Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-11-2021

MONDAY 1st November, 2021

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Packed agenda

No.106532

–– as President Ali arrives in Scotland for COP26

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Authorities launch 05 investigation PAGE

–– mother, new born die hours apart

Dead: Devi Samaroo

Service to the 08 people comes first PAGE

President Dr Irfaan Ali greets Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness. President Ali arrived in Scotland on Sunday and has already had engagements with Prime Minister Holness; St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Phillip J Pierre and Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip Davis. The President is in Scotland for the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). He is expected to deliver addresses at several high-level climate change events and participate in international round-table discussions at the conference (Office of the President)

Mega initiatives 04 emerge from Guyana’s bilateral engagements PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 1, 2021

Packed agenda 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 1, 2021

–– as President Ali arrives in Scotland for COP26

AFTER departing the country on Saturday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has arrived in Scotland to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) 26. Landing in Glasgow, President Ali was received by a representative of the Queen.

A statement from the Office of the President indicated that while in Scotland, the Head of State will have a packed agenda.

“He is expected to deliver several addresses at key high-level climate summits, participate in several international round-table discussions and participate in bilateral meetings with other Heads of State and government officials,” the statement said.

Already, the Guyanese Head of State has met and engaged with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness; St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Phillip J Pierre and The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis.

Just before his departure, President Ali told a virtual press conference that heading into the forum, Guyana will be well-

armed with a number of realistic and achievable targets, geared at repositioning the country to become a global powerhouse and net carbon sink.

“We have to communicate targets that are achievable and realistic, and that is what we’ll be doing.

And these targets and ambitions will be in keeping with our energy strategy and programming,” Dr. Irfaan Ali told reporters.

More than just its goals, the Head of State said that his extensive bilateral engagements over the past few months were premised on ensuring that countries, particularly developing nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, have a similar COP26 agenda.

Already, Dr. Ali said that Guyana has received positive commitments from a number of countries and global organisations that will be raising similar issues at COP26. “… and that is why these bilateral engagements were so important.”

With Guyana already being a carbon sink, Dr. Ali said that his presenta-

Upon his arrival in Glasgow, Scotland, President Dr. Irfaan Ali received a warm welcome by representatives of the Queen (Office of the President photo) tion will address issues of accessibility to financing for mitigation and adaptation for Small Island Developing States, and will pursue initiatives to

With a packed agenda, President Ali has already been able to meet with several Caribbean leaders, including Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness

strengthen and expand the market for the sale of carbon credits. “… and we intend to renew our call for the implementation of the commitment made to the fulfilment of the 100 billion dollars pledge,” Dr. Ali noted.

ALIGN PERFECTLY He said that Guyana’s representation at COP26 will align perfectly with the national Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which has since been revised to cater to the burgeoning oil and gas sector, and encompasses the drive for renewable energy.

“It is very important that we outline a realistic and achievable ambition [sic] target. We cannot go and criticise countries that are not sticking to the commitment and then we make targets that cannot be achieved,” President Ali noted.

Previously, under the

David Granger-led Government, Guyana appeared before the United Nations boldly pledging to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025. However, the proposal was not accompanied by any plausible project or implementation strategy.

As a result, when Guyana appears at COP26, the Ali-led Government will be forced to admit the impossibility of the pledge made by the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

Before COP26 began, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo spearheaded a national stakeholder consultation aimed at updating Guyana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which basically outlines the country’s response to climate change, and how it intends to achieve the targets set out

in the Paris Agreement, as adopted by 196 countries during COP21, hosted in Paris in December 2015.

The updated NDCs, according to Dr. Jagdeo, are an indication that Guyana will be “lowering its ambitions” at a time when most countries are aiming to, realistically, do better.

President Ali has been passionate about mitigating the effects of climate change and about helping not just Guyana, but other nations, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Last week, the President launched the national consultation process for Guyana’s expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which will be used to guide the country’s future developments while prioritising climate sustainability and resilience. The curtain will come down on COP26 on November 12.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 1, 2021

Mega initiatives emerge from Guyana’s bilateral engagements

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali’s bilateral engagements over the past few months have resulted in investors committing to a number of mega initiatives.

In addition to a confirmed list of potential investors coming to explore even more opportunities in Guyana, some groups have already committed to specific projects, such as a state-of-the-art deep-water harbour.

During a recent visit to Dubai, President Ali met with representatives of Abu Dhabi Ports, which had already sent two technical teams to examine the project, linking neighbouring Brazil. “The interest is great in this project and in two to

three weeks they will have a second team coming with a follow-up on the evaluation,” Dr. Ali told a virtual news conference on Friday.

He added that, “they are looking at a modern, state-of-the-art port facility operated with cutting-edge technology, focusing on efficiency, safety and security.”

The deep-water harbour is expected to be a critical port, linking Guyana to Suriname, Brazil, and French Guiana, and according to President Ali, the prospects are promising.

“This is a project that is viable; they are now working on the financial details of it,” Dr. Ali noted.

Additionally, several world leaders have ex-

pressed their interest in visiting Guyana with their teams to scope out investment opportunities. They include the President of Colombia, the Prime Minister of Kuwait and the Prince of Saudi Arabia, among others. Already confirmed to visit are the Presidents of Kenya and Ghana.

Meanwhile, outside of the international engagements, President Ali related that ties have also been strengthened with sister country, Barbados. “In my discussion with Prime Minister [Mia] Mottley, we hammered out a concrete, time-bound framework for enhanced collaboration and trade between Guyana and Barbados in the areas of

food production and export,” Dr. Ali said.

He made specific reference to key areas on which the two countries reached agreements, including increased production and removal of barriers to trade, with the possibility of establishing a Guyana-Barbados food terminal; improved transport logistics and efficiency; establishment of agro-processing facilities; the creation of a Guyana-Barbados food sustainability plan; and facilitating an exchange of technicians between the Ministries of Agriculture to facilitate smooth and efficient transaction flow.

“So, what we have agreed on is that we will

have a Guyanese in the Ministry of Agriculture in Barbados and a Bajan in the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana, so that Guyanese can deal directly with their counterpart in Barbados and that Barbados can deal directly with their counterpart here,” Dr. Ali posited.

Similarly, the two countries have also agreed to the sharing of port spaces to facilitate trade and reduce costs for the movement of goods between the two countries.

The Head of State is hopeful that these initiatives will assist in removing the hassle, the barriers and bureaucracy of doing business between the two countries.

“That is what we are trying

to remove here,” Dr. Ali emphasised.

He highlighted too that Barbados and Guyana have also discussed opportunities for investments in quarry, feedstock, livestock, and limestone.

More extensive discussions were had in relation to ‘twinning’ the tourism product of both countries. So far, Barbados has agreed to facilitate the training of 6,000 Guyanese for the hospitality sector.

Meanwhile, a high-level delegation from Barbados has already visited Guyana to commence technical work on the opportunities discussed between Prime Minister Mottley and President Ali.

Mariners urged to look out for marine mammals at Demerara River mouth

WITH the rise in manatee sightings at the mouth of the Demerara River over the past few months, the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) is calling on marine vessel users to be on the lookout for marine mammals and to take added precautions when traversing the area.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, GMCS President Annette Ar-

joon-Martins noted that the manatee is just one species among many which either live in the area or traverse it during migratory travel.

The other species include the sperm whale and dolphin.

She said the increased sighting is a basis for renewed efforts to bring awareness to these animals.

“The fact that we have manatee sightings very frequently off the Demerara

Monday, 1 November 13:30hrs - 15:00hrs

mouth and offshore, we now have to alert the mariners and these oil and gas support vessels that they really need to take caution,” she noted.

Arjoon-Martins added: “There is a whole need for us to create awareness among the mariners using this marine space about the need for some sort of marine management, whether it be zoning or whatever, but that’s where the conversation needs to go.”

Through research conducted by one of its members, Hanan Latchmansigh, the GMCS discovered that there has been an exponential increase in the marine traffic at the mouth of the Demerara River since 2015, when Guyana made its first oil discovery.

“The report was phenomenal in terms of what it shows in the extraordinary increase in marine traffic.

So, when you have 10 times increased traffic then these captains have to be on the alert. My whole reason for

getting that study was to raise awareness to these mariners, that we have these precious animals in our marine space [and] please be on the lookout for them,” she noted.

Notwithstanding the drastic increase in the marine traffic along the mouth of the Demerara River, there has been little research or marine monitoring of how this has been affecting marine life.

Arjoon-Martins, however, noted that the society has been increasing its capacity to respond to reports about incidents involving marine wildlife, particularly through the recent training of several of its members in drone operation, which has greatly improved its ability to operate.

“For the first time we are now equipped with five marine scientists on our board who are equipped to use drone technology and we see this as the GMCS having an ocean-monitoring unit that will be using technology to not only do monitoring for ourselves, but if any other

GMCS President Annette Arjoon-Martins, with a drone company needs monitoring in the marine space we can provide that technical capacity to them as well,” she related.

Last month, the GMCS began drone training with six of its members and interns, so that they can become better equipped to handle monitoring across Guyana’s vast coastline. The training is being conducted by Nathan Prince, a licensed drone operator. He is also a second-year Marine Biology student at the University of Guyana (UG) and an intern with the GMCS. Arjoon-Martins explained to the Guyana Chronicle that this new drone technology will greatly bolster the capacity of the GMCS and help to cut down on the need for an excessive amount of resources when

responding to reports at faroff locations.

“In all of my 35 years of doing sea turtle work, whenever someone would report a turtle in distress, I would have to go to the coast guard to request a vessel. Sometimes it would be four hours spent to get to the location of the report. But the reality is technology is now allowing us to do real-time monitoring in a fraction of the time, and with a fraction of the resources, that it used to take to do it in the old-fashioned way,” she added.

She urged members of the public to continue calling and messaging whenever there is a sighting of any marine wildlife in distress.

The GMCS can be contacted on telephone number 600-7272, or through its official Facebook page.

The manatee, also known as sea cow

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 1, 2021

Mother, new born die hours apart

By Nafeeza Yahya

THE authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a mother and her new born who died hours apart at the New Amsterdam Hospital over the weekend.

Dead is Devi Samaroo, 24, and her newborn, a girl. The infant reportedly died on Saturday and the mother on Sunday.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at his Lot 85 Bloomfield home, the grieving husband and father Sunil Partap, 28, a barber, said he wants justice and answers to what led to their demise. He related that his wife had a healthy pregnancy and no known medical complications prior to being admitted.

The young father explained that his wife was due to deliver on Tuesday last; however, she was admitted to the hospital on Friday evening around 18:30hrs and subsequently gave birth on Saturday morning.

Mahendrawattie Sewnauth

According to reports, Samaroo gave birth to a stillborn baby.

Partap said his mother-inlaw went to the hospital around 06:00hrs on Saturday, but was unable to speak to her daughter or see her.

Then at 10:00hrs, he received a call to go to the hospital and while there, he was

informed that the baby died.

Partab said he felt weak and questioned what went wrong, since his wife had told him the night before they checked for the baby’s heart beat and everything was well.

He related that he begged to see the lifeless infant, but was denied on several occasions and was told that the baby was already in the mortuary.

The young man added that he waited and continued to ask to see his wife and child and it was not until 17:00hrs that day that he was allowed to see the baby in the mortuary.

Partap said the baby was draped in napkin, and when he asked for it to be removed so that he could see the baby’s face, his request was denied.

“They said no and push back the door and send me outside. Them said till Monday morning again. I asked what’s the reason y’all don’t want me see the child? So I go back and ask if they could tell me who is the doctor that deliver the

hospital around 19:00hrs on Saturday.

Dead: Devi Samaroo baby. If they could just tell me what happened since the baby died nobody nah come and explain and tell abee nothing.

They say they can’t, so I asked what is the reason; they say work with order so I said tell who is the person giving the order because all I want was to find answers,” the grieving man told this publication.

He eventually left the

SHOCK Partap said he returned to the hospital on Sunday morning with the hope of seeing and comforting his wife, only to learn that his wife of eight years was dead.

“When I go I wait in-front the room, they asked if anyone come for Devi Samaroo, so I say ‘yea me’ and they asked who am I, I say ‘the husband’. My mother-in-law was there too and they call both of we in a room and say about 10 hour last night they carry her in the ward and around two (02:00hrs) this morning she call the nurse saying she wasn’t feeling well, and they work on her and said my wife died of haemorrhage.”

He added that when the porter was taking the trolley in to remove her body from the ward, he managed to see her.

The sight pained his heart. A post-mortem is scheduled for today (Monday) for the mother

and child.

Samaroo was a mother of a six-year-old daughter. Partap described her as a good person who was loved by many.

“She was a very good person, loving, caring, nice to everybody. Everybody around here can tell you. My daughter is six years old and to grow up without a mother is not good,” he said.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman David Armogan in a statement said an investigation has been launched in the death of the mother and her newborn.

REGRET AND CONDOLENCES “The New Amsterdam Regional Hospital regrets to inform the public that there has been a maternal death at our institution.

The patient was Miss Devi Samaroo, 24 years old of Bloomfield, Berbice, who received her antenatal care See page 9

300 Toka residents to benefit from new water supply system

A NEW $7 million water supply system, which is intended to serve close to 300 residents in the community of Toka, Region Nine, was commissioned on Saturday.

According to a release from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the water supply system was commissioned by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who was accompanied by GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh.

The water supply system is intended to serve approximately 90 per cent of the village. The project was

eter fence, installation of a submersible pump, well discharge and construction of a reinforced concrete base to support two 650 Gallon and two 450 Gallon Tuff Tanks.

The water supply system was completed in July 2021 and was handed over to the Village Council, along with tools and spare fittings for its maintenance. GWI has also provided additional pipes for the Village Council to extend the water supply system.

The village of Toka is located in the North Rupununi; the community previously received water from an aged

He lauded the GWI’s hinterland team for being able to successfully identify the current location for the well, using geophysical logging and to drill at a depth of 88 metres.

He noted that the capacity to drill wells using in-house skills has resulted in many returns on investment within a shorter turnaround time and at a fraction of the cost to outsource, the press release said.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal told the residents that government, through GWI, has been investing heavily to improve the livelihoods

A child from the community of Toka assisting Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, in cutting the ribbon to declare the water supply system open executed by GWI in collaboration with the Toka Village Council and was funded by the Government of Guyana.

As part of the project, there was the installation of 270 lengths of 50mm pipelines, standpipes, solar panels, construction of a perim-

hand-dug well, which was in a deplorable state after it had collapsed, the release said.

Baksh said that realisation of the new well is a result of implementation of modern technology, following eight failed attempts in the past years.

of citizens countrywide. He reminded them that $100.8 million is being expended in Region Nine alone to improve water supply services, $32 million of which is being spent in the North Rupununi.

Croal also disclosed that additional funding is being

sought to realise the government’s 2021-2025 vision for water, which includes an indepth strategy and analysis of the hinterland to adequately provide for their needs.

Further, the Housing and Water Minister announced that GWI and the Ministry

of Amerindian Affairs will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that speaks to training community service officers throughout the hinterland, to monitor and maintain the water systems in a timely manner.

Also present at the com-

missioning ceremony were Chairman of Region Nine, Brian Allicock and Toka Toshao, Micah Davis.

They both welcomed the establishment of the system and thanked GWI and government for seeing the project to completion.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2021

Going Alone Not An Option THE G-20 Summit hosted

by Italy has found some common grounds, a number of far-reaching measures which, if implemented, could go a far way in creating a more just and equitable world. The G-20 bloc includes Brazil, China, India, Germany and the United States, which together accounts for an estimated 80 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and a corresponding level of global industrial output.

Among the several measures agreed is a global minimum tax aimed at stopping big business from hiding profits in off-shore tax havens. The corporate tax is seen as a rec-

ognition by world leaders of the need to take a coordinated position in order to prevent big business from hiding their profits in tax havens. This is indeed a step in the right direction which could go a far way in terms of making billions of dollars available to governments, which could be used to foster development and reduce poverty levels.

The meeting also broadly agreed to back calls to extend debt relief for impoverished nations. The President of the United States described the move as more than a tax deal, but as ‘diplomacy reshaping our global economy and delivering for our people.’

Another agreement

reached was that of getting more COVID-19 vaccines to poorer nations. The aim is to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world’s population against COVID-19 by mid-2022.

There is a strong correlation between the unvaccinated and infections rates, which are significantly higher in the undeveloped world due mainly to the unavailability of the COVID vaccines.

One area of disappointment is the apparent failure of these bigger powers to reach consensus on measures to reduce carbon-emission measures, which climate scientists believe poses an existential threat to humanity. This is especially disappointing, es-

pecially coming on the eve of the largest climate conference which will bring together leaders from all across the world in search of a solution to reduce global warming to acceptable levels. The rich, industrialised nations are the main contributors to global carbon emissions and any significant progress at the COP26 Glasgow conference would depend on the collective action taken by them, both at individual and collective levels.

This observation was made

by G20 Summit host Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who in his address at the meeting said that ‘going it alone is not an option and governments must work together to confront the

formidable challenges facing their peoples.’

‘From the pandemic, to climate change, to fair and equitable taxation, going it alone is simply not an option,’ the Italian Prime Minister said.

Climate change continues to be a challenge to many countries in the industrialised world, due in part to considerations of national self-interest and a lack of political will by leaders of the developed world to tackle the issue in a meaningful way.

Expectations are high that with growing scientific evidence and mounting world pressure, new and enlightened thinking will prevail on the issue of

global warming. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has already indicated Guyana’s full and unconditional support for all measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions and has only recently re-launched a new round of consultations aimed at updating the current Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to reflect our new realities.

Guyana is one of the few countries in the world with net zero carbon-emission levels. As such, it is in a unique position to share with the entire world some concrete ideas on the way forward in the direction of an environmentally safer and more secure planet.

Clarification on TOPCO’S Unsweetened Orange Juice

Dear Editor, I WOULD like to thank you for publishing our response to Mr. Conrad Barrow’s letter to the Editor with respect to the

information on the package of TOPCO’s Orange Juice.

In the response, we failed to include the word unsweetened in the subject

line. It must be clarified that the TOPCO brand has two types of orange juice; however, the one being addressed is the TOPCO UNSWEETENED Orange

Juice.

Nevertheless, it must be noted that while the headline of the letter was incorrect, all the other information provided in the

body about TOPCO’s Unsweetened Orange Juice is accurate. I accept full responsibility for this mistake and request your assistance in rectifying this.

The correct subject line should have been ‘No added sugars in TOPCO’s Unsweetened Orange Juice.’

Yours sincerely, Alex Graham

Dear Editor, THE recent document titled:“Review of the AFC and the way Forward,” renders that party unfit for any credible role or contribution in Guyana’s political establishment. My question is, when did the AFC players discover the points listed in that party document? It surely could not have been when they were in opposition. Why did it take them all this time to identify, study and articulate their obviously failed leadership in the five years during the Coalition Government? The answer is simple: they were so enamoured with the trappings and perks of office, that with selfish arrogance, they failed

to live up to their mandate of being an ingredient of balance and credibility in Guyana’s politics.

I am convinced that this recent ‘confession of the soul’ by the AFC’s leadership is simply an opportunity to get the embrace of the population to regain some element of state power. All and sundry know that a political party has the best opportunity to build its organisational strength and capacity when in government. Now the AFC was in government for five years and now when it is in opposition, it sees the need to strengthen itself. The document says, “One of the immediate strategies must be holding a series of political seminars

in all regions on the policies, programmes and positions of the party for its members who do not necessarily know what ‘politics’ entails.” Why did the party not do this level of introspection during its time in government? It is clear that they need supporters only when they are in opposition.

To quote further, the document says, “AFC members must deal with political issues and eschew the petty personality differences which always lead to division, the decline in membership and activities, reputational damage and impair the chances of political success.”

Again, when did the leadership realise that their nasty personal ambitions were hurting the

image of the party? The most laughable part of the document is where the party recognises that it needs to train youths in writing business proposals, and teaching them to access small grants for business and professional enterprises. It is for this statement alone that the Guyanese people should confine the AFC to the ash heap of history.

This party controlled the Ministry of Business for five years in the Coalition Government.

Why did they not think of this level of support for the young people at this time? To recognise the need to support young people in business only when you are struggling for political survival and relevance is pathetic. The AFC needs to point

to its behaviour in government and how well it represented its constituents. The consequences of these actions and inactions of that party have banished them to the political wilderness.

Sadly for the party, the ‘Charandass issue’ will never be put to rest, but will haunt the party for years to come.

Charandass was simply the representative voice of the people on the sugar belt who supported the AFC, then felt the sting of their subsequent deception.

Let the party leaders begin by asking Charandass to tell them why he voted to bring down the Coalition Government.

They wouldn’t, because they know the reasons all too well, and they know they are true.

It was as a result of this that in the local government elections the AFC was whipped even in the hometown of the Prime Minister Nagamootoo. What introspection and honest reflection did the party do after this clear message from the people who supported them in 2011 and 2015?

The issue is not a ‘Charandass issue,’ it is the nature of the party and it’s behaviour in the Coalition Government that caused Charandass to act on his conscience. Will the AFC leaders do the same?

It is clear the AFC needs supporters only when they are in opposition

Yours truly, Jerrick Rutherford

GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY NOVEMBER 1,

2021

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‘Thankful’ Region Four farmers receive flood relief grant FARMERS of Region Four were the latest beneficiaries of the government’s flood relief cash grant when the distribution exercise continued on Saturday.

Ministers of Government spearheaded the distribution exercises across the region where farmers turned up to receive their flood-relief grants.

The grants are intended to provide financial assistance to people who suffered losses due to the recent unprecedented floods.

According to a release, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha visited Cane Grove and Lancaster, both villages located on the East Coast of Demerara, where he reiterated that everyone who suffered losses will receive the assistance from the government.

From the inception of the flood relief grant distribution countrywide, many residents

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha flanked by farmers who received their flood relief grants on Saturday complained that while they have suffered terrible losses, their names were not on the list to receive the cash grant, a wrong he vowed to ensure is corrected.

“We may not have captured everyone. There might be people who are here today who suffered losses, but

their names are not on the list. Rest assured, as long as you suffered losses, you will receive flood relief from the government,” Mustapha said.

“Ahead of today’s exercise, I also instructed our officers to post the lists at every distribution site so that people can see who are the persons

M&CC needs a forensic audit, not just a routine audit

Dear Editor, I HAVE noticed in the press recently that the Auditor General (AG) of Guyana has repeated a call for the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to close its financial books and start afresh, which he believes will help to enable the AG’s Office to properly audit the entity.

I do understand why he is making this call, bearing in mind the financial mess he has found there and the complete non-compliance with the financial Acts of Guyana. But there are a few things the citizens of Georgetown need to know before moving forward.

First, does the Georgetown municipality wish to have a system that could be easily monitored and audited by the AG’s Office?

It is not that they never had proper financial and accounting systems in place before. They had up to when Mr. Cyril Ramalho was City Treasurer, in fact, that entity was a model of best practices for municipal financial administration. And that was before they had a super-salaried Internal Auditor and bloated Internal Audit Department. This financial mess that we see at the Georgetown municipality

did not happen by accident nor overnight. It is a situation that was deliberately engineered over a long period, all the while overseen by a Finance Committee. How could the City Council have been allowed not to have its accounts audited and qualified since 2004? That was 17 years ago.

Second, by closing the books and starting afresh, the question has to be asked what happens to all the chicanery, skulduggery and scams that occurred over the decades at City Hall. Do all the persons who were/are responsible just receive a ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card?

The council needs a forensic audit, not just a routine audit to guide them on how to be in compliance with the requisite legislation. It is bad enough that the City Council fails to remit workers’ contributions to the NIS, Credit Union and GRA, all statutory and legal requirements, and also fails to pay retirement benefits and gratuity to a number of its workers, but it is unacceptable that they get away with tenders and contracts that never came close to meeting the Guyana National Tender Board procedures, the illegal waiver of interest on property rates, the unlawful rental of wharf facilities and

the illegitimate granting of leases. As we discuss these matters, the treasurer’s department is currently rocked by the discovery of more irregularities, information that is being kept from the public.

The Georgetown municipality has to be made to understand that the money paid them by ratepayers is not theirs to spend as they please, but rather for road-building, day care services, weeding of parapets, cleaning of drains, city-policing services, public health inspection of yards, maintenance of cemeteries, rodent and vector elimination in the municipal markets and elsewhere, refuse-disposal services, building of bridges, none of which, I repeat, none of which they provide. Maybe there is a need for a Commission of Inquiry in addition to a forensic audit there. The only light at the end of the tunnel there is that they have recently acquired a new and capable Town Clerk. Let us hope that she one day gets the genuine support of the Mayor and Councillors to clean the Augean Stables and turn around that entity.

Yours sincerely, Magagula Jackson

that will receive today. We are doing this because we want to ensure the lists are transparent and acceptable,” he added.

The release noted that farmers at both locations expressed gratitude to the government for the grant.

One such farmer was Randy Jackson, of Lancaster, who said that the grant will allow him to purchase requisite materials to “make a start” and plant again.

Mayline Smith, of Helena Number Two, also praised the government for the relief being given to farmers, the release said. The flood relief will offer farmers “some help

to bring back” their farms, she said.

The distribution of the cash grant was announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on August 1, 2021, who noted that approximately 52,000 households across 300 communities had been affected by the unprecedented level of floodwaters.

As part of the distribution exercise, farmers within the context of a homestead (farm, ranch, estate) receive $100,000 each; those with kitchen gardens will receive $50,000 each, and households, excluding homestead and kitchen gardens, will receive 50,000 each.

The rains also had a significant impact on the rice

sub-sector, with approximately 50,000 acres and 2,000 farmers being directly affected. As a result, $80,000 in cash per acre was being given to those farmers; for rice sown and lost in the autumn crop, those farmers will receive $65,000 per acre; and for land that was completely prepared but was not sown, $45,000 in cash per acre would be given to those farmers.

Meanwhile, in excess of 2,000 livestock farmers had also been affected, and so, an aggregate of $600 million in direct transfers will be made available to subsistence farmers, small farmers, medium-scale farmers, and large-scale farmers.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha delivers a cheque to a farmer on Saturday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 1, 2021

Service to the people comes first –– Human Services Ministry team braves heavy rain to continue distribution exercise

OVER the past week, heavy showers of rain did not stop the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security from pressing on with its work to distribute the $25,000 cash vouchers and 2022 pension books in Region Three.

Subject minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud and her team from the ministry braved the inclement weather and even shared in the work of distributing the vouchers and books alongside the ministry’s officers.

A number of persons expressed heartfelt gratitude for the cash grant and shared with Dr. Persaud how beneficial it is to them and their families at

this point.

“Right now, everything is just flat, so this money would help me do something beneficial for myself and family,” Compton Thom offered, adding: “Things not working right, but I feel pleased with this money.”

Anthony Sandy, also of Patentia, West Bank Demerara, said he was extremely happy on account of receiving the voucher. “I think I will buy a blender for my wife as a present for her kitchen and some groceries, and also keep something for Christmas,” he expressed.

Rafeek Abrahim of Bagotville was especially pleased at the way the distribution of the

pension books was organised.

He told the team that he would have to travel great distances to uplift his pension every month and appreciated the simpler measures put in place to assist the elderly.

“A day of getting soaked and dried all through; many of the team members bought slippers after a good drenching from the rain. We moved through West Bank Demerara and continued to Parfaite Harmonie. I was so touched by the lovely wishes and blessings received there by so many of the elderly,” Minister Persaud shared.

“The stop at Blankenburg was a bit different. In addition to our hamper distribution to

Minister Persaud took the opportunity to interact with residents during her week-long visit

Human Services Minister distribution elderly folks, single parents, people living with disabilities, I had the opportunity to engage with and listen to persons from the community who were trained in areas including Trafficking in Persons, sexual offences, all forms of abuse and domestic violence. We also emphasised the importance of 914. Much work is being put in at community levels through direct engagement on many social issues to reduce the incidence and finally eradicate the scourge,” Dr. Persaud continued.

During the week-long visit to the region, the ministry also took the distribution to Leguan and Wakenaam Islands where Minister Per-

Dr. Vindhya Persaud and her team helped with the saud also had an opportunity to interface with residents.

“Walking from the stelling at Wakenaam to the school and NDC (Neighbourhood Democratic Council) where the distribution exercise took place, gave me an excellent opportunity to catch up with persons out and about early in the morning, listen to their issues and share information about our improved systems and programmes,” she related.

So far in the exercise, most of the regions have been completed and the focus has been shifted to direct delivery to remote areas and shut-ins distribution. As she continues to visit distribution sites, Dr. Persaud is using the oppor-

tunity to take the ministry’s services to residents and even provide hampers to communities in need. In fact, over 200 hampers were distributed in the Region Three communities, including the islands.

Residents who missed collection of books and vouchers within their designated periods are urged to visit the ministry’s offices in their respective areas/regions as both will be available to them there.

While the 2022 pension book will be available throughout the year, the voucher is time-bound, as it has to be cashed by November 30 at any post office or any of the other locations, such as Sure Pay.

GPF to implement easier case-status tracking system

IN keeping with its aim to provide a better quality of service to the Guyanese people, the Guyana Police Force (GFP) will soon be introducing its “Track my case” initiative.

This disclosure was made by Head of the GPF’s Strategic Planning Unit, Assistant Superintendent (ASP), Nikola Kendall, during a recently aired segment of “Police and You.”

Head of the GPF’s Strategic Planning Unit, Assistant Superintendent (ASP), Nikola Kendall

The new initiative will be available at all police stations and outposts. Victims/complainants can visit these locations at anytime for updates on the progress of their case.

Kendall did not disclose whether this new system would include the electronic documentation of cases to promote the smooth transfer of See page 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 1, 2021

Mother, new born die ... at the Whim Health Centre.

She was admitted on the 29th of October in the evening and delivered a preterm infant in the morning of the 30th of October.

The patient died this morning (31st Oct 2021),” The statement added: “The investigation has commenced and is currently awaiting the post-mortem. The public will continue to be informed. The management and staff of the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital are deeply saddened by this event and express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

Mother of Samaroo, Mahendrawattie Sewnauth, 45, said the treatment they received at the hospital added to their grievance and made the situation more difficult for them.

She said had officials reached out to them and offered an explanation, they would have felt better, but no one has made an attempt to do so. All they needed were answers.

“When I go yesterday [Saturday] morning I rap on the door and they collected a bag, and I was waiting to see her, but they say I can’t talk to her or see Devi Samaroo.”

Partap with his wife Devi She noted that Sunil Samaroo and their six-year-old she left and returned in happier times at midday when she briefly saw her daughter while she was being moved to the ward.

“They bring her out by wheelchair. She grabbed on to me waist so I say ‘girl, wha happen’ and she asked for something to drink so meh open ah milk and give she. She seh she nah even know what baby she get if a boy or girl and when she asked the nurse to show her the baby them tell she, ‘no’. She said Ta, ah baby dead and that was the last conversation with she.”

The mother said she tried to call her daughter’s phone Saturday night to hear her voice as she was not satisfied when she saw the look on her daughter’s face earlier Saturday, but calls to her phone went unanswered.

“Meh pray for morning reach, so meh could [go] back ah Hospital.”

In tears, the woman stated that she went with the intention of caring and bathing her daughter, but received the news of her daughter’s death. Her family is in a state of despair.

From page 5

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Human Services Ministry launches short story competition

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has launched a Short Story Writing Competition for young writers on the topic: Child Safety.

According to a release, this new initiative forms part of the ‘Every Child Safe’ campaign that was launched by subject minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in September, which seeks to tighten the grip on issues surrounding child abuse in Guyana.

The age group being targeted in the competition is 12 years old and under, with the word limit being 250. Entries being sent in to the ministry must be completed with the participant’s name, address, age and contact numbers.

The 10 best stories will be published in a special book produced by the ministry and young authors with winning entries will receive prizes.

Submissions can be made at the Ministry’s East and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown location, or can be emailed to prmohsss@gmail.com. The deadline is November 11, 2021.

Under ‘Every Child Safe’, more is done than just seek to make information available to the public; a personal and consistent check-in with members of communities all across

GPF to implement easier ...

From page 8 information.

She said that the new system comes as part of the force’s aim to continually implement systems that would best serve the people of Guyana. She noted that once the new system is launched, the force will implement systems to gather feedback on the performance of the initiative to identify and rectify any shortcomings.

“We want to engage the public in a more meaningful and constructive way. Every year there will be [the] development of a national policing plan and that plan can only be successful with the

involvement of stakeholders from various sections of the society,” she said.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY Meanwhile, Kendall indicated that the force intends to integrate new types of technology in its operations to serve the needs of the public.

She noted that soon the GPF will procure equipment for all police stations that will video record victims and suspects while they are being interviewed. She explained that this comes as part of the force’s willingness to promote transparency.

“What will come is when persons are being interviewed, there’s an incident and the victim has to give an account of what occurred. Stations will be equipped with the necessary technology to record what transpires when that victim or the perpetrator is being interviewed…so there will be no need to say there is absence of transparency or accountability on the part of the police,” said Kendall.

She indicated that so far, this system has been implemented in several stations and will shortly be extended to include more stations and police outposts.

The age group being targetted is 12 years old and under Guyana is carried out for help to identify perpetrators and bring relief to sufferers.

“These communities become essential partners of ours, so that wherever child abuse rears its ugly head, we will be able to know because there are people out there as our eyes and ears.

Perpetrators will have the eyes of an entire com-

munity on them, so no one can escape that kind of scrutiny,” Dr. Persaud said.

The release noted that this partnership will see heightened vigilance on child abuse in communities and people will now be aware of crimes that they should look out for and how they should report cases of child abuse utilising the

914 hotline and all the other avenues available to them.

Meanwhile, just recently, 25 girls, who are members of vulnerable groups across Guyana, were given the opportunity to write their stories and get them published under another project by the ministry called “The StoryBoard Initiative”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 1, 2021

Beautiful on the inside

ELDERS have a way of bringing you down a peg or two with their adages. For instance, I was besotted and introduced the ‘apple of my eye’ to my grandmother.

Granny was cordial when they met, then, later, she pulled me aside and said ‘He has a nice face; I wonder if he has nice ways?’ Of course, she is right. Beauty is only skin deep.

Anyone can make themselves look attractive. And nowadays, people are obsessed with the images they portray in the pictures they post on social media. In real life, who knows what they are like in reality? Do they have ambition and integrity? Are they honest, understanding, fair and grounded? What type of coping skills, ethics and qualities do they possess?

Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder; people have different tastes. It is the physical appearance that initially attracts us to a person. But how a person looks is not necessarily the way they are. The world is full of beautiful women and good-looking men.

Therefore, only a fool falls for ‘looks’. What lies at the heart of a person’s personality and their outlook on life is where more interest should be paid.

There are so many distractions in society for adults and children nowadays; sometimes, it is hard to guide young people in the right way. Parents are busy with work or one thing or another. They hardly find the time to parent their children intentionally. But intentional parenting is a must if children are to attain a decent personality - one that is resilient,

humane, honest and dependable.

Bringing up children to be beautiful on the inside is becoming more challenging against the backdrop created by superficial images, ‘celebrities’, and everyday hype promoted on social media and the internet. The bombardment of people posing in pictures is addictive.

Even babies are becoming indoctrinated early on in the art of posing for the camera on the phone.

Looks, however, can only take you thus far. Children need to acquire inner qualities that help them develop character. How else will they learn to overcome and survive the twists, turns and pitfalls that will inevitably challenge them in life without a safety net of positive attributes?

Parents and adults have the opportunity to instill virtues and abilities in children by being attentive, caring and by example. Here are two qualities parents should not overlook.

HUMILITY - teaching a child to be humble is an important trait and one that is best modelled consistently as part of a parental lifestyle. Good morals and values, such as fairness, honesty, compassion, forgiveness, loving and caring for others are attributes that families should adopt. They are far more important than charm, style or materialistic ideals. They are fundamental to the balanced development of a child’s inner being -and begins at home.

When a child is loved and valued by parents, he feels secure. Naturally, he emulates his parents’ behaviour. Their attentiveness

and support build his self-esteem and confidence- he knows they have his best interest at heart. He does not need validation from his peers or craves to be the centre of attention he is at peace with himself - the beginning of humility.

He is neither superior nor inferior to others and can admit when he is wrong without losing face or being embarrassed.

He can encourage his peers to do well and is happy when they succeed. He is humble and centred – giving credit where it is due and accepting praise modestly. Grown-ups who lack humility can come across as arrogant and self-centred. They tend to carry around a false sense of pride.

GRATITUDE – Adults can help children learn to be grateful for all they receive and have, showing appropriate appreciation and thanks where necessary. Teaching children to say ‘thank you to people who help them, regardless of how small the deed, is a good start. But parents must ensure that it is more than a gesture. Children must truly understand and mean what they say. Allowing children to grow with a sense of entitlement encourages an attitude of ‘easy come, easy go’. There is no sincere appreciation for other people’s time, efforts, or thoughtfulness.

Having food to eat, good health, a lovely home, and a comfortable place to rest should not be taken for granted by children but valued. Someone provided everything they have.

Children can show their gratitude by being helpful, keeping their surroundings tidy or

doing chores. When families openly acknowledge the everyday things they are grateful for, they realise even the smallest things have a sense of value.

Helping children recognise and express the things they are grateful for can help them understand gratitude, building their resilience and flexibility in adulthood. Gratitude allows families to find the ‘positive elements’ in trying situations.

When it comes to guiding, teaching, nurturing and parenting children, adults are at a disadvantage. Young people are born into a technological age where online activity can shape their personalities, and some parents encourage the same.

Help children to understand that actual values cannot be bought or sold. They come through honing good qualities that stay with us for life. They help people to live together in harmony, with compassion, empathy, understanding and trust. Praise children when they portray these skills; they are building positive characteristics. Don’t be disheartened if these attributes do not fall in place overnight or as soon as you think they should flourish. Don’t give up. Unless adults plant the seeds, they will never take root or grow.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Domestic Violence and the law

By Vanessa Cort

GIVEN the worrying nature of spousal abuse in this country and the increasing number of reported cases, it is heartening to know that the Guyana Police Force is currently running a comprehensive training programme on gender-based violence (GBV).

This initiative is both timely and essential, as it comes against a background of heightened violence engendered by the stress of the COVID- 19 pandemic In addition, partners, who were previously separated by work and other activities outside of their homes, now find themselves spending more time together. When their relationship is a violent one, then incidents increase because of their prolonged close proximity to each other.

While society as a whole has a role to play in helping to prevent domestic violence, effective legislation and knowledgeable policing are vital to this effort.

Under the auspices of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, the training programme is entitled, ‘Gender-based Violence Training for Police Officers’.

By definition, GBV is different from domestic violence in that it encompasses more than the violence which occurs within the home. Hence, it is described in the course document as “…violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats such as acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”

The core concepts of GBV – gender, harm, power, control and rights – are defined and discussed and it is interesting to note that power is not seen as a bad thing unless the individual with the power abuses it, while control is recognised as being used to retain dominance.

However, the whole gamut of Gender-based Violence is explored and some popular myths are examined and dispelled, such as the view that “If women are treated as equal to men in a relationship, it causes domestic violence.”

It is also categorically stated that “All human beings, whether men, women (or) children, have equal human rights. The government has a role of providing equal protection to all its citizens whether they are men, women or children.”

And reference is made to this country’s

Photo credit: Hindustan Times Domestic Violence Act, which, in its preamble, states that it is, “An Act to afford protection in cases involving domestic violence by the granting of a protection order to provide the police with powers of arrest where a domestic violence offence occurs and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”

Indeed the Domestic Violence Act (Guyana), passed in December 1996, has been hailed as one of the most powerful in the world, particularly because at its core are three significant Orders – Protection, Tenancy and Occupation – specifically designed not only to safeguard abused women and their children, but also to ensure that they are not displaced

from their homes.

Essentially the Protection Order prevents further abuse and allows for the abuser to be arrested without a warrant if the victim is harmed, and prevents the abuser, who can also be made to provide for the victim and children, from going anywhere near them. The Tenancy Order gives the abused person the right to be the sole tenant and the abuser has no right of occupancy, while the Occupation Order allows the abused to continue to live in the home, even if it belongs to the abuser, who cannot live there while the Order is in force.

Those officers attending the GBV course are expected to familiarise themselves with the Act so they can properly advise complainants and, when required, submit applications for Orders to the Courts on their behalf.

While the programme is currently only being run in three of the country’s regions, it is scheduled to be held in all regions, involving thousands of policemen, who will be placed at stations nationwide.

Hopefully, abused women will now be better served when they lodge complaints at police stations, leading to an increase in convictions and a decline in the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence.

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Man allegedly murdered over Spanish girls

A 24-year-old Venezuelan man identified as Tony Birza, also known as “Bush,” was allegedly murdered after stopping at “road corner” to speak to two Spanish girls at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo, around 00:45hrs on Sunday.

According to Police Headquarters, Birza and his brother were imbibing at a shop in Ruby Backdam on Saturday evening when they left the shop around 21:35hrs and proceeded home on a bicycle, along the Ruby Backdam road.

Whilst heading home, Birza and his brother stopped at a shed which is situated on the eastern end of the said road to speak to the two Spanish girls, and in the process of doing so, the suspect who is known to them approached the victim and a heated argument ensued between them.

The police reported that the argument quickly escalated and the suspect reached into the waist of his pants, drew a long, shiny object and dealt the victim one stab to the left side of his abdomen, before making good his escape on foot to an unknown destination.

An alarm was immediately raised by the victim’s brother, which resulted in several persons in the area rushing to their assistance.

A search was also conducted for the suspect but this proved futile.

The police were later summoned, the body was examined and a single stab wound to the left abdominal area of the victim was observed.

The body was then escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where it was seen and examined by Dr. Tewarhri, who pronounced the victim dead on arrival.

The body was further escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it is awaiting an autopsy to determine cause of death.

The police are investigating the matter.

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ICC world T20 Group One…

Each team scenario for making it to the semi-finals With each team having played three matches in Group 1, here is a look at what they need to do to qualify for the semi-finals.

England Played: 3, Points: 6, NRR: 3.948, Remaining matches: vs Sri Lanka, South Africa England have been in outstanding form so far, winning each of their three matches with plenty to spare, but they aren’t quite assured of a semi-final place yet. If they lose their last two matches - as ridiculous as that sounds - and remain on six points, it is possible for both Australia and South Africa to leapfrog them and finish on eight. One more win should suffice, though: even though they could still be tied on eight with Australia and South Africa, their net run rate should be enough to take them through.

South Africa Played: 3, Points: 4, NRR: 0.210, Remaining matches: vs Bangladesh, England South Africa have won two and lost one, and one of their remaining games is against the form team of their group. If they beat Bangladesh and lose to England, they will be at the mercy of other results as both England and Australia can move up to eight points. Even with four wins, it could come down to NRR if Australia win

their last two, and if England beat Sri Lanka.

Australia Played: 3, Points: 4, NRR: -0.627, Remaining matches: vs Bangladesh, West Indies Australia’s net run rate has taken a battering after their defeat against England, but despite this huge loss, they are reasonably placed with two wins in three games. Their last two games are against the bottom two teams in the group, but neither can be taken lightly. Australia will want to win both, because it is possible for England and South Africa to get up to eight points.

Sri Lanka Played: 3, Points: 2, NRR: -0.350, Remaining matches: vs England, West Indies Sri Lanka will have to

win their last two matches and then hope other results go their way. Their best-case scenario will be if both Australia and South Africa lose their two remaining matches.

In that case, England (8 points) and Sri Lanka (6) will qualify, with all the other teams stuck on four.

There is a possibility of five teams being on four points each if England finish on 10, but that is not a fight Sri Lanka will want to get into.

West Indies Played: 3, Points: 2, NRR: -1.598, Remaining matches: vs Sri Lanka, Australia West Indies’ NRR is the worst among the six teams in Group 1, so they will not want any scenarios where run rates come into play (unless they achieve

huge wins in their last two games). Like Sri Lanka, their best-case scenario will be if Australia and South Africa lose their two remaining matches and stay on four points. Then, West Indies can qualify with six if they win their two remaining matches.

Bangladesh Played: 3, Points: 0, NRR: -1.069, Remaining matches: vs South Africa, Australia If England win all their matches and other teams distribute their wins evenly, it is still possible that five teams will be on four points each, fighting for the second semi-final spot. Bangladesh, though, will also have to win big to improve their NRR, which is currently languishing at -1.069

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New Zealand quicks secure win against India

(ESPNCRICINFO) - India’s chances of making the semi-finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup is in complicated territory after their comprehensive defeat at the hands of New Zealand on Sunday.

Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner take responsibility for this stunning turn of

events - geddit? their eight overs costing a mere 32 runs while also securing the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

With Pakistan all but assured of one semi-final spot and New Zealand joining Afghanistan for the other one, India’s campaign is now at risk of coming to an earlier

close than expected.

The plan that backfired India used to play T20s like ODIs, focusing on singles and twos and believing that boundaries are just bonuses; a consequence of time spent in the middle.

Then they were beaten by a six-happy West Indies in the 2016 World Cup and had to

wake up.

This format demands an experiment or three, a change or five. So they invested in a different kind of player. The kind who could hit sixes from ball one. Like Ishan Kishan.

He opened the batting here ahead of the established Rohit Sharma and fell in the third over. #BestLaidPlans

Early wickets are crucial against this Indian team. A lot of their limited-overs success is built on having one of the top three going deep into an innings. New Zealand did well to deny that luxury as Tim Southee and Trent Boult took out the openers within the powerplay and set the stage for the headline act.

The spin strangle India went 71 balls between the sixth and the 17th overs without hitting a single boundary. Such was the control that Santner and Sodhi had over this game.

The trick was in the lengths they bowled. Both spinners were careful not to stray so full that a batter could plant his front foot down and launch them out of the park. They were equally cautious about never giving them the room to free the arms as well.

Hitting that in-between spot repeatedly while also targeting the stumps, enabled Santner and Sodhi to put so much pressure on India that they eventually crumbled to their second-lowest total in T20I history --110 for 7.

The adaptation malfunction Dubai is a tough place to set a total. Conditions are at their hardest at the start of the game before dew comes in during the second innings and helps the ball come onto the bat. Both teams were well aware of this vagary but only one of them could properly adapt to it.

Take Kohli’s wicket, for example. India were 48 for 3 in the 11th over and he’d made only 9 off 16 balls; dire. Yes, but he needed to forget about all that and just bat the 20 overs. He needed to be like the lead in that meme that goes “this is fine” while the whole building burns. But he panicked.

Instead of playing for the back end of the innings, when it becomes noticeably easier to score runs, he succumbed to the pressure and played a low-percentage shot. Sodhi had bowled that ball -- a tossed up leg-break that dipped at the last second -- looking for that shot and had the Indian captain caught at long-on.

With New Zealand’s bowlers having done the lion’s share of the work, their batters were able to go out and chase the target down with zero pressure on them. Daryl Mitchell then made things even easier, top-scoring with 49 off 35 balls, as his team raced to the finish line with eight wickets and 33 balls to spare.

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Afghanistan’s positive streak continues with win over Namibia (ESPNCRICINFO) Two nights after running Pakistan close, Afghanistan proved their experience on the big stage was a bridge too far for Namibia. Asghar Afghan, Afghanistan’s most successful T20I captain, was given a winning send off into retirement as the team notched up their second win in three games to stay second on the Group 2 table.

A robust powerplay Afghanistan swear by runs on the board template. And their approach so far has been to go hard in the powerplay. That

didn’t change on Sunday as they raced to 50 for 0 in the first six. Denied much of the strike early on, Mohammad Shahzad played second fiddle to the burly left-handed Hazratullah Zazai. Namibia were in dire need of wickets as Ruben Trumpelmann, who took three wickets in his very first over in their last game, coming in for some tap from the openers.

The slowdown Overs 7-10 brought just one boundary as leg-spinner Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton cleverly used angles and deception in flight to spin a web. He troubled

Rahmanullah Gurbaz with sharp leg-breaks and then snuffed him out lbw with a full ball at the stroke of the 10th over. Shahzad fell soon after for 45, consumed by his own shot selection and heat as a strategically placed flyslip accounted for him in the 13th over.

The farewell An emotional Asghar walked out to a guard of honour from the Namibians, and aware of the need to take the innings deep, like they did the other night, nudged the ball around until Mohammad Nabi came out

to bat in the 16th over.

While he looked comfortable to pick runs, Asghar couldn’t bring out the big hits, eventually falling to a failed scoop for 31 off 23. Afghanistan managed three fours and a six in the last two overs, all off Nabi, to eventually finish with 160 for 5, Nabi making 32 not out off 17 balls.

The early strikes Craig Williams was out fourth ball of the chase, toe-ending a lofted hit to mid-on. Then Michael van Lingen was deceived by a well-disguised back-of-the-hand slower one from Naveen-ul-Haq

that he top-edged while attempting a half-hearted pull to short fine leg. They were 16 for 2 in the third over.

The comeback Ravaged by injuries to his shoulder, back, ankle, knees, Hassan, at 34, is significantly slower in pace but tries and makes up for it with his control. Five years after last featuring in a T20I, he returned to pick up the big wickets of Gerhard Erasmus and JJ Smit, who was instrumental in finishing off their chase against Scotland. The chase had well and truly derailed at

the halfway mark.

Then Rashid Khan, who came in to bowl in the eighth over, finished a spell in one go, for once not leaving his captain to worry about juggling his trump card, to finish with 4-0-14-1 to leave him one short of 400 T20 wickets. Barring David Wiese, none of the other Namibian batters offered any kind of assuredness. Eventually, he was taken out by Hassan with a superb yorker for a third wicket, by which time the Afghan party had well and truly begun.

(BBC) - West Ham pushed their top-four credentials as they thrashed 10-man Aston Villa to condemn them to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat.

The result leaves David Moyes’ side level on points with third-placed Manchester City in fourth, while Villa remain 15th, three points above the bottom three.

Ben Johnson opened the scoring for the visitors with a low drive into the bottom left corner from 18 yards after being picked out by Declan Rice’s cross-field pass.

And Rice drove into the same corner to restore the Hammers’ lead after Ollie Watkins had swept home an equaliser following good work from Emiliano Buendia near the byline.

Though Villa rallied and saw Watkins head against the bar from John McGinn’s cross their hopes of taking anything from the contest were ultimately undermined by Ezri Konsa’s dismissal for a foul on Jarrod Bowen.

The central defender was sent off with the Hammers forward judged to be through on goal and moments after Kortney Hause escaped punishment for a challenge on Pablo Fornals.

“It wasn’t a red card, “ said Villa boss Dean Smith. “The referee saw it in real time and thought the ball was going towards the goal. It amazes me, it wasn’t going towards the

goal - and Ashley Young was covering. That staggers me.”

With Villa pressing forward for an equaliser, Fornals tapped in a third on the break and Bowen rounded off the scoring for West Ham with another close-range finish into an empty net after good work from Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini.

West Ham’s victory epitomised their fine start to the campaign and they have now earned more points at this stage of the season than any other, bar 1975-76.

Moyes’ side building momentum While there is still a considerable distance to go until prizes and European places are confirmed next May, momen-

tum and hope appears to be building at West Ham. Moyes’ side have been excellent on three fronts this term, with a superb Premier League start, reaching the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and taking charge of their Europa League group with three straight wins.

And there is also a positivity and attacking impetus attached to his side that has perhaps not always been present in his previous jobs elsewhere.

Rather than sitting back at Villa Park they went straight after their out-of-sorts opponents and the likes of Bowen, Tomas Soucek and Antonio all had good opportunities to double their lead before the home side levelled.

Rice’s goal owed a little

to luck with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez complaining that he had been unsighted by the England midfielder’s effort from distance.

However, after Konsa’s red

card, they were thoroughly professional and eventually made their extra man count.

Villa, who started Leon Bailey for the first time and lost Jacob Ramsey to a first-half

injury, will consider themselves unfortunate in moments but they were also far too passive early on, and with a man down, paid the price for having to constantly chase the game.

West Ham down 10-man Aston Villa

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday, November 01, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 18 times (2) Eoin Morgan --71* (Pallekelle, Sri Lanka, 2012) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was declared “Man of the Tournament” in the first ever Men’s T20 World Cup? (2) Which nation won the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2009?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2021

Cricket West Indies names squads for second three-day warm up match

C r i c k e t We s t I n d i e s (CWI), today, announced the two teams for the second and final Best v Best three-day match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

The match will be played from Monday, November 1 to Wednesday November 3. The teams will again be led by Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood.

The Selection Panel

has made several changes with most of the bowlers switching sides to offer the batters preparation against different types of bowling and vice versa. Fast bowlers, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Preston McSween and Chemar Holder, along with spinners Imran Khan and Jomel Warrican are now on the Brathwaite team. Fast bowlers, Shannon Gabriel, Nial Smith

and Jayden Seales, along with spinners, Rahkeem Cornwall and Veerasammy Permaul, are now on the Blackwood Team.

The first Best v Best match was played at the same venue last week. The highlights were centuries

by Nkrumah Bonner (166 not out) and Shai Hope (100 not out).

West Indies players are using the Best v Best series

(ESPNCRICINFO) Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of Bangladesh’s remaining matches in the T20 World Cup because of a hamstring injury.

Shakib has not recovered sufficiently from the injury he picked up in his left leg during the game against West Indies on Friday, and after a 48hour observation period, the team medical staff decided to rule him out.

“Shakib sustained a left lower hamstring strain while fielding during the match against the West Indies,” team doctor Debashis Chowdhury said in a statement. “In clinical examination, it was diagnosed as an injury of Grade 1 intensity. He is ruled out

from participation in the last two matches of the tournament and until further review.”

B a n g l a d e s h ’s s t a r all-rounder pulled up when chasing a ball in the fifth over of the match. He went off the field briefly at the time but returned to complete his four overs, even though he hobbled around and was spotted clutching the back of his left leg on occasion.

Shakib later opened the innings, for the first time in international cricket, in a bid to use his physical limitations during the powerplay, but visibly limped while taking singles before being dismissed for 9.

Bangladesh, after getting through the first round

of the competition, have struggled, losing all their three games so far. Qualifying for the knockouts looks improbable for them anyway, and Shakib’s absence can only make things tougher for them.

Wicketkeeper-batter, Nurul Hasan, is another injury worry; he missed the West Indies game with a lower midriff injury. The team doctor has asked him to rest untill November 1.

Bangladesh’s next match is against South Africa on November 2, and their last Super 12s game is against Australia on November 4. They are scheduled to play three T20Is and two Tests against Pakistan shortly after the T20 World Cup.

as part of their preparations for a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka next month.

West Indies will have a four-day warm-up match in Colombo from November 14 to 17. The Test matches will follow on November 21 to 25 and November 29 to December 3. Both Test matches will be played at the Galle International Stadium.

The series is the sec-

ond of six series, three at home and three away, that West Indies will play in the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship. (Please see ICC World Test Championship table).

B r a t h w a i t e Te a m : Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Shamarh Brooks, Joshua Da Silva, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Imran Khan, Kyle Mayers, Preston

McSween, Kemar Roach, Jeremy Solozano and Jomel Warrican.

Blackwood Team: Jermaine Blackwood (captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Kavem Hodge, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Jayden Seales and Nial Smith

Shakib out of world cup

Shakib Al Hasan clutches his left hamstring while bowling during the game against West Indies (AFP/Getty Images)

Bulls end Jazz’s unbeaten run

The Jazz were protecting the last unbeaten record of the new NBA season

(BBC) - DeMar DeRozan top-scored with 32 points as the Chicago Bulls ended the Utah Jazz’s unbeaten start to the season.

The Bulls, who are now 5-1 for the season, led by 17 at one stage before holding out for a 107-99 win.

The Jazz, defending the last remaining unbeaten NBA record, had made their best start to a season since 200607.

Zach LaVine, playing despite a thumb sprain, added 26 points for the Bulls and Nikola Vucevic added 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Reigning champions the Milwaukee Bucks were beaten 102-93 by the San Antonio Spurs, who recorded their first away victory of the

season.

Dejounte Murray and Bryn Forbes led the charge as five players hit double figures for the Spurs against a Bucks side struggling with injuries.

Elsewhere, the Washington Wizards continued their impressive start to the season beating the Boston Celtics 115-112 in double overtime. Bradley Beal scored a team-high of 36 points while Kyle Kuzuma recorded a career-high 17 rebounds as the Wizards matched their best start since 2005-06.

Jerami Grant scored 22 points as the Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 110103, the Denver Nuggets edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 93-91 in a close encounter and the Miami

Heat comfortably beat the Memphis Grizzlies 129-103, with Jimmy Butler scoring a game-high 27 points.

RJ Barrett scored a career-high 35 points as the New York Knicks beat the Pelicans 123-117, the Philadelphia 76ers recorded their second win in a row with victory over the Atlanta Hawks and the Phoenix Suns overcame a slow start to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Toronto Raptors edged the Indiana Pacers 97-94 with rookie Scott Barnes scoring 21 points, as the Golden State Warriors recorded a convincing victory over the Oklahoma CityThunder.

Saturday’s NBA results

Washington Wizards 115 --112 Boston Celtics Detroit Pistons 110 --103 Orlando Magic New Orleans Pelicans 117--123 New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers 122-94 Atlanta Hawks Indiana Pacers 94-- 97 Toronto Raptors Chicago Bulls 107-- 99 Utah Jazz Memphis Grizzlies 103-129 Miami Heat Milwaukee Bucks 93-102 San Antonio Spurs M i n n e s o t a Ti m b e rwolves 91--93 Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors 103--82 Oklahoma City Thunder Phoenix Suns 101-- 92 Cleveland Cavaliers

GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY NOVEMBER 1,

2021

23

US Ambassador hails GGA for Cancer Awareness Programme United States Ambassador, Her Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch expressed her support for the Nexgen Golf Academy Cancer Awareness 5th Annual Golf event on Friday afternoon when she joined dozens of players who came out to participate.

Ambassador Lynch said “I applaud Aleem and his team for this amazing setting and his continued support for a wonderful cause. I hope that this serves as an example and leads to more events for charity across the country.”

The Ambassador, on behalf of Nexgen Golf and Maraiko Bay Resorts, Assuria General Insurance, Toolsie Persaud Ltd and H. Nauth & Sons, presented a check to Ms. Monette Harry from the

Cancer Institute who thanked the donors. “This has become an annual event that needs little co-ordination since we’ve had the support from Nexgen and Mr. Hussain for so many years, and it’s getting bigger and better!”

Ambassador Lynch then went on to take a golf lesson and demonstrate that her talents extended beyond diplomacy as she exceeded even her own expectations by hitting the ball close to the 100-yard marker, prompting her comment, “Aleem has finally convinced me to play after many years and this facility, so close to the Embassy, will make it much easier for me to join Kevin when he’s next here.”

Amongst those in attendance were Ian Lee Chung,

US Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch displaying her skills with the golf club

US Ambassador Her Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch presents a prize to one of the participants Winners were as folExecutive Director of the fight.” to the development of Golf Private Sector Commission; The Pink-themed event, nationwide by Nexgen con- lows: Roberto Reale, Country Man- which was co-ordinated by tinues to defy expectations ager American-Caribe; Rudy Ms. Dianne Innis of Par- and the next phase would be Women Ramalingum, COO Mara- ty Castle, was set on the the building of courses and First Place: Jennifer iko Bay; Yogendra Arjune, lawns of the golf academy facilities to train golfers.

General Manager Assuria and guests were treated to Hussain said, “We have Timmins Second Place: Rebecca General Insurance; Mohamed food and beverages which laid the foundation and plantMajeed, general manager H. were served by the UG Sec- ed the seeds for growth and Wills Third place: Hardeevi Nauth & Sons; and Halim ond Year medical students in our discussions with Noel, ‘Noel’ Khan, president of the who volunteered, in advance, we will see rapid growth of Parsad Region 3 Private Sector; Dep- their first luncheon event set the sport in Region Three.

Men uty Mayor, Alfred Mentore for next Saturday at the same We hope that this model of First: Devindra Raghuand Deputy Speaker, Lenox venue, along with compli- co-operation and promotion Shuman. mentary massages provided is adopted by everyone as it bansi Second: Kelvin Doman Hussain said to the gath- by Modfin Salon & Spa. has produced proven results.”

Third: Deputy Speaker, ering, “We all know someone Hussain was joined by AlMeanwhile, the in-house who has been affected by lied Arts Unit Sports Co-ordi- golf competition that saw Lenox Shuman cancer (our family lost Dr. nator, Kurt Braithwaite, after defending Guyana and BarJuniors Abu Bakar Hussain) several their return from training at bados Women’s Champion, First: Adam Arjune years ago, so this is some- eight secondary schools in Julie Stevenson, showcasing Second: Rishi Jhaveri what personal and rest as- Region Two. Mr. Braithwaite her talent ahead of her deThird: Rebecca Reale sured, we will continue the emphasized that the response fence of her title on Saturday.

SEE PAGE 21

Rashid Khan and teammates bid goodbye to Asghar Afghan, Afghanistan vs Namibia, T20 World Cup, Group 2, Abu Dhabi, October 31, 2021 © ICC/Getty Images

Afghanistan’s positive streak continues with win over Namibia SEE PAGE 20

Ish Sodhi is mobbed by his teammates after getting the wicket of Virat Kohli AFP/Getty Images

New Zealand quicks secure win against India

Kishore, London new Male/Female GTT Guyana Open champs VETERAN golfers, Avinda Kishore and Shanella London, were crowned respective new Male/Female champions of the GTT Guyana Open Golf tour-

nament.

Some 76 golfers from across the world and Guyana battled for the coveted winner’s jacket and title, as both golfers bagged their second

title in their career.

Kishore, commonly called ‘Ganguly’ on the Course, ended with overall winning statistics of a Best Gross of 137 and Net 131,

bouncing back from being under par for most of the competition. He dethroned his brother, Avinash Persaud, Guyana’s longest reigning and most decorated champ.

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The former 10 time champ, Persaud, ended with a Gross of 145 and Net 147.

For the women, London and then reigning champ, Christine Sukhram, both had

a Gross 160 (Best Net of the tournament 136), before winning on a countback, as former champ, Dr. Joaan Deo settled for third with a Gross 165.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2021