Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01-27_2021

WEDNESDAY 27 th January, 2021

’ No. 106254

Small parties consulted on budget PAGE

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–– welcome inclusive approach to development by Government –– Government committed to working with all stakeholders for a better Guyana, says President Ali

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and members of his Cabinet engaging representatives of the small political parties in Guyana on Tuesday (People’s Progressive Party/Civic facebook photo)

Economy grew by 08 Families of detained fishermen 30.9 per cent in 2020 plead for their release 10 PAGE

PAGE

–– Guyana records 74 per cent increase in exports, ECLAC reports

–– many of them are sole breadwinners of their families

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Small parties consulted on budget –– welcome inclusive approach to development by Government

–– Government committed to working with all stakeholders for a better Guyana, says President Ali

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, today, reiterated his commitment in engaging all stakeholders to ensure that Government’s plans and programmes reflect the priorities of the people.

According to a release from the Public Information and Press Services Unit, the Head of State gave this assurance during a working lunch at State House with representatives from Guyana’s small political parties, who were invited to discuss Budget 2021.

“You are all stakeholders in this process. And as we have embarked on Budget 2021, I thought it necessary that at least we have a

United Republican Party (URP) and Change Guyana.

The Head of State was joined by members of the Cabinet, including Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.

President Ali pointed to the importance of “collective ownership” of the development trajectory, which he

requires a bit more.”

SELFISH BARRIERS The President emphasised on the need to break down “selfish barriers” and to embrace new ways of thinking and behaviours in order to achieve this.

He said that Government’s approach moving forward will be to engage in an innovative manner, which is being initiated by the Budget 2021 discussions.

“These are some of the things that we want to capture in an innovative and new manner, not only in Budget 2021, but in the agenda moving forward…. So, it is my honour and privilege to once

President, Dr Irfaan Ali makes a point during his meeting with the members of the small political parties of Guyana (Public Information and Press Services Unit) working lunch and examine some of your thoughts, some of what you see as priorities, so that we can have a discussion, so that we can consult, so that we can arrive at a programme in which all of Guyana feel as if they’re part of it.”

Present at the engagement were representatives from A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), the Citizenship Initiative (TCI), the New Movement (TNM),

said will not only lead to greater prosperity and prospects but will pave the way for the opportunity to unify the people of Guyana.

“And that is the greatest project we have that is utmost on my mind…. We can build a country that is strong, prosperous and economically viable.

That takes critical-thinking, that takes vision, that takes clarity, that takes action, but coming together and unifying

again engage with you in this forum.”

President Ali reminded the visiting politicians that his Government had reached out to former President David Granger in a similar manner of inclusivity.

“We have been reaching out and trying our best…

I invited former President Granger to a meeting that he did not attend and then we have the one component of the opposition who are still mischievously peddling the

agenda that the Government is illegitimate so we have to deal with things in context… that narrative has to be corrected.”

In his remarks, Dr Ashni Singh emphasised on the importance of the engagement in finalising Budget 2021.

“In order to ensure that we outline that vision in the most comprehensive way possible and in order to en-

sure that we identify the most critical interventions that are needed now and that are needed to lay the foundation going forward, we want to ensure that you get the widest possible cross-section of views. You are important stakeholders and we would like to hear from you,” he said.

The minister further asked those in attendance

to share their visions of Guyana’s future and to highlight the critical needs of the country.

INDEBTEDNESS Dr Singh also used the opportunity to express appreciation and a sense of “indebtedness” to those present for their role in See page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Biden administration aims to have enough vaccine for most Americans by summertime

The United States aims to acquire an additional 200 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, President Joe Biden said on Tuesday, enough to inoculate most Americans by summertime, as he races to curb a pandemic he warned could still get worse.

Biden’s administration will purchase 100 million doses each of the vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech, and Moderna Inc, increasing the overall total doses to 600 million, with delivery expected by summer.

The previous purchase target was 400 million doses.

Each vaccine requires two doses per person to be fully effective, suggesting the new purchases would build up enough of a stockpile to inoculate most of the country’s 331 million people. The vaccines are not approved for use by most children.

“This is a wartime effort,” Biden said in the White House State Dining Room

under a painting of President Abraham Lincoln, who led the Union to victory in the U.S. Civil War. Pfizer is confident it can deliver the extra doses in the time frame specified by Biden, spokeswoman Sharon Castillo said.

Moderna declined to comment.

The new purchase target, along with promises to get more vaccine to local authorities, raises the bar for a Democratic president who took office last week with vows to repair what he said was a disastrous emergency response by his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump.

Biden said he would hike the amount of the vaccine going to local governments to 10 million doses per week for the next three weeks, up from 8.6 million currently.

The news was welcomed by governors, who said they needed even more doses.

“We appreciate the administration stating that

it will provide states with slightly higher allocations for the next few weeks, but

by Jeff Zients, the administration’s COVID-19 response coordinator.

US President Joe Biden

we are going to need much more supply,” Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said in a statement after being briefed on a call

“I urge President Biden to take every imaginable step within his power to ramp up production without delay.”

OBSTACLES AHEAD Considerable challenges remain, ranging from faster-spreading virus variants, supply shortages and public fears about taking the vaccine. Biden’s administration has tried to address the latter problem by getting senior officials vaccinated in public.

Vice President Kamala Harris took her second and final Moderna-manufactured shot on Tuesday at the National Institutes of Health.

Biden has asked Congress for a $1.9 trillion relief package to increase testing and vaccine distribution, but the proposal has been met with Republican resistance over the price tag and the inclusion of some measures not directly related to virus control.

Senate Democrats will approve the stimulus even without the support of Republicans, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday.

The administration has also faced extensive ques-

tions after sending mixed messages on issues such as when the population would be fully vaccinated.

On Monday, Biden said he believed it was possible to have 150 million doses of the vaccine administered in his first 100 days in office, an aspiration his press secretary, Jen Psaki, said was not an official adjustment of the current target of 100 million doses over that same time period.

The pandemic, which has killed over 420,000 Americans, is currently infecting more than 173,000 people daily and has left millions out of work.

“Cases will continue to mount,” Biden warned. “We didn’t get in this mess overnight.

It’s going to take months for us to turn things around. Let me be equally clear: We’re going to get through this. We will defeat this pandemic.”

(Reuters)

Biden raises election meddling with Putin in first phone call US President Joe Biden has warned Russian leader Vladimir Putin about election meddling in their first call as counterparts, the White House says.

The conversation included a discussion about the ongoing opposition protests in Russia and an extension of the last remaining US-Rus-

sia nuclear arms pact.

Putin congratulated the new US president on winning the election, according to a Russian statement.

Both parties said they agreed to maintain contact moving forward.

Former US President Donald Trump sometimes undercut his own adminis-

tration’s tough posture on Russia and was accused of being too deferential to Putin.

But former President Barack Obama - under whom Biden served as vice-president - was also criticised for failing to check the Kremlin as it annexed Crimea, invaded eastern Ukraine and muscled in on Syria.

“President Biden made clear that the United States will act firmly in defence of its national interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies,” a US statement said.

A White House readout of Tuesday afternoon’s call said that the two presidents also discussed the massive SolarWinds cyber-attack, which has been blamed on Moscow, reports that the Kremlin placed bounties on US soldiers in Afghanistan, and the poisoning of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny.

The Kremlin readout of the call did not refer to any points of friction the White House said had been raised

by Biden.

Russian officials said Putin had “noted that the normalisation of relations between Russia and the United States would meet the interests of both countries and - taking into account their special responsibility for maintaining security and stability in the world - of the

entire international community”.

“On the whole, the conversation between the leaders of Russia and the United States was of a business-like and frank nature,” the Kremlin statement added.

The two leaders appeared to seal an agreement to renew New Start, an Obama-era accord that limits the amounts of warheads, missiles and launchers in the US-Russian nuclear arsenals.

It was due to expire next month, and Trump had refused to sign on.

The call with the Kremlin comes as Biden’s nominee for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 78-22.

Biden later appeared at the White House to sign four executive orders aimed at addressing what he called US systemic racism.

“This is the time to act and it’s to act because it’s what the core values of this nation call us to do. I believe the vast majority of Democrats, Republicans and Independents share these values and want us to act as well,” said Biden.

The president directed the Department of Justice not to renew contracts with private prison operators, though advocates noted the order does not cover privately run immigration detention centres. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Caribbean at high-risk for importing all three COVID-19 variants

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–– CARPHA advises that testing, entry requirements continue

By Vishani Ragobeer AS Guyana awaits laboratory results that will confirm whether variants of the virus, COVID-19 have been imported, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has emphasised that Caribbean countries are at a “very high” risk of importing the three known variants even with travel protocols and requirements in place.

Currently, the three variants of concern are: the B.1.1.7 variant, or what is commonly called the United Kingdom (UK) variant; the B.1.351 or the South Africa variant; and the B.1.1.28 variant found in Brazil.

All three of the variants have been found to be more transmissible, meaning that they can infect more persons easily. Only the UK variant, which was the first variant to be discovered through a type of genetic analysis known

A COVID-19 sample as genomic sequencing, has imposed restrictions on travel been detected in the Caribbe- from the UK, South Africa an (in Jamaica, Trinidad and and all of South America in Tobago and St. Lucia) so far. an effort to halt the spread In a progress report pub- of these new variants. And lished on January 25, CAR- in light of the evolving situaPHA highlighted, “Even with tion, CARPHA affirmed that country travel protocols and “It remains crucial that travel requirements in place, there guidelines, including testing is a Very High risk of the and other entry requirements, [UK variant], the [South continue”.

Africa variant] and the [BraThe Brazil variant was zilian variant] being imported first identified in December to the Caribbean, given travel 2020, in Manaus, Brazil. from the UK, Europe and Given Guyana’s proximity to South America.”

Brazil and the porous border Numerous countries have between the two countries,

Small parties share ...

From page 3 ensuring that Guyana remains a democratic country.

He said too that the victory is one that must be preserved going forward.

Meanwhile, Minister Teixeira expressed her appreciation to the representatives present for acknowledging the invitation by the President. She noted that the engagement was integral for the country to move forward in an inclusionary manner.

“For me and my sector governance this is a very important meeting in terms of inclusion, in terms of involvement and in terms of being able to sit down and to come up with what is in the best interest of our country and our people. And so, this forum, I believe, offers that opportunity, particularly around the 2021 Budget.

I’m sure, knowing the President this will not be the only such forum that we will be creating for dialogue discussions with various civil society bodies, political parties.”

Following the remarks by the Head of State and Ministers present, representatives from the small parties expressed their views on the impact of the engagement with the President.

Dr Vishnu Bandhu from the URP said the discussions provided the platform for all parties to collaborate, to move the

country forward and to bring the people of Guyana together.

Dr Abedin Kindi Ali from Change Guyana, added: “I am here on behalf of our party to participate and to give some input on the 2021 budget… we are looking forward to a meaningful discussion.”

Meanwhile, ANUG representative, Aruna Budhram said, “I am very heartened that there is this will to reach out … I understand that there is a duty and an obligation and because of that I am very happy that we have a voice and that we are able to participate in this process.”

ANUG member, Kian Jabour, expressed appreciation for being included in the process and towards the Government for reaching out.

Representative of the joiner parties in Parliament, Lenox Shuman said he was looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the Government on aspects of Budget 2021.

“I must say that the efforts that we have seen so far to kick start the economy have been fruitful … we look forward to the discussions today, we have some inputs and we are happy that we are able to voice our concerns,” said Asha Kissoon from The New Movement.

Along with budget discussion, the small parties were also briefed on the development in Venezuela.

health authorities have been on the alert. Though Guyana cannot conduct genomic sequencing, to define the variants, on its own, it has been engaging CARPHA to secure these services.

Local private establishment, the Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc, has identified potential UK variants, but this will only be confirmed after CARPHA sends its laboratory results back to Guyana.

On Tuesday, in an invited comment, former Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow also expressed concerns over the importation of the variants.

“The idea is that the vaccines may cover all of these strains but now that they are saying that the strain is more virulent, that is, they are more of a

killing capability. We have to be more concerned,” Dr. Adu-Krow emphasised.

VACCINES Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, recently told the Guyana Chronicle that vaccines are the “exit strategy” for the pandemic.

Importantly, he also noted that the variants indicate prospects for re-infection of persons who were previously diagnosed with the ‘normal’ variant or strain of COVID-19.

Cognisant of the developments with the variants, Dr. Adu Krow pleaded with persons to take the COVID-19 vaccines once they are made available.

“With the emergence and spread of at least three identified COVID-19 variants, there is the increasing prospect of reinfection with distinct variants and, potentially, the reduced effi-

Former Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Country Representative Dr. William Adu-Krow cacy of current spike-based vaccines,” CARPHA stated, adding: “Though the virus itself and pandemic situation remain in flux, vaccination roll out will continue with approved COVID-19 vaccines.

Field investigations into vaccine efficacy for these variants are presently underway.”

However, during an interview earlier this month, WHO Director of Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals, Dr. Kate O’Brien, highlighted that “The kinds of changes that are being seen in these variants are not felt to be likely to change the impact of the vaccines...”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Transforming Georgetown GEORGETOWN, a unique City, basks under the South American and Caribbean sun on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with its character a blend of its Dutch and British heritage; the only City in the region lying below sea level, with heavy concrete seawalls bordering its ocean front; all these characteristics giving it a defining, romantic character.

Georgetown’s flair and flavour and finesse, this makes for a city unlike any other in the world. It’s got an interesting feel, a kind of ancient cuteness with the layout of streets and key enduring architecture, like the main market and cathedrals and canals. Although occasional flooding affects the city when it rains heavily, as climate change impacts the natural environment, Georgetown is a calm, safe city, immune from natural disasters, safe from any kind of major stress. The City is a great resource for the country, offering Guyana a golden opportunity to showcase the new future the nation embarks upon, a micro-metaphor of the overall Guyana 21st century vision.

In the three areas of the natural environment, the launching of a vibrant innovation startup entrepreneur culture, and the development of the arts and humanities scene, Georgetown offers Guyanese a wonderful playground to dance with the world, to showcase the Guyanese heart and soul to the global village, and to cultivate global goodwill for the Guyana brand.

Government announced its plans to build a new city more inland, and that is wonderful news, given predictions of climate change causing a re-defining of society in the future. Yet, one would expect Georgetown to always remain standing; a quaint, bustling, peaceful, charming city

decorating this corner of the Atlantic.

The Mayor and City Council must cooperate and work along with Central Government to develop a sense of intentional vision for the city, and commit to work to rid Georgetown of some persistent problems that dog pockets of the municipality. Government is showing visionary, futuristic, forward- thinking leadership for Guyana, and it is only to be expected that Georgetown would as well encompass the overall developmental plans.

Georgetown cannot continue with pockets of poverty and socially depressed areas breeding generations of petty criminals.

Streets like Leopold Street, parts of High Street and Lombard Street and sections of Charlestown, Albouystown, Tiger Bay, and Alberttown have suffered from socio-economic depression for generations, and petty street crimes are a major problem, with Guyanese dare not venturing into these areas for an evening stroll, or to conduct their day-to-day affairs, for fear of being robbed and harmed. Thankfully, the area at Broad and Lombard Streets which housed scores of squatters in run-down unsafe buildings got cleaned up and the residents re-located to better housing situations. But other areas of the city need urgent modernising and cleaning up, with young people in many of these inner city blocks needing major rehabilitation from drug addiction and extreme poverty.

What is the vision for Georgetown from the Mayor and City Council? What is the plan of these city officials to move Georgetown along with the same tide that the country is moving with? Much of the city’s development comes from the initiative of private sector business entrepreneurs, and

from Central Government. The municipality’s local leaders seem more interested in playing politics than developing a futuristic vision for the city.

Were the city officials to simply focus on an action plan to clean up every corner of Georgetown, to make places like Lodge and Kingston and La Penitence safe for residents to enjoy the streets, rather than be scared of street criminals, it would go a long way to make Guyanese feel better about their city. It would fuel tourism.

It would bring the charm and beauty of Georgetown to life.

Guyanese should be able to stroll through the Botanic Gardens and the Promenade Gardens and along Main Street in the evenings enjoying artists painting and sculptors carving their art like they do on this magnificent street, and writers penning poems and musicians regaling the city with solo performances. Georgetown offers this kind of atmosphere, for the arts and humanities to flourish in public squares and on streets in the evenings for residents to enjoy the talent and creativity of its people.

Much of this could be live-streamed around the world, offering a golden opportunity to brand the nation and to showcase Guyana’s goodwill and creative flair.

This is the kind of thinking that markets a country on the world stage, making use of the charming, romantic character of the place to ramp up the humanities and bring a sense of culture and class to the fore.

Georgetown is where the humanities could flourish and thrive.

In today’s world, Georgetown’s leaders should be thinking of developing a technology and innovation startup hub, a corridor to encourage and develop world class

entrepreneurship, with cutting edge digital projects. Nearly every forward-thinking city in the world today is developing innovation tech hubs and ecosystems for thriving digital environments that launch businesses and projects online, with the goal of global reach.

But Georgetown’s biggest value to the nation is in its offer of a natural aesthetic wonder. A simple project for the city to cultivate a horticultural programme of planting and maintaining flowers along its streets and parapets would be such a scene-changer, impacting the scenery, scent and sensibilities of the city. Plating 100,000 rose plants around the city, for example, and hiring staff to maintain them, perhaps naming hybrid new roses after outstanding Guyanese as a fun thing, these are the little things that bring enormous goodwill to a society. First Lady Arya Ali took the initiative to launch a beautification project, but the city officials never came out with a plan to join her or support her work.

Georgetown is a city with its own character, with such a rich heritage and history.

People who visit the city from around the world love its charm and its beauty, with the sun and ocean breeze adding a lovely feel to the land. Minister Juan Edghill announced recently that the Stabroek Market and wharf will be modernised and developed.

The city is seeing fine new buildings going up along its major business corridors. No doubt, like Guyana, Georgetown is moving.

It would fast become a world class city were the local city leaders to get with the times and launch a vision for it to maximise its potential.

Investment summit points to new horizon for Guyana Dear Editor, THE Guyana Finance and Investment Roundtable, held on January 20, 2021, highlighted the need for continuous improvement in infrastructure and human resources to attract new investment.

As the country looks to reap the benefit of oil and gas development, companies in this sector are a crucial investment gateway. Countries and companies far and wide are assessing Guyanese to see if they want to make the kinds of investments that will drive jobs and drive economic growth for the next several decades. Investors are eager to stake their claim on

the boom now underway but are keeping a keen eye on risk and political stability.

The tumultuous general elections of 2020 eroded confidence in our institutions and drew widespread criticism from our neighbours and allies. Investors were paying attention. When assessing countries for investment, some of the most important areas are political stability and infrastructure. I am sorry to say Guyana has rarely fared well on these fronts.

A favourable, stable business climate is more important now than ever before.

As the world economy slowly recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, the need for energy is likely to increase and with

it the market share of Guyanese oil. In less than a decade, Guyana saw foreign direct investment balloon from an anemic US$270 million to over US$1.7 billion.

This is real, tangible wealth and welcome news for the thousands of Guyanese vendors, suppliers and businesses poised [to] reap significant benefits in the near and long-term.

This kind of investment can also be a gateway for so much more. Dollars pouring into hotels and real estate and restaurants will be critical to bringing us out of the economic crisis of COVID-19.

Those jobs will create more wealth and more opportunities down the road as a generation of Guyanese sees new oppor-

tunities here at home. Every oil dollar we invest now in infrastructure or education helps build that cycle and could help us attract investments in sectors far beyond oil and gas.

An attractive investment climate is a signal to the markets that Guyana is open for business.

As we chart a new course as an oil-producing nation and regional power, let us continue to call for good governance and smart investment of oil money to open the gates to more wealth for Guyanese.

Yours sincerely, Donald Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

OP-ED

Investing in Nature: Key to Post-COVID-19 Recovery

By Leo Heileman, UNEP Regional Director in Latin America and the Caribbean THE decade that is just beginning comes with great challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean: more than half a million lives have been lost due to COVID-19, health systems are at the limit of their capacity, the economies have been battered and unemployment has been hit by a 10-year setback.

As the region aspires to begin its recovery process this year, it is challenged by a critical dilemma: maintaining old patterns of consumption and production in order to stimulate accelerated— albeit unsustainable — growth based on resource extraction, or taking advantage of the situation to lay the foundations of a green economy that harnesses our rich natural capital while protecting biodiversity and enhancing people’s health, jobs and well-being.

This opportunity to transform our relationship with nature coincides with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 20212030, a global initiative that originated in our region, after a proposal by the Government of El Salvador.

The Decade seeks to promote the action of governments, businesses, and citizens to bring millions of hectares back to life and mitigate the current triple planetary crisis: climate change, the massive loss of biodiversity and pollution.

Latin America and the Caribbean must urgently respond to this call. The region is home to seven of the most biodiverse countries in the world and, although it already protects 24.2 per cent of its land and 17.5 per cent of its seas, many of its ecosystems are degraded or threatened by imminent destruction, as to make way for economic activities.

The upcoming meeting of the XXII Fo-

We in Guyana are ‘One People’ and will forget our political differences in defence of our country Dear Editor, IN 1965, they saw it upon themselves to bomb Ankoka Island, an area owned by Guyana. On that island at the time was Oliver Hinckson Pereira (GDF). Also, there at the time of the assault was my younger brother, Keith Robin Williams.

There was some dialogue relevant to that assault and I have been taught in school that my Guyana has 83,000 square miles.

I feel that Venezuela ‘tie down’ my government and its inhabitants and they have again started their assault and, at the time of writing, they have kidnapped two boats and the fishermen stationed on those crafts.

Might

By Neaz Subhan Thunder ruptured blaringly unannounced Skies unlit, filled with night, waterless, it stormed Remorselessly, inhumanely, fear rushed Oh might, why are you so strong?

Your dark cape, imposing but unseen Eardrums shivered, terrified eyes you banded Probing for hope in your crushing darkness Oh might, why are you so numb?

Desperate cries stifled on your iron heart A dream it wasn’t, a wish I begged Your cold fingers ripped souls from delicate flesh Oh might, why are you deaf?

Time enchained by your rumbling assault Burying dawn as eons listlessly

I am 80 years of age (born 20th January, 1941) and I am prepared to don my uniform – pick up my tools in defence of my country and its populace. What Maduro do not realise is that in the present crisis, we in Guyana are ‘One People’ and will forget our political differences in defence of our country.

I personally will at this time stand and defend my country and its government as we seek to have justice. Venezuela, ‘Not a blade of grass’ you will not pass.

Yours sincerely, Murtland Williams passed Destiny silenced by your cowardly cloak Oh might, why didn’t you see?

Breath snatched as bullets pierced Souls confused as empty bodies lay Ears silent as death sounds hushed Darkness blackened for those with hum Oh might, why did you hunt?

A sanctuary curtain, no shield for dying pants Echoes a lingering resence, scraping hearts Haunting, shattering, unfading A reminder grim scalping emotions Oh might, what advantage did you take!

Oh might, to steal me you thrived Oh might, to silence me you botched Oh might, staring you, your weakness I know Oh might, you may think you have won Oh might, I have lived even as I have gone Oh might, for I too, am strong!

END

rum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, taking place virtually on February 1 to 2, is an optimal occasion to accelerate action. Countries are expected to adopt a groundbreaking regional plan, without parallel in the world, containing 10 actions to promote the recovery of terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems in the next 10 years.

Without healthy ecosystems, we would not be able to produce food and medicine, obtain fresh water, regulate the climate, or clean our air. In fact, none of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved without a significant effort to restore our natural world.

Ecosystem restoration will help us recover better, create businesses and jobs, save significant costs in climate adaptation, and prevent future pandemics of zoonotic

diseases.

Globally, the economic benefits of restoration interventions are up to 10 times greater than the size of the investments required. On the other hand, inaction can be up to three times more costly.

It is time to get down to business and restore our region to its original splendor.

Let’s start by raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity, improving public policies and funding for restoration, and supporting the work of our scientists.

Our countries share key biomes and landscapes such as the vibrant Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountain range, the Mesoamerican Reef or the infinite plains of the Gran Chaco.

Only through cooperation can we move forward together in this decade of transformation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Economy grew by 30.9 per cent in 2020 ― Guyana records 74 per cent increase in exports, ECLAC reports

By Navendra Seoraj THE year 2020 was laden with adversities and undoubtedly arduous, but Guyana was able to overcome the hurdles and remain resilient, recording 30.9 per cent economic growth at the end of the year.

This positive trend is expected to continue in the near term, as the country is projected to record an 8.1 per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year and an 8.5 per cent GDP growth in 2022.

T h e U N , h o w e v e r, warned that the devastating socio-economic impact

tem that places people at the heart of all socio-economic efforts.”

The pandemic has exposed the systemic vulnerability of the world economy.

It has also shown that sustainable development—promoting inclusive and equitable growth, reducing inequality and enhancing environmental

portions, which follows several years of disappointing growth.

The downturn was caused by prolonged national lockdowns, weaker merchandise exports and a collapse in tourism, triggering a sharp increase in the number of the poor. Moreover, the crisis has been responsible for further

The year 2021, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, will be the springboard from which Guyana will leap into recovery, rebuilding the economy, enhancing the people’s health and lifting up the vulnerable in groups in society.

“We must not remain a rich country of poor people,” the President affirmed, noting

solutions, and implement plans to change their circumstances. This change will not occur overnight, it will take time. But every journey begins with a first step, the President said.

Guyana has a solid foundation to build on, as the country recorded a 74 per cent increase in exports last

Latin America and the Caribbean: year-on-year changes in the value of goods, exports and imports, by trading partner, January–July 2018 to January–July 2020

Guyana’s economic resilience was recorded by the United Nations (UN) in its World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report 2021, which was released recently.

According to the report, the world economy shrank 4.3 per cent in 2020, over two and a half times more than during the global financial crisis of 2009.

Developed economies, projected to see a four per cent output growth in 2021, shrank the most in 2020, by 5.6 per cent, due to economic shutdowns and subsequent waves of the pandemic, increasing the risk of premature austerity measures that would only derail recovery efforts globally.

Developing countries saw a less severe contraction at 2.5 per cent, with an expected rebound of 5.6 per cent in 2021, according to the estimates presented in the report.

Guyana, driven by developments in its budding oil and gas industry, and other economic sectors, managed to weather the ‘storm’ and record positive growth.

of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will be felt for years to come unless smart investments in economic, societal and climate resilience ensure a robust and sustainable recovery of the global economy.

The modest global recovery of 4.7 per cent expected in 2021 would barely offset the losses of 2020, the UN said.

The report underscored that sustained recovery from the pandemic will depend not only on the size of the stimulus measures, and the quick rollout of vaccines, but also on the quality and efficacy of these measures to build resilience against future shocks.

“We are facing the worst health and economic crisis in 90 years. As we mourn the growing death toll, we must remember that the choices we make now will determine our collective future,” UN Secretary-General, António Guterres said in the report.

He further added: “Let’s invest in an inclusive and sustainable future driven by smart policies, impactful investments, and a strong and effective multilateral sys-

sustainability—can provide safeguards and resilience against future crisis.

According to the UN, there is clearly no sustainable development without resilience and there is no resilience without sustainable development.

RECOVERY “Building economic, social and environmental resilience must guide the recovery from the crisis. Economic resilience with new fiscal and debt sustainability frameworks, societal resilience with universal social protection schemes and climate resilience with greater investments in the green economy must be the building blocks of a resilient recovery,” the UN said.

Latin America and the Caribbean in particular have suffered the devastating consequences of the pandemic, as evidenced by both the heavy human toll exacted and the massive economic damages incurred.

The health crisis has been accompanied by an economic downturn of historic pro-

setbacks to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by exacerbating deep-rooted structural inequalities, for example, between formal and informal workers, and between women and men.

Despite severe fiscal constraints, many of the region’s governments have adopted substantial stimulus packages in response to the pandemic. This support, along with monetary easing, a gradual lifting of restrictions and a pickup in global economic activity, has prompted a modest recovery starting in the second half of 2020.

Aggregate output is, however, expected to reach its pre-crisis level only by the end of 2023. In addition, the recovery will likely remain fragile and uneven, with significant political risks and the possibility of a debt crisis looming in several countries in the region.

Guyana, unlike other countries in the Caribbean, had to contend with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a protracted electoral process.

that the bounty of Guyana must be shared across the population.

This country having received payment of US$49.3 million for its fourth oil lift, had ended the year on a high note with approximately US$200 million being generated so far from the country’s nascent oil and gas sector.

OIL REVENUE Considering the country’s oil revenue and other lucrative sources of income, the President believes that the standard of living and the quality of life must be lifted for all. Work will be rewarded; hard work will be rewarded even more, he said.

“Opportunities will be created to join in such work, and they will be made available to all. I recognise that there are communities within our society which, because of disadvantages of geographic location, will need more help than others to join our national advance,” President Ali reasoned.

The country will have to identify those communities, assess their needs, identify

year.

This was according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in its International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean 2020.

“Guyana is a special case among the Caribbean economies, as it began exporting oil in the first half of the year (Bank of Guyana, 2020). This made it the country whose exports grew most during the period (74%),” the report stated.

In President Ali’s assessment, Guyana’s economic recovery is demonstrably underway, with the business communities in Georgetown and elsewhere reporting better performances over the recent holiday season, than any of the previous five years.

And this was achieved, even with the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The President believes that there is more money in circulation, and more disposable income in people’s pockets than the country has witnessed in a long time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Calls mount for Patterson to resign as PAC’s chair –– ANUG urges police to enforce law to fullest extent where acts of illegality are found

A NEW and United Guyana (ANUG) is calling for David Patterson to resign as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as all public office holders should be held accountable for their actions.

Patterson, who is the General-Secretary of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and former Minister of Public Infrastructure, is facing a fraud charge following an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The charge stemmed from the controversial contract awarded for the feasibility study and design of a new Demerara

River Crossing in 2016.

It is alleged that, between November 18, 2016, and February 1, 2018, at Georgetown, Patterson, and former General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) Corporation, Rawlston Adams, conspired with each other and with other persons unknown, to defraud the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) of $162M. The money belonged to the Asphalt Plant, which falls under the purview of the DHBC. ANUG, in a press statement Tuesday, said it is time Guyanese insist on systems of governance that ensure transparency

and to hold public officers and ministers on both sides of the political divide accountable for their actions.

During the past months, ANUG stated that evidence has been emerging of several instances of improper transactions by senior Government officials of the previous regime and the State enterprises which they controlled, where assets were given to the officials as gifts or at grossly undervalued ‘sales’.

“The latest scandal of gift-giving to emerge seems to involve the Ministry of Public Works (Ministry of Public Infrastructure between 2015-

2020) and the agencies which fall under it, namely the Maritime Administration Department and the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation. Initially, the former subject Minister, David Patterson, whom it was alleged had improperly received ‘gifts’ of jewellery, denied any knowledge of these gifts,” ANUG noted.

Further, the party noted that Patterson even claimed that he does not wear jewellery. However, after being shown the evidence, he later admitted that he did receive such ‘gifts’.

“Brazenly, he asserted that he was not aware that his acceptance of such

‘gifts’ breached any regulations and that he had not asked that the ‘gifts’ be bought for him. Ironically, Mr. Patterson is Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the Parliament. This Parliamentary Committee has the role of scrutinising public spending and public accounts,” ANUG stated.

Conceivably, ANUG noted that this is the Committee that would scrutinise and police the giving of ‘gifts’ and below-value sale of assets of State property to officials in circumstances of abuse and conflict of interest.

“Mr. Patterson is resisting calls for him to

PAC Chairman, David Patterson step down as Chairman of the PAC. ANUG notes these developments and, repeats our message that for there to be change from the continued misuse and disregard for public and public funds, there must be transparency,” the party said.

The party explained that as long as public agencies are populated by managers and directors handpicked by the political party in power, there is no transparency and the opportunity for implant continues.

ANUG calls on the police to enforce the law to its fullest extent where acts of illegality are found.

WIDOW, Barbadian man plead guilty to murder of Herstelling blockmaker BEVERLY Persaud and Barbadian national, Oswald Yaw, on Tuesday, confessed to the brutal murder of Herstelling blockmaker, Nathan Persaud.

They opted to plead guilty, before the High Court could begin hearing testimony.

The duo was on trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court, and when they made their first appearance on Monday, they both pleaded not guilty.

However, when they returned to court on Tuesday morning, when the first witness was expected to give evidence,

DEAD: Nathan Persaud they threw themselves at the mercy of the court and changed their plea.

The case against them was that, on September 10, 2015, at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, they murdered Persaud.

A probation report was

Beverley Persaud ordered by Justice Singh and sentencing deferred until February 16.

The State is being represented by prosecutors, Tiffani Lyken and Teriq Mohammed. Attorneys-at-law Racheal

Oswald Yaw called “Meow” Bakker and Ravindra Mohabir are on record for the accused.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that on September 10, 2015, Persaud’s battered, lifeless body was discovered at

his Herstelling home, in a pool of blood.

According to reports, a neighbour heard screams from the residence, but did not think to investigate until a man was seen leaving the home several minutes later which aroused his suspicions. The neighbour alerted others and they proceeded to the house, where they discovered Persaud’s body.

A brick and a hammer were found at the crime scene leading investigators to believe that the objects were used to murder Persaud.

The number ‘20’ was also found smeared on a refrigerator in the house,

equivalent to the number of times the man was hit as confirmed by a post-mortem examination report.

Yaw had reportedly confessed to the crime and told investigators that Beverley Persaud met with him several weeks prior to the murder and had incited him to carry out a hit on her husband in return for $1.7M to cover his travel overseas. He was reportedly paid $10,000 and promised $100,000 in weekly payments.

This newspaper was made to understand that Nathan Persaud was reportedly killed over a land dispute he had with his wife.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

French Ambassador condemns Venezuela’s aggression towards Guyana NON-RESIDENT Ambassador of the French Republic to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Antoine Joly, has indicated that his country will put on record their support for Guyana in the border controversy with Venezuela.

Ambassador Joly made the comment while meeting with Attorney- General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Tuesday.

“The ambassador condemned the use of force by that country including their latest incursion into Guyana’s territorial waters and arrest and detention of two fishing vessels with Guyanese fisherman,” a press release from the Attorney-General’s Chambers noted.

“He (Ambassador Joly) recognised the support Guyana has received from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the global community and commits to lend a voice to

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C. and Non-Resident Ambassador of the French Republic, Antoine Joly

the same,” the release further stated.

During the meeting the Ambassador raised concern with the Attorney-General about to the large number of Haitians who are using Guyana as a transshipment point en route to French Guiana, describing it as a growing problem which must be addressed.

They also discussed the need for mutual, enhanced legal assistance on criminal matters and continuous cooperation in the Criminal Justice sector because of the large number of Guyanese who are in the French Guiana prison system.

The Attorney-General was congratulated for the central role he played in the struggle for democracy in Guyana recently and he took the opportunity to express gratitude to Ambassador Joly for his country’s support in the process, the press release noted.

Beware of online transactions, police warn

THE Guyana Police Force is advising the public to be cautious when transacting business online, especially to purchase excavators, ATVs, motorcycles and spare parts at “catch prices”.

In a press statement Tuesday, police said that a 24-year-old “known character for fraud of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown” has established a website with the modus operandi to obtain millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims by falsely pretending that he imports the listed items above.

“The police have commenced an investigation of this individual and his operations. However, while the investigation is ongoing the public is simultaneously warned,” police said.

However, the press statement did not release a photograph of the website or any other disclosures.

Families of detained fishermen plead for their release

— many of them are sole breadwinners of their families

By Navendra Seoraj

GUYANESE fishermen, who were apprehended recently

by Venezuelan naval forces in Guyana’s waters, remain in custody, under close guard, in Venezuela.

The fishermen, who were operating their trade along the Waini River in two groups of six on the Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf vessels, were apprehended by Venezuelan naval troops.

This act of ‘intrusion’ by Venezuela was condemned by local authorities, which have substantiated claims that both vessels, which were operating off the coast of the Waini Point, within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), were intercepted by Venezuelan naval vessel, “Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24”, on Thursday, January 21, 2021.

According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Captain Richard Ramnarine, of the Lady Nayera, and Captain Toney Garraway, of the Sea Wolf, after being apprehended in the Waini area, were instructed to chart a course to Port Güiria in Venezuela, where both vessels, which are registered in Essequibo, and the 12-member crew, who hail from Essequibo, have been detained.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed, on Sunday, that the crew members of the Sea Wolf included Garraway, Errol Gardener, Orland Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil and Randy Henry while

the crew members aboard the Lady Nayera were Ramnarine, Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo and Joel Joseph.

Owner of the Sea Wolf, Kumar Lalbachan, when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle had said that the fishermen were taken before a court and then detained, pending a 45day investigation.

She said her husband was the sole breadwinner of the house, so the longer he is out, the harder it will get for the family.

EAGERLY AWAIT RETURN Family members of detained fishermen, when contacted by this publication, said they were eagerly awaiting the return of their relatives,

condemns the illegal detention of the captains and crew of the Guyanese registered fishing vessels, the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf, and calls for their immediate release.

Minister Todd used the opportunity to voice his concerns on the matter, and noted that the action coming out of Caracas was distasteful. The minister further added that based on latitude and longi-

tude, the two vessels were well within Guyana’s territory and called on Venezuela to operate in a manner consistent with international rule of law.

This position was also relayed by Minister Todd to Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jorge Arreaza, during a virtual meeting on Monday.

That discussion was described as cordial According to a press statement from Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, both ministers exchanged

views within the context of the detention of the vessels and crew.

The Venezuelan Foreign Minister assured that the crew members were being treated with utmost respect for their human rights. At the request of Foreign Minister Todd, Minister Arreaza undertook to pursue their early release.

Both foreign affairs ministers agreed to the importance of mutual respect in relations between the two countries.

Alleged armed robbers granted $150, 000 bail

The Lady Nayera, while it was docked at home, here in Guyana

Tricia Roberts, the wife of one of the detained fishermen, Orland, told the Guyana Chronicle that based on what her husband had relayed to her, the men were being detained on their boats, which were closely guarded by Venezuelan authorities.

“This is really not fair what they are doing… if they [the fishermen] were in Guyana waters then they are not supposed to hold them for so long… I hope they return soon,” Roberts said during a telephone interview on Tuesday.

because, in some cases, they were the sole breadwinner of the house. The Government of Guyana has since demanded the immediate release of the crew and vessels.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, on Monday, called in the Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Moses Chavez, to transfer the protest note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela.

The protest note firmly

TWO men, on Tuesday, appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court for the armed robbery committed on a salesman at Plantation Opposite, Essequibo.

Robin Patrick, a 22-yearold gold miner of Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast and Munesh Ramsarup, a 33-year-old vendor of Charity Back Street, Essequibo Coast pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that on January 21, while being armed with a dangerous weapon, they robbed Christopher Harricharan, a sales distributor attached to Suri Trading of $280,000 cash and a gold ring valued $130,000.

The duo was released on $150,000 bail and the case adjourned until February 1.

Accused: Munesh Ramsarup

Accused: Robin Patrick

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

India celebrates 72nd republic anniversary –– advances with production, distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

By Vishani Ragobeer INDIA has hailed the contributions of its farmers, soldiers and scientists who have helped the nation to withstand the catastrophic impact of COVID-19 and emerge as a global leader in the production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

The world’s largest democracy celebrated their contributions as all as the contributions of all Indians at home and in the diaspora on its 72nd republic anniversary on Tuesday.

To commemorate the occasion, an event, in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines, was held at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Bel Air, Georgetown. It featured Indian songs, dances and other aspects of the Indian culture and was streamed online.

Addressing the occasion, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa emphasised the warm and friendly bilateral relations between India and Guyana.

He related that despite the current difficulties owing to COVID-19 pandemic, the High Commission has

been able to work closely with the Government of Guyana and take forward many developmental assistance projects of the Government of India and is also working on a number of new projects for collaboration between Guyana and India, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, India, which is known as a leading supplier of vaccines worldwide, has been developing vaccines to immunise persons against this novel coronavirus. It has several vaccine candidates which are at various stages of development.

COVID-19 immunisation is ongoing in the South Asian country and the government has currently based its vaccination programme on two approved vaccines: COVISHIELD, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine which is produced by the Serum Institute of India, and COVAXIN, an indigenously produced vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and the Indian Council for Medical Research.

“Our scientists have been working day and night decoding the coro-

A cultural dance being performed as part of India’s Republic Day celebrations (Photos courtesy of the Indian High Commission) navirus and they have succeeded in developing the vaccine in record time and with this accomplishment, our scientists have added a glorious chapter of contribution to the well-being of humanity,” the High Commissioner said as he presented remarks from President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.

He added: “Our scientists, along with doctors, administrators and people from other walks of life, have made major

contributions in containing the virus and keeping the fatality rate lower in our country, compared to that in developed countries.”

MASSIVE VACCINATION DRIVE Currently, India is undertaking a massive vaccination drive, using vaccines it has manufactured, to immunise its population against the novel coronavirus.

A gathering of members of the Indian Diaspora in Georgetown

But, these vaccines are also being provided to a number of other countries as gifts and through commercial avenues.

“Today, India is being rightly called ‘pharmacy of the world’ as we are supplying medicines and other healthcare items to several countries to alleviate people’s suffering and contain the pandemic across the globe. Now we also provide vaccines to other countries,” he emphasised.

Last week, the Indian Government sent more than 3.2 million free vaccine doses to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. Donations to Mauritius, Myanmar and Seychelles are set to follow, while Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are next on the list.

The shipments of vaccines reflect one of India’s strengths -- it is home to a robust vaccine industry, including the Serum Institute of India, one of the world’s largest vaccine makers.

The High Commissioner also indicated that India has been able to springboard from the pandem-

ic into key reforms and development, geared at improving the lives of its citizens.

Through the ‘National Education Policy 2020’, it is expected that key developments will lead to a New India that aspires to emerge as a knowledge hub on the international stage. This reform promises to incubate innate talent of students and ignite their minds to take up the challenges of life.

The High Commissioner also reminded the Indians in the diaspora that 71 years ago, the people of India adopted a unique Constitution which propounds the crucial values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

And on this 72nd Republic Day celebration, there were crucial workers who were celebrated. According to the High Commissioner, the farmers who ensure food security, the soldiers who secure the country’s national boundaries and the scientists who have worked to develop vaccines for COVID-19 were deserving of praise.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Suriname to soon license Corentyne fishermen GUYANA’S fisheries industry will, over the next five years, realise its full potential as Government continues to direct its efforts towards crafting pol-

icies geared at ensuring sustainability of the sector.

Fisheries in Guyana has, over the years, evolved into one of the largest income-earners for the econ-

omy, raking in some $16B in 2020.

As part of Government’s efforts to further develop the industry, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha (left) and MoA Director-General, Madanlall Ramraj, during the meeting

Newly appointed Chairman of the Fisheries Advisory Committee, Seepaul Narine Tuesday, met with members of the newly installed Fisheries Advisory Committee and the Guyana Fisheries Limited Board (GFLB).

During the meeting, Minister Mustapha charged the new bodies with examining issues faced in the sector and providing recommendations to move the sector forward.

“With these times we are encountering several challenges in the fishing industry, not only with the crisis we have with Guyana and Venezuela, but as a country sharing borders with a number of other countries.

Especially with Suriname and Venezuela, we have to ensure we look at issues faced by persons in the industry and provide recommendations to move the sector forward. We all know the importance of the fishing industry in supporting the economy of our country and Government has been putting a lot of effort and resources into the sector.

It contributes almost 12 per cent to the agriculture GDP [Gross Domestic Product], provides employment with over 15,000 persons directly employed in the industry, and is a large income generator,

especially in the rural areas across our country,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also stated that it was important to ensure all management measures were employed to ensure the sustainability of the industry. He also outlined some of the expectations Government has for the newly installed Fisheries Advisory Committee.

“As the body mandated to help us craft policies, you have to ensure that you craft policies that would be able to help our fisherfolk to sustain their income while ensuring the industry continues to make a valuable contribution to Guyana’s GDP. The Fisheries Advisory Committee must also ensure that it carries out its mandate to advise on the management and development of the fisheries sector.

We are looking to you to devise plans and programmes to guide Government’s vision for the expansion of the fishing industry, aligning it with Government’s priorities. We were elected based on the measures outlined in the manifesto and we have to ensure those measures become policies. One of those measures is to enhance support for fishermen and coop societies, and you know we are now looking to resuscitate the National Fisherfolk Organisation.

We also have to look at the promotion of commercial fisheries, which should include partnerships with investors who already have established markets. It is also important for you to look closely at ensuring that fishermen displaced by activities in the oil and gas sector are compensated, if any,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha See page 13

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Appeal Court orders retrial for murder convicts THE Guyana Court of Appeal, on Tuesday, ordered a retrial for two men who were sentenced to 75 years in prison for the 2013 murder of Enterprise businessman, Kumar Mohabir.

Devon Thomas, 22, and Randy Isaacs, 26 had appealed their conviction and sentence, asking that they be overturned.

In 2015, they were found guilty by a 12-member jury for the February 23, 2013 murder of Mohabir. The sentence was handed down

by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court.

In their application for

appeal which was filed

by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, the duo had contended that the trial judge erred in law when he imposed on them such an unduly severe sentence.

Another ground was that the trial judge erred in law by usurping the discretion given to the Parole Board by stating, in his sentencing, when the appellants would be eligible for parole.

The appeal case was heard via Zoom by Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

Suriname to soon license ...

From page 12 also took the opportunity to inform the members on the progress made with regards to Guyanese fishing in the Corentyne River.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK “We’ve had some very positive feedback from the Surinamese Government.

We are on the verge of securing licences for Guyanese fishermen. Two days ago I received a correspondence from the Surinamese Government and I’m optimistic that this will be the first time in the history of our country that our fishermen might be licensed directly by the Surinamese authorities. So the problems that we’ve been faced with, where the middle men normally charge large fees for small fishermen to have licences could be abolished,” Minister Mustapha said.

Newly appointed Chairman of the Fisheries Advisory Committee, Seepaul Narine said the members of the bodies should work to ensure they utilise their efforts to advance the sector.

“The magnitude of this industry cannot be underestimated if we are talking about 15,000 persons, and, because of the closure of two plants, we are still talking a large number of the population when you take into account those who are employed and their families who depend on them. I would wish that, during our tenure, we work hard, we put our efforts together and we utilise the expertise around this table,” Narine said.

Additionally, newly-elected Chairman of the Guyana Fisheries Limited, Mohammed Khan, said that he hopes the committees can work together to once again stabilise the sector.

“As the minister said, we are indeed making a tremendous contribution to this country. The latest figure I have is between 15,000 to 17,000 people working in fisheries.

It’s a little bit down now because of two plants that closed down recently.

I do hope that with the new committees, we work together to bring back the fisheries industry to a stable position,” Khan said.

ISSUES IN THE SECTOR President of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP), Ruben Charles, said he hopes the board and the committee can work and make representation to have a study conducted to determine the effects of oil exploration on the level of catches.

“Lots of things have happened and I’m glad that I’m in a position to say something about the future of the industry. Our organisation, the Trawlers Association, is experiencing some difficulty now in terms of catch levels and members of that association are, without any scientific guidance, attributing that to the drilling of oil out there. One of the things we would be seeking is to see how we can mount some investigation to prove whether that is so,” Charles said.

Minister Mustapha said that issues such as factors contributing to low catches will be addressed. He added that the board and the committee have the ministry’s full support to make representation for studies to be conducted to determine whether oil exploration activities are indeed affecting the sector.

The Chancellor, while delivering the ruling, agreed with the men’s contention.

She stated that their conviction and sentence will be set aside based on the evidence presented in the case.

Additionally, the matter has been sent back to the High Court for retrial at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

According to reports, the Mohabir family members were enjoying the Mashramani festivities at Vlissengen Road when a gang of youths attacked Kumar Mohabir and killed him, under the pretext that he had

Randy Isaacs

Devon Thomas

DEAD: Kumar Mohabir

“mashed” the feet of one of them.

Navindra Mohabir went to his brother’s rescue and

was viciously attacked. He suffered five serious incised wounds to his right hand.

The duo, who were

known to the victim, were arrested after Navindra pointed them out during an identification parade.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Enhanced police motorcycle patrols in Region Three

IN reducing the police response time to reports from the public, particularly in areas that cannot be easily accessible to four wheel vehicles, an enhanced police motorcycle patrol was launched on Monday at the Leonora Police Station.

At the launch, Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent, Errol

Watts, charged the ranks to care the scarce resources and ensure their maintenance with the highest levels of responsibility.

He noted that the police motorcycle patrols will aid in the fight against crime as they would be able to reach crime scenes faster compared to bigger vehicles, especially during traffic congestions.

The police ranks with their motorcycles at the Lenora Police Station

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Woman who allegedly damaged ex-partner’s property granted bail A WOMAN who allegedly used a piece of wood to damage her former lover’s property, was, on Monday, granted $30,000 bail

by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs - Marcus when

she made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Anita Steele of A field, South Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the damage-to-property charge.

It is alleged that she,

on January 1, at Durban Street, Lodge, unlawfully and maliciously damaged nineteen concrete plant pots, together valued at $190,000, and one metal door valued at $65,000, property of Lawrence

Braithwaite.

Prosecutor Austin informed the court that Steele and Braithwaite once shared a relationship. On the day in question, at about 05:00 hours, Steele went to

Braithwaite’s home and damaged the plant pots and door. Steele allegedly broke the pots and hit the door with a large piece of wood. CCTV camera footage allegedly shows Steele committing the

offence.

A report was made and Steele was contacted. She was subsequently charged for the offence.

The matter was adjourned until February 22.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Hamilton slated to visit Kaneville residents –– promises to provide youths with skills training

MINISTER of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, and a team from the Board of Industrial Training will, this week, visit residents of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara to offer opportunities to youths in the community.

This was disclosed by Deputy Commissioner of Operations (ag), Clifton Hicken on Saturday last during a follow-up outreach to the community. Hicken and team met with residents adjacent to the “Black and White Bridge” to assess the impact of measures recently implemented to deter crime.

Hicken wasted no time in performing a quick analysis of what had occurred in the one-week period, and the existing situation since his last visit.

“From last week to now, have you seen a change in this general area where we’re sitting, this famous bridge?

Have you seen a change in terms of the pattern of crime, police presence? Have you seen the motorcycles here?

Are you seeing a difference in terms of vegetation?” he asked the gathering.

There was a unanimous acknowledgment by residents that the action taken had resulted in an immediate and positive change in their community, particularly the visible and constant police presence.

But the Deputy Commissioner followed his query by issuing a charge of reciprocity to the residents.

“My only challenge to you is putting a structure in place that is good. Having the structures sustained is another problem. This cannot be done in isolation,” Hicken said.

He continued: “The same amount of energy you exerted to ensure that you sent your message to me; the time I took to ensure I reciprocated in terms of putting structures in place to mitigate what you were telling me. The same amount of energy, I would like for you to use now to ensure that you urge the police to maintain this structure.”

Underscoring the purpose of having formed a WhatsApp group in conjunction with residents and the police, Hicken told the gathering “…if you’re not seeing the police (when you’re supposed to) question why…That is your responsibility as members of the public, to ensure that you hold the police accountable.”

The Deputy Commissioner then enquired as to why the instruction to form two Community Policing Groups (CPGs) had not been carried out.

He was informed that a senior officer from the Diamond/Grove Station had vis-

ited the area on Wednesday last to conduct the process but did not get to do so, because only three persons - of the 35 who were present – volunteered to form the group.

“Now this is not good enough, because you all (residents) gave that commitment to me when we were here, and you said you would be part of the process; because it’s only fitting that you be part of the policing of your community.

And forming a community policing group with the police legitimises your authority to enforce crime prevention strategies in your community,” Hicken stated emphatically.

“I don’t want you to… when I’m here you say something, and when the police approach you to be part of the process, you’re saying something else, that is not a partnership.”

It was then agreed by the residents that they would not stymie the process with their indifference and that they were committed to forming the two groups. The promised rotation at the Diamond/ Grove Station was carried out, and this was also given the stamp of approval, with “a different attitude” being seen from the new ranks.

The Deputy Commissioner was then updated on the progress made with the formation of youth groups, in an effort to “…find something constructive for the youths who are being misguided, to do, so that we can prepare them to be integrated into the workforce to develop themselves, and by extension, the country.” He was informed that an Inspector and Sergeant had gone into the community, and the process had begun to take shape.

It was also noted that parents were informed via letter “so that they could be part of the process”.

“Please, avail your children. For those who are not inclined towards academia, we’re bringing skillsets to them – plumbing, welding, masonry, carpentry – so that we can maintain the community’s ambience,” Hicken said.

And to further emphasise his commitment to the youths, the Deputy Commissioner briefly contacted the Labour Minister and requested to place him “on speaker” for the residents to hear of the minister’s intention to visit the community this week.

“On Wednesday, sometime in the day, myself and the team from the Board of Industrial Training – that is the training arm of the Ministry of Labour – will be coming to you; to sit with you, so that we can plan and map programmes together for

training in your community,” Minister Hamilton promised.

This announcement was met with loud applause.

The meeting concluded shortly after a senior member of the Station Management Committee presented two footballs to Inspector J. Layne, who is the officer in charge at Diamond/ Grove, to assist with the youth group initiative.

A section of the gathering at the Kaneville outreach ‘crime stoppers’ meeting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Countrywide assessment to be conducted on SLED projects FOLLOWING the discovery of what appeared to be instances of ‘fraud’ and ‘criminality’ in the spending of millions by entities in Region 10, under the Sustainable Livelihoods Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, said he will be doing a countrywide in-

spection of all 2019 SLED projects across the country.

During an interview with this newspaper on Monday, Minister Hamilton said that particular emphasis will be placed on Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), which had received more than 60 per cent of the $250 million which was allocated to the project in the 2019

national budget.

Outside of Region Nine, projects were also funded in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, and 10.

“I hope on Friday to go to Region Five; they have two programmes that were funded there, one was for nine plus million dollars, there are ones in Region Three, so I’ll be scheduling to go there

The abandoned community centre and ICT hub in West Watooka, where an alleged $2.2 million was given for the rearing of meat birds (DPI photos) early next week. And then for the weekend, I plan to be in Region Nine, because in Region Nine the total sum of disbursement was over $160 million,” Minister Hamilton said.

Minister Hamilton visited Region 10 last weekend to get an on-the-ground look at projects; however, he noted that he was unable to visit all the projects in that region.

“I still have to go back to Region 10, because there are still projects where people collected money at Ituni, Kwakwani, and Kimbia.

Then Region Two also they have some projects there and Region Four also, I have to do an assessment,” he further explained.

According to the Auditor-General’s 2019 report, sums totalling $249.997 million were expended for the project by the end of 2019; however, the report said, “it was difficult to ascertain the reasons for granting approval to the respective beneficiaries.”

The report noted that a special audit report would be issued for the programme; however, the Auditor-General’s investigation aside, Minister Hamilton has begun his own analysis, armed with his own statistics as to how the money was disbursed.

According to the Ministry of Labour’s records, it has been able to track projects that account for $234.644 million from the programme.

Across the regions, the monies were distributed to projects carried out by either cooperative societies, or individuals.

Some $6,275,029 is recorded as going to Region Two; another $13,691,535 went to Region Three; $7,907, 103 went to Region Four; $12,057,356 to Region Five; $209,307 to Region Six; $802,310 to Region Seven; $169,489,990 to Region Nine; and $24,211,422 to Region 10.

Of the $234.644 million, a total of $21,985,838 went to individuals, and $212,658,214 went to coop societies. Hamilton noted that in many cases, the cooperatives were not registered with the co-ops division of

the Ministry of Labour.

“Just last week, some anonymous person dropped a package with applications to register as co-ops, coming out of Region Nine, I don’t know who brought it, but it was forwarded to the Chief Co-op Officer [Perlina Gifth].

She examined it and reported that most don’t have all the documentations. But the point is, these people are now coming to be registered when they collected money since 2019, presenting themselves as co-ops, even though they knew they were not registered as co-ops at the time,” Minister Hamilton said.

The minister noted that in Region Nine, a named opposition Member of Parliament was responsible for the disbursement of some $155 million.

“The person responsible for $155 million of the $169 million was responsible for the disbursement among 18 groups,” the Labour Minister said.

In Region Nine, some $163.993 million was shared between 14 community projects, the largest project was for $17.932 million, and was for integrated livestock and agricultural production in Potarinau Village. Another $17.275 million went to a multipurpose centre in Shulinab Village.

Of the projects assessed thus far in Region Ten, Minister Hamilton noted that just one has appeared to have been carried out to completion.

“Only one project is beneficial, not to the community, but to a small minority of persons in the co-op. But that project with government funds is on private lands, belonging to the aunt of a person in the co-op.

An initiative aimed at business and job creation in communities across the country, the SLED programme was set up in 2015 under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government. It has since seen $760 million invested over the years.

The programme provided See page 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Countrywide assessment Man charged with to be conducted ... chopping brother in head From page 20

funding to persons and organisations for the support of entrepreneurial activities.

When it commenced, the programme was overseen by the then Ministry of Communities; however, it was later moved to the Ministry of Social Protection; the two ministries no longer exist. Under the current administration, the programme is be-

ing administered by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and was allotted a further $105 million in the 2020 Budget.

Minister Hamilton noted that once the ministry has concluded its assessment of the 2019 SLED projects, it will also be looking to visit and assess the projects given funds in 2018 and 2017 as well.

The building (now abandoned) that was supposed to have housed the Coomacka block-making project and that was reportedly given $4.496 million

A MAN, who allegedly chopped his brother in his head during an argument over a purse, was, on Tuesday, placed on $20,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Delmar Booker of Jackson Dam, La Penitence, pleaded not guilty to the wounding charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that he, on January 21, at Jackson Dam, La Penitence, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Isaiah Booker.

The brothers share the same build-

ing but reside in separate apartments.

According to the case before the court, on the day in question, a misunderstanding emerged between the two about a purse Isaiah Booker had.

Delmar Booker took back the purse and in rage, broke down the door of his brother’s apartment while he was inside. Delmar entered Isaiah’s apartment and a scuffle ensued between the two. With a cutlass, Delmar dealt Isaiah a chop to his head. The matter was reported and Delmar was arrested and charged for the offence committed.

The matter was adjourned until March 5, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

‘Professional’ Town Clerk creating unease for some City officers

SOME officers of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) have expressed concern over what they call “the politicising” of the Town Clerk’s office; an office which has seen multiple changes in acting Town Clerks recently.

Preferring not to be named, one officer noted that Town Clerk (ag) Sherry Jerrick does not find much favour with Mayor Ubraj Narine and other officers because she conducts her affairs in a neutral and pro-

fessional manner.

Some months ago, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-led City Council had “over-scored Sherwin Benjamin and under-scored Miss Jerrick” when it conducted interviews for the post of Town Clerk.

Jerrick reportedly felt “cheated,” according to one of the officers, who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday. Jerrick spent close to three decades working at the City Council and, hence,

could not possibly lose to “someone who came off the road,” the source noted, adding that Jerrick has been the acting Town Clerk since July 2019 and has never been cited for any wrongdoing.

Benjamin, who was trying to get the Town Clerk’s job, and who was the obvious choice of the M&CC, is, reportedly, a political officer who figures with the APNU/ AFC. Had Benjamin been appointed, according to the source, it would have been a

conflict of interest. “The guy was not suitable to continue working at the Local Government Commission as the legal officer; they decided to discontinue his contract in August of last year, but the same people wanted him to come and work at Council,” the source informed.

“This is the same individual who worked on the commission of inquiry that fired Royston King, who had intimate knowledge why they sent home Sharon Harry, who may have been

planning to take the Town Clerk position all this time and had these persons removed from office,” the source continued.

As for Jerrick, she was cited in the Commission’s report for dereliction of duties and incompetence, which the source noted was without any evidence.

Meanwhile, just last month, the M&CC passed a motion to replace acting Town Clerk, Candace Nelson, (Jerrick is currently on vacation leave) because

Acting Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick councillors said she lacked knowledge of her roles and responsibilities.

After voting to have Nelson removed, councillors then voted in Julian Orgista as her replacement.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Farmers to be trained to properly handle agro-chemicals THE Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), through the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), will soon commence training programmes to educate farmers across the country on how to properly administer pesticides and other agro-chemicals.

This was revealed by Trecia David, the board’s Registrar, on Sunday evening during the ministry’s ‘Agriculture in Focus’ programme.

David stated that over years the agency has been highlighting the need for continuous campaigns and programmes to educate farmers about the correct practices when using pesticides and agro-chemicals.

She added that while they have managed to do such in a classroom setting, the board is now looking to change its way of educating farmers and to adapt a more hands-on and practical training method.

“One of the things that we have done since 2008 is extensive training country-wide, but what we have had to do now is

A farmer tending to his crops be innovative and [revamp] our training techniques in 2021,” David said.

She explained that during this year there will be lots of training.

“Although we have COVID and we are dealing with working in that setting it’s going to be a year where we re-launch a lot of our training activities but at a different stand point of providing more practical training,” she said.

During the programme, she explained that the board will also focus on informing the farmers about the importance of the use of agro-chemicals and the negative impact it can have on their business, their personal health and that of others if not used correctly.

“It is key that farmers certainly understand that their practices are going to ultimately impact their ability to trade certain produce or even sell at the local level and then of course regionally and internationally,” she said.

She further explained that when farmers overuse or misuse agro-chemicals, particularly pesticides, their produce becomes non-consumable and therefore it is not fit for the local market or export.

“If you’re going to use pesticides, over-use or misuse is likely to have residues that can then affect your produce being acceptable for the local market trade. That is why it is so important to understand at this juncture [that] it is not just the understanding for them on what is the correct practice, but they have to understand the basis on which this becomes something that they have to do daily.”

David noted that during the year, the board will conduct more monitoring to ensure that its standards are met and farmers are producing the best quality product for the local markets, regional and international markets.

“Now there will be the facilities to monitor and there are legislations in place to actually ensure that these standards are met and if they are not met by you, the farmer, I’m sure that there is also provision for certain penalties to be instituted,” she said.

Additionally, David stated that during this year, the ministry will be taking steps to have farmers registered and certified in their daily practices.

“One of the things that the agency is looking at is farmer registration. With that we are ensuring that farmers are certified in their practices as well as how they use pesticides.

It will be a large undertaking, but we will be committed to trying to start that process this year and move forward,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Roach ready to work hard, take Bangladesh wickets WEST Indies fast bowler, Kemar Roach, insists he is ready for the challenge of trying to take wickets on Bangladesh pitches, despite the surfaces being more suited to spin-bowling.

Despite the presence of several spinners in the squad, the 32-year-old is expected to lead the West Indies bowling line-up, along with fellow pace bowlers Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph.

If the dominance of spinners in the One Day International series on pitches that offered very little assistance to pace bowlers is anything to go by they will certainly have their work cut out.

Having been in Bangladesh on two prior Test series, Roach would know first-hand what it takes to succeed on spin-friendly terrain.

In 2011, he claimed 0 for 52 off 9 overs and 1 for 49 off 13.2 overs in the second Test of the series. When he returned in 2018, he claimed

1 for 74 off 18 overs in the first Test and 2 for 61 in 25 overs as Bangladesh made a mammoth 500 in the second Test.

“It mostly favours the spinners but I think there is enough there for fast bowlers to get something as well. It’s just about having your plans, executing, and being disciplined,” Roach told members of the media via a press conference from Bangladesh yesterday.

“It’s going to be tough, we know we have to bowl a lot more overs to get our rewards but once you are willing to put the work in you can get some rewards over here … so it’s going to be tough but I’m up for the fight.”

The Windies have had recent success with pace bowling in Bangladesh with Tino Best claiming a five-for in 2012 and Fidel Edwards claiming 8 wickets in the 2011 series.

(Sportsmax)

Nedd poised for ...

TURN FROM BACK PAGE featured for Canada in the last Super50, has joined the Hurricanes and along with fellow off-spinner Terrance Warde, provides the hosts with adequate slow-bowling options.

Selectors have included 22-year-old lefthander Ross Powell for his 50-overs debut after playing

two first-class matches for the franchise in the last two rounds of the Four-Day Championship last year.

He is the only member of the squad without experience as the likes of Montcin Hodge, out-offavour left-hander Kieran Powell and Trinidadian Amir Jangoo will be expected to carry the batting.

Hurricanes have not won a regional 50-over title since they shared one with Barbados, following a tied final 11 years ago in Jamaica.

They will raise the curtain on this year’s tournament when they clash with neighbours Windward Islands Volcanoes on February 7.

SQUAD – Devon Thomas (captain), Montcin Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Ross Powell, Kieran Powell, Keacy Carty, Nitish Kumar, Hayden Walsh Jr, Jeremiah Louis, Sheno Berridge, Quinton Boatswain, Colin Archibald, Nino Henry, Ashmead Nedd, Terrance Warde.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Pakistan vs SA Test

Fourteen wickets fall on thrilling opening day in Karachi FOURTEEN wickets fell on an enthralling opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi.

After opting to bat first, South Africa slipped from 1333 to 220 all out, with opener Dean Elgar top-scoring with 58 and leg-spinner Yasir Shah taking 3-54.

Pakistan closed on 33-4, with Kagiso Rabada moving to 199 Test wickets following a spell of 2-8.

Nightwatchman Shaheen Afridi fell to Anrich Nortje, with Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam the not-out batsmen.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam was out lbw to Keshav Maharaj for seven.

South Africa, who are coming off the back of a 2-0 home

series win against Sri Lanka, started well with Elgar making 58, but as the day progressed the pitch started to show variable

bounce.

As a result the tourists lost regular wickets - their final seven for just 87 runs - but the

Kagiso Rabada moved to 199 Test wickets with two in a superb new-ball burst in Karachi

Rashid helps Afghanistan secure ODI series whitewash over Ireland

AFGHANISTAN beat Ireland by 36 runs in Abu Dhabi to complete a 3-0 one-day international series victory.

With the series part of the World Cup Super League, defeat was a big blow to Ireland’s hopes of making the 2023 tournament.

Rashid Khan starred with bat and ball - his 48 helped Afghanistan post a total of 266-9 before taking 4-28 as the Irish fell short of the target.

That was despite Paul Stirling making it back-toback centuries with 118.

Another 10 World Cup Super League points for Afghanistan moved them further clear of Ireland in

the race to book an automatic spot in India.

Afghanistan won the opener by 16 runs and added a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the second ODI.

WICKETS TUMBLE Ireland won the toss and decided to field, a decision that looked good as Afghanistan struggled to 167-7 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

But almost another 100 runs were added, with Rashid’s 48 coming off 58 balls to frustrate the Irish attack.

Spinner Simi Singh took 3-37 and paceman Craig Young 3-61 before the Irish started their run chase, with Stirling the central figure.

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The left-handed opener’s 128 on Sunday saw him overtake William Porterfield as Ireland’s all-time leading run-scorer across all formats.

He continued his superb form with 118 from 119 balls, his fourth century in his past six ODIs. Ireland were well placed at 132-2 but Stirling failed to get the support required and it was an uphill task when he was dismissed to leave it 187-5 with almost 14 overs remaining.

Singh’s 20 and a 16 from Andy McBrine gave the Irish hope as they moved to 230-7 but the final three wickets fell without a further run being added. (BBC Sport)

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run-outs of Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma, both on 17, seemed avoidable.

Alongside Yasir, left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, making his debut aged 34 years 111 days, had South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock caught at mid-wicket and Elgar caught at slip to finish with 2-38.

South Africa were brilliant with the ball as Rabada snuck one under Abid Ali’s defence, before getting one to rise to debutant Imran Butt that the opener gloved to leg gully.

Babar, who is captaining Pakistan for the first time in Test cricket, reluctantly reviewed when Maharaj trapped him in front before Shaheen was bowled by the express pace of Nortje. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Dean Elgar c Babar Azam b Nauman Ali 58 Aiden Markram c Imran Butt b Shaheen Afridi 13 Rassie van der Dussen Run Out Babar Azam 17 Faf du Plessis c Mohammad Rizwan b Yasir Shah 23 Quinton de Kock c Imran Butt b Nauman Ali 15 Temba Bavuma run-out Hassan Ali 17 George Linde c (sub.) b Hassan Ali 35 Keshav Maharaj b Yasir Shah 0 Kagiso Rabada not out 21 Anrich Nortje b Yasir Shah 0 Lungi Ngidi lbw Shaheen Afridi 8 EXTRAS: (b-5, lb-1, nb-7) 13 TOTAL: (all out, 69.2 overs) 220 Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-63, 3-108, 4-133, 5-136, 6-179, 7-179, 8-1194, 9-195.

Bowling: Shaeen Afridi 11.2-0-49 -2, Hasan Ali 14-5-61-1 (nb-2), Faheen Ashraf 5-0-12-0, Nauman Ali 17-4-38 -2 (nb-1), Yasir Shah 22-6-54-3 (nb-1).

PAKISTAN 1st innings Imran Butt c (sub.) b Kagiso Rabada 9 Abid Ali b Kagiso Rabada 4 Azhar Ali not out 5 Babar Azam lbw Keshav Maharaj 7 Shaheen Afridi b Anrich Nortje 0 Fawad Alam not out 5 EXTRAS: (nb-3) 3 TOTAL: (four wkts, 18.0 overs) 33 Fall if wickets 1-5, 2-15, 3-26, 4-27.

Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 6-3-8-2 (nb-2), Anrich Nortje 7-2-201, Lungi Ngidi 3-0-5-0 (nb-1)

IOC board to mull Tokyo matters - but not cancellation

By Karolos Grohmann

BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - The Tokyo Olympics will top the agenda when the International Olympic Committee’s executive board meets today - but with the board firmly backing the event, any talk of scrapping it altogether due to the COVID-19 pandemic is highly unlikely.

Wi t h l e s s t h a n s i x months to go until the troubled Games are due to start, the board will instead tackle questions over the vaccination of athletes, international visitors and the attendance of spectators, and safety regulations among other matters.

The Olympic body, which will meet remotely, nevertheless finds itself in a similar situation to March last year, when it was forced to postpone the Games by 12 months as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sport worldwide.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is sticking to his government’s commitment to host the Games, with officials last week dismissing a report in Britain’s Times newspaper that Tokyo had abandoned hope of holding the event this year.

Opinion polls in Japan show the public is strongly against staging the Games amid the pandemic, however.

The IOC insists there is no plan B for Tokyo.

“Six months ahead of the Games, the entire Olympic movement is looking

forward to the opening ceremony on July 23,” IOC president Thomas Bach said in a message to organisers on Saturday.

He conceded that it would be a “huge undertaking”, but he added that major sporting events were already taking place around the world without the widespread availability of vaccination against the virus yet.

Much of Japan, however, is now under a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections and should the Games go ahead, they will no doubt be completely different from past editions.

The World Health Organisation said on Monday it is providing risk management advice to IOC and Japanese authorities over the Tokyo Olympics, but it added that its top priority is vaccinating health workers worldwide against COVID-19.

ITALY SANCTIONS THREAT AVERTED One issue that looks to have been averted is the threat of IOC imposing sanctions on Italy over government interference in sport, related to a draft law there, after Rome approved a decree guaranteeing the autonomy of CONI, the national Olympic committee.

The IOC had hinted it could ban the Italian flag and national anthem from the Tokyo Games. Yesterday, however, the Italian government approved a decree guaranteeing CONI’s autonomy, essentially ending the threat of sanctions.

The IOC is allergic to any kind of government involvement in its sporting affairs, even at the national level.

Italy is set to host the 2026 winter Olympics and any such sanctions would have been an embarrassment for the country.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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(1) Mushfiqur Rahim-70 Tests (2) Mushfiqur Rahim/Mashrafe Mortaza-218 ODIs each

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who has scored most Test runs for BANG to date?

(2) Who has scored most ODI runs for BANG to date?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Stephney blasts Essequibo Cricket Board for poor leadership and inactivity FORMER Essequibo senior Inter-County captain and CWI Level 11 coach, Elroy Stephney, has once again lashed out at the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) citing poor leadership and inactivity.

Stephney, who once served as Chairman of the senior selection panel and the Cricket Development Committee, lamented that “the Board has outlived its usefulness and so are the jaded members who remain visionless and incompetent”.

“I am indeed saddened that the state of affairs is one of despair given that the Board has not held a competition for the past two years and none of the executives are active participants,” he told Chronicle Sport recently.

Stephney who also served as a former National Under-15 and U-19 manager cited gross dereliction of duty and called for the constituent

members to demand results from their leaders.

“It is unimaginable that you have a leader who doesn’t even command an ounce of respect within his constituent, yet he has been at the helm of the highest cricketing office in the country for the past five years,” stated Stephney.

He further questioned the omission of Essequibo players from the senior national Super50 squad stating that once again the leadership of the ECB has failed to represent players during a time when they needed such support. “ECB players will remain sidelined until the lenses of our representatives and those from GCB are replaced”.

“It is unfortunate that Essequibo players continue to be questioned for the wrong reasons, given that they are repeatedly sidelined.” Stephney recalled that under the stewardship

of Kayman and Beni Sankar cricket flourished with a number of highly competitive competitions both at the junior and senior levels.

“The Sankars’ leadership is unmatched in the history of Essequibo’s cricket and unfortunately their legacy is being ruined by a group of inept and disorganised group of people purporting to have our interest at heart.”

The former successful captain, who captured the first-ever Neville Sarjoo Under-16 national competition and was Manof–the- Match in the final against Albion at DCC way back in 1993, argued that a complete overhaul of the structures and personnel is required to transform the game in the Cinderella county.

Stephney referred to the likes of Trenton Peters, Jaimini Singh, Ramcharran Singh, Rovendra Mandolall, Mark Stephney, Ramesh Na-

Former Youth players Ramnauth, Heyliger want to hear from the ECB FORMER Youth cricketers Devon Ramnauth and Dilon Heyliger feel that Essequibo’s cricket have been shortchanged and are hoping that the current county board can answer some of their questions as they relate to current and future plans in place.

The criticism stemmed from the non-objection by the board, at least not publically, about the absence of Essequibians in the national team for the Regional Super50 competition, which is set for February 7-27 in Antigua.

The pair, both living in Canada, but from South Essequibo, have since started an online protest and are hoping that the system, or at least the approach, could change moving forward.

“So basically we’re calling out the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) for answers on the non-selection of the Essequibians. We want to hear from them directly. We need answers as to why no one from the ECB is representing our players,” Ramnauth told Chronicle Sport.

The concerns by the former players are just one of many voiced by Guyanese fans over the last week.

Former ECB president Sheik Ahmad had indicated to the press that the selectors had ignored talent in their decision.

“This nonsense has to stop … the favouritism must stop.

This has been going on for over four decades now and it must stop,” Ahmad had told Chronicle Sport.

Ahmad and Ramnauth also

feel that Essequibo has enough talent to merit inclusion.

“Antony Adams, Ricardo Adams and Kemol Savory all did well and have experience and proven success in the franchise and tournament,” the former Essequibian cricketer declared.

resentation at the national level not only affects the current players, but aspiring young cricketers, who could lose interest in their dreams.

“There needs to be a rebranding of cricket in Essequibo and it must start from the top. The board is selected

Former Essequibo Youth cricketers Dilon Heyliger (left) and Devon Ramnauth

Ramnauth, who is organising a Development Youth Cricket League in Region Two, also stated that the geography of the county makes it difficult to have cricket centred which has worked against many players in the past.

He said that the non-rep-

to represent the interest of the players in the county, and must always lead with that objective in mind.”

The pair aim to continue voicing their concerns on social media until change occurs and Essequibians are given fair chances at selection.

rine and the late Berchmore Reid, who, he stated, played with pride and soul during the glory days - a period he referenced that has never been replicated.

“I have seen a number of talents here but they will really need the blessings of the Creator if they are to succeed to the highest level.”

“Simply, our cricket is in a war zone; battered and bruised by the irresponsibility of visionless leaders, disowned by the cowardly act of our own selectors and gross disrespect to our female cricketers,” Stephney continued.

“This manifestation has been raising its ugly head for far too long, yet there are those executives who remain on high horses and continue to enjoy personal benefits”.

The elegant left-hander is appealing for the restoration of the ECB Hostel

and for the Board to implement a strategic plan that will lead to the reunification of the game among the eight committees. “ I h a v e lasting

Former Essequibo senior Inter-County captain and CWI Level 11 coach, Elroy Stephney

memories about the glorious encounters I had played against Bartica, Wakenaam, Leguan, East Bank. there was great rivalry and it lifted the hopes when we played back then,” Stephney went on.

“Unfortunately, I can’t speak the same for the players now. In fact, what I can say on behalf of them is that there is absolutely no hope with the current executives whose tenure has been a dismal failure,” he concluded.

Stephney, who remains

an executive of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee, expressed his commitment to serve once the environment is conducive and there is a genuine overhaul of the system in Essequibo.

“I stand ready to bring back respectability and soundness to Essequibo’s cricket and I appeal to other stakeholders for us to do this through a systematic, transparent and democratic process, Our cricket remains in a mess due to our incompetent leaders,” remarked Stephney in disgust.

Mohammed bemoans inexperience following ODI series whitewash

By Rajiv Bisnauth

IT MIGHT sound a bit harsh on the West Indies, but the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against hosts Bangladesh was never a contest.

The largely inexperienced visitors couldn’t threaten at any point and suffered another embarrassing series whitewash.

Such was the level of their competence that it looked like a mere formality right from the start.

Not having experience is one thing, but that shouldn’t stop the batsmen from showing intent. Not once did West Indies go past 200, not one visiting batsman went past 50, and all this should sum up the three games quite well. One-way traffic all the way!

Application and commitment from the tourists were missing. Their batsmen struggled to form any worthy partnerships and were completely undone by a clinical Bangladesh bowling display throughout the series.

They were not allowed to even play their full quota of 50 overs in the first two matches and were bowled out for 121 and 148 before yesterday’s 120-run defeat that summed up Bangladesh’s dominance in the series.

However, at the post-match press conference, stand-in ODI captain Jason Mohammed said the inexperience within the squad cost them the series.

“We were a bit far away in all the three games. The

bowling did okay, today maybe 30 runs too many. The batting didn’t work at all. Playing the spinners were really challenging for us, especially in the first two games,” Mohammed reckoned.

League points.

The Super League is a brand new ODI competition, which takes place across two years and aims to raise the stakes of bilateral 50-over games.

Jason Mohammed

The Trinidadian added, “It is something that can be rectified with our full-strength batting line-up. Once everyone is back, we’re going to do better at putting runs on the board.

Some positives: Alzarri Joseph did well, might not have got the wickets but did well at the top and at the death. Akeal Hosein in his debut tour went well.”

West Indies played a second-string side as a number of their players chose to not travel to Bangladesh due to COVID-19 concerns whereas a few gave the tour a miss due to personal reasons.

With three consecutive wins over the guests, Bangladesh have gained full 30 Super

In its first edition, the Super League will help decide which teams feature in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, or teams have to take the tortuous qualifiers’ route.

Thirteen teams are taking part in this competition. These are the 12 Full Member nations, along with the Netherlands.

The Netherlands earned their place as the 13th team by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship back in 2017.

Meanwhile, West Indies will now turn their attention to the two-match Test series which will only get tougher for them. The first starts on February 3.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 27, 2021

North American softball fraternity pays tribute to late Reyaz Husein THE North American softball fraternity, comprising mainly of Guyanese-based players from Canada, New York and Florida, has paid glowing tribute to the outstanding contributions to the grassroots sport by the late Reyaz Husein.

Husein, the late vice-president and player of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) passed away suddenly on December 25, last year, stunning members of his organisation and other softball lovers throughout Guyana and North America.

The plaque, sent to Husein’s family reads: “In loving memory of Reyaz Imdad Hu-

sein. We may no longer hold, touch or talk to you but you will forever be in our hearts and daily thoughts.

“The love you shared with your family, friends and cricket associates will be with us forever. Gone, but never forgotten.

Rest In Peace, dear brother.”

The plaque was handed over to Hussein’s family, which included his wife Samantha, son Reyad and daughter Sarah, last Saturday by senior official of GFSCA Rickey Deonarine.

Also present at Deonarine’s ‘Old Trafford’ venue in Campbellville, Greater Georgetown, were GFSC executive members Jailall Deodass and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall fame.

Hobart Hurricanes miss out on Big Bash play-offs

England’s Dawid Malan is rated the number one Twenty20 batsman in the world

HOBART Hurricanes missed out on the Big Bash play-offs after a shock defeat by bottom side Melbourne Renegades.

Victory would have assured Hobart of a place in the top five, but they lost by 11 runs to a Renegades team that had won only three previous games.

Chasing 151, Hurricanes were restricted to 139-9 thanks mainly to Zak Evans’ 5-33. England’s Dawid Malan top-scored with 34.

Brisbane Heat squeezed through with a six-run win against Perth Scorchers.

Sydney Sixers took the point they needed to seal top spot in a five-wicket victory against Melbourne Stars, who go out.

In a repeat of last year’s final, Stars needed both the Bash Boost point for the better score at halfway and the victory, but their hopes were ended

when Sixers reached 73 by the end of the eighth over.

Sixers, the defending champions, needed 10 off the final over of the 20 for their victory target of 178, which they reached with a ball to spare.

They will have the advantage of hosting second-placed Scorchers in Canberra, where they have been playing their home games because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The winners of that game on Saturday will advance straight to the final.

Brisbane, who finish fourth, welcome fifthplaced Adelaide Strikers, on Friday, with the losers going out, and the winners travelling to play third-placed Sydney Thunder.

The victors in that game will meet the losers of the Sixers-Scorchers contest for a place in the final. (BBC Sport)

GFSCA’s Rickey Deonarine (left) hands over the plaque to the late Husein’s son Reyad. Others in picture, from left, are Jailall Deodass, Ramesh Sunich, wife Samantha and daughter Sarah

The late Husein was also a popular emcee at Regional and International matches held in Guyana and performed similar duties for the GFSCA and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). A few days before his death, Hussein officiated as the moderator at the opening ceremony of the LBI floodlight facility.

Hussein was also a long-serving member of both Georgetown Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club.

President of the Ontario Softball Cricket Clubs, Azeem Khan, was mainly responsible for coordinating the North Americans initiative. (Frederick Halley)

Hope brothers out of Super50 after positive COVID tests

RIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – West Indies batting star, Shai Hope, and his older brother, Kyle Hope, have both been ruled out of next month’s Super50 Cup in Antigua after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) announced the positive tests on Tuesday, after the Barbados Pride touring party underwent testing last weekend in preparation for travel.

“Following the results of the first completed COVD-19 tests, Kyle and Shai Hope returned positive results and will be placed in isolation in accordance with Government of Barbados protocols,” a BCA release said.

Batsman Zachary Mc-

Caskie and wicketkeeper-batsman Tevyn Walcott will replace the Hope brothers in the Barbados Pride 15-man squad, and will

West Indies batting star, Shai Hope

now undergo the required COVID-19 testing.

Pride are scheduled to depart the island on Sunday for the February 7-27 regional domestic 50-over championship.

The latest development will be a massive blow to the Pride squad as the Hope brothers were two of nine players with West Indies experience set to play in the tournament.

Shai, 27, is one of the leading world’s leading oneday batsmen, boasting an average of 52 in internationals and nearly 50 in List A. Ironically, he was one of 10 West Indies players who declined selection for the ongoing tour of Bangladesh due to “COVID related concerns

or personal fears”, over the health situation in the south Asian country.

He was in excellent form with two hundreds during the Legends Cup last month, a tournament which served as trials in order to select the final squad.

Kyle, meanwhile, has played five Tests and seven One-Day Internationals for West Indies, and was making a return to the Pride squad after spending several seasons with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

The pair were part of a strong batting lineup that included Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase and captain Jason Holder – all of whom also opted out of the Bangladesh tour.

LeBron James shoots season-high 46 in LA Lakers win over Cleveland LeBRON James became the oldest LA Lakers player to score 40 points in a game since Kobe Bryant’s farewell appearance in 2016 as Lakers beat Cleveland Cavaliers 115-108.

The 36-year-old, playing on the eve of the first anniversary of Bryant’s death, finished on 46 points.

It was his second-highest total as a Laker and the most against his first NBA team.

He added 8 rebounds 6 assists 2steals 2 blocks.

James, playing for the second time in Cleveland since he switched to Lakers in 2018, scored 13 points in the final four minutes 41 seconds.

It helped Lakers pull away and claim a 10th win out of 10 on the road this season.

They play in Philadelphia, Bryant’s birthplace, today in what will be an emotional occasion.

Anthony Davis had 17 points 10 rebounds for Lakers, while Montrezl Harrell scored 15 off the bench.

For Cavaliers, Andre Drummond had 25 points 17 rebounds while Cedi Osman

scored 20 points. Collin Sexton finished with 17.

Orlando Magic won for only the second time in their last 10 games, beating Charlotte Hornets 117-108 in the first regular-season NBA contest in history with two female officials.

site. “It’s like my feminist dreams come true, that like my personal values are colliding with my professional values and it’s awesome.”

“It’s amazing,” Sago added. “I’m just proud to be part of an organisation that promotes people to do the job

The referee team for Orlando v Charlotte game featured two women

Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder, who are among the seven females who have officiated in the NBA this season, worked with Sean Wright in the game in Florida.

“This is a big deal,” Schroeder told the NBA web-

based on our abilities, not on our gender, race, ethnicity those types of things.”

Elsewhere, Malcolm Brogdon scored 19 of his 36 points in the second half as Indiana Pacers beat Toronto Raptors 129-114.

Indiana All-Star Domantas Sabonis injured his left knee in the first quarter and had a scan yesterday.

Stephen Curry scored a game-high 36 points as Golden State Warriors thrashed Minnesota Timberwolves 130-108, overshadowing Andrew Wiggins’ reunion with his former side.

Detroit Pistons ended a four-game losing streak in a 119-104 win over Philadelphia 76ers while the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Portland Trail Blazers 125122.

Brooklyn Nets pulled away in the final minutes for a 98-85 victory over Miami Heat while Michael Porter Jr scored 30 points and Nikola Jokic added 20 points 10 rebounds as Denver Nuggets beat Dallas Mavericks 117113.

Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 24 in his return from NBA coronavirus protocols as Boston Celtics started a run of seven out of eight games on the road with a 119-103 victory at Chicago Bulls. ( )

Savory named as Griffith’s replacement in

Trevon Griffith

Jaguars Super50 team

Kemol Savory

… Left-hander tests positive for COVId-19

WICKETKEEPER/batsman Kemol Savory will have a second chance to solidify his national career after being named as Trevon Griffith’s replacement, following the opener testing positive for COVID-19.

According to reliable sources Griffith, who was named in the original team last week, will now focus on recovering after he returned a positive result following the Jaguars first set

of COVID-19 tests.

As for Savory, the left-hander made his debut last season with a match-winning half-century, accompanied by some decent glove-work.

But with Anthony Bramble always a first choice in the team and a senior run-scorer over the years, Savory found himself out of the senior mix but always the team’s second-choice keeper.

Roach ready to work hard, take Bangladesh wickets

Now with Griffith out, it’s likely that Savory could be asked to open the batting or fall somewhere in the batting order. Speaking with Chronicle Sport exclusively, the batman said he was happy to have this second chance at resurrecting his career while wishing his teammate a speedy recovery.

“This has been a blessing for me to be called back. For me, I’m looking forward to

this because I am looking to build on my past performances as well as becoming a reliable member of the team,” said Savory.

Savory continued, “I want to be the goto guy that guys will know when our backs are to the ropes. I plan to always do my best.

Also I am especially grateful to the coaches, selectors and all the persons who make these difficult decisions,” he ended. (Clifton Ross)

Nedd poised for Hurricanes debut in Regional Super50 Cup

SEE PAGE

28

Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd

West Indies pacer Kemar Roach SEE PAGE 31

S T J O H N ’s , A n t i g u a (CMC) – Leeward Islands Hurricanes have acquired the services of 2019 Super50 Cup hero, Ashmead Nedd, for their upcoming campaign in the tournament here next month.

The 20-year-old left-arm spinner was named in a 15man squad, which will be led by veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Devon Thomas.

Nedd featured for surprise champions West Indies Emerging Players, who

ironically beat Hurricanes in a lopsided 2019 final at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

The Guyanese took one for 19 from his four overs to end the tournament with 11 wickets at a superb average of 10 and an economy rate of just over three runs.

Nedd will be part of a spin department which includes West Indies leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr, who has recovered

from COVID-19 and is set to take his place in the squad.

The 28-year-old Walsh was included in the West Indies squad for the threematch One-Day International series in Bangladesh which ended Monday.

However, he tested positive in Bangladesh four days after arriving and was ruled out of the series while undergoing isolation.

Nitish Kumar, 26, who TURN TO PAGE 28

Hope brothers out of Super50 after positive COVID tests

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021