Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01_08_2021

FRIDAY 8th January, 2021

' No.106236

World Bank: Economy to grow by 7.8 per cent this year

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Fishing industry ‘nets’ $16.2B SEE PAGE 03

–– national fisherfolk organisation to be resuscitated President-elect Joe Biden

US President, Donald Trump

Trump commits to 'orderly' transition of power The US Capitol building, Washington DC, a day after supporters of US President Donald Trump occupied it (Reuters photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Guyana currently cannot detect new COVID strain –– Health Minister maintains

BY Vishani Ragobeer HEALTH Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Thursday, maintained that Guyana cannot detect whether there are variants of the virus, COVID-19 in Guyana, emphasising that no local laboratory has the in-house capacity to define the mutations of the virus.

During Thursday’s COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI), the minister explained that the variant that is of much concern currently is the one that was identified

in the United Kingdom (UK), called the B117. This ‘UK variant’, found to be more transmissible, was identified through genomic sequencing done in that country.

“We have not been able to detect this type of virus in Guyana because we just don’t have the capacity to do [genetic analysis],” Dr. Anthony said, adding: “For us to be able to differentiate between a variant or mutations that are happening with this virus, it must mean that our laboratories must be able to do genetic analyses and we don’t have that.”

According to the Mayo Clinic in the United States of America (USA), genomic sequencing is a process for analysing a sample of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) taken from your blood. The genomic sequencing, which is what was done in the UK according to the Guardian, analysed the virus samples taken from patients who tested positive and compared it with other cases.

And, Dr. Anthony emphasised that none of the laboratories in Guyana -- whether public or private -- has the in-house capability to perform this.

“People saying that we have been able to sequence the genome or look at the mutations that are occurring is just not correct,” he emphasised.

On Wednesday, during an

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Virology Laboratory Manager at Eureka Medical Laboratories, Paul Cheddie said that it would appear as though variants of the COVID-19 virus may have been in Guyana since December, 2020.

ABNORMALITIES He made this assertion

while explaining that based on the three-gene test Eureka has been conducting, it has discovered “abnormalities'' when testing a number of persons who travelled abroad.

Eureka has been testing for three genes or targets associated with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19); these genes, Cheddie said, help to enable the COVID variants to bind to human cells and therefore, enter and infect the cells. He, however, highlighted that the variants can be identified because they have one less gene (that is, they have only two genes).

“When we see a positive of two genes versus a positive of three genes, that’s how we’re able to presumptively know that maybe we’re looking at something that is a variation of what we’ve previously been identifying,” Cheddi said.

This ‘missing’ gene is the S-gene, and this has been documented internationally as the gene that has indeed ‘dropped out’ in the UK variant. Cheddie, however, highlighted that Eureka does not have the capacity to further characterise the variant since it does not have the ability to perform genomic sequencing.

What this means is that while Eureka is able to identify a COVID-19 virus that is apparently different from the one being detected for months now, the laboratory is unable to state whether is the same variant from the UK or whether it is a variant from another country such as South Africa or Nigeria where other variants have been discovered.

Dr. Anthony did not comment on whether it is possible for Eureka to identify some potential variation or abnormality from the ‘normal’ COVID-19 virus that public and private facilities have been testing for locally.

TESTING WITH CARPHA He, however, highlighted there is an arrangement between the Health Ministry and Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) whereby samples can be taken to the

agency for further analysis.

“In fact, CARPHA recently started a project where they will be able to do extra surveillance on various types of this virus and they’re asking the countries that collaborate with CARPHA that if we have samples that we would like to sequence, we should contact them,” Dr. Anthony related.

He also affirmed that should the ministry determine that any sample needs that sort of genetic analysis, then, the ministry will engage CARPHA. Though the minister did not indicate whether the abnormalities detected by Eureka warrant further analysis, he did mention that there may be some possibility of private laboratories to collect those samples and send it to a partner laboratory outside of Guyana which has the ability to perform the genetic analysis.

Cheddie noted that Eureka could possibly engage the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organisation (WHO) to conduct this further analysis if the need arises.

At the moment, however, he said there are no ministry guidelines that require private facilities to do any further analysis.

On Monday, CARPHA emphasised that the Caribbean region has a “very high” risk of importing this ‘UK variant’ and indicated that four cases were already confirmed in Jamaica, as of January 4.

Amidst growing concerns of the impact this new strain will have on the Caribbean, CARPHA stated: “… countries are urged to continue maintaining national regulations inclusive of limiting gatherings, observing physical distancing measures, as well as appropriate hand hygiene and use of facial coverings where applicable. Country travel guidelines and entry requirements should continue to be enforced.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Fishing industry ‘nets’ $16.2B

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–– national fisherfolk organisation to be resuscitated this year

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

By Navendra Seoraj THE “rough tides” of 2020 were not enough to restrict progress in the fishing industry, which remained resilient throughout the year and even managed to secure revenue in excess of $16 billion.

Ecological challenges compounded by a protracted electoral process and a global pandemic made last year no easy one for stakeholders in the fishing industry, but, in the end, the traditional aspect of this industry raked in $16,033,405,740, while aquaculture mustered $207,251,016.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in Guyana, “capture fisheries” is undertaken by artisanal fishers and by an industrial fishing fleet composed of trawlers and hand-liners, including some foreign flagged, licensed vessels.

The organisation said most of Guyana’s fishing effort occurs in the relatively shallow waters of the continental shelf.

In 2017, the estimated fleet comprised an estimated 1,498 vessels ranging in size from six to twenty-four metres, of which the great majority (83 per cent) were gill netters.

Aquaculture, on the other hand, has been practised for many years using mostly “low-input culture method” in brackish water and freshwater ponds, employing cachama, tilapia, and whiteleg shrimp as the major target species.

The consolidated contribution of both aspects of this industry accounted for two per cent of Guyana’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and

Flashback: Fishermen untangling their seine (Adrian Narine photo)

12 per cent of the agricultural GDP, in 2020.

Information shared with the Guyana Chronicle shows that production in the area of marine fisheries was just over 30,000 metric tonnes at the end of November 2020, but was projected to end the year at over 35,000 metric tonnes.

Total production was just above 38,000 metric tonnes in 2019.

Last year, Guyana produced finfish (artisanal), finfish (industrial), red snapper, prawns, seabob (industrial), whitebelly, seabob (artisanal) and tuna. Of those varieties, finfish raked over $11 billion -- the most revenue for this industry -- while red snapper and seabob each earned stakeholders over $1 billion.

Production, in the aquaculture sector, up to November last year was 121,741 kilograms, but was projected to end the year at 137, 626 kilograms. Total production was just above 246, 919 kilograms in 2019. This sub-sector produces bashaw, black shrimps, hassar, mullet, querriman, tambaqui and tilapia.

The aquaculture sector in Guyana is still relatively small, with production occupying only about 350 hectares of land around the country.

But, it was reported recently that the Government will be working towards making this sector globally competitive and a key contributor to economic growth, through several initiatives like the expansion of the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station and aquaculture zoning, both on land and in water.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Trump commits to 'orderly' transition of power

As the threat of a second impeachment loomed, President Donald Trump acknowledged on Thursday that Joe Biden will be the next U.S. President, a day after his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning assault on American democracy as Congress was certifying Biden’s victory.

Trump, who as recently as Thursday morning had continued to claim falsely that the election had been stolen from him, said his focus would now turn to ensuring a smooth transition to a Biden administration in a video released on Thursday evening. Biden, a Democrat, is set to be sworn in on Jan. 20.

The President condemned Wednesday’s violence, saying rioters had defiled the seat of American democracy.

“Serving as your President has been the honour of my

lifetime,” Trump, a Republican, said. “And to all of my wonderful supporters, I know you are disappointed, but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning.”

The statement was a stark reversal for Trump, who faced growing calls for his resignation or ouster following Wednesday’s assault. Trump has spent months insisting he prevailed in the Nov. 3 election due to widespread fraud, despite no evidence.

His exhortation on Wednesday to thousands of supporters that they march to the Capitol to protest the election results whipped up a mob that overran police officers and invaded the Capitol building, forcing members of Congress into hiding for their own safety.

The top Democrats in Congress, House of Repre-

President Trump returned to Twitter to post the address

sentatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called on Vice President Mike Pence and Trump’s Cabinet to use the U.S. Constitution to remove Trump for “his incite-

ment of insurrection”.

The 25th Amendment allows a majority of the Cabinet to remove a President from power if he is unable to discharge the duties of the office.

But a Pence adviser said

the vice-president, who would have to lead any such effort, was opposed to using the amendment to oust Trump from the White House.

If Pence fails to act, Pelosi signaled she would likely re-

convene the House to initiate impeachment proceedings against Trump for his role in Wednesday’s violence, which claimed five lives, including that of a Capitol Police officer, whose death was confirmed on Twitter by U.S. Representative Dean Phillips.

A handful of Republicans also called for Trump’s removal. The Wall Street Journal editorial page, seen as a leading voice of the Republican establishment, called on Trump to resign on Thursday evening.

Several members of Trump’s administration, including Elaine Chao, the transportation secretary and the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, resigned as a symbolic gesture against the violence.

(Reuters)

Fishing industry ‘nets’ ...

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Aquaculture, a component of the agriculture sector, is the process of rearing, breeding and harvesting of aquatic species, both animals and plants, in controlled aquatic environments like the

Friday January 8, 2021 –– 1:00HRS & 12:30HRS

oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams.

STRONG POTENTIAL “Aquaculture in Guyana shows strong potential since the country has relatively

large acres of flat lands with suitable soil types and access to large quantities and good quality freshwater (water conservancies)… moreso there are existing drainage and irrigation infrastructure in some areas, sub-tropical temperatures for shrimp and fish production and good availability of agricultural/ fisheries by-products for the formulation and manufacturing of aqua feed,” Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said in a recent report.

The FAO has already provided US$100,000 to Guyana in 2019, to strengthen the strategic and regulatory framework for inland fisheries and aquaculture development in Guyana.

The fisheries department, in collaboration with the FAO, is expected to convert a draft aquaculture regulation to a legal document in 2021.

Compliance with this regulation and the relevant authorities like the Environmental Protection Agency, Veterinary Public Health Unit and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority will be requirements for aquaculture operations.

On a wider scale, the Government plans to improve the entire fishing industry through several initiatives, which include the resuscita-

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tion of the national fisherfolk organisation, improved fishing and licencing procedures, formation of an aquaculture association and increased monitoring and surveillance of Guyana’s waters.

There are also plans to update the country’s fisheries management plan to cover short-term achievable objectives, and revise the strategic plan for inland fisheries and aquaculture development and management in Guyana (2013-2018).

The fishing industry employs some 8,400 people in harvesting and 5,000 in processing and marketing, so more than 10,000 livelihoods depend directly on fishery, and many more benefit indirectly from fishing-related occupations such as boat building, gear supply and repair.

According to the FAO, a significant number of persons work in processing, distributing and selling fish and fish products in domestic markets. A high proportion of workers in processing, distribution and retail are women, and they are active in harvesting as well.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Economy to grow by 7.8 per cent this year –– World Bank projects in latest report

By Vishani Ragobeer GUYANA’S fast-growing economy, which has been able to record positive growth in 2020, despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, is projected to grow by 7.8 per cent in 2021, according to the World Bank.

In the January 2021 edition of the Global Economic Prospects, the World Bank stated that global economic output is expected to expand by four per cent this year, a downward revision of more than five per cent of the pre-pandemic projections.

Further, giving a moderate projection for 2022, global growth is expected to be about 3.8 per cent then, owing to the pandemic’s lasting damage to potential growth.

The country data for Guyana, as stated by the World Bank, projects that the country will record a 7.8 per cent growth rate in Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2021; this is a 0.3 per cent reduction in the previous 2021 projection made

by the bank in June 2020. The bank also projects a 3.6 per cent growth rate in 2022 for Guyana.

The Real GDP is an inflation-adjusted measure that reflects the value of all goods and services produced by an economy (in this case, Guyana’s economy) in a given year. In simpler terms, the real GDP measures a country’s total economic output, adjusted for price changes. The World Bank said that Guyana’s Real GDP grew by 23.2 per cent in 2020.

Last year, prior to the pandemic, Guyana was expected to grow by 86 per cent in 2020.

In April, one month after the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Guyana, that growth rate was revised to 52.8 per cent.

Then, in October, due to the enduring effects of the pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that the country’s GDP would grow by 26.2 per cent- a lower figure, but still the only positive growth rate in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

In October 2020, also, ac-

cording to the NASDAQ Stock Market, Guyana’s growth was projected to be 12 per cent in 2021, 49 per cent in 2022 and 28 per cent in 2023. The country’s GDP of about $6.8 billion is expected to more than double by 2025, reaching over $14 billion. These projections may be subjected to downward revisions when reports for this year are released, just as with the World Bank.

Guyana is a middle-income developing country and its massive growth is largely attributed to its burgeoning oil and gas sector. The country is, however, resource-rich even without oil as it is covered by dense forests, and is home to fertile agricultural lands and abundant natural resources. Gold, bauxite, sugar, rice, timber, and shrimp are among its leading exports.

ECONOMIC PROSPECTS BRIGHTER “Our economic prospects have never been brighter. Our collective feet are firmly placed on the first rungs of a ladder to

prosperity that is clearly within our sight,” President, Dr Irfaan Ali said during his message to the nation on January 1, 2021.

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

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.

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo told this newspaper last year that he is cautious about linking GDP growth to the well-being of the population, because a massive growth in GDP does not necessarily correspond to a major positive increase in revenues or employment.

Greater well-being for Guyanese, he explained, includes increasing employment, ensuring that individuals have greater disposable income, and that there are direct interventions, such as the government’s COVID-19

cash grant geared at providing relief.

The global recovery, which has been dampened in the near term by a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, is expected to strengthen over the forecast horizon, according to the World Bank. This would be a result of increasing improvements in confidence, consumption, and trade, supported by ongoing vaccination.

‘FOCUS ON PRIORITY AREAS’ Even so, looking ahead, the World Bank cautioned world leaders to be wary of the enduring impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have on investment and human capital.

“Limiting the spread of the virus, providing relief for vulnerable populations, and overcoming vaccine-related challenges are key immediate policy priorities,” the World Bank said, adding, “As the crisis abates, policymakers need to balance the risks from large and growing debt loads with those from slowing the economy through premature fiscal tightening.”

The World Bank also advo-

cated for countries to safeguard health and education, prioritising investments in digital investments and green infrastructure, improving governance and enhancing debt transparency.

A key mechanism of addressing all of these challenges will be global cooperation, the bank further noted.

“The recovery expected in the baseline forecast could be derailed by the materialisation of a number of risks. The spread of the virus could accelerate if pandemic-control measures fail or if there are delays in the deployment of vaccines,” the bank said.

If that occurs, the already slow global recovery would be interrupted and existing strains would be exacerbated.

With governments unable to continue providing support and, in some circumstances, temporary bouts of unemployment and business shutdowns could all become realities.

Elon Musk becomes world's richest person as wealth tops US$185B Elon Musk has become the world's richest person, as his net worth crossed US$185B (£136B).

The Tesla and SpaceX entrepreneur was pushed into the top slot after Tesla's share price increased on Thursday.

He takes the top spot from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who had held it since 2017.

Musk's electric car company Tesla has surged in value this year, and hit a market value of US$700B (£516B) for the first time on Wednesday.

That makes the car com-

pany worth more than Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, GM and Ford combined.

Musk reacted to the news in signature style, replying to a Twitter user sharing the news with the remark "how strange". An older tweet pinned to the top of his feed offered further insight into his thoughts on personal wealth.

"About half my money is intended to help problems on Earth, and half to help establish a self-sustaining city on Mars to ensure continuation of life (of all species) in case Earth gets hit by a meteor

have been buoyed by politics in the US, where the Democrats will have control of the US Senate in the forthcoming session.

Daniel Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities wrote: "A Blue Senate is very bullish and a potential 'game changer' for Tesla and the overall electric vehicle sector, with a more green-driven agenda now certainly in the Elon Musk

like the dinosaurs or WW3 happens and we destroy ourselves," it reads.

The tycoon's fortunes

cards for the next few years."

Expected electric vehicle tax credits would benefit Tesla, "which continues to have an iron grip on the market today", he added.

Bezos has also seen his fortunes rise over the past year. The coronavirus pandemic has meant Amazon benefited from stronger demand for both its online store and cloud computing

services.

However, he gave a four per cent stake in the business to his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott after they split, which helped Musk overtake him.

In addition, the threat of regulation has meant Amazon's stock has not risen as high as it might otherwise have done. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

The good life for a few WHEN the APNU+AFC Government took office in 2015, they made countless promises to the citizens of Guyana that they will provide a better life for all than the PPP/C Government ever did in their 23 years in office. Not only did all witness the previous administration’s poor deliverance on their promises, but all would have seen in the last month some findings that were discovered following an audit into the Government agencies.

In 2019, according to the audit report, the Ministry of Public Security purchased $600 million worth of office furniture and other equipment for the various branches of law enforcement. However, the report also revealed that millions are unaccounted for due to no findings of record/documentation of assets being received. Also, upon a physical verification exercise conducted, old and rusty furniture were pre-

sented as the newly-bought items, along with others that were not marked as the ministry’s property.

The audit report also revealed that the former Ministry of Public Infrastructure held on to 611 cheques, totaling $2 Billion, in January 2020, which should have been refunded to the Consolidated Funds in December 2019. There are also cheques totaling $865.2 million that have been paid out without any supporting documents to trace the transactions made.

In 2019, the ministry also awarded a $450 million contract to a company for the design, supply, and installation of a 150-kilowatt hydropower plant at the Chiung River at Kato Village, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

This project was signed in September 2019 and was expected to last for 18 months.

This is yet to commence, and the President had recently outlined that this project is at risk, and the Government

is currently assessing the situation.

Additionally, in 2015, the previous Government took money from the Contingency Funds to purchase CCTV cameras costing $19 million, which have still not yet been delivered five years later with a new Government in office. One may question what was the urgency in taking money out of the emergency funds to get these cameras, if they have not yet become operable. It was also noted that the US company from which these cameras were allegedly sourced had become bankrupt.

Apart from the above findings, financial papers were debated and passed in the National Assembly. On December 28, 2020, Financial Paper Two, with a sum of $4.1 Billion was passed.

This represented an advance the previous Government withdrew from the Consolidated Funds, in the last half of 2019. According to the

Minister of Finance, this is a requirement by law.

However, what was puzzling to the Cabinet is the reasoning behind the withdrawal, as they cannot come to terms with the effectiveness and purpose behind the spending. According to reports, $40 million was spent to repair two generators for the Port Kaituma Power and Light Incorporation, which are three years behind schedule for repairs and maintenance. The community had also not had access to a consistent power supply until this Government took office.

A $1.7 Billion was used to conduct emergency works on the sea defenses along the East Coast of Demerara, where flooding was still experienced when the PPP/C Government took office. The current Minister of Public Works made mention that the situation was not so severe as to require an emergency bailout. The sum also included G$179.3 million to

conduct emergency works to reduce flooding in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice); and Six (East Berbice Corentyne) which still resulted in flooding in some areas when the PPP/C took office, and had to intervene in controlling the situation. One may also question the criteria used to award contracts, which resulted in poor quality work with additional expenses to correct the issues.

Another $2.17 billion was used to fund the immediate land transfers between the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), which the current Minister of Housing confirmed that many of these transfers are still outstanding to be completed. Again, the urgency is questioned.

Also, the Public Health Ministry received $13 million to conduct a vaccination

mop-up campaign which, according to the present Minister of Health, should not have been allocated, as the National Budget had already accommodated that expense in 2019. Where is the money being used?

These are just a few findings, with more to look forward to. As the APNU+AFC Government bragged about the “good life” and “don’t stop the progress”, one can question what good life and progress they were referring to and for whom. Public funds which could have helped the economy a great lot were wasted and are unaccounted for.

Many jobs were also lost with the closure of the sugar estates, leaving many under harsh circumstances, while the then Government had other undisclosed plans for the taxpayers’ monies.

No evidence APNU+AFC tutored Trump Dear Editor,

EPIPHANY: January 6th is observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the gentiles, or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ. What occurred on January 6th in America instead, was a last manifestation, perhaps, of the departure of a demon.

The day was plagued with turmoil and troubles by Biden’s adversaries and, not until midnight did a shaken and stirred US Congress confirm and certify Biden’s win and victory.

A dark day for democracy in the USA when America was under siege. A coup incited, influenced, inspired and instigated by outgoing President Trump, in a “Desert Storm” fashion, pro-Trump mobs, gangsters, thugs and anarchists staged a violent insurrection to bulldoze their way and physically stampede all over Capitol Hill. A day when America ceased to be the icon for the “Beacon of Hope”, and became a sore for the “Symbol of Despair”. Two women and two men died, 52 arrested, dozens of people hurt in an unruly crowd, and many Capitol Hill police officers

injured in the line of duty.

Republicans who voted for the destructor who wanted to make America great again are now angry and rebuffing Trump as the destroyer who is tearing America apart. When the oxygen is being taken away from supporters, this day has become a turning point, and Republicans have come to realise that might is not right, and they were not going to protect America by attacking Capitol Hill.

Trump encouraged and urged the organised gatherers to walk down together on to Capitol Hill and take back America, not by weakness, but in strength and

by being strong, to prevent VP Pence from discharging his legal duty, allowing the smooth process of the counting of the certification of the electoral college votes.

A stomach-turning and gut-wrenching day, protesters then turned rioters, goons looted and vandalised Capitol Hill, engaged in criminal activities in order to disrupt a constitutional process. It was not dissent, but disorder and lawlessness orchestrated at the behest of President Trump, nursing a selfish man’s injured pride; a man who had abandoned his post and chose to wax his time gulfing and instructing the

rolling of heads of non-supportive Republicans in any official office, and insinuating his rebels to revolt and help him not to abide in any peaceful presidential transition. Donald Trump wanted his VP Pence to overturn the results of the election which show that Joe Biden was legally elected as the next President, and Kamala Harris was lawfully elected as the next Vice-President. As the sitting president, Trump tried numerous legal petitions, challenging the results, and all were dismissed or retracted. Many were appealed and treated indifferently by the Courts in various districts.

It was really surreal, and

this infamous caucus saw the end of an era of an erratic Trump endangering the lives of members of Congress, who had to dive to shelter for safety; security officers drawing guns to prevent them from being physically attacked.

Shocked, surprised and sad, President Elect Joe Biden painstakingly addressed the nation, saying, “Democracy is under an unprecedented assault,” requesting Trump to address the despicable situation, and go on national television to call off this unlawful act by his supporters, and ask them to vacate the premises and go home peacefully.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

We can prevent suicide by looking out for the warning signs Dear Editor, AS I reflect on 2020, I am stuck with the realisation that we have lost many of our loved ones. More heart-rending is that there were several reports in the media about youths who we lost by way of suicide.

It broke my heart. If I am not mistaken, there were reports in the media about two children around the age range of eight years old who took their own lives. What could have caused an eightyear-old to not want to live?

I do not have the answer. I am sure the parents of those children are still in a quandary as to what motivated them to take their lives in such a painful way.

I believe the issue of mental health is not taken seriously. I believe, as parents, we miss many of the signs, because we do not believe that our eight-year-old, under any circumstances, would want to take their own life.

Probably the signs were there, but suicide is so multi-determined that researchers have not been able to identify reliable predictors of who might make a suicide attempt. The

reality is that our children do not tell us everything; our young children who are dealing with depression or being bullied or some other trigger are more likely to think about or attempt suicide.

Children and adolescents who exhibit suicidal tendencies seem to be driven more by circumstantial factors, such as family discord, social failure or bullying. Many experts feel that for children, there is a much higher likelihood that circumstances are driving the suicide.

Unfortunately, suicide crosses all age, racial and socioeconomic groups in Guyana, and around the world. In the US, suicide is the second leading cause of death among children and adolescents ages ten to twenty-four, and the third leading cause of death among twelve-year-olds.

Nearly one in every eight children between the ages of six and twelve has suicidal thoughts. The suicide rate is approximately four times higher among males than among females, but females attempt suicide three times as often as males. When a suicide occurs, everyone is affected, including the people

who are left behind.

We need to be more attentive to our children; we need to engage our children and allow them to express their emotions without fear of being judged. We need to be respectful of others, and teach our children about the importance of being respectful of each other. We are all different; our socialisation is different; our circumstances are different. It does not matter what they are going through, they should talk to someone who would listen; someone who they trust.

Let us all make an effort to save the lives of our children. We can prevent suicide by being on the lookout for the warning signs. We can also prevent suicide by asking about it. Studies show that people do not start thinking about suicide just because someone asks them about it. If you suspect your child or adolescent is suicidal, tell them that you are worried, and want to help them. Remember, sometimes children or adolescents who are thinking about suicide would not tell you, because they are worried how you will react.

Your direct, non-judgmental

No evidence APNU+AFC ...

Biden asked Trump to perform his presidential duty, and defend the Constitution.

Donald trump allowed the unruly crowd to conduct their illegal and criminal activities the whole day, and it wasn’t until almost the end of the day when the 6PM to 6AM curfew in the State of Washington DC was about to kick in, did he, in a one-minute address video-tape, tell his rowdy men and women to go home peacefully. But he also reminded them that the election was a fraud, lying to them, and saying that he loved them.

His words would support the violent behaviour and the repercussions. Thus, the call for accountability, impeachment, sanction, a Commission of Inquiry and also the enactment of the 25th Amendment. This Amendment can pave the way for VP Pence to become the President for the remaining period until the 20th of January, Donald Trump being deemed incompetent to occupy the seat as reigning president.

The Mayor of Washington DC adumbrated that it was a cold and horrible day when the assault on democracy was unbelievable shameful, unlawful and unpatriotic.

Trump’s violation of duty, his abuse of power and Wednesday’s fiasco was something that happens only in a Third

World country as acclaimed

by Trump’s once-close Republican senators and friends.

His supportive allies, including Graham and Pence, departed from his company, rebuked his actions, and asserted that such revolting actions were tantamount to a revolution, and attested to a civil war, a Davis vs Lincoln. It was an active, domestic terror, committed by white supremacists. Two pipe bombs, one from the DNC and one from the ANC and other weapons were found. These groups are related to the KKK, perpetrators of white racism.

The troubled and trembling Republican senator, Mitt Romney, in his address to the floor, pleaded with Trump to desist with his lies and tell the truth, reminding the world that what they witnessed does not represent America. Disgusted and disturbed by Trump’s devious and devilish diabolism, his display of arrogance, pompous false ego and bombastic sagacity, staff from his administration resigned, and his closest allies abandoned him in frustration and embarrassment.

The rest of the world was shocked and appalled at the tyranny, as they witnessed the shame and disgrace executed by Trump and his advocates. Guyanese were reminded of the APNU+AFC’s vulgarity displayed by senior

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members of the party during the counting of the election votes last March. Guyana was also held under siege by the Coalition, as they attempted to rig the election and refused to concede to a PPP/C victory, as confirmed by a CARICOM recount result. The APNU+AFC humiliated Guyanese at home and abroad, and now, as if tutoring Trump, Trump duplicated the Coalition’s nescience to paint a day of doom and gloom, tarnishing the image of America at home and abroad. A desolate day that began shakily for the Democrats, ended on a solid foundation, as they sealed control of the Senate as they won both of the senate seats in the State of Georgia, thereby securing command of both the House and the Senate. Not until the wee hours of Thursday morning did Trump pledge an orderly transition to a Biden’s Presidency, but still not conceding. He remains isolated in his lonely world, just as Granger remains hiding in his palace. It is humiliating as the world notes that Twitter and Facebook have blocked Trump’s account indefinitely.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

questions can encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings with you. Regardless of their response, if you suspect that the person may be suicidal, get them help immediately.

The Ministry of Health has a Mental Health Unit, which is staffed and managed by a qualified team of psychologists and social workers, and the Ministry

of Human Services and Social Security have departments with qualified personnel. There are several community-based organisations with qualified personnel also. Please let the Year 2021 be a year where there would be no recorded cases of children committing suicide. Remember we are living through very difficult times with COVID 19, the

worst public-health crisis in our lifetime. This pandemic has surprised us with a new norm; a new way of life.

Many of us adults are not coping, and the same can be said for our children. Parents and guardians please look for the signs; know the signs.

Yours truly, Shaundell Shipley

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Guyanese ‘med’ student in England gets vaccinated for COVID-19 –– says ‘worst-case scenarios’ are all treatable

By Rehana Ahamad SARAH Hack, a young Guyanese studying medicine in England, is encouraging all Guyanese to remain open to becoming vaccinated against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), once the vaccines become available here in Guyana.

The 22-year-old said that she has received almost every vaccine available in Guyana and most parts of the world. On Thursday, she received her first shot of the prominent COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer, and is expected to receive her second dose in March.

Just before Christmas, Hack journeyed to England, where she commenced the final part of her studies at the North Middlesex Hospital in London. As a medical student, Hack is a frontline worker; as such, she falls into the priority category of persons to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Of course, the vaccines are not compulsory.

Asked about any apprehen-

sion she may have had towards becoming vaccinated, Hack asserted, “I was not apprehensive in the least.”

She argued, “COVID-19 has taken almost two million lives so far, and as far as adverse reactions go, there are about 1.5 million persons who have been vaccinated so far, and there are only a handful of persons, maybe like 20, who have had adverse reactions.”

Hack emphasised on the fact that none of the side effects are fatal. “The COVID-19 vaccine has not killed anybody to date, while COVID itself has taken almost two million lives worldwide,” she posited, adding: “I think it is the only hope we have right now, and the only way we can see this ending.”

THE POLIO DEVASTATION The budding physician also drew critical reference to the polio devastation of the 1900s.

“Polio ravaged the world, and devastated almost every

Pfizer vaccine.

“The common side effects are things such as headache, fever; some persons had night sweats and chills, and some experienced nausea,” Hack noted.

Guyanese medical-student, Sarah Hack receiving her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine

country’s population in the 40s and 50s. And then there were these guys, Dr. Salk and Dr. Sabin, who came up with a vaccine that they gave for free. Now, polio is eradicated in the entire world, except for two countries, because of their individual issues,” Hack noted.

The first polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas

Salk and was first used in 1955, whilst the second was developed by Dr. Albert Sabin, and first used in 1961.

Hack highlighted that the majority of persons suffering from side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are those who are hypersensitive.

“The worst-case scenario is what they’ve been seeing; something called anaphylaxis, which is basically your body going into shock. Your heart rate increases, your blood pressure drops, and you feel a bit light headed and you tend to faint,” Hack specified.

She noted, however, that most of the side effects are common with almost every vaccine.

“The handful of persons who have experienced these side effects are typically those persons who have food allergies; people who are hypersensitive, or persons with asthma or so,” the emerging doctor clarified.

Sarah Hack

VACCINATION DAY! Hack said that the process to administer the vaccines is “pretty much the same” in most countries. She explained that in England and the United States, persons are notified of their eligibility to receive the vaccine, either via email or phone. In a country such as Guyana, with vast lands and many remote areas, there could be instances where house-to-house notification may be necessary.

“The system in place is very much foolproof, I would say. I’ve spoken to my US colleagues, and they basically went through the same thing,” Hack emphasised.

She said that in England, priority was given to persons above the age of 80, along with all frontline workers.

Relating her experiences, the young student said that when she got to the vaccination centre, protocol dictates that she be given a pamphlet explaining all the side effects of taking the vaccine. This was done, and Hack was administered her first dose of the

INJECTION TENDERNESS Six to seven hours after receiving her shots, Hack started to experience slight tenderness at the injection site; however, the minor discomfort escalated to pains after a few hours. It was her only symptom.

“I took it at 12:30pm, and up to like 06:30pm, my pain was like one or two out of 10. From like 7pm to now (10:15pm), it has been like six out of 10…I might take a paracetamol,” Hack related.

She maintained that soreness of the site of the injection is the most common side effects of almost any injection.

Hack told the Guyana Chronicle that she was not at all hesitant or concerned about the side effects, mainly because the COVID-19 response in England has been humane, and quite considerate to patients. “…plus, most of my friends are in the medical field,” Hack added.

The young woman is currently studying on a full scholarship received from the Government of Guyana. She spent three years at a medical school in Grenada, after which she proceeded to England to begin the second portion of the same course. Hack will wrap up her studies and return home after a yearand-a-half.

Brazilian miner with abdominal pain dies in hammock

POLICE are probing the death of a Brazilian miner, called “Piawi” (only name given). The man, who was employed on a gold mining operation, died on Wednesday around 19:00 hours at Sand Hill Oku Backdam.

Investigations have revealed that the 55-year-old man was employed at the mining operation for the past six weeks, and on the

aforementioned time and day, he was in a hammock inside the camp when he complained to other workers of pains and swelling in his abdomen.

Efforts were made to acquire transportation to take him to receive medical attention, but the man became motionless whilst waiting.

He was subsequently transported to the Bartica Public Hospital, where he

was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on Thursday at 14:10 hours.

The incident was reported to the police as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Kenkassie Lynch appeals murder conviction

Kenkassie Lynch

KENKASSIE Lynch, who is currently serving 75-years’ imprisonment for the murder of a mechanic in Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, has moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to have his conviction and sentence overturned.

In May 2019, Lynch, 24, was sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court before a mixed 12-member jury, with 15 witnesses testifying during the trial.

The indictment read that, on June 1, 2015, at Nelson Street, Mocha-Arcadia, EBD, Lynch murdered 23-year-old Terrence Lanferman.

Justice Singh started at a base of 60 years and then added 15 years for several aggravating factors, including the use of a gun to commit the act.

Lynch also implicated a cousin of his, Sedley Liverpool, called ‘Birdman’. Liverpool was later charged for Lanferman’s murder and is currently awaiting trial at the High Court.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the shooting stemmed from a feud between Birdman and Lanferman, but Lynch reportedly admitted that he alone carried out the shooting.

On the day in question, Lynch allegedly returned to Mocha and met his cousin, Liverpool. Lynch then proceeded to Nelson Street in the same community, to conduct surveillance on Lanferman’s house, after which he returned to ‘Birdman’s’ residence around 19:00 hours; Liverpool then allegedly gave Lynch a handgun.

The two later returned to Nelson Street on a ‘CG’ motorcycle.

While Liverpool waited in a nearby street, Lynch reportedly went to Lanferman’s residence and knocked on the front door. Lanferman opened his door and was confronted by the gunman.

Lynch’s attorney had moved to the Appeal Court to overturn his client’s conviction and sentencing.

The attorney is claiming that the trial judge erred in law when he admitted into evidence the caution statement given by Lynch to the police.

Additionally, another ground for the appeal was the view that the trial judge failed to put Lynch’s defence adequately to the jury.

Tourism businesses gradually reopening

By Rehana Ahamad THE majority of businesses within the tourism sector have been closed since March 2020, owing to the deadly effects of the novel coronavirus, which quickly escalated into a pandemic. There have since been multiple calls for the government to strategise and provide options for reopening to stakeholders.

The administration, via the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA,) responded to the calls by way of instituting a two-step reopening criteria which requires the creation and comprehensive implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that align with the national COVID-19 protocols.

After several weeks of inviting businesses to undergo the process and safely reopen their operations, only 17 businesses have participated in the process. Of these, 13 entities have been approved, while four are currently working to fulfill the

requirements.

Director of the GTA, Carla James, said that while the simple phased reopening has been well received by some stakeholders, the GTA anticipated much more participation, especially given the impatience of businesses to reopen.

James noted that Guyana has a total of 187 registered tourism businesses, which encompasses 122 Tourism Accommodation Establishments (TAE), 31 Interior Lodges and Resorts and 34 Tour Operators.

Despite the disappointments, James said that the GTA understands the difficulties faced by stakeholders over the past year, and the difficulties they might still be facing.

“We recognise and understand the challenges with businesses putting the requisite systems in place, especially since they were closed for more than eight months with no revenue or cash flow,” James empathised.

She noted that the GTA has

made a commitment to provide whatever technical support is needed for businesses to complete the reopening process. The agency has developed a template of SoPs, which has been made available for businesses to implement. Once the SoPs are approved, the GTA would then conduct an on-site inspection of the business. As long as inspectors are satisfied with the implementation of the SoPs, the entity would be approved for reopening.

James had previously explained the inspection team would conduct their visit in a manner which tests the ability of businesses to operate effectively and safely under adequate COVID-19 measures.

“For instance, if we ask a staff how they serve dinner, they must be able to explain seating arrangements to ensure that persons are seated a few feet apart, and that meals are plated and served, and that servers and guests are sanitised and so on,” James explained.

To further assist businesses, the

GTA has developed a recommended health sanitisation protocol for the tourism industry, which continues to be disseminated to various tourism businesses.

The businesses that have been approved to operate will be considered as “safe for travel” destinations, which would also benefit from costfree promotion from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

James noted that the GTA will not be harsh with tourism businesses, and that help will be offered to all entities that need to get their affairs in order. However, those that refuse to operate within the COVID-19 guidelines will face consequences.

“If they refuse to do that, then we will have to put out a disclaimer notice that anybody who is booking with these companies are basically putting themselves at risk, because they have not been approved by the authorities,” she said.

Rice bags of marijuana seized in Berbice, CANU seeking three ANTI-NARCOTICS agents are looking for three suspects who made a quick dash for the bushes, when spotted carrying two rice bags of marijuana on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), the ranks were in the area at Dukestown, Corentyne, Berbice following information received.

The CANU ranks came

Foster Gravesande gets 56 years imprisonment for killing neighbour ALMOST four years after the murder of Courtney Porter, his 50-yearold Mahaica, East Coast Demerara neighbour was, on Thursday, sentenced to 56 years’ imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 28 years for the crime.

Foster Gravesande was convicted by a 12-member jury in December 2020 and on Thursday made an appearance before his trial Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, at the Georgetown High Court for sentencing.

He was convicted of the offence which read that on April 09, 2017, he allegedly murdered 49-year-old Porter. Gravesande was represented by Attorney Dexter Todd while the State was represented by prosecutor, Teriq Mohammed.

Gravesande during his sentencing hearing on Thursday, pleaded with the court for mercy and apologised to the victim’s family for his actions. He also expressed his willingness to offer financial support to Porter’s family.

“Sir, I’m not a bad person. What you see here, this is just me. The only thing about me is that I love women… It is so unfortunate that I am facing a murder charge for

Foster Gravesande

my true friend, but his wife does not appreciate me. I’m having sleepless nights because of this incident,” he told the court.

Prosecutor Mohammed explained that Gravesande and Porter are known to each other and labelled the case as “the senseless killing of one friend by another.”

Justice Singh said he found no mitigating factors because, in his view, Gravesande showed no remorse that the victim died due to his actions.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that, on March 25, 2017, Porter was reportedly beaten to the head with a piece of wood by Gravesande who had accused him of pulling his wife’s clothes.

Porter was hospitalised and succumbed to his injures on April 9, 2017.

across three men who were walking along a dam, two of whom were carrying “rice bags” on their shoulders.

The men, upon spotting the officers, dropped the bags and escaped into

the bushes. When the bags were inspected, 15 parcels of cannabis, amounting to more than 80 pounds, were found. The narcotic was seized and a search was carried out for the suspects.

Some of the seized marijuana that was stuffed in rice bags

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

US Admiral to meet President Ali, other senior gov’t officials AS part of the US continued commitment to Guyana and its security, US Navy Admiral, Craig Faller, commander of US Southern Command, will visit Guyana January 11-13.

According to a release from the US Embassy in Georgetown, Admiral will meet with government and defence leaders and discuss the bilateral security partnership between the US and Guyana.

During his stay, Admiral Faller is scheduled to meet with President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess. The Admiral will also take part in the signing of an Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement between the two countries’ militaries, which will pave the way for the exchange of goods or services of equal value to support future bilateral defence cooperation.

The US and Guyana have a longstanding history of security cooperation. The defense partnership between the two countries includes collaboration against regional threats and challenges, capacity-building engagements, bilateral training, expertise exchanges, exercises, and participation in military education programmes, the release noted.

During Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo’s visit in 2020, the two countries signed a Shiprider agreement which allows for maritime cooperation between the two countries.

US Southern Command’s top military leader last visited the country in 2017, when Guyana became the first South American nation to host the Caribbean Nations Security Conference.

US Navy Admiral, Craig Faller

The command is one of the Department of Defense’s six geographically-focused unified commands with responsibility for U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, Central America and South America, as well as security cooperation with defense and public-security forces in the region.

Admiral Craig Faller is a native of Fryburg, Pennsylvania and 1983 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He is also a 1990 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master’s in National Security Affairs (Strategic Planning).

At sea, Admiral Faller served as Reactor Electrical Division Officer, Electrical Officer and Reactor Training Assistant aboard USS South Carolina (CGN 37); Operations Officer aboard

USS Peterson (DD 969); Station Officer aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and Executive Officer of USS John Hancock (DD 981).

As Commanding Officer of USS Stethem (DDG 63), he deployed to the Arabian Gulf and participated in maritime interception operations in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq. During his tour as Commanding Officer of USS Shiloh (CG 67), he assisted victims of the devastating tsunami off Indonesia. Finally, as Commander, John C. Stennis Strike Group / Carrier Strike Group Three, he deployed to the Middle East supporting Operations New Dawn (Iraq) and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

Admiral Faller has earned various personal, unit, service and campaign awards.

Man who allegedly threw corrosive substance on friend granted bail A MAN, who allegedly threw a corrosive substance on his friend, was last Wednesday placed on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to plead to the relevant charge.

Orin Thomas, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the 'Inflicting grievous bodily harm' charge.

The charge alleged that on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at East Ruimveldt,

Georgetown, Thomas inflicted grievous bodily harm on Shawn Bristol.

According to the facts, Bristol and Thomas were friends. However, strife came between their friendship when Bristol became friends with Thomas' ex-girlfriend. On the day in question, Thomas began to relentlessly ring Bristol's cellular phone.

After receiving numerous calls from Thomas, Bristol went to Thomas' home, where an argument began between the two men.

Thomas, in full rage, threw

a corrosive substance on Bristol. Public- spirited citizens, who had witnessed the ordeal, rushed to render assistance to Bristol.

Bristol reported the matter to the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, where the witnesses submitted written statements. Further investigations were conducted, which resulted in Thomas' arrest. Thomas was placed into custody and charged for the offence.

The matter was adjourned until Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Flood receding at Charity

By Indrawattie Natram

PROMPT action by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Administration has led to the receding of the flood at Charity on the Essequibo Coast.

On a visit to the community on Thursday, the Guyana Chronicle observed that many areas that were inundated have now been drained, and residents were seen cleaning their lower flats and disinfecting their yards.

The water began to recede after engineers attached to the Regional Administration installed a pump at Charity.

The decision to install the pump was made by Min-

ister of Agriculture Mustapha Zulfikar after he visited the community on Monday.

During the minister's visit, several lands, particularly in the Charity squatting area, were submerged.

Regional officials were ordered to transfer the pump at Windsor Castle to Charity to assist in draining the flood-affected areas. The minister also announced that planting materials will be given to the affected residents.

According to residents, the move to install a high-capacity pump in the area was prudent. They also commended the major stakeholders for their prompt action.

One resident, Ericka Benjamin, said her kitchen garden was under water since Boxing Day, and she lost

more than 16 chickens. Although the water is receding gradually, Benjamin is fearful of water-borne diseases.

“It's like now we have to start from scratch. I lost my kitchen garden; all the fowl dead,” she said.

Another resident, Yogeeta Lall, said that she, too, was tremendously affected by the flooding. She explained that it was the worst the community has ever experienced.

“We does get flooding; but you know, not so bad.

This was the worst; we had to just pray and hope for the best,” Lall said.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC), along with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), is assessing the losses of the

Just a few days ago, this land was under water

residents, and assistance will be provided where necessary. The Guyana

Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) has also distributed 50

food hampers and cleaning detergents to the affected residents.

Albouystown man charged for gunpoint robberies remanded AN Albouystown man on several 'Robbery Under Arms'-related charges was remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief

Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The first charge alleged

that on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Sheriff Street, Kitty, Georgetown, the accused, being in company of another and armed with a dangerous

weapon, specifically a gun, robbed Anthony Rodrigues of a quantity of cellular phones valued $1,900,000.

The second charge alleged that on the same day and at the said location, the accused, being in company of another and armed with a dangerous weapon, specifically a gun, robbed Thelbert Seales of one Iphone ‘X’ cellular phone valued $90,000.

Joshua Browne pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to him.

According to the facts,

Browne is known to the victims from the said area, and on the day in question, he, along with his accomplice, entered Rodrigues' business place, armed with a gun.

Browne reportedly pointed the gun in the direction of the victims and relieved them of their cellular phones. Browne and his accomplice then fled the scene. It was further mentioned that Browne was shot and injured. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to receive medical attention,

and was then placed in police custody. There, he was told of the allegation, cautioned and charged for the offence.

During his time of being cautioned, Browne admitted to committing the offence.

In addition, police received information that Browne was shot and injured by his accomplice.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan ordered that Browne be remanded to prison, and that the matter be adjourned until Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

First meeting of Vaccination Task Force today THE first meeting of Guyana’s Vaccination Task Force is slated for today, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

Minister Anthony, during Thursday’s edition of the COVID-19 update, said that the meeting will allow the members to be introduced to each other, and there will be a number of presentations that will enable the vaccination task force to update the National COVID-19 Task Force on where Guyana is with procuring vaccines and deploying those vaccines.

It was reported, recently, that a 20-person team of professionals, drawn from both the public and private sectors, will be spearheading the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, which are expected to arrive here in the coming weeks.

Dr. Anthony had said that a number of persons were contacted and asked to lend

their expertise to a team that would be responsible for the importation, storage, management and distribution of the vaccines.

“It’s a large group of people and the idea is that for specific areas dealing with vaccination and so forth, we’ll have subgroups that would work on these things,” the Health Minister said.

In addition to these persons who will be serving on this vaccination team or task force, the minister also highlighted that Guyana has been receiving assistance from professionals overseas who are experts in immunology.

These international experts, who have been providing consultancy services to Guyana, are drawn from the Mayo Clinic medical facilities in Florida and from Harvard University. The experts at Harvard have been working specifically with the local surveillance team and looking

at the dynamics of the disease.

“We have a number of experts who have been giving us support, but to be full time with us (on the vaccination task force), that would be a challenge,” Dr. Anthony related, but emphasised: “We can draw down on that expertise though.”

The first set of vaccines Guyana will be receiving will

be through the COVAX facility; those vaccines will be free and the first three per cent will be used for the frontline health workers and the next tranche, about 17 per cent, will be used for older persons and persons with higher risks, such as those with co-morbidities Meanwhile, recent statistics show that 33 new persons have been infected with the

virus, taking the total number of cases since March 2020, to 6,449.

These new cases were recorded in Region One (three cases); Region Two (three cases); Region Three (one case); Region Four (12 cases); Region Five (one case); Region Six (three cases); Region Seven (one case) and Region Eight (nine cases).

There are currently 320 active cases drawn from the five persons in the COVID Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 20 in institutional isolation, eight in institutional quarantine and 287 in home isolation.

Seven persons have recovered from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

US, local coast guards to commence operations Saturday

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and their US counterparts will on Saturday engage in the first of a series of joint exercises as part of the operationalisation of the Shiprider

Agreement ratified by the two countries in 2020.

The Shiprider Agreement will enable joint maritime and airspace patrols to interdict narcotics and illegal activities.

It will provide mecha-

nisms to streamline communications between law enforcement officials of Guyana and the US to conduct operations at sea, and expedite overflight clearances for law enforcement aircraft when combating

drug trafficking.

This exercise will take place off the coast of Guyana, and will focus mainly on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU).

It will be conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone vessel, which is currently in the region for a multi-country tour.

The US Coast Guard has noted in a statement that of the world’s top marine fish stocks, 93 per cent is classified as fully exploited, overexploited, or significantly depleted. IUU fishing undermines the

sustainable management of these resources, pushing them to the limits of their capacity.

The vessel’s first patrol to South America will see the engagement of partners, including Guyana, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Portugal.

The Legend-class National Security Cutters are the most technologically-advanced ships in the Coast Guard’s fleet. They measure 418 feet (127 meters) long, with a 54-foot beam, and displace 4,500 tonnes with a full load.

They have a top speed

of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days, and a crew of around 120.

The ship’s namesake is former U.S. Coast Guard, Cmdr. Elmer “Archie” Fowler Stone. On April 10, 1917, he became the Coast Guard’s first aviator, upon graduating from flight training at Pensacola, Florida.

In 1919, Stone was one of two pilots to successfully make a transatlantic flight in a U.S. Navy seaplane, NC-4, which landed in Portugal.

19 students, 10 teachers at dorm schools test positive for COVID-19 The Legend-class National Security Cutters are the most technologically advanced ships in the Coast Guard’s fleet

SOME 19 students, 10 teachers and eight staff members from dormitory schools across the country have been tested positive for COVID-19, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony reported on Thursday.

Minister Anthony noted that the necessary precautions have been taken and these persons have been isolated.

“We continue to do testing because not all of the students are out; and so as they come out we’re testing them and depending on the results we’re able to take action,” the minister said.

Public schools in Guyana reopened for the new school

term on Monday following a two-week Christmas vacation.

All students and teachers

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony

who will be returning to dorms across the country will be tested.

The students who have been tested positive are said to be asymptomatic, which means that they are not exhibiting symptoms of the virus. Common symptoms include fever, dry cough and tiredness. Less common symptoms and severe symptoms include sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.

Minister Anthony gave the assurance that while in isolation, the students will be provided educational materials to continue learning.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

THE Race to the throne of Miss India Worldwide Guyana has begun with 10 vying for the title. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a new mode of operation for the pageant, director of Miss India Guyana, Hashim Ali has disclosed that the pageant can go on.

Ten talented delegates are vying for the crown and title of Miss India Worldwide Guyana.

wide pageant celebrates its 35th year this year and it is deemed as one of the largest prestigious pageants for Indian women, outside of India, so the pageant itself really dominates the traditional values and customs are outside of India,” Ali explained. “This year, like the previous two years, under my directorship would be no different… all participants will be involved in aspects of the Indian cul-

wood as she was contacted by two Bollywood directors and is making plans to venture back to India to pursue her dreams. Additionally to this milestone, the reigning Miss and Mrs. India Guyana were also featured on one of India’s top talk shows in 2020.

“Recently both the Miss and Mrs. India 2019 Rasheen Haniff and Kristal Inshan were the first Guyanese to be featured in the Kapil Sharma

The Miss India Worldwide Guyana Delegates

In an interview with the Buzz Ali stated that the while a date has not been set for the coronation of the winner of the pageant, consultations with the Ministry of Health as it relates to guidelines are currently ongoing.

He stated that the pageant which was created as a way to not just connect Guyanese with their Indian heritage, but to also equip persons with the necessary training, skills and platform to achieve their varying goals was an extremely important part of Guyana’s entertainment scene.

“The Miss India World-

ture such as dancing and music, yoga, Sari draping and learning more of traditional garments. It’s a very in-depth training session that the participants are involved in.”

He noted that over the years the platform has positively impacted the lives of the winners as well as the participants of the pageant.

He stated that there have been several successes including the opportunity for recognition in Bollywood.

Ali highlighted that the reigning Mrs India Guyana has already received some level of recognition in Bolly-

show in India. It’s actually one of the leading talk shows where all of the Bollywood starts usually debut their movies or any important aspect or event that they are working on. On the show, they both appeared alongside Bollywood icons, such as Dharmendra Deol, and his son Sunny Deol on their latest movie back in 2019 so there are lots of avenues,” said Ali. He noted that in addition to this, there are several opportunities for not just recognition but also for the participants of the pageant to give back to their communities and

varying charities. During the pandemic, the reigning Miss, Mrs. and Teen India Guyana have all played their part in the distribution of COVID-19 supplies and relief packages.

Meanwhile, Ali disclosed

that the inaugural Mr. India Guyana Worldwide will also be hosted this year. Ali told the Buzz that following the consultation with the Ministry of Health, a decision will be taken as it relates

15

to the date and mode of the pageant, whether it will be held virtually or whether the Guyanese people would be able to enjoy the pageant safely in accordance to the guidelines.

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Recognising that poetry and art nourish the soul of the world through beauty, wisdom and truth, young poet, 25-year-old, Tarik Braithwaite, seeks to offer young people a sense of belonging through his recently launched book of poems, “Trapped in Thought”.

Apart from being a poet, Tarik is an artist and a Law graduate from the University of Guyana. He describes himself as a determined individual who thrives on being self-motivated.

al poem, which is the very last piece in the book, that facilitates readers through a range of stages in the author’s life and offers them a synopsis on how poetry has aided him in becoming the person he is to date.

The book targets persons who may just need a bit of motivation to get through each day and anyone now learning to live in his/ her truth by overcoming life’s many challenges.

Braithwaite specified that after reading his book, the average person should

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

field led to their advantage,” he expressed.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, w h e n asked about his future endeavours, Tarik responded, “Writing will forever be a hobby and so long as I’m alive I will continue to put out more of my work. I’m putting out two now and I hope to one day complete my Law certificate, and soon put out a few more books within the field of poetry. I also plan on mentoring as many persons out there to help them establish their voice, name and

Author of “Trapped in Thought” Tarik Braithwaite

In an interview with the Buzz, the young poet articulated that his inspiration to pen “Trapped in thought”, his very first book, stemmed from his friends and family, who continuously motivated, him to express his every thought through writing.

“Profound poets like Anne Sexton, Walt Whitman and T.S.Elliot have been my biggest inspirations. They made me fall in love with the art form and the culture behind it. I started studying their work and it is from them I’ve mastered the laws of poetry,” Tarik conveyed.

‘Trapped in thought” is a motivational poetic non-fiction book that offers readers a collection of confessional verses in the form of poetry.

Each poem follows a sequence leading up to the ide-

feel a sense of worth and completeness and a deeper desire for purpose through his poetry which he refers to as “his truth”.

When asked about the difficulties he faced during the compilation of the book, Braithwaite expressed that he recalls numerous difficulties from the beginning of the project up until its completion.

“Support from our country’s superiors. It was hard seeking advice. Additionally, editing this book was proven difficult since most of the skill I had to teach myself. I was also scrutinised for my goal and it was difficult having most people on board. I had to face unfair contractual arrangements with publishers since my inexperience to the

sound,” he said. .

In advising up-andcoming young writers, Braithwaite implored them to face fear and doubt headon and to never let it stop them from sharing their stories.

“Life is short and our talents were meant to be used for the good of mankind.

Use it! Don’t be afraid to get out there and chase that dream. A writer’s blockage is his mind and once you can overcome fear and build the confidence you will fly. Keep writing, keep persevering, stay focused on your goal and pursue it,” he encouraged.

To purchase a copy of the book you can visit Amazon and search “Trapped in Thought Tarik Braithwaite”.

“Trapped in Thought” on display

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

2020

It’s not a lie that we have had an eventful year in 2020, with learning to adapt to the “new normal” and co-existing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However despite all the challenges and setbacks Guyana and the rest world watched on as new talents and artistes made their way to the big (mostly virtual) stages.

In the year 2020, we’ve seen artistes like ‘C Kush’, ‘Gully Ras’, Drew Thoven, Mafi and many others have been finding alternative ways during the pandemic to pivot and thrive.

The year has also seen some new faces on the block, one of those fresh faces is 20-year-old Quacey Welcome, better known as Jay Supreme, who describes himself as a versatile lyricist.

Welcome, who hails from New Amsterdam stated that he lives by the notion that he can do anything he puts his mind to by working hard. “I believe that hard work brings success making music and chasing my goals,” he said.

Like many young artistes, Welcome started making music during his high school days during his days at the Berbice Educational Institute.

The young man told the Buzz that he would often come up with lyrics in his

him his stage name ‘Limyt’.

However the highlight of the year was with the works of popular music producer Drew Thoven, DJ turned artiste, Ceon LaRose better known as ‘Gully Ras’ and artiste Kareem “cKush” Lewis, who took the dancehall world by storm with their collaborations.

Drew Thoven in an earlier interview had said that though this time is one that has serious health concerns, he is not fazed by the current atmosphere of the country, but rather, he is stimulated by the challenge it poses to his

creativity.

“My attitude to this pandemic is not a negative one, aside from the health factor.

But the fact that you either ride the wave or get left behind, is exciting to me. It pushes me to be productive in a very unproductive environment, so this is a very thrilling time for me,” Drew told ‘The Buzz’.

During the pandemic, Thoven has produced a number of songs featuring Guyanese artistes which to this day are still trending and making waves for the Guyanese music industry.

Guyanese artistes: Drew Thoven, Gully Ras and Kareem ‘C-kush’ Lewis

head during his spare time or whenever he was doing house chores.

Another new kid on the block was 22-year-old Burris Anthony Griffith commonly known as “Limyt”. Griffith, who hails from “Cow Dam” (Angoy’s Avenue) in Berbice, told the Buzz that there is no limit to his talent and determination.

Griffith started music at a young age, just as he entered secondary school with his fellow peers. “I started music since I was in Grade Seven

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[Form One] where I would have sing-offs in the streets and school for money …I always loved music, it never seems to come out of me. I try putting music behind but I always seem to put it first again,” he explained.

The young man, who admitted to being a little bit of a rebel in his school days, disclosed that his teachers and friends would always tell him the old Guyanese saying “you ain’t got no limit” whenever he would misbehave or say something out of line, giving

Guyanese artistes: Quacey Welcome, better known as Jay Supreme and Burris Anthony Griffith commonly known as “Limyt”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc. to sponsor Endurance meet set for January 24

LOCAL security company, Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., is the first sponsor of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) 2021 race calendar.

The company has sponsored the Endurance round one, set for January 24 at the South Dakota Circuit.

GMR&SC president Rameez Mohammed said, “We are also very happy to announce that Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., through its owner Mr Harold ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson is the

first sponsor on board for 2021.”

“We are happy to announce that we will be adhering to our schedule for 2021, starting with our Endurance race meet set for January 24.”

“After 2020 where we didn’t have a lot of events, the competitors are clamouring for a chance to get back on track. A lot of guys have already indicated an interest in racing,” he added.

The three-hour event is expected to begin at noon at the South Dakota race track

Timehri.

Prospective competitors are reminded that helmets and gloves are required and those interested in competing are asked to make contact with GMR&SC via the Albert Street office.

The prospective calendar has drag-racing action tentatively on February 14.

March 13 marks the start of the karting calendar with circuit racing set for March 23.

The next event on the calendar is Karting Round 2 set

for April 24 with Endurance returning on May 8.

The second round of circuit racing is set for July 4 with the third round of karting set for July 17.

The international drag-racing event is billed for August 24 with Karting round 4 set for August 21.

September 12 will see the Endurance series return for its third round with drag-racing third round set for October 3.

The international circuit racing event is set for November 7.

Female umpire Polosak makes Sydney Test breakthrough SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australian Claire Polosak became the first woman to officiate at a men’s Test match yesterday when she took up her role as fourth umpire for the match be-

tween Australia and India.

Polosak was the first woman to officiate on-field in a men’s one-day international when Namibia hosted Oman at Windhoek in April 2019 but her duties at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will be more limited unless one of her fellow umpires is indisposed.

Tr a v e l r e s t r i c t i o n s caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in an exclusively Australian umpiring team for the four-

match India series.

Polosak, 32, was also the first woman umpire to stand in an Australian men’s domestic fixture after officiating a oneday match between New South Wales and a Cricket Australia XI in 2017.

The fourth umpire at a Test match has duties related to pitch preparation, equipment changes and support for the on-field umpires.

There was another first

on the opening morning of the third Test when the new edition of the Australian national anthem was sung before the start of play.

The government last week changed the words of the second line of Advance Australia Fair from “for we are young and free” to “for we are one and free” in recognition of the indigenous population’s more than 50 000 years of history.

Ambrose applies to fill England fast-bowling coaching vacancy CURTLY Ambrose, former West Indies fast bowler, has applied for a coaching role at the ECB. ESPNcricinfo understands that Ambrose, who has the lowest bowling average of any man to take 400 Test wickets (20.99), has applied for the role of elite pace-bowling coach that was advertised about three weeks ago.

If he is successful, he will be expected to work with England’s ‘next in line’ pace bowlers to ensure they are prepared for the rigours of international cricket. He will also from time to time be expected to assist with the senior squad and lead A tours.

Ambrose has previously had spells as bowling coach of West Indies - he was in the role when the team won the World T20 in 2016 - as well

as in the CPL (he was with Guyana Amazon Warriors for three years).

He also spent three years as assistant coach of the Combined Campuses and Colleges in Caribbean regional cricket. He is qualified to Level 3 standard.

While Ambrose has a reputation as a man of few words, he has also emerged as an erudite media figure and continues to enjoy a secondary career as a bass player in a band.

The elite fast-bowling position is one of three coaching jobs currently advertised by ECB. Applications for the roles, which also include an elite spin-bowling coach and an elite batting coach, close at 17:00hrs on January 10.

Jon Lewis, former Gloucestershire and Sussex swing bowler who

has a strong relationship with his former team-mate Jofra Archer, probably remains favourite for the elite fast-bowling position, though Ambrose is a strong candidate.

He might prove especially useful ahead of England’s next Ashes tour. Ambrose’s record in Australia - 78 wickets in 14 Tests at a cost of 19.79 apiece - is exceptional, and includes a famous spell of seven wickets for one run in Perth in 1992-93.

During that spell, he bowled an impeccable length, refusing to be seduced by the bounce of the WACA wicket and instead searched for the top of offstump and the batsmen’s outside edges. As an example, the likes of Archer, Mark Wood and Olly Stone could hardly do better.

(Cricinfo)

Japan postpones Olympics torch exhibitions over COVID-19 fears

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced yesterday that upcoming exhibitions of the Tokyo Olympics torch around the Japanese capital have been postponed “to reduce the flow of people and the further spread of COVID-19.”

The torch had been on display in certain municipalities at the end of last year and the exhibitions were due to restart yesterday, but, as a state of emergency for Tokyo and three neighbouring prefectures will begin today, the government chose to postpone all displays until the end of the month.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

Pucovski hits debut fifty on rain-hit day one of third Test

By Nick Mulvenney

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia looked destined for their biggest score of the series against India after a half-century from debutant opener Will Pucovski helped them to 166 for two at the end of the rain-disrupted first day of the third Test yesterday.

Pucovski rode his luck for his 62 but his partnership of 100 with Marnus Labuschagne for the second wicket established a solid platform for the hosts as they look to break a 1-1 tie in the fourmatch series.

time out there,” said Smith, who had scored only 10 runs in his four previous innings in the series.

“Nice partnership building with Marnus and hopefully we can bat for a while tomorrow.”

Australia’s previous best tally in the series was their 200 in a losing effort in the second Test in Melbourne and they overhauled their opening partnership for Sydney in an effort to improve matters.

David Warner returned after missing the first two Tests with a groin injury but his stay at the crease was

Will Pucovski marked his Test debut with a half-century for Australia at the SCG

Labuschagne notched his ninth Test half-century to finish the day on 67 not out with Steve Smith unbeaten on 31 at the other end in a potentially ominous stand between Australia’s best two batsmen.

“Nice to spend a bit of

brief and he departed for five swatting at a Mohammed Siraj delivery that flew to Cheteshwar Pujara in the slips.

The rain descended soon afterwards with only seven overs completed and it was four hours before the skies

cleared and Pucovski was able to return to the crease.

‘I was loving it!’ Pucovski makes his mark in the baggy green The 22-year-old was twice dropped behind the stumps by India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and survived a run-out scare but made the most of his reprieves to reach the half-century with his fourth boundary.

the absence of any help from the wicket.

“It was a flat wicket, great to bat on,” said the 26-yearold who made his Test debut in the previous match in Melbourne.

“Our target will be to build pressure by hitting the same area and bowling dot balls after dot balls. We saw some turns towards the end; let’s see how it pans out

21

Former India captain

Sourav Ganguly

discharged from hospital

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings Will Pucovski lbw Navdeep Saini

62 David Warner c Cheteshwar Pujara b Mohammed Siraj 5 Marnus Labuschagne not out

67 Steven Smith not out

31 EXTRAS: (nb-1)

1 TOTAL: (two wkts, 55.0 overs)

166 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-106.

Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 14-3-30-0, Mohammed Siraj 14-3-46-1, Ravichandran Ashwin 17-1-56-0, Navdeep Saini 7-0-32- 1 (nb-1), Ravindra Jadeja 3-2-2-0.

His innings ended when he was trapped lbw to give Indian seamer Navdeep Saini his first Test wicket as he also made his debut as a replacement for the injured Umesh Yadav.

“I was just absolutely loving it; it was probably my favourite day of cricket yet,” Pucovski said.

“I’m really hopeful that with what we have, and the batting we have to come, we can build a pretty big total.”

Siraj said his team mates would have to be patient in

tomorrow.”

After a second outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney, the match was being played in front of a reduced attendance of around 10 000 fans with the wearing of masks compulsory for fans except when they are eating or drinking.

T h e f o u r t h Te s t i s scheduled to start on January 15 in Brisbane but reports persist that India might refuse to head north because of the quarantine measures they will face in Queensland.

Sourav Ganguly is one of India’s most successful captains, winning 21 of 49 Tests

FORMER India captain Sourav Ganguly has been discharged from hospital after having a heart attack on Saturday.

The 48-year-old president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) developed chest pains while exercising at his home gym and had surgery in Kolkata over the weekend.

Ganguly had an angioplasty, a procedure to unblock a coronary artery.

“I thank the doctors at the hospital for the treatment,” he told fans waiting outside the hospital.

“I am absolutely fine.

Hopefully, I will be ready to fly soon.”

Ganguly played 113 Tests and 311 one-day internationals, captaining India in the longest format 49 times between 2000 and 2005.

A left-handed batsman, he scored 7 212 Test runs and scored 16 centuries, before taking over as president of the Indian cricket board in October 2019.

India are currently touring Australia, where the third Test began in Sydney yesterday. (BBC Sport)

First ODI was played on January 5, 1971:

The story behind Australia vs England game at MCG ONE-DAY cricket is a late 20th century development in world cricket. One-day competitions were introduced as early as the 1960s but it was January 5, 1971 when the first official ODI was played.

The build-up to what is now a popular format of the game is bizarre to say the least.

England had no plans to play an ODI match in Australia when they had come for a 6-Test tour. The 40-overs-perside game with 8 deliveries in an over was played after the 3rd Test in Melbourne was washed out due to wet weather. Fearing a financial loss of close to £80 000 in Melbourne, both England and Australia agreed to play an exhibition match on a weekday - Tuesday.

The authorities at MCG had expected only 20 000

people to turn up for the match but more than 45 000 had turned up. The game was played with a red ball and white clothes, unlike today where white balls and coloured clothing are used.

Australia captain Bill Lawry won the toss and opted to field. England, led by Ray Illingworth, managed just 190 in their quota of 40 overs. In fact, England did not last 40 overs as they were bowled out in 39.4 overs.

John Edrich won the Man-of-the-Match award despite being on the losing side as he hit a 119-ball 82.

He scored 4 of the 7 boundaries scored in England’s innings.

Surprisingly, spinners Ashley Mallett and Keith Stackpole dominated with the ball

as they picked up 6 wickets between them.

On this day, Jnauary 5, 1971: A washed-out Test match led to the first-ever ODI at MCG (Reuters photo)

A BIT OF JOKE Mallett, recollecting the first ODI, had said both the teams thought the one-day experiment was a “bit of joke”.

“They called it the first one-day international which rather surprised me years later. I thought, ‘Gee it’s part of history’. That game we thought was a bit of a joke,” Mallett said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

In response, Australia rode on Ian Chappell’s 103ball 60 and Doug Walters’ 51-ball 41 to gun down the total in just 34.6 overs. Captain Lawry hit a 49-ball 27 while Greg Chappell remained not out with a 29-ball 22. (India Today)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

LeBron, Davis shine as Lakers top Western Conference

ANTHONY Davis and LeBron James each scored 26 points to lead Los Angeles Lakers to a 94-92 win at Memphis Grizzlies.

James also had 11 rebounds seven assists for the defending champions, who won their fourth straight game.

Memphis led 71-67 at the start of the fourth quarter before Lakers moved ahead for good with 4:22 remaining.

Lakers now lead the Western Conference as Los Angeles Clippers lost 116-113 to San Antonio Spurs.

Lakers now have six wins and two losses, while their city rivals slipped to a five-and-two record after Patty Mills scored 27 points off the bench to help the Spurs snap a four-game losing streak.

Utah Jazz are now fourand-three after Brooklyn Nets cruised to a wire-to-wire 13096 victory in New York.

Kyrie Irving scored 29 points in three quarters as the Nets played without Kevin Durant, who will be out for at least a week due to COVID-19

protocols after being in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

Pucovski hits debut fifty on rain-hit day one of third Test

a 111-108 win at Portland Trail Blazers.

Bulls only used nine players - with four out due to COVID-19 - but Coby White

to tie it for the Trail Blazers with 2.7 seconds left.

Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic scored a season-high 35 points and grabbed 15

LeBron James was the Finals’ most valuable player (MVP).

Lakers won their first NBA title a decade ago last October

Chicago Bulls are level with Nets in the Eastern Conference - both with four wins and four defeats - after

led seven of the side in double figures with 21 points, before Carmelo Anthony misfired on a three-pointer

rebounds as Denver Nuggets beat Minnesota Timberwolves 123-116. (BBC Sport)

End of Kolpak era in England is boost for South Africa, says Abbott

By Nick Said

PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - The end of the Kolpak system in England will be a major boost for South African cricket’s attempts to keep its best talent at home in a more competitive domestic scene, according to seam bowler Kyle Abbott.

The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union on January 1 closed a loophole that gave anyone with a work permit from a country that has an associate trading agreement with the EU the same rights as

an EU worker.

South African cricketers have been major beneficiaries over the years, signing lucrative contracts with English counties that automatically disqualified them from representing the national team.

Abbott has signed for South Africa’s Titans franchise for the rest of the 202021 season - a return to the domestic first-class circuit for the first time since he joined Hampshire as a Kolpak player in 2017.

The 33-year-old was part of the South Africa international set-up at the time across

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: 5 Tests; 284 runs 53 wickets

TODAY’S QUIZ:

When did Guyanese Ivan Madray make his Test match debut?

Where and when did Joe Solomon struck his only Test hundred?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

all three formats but has not played for his country since, while having become a leading performer on the county circuit.

He effectively gave up his international career for

Kyle Abbott will remain with Hampshire for two more seasons

domestic cricket in England, among 45 South Africans to do so under the Kolpak rule since former spinner Claude Henderson became the first in 2004.

“With Kolpak gone, it has closed the door for a lot of guys. That can only be good for South African cricket to keep the players here. The more experience and less watered down the (domestic) system the better,” Abbott told reporters yesterday.

“People don’t realise it was never an easy decision for any of us (Kolpak players). You catch a lot of flak

from crowds. As much as South Africans didn’t want to see us go, the English crowds didn’t want to see us there.

“But at the end of the day, it was purely a career decision and I don’t regret anything I did.”

Abbott will remain with Hampshire for two more seasons, at least, but now as an overseas professional, which makes him eligible for South Africa again.

“At the moment, that is not in my immediate view. I had a very tough 2020 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where I bowled about five overs of competitive cricket.

So at the moment I just need to get back to the space I was (in) 18 months ago.”

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Ganga questions player commitment in Bangladesh pull-out PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Former Test batsman Daren Ganga believes West Indies players needed to exercise more faith in the judgement of Cricket West Indies (CWI) instead of pulling out of the tour to Bangladesh.

While agreeing players had the right to make their own decisions, Ganga said the CWI medical panel had assessed the risks to player safety in the upcoming series and given the all-clear, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The former Trinidad and Tobago captain pointed to a lack of commitment on the part of players, contending there needed to be a “collective effort” on their part if West Indies cricket was to succeed.

“Now, more than anything else, it’s a collective effort that is required from the players,” Ganga told CNC3 TV here.

“Yes, it’s been a challenging year (last year), West Indies has had to select a different team to go to Bangladesh (this year). It’s not a normal year so I don’t think you can judge the players.

“Every individual is different in terms of an assessment of his or her situation but … there still needs to be a certain amount of commitment towards West Indies cricket, which I don’t think we’re seeing from many of the players.

That is where I would like to point my fingers - in that direction.”

He continued: “Players need to show more commitment to West Indies cricket.

CWI did do a reconnaissance trip to Bangladesh and Dr Akshai Mansingh, who headed the medical panel on that actual trip, cleared Bangladesh as being a secure environment for an international tour.

“And you’ve got to trust the institution that governs the game in the region.”

Ten first-choice players declined selection for the Test and One-Day Interna-

tional series in Bangladesh with CWI citing “COVID-19 related concerns or personal fears” as the reason behind their decisions.

The group was headed

by Test skipper Jason Holder and white-ball captain Kieron Pollard, and included the likes of Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran.

Ganga, now a well respected television analyst, said bold decisions were required not only by CWI but by players as well.

“I really want to see a little more commitment on the part of players and I also respect a player’s individual right but for us to challenge the fortunes of West Indies cricket, we need to make bold decisions,” he argued.

“Not only as an administrative body, but the players themselves need to show that commitment. Not only on the field but off the field as it relates to making themselves available.”

The 41-year-old Ganga, who played 48 Tests and 35 One-Day Internationals, said the last year had proved another disappointing one for West Indies, especially with the recent dire results in New Zealand where they lost both the T20 and Test series comprehensively.

“You felt there was a lot of room for improvement.

In the last tour of New Zealand I did expect the West Indies to win at least the T20 series – that didn’t happen,” Ganga pointed out.

“I expected more competition with regard to the two Test matches which were played – it got even worse in the second Test match.

“There were some bright lights – Joshua DaSilva making his debut, Chemar Holder getting a chance to debut as well. It’s not going to change overnight - the fortunes of West Indies cricket.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 8, 2021

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RHTYSC outlines list of activities for 2021 … Donation made to RHT Primary School

THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) recently launched its 2021 list of activities which began with a donation to the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The club and its 10 cricket teams have set themselves a target of 715 activities for 2021 after achieving 707 last year.

The ten teams - Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and U-13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Under-21 and First Division handed over the donation worth $75 000 to the Headmistress Ms Hollis Schweirs during a simple ceremony at the club’s Area ‘H’ Ground.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that

the planned activities for the year would be held under a wide array of sub-headings including sports, education, charity, community development, youth development, coaching, religion, anti-crime, anti-drugs, anti-suicide, personal development among others.

Special emphasis will be placed on the development of the club’s cricket teams to recruit new members and expose them to different coaching programmes, expansion of the crucial Say No/Say Yes campaign and further upgrading of the Area ‘H’ Ground and office.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president stated that the Rose Hall Town Primary School and the club share a very cordial relationship. The school produces a lot of cricketers for the club while it also

hosts the annual Christmas Village that the ten cricket teams organise on an annual basis.

The donation included a high-pressure water pump, water kettle, football, lawn tennis racquet, face shields, bottles of sanitisers, large pencil sharpener, face masks and a large quantity of stationery. The stationery included paper files, pens, pencils, markers, sharpeners, erasers.

The teams on Friday will also hand over another donation to the Rose Hall Town Outpost of the Guyana Police Force. Headmistress Hollis Schweirs expressed gratitude to the club.

She stated that the RHTYSC has always been very supportive of her school and wished the teams all the best for a successful 2021.

Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu, Office Manager Joel Pike and Jonathan Rampersaud present the donation to Headmistress Hollis Schweirs

Harding, a good swap for in-form Radford worried about fallout Shepherd following positive COVID test from second string side

By Clifton Ross

SPEEDSTER Keon Harding’s inclusion in the West Indies team for the Bangladesh tour is a good move, following in-form all-rounder Romario Shepherd testing positive ahead of the series start.

Shepherd, who smashed his maiden 1st Class ton during December’s ‘A’ series tour of New Zealand, recently tested positive for coronavirus; resulting in Harding being named as his replacement with the first One Day International (ODI) bowling off from January 20.

A l t h o u g h S h e p h e r d ’s forced omission is a huge blow given his recent batting form, reputation and ability to play the power-hitter role in limited overs of a game as well as his recent exposure to more international games with the Windies team; Harding could easily resolve the Windies issue of a secondary ball operator.

While Shepherd is undoubtedly a far better batsman, Harding’s List A record, especially coming off the back of a championship winning Super50 season last year with the West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP), has been brilliant.

The right-arm pacer finished 3rd on the wicket-takers list during the last Super50, bagging 18 wickets from 9

games at an average of 16.66.

His best returns of 4-35 and economy rates of about 5 runs per over were among the best stats produced by bowlers last season.

spot in the team with most of the seniors away.

Harding will also form a nice partnership with the likes of countrymen Raymon Reifer and Chemar

Keon Harding

Harding also showed his ability to switch to Test mode if needed as he churned out similar performances during the COVID-19 affected Regional 4-Day Tournament, which was eventually won by his Barbados Pride franchise. The fast bowler ended the Regional 4-Dayers with a 10-for including 5-19 against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

Another huge factor which nicely complements the Harding experience is that he toured England last summer and now has an opportunity, much like Shepherd would have had, to somewhat cement a

Holder as well as Alzarri Joseph, and could form a young Windies 4-pronged pace attack.

The likes of Veerasammy Permaul, who makes his way back into the international mix after years away, is another player who will be keen on reestablishing his place among the Windies spin-bowling options for the rest of 2021.

With a variety of bowling options at his disposal, stand-in skipper Kraigg Braithwaite could easily use his new players to much success as the Caribbean side looks to get their 2021 off to a winning start.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Experienced international batting coach, Toby Radford, has raised concerns over the potential negative impact of sending a depleted squad to Bangladesh, and fears the pullout by players could have adverse implications for the image of West Indies cricket.

The Welshman, who spent several years as part of West Indies coaching staff, said he would have preferred to see a full-strength side for the upcoming tour instead of “half of a first team”, supplemented by inexperienced players.

And while he is thrilled with the new opportunities that will be afforded other players, Radford questioned whether the tour would enhance West Indies cricket overall.

“I’m slightly disappointed as a West Indies supporter that the main team isn’t going. I’m delighted it has given opportunities for younger players but there are quite a few big names missing,” said Radford, who was a member of the Caribbean side’s coaching staff up until two years ago.

“My real worry is: is it good for West Indies cricket to be sending half of a first team and some younger players (to Bangladesh). Will that affect how other countries view them going forward?

“I don’t know the answers but I’m looking on a little bit disappointed. I’d like to see the best team travel every time we go and play.”

Test captain Jason Holder and white ball skipper Kieron Pollard were the two biggest names in a group of 10 who declined selection for the Bangladesh tour due to “COVID-19 related concerns or personal fears”.

Former West Indies batting coach, Toby Radford

Darren Bravo, one of the side’s most experienced Test and one-day batsmen, along with Test all-rounder Roston Chase and exciting left-hander Shimron Hetmyer also opted out, along with big name oneday stars like Shai Hope, Evin Lewis and Nicholas Pooran.

Radford said he understood the need for certain players, who had been hunkered down in bio-secure bubbles in various tournaments over the last year, to take a break.

And without naming players, he felt there were others who should have opted to tour because they had played rela-

tively little cricket.

“I can understand one or two deciding not to go who perhaps have played a lot of cricket,” he told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket show.

“I think someone like Jason Holder who have played a lot of cricket and been in a lot of bubbles this year and stuck in his hotel room, I can understand him being tired and needing a break.

“But there are a few there I think who are taking a break who maybe don’t need a break.

“And the other thing that’s interesting is that the players who are travelling and have said they’re happy to travel are those who only get their salaries from the West Indies board, and are not getting any extra money playing in T20 competitions.

“A lot of those who have decided not to travel are obviously earning playing in the Big Bash or playing in the IPL and the bank is pretty full for them and probably don’t feel they have to go to Bangladesh.”

Pollard, Holder, Hetmyer and Pooran and Sheldon Cottrell campaigned in the lucrative IPL last September/ October while Holder and Pooran featured in the ongoing Big Bash.

West Indies are scheduled to leave this weekend for the January 10 to February 15 tour which comprises three One-Day Internationals and two Tests.

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Female umpire Polosak makes Sydney Test breakthrough SEE PAGE 20

T&T winger Molino to join Cup champions Crew – reports NEW YORK, USA (CMC) – Trinidadian winger Kevin Molino is set to join Columbus Crew after signing a multi-year free agency deal with the MLS Cup champions, media reports in the United States have said.

While there has been no formal announcement by the mid-western organisation, league sources have indicated the 30-year-old has already put pen to paper and will be unveiled shortly, ahead of the new season scheduled to kick off in March.

Molino, who announced last month he would not be accepting a new deal at Minnesota United at which he spent four seasons, will be joined by former Manchester City midfielder Bradley Wright-Phillips, also a free agent.

Their presence will further boost Crew’s attacking ranks which already boast the likes of

Argentine Lucas Zelarayan, Pedro Santos, Luis Diaz and Derrick Etienne Jr – the 24-year-old USborn Haiti international.

A seasoned Trinidad and Tobago international, Molino is coming off a decent season for Minnesota where he netted 13 goals including four in the playoffs, as he helped the franchise reach the western conference final before losing to Seattle Sounders.

Over four seasons, Molino made 67 appearances and scored 25 goals, but missed most of the 2018 campaign with injury.

However, though he was offered a new deal at the end of last season, Molino announced on social media that he would be moving “onto another chapter”.

Molino has previously spent two seasons at Orlando City.

SEE PAGE 20

Umpire Claire Polosak took up her role as fourth umpire in the current third Test between Australia and India at the SCG

d n a l g n E l l i f o t s e i l p p a e s o r b Am y c n a c a v g n i h c a o c g n i l w o b fast If he is successful, Curtly Ambrose will be expected to work with England’s ‘next in line’ pace bowlers

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Ganga questions player commitment in Bangladesh pull-out

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021