’s celebration is: ‘Fostering Traditional Practices for a Safe Environment’, which speaks to the significance of the traditional way of life practised by the Indigenous Peoples to achieve desirable outcomes for social and economic balance through appropriate use of natural resources and the environment.

“Amerindian Peoples continue to safeguard the natural environment, which has contributed to robust climate change practices,” Minister Sukhai said, adding: “The forest waterways and ecosystems continue to provide significant support to the ways of life of Guyana’s Amerindians; customs and traditional practices are manifested in the talent and the cultural heritage displayed by our people.”

She said that in keeping with the theme, the Ministry Of Amerindian Affairs, in collaboration with other stakeholders, will observe, recognise and pay tribute to the Amerindian population in the upcoming celebrations.

A PACKED AGENDA “The work we will continue to ensure with the virtual package, or the menu of activities that will be displayed virtually, will provide activities such as a ceremonial launch of Amerindian Heritage Month, which will take the place of the direct interactive launch at the Amerindian village that we are accustomed to,” Minister Sukhai said.

She added that during this time, members of the media are expected to play a major role in streaming and broadcasting the events to provide widespread coverage across the country. “We, of course, include in the menu of activities cultural presentations.

The cultural presentation, of course, will be virtual, where the various media houses will provide support by ensuring recorded presentations by talented Amerindian groups to be aired and showed, so that their See page 19

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

‘Heritage Month’ will be just as rich, colourful ...

From page 18

talent can be appreciated and showcase.”

Additionally, the Ministry will be introducing Online marketing, which will allow artists and other creatives to market their craft during the celebrations.

“For the Amerindian art exhibition, we will be putting on display the arts and craft and paintings etc. by renowned Amerindian artists; we will also introduce this year Online marketing for craft and other produce for Amerindian villages, so that we will be able to meet some of the demands that we are accustomed to during the month of

September,” the Minister noted.

Not forgetting the delightful cuisines, the Ministry will also be hosting several cuisine days, where samples of various Amerindian dishes will be made available to the public. Several educational lectures are also slated for this year’s events, along with a special programme to honour Guyana’s first parliamentarian of Amerian extract, the late Mr. Steven Campbell.

“We will not forget the first Amerindian parliamentarian as well, Steven Campbell,

Minister Sukhai said, adding: “For that event, we will ensure that we provide the Guyanese people with a programme or documentary that will provide information about this very important and historical individual who led the battles to the rights of our land.”

The minister added that despite the settings being different this year for Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations, no one will be left behind, as the ministry is expecting to provide several Indigenous communities with a platform to display their talents.

“Amerindian villages this year

will not be left out; we are planning to ensure that the villages with robust and organised cultural groups will be provided the opportunity to display cultural presentations that will be prerecorded, so that we all can enjoy the shows of the past and the recent years,” Minister Sukhai said.

Some of the events slated for this year’s celebration are several cultural presentations, art exhibitions, cuisine presentations, and a number of educational lectures.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

23

YBG begins mask distribution campaign across seven regions in Guyana SOME 60 000 masks will be distributed to youngsters over the next few weeks as Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) continues to play its part in helping to quell the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leading basketball development body is targeting a whopping 30 groups, spanning seven regions across the country.

Co-founder of YBG, Chris Bowman, noted that the body is willing to facilitate the movement of masks to Regions One, Two and Eight, but are yet to identify local partnering groups.

The distribution, which started this week will target schools, NGOs and sports organisations.

Amongst the beneficiaries will be the basketball fraternity, the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) participating schools, and some other community partners.

The 3-ply face masks were received as a gift from California to the Guyana Basketball Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in the United States.

YGB, which has the most structured schools’ basketball programmes in Guyana, noted through a release that public preventative guidelines should be followed. “…With this donation, we are able to contribute to the efforts to combat this deadly virus in a meaningful way, as we remind all of our student-athletes of the necessity to wear a face mask, whenever in public or among other people, and to adhere to the public preventative guidelines as a vital new habit.”

In terms of basketball, the 2020 season of the NSBF was postponed indefinitely. Bowman is however cautiously optimistic of running off the event in March of 2021.

At the time, however, the objective of YBG is to assist in getting COVID-19 under control in Guyana.

“YBG is grateful for the opportunity to assist in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic that has to date taken over 40 precious lives and infected over 1 300 of our citizens.”

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pakistan beat England in final T20I (ESPNCRICINFO) - A 100run partnership between two men two decades apart in age saw Pakistan eke out their first win of the tour on the day before they are due to return home.

It denied England a sixth consecutive T20I series win, while Pakistan picked up a first away win in any format since the ODI World Cup last year.

The 39-year-old Mohammad Hafeez was the standout star of the win, caressing an unbeaten 52-ball 86 to power his side to 190, while a valiant fightback, spearheaded by Moeen Ali’s 33ball 61, fell just five shy of powering England to a stunning win.

It was a series that came down to the final ball, quite literally, and when Tom Curran lifted Haris Rauf for a gorgeous six over extra cover off the penultimate delivery, England needed one more such blow to seal a series win.

Babar Azam panicked, while a swarm of fielders rushed to

pester the fast bowler with all kinds of advice. He blocked it all out and sent down an unplayable yorker at 90mph to secure the win, the final two balls a microcosm of Pakistan on tour, and Pakistan in general. One minute down, next minute up.

It was Hafeez, perhaps unfairly lumped in with Shoaib Malik as an example of the visitors’ failure to adopt modern T20 practices, who provided the ballast to get the innings back on track after a faltering start. With Moeen having removed Fakhar Zaman early and Curran knocking Babar’s stumps back soon after, England were enjoying the perfect Powerplay.

Hafeez stablised the innings while Haider Ali, with the impudence of youth, went hell for leather, but once he lofted Adil Rashid for a six over midwicket, he roared straight into top gear.

Helped, at times, by England bowling to his strengths and missing their lengths, Hafeez plundered 69 off the next 34

Wahab Riaz gets a hug. (AFP) balls to spearhead the innings, taking them to within touching distance of the total that proved just short on Sunday.

Pakistan began this tour two months ago in a protective bubble, but when, on the final day, they removed the

bubble-wrap off their youngest squad member, they discovered quite the player residing within. Haider began his T20I career looking like a man who knew how this format needed to be played, clearing his front leg off the second ball he

faced, depositing it over cow corner.

Time and again, when England appeared to set a field willing to yield a single to him in that area, he declined the deal, opting to go over the top instead.

Having sat out and watched England ease to a target of 195 two days ago, he didn’t need

complex statistical information to recognise a boundary would be handier than a single. Within no time, he had become the first Pakistani to score a half-century on debut, one that came in just 28 balls.

Pakistan decided to leave out Mohammad Rizwan, so often sensational behind the stumps, in favour of Sarfaraz Ahmed, for a greater perceived ability with the bat. But while he didn’t feature in the first innings, when a key moment arose, Sarfaraz froze.

Quite literally, and somewhat inexplicably, when Shadab fooled the out-of-form Moeen to leave him stranded outside his crease, Sarfaraz failed to gather properly. Time stood still as Moeen looked back and watched helplessly, waiting to see the bails whipped off, while Sarfaraz appeared to cradle the ball, unable to get it to his hands, and then to the stumps.

With England so far behind in the game, it seemed like a comedic footnote. When Moeen stormed to a half-century half an hour later, no one in green was grinning.

Muguruza gets past Hibino as US Open continues (REUTERS) - Spain’s Garbine Muguruza looked determined to overcome her U.S. Open jinx yesterday, overcoming a sluggish start to collect a snappy 6-4, 6-4 first round win over Japan’s Nao Hibino.

The U.S. Open has been a black hole for the former French Open and Wimbledon champion, who this year nearly added to her collection of grand slam trophies reaching the final in Australia.

In stark contrast to her success at the other slams, Muguruza has struggled to make an impact on the New York hardcourts. She has made it past the second round just once in seven previous visits to Flushing Meadows.

The U.S. Open is the only grand slam where the 26-yearold has yet to at least reach the last eight.

“I was anxious a little bit because I did not play in the last six months and did not have a chance to play before the U.S. Open to get ready for here,” said Muguruza. “I am happy with my performance I was expecting a tough match and it was.

“I miss a little bit the competition.”

Falling behind 4-1 in the opening set, the 10th seed Spaniard looked nothing like the player who had reached the quarter-finals or better in all five events she had entered before the COVID-19 shutdown.

Having not played a competitive match since February, there was plenty of rust to shake off but Muguruza did that in a hurry. She won seven straight games from her 78th-ranked opponent to take the opening set and a 2-0 lead in the second.

Even when Muguruza had the match in control, there were concerning signs about her lack of fitness. A long exchange on match point left the Spaniard gasping for breath as she slumped into her seat.

“I think she was playing very good at the beginning and I started a little bit slow for how well she was playing,” said Muguruza.

“I started to feel better, my game came with the flow and rhythm of the match and I managed to play at the end pretty good.”

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Roglic completes summit finish of stage four (BBC) - Primoz Roglic offered an impressive display of his form to his fellow Tour de France contenders with victory on a summit finish on stage four.

His Jumbo-Visma team dictated the pace on the final climb before Roglic countered an attack by Guillaume Martin, to leave his rivals behind and win in Orcieres-Merlette.

France’s Julian Alaphilippe finished fifth to retain the yellow jersey.

“It was quite a fast day, quite hard,” said Roglic.

“My team did a really good job again - I was always in a good position and in the end I could do a good sprint and I’m really happy.”

Vuelta a Espana champion Roglic has moved up to third overall, seven seconds down on Alaphilippe, while Britain’s Adam Yates finished 10th to remain second overall at four seconds back.

Slovenia’s Roglic is one of the favourites for overall

victory but there were doubts about his fitness coming into the race after he was forced to withdraw while leading the Criterium du Dauphine last month following a crash.

Yet despite Roglic still sporting a few bandages, he and his team reinforced why they are likely to be the main challengers to defending champion Egan Bernal and Ineos Grenadiers this year.

After Latvia’s Krists Neilands, the last rider left from a six-man breakaway on the 160.5km stage from Sisteron, was caught at the start of the last climb, Jumbo-Visma did most of the work on the front.

Wout van Aert and Sepp Kuss both took turns to set a high pace and prevent attacks, with the latter leading a group of all the favourites into the final kilometre.

Cofidis rider Martin tried to catch them out but Roglic and compatriot Tadej Pogacar jumped onto his wheel,

Primoz Roglic finished fourth in the 2018 Tour de France.

with Bernal and Alaphilippe initially unable to do the same.

Roglic then kicked again to secure his third Tour de France stage win while Pogacar held on for second with Martin third.

Bernal is only 10 seconds back on Roglic in sixth overall and there are plenty of much tougher climbs to come on which the Colombian is more likely to thrive.

But Roglic and his team will gain confidence from

their show of strength on the first summit finish of this year’s race, especially with Ineos’ other protected rider Richard Carapaz losing 28 seconds to drop to 21st overall.

Ireland’s Sam Bennett drew level with Peter Sagan in the points classification and will seek to take the green jersey from the Slovakian on today’s stage five, which looks likely to end in a bunch sprint.

Stage four results: 1. Primoz Roglic (Slo/ Jumbo-Visma) 4hrs 07mins 47secs 2. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/ UAE Team Emirates) Same time 3. Guillaume Martin (Fra/Cofidis) 4. Nairo Quintana (Col/ Arkea-Samsic) 5. Julian Alaphilippe ( F r a / D e c e u n inck-Quick-Step) 6. Miguel Angel Lopez (Spa/Astana) 7. Egan Bernal (Col/In-

eos Grenadiers) 8. Thibaut Pinot (Fra/ Groupama-FDJ) 9. Mikel Landa (Spa/ Bahrain McLaren) 10. Adam Yates (GB/ Mitchelton-Scott) General classification after stage four 1. Julian Alaphilippe ( F r a / D e c e u n inck-Quick-Step) 18hrs 7mins 4secs 2. Adam Yates (GB/ Mitchelton-Scott) +4secs 3. Primoz Roglic (Slo/ Jumbo-Visma) +7secs 4. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/ UAE Team Emirates) +11secs 5. Guillaume Martin (Fra/Cofidis) +13secs 6. Egan Bernal (Col/Ineos Grenadiers) +17secs 7. Tom Dumoulin (Ned/ Jumbo-Visma) Same time 8. Esteban Chaves (Col/ Mitchelton-Scott) 9. Nairo Quintana (Col/ Arkea-Samsic) 10. Miguel Angel Lopez (Col/Astana)

Arsenal complete Steve Smith surprised at Magalhaes signing Root’s T20I omission

(BBC) - Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille for 26 million euros (£23.14M).

The 22-year-old, a left-footed centre back, made 34 appearances in all competitions for Lille last season as they finished fourth in Ligue 1. He joins the Gunners on a long-term contract.

“He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand from many clubs,” said Arsenal technical director Edu.

“Gabriel is a player of high quality and Mikel (Arteta) and his coaches are looking forward to integrating him into the club.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “We welcome Gabriel to Arsenal. He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team.

“He has proved with Lille he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.”

Gabriel said he considered

offers from a number of clubs before deciding to join Arsenal.

“It was a very surreal experience, there were offers coming from a few different clubs,” he said.

“I spoke a lot with my family and my agents, I also spoke with some of Lille’s directors but, as I said, this club’s history and traditions and the team project for the next few years were very motivational for my decision to come here.

“So here I am, wearing the Arsenal shirt - I will give my best for it.”

Gabriel joined Lille from Brazilian side Avai in 2017.

Smith and Root are both key members of their countries Test and one-day international sides but Root has lost his place in England’s T20 team.

(BBC) - Australia’s Steve Smith says he is surprised England have left Joe Root out of their squad for the upcoming Twenty20 series between the two sides.

Test captain Root, who has not played an international T20 since May 2019, has been omitted with England opting for more powerful batsmen.

“It’s a surprise. Joe is a terrific player across all formats,” said Smith.

“I guess England are opting for all-out power and are continuing to go that way.”

Root averages 35.72 in 32 T20Is but has only played 12 of England’s 32 matches in the format since the last World Cup in 2016.

Smith, who like Root is better known for his Test exploits, is likely to be a key player for Australia as

they build towards the 2021 T20 World Cup. The 31-year-old averages 83.33 in T20Is since being recalled in October 2019 following a three-year absence.

The three-match T20 series begins on Friday, followed by three one-day internationals.

“I know my role within this team,” said the former Australia captain. “It’s important every player has a role to play and understands the way they play their best.

“I know if I’m batting with someone like Glenn Maxwell or Aaron Finch my role is to get them on strike and let them smack it.

“For me it’s about hitting gaps, sort of playing an anchor role and fixing things up if the big boys don’t get out there and smack it.

“We all know our roles and I’m

comfortable with mine.”

The series will also see Smith return to England for the first time since he dominated last summer’s Ashes series, averaging 110.57 with three hundreds as Australia retained the urn.

During that series Smith was booed by supporters for his role in the Australia ball-tampering scandal, something that will not be possible this month with the series played behind closed doors because of coronavirus restrictions.

“Maybe (it would be different), who knows?” Smith said. “It’s just a shame there’s no crowd because we love entertaining and playing in front of people.

“We’ll just do our bit, coming here to play some cricket, and hopefully there are plenty of viewers on TV, yelling abuse at it!”

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

TKR down Jamaica Tallawahs for seventh straight win THE Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) marked the return of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 to the Brian Lara Cricket Academy with a seventh straight win.

Kieron Pollard and Colin Munro smashed 71 off the last five overs of TKR’s’ innings, and the spinners bowled superbly against a Jamaica Tallawahs top-order that once again left Andre Russell with far too much to do.

Sunil Narine returned with a bang, hitting two fours off Fidel Edwards and top-edging for six to take 17 off the first over, then he plundered Carlos Brathwaite for three fours in a row.

Brathwaite recovered to take Narine’s wicket, but the all-rounder’s 29 off 11 had sent the Knight Riders flying out of the blocks.

Colin Munro should have fallen for just 4, but Jermaine Blackwood dropped a simple catch.

While Lendl Simmons smashed Edwards for a Hero Maximum over square leg, Mujeeb was miserly as ever and it was largely thanks to Narine that the Knight Riders managed 49-1 off the Powerplay.

Munro found the fence twice off Tallawahs captain Rovman Powell, and while Sandeep Lamichhane proved unhittable, Powell’s second over

released the pressure, going for 14 including multiple extras.

Lamichhane showed his class, dismissing Simmons with a leg-break that drew a topedged hack to point. Munro inside-edged past the keeper to take the Knight Riders to 83-2 at halfway.

Munro edged for four again off Powell, but was bamboozled

by Lamichhane and was lucky to survive.

Brathwaite bowled a tidy over, and while Seifert managed to reverse-sweep Lamichhane for four, that was the only boundary the Nepali conceded all day. After 14 overs, the Knight Riders were 105/2.

Seifert smote Edwards over his head for six then next ball slashed to Lamichhane at third man.

But Munro got two reverse sweeps away for four in a row off Mujeeb, and Powell was too predictable as Munro was able to adjust and swing a Hero Maximum then a four over midwicket to take himself to 50. An over studded with extras went for 18.

Pollard levered a near-yorker for six then pulled for four off Mujeeb, and Edwards twice paid for missing his yorker, Pollard dispatching a full toss for a Hero Maximum and Munro smoking a half-volley for four.

Brathwaite got the daunting

Kieron Pollard (R) of TKR hits 6 and Glenn Phillips (L) of Jamaica Tallawahs watch during the Hero CPL match at Brian Lara Cricket Academy yesterday in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

task of bowling the 20th and Pollard heaped the pressure on with a Hero Maximum.

Munro pulled for four, and while Brathwaite closed the

innings with a caught-andbowled, the damage was done.

Chadwick Walton’s difficult Hero CPL 2020 continued as he slashed the first ball of the

innings to point, giving Akeal Hosein a dream start.

While Blackwood started brightly, Pierre bowled him as he attempted to sweep, reducing Tallawahs to 14-2 in the second over.

Knight Riders were on top, so much so Pollard put himself at short leg for Narine, who went for just two.

Hosein returned and went for just six, and off the Powerplay Tallawahs had stuttered to 35-2 with the in-form Glenn Phillips facing just nine balls.

The nine runs that came off Narine’s second over were largely due to poor fielding, but Phillips’ Hero Maximum off Fawad Ahmed was a fine hit.

Phillips also cut DJ Bravo for four as two overs in a row went for double figures, but Pierre returned with a tight over, and at halfway Tallawahs were 70-2 and needed 11.50 an over.

Phillips hit another six off Fawad, but Nkrumah Bonner had slowed almost to a crawl before falling lbw in the same over.

Powell made little impact before being bowled by a Fawad googly, and so when Andre Russell came to the crease Tallawahs were 84-4 in the 13th and needed over 13 an over.

DJ Bravo chose an off-side heavy field to restrict Russell.

But it was the well-set Phillips who fell, slicing high in the air to give Seifert a simple catch.

When Narine produced a good caught-and-bowled to dismiss Asif Ali, Russell found himself with Brathwaite for recognised company and a required run rate above 15.

Brathwaite clipped for four when Bravo strayed onto his pads, but was lucky not to find a fielder when he sliced a drive high in the air.

Brathwaite guided a four and Russell clubbed a six off Narine’s last over, but Tallawahs still needed 68 off the last 18 balls.

Brathwaite and Russell targeted Jayden Seales, and though one of Russell’s fours should have been caught by Simmons at cover, a 22-run over just about kept Tallawahs in the game.

But while Russell took DJ Bravo for four through the offside and was dropped by Seales at backward point, he couldn’t manage another boundary and with 38 needed off the last over, the jig was up.

Pollard brought himself on to close out the game, and all a frustrated Russell was able to do was to limit the net runrate damage with a few mighty blows.

The Knight Riders machine rolls on.

Superb bowling effort gifts GAW much needed win

A catastrophic top-order display saw the Barbados Tridents capitulate to 92 all out in the face of an impressive bowling and fielding performance from the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who eased home with 20 balls to spare to pick up their fourth win of the season and go clear in third place on the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 table.

The Tridents shuffled their batting order, Justin Greaves coming into the XI to open, but he lasted only one ball as he fell LBW trying to sweep Amazon Warriors captain Chris Green.

Johnson Charles fell to a magnificent catch by Shimron Hetmyer who sprinted 25 yards and dived full length, sending the bowler Kevin Sinclair into another athletic celebration.

Jason Holder had only himself to blame for being run out by T20 debutant Kissoondath Magram, meaning the openers and captain had all fallen for 0. Shai Hope was shifted down to five but fell for

another low score, chipping a catch back to Sinclair.

The Tridents, who had won the toss and chosen to bat, were 9/4 in the fourth over, and added just five more runs before the end of the Powerplay - the second lowest-scoring in Hero CPL history.

Green bowled out with another maiden, Sinclair’s last over went for just three, and the Tridents were 17/4 after eight overs.

Worse calling saw the fifth wicket fall, as Jonathan Carter set off, was sent back by Kyle Mayers and was caught short of his ground by yards. Mayers followed Carter back to the dugout two balls later top-edging a pull, keeper Nicholas Pooran taking a brilliant catch running towards the boundary, and at halfway the Tridents were a staggering 22/6.

Tahir’s second over was survived, but in the next over Naveen and the Amazon Warriors picked up two more. First Ashley Nurse pulled straight to Romario Shepherd at deep

square leg, then Raymon Reifer looped the ball up to Pooran off his glove while playing forward, leaving the Tridents 27/8 after 12.

Mitchell Santner finally hit the Tridents’ first boundaries, swinging Tahir for a Hero Maximum then straight driving for four. Santner then lofted Magram for a Hero Maximum to take the Tridents past the lowest score in Hero CPL history - 53 all out back in 2013 by the Trinidad franchise. Rashid Khan slapped two sixes off Keemo Paul, but Rashid fell trying to slice Naveen over the off-side, Sinclair taking a good catch at deep cover.

Naveen finished with venue-record T20 figures, and the Tridents were 79/9 off 18. Hayden Walsh Jr slapped a four off Paul, and while Santner was run out off the last ball, they and Rashid had at least ensured the Tridents had batted the whole innings and got a recognisable T20 total - the same total they failed to chase against the St Lucia Zouks at Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday.

Holder had two slips in place for his first over, a maiden to Brandon King. Santner got some drift, almost swing, with his arm-ball, but dropped short enough for King to crash a cut for four. Holder finally conceded his first run off his 11th ball via a Sinclair edge and Santner’s second went for just one.

Holder attacked with Rashid in the Powerplay, and while the Afghan fired five wides, he beat Sinclair all ends up and knocked back his off-stump. Hetmyer was lucky to inside-edge for four past the stumps first ball, and to see a pull off Holder fall just short of Santner at mid-on, but King lofted the last ball of Holder’s over over long leg for a Hero Maximum to take the Amazon Warriors to 31/1 off the Powerplay.

Hetmyer fell to Walsh to continue his run of low scores, beaten through the gate, and with Pooran in early off the back of his brilliant century against the Patriots, Holder attacked with his wrist-spinners in tandem. King was lucky to survive

a wild swipe off Walsh, but the wrist-spin attack was just about seen off and King cashed in by cutting Nurse for four. At halfway, the Amazon Warriors were 52/2.

First ball after the break, King hammered a flat Hero Maximum off Holder and the over went for 10. Nurse was nudged around, but King had started to find his feet and whipped Rashid hard for four to take the Amazon Warriors to 72/2 off 13. King took his score to 40 and his strike rate over 100 with an inventive flick off the stumps over short fine leg for four, and Santner was milked for six to take the required runs under double figures.

Walsh dropped a tough diving catch to deny Rashid a second wicket, but King was able to bring up his first 50 of the season with the score-levelling stroke. Pooran nudged the run that confirmed a win that hadn’t looked in doubt for the majority of the 36.4 overs bowled tonight, and ensured that Hero CPL 2020 lightning would not strike twice

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Archery Guyana ParaSlow, crafty bowlers Archery growth continues dominate Hero CPL ‘bubble’

… Disabled archers to receive immense support

FLASHBACK! 2017 Level 1 Coaching Seminar where visually impaired archer, Ganesh Singh, hit a bull’s eye under the coaching of Mr Phil Graves.

ARCHERY Guyana (AG) recently established a Specially Convened Committee mandated to the development of supporting all differently-abled archers.

This initiative by the Board of Directors followed on the heels of their attendance at the recent World Archery Americas Meeting on the develop-

ment of Para-Archery, conducted via the Zoom Platform.

The interactive session was chaired by M.J. Rogers from the USA with Guyana being represented at this important introduction to Para-Archery Seminar by five Archery Guyana members tasked to continue the development in this area.

Those agents were

Mr Mohamed Khan, Mr Nicholas Hing, Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Mr Ganesh Singh and Mr Shane Rampertab.

The Committee is scheduled to meet soon with the other member, Para-Archery coach Mr Umasankar Madray, who has for the past year been working to further the development in this area.

By Clifton Ross USUALLY a batsman’s competition, T20 cricket in general has become more suited to bowlers as the years progress and CPL this season is a clear confirmation as ball operators, especially those of the slower, cunning nature, have dominated the leading wicket-takers’ chart.

With this season being played at just two venues in one country, compared to the past non-pandemic-afflicted seasons, which had matches played all across the Caribbean, it seems that the spinners have utilised their familiarity of the pitch after about 20-odd matches being played to date.

The venomous pacers, the quality of Fidel Edwards (8 wickets), Alzarri Joseph (3), Romario Shepherd (2) or even more moderate fast-bowlers such as, Jason Holder (7), Keemo Paul (7), Dwayne Bravo (5) are prime examples of seamers having to work extra hard for their wickets.

Rather, this season has been gifted some magic by a wide array of spinners of all types and styles, who have spun webs around most of the top batsman in West Indies and the few international ones on board for this bio-secure edition.

Leading wicket-taker, Jamaica Tallawahs Mujeeb Ur

Rahman has bamboozled the competition by snapping up 13 wickets from 7 matches played. The 19-year-old Afghan Test off-break bowler has three 3-wicket hauls thus far which is comparable to a capturing 5 wickets or so in a 50-Overs game and one 2-for.

Not only has Mujeeb managed to out-bowl his fellow bowlers, he also has the best average of any bowler in the competition with 9.15.

Mujeeb is followed closely by the 41-year-old Imran Tahir, who comes is in at 3rd place but tied on 11 wickets apiece with 2nd-placed Scott Kuggeleijn.

Guyana Amazon Warriors/South African international leggy has been outstanding in his campaign this season and remains a key candidate as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers by the time curtain is brought down on this year’s festivities.

Another Afghanistan international off-break spinner has become a key man for their franchise and one of the season’s premier bowlers. Fourth place Mohammad Nabi, the 35-year-old all-rounder has continued his impressive from in the CPL and highlighted the season with a mindboggling haul of 5-15 - the only 5-wicket haul by a thus far.

Nepalese international

Sandeep Lamichhane remains a thorn in the side of the batsmen, coming in 5th place as one of 4 bowlers to have 10 or more wickets to date and only the second spinner on that list.

Apart from Kuggeleijn, who has been one of the top bowlers in the competition with decent speed, 6th and 7th spots respectively are occupied by relatively cunning medium-pacers Rayad Emrit and Kesrick Williams.

Emrit, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots captain is regarded as one of the craftiest T20 bowlers, whether in regional or international cricket. Along with Williams, another CPL and Windies limited-over, slow-ball specialist who seals off the list of bowlers in double figures; teams who use less pace and more craft this season will have a successful bowling attack.

Also, with crunch time currently in progress, it is left to see which of the two bubble venues - the Queen’s Park Oval or the Brian Lara Cricket Ground - will slowly be transformed into the ideal hunting ground for spinners.

Given the current form of the leading wicket-takers, it is likely that should franchises with key spin pieces progress, winning this year’s title will a worldclass spin unit to back up the efforts provided by those with the bat.

Superb bowling effort gifts GAW much needed win

PAGE

26

Mitchell Santner (L) of Barbados Tridents run out by Romario Shepherd (R) of Guyana Amazon Warriors during the Hero Caribbean Premier League match 22 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on September 1, 2020 in Tarouba, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

o Boys seph of Bosc masks.

Jo le el sh ei Ms K 0 face receives 2 00 Orphanage

PAGE

23 Sandeep Lamichhane

ign a p m a c n io t u ib r sk dist YBG begins ma Guyana in s n io g e r n e v across se

Slow, crafty bowlers dominate Hero CPL ‘bubble’

… Mujeeb, Tahir, Nabi 27 among leading wicket-takers Mohammad Nabi PAGE

Imran Tahir

Mujeeb Ur Rahman 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

WEDNESDAY,SEPTEMBER 2, 2020