Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12-11-2020

THURSDAY 12th November, 2020

No. 106181 |

Arrivals top 5,000 since airports’ reopening SEE PAGE 3

― aviation industry making gradual recovery,

catalysing increase in economic activities, Field says

Several more arrested for Berbice teens’ murder

SEE PAGE 4

GPL sub-station on track for April 2021 completion SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 10

Teen stabbed to death by jilted man

This section of the Leguan Stelling is looking impressive, but only after Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, a few weeks ago, heavily criticised the contractor for the slow pace in executing the project, among other issues (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

‘Cockles’ giving Wakenaam farmers ‘hard time’

― Minister Mustapha promises quick response to this, other concerns

By Naomi Parris

FARMERS on the Essequibo Islands of Hogg Island, Wakeenaam and Leguan will soon benefit from improved drainage and irrigation services, along with several other amenities to improve their farms.

This comes after the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, held several meetings with farmers in those areas.

During the meeting on Tuesday, several farmers raised concerns of drainage and irrigation, pest control, infrastructure, markets for produce and a need for heavy machinery in the area to conduct works that cannot be done manually.

Jennifer Sobers, who hails from Wakenaam, expressed her frustrations with a broken koker in her community.

“At present, the outfall is very bad and it needs to be desilted and the koker-- it’s a old Dutch koker-- it’s a sluice.

Engineers had come earlier on but the door got so bad that it needs to be repaired and replaced right now,” the woman said.

She added that with the recent rainfall and the rainy

seasons that is expected over the next few weeks, if not addressed quickly, residents in the area will see severe flooding.

Meanwhile, Joseph Jaman, a coconut farmer from the Wakenaam islands, complained bitterly about pest attacking his produce, “Cockles (beetles) are going and destroying the coconut crop,” the man said.

Meanwhile, on Hogg Island, Benjamin Narinedott made a call for more kokers to be constructed in the southern half of the island.

He explained that an inadequate drainage and irrigation system has caused heavy flooding during spring tides.

“Right now, we don’t have a river defence dam and right now with this heavy spring tide, last month spring tide

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, reasoning with a farmer during the meeting at Hogg Island on Tuesday

Jaman also complained about poor drainage and irrigation. “Right now, my pasture is under three feet water with my cattle and I’d like to get help from the government,” the farmer said.

over tapping the whole place,” he said, adding: “We don’t have a koker at the canal, since the canal dig, they never place a koker there and place is flooding.”

Tom Singh, another farmer

from the Wakenaam Island, said the island is currently in need of an excavator since the one that they have is in need of repairs.

island; we are willing to pay $20,000. Cattle farmers need things on this island,” he said.

Addressing the farmer’s concerns, the minister said the

(VAT) in the agriculture sector will make their lives easier.

“We have reduced land rentals to where it was in 2014, we have reduced the

Jennifer Sobers, who hails from Wakenaam, voicing her concerns to Minister Mustapha (Adrian Narine photos)

“We need a new [excavator], the life span is almost done, and if we could get another excavator, it would help the agriculture area on this island.”

Meanwhile, on the Island of Leguan, cattle farmer, Mahendeanauth Rambajue, expressed his frustrations with the lack of access to water resources to rear his cattle.

“We need a pond, if you have to pay a private man, you have to pay $50,000, you have the NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] on the

aim of the meetings is to build and maintain relationship with farmers.

The minister vowed to have the respective agencies, such as the NDIA, carry out needs assessments and revisit the areas to address the concerns that were raised in the meetings before the week is out.

Additionally, the minister told farmers that a few of the problem they once faced will be lessened as a number of changes in relation to the removal of value added tax

D&I charges, we have taken out the VAT on agriculture machinery and agriculture in- puts.”

Since his appointment, the minister and team have been working continuously to provide the best services they can to the farmers across Guyana.

“We are working comrade, rest assure, we will have more measures in place. We will have better conditions for the farmers and we will have more incentives in agriculture,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

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Arrivals top 5,000 since airports’ reopening

― aviation industry, down by 89 per cent in September, making gradual recovery, says Field ― industry catalysing increase in economic activities

By Navendra Seoraj THE local aviation industry, after declining significantly over the past nine months because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, is on the road to recovery, with over 5,000 persons arriving in Guyana since the country opened its international airports on October 5, 2020.

Guyana’s two international airports, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Eugene F. Correia International Airport, were closed to incoming commercial international flights on March 18, 2020, after Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case on March 11.

The airports were initially scheduled to close for a twoweek period, however, as cases in the country increased, the closure continued to be extended. But the new Government, after an analysis of the situation, thought it best to reopen the airports under strict conditions aimed at reducing the possibility of Guyana recording imported cases of COVID-19.

To date, there has been no report of any imported case of this disease since the reopening of the airports. And, with management of the situation appearing to be ‘seamless’, stakeholders are anticipating an increase in arrivals, and continuous recovery of the aviation industry, and, by extension, the entire economy.

Studies show that the most direct activities associated with aviation create G$20.7 billion in annual economic activity.

This represents 3.2 per cent of Guyana’s total gross domestic product (GDP).

Moreover, nearly 12,000 Guyanese jobs are supported by the aviation industry, the majority in either transportation or tourism. This accounts for nearly one in twenty jobs in Guyana. Air passengers also generate roughly G$1.7 billion in travel tax revenue for the government Achieving those prospects this year might, however, be out of reach for the industry, even though recovery has started.

This is mainly because the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, according to Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, has been “devastating”.

“The aviation industry shrunk by over 80 per cent within the past few months, and that is not only due to flights coming into and landing in Guyana, but because the over-flights were tremendously reduced as well.

“The impact on the aviation industry, both locally and globally, was devastating, because you could not travel due to closure of airports. And apart from that, a number of states were locked down; nobody moved into that state or out; the state was locked down. For instance, there was lockdown in London, Paris and so on; practically no

aviation movement, and no aviation business. As a result, many airlines filed bankruptcy, retrenched staff, and even had to “shut shop” completely.

A study done by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) titled, “Effects of Novel Coronavirus on Civil Aviation: Economic Impact Analysis”, has revealed that there was an overall reduction of air passengers, both internally and domestically, by 59 to 60 per cent when compared to 2019.

The ICAO’s study, which was released on November 4, 2020, also showed that airports

GCAA Director-General, Lt. Col. (Ret’d), Egbert Field

Owner of the Roraima Airways, Capt. Gerry Gouveia

movement between countries.

And that is what aviation is all about; moving from one state to another,” said Field during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

NO MOVEMENT, NO AVIATION BUSINESS The aviation expert explained that when a country is locked down, as was the case in many of them over the past nine months, there is no

An ICAO graph

worldwide recorded an estimated loss of approximately 60 per cent of passenger traffic, and 61 per cent of over US$104.5 billion in revenue in 2020, when compared to business as usual.

Airlines also recorded a 54.7 per cent decline of revenue in 2020, when compared to 2019.

While not referring to the report, Field, in speaking more about the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector, said: “If you have to maintain equip-

ment, it reaches to the point where what you have in your reserve is spent out by maintaining equipment, or keeping the basic staff… Eventually, you will run out of funds; you will close business. And that is what happened all around the world; not only Guyana.”

In September, prior to the reopening of the airports, aviation in Guyana was down by 89 per cent; which was a slight recovery from the 92 per cent decline in May. This ‘slight recovery’ was due mainly to domestic travel, which continued throughout the past nine months, but under ‘strict’

the persons who have arrived in Guyana so far are coming from North America,” said Field.

CATALYSING GROWTH The incremental recovery of the aviation industry has had a ripple effect across various sectors in Guyana, and is now being viewed as a catalyst for the rejuvenation of the local economy.

“The aviation sector is playing a tremendous role in the recovery of the economy, by facilitating the movement of passengers; the Government has put measures or protocols in place at the airports to

Passengers arriving at the CJIA on the first commercial flight to Guyana since the formal reopening of the airport

guidelines.

But with the international airports now open to commercial and international travel, Field said the situation will undoubtedly improve, but the pace of recovery will be slow, because economic recovery is being balanced with the protection of people.

“We want to make the air safe for passage of passengers, but we have already started to see a slight recovery; most of

monitor and overlook the reopening of the airport. And the airlines, having noticed this, have begun moving; so you can see the massive contribution aviation is making towards the rebuilding of this economy,” said Field.

Airlines flying to Guyana include American Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Caribbean Airlines and Copa Airlines.

Trans Guyana Airways, a local airline, has also been flying to and from Barbados.

“A lot of people are coming in, so the stakeholders are extremely happy with the move by the administration to open the airports; they are thankful because they have been able to not only retain their workers, but to reinvest in their businesses,” said Field.

In cases where local projects were awaiting the arrival of experts or investors, there has been movement, as businessmen/women have started to travel in and out of Guyana.

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Nicholas Boyer told the Guyana Chronicle that investors have already arrived in Guyana

to follow up on projects that they had started before the pandemic became an issue locally.

“Those investors are using the opportunity to come back and do market research and development,” said Boyer.

The commercial retailers and wholesalers are also expected to benefit from the influx of passengers, who will be here for the Christmas season, which is fast approaching.

With an anticipated increase in arrivals, Field is confident that businesses can prepare for the Christmas season, by hiring adequate staff, and investing where necessary, as the movement of passengers naturally increases the flow of money in an economy.

“People have begun to come in and spend; things were stagnant, but with the movement of passengers, more hotels will have persons; stores will get sales, and the economy will pick up,” said Director-General Field.

Owner of the Roraima Group of Companies, Gerry Gouveia is also optimistic about the recovery of Guyana’s economy. His view is that COVID-19 is becoming one of the dangers of living, so persons will have to be careful and adhere to safety measures while conducting their business.

Speaking specifically about the tourism sector, he said hotels and tour operators who comply with the COVID-19 measures will most likely have an opportunity to operate and generate revenue. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) had reported that the sector lost an estimated 46 per cent of its total revenue over a six-month period.

With the tourism sector being one of the hardest-hit

by COVID-19, the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has assured the tourism industry players that his Government is committed to supporting all stakeholders through the very critical recovery process.

“The Guyana Tourism Authority continues with their marketing efforts to promote nature adventure and eco-tourism, both locally and internationally, and, with the support of the private sector, we have no doubt that this will allow the sector to rebound with strengthened resolve and greater results,” the President said recently.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

Several more arrested for Berbice teens’ murder

THE offer of a reward for information into the murders of Joel and Isiah Henry, and Haresh Singh

has been bearing fruit, as several persons were arrested on Wednesday, Crime Chief, Senior Superinten-

dent Wendell Blanhum has confirmed.

“I can confirm that after the offer of a reward, the GPF has received some useful information, which has led to the arrest of several persons, who are currently assisting investors with their investigation,” the Crime Chief said.

The GPF is offering a $3M reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the gruesome murders.

one week assisting local detectives with the case. Their final report has since been submitted to the GPF. The mutilated bodies of the teen cousins were found on September 6, 2020 in the Cotton Tree backdam in West Berbice.

Their gruesome murders sparked a week of violent protests.

On September 9, three days after the Henry boys were found, Singh was found, in a bloodied state as well, in

DEAD: Cousins, Joel and Isaiah Henry

A team from the CARICOM Regional Security System (RSS), which recently visited Guyana, has expressed satisfaction with the work being done by the GPF in relation to the brutal murders.

The team visited Guyana on September 28, and spent

the Number Three Village backdam, hours after he left home on his motorcycle to transport water for his relatives who were working on their farm.

He was found unconscious by his 12-year-old brother, while his motorcycle

was found torched. He died while on the way to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Singh’s murder is viewed as a reprisal killing for the Henry boys, after news spread that two of his relatives were arrested in connection with their murders.

Police had arrested over seven persons in connection with the murder of the Henry boys, but they were all released, as there was no firm case against them.

As a matter of fact, it took

DEAD: Haresh Singh

the police more than a week to reveal that the cousins were killed elsewhere, and then dumped in Cotton Tree.

A post-mortem found that they both died from haemorrhage and shock, due to multiple incised wounds.

They both sustained severed spines, along with multiple chops about the body.

The killers carved out a huge ‘X’ on Isaiah’s head, while they cut open Joel’s chest. It is suspected that the boys had died some 36 hours prior to being found.

No one was arrested for the murder of Singh, and a PME found that he died from brain haemorrhage and blunt trauma to the head, compounded by compression injuries to the neck.

Following countrywide protests against the murders, President Irfaan Ali had sought international help, and talks were underway to secure the services of one of the world’s foremost agencies in forensic anthropology to support the investigation of the police.

Persons who have information related to the murders are asked to contact the GPF on the following telephone numbers: 2256411, 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-1326, 225-2227, 2253650, 225-7625, 227-1149, 232-0291, 232-0213, 3302222, 911, or the nearest police station. In this regard, the GPF assures the general public that all information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Energy Department director relieved of duties DIRECTOR of the Depart-

ment of Energy, Dr. Mark

Bynoe was relieved of his duties on Thursday, after serving in the position since August 1, 2018.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that Dr.

Thurs, Nov. 12, 2020 ― 01:30hrs ~ 03:00hrs

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe

Bynoe received his letter of termination on Thursday, but it will take effect on December 11, 2020.

It was reported that he is the holder of a doctorate in Environmental Economics from England’s University of East Anglia, and a Master of Science Degree in Resource Management from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

His professional experience is said to be managing the Project Development and Management Unit of the CARICOM Climate Change Centre that was based in Belize.

Based on his current portfolio, he has oversight for the management of the hydrocarbon sector in Guyana.

His department, as it is now, is tasked with optimising the value proposition for Guyanese through the adoption of efficient and effective modalities, transparency, balance, and pursuance of an evidence-based approach to decision making.

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, at a recent press conference had said: “I am not sure whether he will be there as the head, given that his experience has never been in that sector [energy]. I cannot say whether he will be retained in the area because his entire working experience is in environment.”

The future of the Department of Energy is, however, still to be determined, as President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, had said his Government has plans to set up a petroleum commission to insulate the oil-and-gas sector from political interference.

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

Virtual O&G summit to examine future of energy, other key areas

By Navendra Seoraj EXAMINING the future of energy and other critical areas is high on the agenda for the upcoming virtual Guyana Oil and Gas Summit, which will run from December 1-3, 2020.

The summit is being coordinated by the international firm, CWC/Global Future Energy Limited (GFEn) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

According to CWC’s

website, the company has an impressive 22-year track record in delivering conferences, exhibitions and training globally that focus on energy and infrastructure.

Vice-President of CWC/ GFEn, Tiago Marques said the company’s track record is testimony to its ability to deliver an efficient forum which will stimulate the interest of stakeholders and even potential stakeholders.

The key objective of the upcoming virtual summit is to bring together oil-and-gas

Chairman of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas Boyer

companies, private-sector and local businesses to dis-

‘Deportee’ gets 70 years for killing businessman FOUR years after the gruesome murder of businessman, Seeram Singh, who was ‘gunned-down’ during a robbery, his killer, Curt Thomas, called “Deportee”, was on Wednesday sentenced to 70 years imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 40 years behind bars.

Thomas, formerly of Hyde Park, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, was convicted by a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court last week.

Thomas was represented by Attorney-at-Law Lyndon Amsterdam, while the State was represented by Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy.

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Hardy appealed to the court to let the sentence be a deterrent to Thomas and others who think that they can rob people of their hard earnings. She also asked that the court let the sentence reflect the nature and gravity of the charge.

Trial Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, after considering the background of the case, while placing weight that the crime was premedi-

cuss opportunities and best practices on the way forward.

“We will focus on diversifying the economy; areas of business; local content; HSE, technology transfer; the future of energy and the transition of energy,” said Marques during a virtual press briefing on Thursday.

Those areas are especially critical to Guyana because the country is a fledgling petroleum state, with large oil reserves.

In some cases, local stakeholders are even unaware of the country’s potential, so the upcoming forum is tailored in a way to provide targeted, practical breakout sessions which will afford persons the opportunity to engage experts and interna-

tional leaders in the sector.

As a measure of ensuring that Guyanese get the most of this conference, the organisers have offered the first 100 places free to locals.

The other persons will be required to pay a registration fee of US$50 and there will be a different fee for international companies. All registration can be done on GFEn’s website.

The organisers, in addition to promoting the participation of businesses and experts, will also be engaging university learners, as they are viewed as “the future.”

The summit will feature speakers such as Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Moham-

med Barkindo and the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of State; among others.

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas Boyer, said the conference has been well put together and the agenda is geared at pushing the boundaries of thought among players in the oil-and-gas sector.

“The speakers are at the leading edge of their field, so persons would want to listen to their ideas and thoughts,” said Boyer.

His hope is for the outcome of this summit to be increased local participation in the oil -and -gas sector, and the advent of indigenous experts.

‘Wrong Turn’ freed from murder charge Curt Thomas. called ‘Deportee’

tated, sentenced Thomas to 70 years imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 40 years behind bars.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that on April 30, 2016, around 21:00 hours, Singh was walking along the roadway at Parika Outfall when he was attacked by an armed man.

Singh was reportedly shot in the back and fell onto the ground, and as he laid there, the gunman discharged two more rounds, hitting him in the head and chest, before relieving him of the two gold chains he was wearing, and making good his escape.

By the time the police arrived on the scene, Singh

DEAD: Seeram Singh

had already died, but they found a live .32 round, and a bullet casing of a similar calibre, along with his wallet, cell-phone and a few gold rings, which the gunman had apparently missed in his haste to flee the scene.

On May 4, 2016, Thomas was arrested at a Parika betting shop, and when placed on an identification parade, was allegedly identified as the shooter by an eyewitness.

A swab test done on Thomas’ hands reportedly tested positive for gunpowder residue. The police also carried out a search at his home, and found clothing which matched what eyewitnesses said the shooter was wearing.

AFTER spending the last four years on remand for fatally stabbing a Stabroek Market handyman, 30-year-old Eustace Griffith was on Wednesday freed from the murder charge at the Demerara High Court.

Griffith, called “Wrong Turn”, was on remand for the murder of Steven Dexter Arthur, who was fatally stabbed on July 4, 2016, at Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

His case was called before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury. Griffith, who was represented by Attorney-at-law Maxwell McKay, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Eustace Griffith, called ‘Wrong Turn’

After State Prosecutor Tyra Bakker closed her case on Wednesday, McKay made a no-case submission, calling for the charge to be dismissed against Griffith on

the grounds of insufficient evidence.

Justice Singh upheld the no-case submission, and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not-guilty in Griffith’s favour.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that on the day in question, Griffith and Arthur were involved in a fight at Stabroek Market Square.

The altercation reportedly started after Arthur had allegedly thrown a plantain skin on Griffith.

It is alleged that Griffith pulled out a knife and stabbed Arthur to his chest, causing him to die on the spot.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

Sheltering the nation

A NEWS item captioned, “Another 200 land titles for distribution” relayed the information that Senior and Junior Ministers of Housing, Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues are expected to distribute 200-plus land titles to residents in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) when the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s “Dream Realised” project continues in that region.

The event will be held from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs on Friday at the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus with partnering institutions, including commercial banks.

Minister Collin Croal revealed during a CH&PA contract-signing ceremony on Monday that the event was a title-distribution and not an allocation of house lots exercise.

According to the minister: “We have published in the newspapers for a number of persons from Region Six to make contact with us. The titles are not new allocations made by us; they are for persons in the system who have completed payments, and the titles were just there sitting at the CH&PA, not being distributed.”

The title-distribution activity for lands at Eliza and Mary; Plantation No. 77; Plantation No. 76; Plantation Ordinance Fortlands; Plantation Kilcoy and Chesney; and at Plantation Mount Sinai had been left in abeyance by the former PNC-led Coalition

Government since it took office in 2015 and is merely a continuation of the former PPP/C Government’s housing drive under then Housing Minister, current President Irfaan Ali..

The inaugural “Dream Realised” project distribution was held at the Providence National Stadium on the East Bank of Demerara last month, when 350 persons received their titles for lands in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Minister Croal at that event, averred: “We want to encourage persons to ensure that they receive their titles, so that they can approach the banks for their mortgage and start to build.”

Prior to Dr. Cheddi Jagan assuming office in 1992, destitution and hopelessness were pervasive in the existential realities and the national psyche. Owning one’s own home was not even on the radar of grassroots people, much less getting bank loans.

But Dr. Jagan was a visionary who always envisaged Guyana as a homeland where the possibilities for upward mobility for every citizen was an achievable goal, and simultaneously, inexorably, he, together with his fully committed Cabinet began an aggressive programme of re-planning, restructuring, revitalising and rebuilding the economic growth and developmental paradigm in the shattered, devastated,

bankrupted nation, paralleling the legendary Augean stables, his government had inherited. Like the mythological Hercules, they succeeded in cleaning up the mess through eventually freeing up requisite funds by way of debt-reduction/forgiveness by funding agencies and creditor countries.

The housing programme and boosting of agriculture to effect home ownership and food security were indubitably the lodestars of successive PPP/C administrations’ people- empowerment drives, and has always been, although the needs of every sector were being concurrently addressed, together with facilitating the growth and expansion of the private sector as the engine driving economic growth and social development. Dr. Jagan had always recognised that a thriving private sector was imperative to the creation of jobs and the wealth-creation driver of individuals and nations.

Sydel Thomas of the CH&PA PR Dept, reported last week that Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal was, along with a team of regional officials, engaging residents of Zeelugt, Tuschen, and Parika on concerns relating to his ministry.

The minister said negotiations with agencies that own potential lands are being actively carried out to facilitate land acquisition for the development of new housing schemes. He related that the CH&PA has

been in negotiations with GuySuCo, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) about acquiring lands. Government has signalled its intention to distribute more than 2,600 land titles countrywide to effect the construction of 25,000 homes, as well as to create 50,000 house lots within the next five years. The minister noted that, with approximately 70,000 applications for housing in the CH&PA system, the ministry is actively looking at ways of addressing the backlog.

The challenge faced by the young ministers is that the number of applications continues to grow with new applicants daily. The Housing Minister said that since he took office in August, the CH&PA has already received an additional 1,000 applications. They are, nonetheless, continuing outreaches countrywide.

It is clear that the young housing ministers are exulting in the execution of their portfolio, and Minister Collin Croal verbalised his exhilaration in a Facebook post, i.e: “Oct 20 Awesome day today. Meeting residents of Zeelugt, Tuschen and Parika: Assuring them of my ministry’s commitment to improving their water supply, providing new infrastructure where necessary and housing opportunities for them.”

Under another PPP/C administration, dreams are certainly being realised.

Addressing flooding in Guyana Dear editor, THERE is an urge for house lot owners across the country to embark on building their own homes primarily to save huge costs by contractors, but also from the pressure to erect a structure within a prescribed timeframe before the government reclaimed the house lot. Housing experts have argued that while the reclaiming of the house lots may be the proper action by the government against defaulters, it could also be a recipe for disaster. That said, it is incumbent for the government’s urban planners, infrastructure designers and building inspectors to make sure that all building codes rules are adhered to by the builders, especially a suitable drainage system to absorb the excess water from heavy rainfall.

Given the recent flooding in Georgetown and the surrounding environment, it seems that after decades of flooding following

heavy downpours, there is still no solution to flooding, which remains a major problem in the city. Floods have been a major problem in the country. They have not only caused extensive damage to property, but they have also constantly disrupted the lives of people. I and many others are of the firm opinion that the crux of the problem is plain and simple. While flooding is considered a natural disaster, it can be controlled. In order to control or limit the impact of floods, every housing scheme in the country should have a significant percentage of the land soil, at least about 30% in order to absorb the excess rainwater. In addition, the government should mandate that all housing schemes be designed with retention ponds/ trenches, which would serve a dual purpose.

One, the excess rainwater will be drained into the ponds/trenches and thus prevent, alleviate or limit the impact of flooding in that community. And two, during the so-called “dry-weather season,” the ponds/trenches will be sources of water for household use,

animals to drink and to be used to help maintain cash crops. Simply put, there should be a limited amount of concrete on regular soil.

It appears as if Guyana’s recent flooding woes can be traced to January 2005, when extreme rainfall and high tides caused devastating flooding on the coastal lowlands in many areas, including Guyana’s largest and most populous city, Georgetown, which remained inundated for up to three weeks with water levels reaching chest height in many city homes. Due to its age and to climatic pressures, the Dutch system continues to be under increasing stress. Sea-level rise, for example, poses a significant threat to a reduction in the amount of water that can be drained by pumps and gravity. If nothing else, the flood highlighted the fact of climate change and the vulnerability of the country’s drainage and irrigation system, which originated during the Dutch colonial period of the late 1600s and has been expanded over time by governments. Yet, better and more drastic

changes are needed to upgrade the aged Dutch drainage system to absorb excess rainwater and thus prevent flooding.

As is evident, over the years there have been breaches of the original 400-yearold Dutch drainage and irrigation system which had flood-control mechanisms for the rainy season such as a network of sluices and canals that not only help to drain away excess water, but the canals are also used to store water during the dry season for irrigation and household use.

After decades of constant flooding in the city and other low-lying areas along the coastal belt, it is time for the government to revisit and make the necessary changes to the current drainage and irrigation system in view of the dire threats posed by future climate change.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

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GPL sub-station on track for April 2021 completion ― Minister Indar says FIVE new dual-fuel generating sets which are expected to boost the power supply of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) by 46.5 Megawatts (MW) have arrived at the Garden of Eden Power Plant.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) US$41 million investment arrived on November 5.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, during a visit to the East Bank Demerara power plant, on Wednesday, disclosed that works are on schedule for the completion of the project by April 2021.

The minister stated that this is an instrumental project for both the country and GPL. Minister Indar explained that while all five generator sets are at the power plant, there are several other components that would be needed to complete the project. Several civil works have to be completed as part of the project, he added.

“For the size and weight there is a certain vibration that goes along with the generators’ operation so there needs to be a particular below surface civil

works. That is currently being done… Additionally the place where the sets are to be located is completed, but the interconnection is still to be done, and all of these works take time to be done correctly. But the works [are] still on track with the timeline we had,” he explained.

He reminded that currently GPL falls short of the total reserves needed in the system and added that the 46.5 megawatts that will be added will be in keeping with the government’s commitment to providing a more effective and accessible electricity system.

Additionally, he stated that, with the new addition, the power company would be able to adequately handle the electricity demand.

Minister Indar said the new system would ensure revolving capacity to allow for maintenance of the other sets that were previously in GPL’s power plants.

UPGRADES GPL, according to the minister is cognizant of the capacity of its current transmission line and is already looking into

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar (right), and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Albert Gordon, following an inspection of the new dual-fuel generating sets. - (Adrian Narine Photo)

ways to have those upgraded to facilitate this new system.

“What will happen, too, when [these] sets go in is we are faced with an old transmission line and when you generate power it goes through the transmission line. We are aware that those transmission lines need upgrading so GPL is already looking to ensure that they put in enough upgrading to the transmission line so the power can move from transmission to disseminate in the households and businesses,” he said.

The minister reminded that

Oral arguments conclude in appeal by convicts of Neesa Gopaul’s murder

THE Court of Appeal on Wednesday heard the final oral arguments in the case filed by Bibi Shareema Gopaul and her ex-lover, Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small, who were convicted for the 2010 murder of 16-yearold Neesa Gopaul, and is expected to announce a date for decision soon.

sentence, arguing that the trial was unfair, and that the judge erred in law.

Small is represented

by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes and Associates, while Gopaul is represented

by Attorney-at-Law Arud Gossai. The State is represented by Prosecutor Stacy Goodings.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that on October 2, 2010, the remains of Neesa Gopaul were discovered at a location along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, tucked inside a suitcase that was partially submerged in a creek.

Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small

DEAD: Neesa Gopaul

The pair is currently serving a combined total of 202 years in prison for the gruesome murder of the teen, having been found guilty at the Georgetown High Court in March 2015, and sentenced to 106 years and 96 years imprisonment, respectively, by Justice Navindra Singh.

Dissatisfied with the ruling of the court, the duo appealed the conviction and

Bibi Shareema Gopaul, called ‘Naree’

The appeal was heard by the court several times via Zoom. On Wednesday, Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory heard the final arguments.

The court, at the end of the hearing, announced that when a date has been set, notices will be sent out to the respective parties in the case.

A rope had been wrapped around the suitcase, and dumbbells were attached at one end, apparently in an effort to keep the body under water.

Besides the body, a passport bearing the name, Neesa Lalita Gopaul, was found.

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

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

the 46.5 megawatts will be added to 5 megawatts that the government recently procured from Giftland.

Further, he informed that government is set to receive another 10 megawatts in early November.

SIGNIFICANT Meanwhile, GPL’s CEO, Albert Gordon, called the project significant for not just Guyana, but also for the company.

He explained that this is the largest project the company

has embarked on since its establishment.

According to Gordon, with this project the country will save a lot of money since power generation costs will decrease.

He explained that the plant is strategically located at GPL’s Garden of Eden location which is on the other side of the submarine cable, thereby allowing for balance in electricity distribution if the submarine cable goes out.

“With this plant, if we lose the submarine cable the system would stay up because we have enough capacity to balance the demand on the site, so this is important because we would not have to try to source from several other plants,” said Gordon.

Further, the CEO stated that the plant is the beginning of the transition to natural gas, which will see a reduced cost to both the company and the businesses and households that utilise electricity from the company.

He said the generators have already been tested and can work with both natural gas and liquid fuel.

“For this plant we will burn

fuel oil and natural gas and it will burn natural gas very efficiently in terms of how many [British Thermal Units] BTUs in the fuel that is converted to kilowatt-hours, more than anything else we have in the system, and that will [result in] reduced cost incurred by customers,” explained Gordon.

The Divisional Director of Engineering Services, Ryan Ross, informed that the project is 58% complete. This includes the purchasing, the shipping, the logistics and putting all the pieces together, he said, adding that the team does not foresee any major issues that would shift or extend the timeline.

Additionally, Ross stated that the project is especially significant for GPL. He informed that it has paved the way for two million gallons of fuel storage capacity upon completion of the project.

Ross added that the upgrading of the substation on the transmission distribution side is also a first for the company. This, he said is being done to ensure the company can have an efficient offtake and dispatch of the 46.5 megawatts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

Post mortem indicates infant was not sexually violated AS an investigation into the death of the four-dayold infant continues, a post mortem (PM) performed on the baby’s body has not revealed evidence of sexual penetration.

The police had released a report suggesting that the child had been sexually molested when she was examined by doctors and crime-scene technicians on

Monday.

The cause of death has not yet been revealed by the post mortem performed by Dr. Vivekanand Bridgmohan, who said “there is no sign of forced penetration… since they were no bruises or laceration”.

The post mortem was witnessed by the 27-year-old mother of the infant and was conducted at the New Am-

sterdam Hospital Mortuary on Wednesday.

The infant was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital on Monday evening after she began crying uncontrollably and having trouble breathing.

The parents from an East Bank Demerara community were initially held since the circumstances surrounding the death of the baby girl

seemed suspicious.

The 27-year-old mother on Monday went for a follow-up visit to a doctor in the city and left the infant with her father and an eightyear-old sibling in the car.

Upon her return, she saw her baby crying uncontrollably.

The infant was clad only in her underpants and diaper.

The mother then fed the child who fell asleep, as the

family made their way to a West Berbice relative where the mother was planning to spend a few days until she recovered from the pregnancy.

After dropping the mother and children off, the father left and later in the afternoon the infant awoke and began crying again and was struggling to breathe. The mother and relatives immediately

took the baby to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The parents were detained for questioning and the mother was subsequently released. However, up to press time the father remained in custody. The cause of death is expected to be revealed within the next 24 hours.

Women in face-mask-sewing initiative to receive business training ―as part of GWLI’s mission to empower women

THE Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) plans to offer training in business literacy and marketing to about ninety women who are involved in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s face-mask-sewing initiative.

This is according to the newly-appointed Chairperson of the GWLI Board, Patricia Bacchus, who said this will be one of the many training programmes the institute is planning as part of its efforts to empower women and girls.

During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Bacchus spoke of assisting vulnerable women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She informed that there is an ongoing women-led Garment and Accessories Cottage Industry Initiative through which approximately 90 persons are making face masks.

This initiative was launched by the Human Services Ministry last month.

“In its first month of operation, this initiative has yielded over 120,000 masks and generated income for those persons involved in

sewing and supplying these masks. In the interest of time, the board has discussed the provision of suitable training to the persons involved in the Garment and Accessories Cottage [Industry] Initiative, particularly in the areas of business literacy and mar-

Bacchus informed that the board, which had its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, is also looking to design suitable programmes geared towards the elevation of various skills in girls and women that will allow for their increased participation in

organisations (NGOs), relevant government agencies and educational/vocational institutions.

She explained to the Guyana Chronicle that the GWLI’s mission is to develop, promote and support women and girls as lead-

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindyha Persaud, during the virtual meeting with GWLI on Tuesday Chairperson of Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute Board, Patricia Bacchus

keting, in an effort to supplement their skills for revenue generation on an ongoing, long- term basis,” she stated.

decision-making and better access to leadership roles at all levels.

In so doing, GWLI hopes to partner with agencies and institutions that promote gender equity and economic empowerment. These include non-governmental

ers and decision-makers through education and training. This, she emphasized, is necessary to facilitate equal access and full participation in leadership and decision-making processes within the Guyanese society.

Additionally, Bacchus

No violent, corrupt members allowed in community policing groups MEMBERS of Community Policing Groups (CPGs) must be the eyes and ears of their communities and no one with a domestic-violence history or who is perceived to be corrupt will become members of these bodies, says Security Adviser to the Home Affairs Minister, Harry Gill.

Gill made these remarks at the official launch of the reformed national Community Policing Group at the Police Officers Training Centre, Eve Leary, Georgetown, on Monday.

Former Senior Superintendent Rishi Dass has been appointed administrator of the CPGs. “To be successful, CPG members must earn the trust of the residents they interact with on a daily basis,” Gill said, adding: “No one with a history of domestic violence, alcohol

abuse or even those perceived to be corrupt would ever be invited to be a part of this noble cause.”

Gill said during the last five years as a result of lack of leadership, the CPGs suffered and became dysfunctional, causing over 2,000 members to leave.

Currently, there are 144 active community policing groups across the country, with 2903 members.

“During this period, there were many reports of wrongdoing amongst other members, vehicular abuse, members misusing their authority and lack of cooperation between CPG members and ranks of the Guyana Police Force,” Gill said.

He explained that the restructuring is geared at fixing the deficiencies of CPGs. Adding that in the first quarter of the new year, CPGs will participate with the police in a

procedural justice programme.

Gill said this initiative is to build trust among the citizenry who lack confidence in law enforcement.

He said the training will enhance the way the police and CPGs interact with the public.

CPGs are expected to be the eyes and ears of the Guyana Police Force in their respective communities, while its primary purpose is crime prevention.

The security adviser noted that CPGs are also charged with eradicating social ills within the communities they serve, while promoting social cohesion through sports activities.

Gill noted that the strength of CPGs are expected to increase exponentially throughout the 10 geographical regions and is projected to play a major role in intelligence-gathering and crime prevention.

Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie has pledged the force’s support to CPGs in its efforts to achieve a crimefree society.

“Law enforcement cannot address the issue of crime by itself and we need members of the community… community policing is here to stay, it is the way forward; community policing is results-oriented and should be sustained,” Hoppie said.

Home Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Mae Toussaint Thomas said the restructuring of CPGs will better serve citizens and support the Guyana Police Force as a strategic decision was taken to implement groups in Regions One and Eight.

“There is an influx of non-nationals seeking to start a new life and earn a living; this

explained that the institute strives to continuously educate and train girls and women to become leaders in their families, private lives and communities, and to be public leaders within the larger political and policy-making areas.

“The board is expected to craft the policies and programmes that would ensure [that] the mission and vision of the institute are met so that we can see more girls and women take up positions of leadership in all spheres of activities, and where we can see a greater level of financial independence of women,” Bacchus said.

Bacchus stressed that the board will ensure equal access to training opportunities by coordinating activities in a decentralized manner and developing specially tailored programmes for the different regions.

She also expressed hope that the board will be able to effectively utilise its 2020 budgetary allocation before the end of the year. According to Bacchus,

work on the institute’s budget and programmes for 2021 will soon commence.

Further, GWLI will be on the lookout for any available grants which would assist in the fulfillment of its mandate.

Recently, Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindyha Persaud, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the protection and promotion of women’s rights and gender equality through women empowerment, with guidance from the newly installed board.

During a virtual meeting on Tuesday, Minister Persaud challenged the new board to develop programmes that would train and empower women to be financially independent.

The other members of the board are Deputy Chairperson, Camille Deokie, Padmini Singh, Saudia Ferouz, Sarah Brown, Gina Arjoon, Roshan Khan Jnr., Marissa Scott, Louanna Abrams, Macaela Cameron and Asha Kissoon.

– Security Adviser to Home Affairs Minister

will see communities in Maba- Rishi Dass, who is now adruma, Port Kaituma, Matthews ministrator of the CPGs, has Ridge, Baramita and Mahdia over 33 years of experience in police force, the being equipped to fight crimes,” t h e permanent she said. secretary Regions Seven, Nine and said this 10, the permanent secretary wealth of said will also have new groups knowlthat will be monitored by liaie d g e son officers to ensure proper will be communication with the Home an asset Affairs Ministry. to the “Currently, there are hunCPGs. dreds of citizens voluntarily dedicating their time and energies to make communities safer. We know the strengths of these groups will increase since persons on a daily basis have been reaching out to the ministry in person and on social media,” the permanent secretary said.

Security Adviser to the Home Noting that former Affairs Minister, Harry Gill Senior Superintendent

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

9

Critical D&I works for Hogg Island

― fertilisers, access to seeds and other planting materials to be made more accessible to farmers FARMERS from Hogg Island, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, will soon benefit from a number of drainage and irrigation works, after years of neglect to critical drainage and irrigation structures across the island.

This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a recent outreach to the island, where he met with a number of farmers who raised their concerns about the need for urgent rehabilitation work to critical drainage and irrigation structures.

Nazim Mohammed, a Region Three Regional Democratic Councillor, said that there is need for repairs to be carried out on several structures.

“NDIA did a koker on the western end of the island but we need another koker because going to the southern part of the island, the koker cannot take off the water. On the North, we don’t have a problem with flooding but when the rain falls heavy it takes a longer time to discharge. We also need a bigger koker on the western end. Minister, we also have a number koker doors in need of urgent repairs. We would also be grateful for a speedy rehabilitation of the 11 miles of canal. Six miles have already been completed and we need the additional five miles to be done. On the eastern side of Hogg Island, we need to re-

habilitate those canals as well,” Mr. Mohammed said.

The councillor also complained about the exorbitant costs farmers have to pay for seeds and fertilisers on the island.

“We know that Government has taken off the VAT from fertilisers and other agriculture inputs but by the time it gets to us, the cost of these fertilizers is still high. We have

is heavy on the farmers. We are paying as much as $6,400 for a pack of watermelon seeds,” Mohammed said.

ADDITIONAL MACHINE Farmers also said that there is need for an additional machine to assist with desilting the canals and for rehabilitation works to commence on the river defence dam. One farmer

“After listening to all of your issues, I want to assure you that I am committed to working with you to have your issues resolved. I have my officers here from the agencies taking notes so that we can work with you. In relation to your drainage issues, an engineer from NDIA will return to the island to meet with you to carry out a needs assessment and provide me with a report

Nazim Mohammed

here fixed properly and procure the parts needed to ensure the repairs are done correctly.

From there we will be able to execute projects based on their urgency. The comrade raised the issue about land leases.

My office will consult with the Guyana Lands and Surveys so that their officers can meet with you to have these issues resolved,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha distributing seeds to farmers at Hogg Island

to pay $200 per bag to bring it down. If you can put some system in place to assist us it will help tremendously. We also need markets and some seeds.

We are exporting some watermelon from one part of the island but the cost of the seeds

added that there is need for surveys to be done so that persons can acquire land leases.

In responding to the issues raised, Minister Mustapha said his ministry is prepared to work with residents to have their issues resolved.

in one week. I know that NDIA has a machine here that needs some amount of repairs. I will ask the engineer to send another machine to the island until the works have been completed. We will also work with you to get the machine you have

Commission on Disability gets copies of Sexual Offences Act in braille

THE United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday handed over 98 copies of the Sexual Offences Act reproduced in braille to the National Commission on Disability (NCD). The good gesture is part of a continuing initiative to ensure that all children, including those with disabilities, have access to important laws.

Acting UNICEF Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Irfan Akhtar, made the presentation to Executive Secretary to the NCD, Beverly Pile, at a simple handing-over ceremony at the commission’s head office.

“We in UNICEF are convinced that a country’s human resources can only be advanced if there is equity, inclusion, respect and active participation of all persons. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to make possible the translation of the Sexual Offences Act in braille. This gesture is one significant way of supporting the NCD’s goal to promote a society where persons with disabilities

know their rights and are able to lead full and productive lives,” said Akhtar.

UNICEF had previously supported the translation of key legislation, including the Sexual Offences Act (2010), the Protection of Children Act (2009) and the Trafficking in Persons Act (2005) into user-friendly language, which were then reproduced in braille. The copies handed over will be distributed to relevant groups around the country.

UNICEF continues to support initiatives that enable youth and vulnerable groups to know their rights.

Also present at the ceremony were UNICEF’s Education Specialist Audrey Michele Rodrigues and the NCD’s Programme officer, Sondra Davidson Low.

IMPROVING ACCESS Minister Mustapha also committed to working with the farmers to set up a system so that they can access seeds and other agriculture inputs like fertilisers on the island at a more affordable cost.

Addressing the issue of markets for farmers’ crops, Minister Mustapha informed the farmers that Government is currently in the process of revamping the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).

Father of four dies in Corentyne accident A Corentyne father of four lost his life, on Tuesday night, after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a parked truck.

Dead: Sherwin Murray

UNICEF representative Irfan Akhtar conversing with Executive Secretary to the National Commission on Disability, Beverly Pile

UNICEF representative, Irfan Akhtar hands over copies of the Sexual Offences Act reproduced in braille to Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Beverly Pile. Also in photograph are UNICEF’s Education Specialist Audrey Michele Rodrigues (left) and NCD Programme officer Sondra Davidson Low (right)

“We are looking at new markets for our farmers. I am having discussions right now with other agencies within Government and soon the New GMC will be tasked with the responsibility of providing markets for the farmers.

When farmers don’t have regular markets for their produce, many times their produce is being dumped or it spoils. We will work with the prisons, schools, the army, the police force and the hospitals so that our farmers can benefit from the markets within these governmental agencies,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also said that the Regional Democratic Council will have to play a role in these developmental works. He added that his ministry will work with regional officials to develop a work programme for the region to determine the order in which projects are done.

Sherwin Murray, popularly known as “Chest,” was on his way to his Bengal, East Berbice, Corentyne home, riding his motorcycle bearing registration, CG 612, when, in the vicinity of Number 47 Village, he reportedly lost control and crashed into the parked truck.

The truck, a green and white Leyland Daf,

bearing registration, GNN 9131, was parked on the parapet of the western side of the road a few villages away from where Murray lived.

According to an eyewitness, Javendra Bhajnauth, around 22:05 hrs, he heard the sound of a motorcycle and a moment later he heard a loud crashing noise. Upon investigating, he saw Murray lying on his bike motionless with blood oozing from his head.

“I hear the bike coming fast and then ‘blam!’ When I run out, I see is one a me good friend, ‘Chest’, who used to play cricket with me. It look like he knock he head on the truck and bounce back,” Bhajnauth related.

The injured man was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Murray was a popular sports enthusiast on the Corentyne. Members of his family were in a state of shock when the Guyana Chronicle visited their home.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

First Lady meets with Leguan residents

FIRST LADY, Arya Ali, on Monday, met with residents of Leguan to address a number of concerns, after which she donated a few hundred masks to students and the elderly.

She noted that it is important for public officials to listen to the concerns of residents to get a better understanding of some of the issues affecting them.

“That is why I am here

(CSHE) to conduct a number of workshops.

The successful completion of the workshops, she added, will see those participants receiving a certificate which will increase their marketabil-

start of next year, will be the development of a playfield into an eco-park which forms part of the First Lady’s National Beautification Project.

“There are many socio-economic benefits to be

today. I want to hear from you and see how best I am able to use my office to assist you.

I am here to work for you, the people of Guyana,” she stressed.

After listening to the residents, the First Lady outlined two initiatives that she intends to pursue in the near future to benefit the people of Leguan.

The first initiative involves the provision of skills training for young people on the island.

She explained that during the first quarter of next year, the Office of the First Lady will partner with skills training institutions like the Carnegie School of Home Economics

First Lady, Arya Ali, visits an elderly woman at the Leguan Hospital on Monday

ity. The second plan which is likely to come on stream at the

Hospital and made a donation of a hamper to an elderly person who resides at the healthcare facility. She then visited the Leguan Post Office, where pensioners had gathered to receive their pension books,

First Lady, HE Arya Ali offers a word of encouragement to Grades 11 and 12 students of Leguan Secondary School before donating a few boxes of masks

First Lady, Arya Ali, donating five boxes of masks to the Leguan Post Office where pensioners went to uplift their pension books on Monday

The meeting, which was held in Blenheim, attracted approximately 20 residents who used the opportunity to raise their concerns with the First Lady.

Among the major issues identified by the residents were the need for more job opportunities, increased lighting, and improvements to the only hospital on the island. The First Lady explained to the resident that while her office does not perform those specific Government functions, she will ensure that those concerns are properly documented by her office, and communicated to the relevant ministries.

residents of Leguan, to enjoy those benefits as well. So I will be working towards developing the area so you can have an environmentally-friendly space to enjoy,” she said.

derived from having public parks and we want you, the

After the meeting, the First Lady visited the Leguan

and made another donation of five boxes of face masks. Her final stop was at the Leguan Secondary School where she met with Grades 11 and 12 students and made another donation of three boxes of masks.

“The world is continuing to function and people will continue to conduct their business because some of them do not have any other option. It is therefore important for all of us to play our part in helping to protect our children and the elderly as they are the most vulnerable among us,” said the First Lady.

Teen stabbed to death by jilted man

By Indrawattie Natram RESIDENTS of Richmond Housing Scheme, Region Two, were thrown into a state of shock on Wednesday morning when they heard screams coming from a nearby house in the village. The screams were that of a teenager who was brutally stabbed by her jilted lover. Dead is 16-year-old Sanesha Subrina Lall of Richmond Housing Scheme. The incident reportedly occurred around 09:00 hours.

According to the aunt of the deceased, Geeta Lall, she received a phone call around 09:15 hours from a sister of the teen, who informed her that Sanesha was stabbed and bleeding

profusely.

Geeta said she immediately visited the home where Sanesha was and there she saw a large crowd in front of the house. The aunt related that Sanesha’s mother and father died, leaving three sisters and one brother to fend for themselves. The girls live in a house built by Food for the Poor and the elder sister usually takes care of the younger siblings.

“Them mother died, the father was an alcoholic, so they were left. The deceased was a school dropout… sadly, I see she got 20 stabs about her body,” Geeta said.

A younger sister, who witnessed the entire ordeal, related that her sister’s male friend came early with a

The deceased, Sanesha Subrina Lall

blue minibus and wanted to come in. She said that they told him he cannot enter when he pushed down the gate and entered the house.

“He rushed in and my elder sister told him not to come in. Then we saw he had a sharp knife and he started to stab her about her body all the time, 20 times, we counted all over, then he left. We were screaming during the entire incident,” the sister related.

When asked if the now deceased had a relationship with the male, the sister said “yes” but noted that and on many occasions she would tell him that she is not interested in him.

The younger sibling said the male still continued to visit. Sanesha

reportedly told the 34-yearold man that she did not want to continue with the relationship with him because he is married. Reports indicate that the suspect is separated from his family. He reportedly consumed a quantity of poisonous substance at the burial ground after committing the gruesome act.

He was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he remains a patient under guard.

Sanesha was living in Georgetown and only returned to the Essequibo Coast when her father died. Her body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

Police are continuing their investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

Nations Inc. helps prisoners to develop artistic skills

AS part of a wider programme in support of prison reform, a team from Nations Inc. recently held a three-day workshop for 17 prisoners at Mazaruni Prison on art, literacy and entrepreneurship.

The workshop was part of the consultancy given to Nations Research Institute (NURI), by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to assist with the rehabilitation of prisoners in Guyana.

One of the workshops was on art. The art workshop was facilitated by Chris Bissessar, Ryan Ram and Kyezah Bhola, who are art students at Nations. The three days were divided between painting and puppet making.

A number of the paintings done by the prisoners are to be included in the National Art Exhibition to be hosted by Nations on December 11 and 12.

For the majority of the prisoners, it was the first time they had tried to develop their artistic talents.

During the three-day

workshop Hodayah Stewart, Anju Vivekanandraj and Brian O’Toole presented sessions on mindfulness, anger management and conflict resolution.

Max Persaud also worked with a number of the prisoners to develop income

generation projects to support them on release from prison. This was a follow up to a series of workshops that Persaud has provided in all the prisons in Guyana.

Throughout the three days, Andel Mathieson gathered video footage for an

upcoming documentary on the programme.

Whilst in Mazaruni, the team also carried out a literacy survey to see the level of literacy of the prisoners.

Two radio interviews were conducted on Radio Bartica about the project.

A prisoner putting his painting skills to the test

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2020

China Focus: Small countries score big success at import expo

THOUGH covering only nine square meters, the booth of Timor Media Solution is one of the busiest at the ongoing third China International Import Expo (CIIE).

From the very first day of the expo, visitors kept lining up in front of the booth for a taste of the civet coffee from Timor Leste, which is made and served by an on-site barista.

Jacky Li, who is in charge of the booth, said the enthusiasm is beyond his expectation. “Because of the novel coronavirus outbreak, we did not expect to see many people here,” he said. “China has done well in containing the virus.”

This is the second year for the civet coffee from the Asian island country to be exhibited at the CIIE. As one of the finest coffee varieties in the world, Timor Leste’s coffee was already quite sought-after at last year’s expo.

Purely organic and tasty, Timor-Leste’s civet coffee is of high quality, but for a small country with a population of around 1.3 million, its annual output is only

several hundred kilos.

Shortly after the second CIIE, a Timor-Leste National Pavilion was established in the Shanghai Pilot Free

entire world to know more about Timor-Leste, thereby encouraging economic and trade exchanges, as well as attracting more investment

though we only offer limited product types, they helped a lot with promotion.”

Bolivian exporters, who brought quinoa, beef and

Trade Zone last year. Besides, a coffee industrial center was unveiled nine months later to commercialize the product further.

“The CIIE is a world-renowned platform, which allows not only China but the

for our country,” said Li, also the curator of the national pavilion.

He added that the organizer of the CIIE has provided great support for small countries like Timor-Leste. “For instance,

alpaca products all the way from the small South American nation thousands of kilometers away, have also found the expo very fruitful.

Sandra Mabel Mariscal, business secretary to the chairman of the Bolivia

Trade and Investment Department, said the department hopes to seek cooperation with large Chinese enterprises, local stores and supermarkets on agricultural commodities.

“To our delight, the Bolivian booth has attracted quite some visitors and potential buyers,” she told Xinhua, adding that the department has already locked in a cooperation plan of 10 million U.S. dollars covering the next five years.

China is Bolivia’s second-largest trading partner.

In 2019, Bolivian exports to China stood at 402 million U.S. dollars, official data show.

Greechain, a Kenya-based exporter, has come to the CIIE for three consecutive years, and its booth has expanded from only nine square meters in 2018 to this year’s 40 square meters, along with the company’s booming business with China.

Rossella Lyu, chairwoman of Greechain, said coffee, nuts and other local products from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa have been very

popular among Chinese consumers.

“We’ve just signed an annual purchase contract worth 10 million U.S. dollars for dry fruits, nuts and avocado products at the CIIE,” she told Xinhua.

Boosted by business opportunities in the Chinese market, Greechain has opened branches in Tanzania and Uganda and generated around 2,000 jobs in developing countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, according to Lyu. Despite restrictions due to virus containment measures, this year’s CIIE has attracted 2,600-odd global exhibitors and is expected to welcome 400,000 visitors, making it one of the world’s largest events in 2020.

Among them, more than 500 enterprises from 47 Belt and Road countries and regions have participated in this year’s CIIE. The expo has also hosted exhibitors from 30 least developed countries with an exhibition area of more than 4,000 square meters, according to the expo organizer.

Interview: China’s BRI offers great potential for stable global development, cooperation ― expert (Xinhua) -- China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, have great potential for the stable development of the world community and cooperation between countries, said an Uzbek political scientist in a recent interview with Xinhua.

The promotion of the BRI on the joint construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt was the beginning of a new era in the integration of the world economy, said Anri Sharapov, head of the Department of Economics and Politics of China at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.

“The BRI takes into account the interests of major actors in Eurasia. Over the past seven years, it has indeed become an important instrument

of international cooperation,” Sharapov said, adding that “many states have agreed on important deals within this initiative.”

The Uzbek expert believes that the further implementation of the initiative is very important in modern conditions amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, whose negative consequences are acutely affecting the world economy.

Noting the importance of the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Sharapov said that it will play an important role, primarily in joint efforts to mitigate negative consequences of the pandemic and economic slowdown in the SCO member states.

“The SCO summit should contribute to social and economic stability both in the

SCO countries and around the world,” the Uzbek political scientist added.

Speaking about the SCO’s role in aligning the BRI with the Eurasian Economic Union, the Uzbek expert noted that these initiatives do not contradict each other, as they are aimed at greater cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Reminding that the SCO was originally an instrument of ensuring trust along the borders, the scholar said its functions have been enriched now.

“And in this context, within the framework of the upcoming SCO summit, it is also important to discuss the issues of further cooperation in education, people-to-people diplomacy, as well as in the field of security and countering new global challenges and threats,” Sharapov said.

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Duo fined $50,000 each for police assault, obstruction

A MAN and a woman, who assaulted a traffic cop during his attempt to arrest

their driver, on Tuesday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

and were each fined $50, 000 after pleading guilty to two charges.

Albert Grant and Paulette Grant stood before Magistrate Keron Daly and admitted that they, on November 5, 2020, at Lombard and Hadfield Streets, assaulted Constable Timothy Cummings during the execution of his duties.

They also admitted that, on the same day, and at the said location, they obstructed Cummings from executing his duties.

According to the facts, Cummings and Constable Giles who were dressed in police uniform, and on duty, attempted to arrest Leron Joseph, a Staff Sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force.

The duo intervened, thereby hindering Constable Cummings from executing his duties. It is alleged that an enraged Albert Grant pushed the policeman into a bus while Paulette pushed

his face with her hand. The matter was reported and the two were arrested for the offences committed.

Magistrate Daly, after recording the guilty pleas ordered that they each pay a fine of $30, 000 or spend two months in prison for the assault of a peace officer and $20, 000 or two months in prison for obstructing a peace officer.

Man charged with break and enter and theft remanded

A MAN, on Wednesday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with breaking into the Universal Janitori-

al Services’ bond and stealing a motorcycle and a quantity of cleaning equipment, and was remanded to prison.

Dwayne Charles pleaded not guilty to the break and enter and larceny charge which was read to him by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

It is alleged that between October 28 and 30, 2020, at Princess Street, Georgetown, Charles broke and entered the bond of Ian Edwards and stole one Jialing 110 motorcycle valued at $200,000, two Wet and Dry vacuums valued at $79,000, two pressure washing machines valued at $600,000, and four floor dryers valued at $158,400. Together the items were valued at $1

037 400.

Prosecutor Sullivan informed the court that, on October 28 at about 15:00 hrs, Denise Samuels secured the bond and went home. When she returned on October 30 at about 08:30hours, she discovered that the eastern door was prised open and the items mentioned in the charge missing.

The police were summoned and an investigation was conducted.

CCTV captured Charles and his three accomplices transporting the items from the bond to Charles’ car. Subsequently, Charles was arrested and charged with the offence.

The matter was adjourned to December 16.

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Williams Principal Simon Roberts tests positive for COVID-19

(BBC) - Williams acting team principal Simon Roberts has tested positive for coronavirus in the build-up to this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

The team said the 57-year-old was tested in UK yesterday after displaying "minor symptoms".

He will isolate for the

statutory 10-day period and support the team's operations at Istanbul Park remotely.

Team manager Dave Redding and chief vehicle design engineer Adam Carter will assume responsibilities in Turkey.

Williams said that Roberts had not been in close contact with any other mem-

bers of the race team and operations in Turkey would otherwise be unaffected.

Williams are only the second team to have a senior member of management contract coronavirus this season.

Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll tested positive last month.

Both Racing Point drivers have contracted COVID-19 - Lance Stroll tested positive after the Eifel Grand Prix last month and team-mate Sergio Perez missed the two races at Silverstone in the summer

when he caught the virus following a trip to see his mother in Mexico.

Formula 1 has been able to run a truncated season this year after setting up a series of protocols to minimise the risks amid the coronavirus

pandemic.

Teams are kept separate from each other, a 'bubble' system operates within each team and masks are required to be worn in the paddock at all times.

Ronaldo scores as Portugal beat Andorra (BBC) - Cristiano Ronaldo moved one goal closer to the all-time international goal-scoring record in men's football as Portugal thrashed Andorra.

Ronaldo, 35, scored his 102nd goal for his country with a powerful header and is now seven behind the record of Iran's Ali Daei.

Wolves forward Pedro Neto also scored on his de-

but - one of five Wanderers players in the Portugal squad.

Michy Batshuayi scored twice for Belgium as they beat Switzerland 2-1.

And Leicester winger Cengiz Under scored as Turkey and Croatia drew 3-3.

With 127 places in the latest FIFA rankings between Portugal (seven) and Andorra (134), the logic of a friendly

before two rounds of Nations League matches could be questionable.

Juventus forward Ronaldo was left on the bench as a precaution after picking up an ankle injury against Lazio last weekend and replaced Neto at the break.

He scored Portugal's sixth goal with five minutes left with a thumping header.

Simon Roberts (centre) alongside Williams drivers Nicholas Latifi and George Russell last month

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first European man to score 100 goals for his country earlier this year.

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RHTYSC, BCB launch COVID-19 Educational Poster THE ten cricket teams of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) have joined hands with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) to launch another project as the two vibrant organisations continue their COVID-19 response project.

Since the beginning of April the two organisations have operated a joint project to assist those affected by the pandemic and to educate Berbicians about the deadly virus.

The latest venture was

the publication of 11” x 17” coloured educational posters.

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the posters which were printed at the F and H Printery in Georgetown were solely sponsored by the 10 cricket teams of the club.

They are the Farfan and Mendes U-15, Poonai Pharmacy U-12 and U-13, Bakewell U-17 and Second Division, Pepsi U-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, NAMILCO Thunder Bolt U-21 and First Division teams.

… BCB patron receives first copy The posters would be distributed across the county free of cost, with special emphasis placed on schools, Police stations, Fire stations, public markets, supermarkets and cricket grounds.

The poster seeks to educate the general public about the main ways to protect themselves from the virus and features the images of four of the RHTYSC most promising players and the club’s two Youth ambassa-

CWI backs New Zealand’s move to ban West Indies training CRICKET West Indies (CWI) yesterday issued a statement after some members of the touring party had allegedly contravened the strict COVID-19 protocols within the team’s

antine period and will have to complete their quarantine within the Managed Isolation Facility only.

According to the report, CWI is in full support of the New Zealand Ministry of

West Indies players have been preparing in Christchurch. (CWI)

Managed Isolation Facility in Christchurch.

The New Zealand Ministry of Health has advised us that all members of the West Indies touring party will now be unable to train for the remainder of the quar-

Health’s position, stating, "From the information we have received so far, we have been told that the incidents in question included some players compromising the bubble integrity by mixing between two separate

West Indies bubbles into which the touring party had been split, by sharing food and socialising in hallways."

"There is no evidence, or suggestion, that any members of the touring party left the facility, or that any unauthorised persons accessed it"..

Ahead of the tour to New Zealand, the West Indies touring party all returned two negative COVID-19 tests before leaving the Caribbean, and underwent two further tests since they have been in New Zealand. All results were negative.

The players underwent their final scheduled tests this morning and, based on results, are scheduled to leave the Managed Isolation Facility tomorrow to travel to Queenstown, ahead of two warm-up matches against New Zealand ‘A’.

Meanwhile, CWI has already begun an internal investigation into the reported incidents.

Pooran; Chase to...

From Backpage (vice-captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Chemar Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach Test Reserves: Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua DaSilva, Preston McSween, Shayne Moseley, Raymon Reifer, Jayden Seales 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

dors.

They are Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, Kevin Ramnarine, Marissa Foster and Denica Henry.

Among the recommended guidelines on the posters are social distancing, wearing a face mask in public, sanitising your hands regularly and avoiding sick persons with the virus.

Foster stated that BCB and RHTYSC have distributed over six thousand food hampers across the entire county along with two million dollars’ worth of chicken products, face masks, clothing and cleaning items.

Minister Vickram

BCB Patron, Minister Vickram Bharrat, and Hilbert Foster launch the joint RHTYSC/BCB Poster campaign.

Bharrat congratulated the two organisations for working together to make a positive difference during this period and expressed confidence that the posters would

assist in a major way.

The publication of the posters marked the 200th personal developmental project of the 10 cricket teams of the club.

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Pompey promoted to Associate head coach at St John's University THE St John's Athletic Department officially announced yesterday that four-time Olympian Aliann Pompey has been elevated to the position of Associate head coach.

"I have to thank Mike Cragg and coach Hurt for this honour and I am appreciative of them for their support and tutelage," Pompey said according to a release from the University.

"They're both part of the reason why I am able to continue doing what I love here at St John's University.

I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward working closely with our administration on continuing our tradition of success," the Commonwealth Games 400m gold medallist stated.

Since joining the St John's track & field programme as an assistant coach in 2014,

Pompey has seen her athletes break the Red Storm's indoor records twice in the 200 metres and 400 metres while also eclipsing previous programme bests in the 60-metre hurdles, 500 metres and the 4x200-metre relay. Pompey has also helped the Johnnies' sprints and hurdles squad break outdoor records in the 100 metres hurdles, 800 metres, 4x200 metres relay and 4x100 metres relay events.

Most recently, Pompey guided Leah Anderson to three gold medals at the 2020 BIG EAST Indoor Championships, as she took first place in the 200 metres, 400 metres and 4x400 metres relay.

Anderson was named the conference's most outstanding performer in track events and earned the BIG EAST High Point Performer award, leading the field with 22.5

points.

Pompey's sprints and hurdles squad accounted for at least 60 percent of St John's total team points at the meet.

"I am very pleased and proud to have coach Pompey become our Associate head coach as she is exceptional in every way," said head coach Jim Hurt.

Hurt added that the Guyanese is a "great and winning coach, keenly intelligent and insightful, and a person of great character. She has made a significant impact on our programme over the past six years and will continue to do so in the years to come."

In 2017, Pompey assisted Adriana Wright in capturing the indoor BIG EAST High Point Performer award after winning three gold medals in the 60 metres hurdles, 60 metres dash and 200 metres dash.

The following year she helped Maya Stephens earn the conference's most outstanding co-performer in track events accolade for her wins in the 200-metre and 400-metre dashes at the 2018 indoor championships.

Throughout her time with the Red Storm, Pompey's athletes claimed three of the BIG EAST's last four most outstanding track performer awards at the outdoor championships while earning the accolade at the 2018 and 2020 conference indoor championships.

Pompey has continued to impart her knowledge and extensive track & field experience to international sports administrations and was named the President of the Pan American Sports Athlete Commission in 2019.

The Guyana native was

elected to represent more than 6 600 athletes across 41 countries that compete in the Pan American Games and has served as a standing member of the Athletes' Commission since 2015. She also serves on the organisation's executive board and as the International Olympic Committee's athlete liaison. Pompey is now in her third year as the Metropolitan Athletic Conference President.

Pompey is the founder of the Aliann Pompey (AP) Invitational, a premier international track & field competition that was added to the World Athletics Continental Tour in 2020.

The inaugural meet held in Guyana hosted 11 athletes who went on to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio and serves as a gateway to Olympic qualification.

As an athlete, Pompey captured the gold medal in the 400 metres at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and took home the silver medal in 2010. She also earned a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games.

Pompey has represented her home country Guyana at the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, five Outdoor World Championships in Athletics, and the IAAF World Indoor Championships on four occasions.

In 2009 at the World Championships in Berlin, Germany, Pompey set the South American indoor record in the 400 metres with a personal best mark of 50.71.

During the summer of 2016, Pompey made another Olympic appearance as an assistant manager with Guyana Olympics team.

Caribbean RADO celebrates 15 years today THE Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) will mark its 15th anniversary today. As a result of the ongoing global pandemic, the celebrations will be done virtual. Caribbean RADO Chairman Patrick Werleman says the organization is proud to reach the milestone.

“As the Caribbean RADO, we have an imperative role to play in ensuring that all member countries are able to comply with, and implement, the many anti-doping rules and regulations that apply to all of us,” says Werleman.

The Chairman has also thanked the ‘Caribbean RADO family’ who saw the importance of establishing the regional anti-doping body, and assisted with its success over the years.

“We salute them. Without their dedication and creativity, we would not be here today. Today, we can proudly say that the Caribbean RADO has 18 member countries and we are all

involved, both past and present, in the work of the RADO. This includes the RADO staff, the Executive and the Board, the authorities in the Member Countries, and especially all of the people, including the many volunteers who contribute to the implementation of anti-doping programmes throughout the Caribbean region,” says May. Caribbean RADO is committed to its mission of clean sport in the region, and the protection of clean athletes. Although

Caribbean RADO Board Members during 2019 AGM in Tortola

committed to preserving the Olympic values including fair play and clean sport.”

Current Caribbean RADO Vice-Chairman Dr Adrian Lorde, who was one of the founding members, says the organisation has several achievements of which it can be proud.

“We have been honoured with awards. We’ve been recognised by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agen-

cy) as one of the top two RADOs in the world.

We’ve done testing for international organisations. Our doping control officers have worked at the Olympics, Pan Am Games and CAC Games. We have done extremely well with limited resources in those 15 years,” says Dr Lorde.

In congratulating Caribbean RADO, Tom May, Director, Programme Devel-

opment and NADO/RADO Relations at WADA has noted he is pleased with how the regional body has progressed since its inception.

“I was fortunate enough to be involved in the original discussions about the establishment of this RADO in 2005. To see the progress made over these past 15 years is truly remarkable; and this has only been made possible by all those

the global pandemic brought the sporting world to a halt, the work of the body continued, particularly under its mandate of anti-doping education; while also spearheading the doping control process during the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPLT20) in Trinidad & Tobago.

Activities to mark the 15th anniversary this week will be centred on the Caribbean RADO social media platforms – Facebook and Twitter. Plans are also in the works for more celebratory activities in 2021.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday November 12, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK, STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Today’s Quiz: (1) Where and when was the first T20 Int'l between the WI & NZ played?

(2) Who were the captains involved?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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NAMILCO renews cricket sponsorship of RHTYSC cricket teams

THE highly successful relationship between Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS (RHTYSC) and the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) was extended for another year on Monday, as the company renewed its cricket sponsorship.

NAMILCO, in 2019, came on board as the official sponsor of the RHTYSC Under-21 and First Division teams, replacing Gizmos and Gadgets.

The renewed sponsorship is worth $400 000 for the next twelve months.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the renewal of the sponsorship as another major development as the two teams prepare for the restart of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) 2020 cricket season.

The secretary disclosed that the two teams had exceeded the expectations of Management by performing outstandingly well on and off the cricket field over the last twelve months.

The Under-21 team will play in the upcoming BCB Elizabeth Styles Under-21 final. Meanwhile the first division team have won three cricket tournaments and have reached the semifinals of the BCB/Banks Beer two-day tournament.

The team won the BCB Busta Champion of Champion 40 overs, Ivan Madray 20/20 and the Skyy Vod-

RHTYSC Hilbert Foster receives sponsorship from NAMILCO Managing Director Bert Sukhai in the presence of company officials Fitzroy McLeod and Alicia Anderson.

ka 50 Overs tournaments as they continued their dominance of the game in Berbice.

Several players have gone on to play for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies including Clinton Pestano, Kevin Sinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall.

Jeremy Sandia, Christopher Deroop, Matthew Pottaya, Nyron Hicks, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneeta Grimmond, Shabaki Gajnabi while Assad Fudadin played for Jamaica.

Off the cricket field, NAMILCO ThunderBolt teams were involved in over 70 community developmental programmes as part of their

personal development project.

They included Youth information booklet, NAMILCO Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers, NAMILCO Tribute to Medical Workers, COVID-19 Educational posters, DTV Mother-of-the-Year, Walter Nero Mother-of-theYear, Basil Butcher Trust Fund and COVID-19 hampers project.

Additionally, the teams distributed millions of dollars’ worth of bicycles, educational materials, school bags, scorebooks, cricket gears, cricket balls and stumps to less fortunate youths and clubs in Berbice.

Foster also stated that

the 10 cricket teams of the club are currently preparing for the hosting of their largest ever Christmas Charity programme.

NAMILCO Managing Director, Bert Sukhai, congratulated the club and the two teams on their outstanding performance and stated that the company was delighted that its faith was repaid.

He urged the players to maintain a culture of discipline, hard work and dedication.

He stated that NAMILCO is a company that believes in excellence and expects nothing less. The Managing Director also expressed pleasure at the large number of personal development programmes undertaken by the teams under the name of the sponsorship.

The NAMILCO Thunderbolt First Division team in 2021 would be led by Eon Hooper with Shawn Pereira as his second-in-command while Kelvon Anderson would lead the Under-21 team with Junior Sinclair as deputy.

The team management would comprise Ravindranauth Kissonlall, Simon Naidu and Tyrone Pottaya.

They have committed themselves to continue their dominance of Berbice cricket and also to complete at least 80 programmes over the next twelve months.

Gravely disappointed!

CWI CEO expresses disappointment following bio-secure breaching

By Clifton Ross IN wake of allegations that members of Cricket West Indies (CWI) touring party breached COVID-19 bubble codes, CEO Johnny Grave has expressed his sadness on behalf of the board.

According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), reports surfaced recently that members of the Windies party had somewhat compromised the purpose of the bio-secure bubble after sharing meals and disregarding the social-distancing guidelines; all of which are forbidden.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Health blew the whistle on the Caribbean boys as it is also speculated that players were caught on the facility's video mixing. As a result, the team picked up a ban which now sees them missing their final days of training before relocating from Christchurch to a new facility.

Grave told the media via Zoom following the incident, that he was saddened by the entire fiasco. "My disappointment is mainly the fact that our players are probably the most experienced players in the world in dealing with these strict quarantine measures. It’s still not natural for people to always wear a mask and always do things we have been trained to do for so many years, living our lives in the way we have before COVID-19".

Not defending the alleged actions of his team, Grave further admitted that he was shocked that after following all the protocols prior and during the tour, players still managed to find themselves trapped in this situation.

"The majority of them have been in a 7-week quarantine isolation bubble for the duration of the England men’s tour that we held in June and July. They all pretty much went to Trinidad & Tobago, which had a very similar situation to New Zealand with its borders fully shut with the government dispensation to allow us to host the CPL".

The CWI boss continued, "They have been within that facility in Christchurch for virtually the whole quarantine period. So it's hugely disappointing that players who knew what the protocols were have clearly broken them by mixing together,” he said.

Meanwhile, as CWI continues its investigation into the matter, the CEO noted that players will be interviewed and sanctions will be carried out if required.

Cricket West Indies sees no issues with Big Man Cricket BIG Man Cricket-Guyana received another stamp of approval recently, when Cricket West Indies gave its parent body the Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) Steering Committee positive feedback on its cricket programme.

According to information from the local division of the body, the CWIMA wrote to CWI to clearly outline its objectives with the promotion and development of Over-45 and Over-50 cricket throughout the Caribbean and further afield.

The aim of CWIMA is to administer national, regional, bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral series of Masters tournaments.

“We applaud your efforts to promote Over 50s cricket and to maintain the visibility of the West Indies in the global cricketing arena,” a letter by CWI CEO Johnny Grave reads.

In the letter CWI acknowledged that it had supported the same body last year in the lead up to putting together a quality West Indies Over 50s team for the March 2020 Over 50s World Cup held in South Africa.

The efforts and initiatives of again promoting cricket for the older age groups were applauded by the CWI. “With respect to you and your members’ promoting Over 45s and Over 50s games within the region, we have no objection at this time to such matches taking place, on the basis of our understanding that none of the teams involved in these matches will feature any currently selected or active West Indies cricketers at either international or domestic level”.

At home the air is not as clear. Parent body the Guyana Cricket Board has not given its stamp of approval on the imminent local competition—stating that it will conflict with its upcoming Over-40s competition.

Former GCB official Raj Singh, who is a director of the BMC-G had stated that the decision by the GCB was “mostly frivolous, vexatious and anti-cricket”.

He stated that it was public knowledge that the GCB “has never held an Over-40 competition countrywide in its 77 years of existence. The BMC-G did not have an

issue with such a tournament as the BMC is an Over-45 tournament and the GCB Tournament could have served well as a feeder competition for our Over-45s BMC domestic cricket and our Over-50s Regional cricket,” Singh had stated.

Other cricketing entities have voiced their support for BMC-G, additionally, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. has also declared his support for the proposed Over-45 competition.

In a release it was pointed out by BMC that, “our tournaments will not infringe on any ICC, CWI, or other Regional National teams’ tournaments as they are all geared towards retired cricketers. Another major objective is to keep these players active, healthy, and motivated towards competing for a place in the Over 50s World Cup Tournament in South Africa March 2022. In fact, we remain willing to administer these tournaments in collaboration with the national cricket boards in the various territories.”

at St John's University See Story on Page 22

CWI CEO Johnny Grave

Pooran; Chase to be West Indies vicecaptains

C Gravely disappointed!

CWI CEO expresses disappointment following bio-secure breaching See Story on page 23

ricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday named the vice-captains for the upcoming series in New Zealand.

Nicholas Pooran will be vice-captain for the three T20 Internationals (T20Is), while Roston Chase has been named vice-captain for the two International Cricket Council's World Test Championship matches.

Batting all-rounder Roston Chase, 28, has so far played 35 Test matches, scoring five centuries and collecting three five-wicket hauls with his off-spin bowling. Wicket-keeper/ batsman Pooran, 25, is among the leading white-ball players with two half-centuries in 19 T20I innings and also averaging close to 50 in One Day Internationals.

Roger Harper, CWI’s Lead Selector said: “Roston Chase has been appointed vice captain of the West Indies Test Team for this tour of New Zealand. He is an experienced player who is tactically aware and very purposeful in his approach to the game.

He is readily willing to offer advice and discuss ideas with his fellow players and the coaches and I think will offer good leadership support to captain Jason Holder both on and off the field. Nicholas Pooran continues in the role of vice-captain of the T20I Team for the tour of New Zealand. He was first named vice-captain for this format for the series against

Nicholas Pooran will be the vice-captain for the West Indies T20 team

Afghanistan in 2019.”

Roston Chase said: “I have been making strides in Test cricket since my debut back in 2016 and I see this new role as vice-captain as an honour. It is just for me to try and carry on and try to achieve great things for West Indies. It is all about offering support to the captain, coach and other players as we try to plan strategy and put more wins on the board.”

Nicholas Pooran said: “I see this as another opportunity to learn and grow in the game. I was vice- captain for the tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year, so this is continuation of that work. It’s always good to share your knowledge as we look to continue the winning mentality. We were successful in Sri Lanka and this is series we believe we can get more success against New Zealand.”

FULL SQUADS T20I Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kesrick Williams Test Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Roston Chase See page 21

Caribbean RADO celebrates 15 years today Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See Story on page 22

THURSDAY, nOVEMBER 12, 2020