Guyana Chronicle E-paper 9-24-2020

THURSDAY 24th September, 2020

' No.106132

Gov’t committed

to greater political inclusion

–– President Ali tells UN, calls for improved access to development financing for developing countries SEE STORY ON PAGE 10 ►

Potable water for the first time!

SEE PAGE 08

PAGE

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Additional $1.3B needed to ‘fix’ CJIA Beware: 40 persons died from COVID-19 within past month 04 PAGE

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11 Refreshing: Seeta Sookram, a happy resident of Canal Number One Conservancy Dam, turns on a pipe in her yard and receives potable water for the first time

Agriculture can drive economy post COVID-19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

President calls for healing as Haresh Singh laid to rest

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has called for healing and unification as he

stressed that the dastardly acts which led to the deaths of teenagers Haresh Singh

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali views Singh's remains

and Joel and Isaiah Henry must never happen again.

The Head of State, who had earlier flown via helicopter to Region Six, made the remarks while paying final respects to Singh during the viewing of his remains at the Persaud's Funeral Home, at

Cheddie Jagan Street, (formerly Charlotte Street), New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Singh was found murdered on September 7 in the backlands of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice.

The mutilated bodies of the Henry cousins were found days before.

“Today is another sad day in our country. I share the sorrow and would have made many statements on this issue.

I believe the Guyana Police

Force, with requested support from regional institutions and the British Government, will allow us to bring all these criminals, who perpetrated these acts, to justice," the President told reporters after the viewing.

In the memory of the three young men, whose life were snuffed out prematurely, he urged Guyanese to come together, united and as one.

TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Additional $1.3B needed to ‘fix’ CJIA

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–– Minister Edghill informs House OUTSIDE of the revision of the US$150M Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion modernisation project, government will need over $1.3 billion to “fix things” not included in the contract.

This is according to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, who was at the time responding to questions from the Opposition during the considerations of expenditures for Budget 2020.

“This is a matter under active consideration. We are not happy about it, but, with our leadership and our approach to doing business, guided by principles of value for money and good partnership, we expect to get this project back on its feet to deliver to the people of Guyana,” the minister said.

He related that when the PPP/C left government in May of 2015, there was a US$138M design and build contract which was a loan from the China Exim Bank

and US$12M to be provided by the government.

“This should have seen an extended runway, a new, not rehabilitated, terminal building with the capacity to accommodate eight air bridges, extended apron facilities for power generation and fuel storage - a modernised airport. When we left government that was the contract that was in place,” he said.

The project was first launched in 2011 with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) being named the contractor.

He said that the Chinese contractor had made a claim of US$37M which was not granted under the PPP/C but when the APNU+AFC office took office in 2015, under the stewardship of David Patterson, a settlement for US$23M was met, after three days of negotiation.

“The details and results are available and because of the claim that was made

and negotiated under a team with the supervision of the then Minister of Public Infrastructure saw an addendum to the contract which meant US$23M was subtracted from the contact because of that claim,” Minister Edghill said.

As a result, he said many of the things that should have occurred at the airport did not happen and by October 2015, there was a new amended contract.

“Rather than having a modern airport we have a rehabilitated airport. The airlines that operate there have no space for offices that were built or remodeled, they are still operating in some old areas without proper facilities,” the minister said.

He explained that, in addition to a leaky roof, there was a lot of ‘reusing’ based on a contract that was supposed to be design and build, but later became a rehabilitation work which even increased the price of FROM PAGE

the project by more than $300M. “What is worst is now that we have four air bridges when we should have had eight, but even the four are dysfunctional at times,” he said.

Based on a recent visit to the airport by President Irfaan Ali, Chinese envoy Cui Jianchun and other officials, Minister Edghill said commitments were made to ensure things are rectified to its desired outcome of a modern airport.

President Ali has hinted that an investigation is likely to be launched into the entire airport expansion project.

In 2011, the then PPP/C administration and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) had inked a $31.2B (US$150M) contract for the CJIA expansion.

This project was due for completion in December 2017 but the Scope of Work and deadline were reviewed by the former APNU+AFC

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Government, and a deadline of December 31, 2018 was set.

The project, under the PPP/C, was signed as an agreed package, including design, building and handing over. But, over US$144

million has already been expended on the project, and the work is unsatisfactory.

President Ali said he is committed to taking whatever action necessary to ensure that Guyana gets value for the money.

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President calls for healing ...

“It has to unify our efforts so there will not be a repeat of such horrific incidents. As President, I will assure you that my government will work day and night to bring people together through policies and programmes.... merging the culture is important in creating that Guyanese identity. We have to reflect on these incidents and ensure that we build a mechanism in our society. Ensure that we strengthen our society by ensuring that there will not be a reoccurrence,” President Ali said.

He also noted the countless persons who sustained injuries during the protests which started as a result of the murder of the Henry boys.

“Some of whom are faced with difficulties as they cannot

fend for themselves. However, persons affected in various ways will be contacted. Personally, I have connected with many after seeing many postings on social media. We have to connect as a government... especially those who would have lost severely and would have sustained severe injuries,” the President said.

Meanwhile, following the viewing which attracted the presence of Regional Chairman, Permaul David Armogan, along with relatives namely, Raywattie Parsram (great aunt), Ramnouth Sahadeo, Valdomiro Leite, Nadram Singh, (uncles), Deodat Singh (brother) and other relatives, the casket was transported to Lot 8 Public Road, Number

Three Village for a Hindu religious service prior to burial at Number Three Cemetery.

Singh’s death followed the horrific slayings of the Henry cousins, Joel and Isaiah.

According to the police, Singh had left home on his motorcycle to attend his farm in the Backdam of No. Three Village, West Coast Berbice. Sometime after his relatives saw smoke arising from the said backdam and left to enquire, when they discovered his body lying motionless and bleeding from the nose. His motorcycle was also discovered burnt.

Several persons have been detained in connection with the death of the young man.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali interacts with relatives of Haresh Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Take precautions: 40 persons died from COVID-19 within the past month

By Navendra Seoraj THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed the lives of 40 Guyanese between August 24 and September 3, with two of those persons dying within the past 24 hours.

Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the recent victims were 70-yearold Ingrid Ramdular of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and 66-year-old Janis Pritchand from Region One (Barima-Waini).

Both persons were said to be patients of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where they died while receiving treatment on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Health expressed condolences to the families of these persons and pledged to make every effort to provide all the necessary support, during this difficult

time.

Officials of the ministry have also contacted all relatives and relevant persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who might have been exposed to the victims.

While the loss of life is never pleasant, it was reported that there has been a small but significant development in the use of the remdesivir drug, which has so far shown positive signs in the treatment of COVID-19.

Cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, who is spearheading the trials of the drug, said it was administered to nine patients and there was no adverse effect.

“Patients responded good and three patients did not need oxygen or intubation after starting the drug,” said Dr. Carpen during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

According to New England Journal of Medicine

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 10:30hrs

(NEJM), remdesivir, a nucleotide analogue pro-drug that inhibits viral RNA polymerases, has shown in-vitro activity against SARSCoV-2 (COVID-19).

So far, as Dr. Carpen said, there have been no adverse effects from the drug, but one patient, who was critically ill, could not be saved despite the drug’s responsiveness. Some of the patients are still under hospital supervision, but the doctor maintained that patients have been responding well.

“In fact, three persons have been discharged so far,” said Dr. Carpen, adding: “We will use the drug continuously once we have stock… we have been applying international guidelines and protocols in the use of this drug.”

Health authorities have so far tested 12,637 persons, with 10,102 being negative, and 2,535 positive. Some 98 of those cases were recorded within the past 24 hours.

Of the total positive cases, 1,464 persons have recovered, and 71 have lost their lives. The remaining cases include 160 persons in institutional isolation, 828 in home isolation, and 14 in the COVID-19 ICU. MORE TESTS BEING DONE Authorities have said that cases are being detected because more tests are being

done. Sample taking was also increased across the country, because authorities had believed that many cases were going “under the radar”.

This suspicion had prompted authorities to distribute more sample kits across the country, especially to regions where the infection rate is high. Most of the cases have so far been recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Esse-

quibo).

“We are sending out more kits, so there will be an increase in sample collection… The testing itself has components; one is sample collection, and then there is the processing of samples,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in a recent report.

The actual testing will be done centrally, at the National Reference Laboratory, because regional facilities lack the capacity and technical skills needed to get it done. While

government hopes to improve capacity in those regions, the immediate need for sample testing takes precedence, especially with the high number of asymptomatic cases.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly-discovered coronavirus. Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms, and recover without special treatment.

The WHO had said that 81 per cent of the persons who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms, and five per cent will need intensive care. But the COVID-19 disease has proven to be “a real killer,” especially in cases involving persons who have co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension among other ailments.

Persons were encouraged to take extra precautions because there is no approved cure or specific treatment for the disease. Guyanese were also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

Anyone who displays any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, can contact the COVID-19 Emergency numbers: 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately, or visit the ministry’s website at www.health. gov.gy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Eureka lab now equipped to conduct daily COVID-19 tests -- could analyse up to 1,000 samples per day AMIDST a constant rise in cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Eureka Medical Laboratory (EML) has increased its capacity to test for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on a daily basis.

Testing will be done in the facility’s new ‘Dr. Collin Boyle Virology Lab,’ which was commissioned by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony on Wednesday.

The facility, which is the first of its kind in Guyana, offers daily in-house

polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 testing, with results being available in 48 hours. Dr. Boyle, after whom the facility is named, is the late brother of EML’s Chief Executive Officer Andrew Boyle.

Minister Anthony welcomed the move by EML, which he said will serve to support government’s efforts that are aimed at enhancing health services in Guyana. He said public/ private sector partnerships such as these go a long way.

Dr. Anthony said the

Ministry of Health remains committed to working with private sector entities such as Eureka Medical Laboratory to meet the medical needs of all, as government seeks to slow the spread and “flatten the curve” during this global pandemic.

The minister was given a tour of the new facility and was briefed on procedures of the tests and other services that will be carried out.

The company’s CEO, following the tour, said EML has taken note of government’s intensified work

to improve COVID-19 testing efficiency and examined how his laboratory can further help.

“Our desire to support these efforts led the establishment of the Dr. Collin Boyle Virology Lab and investment in advanced technology to increase our capacity at EML,” he said.

Two new machines were purchased by EML -- the QuantStudio 5 and the Kingfisher Flex -- which allow for testing and analysing of up to 1,000 samples per day with a guaranteed turn-

around time of 48 hours for results.

“We are confident that we have covered all bases in preparation of the analysis and interpretation of results.

Employees have undergone a 10-day theoretical training on PCR testing, as well as practical training via our overseas partners and a local expert in PCR training. Our team has also been trained in COVID-19 nasopharyngeal sample collection,” said Boyle.

The daily in-house PCR COVID-19 testing service will be launched at EML’s Thomas Street, Georgetown branch today, with plans in

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place to expand and offer similar services at other branches in the future.

Other services to be launched on September 24 include house-call services in Georgetown and other parts of the coastal areas, as well as house-call services for places of employment and homes.

To utilise EML’s housecall services, persons may call their toll-free telephone numbers -- 640-8378, 6248378 or 608-8378 -- and provide relevant information including address, contact number and medical history, along with the services required.

Appeal hearing for Neesa Gopaul ‘killers’ set for October 1 THE Court of Appeal will, on October 1, commence its hearing of the case involving Bibi Shareema Gopaul, and her ex-lover, Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small.

They are currently serving a combined total of 202 years for the gruesome murder of 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul. They were found guilty of teen’s murder at the Georgetown High Court in March, 2015 and were sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 106 years and 96 years respectively.

The sentencing of Bibi was detailed as: 60 years for the capital offence; 10 years for premeditation; 10 years because it was a child; 10 years for brutality; another 10 years because it is her daughter and she did not protect her; and six years for domestic violence.

The sentencing of Small, on the other hand, was detailed as: 60 years for the offence of murder, with 10 years added for premeditation; another 10 years for brutality; an additional 10 years because the victim was a child; and finally another six years for domestic violence.

Dissatisfied with the ruling of the court, the duo appealed the conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial was unfair

and that the judge erred in were attached at one end, aplaw. parently in an effort to keep On October 2, 2010, the remains of Neesa Gopaul were discovered at a location along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway tucked inside a suitcase that was partially submerged in a creek. A rope had been wrapped around the suitcase, and dumbbells

DEAD : Neesa Gopaul

Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small

the body under water.

Besides the body, a pass-

Bibi Shareema Gopaul called ‘Naree’

port bearing the name Neesa Lalita Gopaul was found.

The teenager was reported missing just days before the gruesome discovery was

made.

Subsequent to the discovery of the body, Bibi and Small, were arrested and charged with murder.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Restoring moral and ethical values in society MORAL and ethical standards have indisputably been degraded in societies across the world which decimates essential human resources in societal workforces.

In Guyana, where political protesters engage in vile, illegal, violent and even criminal actions every so often, even encouraging their children to mimic and support the mayhem and environment of destruction and fear in the law-abiding populace that they cause, the youthful generation is faced with a quandary; because most of those involved are parents who are supposed to be role models for their children.

The lack of decorum and exemplary behaviour their parents intermittently display often leave them perplexed as to what paths to follow, when sometimes even teachers in their schools, where they are easily influenced by these voices of authority, get involved and expound incendiary political rhetoric.

So what is government’s recourse to inhibit and re-

verse the resultant explosion of juvenile delinquency in the land?

An autobiography, entitled “A Goodly Heritage” written by Elma Seymour, wife of A.J. Seymour, renowned Guyanese writer, details some customs and standards that once epitomised the normal standards and behaviour in the Guyanese society. “… we all had to be very polite, well-mannered, and obedient; and no loose talking or [loose] jesting was allowed in our home,” she said.

The products of this system were decent, well-behaved, law-abiding adults, who believed in the basic principles of honour, respect for their fellow humans, and compassion for the less fortunate in society.

The system involved training in decorum, deportment, and good manners, with the requisite and necessary inputs to achieve equitable intellectual, social and physical development, which started from the home, and which was strategically

supported by a strong network involving the education system and the community.

The headmistress of a primary school in Berbice who, from childhood, was an exemplary and studious child, who always aspired to, and achieved, academic heights, and who have received lucrative offers of employment in the entrepreneurial world, but who loves to teach and refuses to abandon her profession of choice, provided some insights. She balances her family life with her profession and, together with her husband, has brought up high-achieving, well-behaved children.

However, she related a story to this newspaper that underscored how far down the ladder we have descended in social behaviour from the days of Mrs. Elma Seymour.

She said that one day after school had been dismissed at 14:30hrs, she was conducting a staff meeting in a room adjacent to where some students were copying their homework, when she

heard a commotion.

Upon investigation, she discovered that a parent had entered the classroom and slapped a child with whom her child had a dispute.

The headmistress contends that, irrespective of any consideration, no adult has a right to accost and/or assault any child in or out of the school premises. She says that if a parent has a complaint there is a procedure in place to address such issues, which has to be adhered to at all costs, because the consequences are very detrimental to both children and the morale and morals of the entire school population.

She is particularly concerned that education institutions are supposed to be protected environments for both students and teachers, but often members of the public just march into schools and assault both teachers and students at will.

She expressed her concern over the growing indiscipline in some students, whose behaviour is spiralling alarmingly out of control, with severe, negative im-

pacts on security and the morale of teachers and the students who are genuinely trying to achieve goals within what is quickly becoming widespread lawlessness in school populations.

She contends that instead of a practice where families “pray together” in order to “stay together,” they instead drink together and fight together, and she thinks that the only solution to this rapid decay in the moral fabric of society is that a holistic approach be taken, as in the days of yore, where there is total involvement of societal sectors to upgrade and enhance social behavioural norms.

Adults in families are often to be blamed for the moral turpitude of the children under their care, and if inculcating false values into children is an instance of abuse, then many adults are guilty of both abuse and the misdemeanour that the children under their care commit.

However, she says teachers are constrained from punishing children because

of widespread concern about abuse. According to her, discipline has to be left completely to the parents as teachers are allowed no latitude, despite the most provocative behaviour from trouble-making students, who even walk with weapons and threaten other students over trivial incidents.

Parents, on the other hand, can withhold privileges within the home environment, but without a simultaneous programme where the school is allowed some leeway, even with monitoring from officials from Education Departments, the problems of society will continue to deteriorate into ever-recurring violence.

The headmistress opined that a format of the Guyana National Service should be re-established in a more structured way, where children with severe disciplinary problems should be sent to obtain their education under paramilitary conditions, which may serve to restore their sense of social responsibility.

Silence is encouragement, support to perpetrators for devious agenda THE United Nations is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, having been formed shortly after World War 11. COVID-19 has once again interfered and international delegations have not descended upon New York City, the streets of midtown Manhattan aren’t clogged with traffic, and more heads of state are addressing the global stage through video sub-

missions, instead of speeches. But it’s the warnings of a world coming apart at the seams or redefined by high tensions between the U.S. and China that have made this among the starkest meetings yet.

As the U.N. chief warned on this occasion, the world is “moving in a very dangerous direction.” President Irfaan Ali in his maiden address (virtual) as President of Guy-

ana and Chairman of the Group of 77 and China, made it clear that the world must seek to strengthen solidarity to address the pandemic, commit to take forward the 2030 ‘Agenda’ and intensify the global partnerships, as he pushed for more help for countries hard hit by COVID-19. Guyana’s stark death rate jumped to a startling 70 as at yesterday. President Donald Trump lashed

out at China, a now frequent political target. He laid blame for the covid-19 pandemic at Beijing’s feet and condemned “China’s rampant pollution,” despite his own administration’s environmental record.

China’s authoritarian president Xi Jinping spoke shortly after Trump and politely rebuffed his accusation.

The Chinese leader did not mention the U.S. or Trump by name, but he

offered implicit rebukes of Trump’s worldview, even as his words didn’t match the aggressive actions of his own government. Right here in Guyana, the American conglomerate ExxonMobil, is a major contributing factor to the environmental pollution via toxic gas “flaring” from offshore oil extraction. Exxon is dumping thousands of gallons of produced water into

the ocean every day. The produced water, according to the World Bank’s advice on the best practice, should be re-injected unless dumping it is found to be completely necessary. Exxon Mobil continues to splurge on the softness of Guyanese as they (Exxon) offer lame excuses and no tangible proof of their intention to See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Mankind must adjust to living with COVID-19 Dear Editor, AT this juncture, I wish to inform the Guyanese populace, citizens of the world, and the leaders of Guyana and the rest of the world that COVID-19 appears to be here to stay. And, sadly, it is going to be with us for a very long time!

Like many other diseases such as the new, more potent, enhanced Ebola, I believe that COVID-19 was developed by man’s hands to experiment with people who are less fortunate. In the same way, I believe that it was not a creation of God, but a man-made instrument of death to serve the intent of a few. Subsequently, when these few people decide to release an antidote or vaccine, the cost to the world’s countries, particularly the poor, would be immense. The point of this advisory is, therefore, that civilisation needs to adjust in order to survive in the future. We can no longer shut down airports; we can no longer stop commerce; we can no longer stop manufacturing; we can no longer shut down hospitals and any form of human endeavour and enjoyment, such as sports

and cinema. We cannot shut down schools indefinitely.

The world cannot lay down and play dead, the airline industry, etc. cannot just be left to fragment and rot away.

The world must be reopened for general trade and industry — life must go on – albeit, COVID-19 protocols are adhered to.

The sad part about this pandemic is the fact that it is a known reality that the world of people is essentially rebellious; they do not want to obey rules that may inconvenience them, even if these rules may be beneficial for them. The COVID-19 protocols developed by various scientists, doctors, and scholars have a purpose and must therefore be complied with. Likewise, serious penalties should be enacted for non-compliance. The discipline of sanitisation, wearing your masks (and wearing them correctly) as well as adhering to social distancing would all help, just as different kinds of medications and vaccines will help to prevent people from contracting this awful and deadly disease.

My theory has always been to first develop your immunity with natural rem-

edies: vegetables, fruit, fruit skins, and so on. The main ingredient of life is “immunity.” And, immunity does not arise from the excessive consumption of meat or its by-products, but from vegetables, particularly dark, leafy vegetables. Citrus products such as lemons, limes, oranges, lemongrass/fever grass, green mangoes, green and ripe tamarind -- all of which can be eaten individually or made into a concoction.

Many do not know that the skins of the green and ripe mangoes are consumable as are the skins of other fruits and seeds, e.g. guinep seeds -- which builds immunity.

When the skin is consumed, it helps to beautify one’s own skin. Citrus skins along with mango skins, some soursop leaves, young mango leaves, and a few bits of moringa or sijan leaves, lime, lemon, or orange leaves are all COVID-19 busters which are better than any medication or vaccine. Not that I have anything against medications or vaccines, but I am very wary of some of the vaccines that have been made to make money.

As a humanist and a religionist, I am concerned

about human civilisation. It hurts my heart to think that if man is not cautious, in future we might end up in utter turmoil and destruction of our civilisation. Our norms and mores may be lost, and then we will fall further into barbarism, where power and strength will allow the powerful to subdue the weak -- to use them and to take their properties; all kinds of evil could predominate. We may have warlords; gang wars, as civilisation descend into destruction. Do not get me wrong, I do not want this, and maybe it will never get there, but I have done enough reading and I have been reflecting on history where humanity — through its own carelessness — has created unimaginable human devastation. For example, the United States of America launched a nuclear bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan in 1945. The First and Second World Wars brought about by Germany in an attempt to conquer and enslave the world, and the list goes on.

Unfortunately, in Guyana and several other countries around the world, the pandemic triggered not only an economic backlash, but

also a severe rise in criminal activities. Praedial larceny (theft of fruit, vegetables, poultry, etc.) from neighbours is becoming rampant; some of this is due to the utter laziness of some people who want to reap what they have not sown. Recently, we have seen some serious increase in crimes committed by youths on passersby, pensioners, men and women going to work, and children riding their bicycles, to say the least.

It is as if Guyana were falling into utter criminal madness.

This, I suppose, is an article of its own for another issue of your newspaper.

It is my view that if this pandemic disappears, it will be as a result of hard work, sacrifice, experimentation, and lifestyle modifications.

We have seen economies destroyed by COVID-19; smaller nations and their economies are hanging by a thread, or what we in Guyanese parlance would say, “Hanging by the skin of your teeth.” Major economies have provided financial assistance to their peoples to benefit them. Despite our substandard economy, I am proud that we have seen aid rendered to disadvantaged

communities with the distribution of large hampers.

I am even more proud that His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali has declared an allowance of ($25,000) twenty-five thousand dollars to be given to each family. While some have claimed that this is not enough, and while this may be true, it is noteworthy to point out that the government made this gesture as soon as they got into office, which I think is quite admirable. I am going to put my neck on the block and say that I know once the government has settled in and the country is economically stable again, they will provide more resources to assist families.

However, at this juncture, humanity must face the reality that COVID-19 is here to stay and adjust to this new way of life. With stricter precautions, trust in Almighty God, and consistent prayers, we will resolve this. I reiterate, humanity must adjust and learn to live with COVID-19. We must realise that our new normal is this!

Sincerely, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan Snr

Silence is encouragement, support...

From page 6 curb or control this problem shortly, nor do they intend to compensate Guyana for this deficiency.

The division between the U.S. and China was a defining feature of others’ speeches as well. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a world beset by “five horsemen” : the highest global geostrategic tensions in years, existential climate crisis, deep and growing global mistrust, the dark side of the digital world, and the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are moving in a very dangerous direction. Our world cannot afford a future where the two largest economies split the globe in a great fracture -- each with its own

trade and financial rules and internet and artificial intelligence capacities. A technological and economic divide risks inevitably turning into a geo-strategic and military divide. We must avoid this at all costs,” he added. Guyana’s economy is poised to drastically expand in the very near future as the country embarks on its oil-and-gas production. Currently, China has a number of investments in this country and wants to play a bigger role in its development, but at the said time, there is a cloud of doubt hanging over her head as all of the companies are involved in some degree of adverse imbroglio. U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Michael Pompeo, recently visited Guyana and he also pledged

the assistance of the United States to propel Guyana in her economic advancement.

There is an on-going battle between the U.S. company, ExxonMobil and Guyana over negotiated contracts that are unfavourable to Guyana’s interests. Both Chinese and American companies are taking advantage of Guyana’s sovereignty.

A point to note, the French President Emmanuel Macron urged “international cooperation” based on a “new order.”

He added, “Today’s world cannot be reduced to the rivalry between China and the United States, regardless of the weight in the world that these two great powers share, regardless of the history that ties us in particular

to the United States.” At the UN conference, what was also interesting was South Africa’ President, Cyril Ramaphosa, who on Tuesday urged greater African representation on the UN Security Council as well as a stimulus package for the continent as it confronts COVID-19. He also called on the UN to curb racial prejudice and intolerance.

“As a country that has known too well the anguish of institutionalised racism, South Africa supports the demands for swift action against racism, whether committed by individuals, companies, officials or a state,” he said. From the last general elections in Guyana, racism was again injected by prominent politicians, trying to get

voters’ confidence through propaganda, lies and deceit.

Recently, this country suffered a major setback from this healing process when again, racial bias was inspired by incited innuendos, proliferated explicitly and specifically by the engineering leaders of the callous PNCR party in Berbice, thereby resulting in the loss of lives, massive injuries and damage, amounting to millions of dollars to the Indo Guyanese community, without any form of retaliation or retribution surfacing as their reaction and, without the consideration of any form of reparation from any relevant authority. There is a United Nations resident representative in Guyana, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka. She did register a

voice during the elections fiasco with various statements.

Hopefully, there will be another forthcoming statement regarding the racial transparency as adumbrated by the recent unfortunate upheavals. Silence is encouragement to the perpetrators and support for their devious agenda, whether it is election rigging, flaunting the law, thwarting democracy, or colluding with corruption or racial incitement.

Guyanese cannot afford a vacuum if they are to live and strive in unity and harmony. Let us first bridge this gap with love and then build other bridges.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Conservancy residents get potable water for first time RESIDENTS of the Canal Number One Conservancy area, as of Wednesday, are accessing potable water for the first time in their homes from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

This is in the aftermath of a visit by President Irfaan Ali, about a month ago, when a number of issues were brought to his attention. Dr. Ali committed to forwarding the issues to the different sector ministers.

On August 25, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, along with Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Deodat Indar, visited the area and interacted with residents to address their concerns.

After hearing of the water situation in the community, Minister Croal committed to making water accessible to the residents within a month.

Works in the area commenced almost immediately and residents are now appreciative of their new

water connection which was delivered two days before AIn the past, residents of the area relied heavily on rainwater harvesting and water from the conservancy for daily use. During the dry season, persons were forced to walk long distances to fetch water

and in other instances purchased water.

One resident, Soheni Sewkumar, who has been residing in the area for the past seven years, said she welcomes the new service as it will bring much ease to her family.

Seeta Sookram, another

Seeta Sookram, a happy resident of the Canal Number One Conservancy area, turns on the pipe which now gives potable water

works were done.

The pipe-laying works commenced three weeks ago and saw a total of 1.5 Km of pipes being laid and some 42 individual service connections made to individual households.

The works were executed by GWI staff to the tune of approximately $3M. Minister Croal visited the location with a technical team from GWI, which was headed

by Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Pipe-laying works being done to benefit residents of Shako.

Canal Number One, Conservancy An assessment was resident said she welcomes children so they can focus on done and it was found that the new service, more so for other things,” Sookram said. the area could be served Other residents who will through a connection to the her children.

“We use the conservan- receive their service connec- main distribution network cy water for everything or tion within a matter of hours from the Good Hope Pump the children had to go fetch expressed similar sentiments, Station, Canal Number water from far, early in the noting that they appreciate One Road. morning so this will ease the the efficiency with which the

Don’t wait for COVID-19 vaccine to be developed -- countries should start planning and preparing for its arrival, advises PAHO director COUNTRIES should not wait for a COVID-19 vaccine to be developed before they start planning and preparing for its arrival, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Carissa F Etienne, said on Wednesday. In the meantime, they must also continue other recommended public health measures to contain the virus.

“Frontline health workers, first responders and those caring for the elderly should be vaccinated first, followed by vulnerable groups such as adults with pre-existing conditions, especially those over 65 years of age,” Etienne said. “The challenge lies in identifying these groups early and determining how to best reach them.”

In a news briefing, the PAHO director warned that even as a vaccine is rolled out “This virus will continue to spread, and people will continue to get sick. So, we cannot pin all our hope on vaccines alone.”

“We’ll still need diagnostics to identify those who are sick and better treatments to care for those that fall ill. We’ll continue to rely on traditional public health measures like tests, contact tracing and quarantines to minimise the spread of this virus. And we’ll continue to count on people exercising social distancing, washing

their hands often and wearing masks in public to protect others from getting sick,” the PAHO director said.

When vaccines become available, the COVAX Facility, convened by GAVI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO, “will afford countries in our region the best opportunity to fasttrack access to COVID-19 vaccines and reduce the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives and our economies. The COVAX facility offers access to a basket of 15 possible vaccines,” she said.

Etienne said nearly 200 COVID-19 vaccine candidates are being studied.

“And we hope that one or more of these will prove to be effective, but there is no guarantee. Early vaccines may only provide partial protection or may not work for everyone. We don’t yet know which vaccine will be found safe and effective and how it will work. But we do know that if we don’t prepare now, we will miss the opportunity to benefit from it quickly. The truth is countries can’t wait to have all of the answers before they start planning and preparing to deliver a COVID-19 vaccine.”

The COVAX facility, including the Advanced Market Commitment financing instrument, has signed up 64 self-financing countries and

92 countries eligible for support through that instrument, she said. Through COVAX, participating countries will be guaranteed initial doses to cover at least three per cent of their population in the first phases of deployment, as supplies catch up with global demand, eventually reaching 20 per cent of their population – enough to protect those at higher risk for severe COVID-19, Etienne explained.

“Our region has a strong legacy of immunisation programmes that give us a leg up as we plan for the future,” added Etienne.

PAHO is well prepared to offer technical cooperation to countries so they can prepare and implement their vaccination campaigns – “from planning and forecasting to communications, from regulations to the training of health personnel. Another benefit to our member states is that they can rely on our Revolving Fund, the biggest regional mechanism for self-financing countries, for the purchase and delivery of vaccines,” she said.

“So, I urge countries around the world to prepare for a coronavirus vaccine, but also to remain realistic, knowing that these preparations do not replace everything else we must do to save lives today,” Etienne concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Berbicians seek ICT hubs to assist with e-learning THE residents of several Berbice communities recently told Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, that their inability to access the internet was hampering their children’s education.

In this regard, they have asked that Information Communication Technology (ICT) hubs be set up in their respective communities, so that children can access online learning.

Minister Croal visited 12 communities in Region Six, including, Lesbeholden, Ankerville, Mibicuri, Yakusar, Number 64, and Number 76 Villages. The series of community meetings started off at West and East Canje and continued in the villages of Kilcoy and Belvedere.

Residents used the opportunity to ask for urgent attention and action on the provision of internet access within their communities now that school has reopened, but is now online.

Omar Aziz, 35, of Belvedere said the ICT hubs will be an essential need for children of the community.

“The community is a very large community with lots of children who attend school, and not everyone has access to the internet and computers, so an ICT hub within the community will help children to complete their research and assignments,” he added.

Many others shared the same view, including 42-year-old Althea Minty, a mother of two from Kilcoy/Chesney, who made it

clear that due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, many of the children in the community cannot gain internet access to complete their school work.

“I was wondering if it [is] possible for us to get a few E-Government networks in the scheme to assist children with school assignments,” she said.

According to Minty, chil-

community visit, included poor water services, squatting, prolonged wait for titles to their lands, deplorable roads, house lot applications, lack of street lights, poor customer service at public buildings and unoccupied lots with overgrown grass.

The meetings held were a follow-up to a visit made

by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha Minister.

Minister Collin Croal speaks to residents of Canefield New Area dren in the area are unable to view the Learning Channel which airs the Ministry of Education programmes because of the poor television signal.

Meanwhile, some of the other issues raised at the

Minister Croal, in responding to the residents, committed to having the issues they raised fixed in a timely manner.

In the coming weeks, the local NDC’s will be compiling information on leakages

A resident of Canefield New Area airs her concern to Minister Croal

from GWI mains to have repair works commence. In cases where some of these communities are suffering from low levels of services, assessments will be done to find possible solutions.

In the long term, the villages of Fyrish, Chesney, Belvedere, Ankerville and Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder can expect new wells and distribution network. ”What is required is for us to develop additional wells and that is part of our medi-

um-term solution. Also, they have to be improved service for faster customer response when they report leakage,” Minister Croal noted.

Speaking directly about Housing, the Minister mentioned several deficiencies in the current system and assured that all of them were being examined.

He also spoke of the Ministry’s aggressive housing drive, which will see 10,000 serviced lots being distributed annually and the distribu-

tion of more than 2000 titles in the coming months.

Meanwhile, for the issues outside of the Housing and Water sector, the Minister referred to the budget measures which speak directly to those issues.

The Minister outlined that there are provisions in the budget for the rehabilitation of road networks across the country, as well as an allocation for solar street lights.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Gov’t committed to greater political inclusion

–– President Ali tells UN, calls for improved access to development financing for developing countries

By Navendra Seoraj INCLUSIONARY democracy is a critical element of any progressive economy and while there has been more rhetoric than action on this front, in the past, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has assured the United Nations (UN) that the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is committed to greater political inclusion.

Dr. Ali’s government was sworn in on August 2, 2020, five months after Guyanese would have voted in the General and Regional Elections. The process was stymied because of a slew of legal challenges, which were seen as attempts to derail the process.

Regional and international intervention compounded by local resilience pushed Guyana “over the line” and ensured that democracy prevailed.

In addressing the UN, President Ali said: “I take this opportunity to commend the international community, including the United Nations for defending the democratic rights of our citizens.”

He further said his government is committed to greater political inclusion

and to enacting institutional reforms to ensure that democracy, the rule of law and constitutional rights are respected.

Coming off of a “testing period” which was exacerbated by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the President said his government recognises the dignity and worth of the human person and is determined to secure a higher standard of living for every citizen of Guyana.

On a global level, President Ali said multilateralism is the key to unlocking solutions to humanity’s problems. The ongoing public health and climate crises have demonstrated that it is in the common interest of humanity that the world fully embraces the ideals of multilateralism.

As a testimony to Guyana’s commitment to multilateralism, in January of this year the country assumed the Chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China. The country’s statement to the world is that a state’s capacity for leadership is not constrained by its size.

A product of multilateral efforts is the UN development agenda. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains a viable

plan of action to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path. In this critical Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development, President Ali said leaders must be fully focused on eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions as no one must be left behind.

“At this time, an earnest and thorough assessment of the development agenda is warranted, with a view to recommitting ourselves to its aims,” said the president, adding: “It is therefore regrettable that we missed the opportunity to adopt a robust outcome document at the conclusion of the 2020 High-Level segment of the Economic and Social Council and the High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development.”

Global partnerships for development have never been more urgent in order to mobilise the means to implement the ‘agenda’.

PROACTIVE ROLE Ali said his government believes that the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council should play a more proactive role in catalysing partnerships and should serve as platforms for ensuring coherence in

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

the joint economic, environmental, and socio-political initiatives being undertaken.

“Now more than ever, we need a resurgence of political will and commitment to protect the multilateral architecture and institutions, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” President Ali advised, noting that Guyana reposes confidence in this institution.

In March 2018, Guyana filed its application in the ICJ seeking an affirmation of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the international boundary that it established.

“We are happy to report that, on the 30th of June, 2020, the ICJ held its first virtual hearing on the controversy involving Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Regrettably, Venezuela has refused to participate in the hearing.

Guyana now awaits the determination of the ICJ on whether the Court has jurisdiction to proceed to hearing the merits of the case,” said President Ali. Among the changes which the UN has witnessed was the proliferation of newly-independent states, following the end of the Second World War. Many of these newly-independent states are developing countries which account for more than half of the world’s states and population.

The UN make-up, inclusive of the Security Council, must reflect this reality. The Security Council, in particular, should be reformed to increase the number of developing countries that are permanent members, said President Ali. DEVELOPMENT FINANCING Developing countries continue to face constraints associated with limited access to development financ-

ing.

“Improved access to such financing is vital for the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations must continue to champion the need for great access to development financing for developing states,” said President Ali. The UN, he said, has a special duty to ensure that members’ obligations under international agreements are fulfilled and that setbacks in meeting commitments are reversed.

“Guyana applauds the ongoing work on reform of the United Nations development system (UNDS). We believe, however, that there should be greater focus on reforms that are tailored to allow the UN to respond adequately to existing and emerging gaps in development and to find solutions to existing threats,” said the President.

One of the main challenges right now, is the COVID-19 pandemic which presents implications for the progress and prosperity of the world.

“The pandemic has launched an attack on the health and well-being of our people while the economy has become a causality of this assault. This pandemic is reversing our gains on health, poverty and education,” President Ali lamented.

More than ever, the resolve of the UN is being tested and it is evident that no single country can overcome the debilitating effects alone. This reality, the President said, must encourage the trajectory of the UN so that it can support the efforts of developing countries to rebuild and to become more resilient.

COLLECTIVE ACTION He believes that a strong multilateral system is re-

quired for collective action to stem this pandemic.

“I acknowledge the support of UN agencies in my country’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. We trust and support the efforts of the UN system to ensure fair, transparent and timely global access to preventive tools, equipment and materials for testing,” said President Ali. In this regard, he recognised the important role of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in coordinating the response of the UN system and in global public health preparedness and response.

Competing and compounded by the pandemic is climate change. Every year is another record breaking year for extreme weather conditions and climate events. As a low-lying coastal state, Guyana is aware of the high toll of these extreme weather conditions. But also knows building climate resilience is costly.

President Ali believes that the only way to ease this burden is through concerted and balanced climate actions, especially through mitigation, climate financing, technical cooperation and capacity building.

He urged all states to set ambitious targets in their “nationally determined contributions” under the Paris Agreement and to work earnestly towards them.

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) reflects the national development agenda, as this strategy will ensure that the nation fulfills its nationally determined contributions and place the country along a path of sustainable and climate-resilient development.

President Ali, however, warned that progress on the sustainable development agenda could be impeded by conflicts, so nations must continue to devote their collective efforts towards the achievement of peace in every region of the globe.

“The future we want and the United Nations that we need are in our hands. It is ours to fashion. History must not find us victims of inaction or succumbing to failure.

“Multilateralism is the pathway to achieving our ends. We must collectively work to preserve this instrument and to strengthen the United Nations as we build a better world for our generation and those to follow,” said President Ali.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Agriculture can drive economy post-COVID-19 –– Minister Mustapha calls for collaboration within sector “THE agriculture sector has what it takes to drive the economy postCOVID-19,” said Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday as he addressed several issues plaguing the sector during the coronavirus pandemic.

The minister was at the time participating in an agriculture webinar, hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) and the Inter-American Development (IDB) Bank, where he engaged several local and international stakeholders in the sector.

The webinar, he noted, was timely as it paved a path forward for the sector to co-exist with COVID-19 for a foreseeable future and to cash in on the opportunities to expand agriculture in Guyana.

“The agriculture sector, both the public and private sectors, are struggling to deal with the impact of the pandemic. Whilst there is no major problem of availability of food, access to food through supply-chain interruptions and loss of income are [SIC] being experienced,” he said.

During this difficult time, he added that the sector is not without its challenges. The country currently produces 59 per cent of the food for consumption, which means Guyana’s food import dependence is 41 per cent, he said, adding that this should not be.

In this regard, Minister Mustapha said the government along with other agriculture stakeholders will need to collaborate to reduce this import dependence by creating and

enabling an environment for an efficient and competitive local manufacturing sector.

“We must focus on ways to expand, shift agriculture from primary producer to value-added, to reduce the 41 per cent dependence on imports, which include processed products, dairy products, grains such as corn and soybean, etc.,” he said.

The minister further explained that such an expansion will aid in the reduction of the country’s domestic food-import bill of GUY$45Billion, and will make room for Guyana to tap into the estimated US$8-10B (2020) CARICOM food-import bill ENERGY AND AGRICULTURE Further, Minister Mustapha noted that for far too long, the constraint of high energy cost has caused the sector to remain stunted and not expand at the rate one would like. In this regard, he said, “The government is committed to the generation of cheap energy… the government would pursue hydro-electricity, among other energy-generation initiatives.”

He added that the president himself had committed to this, stating that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government would provide “cheaper and more reliable electricity,” reducing the cost of energy by 50 per cent through a mix of hydro, gas, solar, and wind power.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha

ACCESS TO RAW MATERIALS Reiterating that it will take a collaborative effort to build the agriculture sector, the minister noted that agricultural agencies such as The New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will work with farmers to form formal market arrangements, such as clusters, to address the raw-material challenges for agro-processors and inputs for agro-producers. This will assist with issues of reliability, quantity, and quality of supply.

With Budget 2020, he disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture has started a “Rural Infrastructure Development Plan,” targeting both drainage and irrigation and farm-to-market access roads to reduce the cost of production for farmers.

He further noted that Budget 2020 also gives “Tax concessions on Investment

Twelve-year-old Akazea Austin dies seven months after road accident THE family of 12-year-old Akazea Austin was on Monday plunged into mourning after she succumbed to the injuries she sustained in an accident on February 13.

Austin was struck down by a Linden taxi driver on the Supply, East Bank Demerara public road, while making her way home.

According to reports, the Diamond Secondary School student had exited a mini-bus and while attempting to cross the road, the driver of the vehicle she was in signalled to other drivers using the road to stop, so that the preteen could safely cross.

However, while crossing, Austin was hit from behind by a car, HC 7963, which was heading to Linden. She immediately lost consciousness and was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre; she was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). It is alleged that investigations revealed that

the 45-year-old taxi-driver was speeding and as a result could not slow down to allow Austin to cross the road.

An emotional Loraina Waddle stated that she cannot believe that her daughter is gone, as the preteen was recovering well in recent months.

She described her late daughter as a brilliant and good child, who was very helpful.

She said that since Austin had sustained severe lung damage in the accident, she was breathing through a tube.

Waddle informed this newspaper that her daughter was due for a surgery that would have resulted in a better alternative to the tube. She explained that earlier this week, her daughter began having difficulty with the equipment.

“I would go to the clinic to get the doctor that was in charge of her, but I didn’t get to see him. Like three days before she died she get this blockage and she was breathing hard and I would

take it out get it washed, put it in back and she would still be breathing hard, and Monday she went good good and then she started panting for breath,” said waddle.

Waddle stated that following this, she took her daughter to the hospital where the doctor broke the news to her that her daughter did not make it.

She said the news was surreal to her because she never expected her to die, given the progress she had made since the accident.

Akazea is one of six children for her mother.

Meanwhile, the family is still awaiting the court’s ruling on the accident. Waddle told the Guyana Chronicle that prior to her daughter’s death, the driver had made an attempt to settle with the family. She said she declined to accept the $350,000 which was offered, as she felt it was insufficient at that time to cover her daughter’s medical costs.

in Agro-processing facilities, cold storage and packaging” to provide opportunities for our agro-processors to grow, process, and trade more to increase their incomes.

“This is a start. We will continue to build on as the years progress… The reversal of VAT on electricity, water, machinery and equipment, exports, fertilisers, agro-chemicals, among others, will improve the viability of small-business start-ups and the sustainability of existing businesses by reducing the cost of production and increasing competitiveness,” he said.

FINANCING Addressing access to financing, the minister noted that the government is committed to “supporting private-sector development” by pursuing and maintaining an environment for businesses

(including agro-processing) to establish and to grow.

To this end, small businesses will be supported with $100 million for the Small Business Development Fund, to be used to provide loans and grants to prospective small-business owners.

“My ministry will work with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce and with agri-businesses to ensure they can tap into this fund.

Whether it be assistance in the proposal or capacity-building on how to get ‘value for dollar’ when operating a business,” he said.

Additionally, the NGMC has been allocated $236 million to support institutional marketing arrangements; strengthen the value chain; work with farmers to comply with quality standards and food-safety systems and expand new high-value/pro-

cessed markets for Guyana’s products.

TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE The minister noted that for Guyana to fully take advantage of the opportunities for high-value, agro-processed products, there is a need for more research and development and it must be commercially viable.

“We will work with producer groups and progressive farmers and agro-processors to establish processing facilities for the processing of agriculture produce such as dried fruits, fruit juices, peanut butter, etc. We will work to secure low-cost technologies for primary processing in rural areas,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Mercy Hospital

commemorates 75th anniversary –– dedicates monument to Sisters of Mercy

THE St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (SJMH) held a special dedication ceremony and Mass on September 21 to commemorate the hospital’s 75th anniversary and also to recognise the Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy for their phenomenal contribution to the hospital.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the Sisters of Mercy order in Guyana, and one of the nuns’ most remarkable and valued achievements has been the establishment of SJMH, which grew and flourished under their caring and prudent guidance.

The mass was celebrated

by His Lordship Bishop Francis Alleyne, Bishop of Georgetown, who was assisted by Monsignor Terrence Montrose of the Diocese of

Sister Julie Matthews unveils the monument dedicated to the Sisters of Mercy

Georgetown.

On the achievement of SJMH’s 75th anniversary, Head of the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana, Sister Julie

Matthews, congratulated the board, management and staff for continuing to provide excellent healthcare services in Guyana, reinforcing the

hospital’s reputation as a premier medical institution.

“Mercy’s presence continues in times when they are good, but most of all in times when there is trouble and in areas where people fear death,” she said, noting that the Sisters of Mercy have helped in fights against cholera, HIV/AIDs and continue to play its part in tacking the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a release, she noted that the SJMH COVID-19 health facility was a collaborative project between His Lordship Bishop Francis and the Sisters of Mercy.

In particular, Sister Julie commended the SJMH Board, the Bishop and her lay colleagues for their longstanding and commendable support for the work of the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana.

Associate Administrator (Clinical) at the SJMH, Terry Mohamed, said the institution continues to fulfill its missionary mandate to provide charitable services, which include a mobile clinic that provides medical support services at six locations nationwide.

PROGRESSIVE EXPANSION He noted that during its 75 years of exemplary service to the nation, the SJMH progressively expanded and improved the range, quality and delivery of medical services. Foremost among these are excellent maternity/de-

The Commemorative Monument dedicated to the Sisters of Mercy in recognition of their contribution to the hospital and healthcare in Guyana

livery care, modern orthopedic procedures such as total hip and knee surgeries, brain surgery, kidney transplants, laparoscopic procedures and upper and lower endoscopies.

The hospital also has a well-equipped and meticulously-managed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 24-hour emergency room services staffed by well-trained doctors, reliable laboratory, X-Ray and ultrasound services, plus an up-to-date pharmacy and audiometry service, Mohamed said.

He added that the resident care centre was opened in 2016 and is now home to 35 elderly persons. The property for the centre was donated by the Sisters of Mercy.

Chief Executive Officer of SJMH, Enoch Gaskin, said the hospital grew from strength to strength and is now firmly entrenched as a prized national institution.

“And, even in the circumstances in which we are celebrating this 75th anniversary… this pandemic, we have shown our mettle – so we have been told – and have been recognised nationally as a leader at this time,” Mr. Gaskin said.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the SJMH, Deborrah Ramsay, gave a history of the presence of the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana, noting that they came here in 1895 and gave their service to Hansen’s Disease patients,

schools in Georgetown, Mabaruma, other areas, and also orphanages.

She said that there was great joy when the Sisters of Mercy was granted permission to manage the hospital, which was incorporated on September 20, 1944. They immediately started working on the School of Nursing and in early 1945 this was up and running to meet the official beginning of St Joseph Mercy Hospital in September that year.

The high point of the dedication ceremony was the unveiling of a majestic Commemorative Monument, which was prominently positioned in the newly-established ‘Serenity Gardens’ at SJMH. Fittingly, the monument was graciously unveiled by Sister Julie.

The Serenity Garden was established through the kind-hearted sponsorship of several benefactors who appreciate the outstanding work of the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana. Among these were, Francesca Pires of Caribbean Chemicals Ltd, Republic Bank, KD Enterprises, Farfan and Mendes, Camile Chee Awai, and Orlando and Oshana Rogers.

The SJMH was the dream of the Spirit of the Sword Movement which saw the need for a top quality healthcare facility operated by religious Sisters in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Sheriff/Mandela road to be paved, asphalted before yearend – Min. Edghill THE Sheriff/Mandela Road upgrade is set to be paved and asphalted before the end of the year as works have recommenced along with sub-contractors that will be building the bridges.

This is according to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, during the Committee of Supply considerations of expenditures for the Public Infrastructure Ministry from January to September 2020.

It was revealed that $2.7 billion of the total amount has already been spent on the project. An additional $553 million was allocated in this year’s budget to complete the project.

Minister Edghill said COVID-19 will not be used as an excuse for non-delivery of services to Guyanese.

In November 2019, the funding agency, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had suspended the disbursement of funds for the project owing to health and safety violations by the contractor, Sinohydro Corporation Limited. The road expansion contract is subject to performance audits by the IDB. “This road should have already been delivered and

Works being done on the Sheriff/Mandela road upgrade on Wednesday (Adrian Narine)

those who drove on it today know it is still not yet delivered,” he said, adding: “When we took office there was no work being done on the road and it was not only because of COVID-19, the other reason is non-compliance with environmental standards and the IDB had to shut disbursements down on the project that was badly mismanaged.”

The project is intended to improve road safety; simplify traffic movements; provide adequate drainage for the road corridor and interdependent communities; and extend the

design life of the pavement and all roadway structures to a minimum of 20 years from the expected end of construction.

This stretch of road will see the construction of a twolane roadway with a concrete median portioning the two lanes along Sheriff Street while Mandela Avenue will involve expansion of the roadway from a two-lane road to a four-lane road, with a central concrete median and shareduse paths.

A roundabout will be constructed at the junction of Sheriff Street and David Street/Railway Embankment

Road, while the completed roadway will also be outfitted with the requisite road safety amenities, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes and adequate parking spaces.

Bridges will also be upgraded, while in the vicinity of East Ruimveldt and North Ruimveldt secondary schools there will be a pedestrian overpass.

The road upgrade project is being funded through a US$66 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Police hunt escapee from Lusignan Prison POLICE are seeking the whereabouts of a 23-yearold inmate of the Lusignan Prison, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) who escaped in the wee hours on Wednesday.

The prisoner was identified as Leroy Graham of Middle Walk Buxton, ECD. He was on remand for armed robbery and managed to escape at 01:35 hours.

Prison officials confirmed that Graham was ‘admitted’ to the prison on August 20, 2020. His last known address is Middle Walk, Buxton ECD. “The prisoner broke out of a section of the burnt Lusignan Prison where he was housed for safety reasons. So far, evidence suggests that he jumped the southern fence and headed in the direction of the backlands. Efforts are being made to recapture him,” a senior prison officer noted.

Police said anyone with information can contact Lusignan Operations Room on 220 4173 or the nearest police station.

Home Affairs Minis-

Wanted: Leroy Graham

ter, Robeson Benn, had announced that government will be building a new, modern detention facility to house inmates of the Lusignan Prison, which has been overrun and crowded since the fires at Camp Street Prison.

The situation at Lusignan was worsened earlier this year, following a fire which destroyed one of the facility’s main buildings which housed an administrative office, kitchen and facilities for approximately 185 to 190 prisoners.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Security adviser visits COVID-19 prisoners –– steps being taken to address issues facing Lusignan inmates EXTENSIVE renovation and placements of tents are being done at the Lusignan Prison as over 70 inmates who tested positive for COVID-19 have been relocated to a government facility for isolation on the

East Bank of Demerara.

This is according to Adviser to the Minister of Home Affairs on the Security Sector, Harry Gill.

On Tuesday, the Health Ministry confirmed that 140 inmates at the Lusignan Adviser to the Minister of Home Affairs on the Security Sector, Harry Gill in discussion with inmates

Prison were diagnosed with COVID-19, following an ongoing screening campaign at the facility.

The situation at Lusignan was worsened earlier this year, following a fire which destroyed one of the facility’s main buildings which housed an administrative office, kitchen and facilities for approximately 185 to 190 prisoners.

In order to ease congestion, Gill said steps are being taken to improve the living conditions of inmates as the Lusignan Prison is extremely crowded and this has resulted in the high infection rate of COVID-19 at the facility.

On a visit to the East Bank of Demerara facility being used to isolate inmates, the security adviser said he had a lengthy discussion with some of the inmates and many of the concerns were raised with the Minister of Home Affairs.

“The prisoners at the facility were well behaved and issues that were raised

will be discussed and addressed with the minister and a system will be put in place for prisoners to voice their concerns and they can also write and someone at the ministerial level can address their concerns,” Gill told the Guyana Chronicle.

He continued: “I don’t want prisoners to feel they are locked up and no one cares, I want a system where concerns are addressed as much as possible.”

Adding that a major concern for all inmates was the delays faced before the courts, Gill said the relevant authorities would have to address such situation as that deals with another branch of government.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has announced that government will be building a new, modern detention facility to house inmates of the Lusignan Prison, which has been overrun and crowded since the Camp Street Prison fires.

FROM PAGE

Mercy Hospital ...

ABOUT THE MONUMENT The Commemorative Monument was designed

by Mr. Bernard Ramsay and features a double heart with a burning flame at its apex. The outer heart is symbolic of the selfless service given by the Sisters of Mercy to SJMH from its inception. The inner heart represents the deeper spiritual and unconditional love and dedication with which they served the hospital and the Guyanese community in general. The burning flame is a symbol of eternal commitment that continues to inspire the dedicated service of

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the SJMH. The heart is mounted on a solid case, granite-clad base with its four sides pointed together, pointing in an upward direction in honor of the Sisters of Mercy along with those, who we must never forget for their fine service, strength, wisdom, and vision which they have given to this iconic institution over many years. The location of the monument is deliberately placed at the eastern end of the Serenity garden to mark the position of the rising sun which gives hope and enlightenment for each new day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

‘I have never seen anything like it across the world’ –– says Coursera CEO of Guyana's response to Workforce Recovery Initiative

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand

Coursera CEO, Jeff Maggioncalda

“I HAVE never seen anything like it across the world". This was the observation of Jeff Maggioncalda, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Coursera on the response from Guyanese towards the Workforce Recovery Initiative offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Coursera.

The CEO was delivering remarks at a virtual convocation ceremony for 3,000 persons from eleven Caribbean countries who have recently completed courses being offered by reputable universities across the globe through COL/Coursera.

Guyanese have been registering in record numbers for the courses on offer, with 33,505 registering and 709 graduating thus far. According to Professor Asha Kanwar, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth of Learning, "The uptake in Guyana has exceeded all expectations a,nd the numbers continue to grow."

In her address to the convocation ceremony, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand noted that the CoL/ Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative holds deep implications for Guyana.

"As a developing nation currently situating itself to maximise the potential of our recent oil discoveries and our other strategic initiatives, the quality of our human capital is critically important," she said.

Further, the Education Minister said COVID-19 has displaced many individuals

and as a country, "we are still grappling with the wider implications of the pandemic as well as a notoriously extended elections period."

Praises for the education minister, who has personally driven the programme, have come from the senior adviser on Government Partnerships at Coursera, Chad Pasha, who took to Facebook to say, “So proud of Guyana. Two per cent of the entire country enrolled in Coursera in just 10 days.” Also tagged were the MoE and the Minister of Education’s personal page with the comment, “Can’t wait to see what’s to come for the nation.”

This initiative marks Coursera's first institutional partnership in the region, and is part of a long-term commitment to helping citizens prepare for a digital future, and provides 4,000 free Online courses on the Coursera platform in various areas ,such as Art, Business, Computer Science, Health, Social Science, and Engineering.

Persons who have not yet taken advantage of the Government of Guyana/ Coursera initiative can do so by registering via the Ministry of Education's website education.gov.gy/ upskill. The deadline for registration is October 31, 2020. (Ministry of Education's Public Relations Department)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

COVID-19 leads to massive labour income losses worldwide THE devastating losses in working hours caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have brought a “massive” drop in labour income for workers around the world, says the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in its latest assessment of the effects of the pandemic on the world of work.

Global labour income is estimated to have declined by 10.7 per cent, or US$ 3.5 trillion, in the first three quarters of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. This figure excludes income support provided through government measures.

The biggest drop was in lower-middle income countries, where the labour income losses reached 15.1 per cent, with the Americas the hardest hit region at 12.1 per cent.

The ILO Monitor: COVID-19 and the world of work. Sixth edition, says that the global working hour losses in the first nine months of 2020 have been “considerably larger” than estimated in the previous edition of the Monitor (issued on 30 June).

For example, the revised estimate of global working time lost in the second quarter (Q2) of this year (when compared to Q4 2019) is for 17.3 per cent, equivalent to 495 million full time equivalent (FTE) jobs (based on a 48hour working week), whereas the earlier estimate was for 14 per cent, or 400 million FTE jobs. In Q3 of 2020, global working hour losses of 12.1 per cent (345 million FTE jobs) are expected.

The outlook for Q4 has worsened significantly since the last ILO Monitor was issued. Under the ILO’s baseline scenario, global working-hour losses are now projected to amount to 8.6 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020 (compared to Q4 2019), which corresponds to 245 million FTE jobs. This is an increase from the ILO’s previous estimate of 4.9 per cent or 140 million FTE jobs.

One reason for the estimated increases in working-hour losses is that workers in developing and emerging economies, especially those in informal employment, have been much more affected than by past crises, the monitor says.

It also notes that the drop in employment is more attributable to inactivity than to unemployment, with important policy implications.

While many stringent workplace closures have been relaxed, there are significant variations between regions.

94 per cent of workers are still in countries with some sort of workplace restrictions, and 32 per cent are in countries with

closures for all but essential workplaces.

THE “FISCAL STIMULUS GAP” The 6th edition of the monitor also looks at the effectiveness of fiscal stimulus in alleviating labour market impacts.

In countries where sufficient data is available for Q2 2020, a clear correlation exists, showing that the larger the fiscal stimulus (as a percentage of GDP), the lower the working-hour losses. In that period, globally an additional fiscal stimulus of one per cent of annual GDP would have reduced working hour losses by a further 0.8 per cent.

However, while fiscal stimulus packages have played a significant role in supporting economic activity and reducing the fall in working hours, they have been concentrated in high-income countries, as emerging and developing economies have limited capacity to finance such measures.

“Just as we need to redouble our efforts to beat the virus, so we need to act urgently and at scale to overcome its economic, social and employment impacts. That includes sustaining support for jobs, businesses and incomes.”

In order for developing countries to reach the same ratio of stimulus to working hours lost as in high-income countries, they would need to inject a further US$982 billion (US$45 billion in low-income countries and US$937 billion in lower-middle income countries). The stimulus gap for low income countries amounts to less than one per cent of the total value of the fiscal stimulus packages announced by high-income countries.

This huge “fiscal stimulus gap” is even more worrying in the light of the social protection deficits in many developing countries. Moreover, some of these countries have also had to redirect public spending from other objectives in order to mitigate the labour market impact of the crisis.

“Just as we need to redouble our efforts to beat the virus, so we need to act urgently and at scale to overcome its economic, social and employment impacts. That includes sustaining support for jobs, businesses and incomes,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder.

“As the United Nations General Assembly gathers in New York, there is pressing need for the international community to set out a global strategy for recovery through dialogue, cooperation and solidarity.

No group, country or region can beat this crisis alone,” he concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Mumbai register first win of IPL 2020

(ESPNCRICINFO) - A clinical Mumbai Indians (MI) shrugged off their opening game loss in IPL 2020 with a 49-run win over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Put in to bat, Mumbai put on an above par 195 for 5 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, built around Rohit Sharma’s 54-ball 80 at the top of the order.

Sharma batted deep into the innings, falling only in the 18th over, with the sapping heat playing its part in a tired shot, but his effort was enough to give Mumbai’s bowlers a total that was foolproof against the Knight Riders’ power-packed middle order.

Mumbai’s pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, James Pattinson and Trent Boult then bowled to plans, with Bumrah particularly sensational as the Knight Riders’ chase spluttered and faltered without ever kicking into top gear.

Bumrah bowled one over in the powerplay, but Sharma saved him for the Knight Riders’ big guns thereafter, and he made a second appearance only in the 13th over, when Andre Russell had joined Eoin Morgan in the middle with the asking rate touching 14.75.

By the time he had completed his third over, the chase was buried, with Bumrah snaring both Russell and Morgan within four balls and Bumrah’s figures reading 3-0-5-2.

Rather anti-climatically, Bumrah conceded a whopping 27 runs in his final over to spoil his figures somewhat but, by then, the task was beyond the KKR, who eventually ended up on 146 for 9.

THE ROHIT-SURYAKUMAR PARTNERSHIP KKR had begun well, after springing a surprise of sorts in selecting Sandeep Warrier and Shivam

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday September 24, 2020)

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: David Warner-692 runs (Sunrisers Hyder-

(1)

baad) (2)

Imran Tahir-26 wickets (CSK) Today’s Quiz:

What was the highest individual score made in IPL 2019?

(2) What were the best bowling figures in a single game in IPL 2019?

(1)

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Mavi as their two Indian pacers, ahead of Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Prasidh Krishna.

Warrier bowled a probing first over, spoilt only by a wide with the resultant extra ball going for six, while Mavi was superb - quick, hostile and coming away with Quinton de Kock’s scalp in a wicket-maiden.

It would have been easy for MI to go into rebuilding mode, but Suryakumar Yadav was fluent from the start and allowed MI to shrug off de Kock’s dismissal.

He hit four boundaries off his first six balls, sumptuously in control of some and not so much of others, but what that did was to ensure MI were back to chugging along at a good rate.

Suryakumar’s initial flurry also meant Sharma could afford to bide his time. The Mumbai captain exploded when Pat Cummins was introduced into the attack, two short balls being dispatched over deep midwicket in regal fashion.

The pick of the shots in a 90-run stand, though, was Suryakumar skipping down the track to Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wrist-spin, reading the googly correctly and hitting imperiously with the turn over extra cover.

A tightening of bowling by the KKR and a misjudgement brought an end to the partnership. Sunil Narine and Kuldeep combined to give up just 15 runs in 2.5 overs, and Suryakumar chanced a risky second to be caught short of his crease by a good throw.

He had set things up for Mumbai though, outscoring

Sharma with 47 off 28 in the partnership, while the captain made 41 off 30.

Mumbai finished well, with cameos from Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard ensuring 90 runs came in the last eight overs, despite three wickets falling.

Their eventual total was less than what they seemed poised for, but still substantial on a big ground.

MUMBAI, AND THE SHORT BALL ATTACK The defence of the target was going to rest on how Mumbai’s pace trio operated.

Their planning and execution was spot on, with a majority of the Knight Riders’ batsmen susceptible to a short-ball attack.

According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, off the 15 overs bowled by the seamers including three overs by Kieron Pollard - only 16 balls were full, or about one per over.

The plan started with targeting Narine, the opener.

He hardly got anything in his half, and while he had smashed short bowling at the top of the order in the past, it was rather more difficult to do against high pace.

Predictably, a slog across the line to a short ball resulted in Narine’s dismissal.

The Knight Riders had decided to send captain Dinesh Karthik in at No. 3 and Nitish Rana after him, which meant Rohit pressed his other bowlers into service, getting overs out of

Rahul Chahar, Pollard and Krunal Pandya.

Morgan had come out in the 11th over, but when the fourth wicket fell and Russell walked out, Sharma immediately went back to Bumrah, Pattinson and Boult, and the short-ball tactic was once again on display to both men.

Bumrah sealed the deal in the 16th over of the innings. The KKR needed 96 off 30 at the start, and they ended it with the equation reading 94 off 24 and their best two batsmen gone.

PAT CUMMINS’ STRANGE DAY Bought for INR 15.5 crore, and ending his quarantine just before the game, Cummins had a strange day.

He had a forgettable outing with ball, and a memorable one with bat.

The Knight Riders had also tried to use the short ball, making the Mumbai batsmen target the longer, square boundaries, but they were nowhere near as effective.

Cummins banged them in on a hard length, but Sharma, Tiwary and Hardik Pandya all peppered the square boundary with sixes and fours. He ended up not completing his quota, going for 49 runs in three wicketless overs.

However, he got some of his own back when he blasted Bumrah for four sixes in a whirlwind knock that helped shorten the margin of defeat somewhat. His 33 off 12 balls was scored at a marginally faster rate than the runs he gave up while bowling.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Wolves sign Nelson from Barcelona

(BBC) - Wolves have signed Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo from Barcelona in a deal that could be worth £37M..

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo had been seeking a replacement for Matt Doherty, who moved to Premier League rivals Tottenham last month.

“It isn’t often that we have the opportunity to sign a world-class player from a world-class club,” said Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi.

Semedo, 26, has played 124 times for Barca and won 13 Portugal caps.

Barcelona said the deal is an initial 30 million euros (£27.61M) plus 10 million euros “in variables”.

Semedo, who has signed a contract until 2023, is the third permanent signing by Wolves during this transfer window, following the arrival of Fabio Silva from Porto and Ki-Jana Hoever from Liverpool.

If Wolves pay the full £37M then Semedo would

Semedo has been capped 13 times by Portugal.

become the club’s record signing, eclipsing the £35.6M they paid for Silva.

When asked why he chose to join Wolves, the defender told the club website: “Last year they did a very good season and it’s a very important team in England, also in Europe. I hope this year we can do very good things.

“Coach Nuno is a very good coach. He did very good things here in Wolves and in other teams too. For sure I’m going to learn a lot from him.”

Roma penalised with 3-0 defeat for admin error

Amadou Diawara played 89 minutes of Roma’s opening game of the season which is now recorded as a 3-0 loss.

(BBC) - Roma have been penalised with a 3-0 defeat following an administrative error in the make-up of their matchday squad in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Hellas Verona.

Roma listed 23-year-old Amadou Diawara in the Under-22 section of their squad, rather than the 25-man squad list for senior

players.

Guinea international Diawara played 89 minutes in the Serie A stalemate.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport expects Roma to appeal.

Paulo Fonseca’s side still have spare spaces in their 25-man squad list, and the club are expected to ar-

gue the mistake was made without any intention to violate the rules.

It is not the first time Serie A has handed down a defeat for formal errors.

In 2016, Sassuolo lost 0-3 to Pescara for fielding Antonino Ragusa, who was not in their official player list.

Nuggets trail 2-1 in NBA final series

(BBC) - Denver Nuggets saw off a final-quarter surge from Los Angeles Lakers to win 114-106 in the Western Conference finals in Florida.

Nuggets now trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series after Jamal Murray scored 28 points and Jerami Grant 26.

It brought Lakers’ six-game winning streak to an end, despite LeBron James’ 30 points 10 rebounds 11 assists.

“We’re in this series,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said to his players after the win.

“We let them know we’re not going anywhere. That’s what you guys have done this whole post-season.

“That’s why everybody is rooting for us.

Keep on showing that grit and resilience and playing for each other.”

Nikola Jokic added 22 points and Murray had 12 assists eight rebounds for Denver, who

have never won a conference title.

Lakers closed the gap to 99-96 in the final quarter, but missed four three-point attempts to give Nuggets back control.

“We turned the ball over too much and we put them on the free-throw line,” said James.

“I give credit where credit is due. They played better than we. They were more aggressive than we for three quarters.”

Lakers coach Frank Vogel added: “I thought Denver played with great energy throughout the game. We didn’t match it early. We matched it late.”

Lakers lost just one game in each of their first two play-off series, while Denver came back from 3-1 down in both of theirs.

Game four will take place today. In the Eastern Conference finals, Miami Heat led Boston Celtics 2-1 with game four yesterday.

Jamal Murray had 28 points 12 assists eight rebounds.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

England win second T20I against West Indies

(BBC) – Valuable runs and crucial wickets to youngster Sarah Glenn handed England a second 47-run victory in as many contests with West Indies and a 2-0 lead in their five-match T20I series.

Having lost the toss and having been sent in, England’s recognised batsmen struggled to post a significant score, leaving it to Glenn - supported by the experienced Katherine Brunt - to push their side beyond the 150 mark with a 46-run partnership, when a significantly lower total looked likely.

Leg-spinner Glenn then made the breakthrough that removed a dangerous Deandra Dottin, lbw for 38 off 40 after posting 69 in a losing cause in the first of five matches, and effectively ended West Indies’ hopes when she had captain Stafanie Taylor stumped on 28 - wicketkeeper Amy Jones’ second piece of brilliance for the evening.

All of England’s youthful

spinners prospered with two wickets each to Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone and Mady Villiers.

Opportunity goes a-begging for Windies West Indies had their chances in this match, but a rash of dropped catches, a failure to finish off the England tail having done the hard yards and then the inability of anyone to step up when likely stars Dottin and Taylor fell left them wanting.

At the end of the Powerplay, the tourists were in touching distance at 36 or 1, having lost Hayley Matthews - who looked to be suffering from back pain - for just 3 when Brunt got a leading edge to fly to Heather Knight.

That compared with England’s 44 for 1 and, with Dottin and Taylor at the crease, they can always entertain hope.

By the time Glenn struck Dottin high on the back leg, kneeling down as she shaped to sweep, West Indies had moved to 72 for 2. Off-spinner Villiers

had Lee-Ann Kirby stumped by some swift glovework from Jones before Glenn deceived Taylor for a stumping that had the visiting captain striding off the pitch while the TV umpire was still taking a look.

From there, it seemed there was simply no one to stand up amid a stream of wickets which left West Indies well short for the second game in a row.

SEVENTH OVER AND OUT, OUT Nat Sciver had survived two chances in the previous over, looking to heave a Shakera Selman cutter to the leg side but chipping back to the bowler, who got her fingertips to it but shelled the return catch as she went to ground, and then put down by Shemaine Campbelle diving to her left behind the stumps.

Sciver’s luck ran out with just eight runs to her name when Taylor pinned her back with the first two balls of her second over and

then tossed one up, beating the outside edge, as Sciver charged and the ball skidded on, Campbelle whipped off the bails with Sciver well out of her crease.

Knight, who was yet to score, was put down after slashing Taylor to Afy Fletcher at short third man. Knight was then involved in a mix-up with Danni Wyatt, who nudged Taylor to the off side and wanted an ambitious single, only to be sent back by her captain as Campbelle gathered Dottin’s sharp throw from backward point and removed the bails.

Wyatt was run-out for 14 and England were 43 for 3, having added just 11 runs since Tammy Beaumont, the star of England’s 47-run win in the first match, was out for 21, lofting Selman to Chinelle Henry at mid-on in the fourth over. Taylor finished with 2 for 12 from her four overs after she also had Fran Wilson stumped

by Campbelle for 4.

BETTER ENDING FOR

ENGLAND BATTING England were teetering at 96 for 6 when they lost Jones for 25 and Knight for 17. With no one in the top or middle order having posted an innings of real note, it fell to Brunt and Glenn to fulfil the team brief, identified after the first match of finishing better.

They did so with distinction, with Glenn taking the lead in a 46-run partnership with Brunt from just 30 balls. Just-turned 21 and playing her 12th T20I, Glenn notched up 26 runs off 19 balls, including 4 fours before she was run-out by Henry on the last ball of the innings.

Brunt struck 18 off 14 before she was bowled by an excellent yorker from Selman, bringing in Ecclestone, who added nine off four balls.

Having lost five wickets and added just 31 runs in the last five overs of the first match, this time, England added 51 runs for the loss of two wickets in that time.

CWI congratulates Taylor for being first Windies Women’s cricketer to 3 000 runs

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) today congratulated Stafanie Taylor on becoming the first Windies Women’s player to score 3 000 runs in T20 Internationals.

The outstanding all-rounder reached the milestone yesterday in her 103rd innings during the second T20 International against England at the Incora County Ground in Derby.

She scored 28 and now has 3 020 runs at an average of 36 runs per innings. She is also the leading West Indies

Woman in One-Day Internationals with 4 724 runs at an average at over 44.

Speaking on behalf of CWI, Jimmy Adams, Director of Cricket, lauded Taylor for her brilliance over a career which started back in 2008 against Ireland in Dublin. He said the 29-year-old has again etched her name in history’s pages and continues to be a role model and leader in West Indies cricket.

Adams said: “Congratulations to Stafanie from all at CWI, and indeed the wid-

er Caribbean, on achieving this outstanding milestone in what is truly a remarkable cricket career. She has set the benchmark for women’s cricket and continues to demonstrate why she is rated as one of the greats of the game.

“She continues to be an ambassador for women’s sports and for the game of cricket in the West Indies.

Given her youth and undoubted ability we continue to wish her all the success possible in the years ahead.”

Stafanie Taylor is the first West Indian Woman to reach 3 000 T20I runs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 24, 2020

Holder to replace Marsh at SRH (ESPNCRICINFO) - Mitchell Marsh has become the first player to be ruled out of IPL 2020 because of injury, and West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has been named as his replacement at the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Marsh hurt his right ankle during Sunrisers’ first match of the tournament, on September 21, against Royal Challengers Bangalore. This is the second time in

This will be Holder’s second stint with the Sunrisers (after 2014-15) and fourth overall in the IPL. Holder has previously featured for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Despite being one of the top all-rounders in Test cricket, Holder has failed to impose himself in limited-overs cricket over the years, and while he remains the Test captain for West Indies, he lost the

According to the COVID-19 protocols put in place by the IPL, Holder would need to undergo the mandatory six-day quarantine and clear the testing process before he can join the Sunrisers’ squad.

Williamson, Rashid fit for action Although Marsh’s exit will force them to rework their plans, Sunrisers have Kane Williamson available for selection for their second match, against

This date in boxing history:

Eastman beats Nigerian Elliott

Mitchell Marsh’s IPL 2020 ended after just one aborted outing. (BCCI)

the last five years that Marsh has had to abort the tournament because of injury - in 2017, a shoulder problem cost him the entire IPL season for the Rising Pune Supergiants.

Marsh was picked by Sunrisers for his base price of INR 2 crore ($281 000 approx.) last December, and on fresh pitches, in conditions favouring fast bowlers in the first phase of this IPL in the UAE, Marsh was expected to be a first-choice player for the Sunrisers with his all-round skills.

white-ball captaincy to Kieron Pollard last year.

In the December 2019 IPL auction, Holder had put his base price at INR 75 lakh ($100 000 approx.), but went unsold more than once. More recently Holder led the Barbados Tridents in the CPL 2020, where they finished fifth in the six-team table. Holder scored 192 runs at a strike rate of 140.14, and also picked up ten wickets at an economy rate of 6.63, while also bowling the most maidens in the competition (four).

KKR on September 26. Williamson, who had picked a quadriceps injury during training before the first game, is understood to be fit.

In another boost for the team, Rashid Khan is understood to be not suffering from concussion. He ran into team-mate Abhishek Sharma while completing a run during the chase in the Royal Challengers match and ended up on the floor. Though he continued to bat, there was a question mark around him.

Restoring of Cricket Administration Act ‘welcoming’ – BCB president TUESDAY’S announcement that the Cricket Administration Act was restored is a welcoming sign for the local sport, according to president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Hilbert Foster.

The longtime cricket administrator spoke to Chronicle Sport yesterday evening, saying that he is ‘pleased’ with the move announced.

“The BCB is pleased with the cricket bill coming back into effect and it is our hope that elections for the GCB will bring democracy to these shores and the best possible

leaders will be in charge of the sport.”

Foster, who in years gone by, had been a supporter of the Act, contended that this can only mean the forward thrust of cricket, adding that he is most interested in the ancient county’s role.

On Tuesday, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr, confirmed that an order suspending the Act had been discharged.

The suspension was filed by the previous Minister with responsibility for Sport Nicolette Henry.

According to Ramson,

“The next step for us is that we’re going to have the Demerara Cricket Board elections and then shortly thereafter the Guyana Cricket Board elections.”

Tabled back in 2014 by the-then Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, the Act sought to firstly make it legal for Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to be established as a corporate body comprising the Demerara, Essequibo and the Berbice cricket boards, all of which will also be made corporate entities.

A section of the Act also

addressed the issue of phantom voting for the election of persons for administrative positions and at the same time will give limited power to the Minister of Sport.

The role of the minister under the legislation will be only to appoint the Ombudsman and his/her role ceases.

The Act also provides for better financial accountability with the cricket board being required to present timely audited financial reports to the National Assembly, as well as the National Sports Commission.

Howard `The Battersea Bomber’ Eastman

BORN in the Ancient County of Berbice, middleweight Howard `The Battersea Bomber’ Eastman won an easy points-decision over Nigerian Jerry Elliott on September 24, 2004. The 10-round fight was held at the Ice Arena in Nottinghamshire, England.

Eastman, 33 years old at the time, dropped Elliott who was five years younger, in the ninth round. The bout was a precursor to Eastman’s biggest payday.

Five months later, the Guyanese collected an `upper’ six-figure cheque for trading punches with undisputed middleweight king, Bernard `The Executioner’ Hopkins.

The American won via Unanimous Decision to hand Eastman the second defeat of his career. The orthodox boxer, who hails from New Amsterdam but fought out of England at the time, had his first world title challenge in November 2001.

He battled American William Joppy for the World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight title but lost by a Majority Decision, despite dominating the fight and dropping Joppy in the last round. In a distinguished career, the Rastafarian Eastman won the Guyana, European and Commonwealth middleweight titles.

Eastman will turn 50 on December 8 and from a total of 62 fights; he secured 49 victories (38 KOs) and lost 13. His last fight was on June 18, 2014 against Jamaican Tsetsi Davis. He remains the last man to defeat Guyana’s first world champion Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis.

Deandra Dottin frees her arms v England in 2nd women’s T20I at Derby yesterday.

England win second T20I against West Indies PAGE 26

Jasprit Bumrah celebrates after bowling Andre Russell, Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians, IPL 2020, Abu Dhabi, yesterday.

BCB president Hilbert Foster

Restoring of Cricket PAGE 27 Administration Act ‘‘welcoming welcoming’’ – BCB president

Mumbai register first win of IPL 2020

PAGE 24

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020