Guyana Chronicle E-paper 9-30-2020

WEDNESDAY 30th September, 2020

’ No. 106138

Creating a conducive business environment

–– House approves several bills to stimulate investment climate

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Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, greets a pupil during her recent visit to the hinterland regions to distribute learning materials, in light of closure of schools due to COVID-19 (See story on page 24)

Payara contract to be signed Friday 08 PAGE

President calls for debt relief, concessional financing for developing states 05 PAGE

Over 2,000 arrested for COVID-19 breaches 02 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Over 2,000 arrested for COVID-19 breaches

By Rabindra Rooplall

MORE than 2,000 persons have been arrested for violating regulations aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus

(COVID-19), police have confirmed.

Senior Superintendent, Khali Pareshram, Commander of Regional Division Four (C) which stretches from Industry to Mahaica, East

Coast Demerara, has reported that some 800 persons have been arrested for violating the COVID-19 guidelines.

In Regional Division Five, Commander, Senior Superintendent, Edmond Cooper, noted that almost 100 persons were arrested by police.

Commander of Region Three, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts said that some 1,583 persons were arrested in his division; some were charged and others were warned.

Senior Superintendent, Jairam Ramlakhan, who is commander of Region One, said almost 80 persons were charged for violation of the COVID-19 guidelines.

Region 10 Commander, Hugh Winter, reported that some 74 persons are currently before the court for breaking the guidelines while Region Seven Police Commander, Superintendent Dion Moore, said 170 persons were arrested and charged for breaches in the region.

Other commanders noted that many persons were also

charged in their district as strict maintenance of public order is most essential but

many persons need to be reminded to take the guidelines seriously.

Collectively, it was explained that law enforcement is therefore next only to healthcare in terms of essential services. Police have taken great risks during the lockdown to ensure strict observance of guidelines, including physical distancing,

which, in some cases, is the most difficult to enforce.

With the advent of the pandemic and lockdown, many crimes have gone down and some have gone up or will assume new forms in the near future.

It is incumbent on law-enforcement officials to think of ways of dealing with new challenges in maintaining law and order.

Persons are reminded to continue practising social distancing in the workplace, public spaces and while using public transportation to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease.

They are also reminded to practise frequent hand-washing/sanitising and always wear a face mask if

they have to go out.

Guyana’s number of cases has steadily risen over the past month.

The government has implemented a countrywide 6pm to 6am curfew as the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rapidly increase.

The curfew was announced in order published in the official gazette and will be effective from September 1 to today.

Apart from enforcement, some law enforcement officers have been engaged in other COVID- 19 response and relief efforts including the distribution of food and essential supplies to vulnerable citizens and supporting non-governmental organisations, groups and individuals.

GUYOIL reduces prices from October EFFECTIVE Thursday, October 1, gasoline at GUYOIL service stations will be down to $155 per litre while kerosene will

retail at $90 per litre as the Guyana Oil Company, on Tuesday, announced a reduction in the fuel prices Notwithstanding no re-

duction in the acquisition price, the company said it is cognisant of the economic challenges faced by customers, as the country continues

to battle with the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reduction covers its mogas (Super 95) gasoil, ultra-low sulfur diesel and kerosene and is effective at all of the company’s service stations across the country.

“As a national entity GUYOIL is always committed to its strategic objective of being the price stabiliser for the nation,” the company said in a statement issued.

“Though the company saw no reduction in acquisition cost, GUYOIL is aware of the economic challenges being faced by customers and businesses as the nation continues to battle COVID-19. The company hopes the reduction will bring significant ease to its customers and assures the nation that it will continue to provide its products and services at competitive prices.”

The Super95 is being reduced from the $165 it is currently retailing at while kerosene is being reduced from $100.

Currently selling for $160, Gasoil will be reduced to $145 per litre and ULSD will move from $218 per litre to $175 per litre.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Creating a conducive business environment

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–– House approves several bills to stimulate investment climate

By Rabindra Rooplall

MINERS tomorrow will benefit from the complete removal of the requirement for all vehicles used in the mining industry to be registered and have licence fees paid.

This was revealed by Prime Minister (PM), Mark Philips during his supportive speech for the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (amendment) Bill 2020, Bill number 10 of 2020, in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Investors and operators in the mining industry, he said, have been crying out a long time for government’s support to foster economic growth and boosting investors’ confidence but their cries seem to fall on deaf ears in the coalition government.

“As they are well-known for being deaf to the cries of the people, the APNU+AFC Administration did only what they know to do best, ignore the loud cries of our people and turn a blind eye on issues affecting persons throughout our country,” the Prime Minister said.

The PPP/C Government, he said, will have a different approach to governance and will work in the best interest of the Guyanese people because it understands their challenges.

“Mr. Speaker, if we do not work to provide an investor-friendly environment, then we will be doing an injustice to the people of our country. We must create an environment that allows the private sector to be able to build capacity and increase employment across our country,” the Prime Minister said.

Phillips told the House that businesses and investors can only contribute to the country’s economic growth if the government provides the framework to support their operations and create an environment for investment.

“The miners have brought to our attention, the inconvenience that the requirements of registration and paying licence fees for mining vehicles have brought to them and their operations. We have listened to them and we will support our miners just as we pledge to support all other investors and businesspersons,” he noted.

This is one way which will create opportunities for economic growth and expansion in the mining industry, which will in turn provide jobs for thousands of people in the sector, Philips told the House.

AUCTIONEERS BILL OF 2020 Meanwhile, Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag, in proposing the amendment of the Auctioneers Bill of 2020, said the legislation will benefit the economy heavily because it will incentivise and create employment.

The APNU+AFC tax measures created a burden on the population, she said and informed the August body that the PPP/C Administration is committed to the welfare of all Guyanese and will “by reversing and reducing the draconian tax measures that

Prime Minister, Mark Philips were previously imposed.”

The business community was heavily affected by the tax measures.

Minister Parag pointed out that a quick scan of the records of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has shown that in 2019, there was one licence issued to an auctioneer and in 2020 that number was reduced to zero. Previous years, she said persons would have had a lot more but became less after the 2016 amendment of the Auctioneer Act by the then Finance Minister, who sought to put an exorbitant fee of 40,000.

The Auctioneers Bill 2020 was considered in committee clause by clause and was passed without amendment.

CORPORATION TAX Further, in outlining the vision of the PPP/C Administration, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar said the Corporation Tax on education is not developing the sector.

Noting that Guyana has been behind the curve, Minister Indar said a lot of skillsets are missing and this can be remedied by taxing the educational facilities less so that students can benefit.

“If you are saving money from your operations, that money can be translated into a cheaper rate per child which helps parents regardless of whichever part of the education strata is being served,” he said.

He explained that the necessary skillsets needed in Guyana can be brought in by trade schools and universities, especially for the oil and gas sector.

Minister Indar said the bill incentivises the education sector which means good for investment.

“It will give prospective Guyanese the opportunity to go and study, to go and be trained for jobs we are not getting right now, jobs that are going to foreigners and that our people are not benefitting from,” he said.

Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar

The minister said business, medical, law, drilling, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and civil works schools are needed in Guyana.

The removal of the 25 per cent Corporation Tax will allow schools to expand and reinvest in the students and will be effective from the January, 1, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Trump, Biden spar in chaotic presidential debate REPUBLICAN President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden battled fiercely over Trump’s leadership on the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and taxes in a fiery first debate on Tuesday marked by Trump’s repeated interruptions.

With moderator Chris Wallace trying in vain at times to control the debate, the two White House contenders talked over each other and lobbed insults in a breathtaking political brawl that made it hard for either man to make a point.

“Will you shut up, man?

This is so unpresidential,” said an exasperated Biden after repeated interruptions during only the first segment of the debate on the Supreme Court.

Biden called Trump a “clown” and a “racist” and told him: “You’re the worst president America has ever had.”

Trump for his part said:

“There’s nothing smart about you, Joe.” Biden questioned Trump’s leadership on the coronavirus pandemic, saying Trump had panicked and failed to protect Americans because he was more concerned about the economy.

“He panicked or he looked at the stock market,” Biden said of Trump, who has pushed for states to reopen their economies and played down the threat of the pandemic.

“A lot of people died and a lot more are going to die unless he gets a lot smarter, a lot quicker,” Biden said.

Trump objected to Biden using the word “smart.”

“You graduated either the lowest or almost the lowest in your class. Don’t ever use the word smart with me. Don’t ever use that word,” Trump said.

He defended his approach

on the pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States and put millions of Americans out of work.

“We’ve done a great job,” Trump said. “But I tell you, Joe, you could never have done the job we’ve done. You don’t have it in your blood.”

With more than a million Americans already casting early ballots and time running out to change minds or influence the small sliver of undecided voters, the stakes were enormous as the two White House candidates took the stage five weeks before the Nov. 3 Election Day. The two contenders did not shake hands as they entered the debate, adhering to protocols on social distancing because of the coronavirus.

Biden, 77, has held a consistent lead over Trump, 74, in national opinion polls, although

surveys in the battleground states that will decide the election show a closer contest.

The 90-minute debate, with a limited and socially distanced in-person audience because of the pandemic, was held at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. It was the first of three scheduled presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.

TRUMP DEFENDS COURT PUSH Trump defended his effort to swiftly fill a U.S. Supreme Court seat, saying “elections have consequences” and he had the right despite Democratic objections.

“I will tell you very simply we won the election, elections have consequences. We have the Senate and we have the White House and we have a phenomenal nominee respected by all,” Trump said in defense

of his nominee, conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

Biden, talking over frequent interruptions from Trump, said the seat of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be filled after the Nov. 3 election, when it was clear who the president would be.

“We should wait, we should wait and see what the outcome of this election is,” Biden said, adding a more conservative Supreme Court would endanger the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare.

Trump is moving quickly to fill Ginsburg’s seat in hopes of cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the court, a key priority for social conservatives.

Democrats have argued Republicans are being hypocritical for moving quickly to fill the seat given they had blocked then-President Barack Obama’s nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016, arguing it should wait until after that November election.

Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden as he attempted to answer questions, prompting Biden at one point to interject: “Will you shut up, man?”

The combustible Trump and more low-key Biden were debating an array of urgent political challenges, including

the pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States and thrown millions out of work, protests for racial justice, as well as the battle over the Supreme Court.

Hours before the debate, Biden released his 2019 tax returns and his campaign called on Trump, who has come under fire for not releasing his returns, to do the same.

Biden took the step two days after the New York Times reported Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017 - and none in 10 of the previous 15 years - following years of reporting steep losses from business enterprises.

Trump had long sought to keep his personal financial records secret.

Biden’s taxes showed that he and his wife Jill paid more than $346,000 in federal taxes and other payments for 2019 on an income of nearly $985,000 before seeking a refund of nearly $47,000 they said they had overpaid the government.

“I paid millions of dollars in taxes, millions of dollars of income tax,” Trump said when asked about the New York Times report.

(Reuters)

Wednesday, September 30, 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

President Ali calls for debt relief, concessional financing –– says new era in global relations will require significant development support

By Navendra Seoraj THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, already a dire health emergency, is widening economic constraints experienced by countries around the world, said the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, as he made his case for there to be debt relief and concessional financing, particularly for developing states.

The President, in his address to the United Nations (UN), said the pandemic is upending economic growth, reversing decades of development, derailing progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, and intensifying poverty and inequality. It is also worsening unemployment, and weakening health and education systems.

“As a consequence, developing countries are expected, in the near-term, to experience widening fiscal deficits, the narrowing of fiscal space, reduced external financing inflows and increasing debt. Small states, with undiversified economies and limited resources, will find it difficult to satisfy their immediate development and recovery needs,” said President Ali. The UN, being the world’s foremost multilateral organisation, ‘must’ spearhead the global response to this pandemic.

At the health level, President Ali said this response should involve increased access to personal protection equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers, the provision of therapeutics and equipment for patient treatment, and the rollout of and support for mass immunization when a vaccine becomes available.

On the socio-economic front, he said it is imperative that global resources be mobilised to ensure a return to a sustainable development trajectory.

“Resources must be made available, expeditiously, using a vari-

ety of financial mechanisms, include debt relief, debt-service moratoriums, concessional financing capitalisation of deferred interest payments, and grants,” said President Ali. RECOVERY These measures will facilitate the recovery of developing states. But, the pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated global and societal inequalities. Addressing these inequalities must become integral to the global and national responses, said President Ali. In this regard, he applauded the sentiments expressed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in this year’s Mandela Lecture.

The Secretary-General has clearly set out the challenges which lay before nations, and the actions which are necessary. His call for a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal is an apt response to both the pandemic, and the inequalities which exacerbate its effects.

A New Global Deal, as envisaged by the Secretary-General, will allow for the effective transfer of resources – financial, intellectual and technological – to developing countries. It will facilitate, also, a fairer sharing of the benefits of globalisation. A New Social Contract, in turn, will ensure the effective use of these resources to ensure that states remain on a sustainable development trajectory.

“I am confident that the world will defeat this pandemic. I confident also that with the political will we can reduce global and societal inequalities.

REBUILD “It is important, therefore, that as we recover and rebuild, that we initiate a new era, one characterised by: a world where we anticipate and prevent illnesses instead of scrambling to cure

them; a world where every child receives a quality education; a world where our elderly enjoy a dignified life; a world where everyone has access to food, health care, housing and water; and a world in which diversity and human rights are respected,” said President Ali. He believes that establishing this new era in global relations will require significant development support, moreso now in the face of an impending

global recession. For many small states, the burden of recovery from the pandemic will be too great to bear on their own.

“It is therefore of paramount importance that today’s deliberations pave the way for financial support to help small states rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is equally vital that the Secretary General’s calls for a New Global Deal and New Social Contract be pursued with promptness to ensure that recovery is aligned to re-

ducing inequalities,” said President Ali. The president said Guyana is aware of the pressing need to pursue, collectively, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to effectively combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to secure a path towards a sustainable recovery.

“We have survived pandemics, global wars and recessions before. We shall survive again, and, as the United Nations, usher in the New Era,” President Ali affirmed.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

(ag)

Tackling child abuse

GUYANA observed Child Protection Week 2020, which was held under the theme, “Breaking the Silence on Child Sexual Abuse” from September 6th— 12th, 2020.

However, sexual abuse of children, where perpetrators go unpunished, horrifying as the facts and statistics are, comprises a miniscule percentage of abuse in general by the bullies of society on the weak and vulnerable.

A news item, headlined “Disfigured, rejected teen secures 14 subjects at CSEC Exam,” published on September 27th in this newspaper, relates that teenager, Rickey Risaul Somwaru, was set afire five years ago, when he attempted to prevent his already intoxicated father from consuming more alcohol. The ensuing physical, emotional and psychological wounds consequenced from such a bestial act did not prevent 17-yr-old Ricky from securing passes in 14 subjects -- grades one to three at CSEC. However, this resilience of spirit and mind prevailing over unendurable suffering is an exception to the norm, because, generally, such horrific experiences leave ineradicable scars – seen and unseen, that often leads to self-destructive acts by victims.

When God gifted Adam and Eve with Paradise, he gave them a choice that would have either enabled them to remain in the Garden of Eden, or live a life in which human frailties would impact the quality and the comprehensive landscape of their lives, and the lives of all their descendants. They made the latter choice.

The all-powerful Lord could have merely created mankind with all the virtues, which he did, with the added dimension of allowing everyone the option to choose either the pathway to Heaven, or to follow Satan’s edicts. This is the genesis of democracy, and the forerunner to all parliamentary configurations, which are supposed to be the bastions of human laws and the caretakers of human rights.

Within the construct of humanity, there is one primary equation that should be inviolate; and that is the sanctity of the family. But because of serious breaches in that bastion fortifying the protection of family units, intercessions are sometimes necessary to invest a degree of protective legislation into the equation, especially where there are spouses who batter their domestic partners repeatedly, but are yet set free, with the ultimate consequence of finally depriving that partner of her life – and here I lay blame squarely at the feet of the guardians of the law, because theirs are oftentimes the decisions, and the action or inaction that determines the fate of the innocent victims and the casualties of the demonic actions by beasts in human form.

Hence, the various pieces of legislation driven by former Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand. But sometimes legislation is not enough and the justice system fails the society.

Responding to public outcry over the Neesa Gopaul tragedy, where the young girl fell through the cracks of the system and eventually met her death at the hands of the people she should have trusted most in the world, Manickchand said “… abuse

and abuse of children and women are so often met with apathy from society in general.”

She iterated that, policy-wise, everything was in place to prevent such a tragedy and averred that manuals and protocols are written, training on said manuals done and officers at the agency do only child protection work as compared to other offices in the ministry who do general duties, which include so much that their expertise is sometimes stretched.

“It is incumbent on officers to do what is required of them, not be lazy or ignorant of laws and/or best practice when dealing with the nation’s children. If officers do not do what they are paid to do, then we cannot ensure that this does not happen again.”

PPP/C Governments have periodically trained service providers, yet, despite these myriad interventions at the level of central government, the victims continue to fall through the cracks.

Spousal and sexual abuse, including incest and rape, continue unabated, and many partners have been murdered after prolonged instances of spousal abuse. In an interview with the Chronicle in 2014, Minister Manickchand, speaking out of the box of her then portfolio as Minister of Education, and addressing issues that had been integral to her former mandate, said that under no circumstances should a woman remain with an abusive partner.

She rejected the idea of domestic violence being a personal matter and asserted that it is a crime against the state. Referring to the comprehensive 1996 Domestic Violence Act, and the new Sexual Offences

Act, the minister contended that the woman’s right of choice should be respected at all times; and she listed her reasons, among which is the inability of a female to make rational decisions while her emotions, as well as practical matters and considerations, are involved.

It is incumbent upon the state to provide the mechanisms to facilitate self-empowerment for a victim to leave an abusive spouse, and Minister Manickchand was adamant that it is only when the woman is emotionally and psychologically ready to leave, which is almost always a very difficult decision for her, she should be given every co-operation by the relevant bodies to facilitate the process of her leaving the abusive relationship which, she asserted, includes the police and the legal system.

Recognising that men can also be victims, the Men’s Affairs Bureau (MAB) was established under Minister Manickchand’s watch. She informed that MAB was established to encourage men to seek resolution to their own problems; to recognise that being emotional is not the domain only of female partners; to relate to situations that their counterparts may encounter and to seek for and effect peaceful resolutions that can lead to compromises and even heal breaches in relationships, among others.

The minister concluded by urging law-enforcement bodies, that when a woman is ready to leave, then the relevant institutions and personnel must provide all the requisite adjunctive support necessary to facilitating the move away from an abusive, explosive and potentially murderous situation.

Celebrating Mahatma Gandhi Day Dear editor, ON October 2, 1869 a great teacher was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, and the United Nations has asked all mankind to remember his contributions to human civilisation by declaring that date as the International Day of Non-Violence. Too many of his birthdays have gone by without any sustained efforts to pass on his message to those who may not know of him or his achievements.

Excessive reliance is placed on national organisations planning an event in which only a few participate. However, without great fanfare, every single person irrespective of race, religion, nationality or social status, can

show appreciation for this great soul by trying to step into his shoes. His life and message can still contribute to the resolution of many of the problems caused and faced by humans today and it is an opportune time to show gratitude and respect for the spiritual politician who proved that TRUTH and NON-VIOLENCE can change the world.

The following are only a few activities that every person, especially those who do not find him a perfect human being, can attempt to sense his greatness.

Fast for the day, skip a meal or just eat less. Be a vegetarian so no animal, bird or fish has to be killed. Wear fewer clothing consistent with your climate. Do not pollute but instead clean up the environment.

See and discuss the movie GANDHI and others shows of his life. Persuade and assist all schools to get speakers to inform the children of his life and legacy.

Have courage to confront injustice but use methods that are consistent with the objectives. The “sacred warrior” first notified the oppressors of his intent and if the situation does not improve then he resorts to his weapon of peaceful non-cooperation with the source of evil. This strategy of non-violent resistance has been followed by anti-colonial and freedom movements across the globe. It can be applied to any situation of inequality and injustice even based on racial or economic suppression.

Donate blood, food, clothes, books or

other material possessions to those in need, particularly to strangers.

Practice Ahimsa which does not simply mean non violence but non-harm. Words, ill-thoughts, anger, harsh judgements are all forms of harm not only to others but even to those who entertain them.

Tell the truth even it means loss of social or economic status and experience the power of moral superiority. Observe the reaction of a very rich or powerful person who is found to be untruthful.

Do not smoke or consume alcohol or anything that alters the mind.

Take the longest walk that you health see page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

We value our customers Dear editor, THIS is in response to the letter of Ms. Fareeza Haniff, “Horrifying experience in Ultrasound Dept. at Eureka Lab,� (Stabroek News September 28, 2020).

It was indeed a very unfortunate experience. We do not condone such actions by any of our team members and humbly apologise. We can confirm that since the complaint was received, actions were taken to ensure there is no repeat occurrence.

We have built our image for the last 25 years as one of the leading medical laboratories in the Caribbean and hold fast to our Mission, Vision and Core Values. We value our customers and again apologise for the inconvenience caused to Ms. Haniff and any other individual/s who have been adversely affected by this unprofessional behaviour.

We thank you for your continued support as we continue to work toward providing the best possible service to our valued customers.

In the meantime, the doctor in question is no longer a part of our organisation.

W. Andrew Boyle Chief Executive Officer Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc

Celebrating Mahatma Gandhi ...

From page 6

will allow, either alone or with others, preferably to redress a social wrong or injustice following the precedent of Satyagraha. Passive resistance or soul force is infinitely superior to body force. Jesus, Socrates, Tolstoy, Buddha, Mandela, Martin Luther King and many successful political leaders used this method.

Be prepared to admit temporary failure if your end cannot be achieved by peaceful means at the first attempt.

Do not try to convert anyone by telling them they can only obtain salvation by following your religion because it is a blatant lie historically supported overtly and covertly by governments. It may even amount to terrorism depending on the definition of the term and the words used to generate fear. Recognise that all religions have produced charitable, loving, caring human beings yet religious differences remain one of the greatest impediments to world peace.

Be silent for as long as possible while meditating and looking inward. Control your lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, or fear. Show respect and appreciation for your spouse or partner, family members and neighbours.

Read, share and discuss books that inspired Gandhi e.g. the Gita, his autobiography, and works of countless authors who tried to capture the secrets to his greatness.

It is remarkable how he generated power and national significance to very simple things e.g. salt he picked up after the Dandi March in 1930, spinning the charkha to make khadi or home spun cloth for economic independence.

As a lawyer he spoke of rights, but as the Mahatma he emphasised duties to each other, from respecting the poor to the welfare of all living things and eventually the entire planet.

Once this trying day is over many will appreciate his life and be willing to name a street, a building, or other structure after him.

A few may even finance scholarships and courses in Peace Studies to ensure that he is guaranteed the immortality he deserves.

Peace and love, RAMNARINE SAHADEO

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Payara contract to be signed Friday THE Government of Guyana and global oil giants, ExxonMobil will on Friday sign an agreement, paving the way for the company to move ahead with its Payara project.

This was according to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat in an invited comment on Tuesday.

The Payara Project, located in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block, is expected to see the drilling of up to 45 development wells, which could take up to five years, with drilling initially pegged to begin in 2020, and initial production by early 2023.

The project marks EEPGL’s third field development in the Stabroek block, and targets 180,000 to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, with anticipation to produce approximately 5,700,000 to 6,600,000 barrels of crude oil per month.

A review of the Payara Development Project was previously conducted by the Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants contracted by the Department of Energy (DoE) under the previous administration.

The new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, however, de-

cided to review the work already undertaken by the DoE to ensure that the interests of all Guyanese are protected, and are in keeping with international transparency and accountability standards. The current review is being done by a team of international experts headed by Canadian Queen’s Counsel, Alison Redford.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, in sharing his views on those discussions, had said: “We have made tremendous progress… We are strong on a few issues, especially related to the environmental impact; fine for gas flaring; issue of

Man admits to having sex with corpse A 50-year-old unemployed man, on Tuesday, pleaded guilty to having sex with the corpse of a 56-year-old woman at the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary.

Leroy Chacon appeared via the Zoom online platform before Magistrate Delon Bess, at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Chacon was remanded to prison and will return to court on Wednesday for sentencing.

Leroy Chacon The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the woman,

who had tested positive for COVID-19, died on September 21, 2020. She was a farmer of 14 Miles, Arakaka, North West District.

Reports indicated that the suspect was seen in the mortuary on September 26 committing the offence and police were immediately summoned.

He was subsequently arrested and placed in a facility for quarantine under police guard.

reinjection of water… Those are things we are strong on, but they (stakeholders) are making steady progress, and very shortly, we can have a full assessment.”

Minister Bharrat had told this publication that when the process is completed, the review will be made public, so that a comparison can be done between the review conducted by the international experts and that of Bayphase.

The completion of the process should allow for ExxonMobil to meet its development timelines, inclusive of a Final Investment

Decision (FID).

ExxonMobil is now firmly established in Guyana, operating an office in Georgetown, with numerous ongoing exploration and development operations offshore. ExxonMobil Guyana has made 18 discoveries since May 2015, and began production in December 2019 from the Liza Phase One development project.

The company is the operator of the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur Blocks offshore Guyana. Since 2015, ExxonMobil has increased its estimated recoverable resource base

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat in Guyana to more than eight billion oil-equivalent barrels.

Berbicians to start ‘drawing down’ COVID-19 cash relief shortly THE Region Six Administration has commenced preparatory work to roll out the $25,000 COVID-19 cash relief during the month of October.

Already, several teams have been assigned to work in the East Berbice-Corentyne region, with two and three groups working in the varying Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) districts, and the three Municipalities across the region, Regional Chairman David Armogan announced on Tuesday afternoon.

The house-to-house verification, he says, should be completed within two weeks or so, and once that is completed, then the roll-out of the cash grant will start.

“It’s not a promise; it’s a reality. Every-

body will get,” he said.

On the issue of double occupancy among other thorny ones that have been raised from time to time, Armogan said that such matters will be addressed in due course.

In addition, those persons who are categorised as single parents, differently-abled or unemployed, and can satisfy the criteria, are asked to access the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for a continuous assistance.

“I want our people to take advantage of these benefits,” Armogan said.

Meanwhile, roll-out of the cash-grant programme has already begun in Regions One (Barima- Waini) and Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Armogan unhappy with Reg. Six’s showing at the NGSA –– finds 46% pass rate ‘disappointing’

REGIONAL Chairman David Armogan has expressed disappointment with the 46 per cent passes Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) chalked up this year at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA. “Our percentage has been pretty disappointing; we have only been able to achieve 46%. It means we have to do a lot of work in the primary schools, so our children can achieve a higher grade in the future,” he told Berbice reporters during a press briefing at the Regional Complex at Vryman’s Erven,

in New Amsterdam, on Tuesday afternoon.

He noted that of the 1775 pupils that were entered by the region’s 55 primary schools to write the exam this year, only 809 were able to score more than 400 marks.

“What we know is that more would be going on to the high school, but they will not be able to perform in the First Form of the secondary school, because many have difficulties in reading and writing. If they can’t read and write properly, how then can they enter into the high school,” he said, adding:

Cops intercept Surinamese man with machine gun

CUSTOMS law enforcement officers on Monday intercepted a 26-year-old man from Paramaribo, Suriname, who was found in possession of one Beretta sub-machine gun, with the number defaced; 25 live 9mm ammunition and SRD 6,250 and US$3,000.

The arrest was made by the officers at approximately 22:00 hrs while on patrol duty at the Number 79 Village foreshore in Corriverton, Berbice.

While on patrol, the officers noticed a speedboat arriving from Suriname and pulling up at Eno Boat Landing.

A search was conducted on the vessel, as well as its and passengers and their belongings, during which time the items

were found on the unemployed man who resides at Zuelen, Paramaribo, Suriname.

The suspect was arrested and taken into custody at the Springlands Police Station, along with the firearm and ammunition; same were marked, sealed and lodged by customs officers, in the presence of the suspect, who is assisting with the investigation.

The Suriname/Guyana borders have been closed since March due to the pandemic; however, persons have been using the back- track route to enter the country.

Recently, several persons were arrested, quarantined, and subsequently placed before the court.

The gun and ammunition seized by police from the Surinamese

“We need to look at these low-performing schools. It’s more than half we have to focus on, and we need to bring them to the required standard expected at the secondary level. It must also be noted that the teachers at the secondary school have also been complaining about the level of pupils’ knowledge, which is not desirable for Form One. That’s why we have had to introduce the six-year programme in some of the schools”.

He went on to explain how the six-year programme works, “The first year exposes the children to General Reasoning, Writing and Basic Mathematics. Once they pass the first year, then, officially, they will commence their secondary level. So, what should have been done in the primary school, has to be done in the first year of the six-year programme in the secondary school. That’s unacceptable; it should not happen in this region! The Education Officer and staffers will have to definitely work within the primary level to ensure that the pupils are better prepared.”

And while this year’s results have shown a slight improvement on last year’s, Mr. Armogan did not seem the least bit impressed, and even downplayed the suggestion that the children’s underperformance might have had to do with the effect the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has had on them emotionally and otherwise.

“The pupils should have written the examinations in April; they were tutored prior to the pandemic, which was in March. I don’t think it had a major impact on the results,” he reasoned.

He also dismissed the notion that the poor performance might have also had to do with the fact that a number of teachers in the education system are either unqualified or untrained, or both. “That cannot be reflective of the performance,” he promptly shot back, adding: “We have to look to see what are the underlying factors for such a low-level performance; this has to be improved.”

After giving the matter some thought, Armogan conceded that while some schools, such as Plegt-Anker and Schepmoed Primary, may have a high percentage of passes, as reflected in the 100% passes they got, in actual fact, it was just one and two pupils respectively who would have written from those schools.

However, All Saints Primary continues to preform well, as they have recorded a 75% pass rate this year, having entered 93 pupils for the examinations.

And whereas St. Therese’s Primary was once regarded as one of the region’s top performers, its reputation now seems to be on the decline, with an overall pass rate of 63% of 113 pupils who sat the exam.

Among the Region’s top 15 primary schools to have secured 50% and above passes this year are: Gangaram; Berbice Islamic; Orealla; Cumberland; Cropper; Sheet Anchor; Edinburgh; Rose Hall Estate; Alness; Port Mourant; and Number 36.

There are listed primary schools which recorded no passes at all, while there are others that recorded 6% and 14% passes on the lower end of the list.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Housty re-elected president of Bar Association TENI Housty and Robin Stoby, S.C. were re-elected to their positions of president and vice-president, respectively on Tuesday, when the Bar Association of Guyana held its Annual General Meeting at which elections to the Bar Council were held for the fiscal year

ending 2021.

Jamela Ali was elected as the new second vice-president.

Pauline Chase and Keoma Griffith were also re-elected to their positions as secretary for the fourth consecutive term and assistant secretary for the third consecutive term, respectively. Naresh Poonai was

elected to the post of treasurer.

Former presidents of the association, Kamal Ramkarran, and Timothy Jonas, along with K.A. Juman Yassin, S.C., Horatio Edmonson, Onassis Granville and Donavon Rangiah were elected to fill the remaining six seats on the Bar Council.

Pauline Chase, Secretary

Keoma Griffith, Assistant Secretary

Naresh Poonai, Treasurer

Convict slips away while on kitchen duty Teni Housty, President

Mr. Robin Stoby, S.C.Vice President

Ms. Jamela Ali, Vice-President

POLICE are currently on the hunt for convicted prisoner, James Moore, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison, on Tuesday afternoon.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, in a statement said James Moore, along with 13 other prisoners were booked out from the Holding Bay to work at the Lusignan Prison kitchen earlier that day.

However, at about 16:30 hours, the

23-year-old man was discovered missing from his place of labour.

An investigation has since been launched and a manhunt for Moore is in progress Moore is serving a three years sentence for Armed Robbery.

His last addresses on record are Lot 544 New Road, Dairy and Dennis Street, Turkeyen.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Coalition’s policies brought tremendous hardship to the poor –– Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE APNU+AFC’s style of governance killed economic growth, stifled productivity and stymied commerce and trade, resulting in not only a contraction of the economy, but making it almost reliant solely on taxation as the only source of revenue.

This is according to Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, during his speech on Tuesday in the National Assembly on the second reading of the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2020.

Nandlall explained that the style of governance practiced by the APNU+AFC saw vast reduction on exports, no foreign exchange, joblessness; reduction on imports because of a lack of money flowing in the economy and less revenue in customs and import taxes.

In the process, the legal affairs minister said 30,000 persons lost their jobs, “Barama closed operations, Bai Shan Lin was chased out of the country, GuySuCo shut down, no markets for rice and I can go on.”

He said the APNU+AFC government’s approach to job creation and the productive sector can easily be gleamed from statements made by the then President, David Granger.

“He says government is not in the business of creating jobs. He told the rice farmers at this very venue at a meeting of farmers and millers that rice is not the government’s business. Carl Greenidge labelled the sugar industry ‘a black hole’. The then President told our young university graduates to go to Stabroek Market and sell cook up rice, plantain chip and fried fish. That is their style of governance,” the Attorney-General said.

Meanwhile, he said the increase in non-taxable mortgage relief saves the

homeowner between $5M to $7.5M, depending on the particulars of their loan and on average about 50 per cent of monthly mortgage payment is to service the interest of a loan.

This Income Tax Amendment Bill, he said, seeks to restore the limit back to $30M as another stimulus to the economy to complement the housing drive which will deliver over 50,000 new house lots and houses over the next five years.

With this increase, he said the homeowner can save as much as $7.5M throughout the course of the loan.

In 2013, the Legal Affairs Minister said the PPP/C, for the first time, introduced interest relief for mortgages for homeowners up to a ceiling of $30M. He explained that this measure was clearly intended to boost not only the National Housing Drive, but most importantly, to assist especially first-time home owners to own their own homes.

RAPID DEVELOPMENT “It was during this period that we witnessed a phenomenal proliferation of new homes in areas such as Diamond, Eccles, Providence, Grove, Farm, on the East Bank of Demerara; Wisrock and Amelia Ward in Region 10; La Parfaite Harmonie, Cornelia Ida, Stewartville, Meten-MeerZorg and Tuschen in Region Three; Bath Settlement and Experiment in Region Five; Hampshire, Tain and Williamsburg in Region Six,” he said.

Although such a policy was so beneficial, Nandlall said the APNU+AFC administration found it problematic and reduced that $30M mortgage limit to $15M. This measure, Nandlall said, was among over 200 other measures implemented

a mortgage to buy or build a house. We are not only delivering that house lot or that house but we are restoring that measure.”

The $7.5M in savings, he said, can be used to furnish the house or to educate the children and much more.

Further, the Legal Affairs

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall by the APNU+AFC while in government. They imposed new taxes and increased licensing fees, so as to tax “the daylight out of our people”.

In fact, he said many people described the tax measures as the most punitive, ever imposed, by any government in the English-speaking Caribbean since Independence in one election term.

“The people were bound to vote them out in the end.

It is necessary therefore, to examine the type of ideology that will produce such draconian measures. It is an ideology that sees taxation as the only source of revenue to finance government,” the Attorney-General said.

He continued: “It’s a style of government that offers no incentive to the productive sectors, no incentives to attract investments, no incentives to augment trade, no policy to create jobs and the shutting down of industries that are encountering problems rather than nurse those industries back to good health.”

He explained that over the past five years, instead of the APNU+AFC developing house lots for Guyanese, they chose to “drive a nail in the coffin of an intended homeowner by taking away from them an interest relief measure, if they were to obtain

‘Rubber’ remanded for gunpoint robbery A TWENTY-SEVEN-year-old labourer, on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond/Grove Magistrate’s Court, charged with two counts of armed robbery.

Ronald Armstrong called `Rubber’ of Parika, East Bank Essequibo pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to

prison.

Particulars of the charges alleged that Armstrong, on August 27 at M. Gobin Dam Friendship, East Bank Demerara, while being armed with a gun, robbed Haymattie Sookdeo, a 62-year-old chef and Rookmin Dookie, a 52-year-old housewife.

Armstrong will make his next court appearance on October 22.

Minister said there is yet another dimension where another sector of the economy will benefit; it is the banking sector as loans and mortgages will become far more attractive than they currently are.

“Those who interact with this sector will tell you how

badly this sector needs a boost as a result of the horrible performance of the economy over the past five years.

The banks now carry a burden of about forty per cent 40 per cent of their loans are non-performing and can be considered bad loans,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Gary Best fatal accident trial due to start October 6 COME October 6, the trial of former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force

(GDF), Rear Admiral Gary Best, who was charged with causing death by dangerous

driving, following the death of former national cyclist, Jude Bentley, is expected to

commence.

Magistrate Rondel Weever will be presiding over the

matter when it comes up in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Best, 61, is currently on $500,000 bail on the charge which alleged that, on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Greater Georgetown, he drove motor car PRR 8182 in a dangerous manner which resulted in Bentley’s death.

He was not required to plead to that charge.

The former Chief-ofStaff is also before the court on a driving under the in-

Former national cyclist, Jude Bentley fluence charge. Magistrate Clive Nurse is hearing that matter.

The particulars of that charge alleged that Best had a breath alcohol level of .85 microgrammes at the time of the accident. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on self-bail.

Former army Chiefof-Staff, Rear Admiral Gary Best Bentley, 41, a businessman and former national cyclist, was killed after he was struck down on the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy, at approximately 05:00hrs by a black land cruiser.

Reports indicated that Bentley and Best were heading east along the road.

Best, reportedly, tried to avoid hitting Bentley and struck a utility pole, but still managed to hit the cyclist and dragged him several feet from the point of impact.

Best was arrested at the scene and two breathalyser tests were administered. Both tests reportedly revealed that he was way above the legally-prescribed alcohol limit.

Rapist appeals sentence 5 years after conviction CALVIN Ramcharran, who was sentenced, in 2015, to 23 years in prison for rape and assault causing bodily harm, is now challenging his conviction and sentence.

Ramcharran, 28, has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal arguing that his conviction cannot stand. He is asking that his sentence be set aside.

In 2015, a 12-member jury found Ramcharran guilty for the rape and assault committed on an adult female at a dance at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara on July 22, 2012.

The first charge stated that on July 22, 2012, in the county of Demerara, Ramcharran engaged in Calvin Ramcharran sexual penetration of an adult female without her consent. The second charge is that on the same date, he assaulted the young woman causing her actual bodily harm.

Trial Judge Jo-Ann Barlow, at the High Court, sentenced him to serve 23 years for the rape and four years for the assault charge.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

According to the evidence, on the date in question, Ramcharran was at the dance where the young woman was present with some friends.

The young woman went to urinate and Ramcharran followed her, asking if she was “doing business”, and she said no.

Although he had heard that, he still assaulted the young woman and raped her.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Baksh checks up on water distribution systems

THE recent rehabilitation of a well at Red Village, Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, has resulted in residents receiving water for the first time in 18 months.

During a visit to Region Two by GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh and a technical team, residents expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with the water supply they are now receiving, noting that it is a major relief following the hardships they endured for close to two years.

According to engineers in the region, the well was dormant and needed cleaning and re-sleeving, as part of the rehabilitation works.

Baksh was at the time assessing the water supply situation on the Essequibo Coast, with a view to addressing residents’ concerns.

He visited the Warousi, Cullen and Onderneeming One and Two well stations, as well as the Lima water treatment plant.

An overall assessment has revealed that access to water supply was fairly satisfactory GWI CEO, Shaik Baksh across the coast, with the main issue being high iron content. Baksh noted that the chemical used to treat the iron has not given satisfactory results.

As such, with funding being made available from the Caribbean Development Bank, plans are being expedited for the construction of a new water treatment plant that will serve residents from Walton Hall to Charity.

Additionally, customers served by individual well stations will immediately benefit from more frequent flushing of the pipelines, while in-line filtration is being looked at as a long- term solution to tackle the high iron content.

Baksh also visited the island of Wakenaam, Region Three, which will soon benefit from increased water supply as works have already begun to resuscitate an abandoned well, a release from GWI said.

The island has been experiencing a poor level of water supply for the past two to three years.

This below-par service was attributed to low water production at the Free and Easy and Noitegedacht well stations. A GWI team is already on the island to clean and rehabilitate the wells to increase production.

The well being rehabilitated, which was privately-owned and became dormant, is situated in Caledonia. However, permission was given for GWI to take up possession of the well.

Plans for Wakenaam include the drilling of a new well, as well as the treatment of the water for the high iron content.

Over at Zeelugt North, Tuschen East and West and Parika Road, GWI will be reviewing the water distribution system to bring relief to the population there after receiving reports of poor level of service.

On September 25, the CEO, regional chairman and a technical team from GWI visited a number of Region Three communities to assess the water situation.

An analysis of the network is currently being undertaken with the aim of improving the production capacity of wells and the Vergenogen water treatment plant, as well as re-aligning the water distribution system.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Put political differences aside –– work in best interest of the region, Min. Mustapha urges Region Six councillors

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha has appealed to new councillors at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six to listen to the concerns of the people, and make every effort to address those that are genuine.

“We must listen to concerns of people; not just the chairman or vice-chairman, but each of you, because if you do, you can make the representation that is needed.

You are here at the RDC to serve the people, not the other way around. You are the servants of the people; you have taken the oath to serve without fear and a favour, and I do hope that each and every one of you commits and re-commits yourselves to the service of the people.

We must work hard to instill confidence in the populace of Region Six,” he said in his charge on Monday.

The minister also called on the councillors to put aside their personal and political differences, and work hand-in-hand for the betterment of the region and its citizens.

Mustapha, a former councillor and regional chairman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), said he

Regional Chairman, David Armogan recognised some of the faces who were sworn in, and from his experience, they are individuals who have the interest of the region at heart.

“It will take a lot of effort and energy to be a successful councilor, so I hope that each and every councillor that had just taken the oath of office is prepared to serve, and serve to the best of their ability. They will serve the people of Region Six, and they will put aside political affiliation; they will put aside race, religion, and ensure that they serve the entire Region Six without fear and favour. Remember, the election campaigns are over; the task is now there for us to rebuild, and build back our

country. And when we make decisions, it should be in the interest of Region Six,” Minister Mustapha said.

At a simple ceremony held at the St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD) headquarters in Portuguese Quarters, 30 new councillors took the oath of office on Monday. Twenty of the representatives are from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), while 10 are from the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

David Armogan, the incumbent regional chairman, retains the position after he won 20-10 votes against Shurla Scott, who was nom-

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and Regional Chairman, David Armogan with the newly-sworn-in Region Six Councillors inated by Councillor Colin Moore.

Armogan will be assisted by Zamal Hussain, who replaces Dennis Deoroop as the vice- chairman.

A new Regional Executive Officer (REO), Narendra Persaud was recently appointed.

COMMITTEES The newly-sworn in re-

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

gional councillors were nominated by their peers to sit on key committees to pilot the affairs of the region.

These committees include: The Finance Committee, headed by the Regional Chairman, David Armogan; the Works and Local Government Committees, headed

by Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain; the Education Committee, headed by Haseef

Yusuff; Health and National Events Committee, headed

by Sheriann Beharry; and the Youth, Sports and Culture Committee, headed by Eshwar Narinesammy.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture, while addressing the new councillors, said he was happy and excited that the government will be re-opening See page 16

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Four bandits rob Canal Number One businessman FOUR masked bandits, on Monday, robbed a Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara (WBD) businessman of over $2.2M and made good their escape in a waiting white car.

Reports indicate that the businessman, Narinedeo Jairam, 64, and Kristamattie, 48, called Devi, a domestic worker, was at home at the time of the robbery.

According to reports, the victim had just returned home from conducting business at a hardware store on the West Bank and was in the process of eating breakfast in a hammock under his house when he saw the four men entered his yard, masked with rags covering their faces.

The men approached the 64-year-old and one of the robbers, armed with a handgun, dealt him one blow to his left side forehead, which began to bleed profusely.

The bandit then sat on the man while one of the other men grabbed on to the domestic worker and dealt her several blows about her body causing her to receive injuries to her left side chin while demanding the keys for the house.

The robbers, after getting hold of the keys, went into the house and to a canister, which was secured with a lock and contained $2.2M; the robbers broke the lock and removed the cash.

The victim’s son, Ammardatt Jairam, 40, also of Canal Number One, WBD, walked into the yard and encountered the four bandits who were making their way out of the yard. He was also robbed of $200,000 by the bandits.

The victim and the domestic worker were both treated at the Canal Health Centre for injuries received and sent away as investigations continue.

Put political ...

From page 15 two sugar estates in the region, which would provide employment opportunities for between 5,000-6,000 individuals.

“So Region Six is on the verge of taking off, not only in sugar, but if you look at the productive sector in Region Six, rice production this year will be one of the largest crops ever in Region Six. We will be producing more rice this year; our cash crops will be producing large amounts of other crops too. We will be opening new lands, and when you look at the budget that was passed recently, there are a number of benefits in that budget for the people of Region Six, and the people of our country. So I want you all to take advantage of the Regional Vice-Chair- government’s effort to man, Zamal Hussain develop this region,” the minister said.

He added: “We know for a fact that Guyana is on the verge of taking off with the oil economy, where we are now. We will be receiving shortly the oil revenues, and more money will be coming into the country’s coffers. We have to use those monies wisely, that is why the RDC; a forum like the RDC will have to plan their programmes, and represent their concerns to Central Government, so that development can come to Region Six.” Members of the private sector, Members of Parliament, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo and Dineshwar Jaiprashad were also in attendance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Minister Sukhai distributes learning materials to Mahdia, nearby villages OVER the weekend, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, visited Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to make a timely delivery of printed learning materials for the Christmas term, to students and pupils in Mahdia, El Paso and Micobie.

The materials were made available by the Ministry of Education with the aim of ensuring that pupils and students in the hinterland, who do not have access to the internet and the Learning Channel, are actively engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a small community gathering in El Paso,

Minister Sukhai addressing the residents at El Paso Minister Sukhai explained to residents that education delivery has been severely affected, especially in far-flung areas, and therefore, the government has ensured that the hinterland areas are provided with learning materials so that students can move forward with their academics.

She reminded teachers, parents and village leaders of the critical role they have to play in ensuring that students are fully engaged during this time. “We want the children to get back to doing some level of school work because by the time school is re-

Minister Sukhai hands over learning materials to Regional Executive Officer of Region 8, Mitzy Campbell, for the Mahdia schools opened, we don’t want to go back from the start, so we have to keep the children occupied...The teachers can also look at different means of engaging the students; you can get them under the biggest tree and help them while practicing social distancing...Those persons in the village who, maybe, have some CSEC subjects can also assist the children and engage them in reading along with the parents,� she said.

The Minister said the government has increased the cash grant, which was discontinued under the See page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Minister Sukhai distributes learning materials ...

From page 17

previous administration, from $10,000 to $15,000.

All parents with schoolaged children will benefit from the cash grant.

Meanwhile, at Micobie, the minister, during a meeting with the village council, outlined what the recently passed emergency budget has in store for the Amerindian people for the remainder of this fiscal year. One of the major initiatives is the re-instatement of the Community Support Officers (CSO) programme that will target 40 villages, including Micobie, in the initial stages. The initiative, costing in excess of $60 million, aims to develop young Amerindians in the various villages and communities, through job creation, capacity building and the strengthening of their individual interests and skills.

Minister Sukhai officially hands over the Community Support Officers (CSO) programme document to the Micobie Village which will be one of the first villages to benefit from the programme Minister Sukhai noted that the $800M Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) will also see com-

munities receiving funds to execute sustainable development projects aimed at creating job opportuni-

ties and enhancing village economies.

The ITC Hub programme has also been

restored and Micobie village, which has an existing building, will benefit from approximately $1M

to refurbish and furnish the hub; 25,000 solar units will also be procured for the hinterland.

Other measures covered in Budget 2020 to support Amerindian development, include the removal of VAT on hinterland travel, the new ferry for North West, the $25, 000 for old-age pension, the $1.5B for hinterland, urban and rural roads and the $25, 000 per household for COVID-19 relief. “We are just two months in office and our task is to ensure that the commitments made to the people of this nation are fulfilled. In three months, we would not be able to do all that we have promised the nation. However, the immediate move is to address the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the livelihood of the people...

Next year, the other areas that were promised and need to be addressed will be addressed,� Minister Sukhai said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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Canada praised for supporting democracy in Guyana

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, used the opportunity to express profound gratitude to the Canadian Government and Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee for their unwavering support for democracy in Guyana when the diplomat paid a courtesy call on him on Monday.

“We are aware that your country contributed significantly in terms of resources and personnel in achieving what we achieved. I want to thank you, high commissioner, for your personal commitment to democracy. We owe you and the rest of the world, not only a debt of gratitude but, we will ensure that we do not let our partners down, in any way, shape or form. The people of your country need to know 40 years from now, 50 years from now where you stood and the role you played,” the President said.

Their discussions centred on strengthening relations in several key areas across all sectors in Guyana. Among

them are oil and gas, agriculture, training and capacity building and investment opportunities.

The Canadian high commissioner acknowledged the benefits of the collaboration between the two countries over the years and assured of a strengthened partnership moving forward.

Canada-Guyana business relations encompass a plethora of trade initiatives which include, but are not limited to, agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The two countries also share extensive people-to-people ties: the Guyanese diaspora in Canada, in 2018, was estimated to be around 200,000.

Guyana also benefits from bilateral funding through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives; and Canada’s Caribbean Regional Development programme, which also supports Caribbean collaboration and integration efforts. (OP)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali in discussion with Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee at State House on Monday (OP photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

China’s economy to grow by China’s Internet users 2.0 % in 2020, says World Bank reach 940 million: Report

(XINHUA) -- China’s economy is expected to grow by 2.0 per cent in 2020, up from the 1-per cent growth projection released in June, the World Bank said on Monday.

The growth will be boosted by government spending, strong exports, and a low rate of new COVID-19 infections since March, but checked by slow domestic consumption, the World Bank said in the October 2020 Economic Update for East Asia and the Pacific (EAP).

The rest of the region, however, is projected to contract by 3.5 per cent, according to the report. The region as a whole is expected to grow by only 0.9 per cent in 2020, the lowest rate since 1967.

In the semi-annual Global Economic Prospects released in early June, the World Bank projected that the EAP region will grow by 0.5 per cent in 2020.

The World Bank said in the regional update that prospects for the region are brighter in 2021, with growth expected to reach 7.9 per cent in China, and 5.1 per cent in the rest of the region, “based on the assumption of continued recovery and normalisation of activity in major economies, linked to the possible arrival of a vaccine.”

The multilateral lender, however, pointed out that output is projected to remain well below pre-pandemic projections for the next two years, noting that the outlook is particularly dire for some highly-exposed Pacific Island countries, where output is projected to remain about 10 per cent below pre-crisis levels through 2021.

The COVID-19 shock is not only keeping people in poverty, but also creating a class of “new poor”, the World Bank noted. The number of people living in poverty in the region is expected to increase by as many as 38 million in 2020 -- including 33 million who would have otherwise escaped poverty, and another 5 million pushed back into poverty.

“Many EAP countries have been successful in containing the disease and providing relief, but they will struggle to recover and grow,” said Aaditya Mattoo, chief economist for East Asia and the Pacific at the World Bank.

“The priorities now should be safe schooling to preserve human capital; widening narrow tax bases to avoid cuts in public investment; and reform of protected service sectors to take advantage of emerging digital opportunities,” Mattoo said.

(GLOBAL TIMES) -The number of people using the Internet in China reached 940 million in June, an increase of 40 million from 2019, according to the China Internet Network Information Centre (CNNIC)’s annual report on Internet development in China on Tuesday.

The report says in June, the number of mobile Internet users in China has reached 932 million, an increase of 35.46 million compared to March. Internet users in rural areas reached 285 million in June, accounting for 30.4 per cent of the total.

The rising numbers highlight the achievements of “New Infrastructure”, which is said to be digital, smart, and innovative, in the first part of this year.

As part of the country’s relief package in a post-COVID-19 era, China is ramping up plans to construct new digital infrastructure across the country - including building 5G networks, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), intercity

high-speed rail, and establishing research and development institutions.

China said it will spend approximately $1.4 trillion on a digital infrastructure for public use.

The report shows that by the end of June, the number of 5G terminal connections had exceeded 66 million, and China’s three major telecom companies have installed more than 400,000 5G base stations, a pace and scale of construction exceeding expectations.

China has been the world’s largest Online retail market since 2013.

The report says by June, the number of Online

shoppers in China had reached 749 million, accounting for 79.7% of total Internet users.

In the face of the severe challenges brought by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Online retail market has provided strong support to the growth in consumer spending, and activated the circular economy model.

In the first half of 2020, China’s Online retail sales reached 5.15 trillion yuan, up 7.3 per cent year-onyear, the report shows.

It also says the number of short video users in China has reached 818 million, involving 87 per cent of Internet users.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

China makes employment efforts for college graduates

(XINHUA) -- Chinese authorities have made all-out efforts to help this year’s 8.74 million college graduates secure jobs, an education official said on Monday.

To mitigate the adverse impacts brought by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Ministry of Education, working with over 20 departments, has launched nearly 40 preferential measures to facilitate employment, said Wang Hui, an official with the ministry.

These measures include expanding employment in urban and

Photo shows a ‘flower basket’ at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China. The 18-meter-tall display in the shape of a flower basket is placed at the centre of Tian’anmen Square, as a decoration for the October 1st National Day holiday.

Tourists walk near a ‘flower basket’ at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China

rural communities and grassroots medical institutions, and increasing the proportion of university graduates in military recruitment, Wang said.

He noted that governments have worked with relevant departments, public institutions, and State-owned enterprises (SOEs) to create more jobs this year, providing work to over 2.8 million graduates as of Sept. 1, an increase of more than 700,000 over the same period last year.

More than 200,000 Online job fairs have been held for new graduates since March, about 20 times the offline format, helping China ride out an unprecedented employment challenge amid COVID-19 headwinds.

The “24365” campus service, a flagship Online recruitment platform, has provided 15.22 million pieces of job information, and recorded 37.36 million resumé uploads, with 6.69 million new graduates registering on the site since its launch in February, said Wang.

Meanwhile, employment-related instructions have moved Online, and more than 80,000 college counselors and instruc-

Photo taken on June 1, 2020 shows a job fair held at Jianghan University in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province. tors, with the first-line programmes, as well as experience in job hunt- in the military, governing, are on standby to ment, public institutions help polish resumés of and SOEs, Wang said. students, or impart interAlso, 124 universities view skills, Wang noted. across China have paired E f f o r t s a r e b e i n g with the ones in Hubei made to help graduates to share job information, from universities in Hu- and offer employment bei, as well as graduates counseling. The arrangehailing from the prov- ment has already helped ince, the official said.

13,000 graduates find This year, a total of jobs, the official said, 449,000 students grad- adding that the ministry uated from colleges in also organised special Hubei, and 371,000 new Online job fairs for gradgraduates nationwide are uates of Hubei univerfrom Hubei originally, sities.

Wang said.

According to Wang, These students will universities have been get preference in re- asked to put emphasis cruitment policies, and on assisting Hubei stuwill be offered quotas dents in job hunting, in recruitments for some and offer them tailored community-level service guidance.

This is a paid supplement

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

PAHO has led regional response to COVID-19 –– while striving to protect long-term health gains

SINCE well before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a key area of the Pan American Health Organisation’s (PAHO) technical cooperation was building its member countries’ capacities to prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks and epidemics.

Since the pandemic arrived in the Americas, PAHO has continued that work while providing regional leadership and coordination of the COVID-19 response and helping member countries protect gains in other vital areas, including immunisation, prevention of non-communicable diseases,

and expanded access to quality health care.

These and other highlights of PAHO’s technical cooperation between mid2019 and mid-2020 are described in the 2020 Annual Report of the Director “Saving Lives and Improving Health and Well-Being.”

PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne, presented the report onTuesday to health authorities from throughout the Americas who are meeting virtually this week for the 58th PAHO Directing Council.

The report notes that COVID-19 “has affected health, the economy, and the

way of life in almost every country” in the Americas.

The pandemic exposed severe inequities in and among countries and highlighted the particular vulnerabilities of certain population groups.

It also “laid bare profound structural weaknesses within health and social protection mechanisms in the Region, highlighting the need for substantive reform and actions to ensure that countries continue toward the achievement of the ambitious goal of universal health by 2030.”

Against this backdrop, the report summarizes PAHO’s strategies, interventions, and achievements in

PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne its main areas of technical cooperation during the reporting period. These areas include health systems and services; communicable diseases and environmen-

tal determinants of health; health emergencies; family, health promotion, and life course; non communicable diseases and mental health; and evidence and intelligence for action in health. The report highlights special efforts to ensure improved health for all both during and beyond the pandemic, especially for those in conditions of vulnerability, reflecting the Organisation’s overarching commitment to “leave no one behind.” The report also describes PAHO’s efforts to improve its internal efficiency and ensure continued transparency and accountability in all its operations.

“The health, social, and

economic impacts of the pandemic will have far-reaching effects on progress for the achievement of national, sub-regional, regional, and global health goals; on health financing and resource mobilisation; and on our efforts and aspirations for health development with equity,” said Etienne in presenting the report.

She added: “We fully recognise that massive and sustained interventions will be required—in both the immediate and foreseeable future—to control and contain COVID-19, to tackle increasing poverty levels, to reduce health and social inequalities and, very importantly, to position health at the center of equitable and sustainable development.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

GTT partners with MoH to commemorate Pinktober 2020 THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Health (Chronic Disease Unit) to commemorate Pinktober 2020.

The ministry has offered GTT sponsored radio spots to help raise cancer education and awareness. Throughout the month of October, GTT representatives, along with ministry officials, will be on

HJ 94.1 and VOG 102.1, sharing critical information related to cancer awareness and education.

“As GTT has been championing, we are in this together – and together we will rise. The Ministry of Health acknowledges that cancer remains a challenge to our community and we thank all corporates who are joining with GTT to help raise awareness about the disease, with the ob-

A Pinktober rally last year (file photo)

jectives for prevention, management and support,” said Dr. Kavita Singh, Coordinator of Chronic Diseases, at the Ministry of Health.

“Early detection is key – this is just one of the various cancer-related topics we will be addressing during the month of October,” said GTT’s Pinktober Coordinator, Diana Gittens. “We are thankful to the subject Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony and the Ministry of Health for the support as we collaborate to reduce death-related cancer cases in Guyana,” Gittens added.

On October 1, 12, 19 and 28, radio listeners are invited to join discussions on

HJ 94.1, while on VOG 102.1, persons can tune in to the Let’s Gaff show at 10:00am on October 5, 12, 19, and 26.

GTT particularly wishes to thank the Mental Health, Food Policy and Chronic Disease Units of the Ministry of Health for providing relevant information for dissemination and education.

Pinktober 2020 will be a virtual experience this year and patrons can anticipate Pink-centric virtual experiences, starting on October 1, inclusive of Fit and Pink, a newly added TikTok challenge, Pink Friday’s and Mental Health Day.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Learning materials distribution commences –– Minister Manickchand visits students in Regions One and Seven

EDUCATION Minister, Priya Manickchand, visited Several Regions One and Seven villages last weekend as the Ministry of Education (MoE) began distribution of

worksheets and other printed learning materials to the hinterland regions.

Villages visited in Region One included Baramita, Matthews Ridge, Port Kaituma,

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand (left) greets a pupil who dressed in her school uniform for the minister’s visit

Mabaruma and Moruca, while villages visited in Region Seven included Imbaimadai, Kamarang, Paruima, Kaikan and Bartica.

The worksheets account for approximately one month’s worth of work while additional materials are currently being prepared to ensure students, both in the hinterland and coastland regions, are continuously engaged until schools reopen.

The worksheets cover work the students would have been doing had they been in the classroom and will be distributed to students at the nursery, primary and secondary school levels.

During the visit, the minister was accompanied by MoE Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Nicola Johnson and Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA) Parliamentary Secretary, Sarah Browne.

The minister met with par-

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand (left) handing over a supply of printed learning materials ents, students and other com- all the other regions as well. also the Broadcast to Schools munity members and outlined The minister, according programmes. for them the ministry’s plan to an MoE press statement, Minister Manickchand to deliver education to ensure explained to those gathered noted that given the pecuthat there is minimal learning at the various villages that liar situation confronting the loss to students, notwith- the current measures being nation, the blended learning standing the current school implemented are necessary approach was put in place closures due to the COVID-19 as learning has to be done to ensure that even commupandemic. differently since schools are nities that have challenges Schools in Guyana have not yet cleared for physical with Internet connectivity been closed since March and re-opening. and non-access to the Guyana it was earlier this month that It was in this context, Learning Channel can be the ministry took the decision the education minister ex- engaged. to begin re-engaging students plained, that in addition to The minister assured that using “a blended multifaceted online teaching, the Learn- all of the nation’s children approach” that incorporates ing Channel will be used for will be meaningfully engaged teaching via various Internet delivering daily lessons to irrespective of where they are platforms, the Learning Chan- students across all levels and located. nel, radio etc. along with print grades.

Those gathered were materials that will be distribThe residents were also also able to share their conuted to all students. encouraged to tune into their cerns and suggestions with Aside from Region One community radio stations for Minister Manickchand, who and Seven, the printed mate- the Interactive Radio Instruc- assured them that these will rials will also be distributed to tion (IRI) programme and be addressed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Lakers' LeBron faces former Heat team in NBA Finals

(REUTERS) - An unexpected NBA Finals matchup between the LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat begins this week, capping an unprecedented season interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, be-

fore resuming without fans at Disney World in Florida.

This year’s showdown marks the first NBA Finals between two teams who missed the playoffs the previous season and it is the Lakers, powered by

three-time champion James and Anthony Davis, who are favoured in the best-of-seven games series.

James, who has reached nine of the last 10 NBA Finals, won his first two championships with Miami in 2012 and 2013, picked up a third

in 2016 with Cleveland and joined the Lakers in 2018 with the goal of restoring the franchise’s glorious past.

The West’s top-seeded Lakers last appeared in the NBA Finals in 2010 when they picked up the franchise’s 16th championship, one shy of the Boston Celtics’ all-time mark.

“I’m extremely proud to be a part of this franchise getting back to where it belongs, and that’s playing for championships and competing for championships,” said James. “This is what I came here for.”

The Lakers missed the playoffs last season for the sixth consecutive year as James battled a groin injury but his return to health and the acquisition of Davis in July 2019 put them back on the path toward the NBA’s elite.

Awaiting Lakers in Game One today will be East’s fifth-seeded Heat, a battle-tested team led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo and whose surprising run to the Finals has been

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs against Denver Nuggets at AdventHealth Arena. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) no fluke.

Heat swept aside fourthseed Indiana in the first round, upset league Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo’s top-seeded Milwaukee team in five games in the East semi-final and then dumped third-seed Boston in six games.

For their part, Heat have embraced the underdog role

and feel they have yet to play their best basketball.

“We have to be near perfect to beat the Lakers. We’re capable of it,” said former first-round draft pick Butler. “But we’re not worried about any five-seed or one-seed.

We’re worried about us and being the best Miami Heat team that we can be.”

Head coach Doc Rivers From backpage leaves... than seven years in charge.

"When I took this job, my goals were to make this a winning basketball programme, a free agent destination, and bring a championship to this organisation," he added.

"While I was able to accomplish most of my goals, I won't be able to see them all through."

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer described Rivers as a "terrific coach, an incredible ambassador, and a pillar of strength during tumultuous times". (BBC Sport)

Onan Thom's love/ hate ... From page 39 the soft-spoken former National swimmer said.

"I just decided to be a better person, and start focusing on my children. I'm a single parent now. I have three kids, but one of my daughters and my son lives with me. I take care of them full time now, so I'm just focusing on being there for them and that's it," Thom noted.

His two daughters, both age 12, but weeks apart, were successful at the recent National Grade Six Assessment, where they gained passes to St Rose's High and New Silvercity Secondary.

"I tried to push one of the girls into swimming (but she's not into it) and my nine-year-old son to see where that goes, but what-

ever they choose to do, I'll support them."

The 36-year-old said he's still interested in imparting his knowledge to others, or those willing to learn, telling Chronicle Sport, "I am always here if anyone wants to learn from me. I would teach some kids from time-to-time, because I believe that I have a lot to offer the swimmers in Linden. I know what it takes to compete at a high level and how hard it is to travel this world and swim, especially coming from Linden."

Meanwhile, Thom is cautioning other athletes, to make use of their chances, while issuing a resounding call for athletes to be supported, especially financially, in pursuit of their dreams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Ambassadors Sports Club fulfil dream by winning Elite League

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Years of perseverance and dedication have finally paid off for skipper Ronald Ramnarine and members of Ambassadors Sports Club.

After several years endeavouring to capture the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premiere League title and later the Elite championship, they were rewarded for their untiring efforts last Saturday at the Ashtonbee Number One ground here in Scarborough.

In what was billed as the virtual final of Group A of the 2020 Elite League, Ambassadors thrashed archrivals Highland Creek by eight wickets to emerge undisputed champions, much to the delight of their players and supporters.

The win took them to the top of the table with 70 points, five more than Highland Creek who started the game with 65 and remained there. Victoria Park Cricket Club (VPCC) finished with 35 points while newcomers Danforth Dynamites registered 10 points after the latter forfeited their game on Sunday.

The Group B winners were Ajax/ScarboroKingz A with 80 points with Janbaaz placing second on 50 while Youngstars with 40 and Toronto Invaders on 10 were the other two teams in the group.

Led by a robust unbeaten 66 from 55 balls from former Canadian player Durand Soraine, Ambassadors raced to 155 for two in 23.4 overs after limiting Highland Creek to 154 all out in 33.1 overs in the 50-over affair.

The platform for victory was laid by openers Richard Dias who spanked seven fours in 36 from 25 balls and Talha Shaikh whose 27 included three fours and a six.

Soraine and Ramnaraine (18 not out) ensured there were no further alarms with the former blasting six fours and a similar number of sixes. Hasain Javaid took one for 27 from five overs while captain Anas Malik took the other wicket to fall for 40 runs, sending down 8.4 overs.

Earlier, Highland Creek’s innings never got

going, with Numan Aslam’s face-saving knock of 67 not out, allowing them to get past the 150 mark.

Aslam, who batted at number eight, belted three fours and eight sixes in an attacking knock off just 38 balls but got little support from the top-order. Farhan Khan chipped in with 20.

There were three wickets each for Neil Ramdathm, Shuab Zaidi and Kurth Ramdath for 31, 48 and 54 runs respectively.

Ramnarine, whose parents are Guyanese, played all nine games in the season and led Ambassadors’ batting aggregate with 250 runs, with a top score of 110, averaging 41.67 runs per innings. Dias totalled 182 runs from six matches, 76 being his highest, averaging 30.33. Roy Singh was the other century-maker, hitting 129 in one of his two innings.

The bowling was led by Amerish Deoraj whose 16 scalps came at an economy rate of 4.77. Zaidi claimed 15 at 4.53 while Neil Ramdath took 14 at 3.77.

Meanwhile, in another intriguing encounter, played on the adjoining Number Two ground, Toronto Rhinos upstaged Durham to claim the First Division title. Like the Elite game, it was another mustwin game for either team to cart off top honours.

Set a daunting 311 for victory by the mainly Caribbean-dominated Durham side, Toronto Rhinos rallied to an enthralling win in 41.3 overs.

Abhishek Bhasan led the way with a splendid 119 from 90 balls which contained 14 fours and five sixes while Aamir Khan was undefeated on 95 when victory was achieved. His knock was spiced with nine fours and five sixes. Opener Rahul Chordekar had earlier hit 51 (seven fours).

Harley Skerrit, who was playing his first game for the season, blasted 120 for Durham but his efforts were all in vain.

The season ends this weekend with four 30-over games. The respective group winners are still to be decided. In Group A, Tpark Youngstars lead the standings with 75 points and are

closely followed by Phoenix Kerala on 70. Ambassadors B are the front-runners in Group B with 60 points while Toronto Seawolves have 55.

SCA president Shiv

Persaud has disclosed that unlike previous years the annual presentation ceremony will be held via Zoom at a date to be announced.

This is due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The victorious Ambassadors Elite team after Saturday’s game.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Khan, Williamson help Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Delhi Capitals DAVID Warner sealed a win in his 50th Indian Premier League (IPL) match as captain after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by 15 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi and secured their first win of the Dream11 IPL 2020 yesterday.After electing to bowl in Abu Dhabi, DC kept SRH openers – Warner and Jonny Bairstow – in check, bowling some tight lines, and the approach almost gave them their first wicket in the fifth over after Bairstow was hit on the pads. While DC opted for a review, Bairstow’s on-field decision of not-out stayed.

(Brief scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 162-4 (Jonny Bairstow 53, David Warner 45; Kagiso Rabada 2/21) beat Delhi Capitals 147/7 (Shikhar Dhawan 34, Rishabh Pant 28; Rashid Khan 3/14) by 15 runs) SRH, though, started to make a move as Warner

hit a six and four in the last over of the powerplay and Bairstow hit one across the ropes in the 7th over as SRH crossed the fifty-run mark.

The Warner-Bairstow duo, meanwhile, was lightning fast between the wickets, sprinting across for the singles and doubles. The SRH skipper started to open his shoulder, hitting Ishant Sharma for a six and reverse-sweeping Amit Mishra for a four.

However, DC struck in the 10th over to dismiss Warner, after the left-hander was adjudged out via DRS after gloving one to the wicketkeeper, giving Mishra his first wicket. The leg-spinner struck once again in his next over as Manish Pandey holed out in the deep in the 12th over.

Kane Williamson, playing his first game of the season, then, joined Bairstow in the middle and SRH moved past the 100-run mark in the 14th over. A couple of overs later, Williamson played a couple of cracking shots off

Anrich Nortje to push SRH close to 130. In the 17th over, the New Zealand skipper took on Marcus Stoinis, hitting two fours.

Bairstow, then, brought up his fifty in the 18th over, but departed in the same over as Kagiso Rabada dismissed the SRH opener for 53.

Following Bairstow’s fall, Abdul Samad, making his debut, came out to bat.

The young right-hander hit a four and a six and scored an unbeaten 12 off 7 balls.

Williamson, meanwhile, got out in the final over after scoring a valuable 41 off 26 balls and SRH posted 162-4 in their quota of 20 overs.

Defending 162, SRH struck in the first over as Bhuvneshwar Kumar got Prithvi Shaw out for two.

DC skipper Shreyas Iyer and Shikhar Dhawan then added 40 runs, but Rashid Khan’s introduction into the attack gave SRH their second wicket as Iyer fell for 17 after being caught by Samad in the deep.

The leg-spinner struck

soon after as he got the wicket of Dhawan. The DC opener got out in the 12th over after scoring 34.

In the next over, Abhishek Sharma could not hold on to a sharp chance to dismiss Rishabh Pant and the DC wicketkeeper-batsman made SRH pay for the same with two successive sixes.

Two overs later, Shimron Hetmyer went big and slammed two sixes off Khaleel Ahmed’s bowling as DC moved past a hundred. But, the West Indian batsman got out in the next over, trying to go for another big hit, as Bhuvneshwar scalped his second wicket of the match.

Pant, though, hit two fours in the same over as DC moved to 114-4 at the end of the 16th over.

Rashid returned to bowl his final over of the day and the 17th over of the innings, and got Pant’s wicket after the left-hander went aerial and Priyam Garg pouched

SASCOC refers CSA investigation to sports ministry THE South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has referred Cricket South Africa (CSA) to the country's sports ministry, citing a lack of co-operation from CSA and absence of resources on its own part to deal with the organisation.

Earlier this month, SASCOC, the governing body under which all sporting federations in South Africa operate, instructed CSA's board and executive to stand down in order for SASCOC to launch an investigation into CSA's administrative and financial affairs.

SASCOC also asked for full access to CSA's recently-completed forensic audit, which it used to fire former CEO Thabang Moroe. CSA refused on both counts.

In a letter to sports minister Nathi Mthethwa, SASCOC said it had met "serious resistance," from CSA over the report and that CSA has made it "abundantly clear," it will "not readily cooperate with SASCOC." As a result, SASCOC has asked the minister to either provide it with the

Former CEO Thabang Moroe was fired last month.

resources to enter into litigation (SASCOC can compel CSA to comply with it by law) against CSA or to "take whatever action in your powers you deem necessary to restore the dignity of the game of cricket in this country."

SASCOC's letter, dated September 25, 2020, implied that the impasse between itself and CSA is ongoing.

On September 17, CSA confirmed it would only allow SASCOC board members to view its forensic report if they signed a non-disclosure agreement. CSA Board Members who have seen the report also had to agree to keep its confidentiality but SASCOC want the report to

be made public.

CSA said it was keeping the report under wraps, under legal advice, to ensure any further action it may take against existing staff or board members is not compromised. SASCOC has indicated that some board members and executive "must have been implicated in the forensic report," and "remain in office and refuse to step aside pending finalisation of the investigations to be carried out by the independent task team."

The SASCOC task team was due to be appointed earlier this month but that has not happened yet. SASCOC has also declined further meetings with CSA, insisting that it will only be willing to engage in discussion once it has access to the full report.

With the deadlock in place, cash-strapped SASCOC has had no choice but to ask the minister to intervene.

The minister's actions, if any, could attract the attention of the ICC, whose constitution forbids government interference in member bodies. SASCOC has written to the ICC confirming its

actions do not constitute a government intervention, because it operates as an independent body, but it's appeal to the sports minister crosses that line.

SASCOC has made it clear that the only reason it is asking for the minister's assistance is because it does not have the resources to act but that if provided with such it "will gladly take all appropriate steps to intervene in its (CSA's) affairs." If not, SASCOC wishes the minister "with your efforts in dealing with very serious issues plaguing CSA." Meanwhile, CSA remain without a permanent CEO after firing Moroe last month and without an elected president after Chris Nenzani stepped down three weeks before the AGM, which was postponed.

No date has been set for a rescheduled AGM and no fixtures for the upcoming season have been released, with the only confirmation around matches that the Mzansi Super League, the country's flagship T20 tournament, will be postponed.

Rashid Khan returned with the figures of 3/14 as Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Delhi Capitals by 15 runs.

one safely in the deep.

T. Natarajan then trapped Marcus Stoinis before the wickets in the 18th over. DC needed 37 off the last two overs and Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded not more than

nine runs in the penultimate over.

Although DC scored 12 runs in the last over, SRH managed to seal a 15-run win. (IPL)

Drogba to receive UEFA President's Award

FORMER Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is to receive the 2020 UEFA President's Award. The 42-year-old is to be honoured at tomorrow's draw for the 2020-21 Champions League group stage in Geneva.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin described Drogba as "a pioneer" and said the award was to recognise his "commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch".

Previous winners include Bobby Charlton, Eusebio, Raymond Kopa, Johan Cruyff, Francesco Totti, David Beckham and Eric Cantona.

"Didier is a hero to millions of football fans for his achieveDidier Drogba has ments throughout his glittering landed the prestigious playing career," Ceferin said UEFA President's via a UEFA statement.

"I will remember him as Award for his charitable work. a player for his skill, strength and intelligence, but above all for his insatiable appetite to succeed – a trait which is just as present in his desire to help others off the field of play."

Drogba won the 2012 Champions League as part of a glittering career with Chelsea, in which he scored 164 goals in 381 appearances in all competitions and lifted four Premier League titles.

The former Ivory Coast international also scored his country's first goal at a World Cup finals in 2006 and played in a further two tournaments.

Drogba, who retired in 2018 after a final season with Phoenix Rising, has been running a charitable foundation that has helped to build schools for disadvantaged children.

He has also been studying for UEFA's Executive Master for International Players (MIP) programme.

"To have won a Champions League, to have played and scored for my country at a World Cup – these are things I could only have dreamed of when I was a child," Drogba said.

"There are so many children in the developing world who have the potential to become not only footballers, but also doctors, teachers and engineers. This is why it is so important to help and support our youngsters to let them fulfil their dreams and aspirations."

UEFA added: "From guiding his country to their first ever FIFA World Cup, to helping to halt a civil war in his homeland, Didier Drogba has proved a worthy leader both on and off the pitch. As he continues to embark on his post-footballing career, the former Chelsea forward’s commitment to excellence will still remain as strong as ever." (Sportsmax)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Can Golden Jaguars make it two in a row? Onan Thom's love/ … GFF president optimistic

By Ras Wadada WITH about nine months before Guyana’s Golden Jaguars continue their quest for a 2nd consecutive qualification to the prestigious CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament set for mid-July to August 1 next year, it is the view of the chief for football in the country that the `courage and grit’ displayed by the team in reaching this far will be pivotal in getting past the first hurdle against Guatemala.

In Monday night’s live draw from Miami and watched by millions, Jaguars were pitted against the Central Americans. Speaking exclusively to Chronicle Sport immediately after the announcement, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde expressed optimism despite the challenges the team have endured on their way to reaching the Preliminary 2-game knock-out competition.

“The Guyana Golden Jaguars have had to claw their through many challenges on and off the field

GFF president Wayne Forde over the years and coming up against Guatemala in the preliminary round is not by any means an insurmountable challenge. We have to respect the quality this team will present on the day, but I would say whatever we lack in quality, we will surely make up with courage and grit.”

Forde also added, while miscalculating the time frame ahead that ”our boys were unlikely to be in this position given the poor start to their Nations League campaign, but they all dug very deep and redeemed themselves, which is a true reflection of the character of this team and their leadership

2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup DRAW MIAMI, Florida, (CMC) – Following are the preliminary match-ups and Group stage assignments for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup from July 2 to August 1.

PRELIMINARIES ROUND ONE: Matchup #1: Haiti vs St. Vincent and the Grenadines Matchup #2: Guatemala vs Guyana Matchup #3: Trinidad and Tobago vs Monserrat Matchup #4: Cuba vs French Guiana Matchup #5: Guadeloupe vs Bahamas Matchup #6: Bermuda vs Barbados ROUND TWO: Matchup #7: Winner Matchup #1 vs Winner Matchup #6 Matchup #8: Winner Matchup #2 vs Winner Matchup #5 Matchup #9: Winner Matchup #3 vs Winner Matchup #4 GROUP STAGE Group A: Mexico, El Salvador, Curacao and Winner Prelims 9 Group B: USA, Canada, Martinique and Winner Prelims 7 Group C: Costa Rica, Jamaica, Suriname and Winner Prelims 8 Group D: Honduras, Panama, Grenada and Qatar QUARTER-FINALS QF 1: Winner Group D vs Second Place Group A QF 4: Winner Group B vs Second Place Group C QF 2: Winner Group A vs Second Place Group D QF 3: Winner Group C vs Second Place Group B SEMI-FINALS SF 1: Winner Quarter-final #1 vs Winner Quarter-final #4 SF 2: Winner Quarter-final #2 vs Winner Quarter-final #3 FINAL Winner Semi-final #1 vs Winner Semi-final #2

under coach Maximo.

“It will require extraordinary undertaking to be ready for Guatemala in eleven months and I am confident that this entire nation will answer the call. It will be difficult, but not impossible”.

The current governance of the `Beautiful Game’ here in Guyana, has been publicly chastised with regard to National teams’ preparation and selection over the years and always the main defence has been the lack of funds.

When quizzed on how important is it to engage the team in regular international matches as part of the preparations, Forde hinted vaguely on plans as well as the challenge of finance.

“A lot of planning has taken place during the down time. We have Gold Cup experience on our side and among the preparation priorities now will be the identification of teams with similar playing styles to Guatemala for friendly fixtures. Money is always a challenge for developing football nations, but we are not daunted by this,” Forde noted.

When asked to elaborate on what he meant by a lot of planning and whether it addressed how to overcome the challenge in securing the necessary funding, he referred to what has transpired so far and the importance of Government’s input in assuring that plans are on course.

“We have already appointed a Marketing Committee that has been active with stakeholders. In addition, we are in deep discussions with International Sports Marketing Companies regarding commercial opportunities.

We were given significant help from the previous Government in 2019 and

have every reason to expect similar assistance from the current Government of Guyana. I think we will have the resources to prepare well,” the GFF boss said Forde, however, remained tight-lipped when asked to disclose who make up the Marketing Committee and who will be heading it.

He just said, “Three committees will be officially announced in a few days (Marketing, Scholarships and Beach Soccer). I cannot share now’.

Chronicle Sport also shared with the GFF president that Guatemala will be playing 8-time Gold Cup champions Mexico tonight and against Nicaragua next Tuesday in friendly internationals. When asked if it was possible for the National Communication Network (NCN) to show the games, he indicated that he will have the Committee’s team explore with NCN, while assuring `it is doable’.

On the question of the selection of a training squad and how soon it will be selected, the football boss stated that his executive is currently working, with international help, on a document for the National training so as to present it to the Government for approval and that `it should not exceed three weeks to be completed.

A win for Golden Jaguars versus Guatemala in their first game of the preliminary KO competition will put them against the winners off The Bahamas-Guadeloupe match-up with the winners advancing to join Costa Rica, Jamaica and Suriname in Group `C’ of the finals set to climax on August 1 of next year.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday September 30, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Yusuf Pathan (RR) (2) Shane Watson (RR)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who scored most runs in the very first IPL season?

(2) Who took most wickets in IPL 2008?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

hate relationship with swimming ... From the 'Mines' to Athens

By Rawle Toney BURSTING onto the scenes during his campaign at the National Schools Swimming Championship, Onan Orlando Thom took Guyana's swimming scenes by storm and created a name for himself and Linden.

Hailing from the Coomacka Mines area, Thom etched his name in Guyana's swimming history books; breaking and rewriting records, while at the same time being the poster boy for the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) in his prime.

As a student of New Silvercity Secondary, Thom was taken under the wings of Charles Corbin, who saw his potential and enrolled him in school in Trinidad and Tobago and allowed him to work with some of the best coaches in the Twin Island Republic.

It was while in Trinidad that he grabbed the attention of the rest of the Caribbean, especially after going head-to-head with the Bovell brothers Nathan and George - both Olympians.

George Bovell is the more decorated of the two, having won bronze at the 2004 Olympics.

At 19, Thom represented Guyana at the 2003 World Championship in Barcelona, Spain. The following year, he competed at the 2004 Olympic Games (Men's 100m freestyle) in Athens, Greece.

In 2005, he won Guyana's first medal (bronze) at the Islamic Solidarity Games in the Holy City of Mecca.

In fact, it was the inaugural hosting of the event.

Despite regional and international experience and success, including another shot at the World Championships in 2007 in Australia, Thom just stopped loving the sport and walked away.

"Many things made me stop loving swimming. But one of the main reasons was financial support. I remember plenty schools all over the US wanted me, but I didn't have the money to get certain things done and to pay," Thom said in an exclusive interview with

Onan Thom Chronicle Sport.

"I don't know. The passion just wasn't there any more, I had other issues at home to deal with and focusing on swimming was hard.

I just stopped loving the one sport I used to dream about," said Thom, who isn't known for talking much, let alone about his life as a swimmer.

"Much respect to Mr Corbin, you know, he believed in me and paved a way. He helped and did as much as he could, but I don't know, man. When I couldn't get to raise the money to attend the University, it really bothered me and I just couldn't really focus like I used to. Even while I was in Trinidad, you know, things happened and I just stopped loving swimming," Thom reasoned.

Fast forward to around 2011, Thom had turned to a life of crime, most of which he said were pure allegations.

After his face had appeared on a number of wanted bulletins by the Guyana Police Force, many sports fans in and around Guyana, upon recognising him, began to enquire what went wrong with the once 'wonder boy' from Linden.

However, after two stints of incarceration, Thom said he took a time-out and reflected on his life and decided to turn things around.

"Honestly, after the second time on remand, I spent about eight months in jail.

Truth be told, many of the things they said I did, I didn't do. Honestly.

“But after the second time, I said to myself that I need to do better, so I just took an entire year just to myself and focused on getting myself together," See page 36

Can Golden Jaguars make it two in a row?

See Story on Page 39

… GFF president optimistic

Golden Jaguars head coach charters course for success against Guatemala

By Rawle Toney

H

EAD coach of Guyana's Golden Jaguars, Márcio Máximo is already strategising his course of action ahead of next year's clash with Guatemala in the Preliminary stage of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Guyana are ranked 19th in CONCACAF and 166th in the world as per the latest FIFA ranking, and will now match skills with the 9th in the region and 130th internationally, in the Qualifier to the Gold Cup. Though falling 3-0 in their first meeting 2010, and then 2-0 two years later at Guyana National Stadium, Guyana will be hoping to come away with a win and move on to face either The Bahamas or Guadeloupe in the second round.

Should the Brazilian coach and his troops be successful, they will be drawn in Group C of the CONCACAF Gold Cup alongside Jamaica, Suriname and Costa Rica.

Máximo was among other participating head coaches

Golden Jaguars head coach Márcio Máximo

who virtually participated in the Gold Cup draw, and stated that Guatemala are “one of the strongest teams in the preliminary groups. They have a good style, similar to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Honduras and will be challenging for us but I think it’s a challenge for us because it will raise the level of our game and serve as a motivation to do extra, to make an extra effort to try and surprise Guatemala.”

The 58-year-old, who stood at the helm of the Brazilian U-17 and U-20 national teams, believes that Gold-

en Jaguars' chances of qualifying to the Group stages of the CONCACAF showpiece, since he would have changed the style of play for his team.

Máximo said the team is "faster in offensive transition and we have done some improvement in the defensive structure to have more consistency. We will have to reduce the pace of the game for Guatemala and I think if we do good marking with a good, solid defensive system, we can have a surprise for Guatemala. Why not? We will approach the match with confidence.”

Máximo is known as a youth development-oriented coach and would have found considerable amount of success for this out-look, especially during his tenure with the Tanzania senior men’s team (2006 – 2010), and would have brought a similar approach to the Golden Jaguars.

He reasoned that Golden Jaguars will see a good combination of Guyana and international-based players, calling it "necessary to achieve success."

Simmons has plans in place for tour of New Zealand WEST Indies head coach Phil Simmons is already planning his team’s approach as they prepare to return to action against New Zealand in just under eight weeks.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the proposed schedule for the bilateral series yesterday, pending approval from CWI’s Medical Advisory Committee and Board of Directors – three T20 Internationals and two Tests from November 27 to December 15.

“We are delighted to play all formats as we struggle to keep our sport alive in these difficult times. These T20 Internationals are a part of getting these guys playing together as much as possible between now and the ICC T20 World Cup next year.

“After the England Test series, earlier this year, this will be an excellent test of how we have improved on the things we, as a team, have learnt from that series. We played really well to win that first Test and did some good things throughout the series. We have a great team environment. We will continue to work and build as a team,” Simmons said.

West Indies are the defending T20 World Cup champions. Under the guidance of Simmons, they defeated England in the epic final in Kolkata in April, 2016, They will return to India in 11 months to defend the title. The Test series in New Zealand forms part of the ICC World Test Championship.

The West Indies earned their first points in the ICC World Test Championship when they won the first Test against England at the Ageas Bowl in July – in the historic bio-secure

“What we are doing in Guyana is real development because we will use our Guyana-based players in the process in good numbers. That’s why I believe in the few years coming, Guyana will be a powerful force in the Caribbean. A good combination of Guyana and international-based players is necessary to achieve success. International players are very important for their experience with the group," Máximo said.

He further highlighted that "quality Guyana-based players serve as a good motivator for young players to play football in Guyana and increase the followership of football in Guyana. That’s why we compete and develop at the same time.”

The 2021 Gold Cup will begin on July 2, 2021, with a Preliminary Round which will include 12 CONCACAF Member Associations competing for the final three spots in the 16-team Group Stage.

The Group Stage of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup will kick off on July 10, 2021. The 12 CONCACAF

FLASHBACK! Guyana’s Shawn ‘Bubbly’ Beveney in action against Guatemala, at Guyana National Stadium during their International Friendly in 2012.

The Golden Jaguars went down 2-0 to the Central Americans.

national teams, who qualified directly through their performances in the CONCACAF Nations League group stage, the guest participant, AFC Asian Cup Champions Qatar, and the three Prelim winners have been divided into four groups.

The Knockout Stage, to be played among the top two finishers in each group, will for the first time in Gold Cup history see teams on

opposite sides of the bracket meet from the quarterfinals onwards.

In previous editions, teams have only competed against opponents on the same side of the bracket until the Final. This change will add further unpredictability and excitement to the competition, which was expanded from 12 to 16 teams for a hugely successful 2019 edition.

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons

three-match series.

The proposed West Indies tour to New Zealand will start with the defending T20 World Cup champions facing the Black Caps at Eden Park in Auckland for a match under lights. The series then moves to Mount Maunganui for two matches at the picturesque Bay Oval – the first a day match and the second under lights.

West Indies will then travel to Hamilton for the first Test at Seddon Park and then south to Wellington for the second match at the historic Basin Reserve.

The T20Is will be the start of an 11-month schedule of matches building up to the ICC T20 World Cup, rescheduled for October 2021 in India. The opening contest at Eden Park will have added significance as this is the venue where the two teams met in their first T20I contest back in 2006.

That match ended in a tie which forced a dramatic bowloff, won by the home side. Three years later the teams met again at the same venue and played to another tie which was decided by the first-ever T20I super over, won by the West Indies. (CWI) Proposed Match Schedule: November 27: 1st T20I at Eden Park, Auckland November 29: 2nd T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui November 30: 3rd T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui December 3-7: 1st Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton December 11-15: 2nd Test at Basin Reserve, Wellington

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Head coach Doc Rivers leaves LA Clippers after seven years

DOC Rivers has left his position as Los Angeles Clippers coach, following their defeat in the NBA Western Conference semi-finals.

The Clippers blew a 3-1 lead in the seven-game series before being knocked out of the play-offs 4-3 by Denver Nuggets on September 16.

In a statement on Twitter, Rivers said he was "grateful" for his time in LA. "Thank you Clipper nation for allowing me to be your coach and for all your support in helping make this a winning franchise," Rivers wrote.

The 58-year-old, who also played for the Clippers as a point guard, leaves his role by mutual consent after more

See Page 36 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020