Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_02_02_2021

TUESDAY

Happy New Year

2nd February, 2021

' No.106260

Guyana to receive 100,000+ Astrazeneca vaccine doses SEE PAGE 03

–– as country intensifies efforts to secure, distribute vaccines for COVID-19

‘Worrying’ tremors still affecting South Rupununi communities 02 PAGE

‘Exxon’ spent over $77.5B on Guyanese-owned 04 businesses PAGE

New Canadian High Commissioner accredited SEE PAGE 09

High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Guyana, Mark Berman presenting his Letters of Credence to President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday (Office of the President photo)

Brothers killed, two injured in Corentyne stabbing 08 PAGE

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

‘Worrying’ tremors still affecting South Rupununi communities –– expert says ‘aftershocks’ are normal, unlikely that oil exploration caused earthquake

By Vishani Ragobeer THOUGH a 5.7 earthquake struck Guyana and parts of Brazil on Sunday afternoon, some communities in South Rupununi, which are close to the epicentre of the earthquake, still experienced continuous tremors well into Monday.

The earthquake, which struck the South Rupununi area of Guyana on Sunday, resulted in tremors of varying intensities throughout Guyana and in Boa Vista, Brazil. The brunt of the natural disaster was felt in the South Rupununi area, where several buildings and earthen surfaces were damaged.

On Monday Regional Chairman of Region Nine, Brian Allicock, told the Guyana Chronicle that the communities of Katoonarib, Sawariwau and Aishalton were among those more seriously affected:

a few houses collapsed and some roads were cracked.

“What happened [on Sunday], that lasted for quite a while in Aishalton. The vibrations, very ugly vibrations, lasted for about one minute and it got a lot of people scared and houses were damaged,” Toshao of Aishalton Michael Thomas related during a telephone interview.

He also highlighted that on Monday morning, around 06:23hrs, there was another earthquake-like occurrence that shook the community for about 12 seconds. He said individuals living in zinc-roofed houses, in particular, felt this latter occurrence.

Thomas said his community has been rattled since it is quite uncommon for an earthquake, albeit a moderate one as this, to affect the area. Even so, Aishalton has been spared from what is perhaps the most concerning activity, following

Sunday’s earthquake; that is, continuous tremors, occurring at 10 to 15-minute intervals.

In the community of Katoonarib, which is approximately an hour’s drive away from Aishalton, Thomas related that there have been these intermittent tremors, which have been of much concern to the community.

Katoonarib, due to its location in the deep South Rupununi, does not have great network connectivity. The Guyana Chronicle, however, was able to confirm the constant tremors with regional officials.

In an interview with this newspaper, Research Fellow at the University of the West Indies (UWI)’s Seismic Research Centre, Lloyd Lynch, related that the occurrence of such tremors after an earthquake is normal.

In simple terms, an earthquake is caused by sudden

The damage caused by the earthquake in South Rupununi (South Rupununi District Council photo)

movement of the material that makes up the earth’s crust. The shaking that is felt is caused by the energy that is released in waves which travel through this crust following a sudden release of ‘stress’ caused by the continuous movements of the earth’s tectonic plates (which are pieces of the earth’s crust).

And Lynch explained that, simply, sometimes a rupture is not complete following the earthquake. Therefore, the area experiencing the ‘stress’ would have some aftershocks spreading throughout the space.

“It’s highly unlikely that [these aftershocks] will lead to something stronger,” the research fellow noted, while explaining that such occurrences gradually lose their strength as the days go by. Nevertheless, he highlighted that the gradual decline is not an absolute occurrence; it is possible for the tremors to become stronger.

Addressing questions raised about whether it was the oil exploration offshore that contributed to the earthquake in Guyana, Lynch responded: “Guyana is new in the exploration and extraction business, so it is highly un-

likely that would’ve triggered earthquakes.”

Lynch noted that Guyana is located on what is known as a stable continental region. This means that earthquakes are not expected to be frequent, devastating occurrences.

But even so, he emphasised that this does not mean that Guyana is completely safe from earthquakes and that the country should ensure that it plans well for such potentially devastating occurrences.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Guyana to receive 100,000+ Astrazeneca vaccine doses –– as country intensifies efforts to secure, distribute vaccines for COVID-19 there be some sort of ‘normalcy’.

To cater for the deployment of vaccines, Guyana’s vaccination capacity has been bolstered. Since Guyana was not yet sure which of the COVID-19 vaccines it will receive, in anticipation, the country secured the necessary cold chain infrastructure to ensure that it is equipped to store the vaccines at temperatures that are cold enough.

Additionally, healthcare workers are being trained to administer the vaccines to adults, since a majority of Guyana’s vaccination regime deals with immunising children. Also, since COVID-19 vaccines require two doses over a period of time, copious record-keeping must be done.

Health workers must also be trained to spot and treat potential side-effects of the vaccine, though these are not common.

Previously, Dr. Anthony highlighted that the local health authorities should have the capacity to administer about 7,000 vaccines per day once the rollout process begins. The minister also noted before that healthcare workers and elderly persons with comorbidities (other underlying medical conditions) will receive the vaccines first.

The Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine which Guyana is expected to receive nearly 104,000 doses of

By Vishani Ragobeer AS Guyana intensifies its efforts to secure vaccines needed to immunise the population from the virus, COVID-19, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony announced that the country will soon receive nearly 104,000 vaccine doses from the COVAX facility, a global vaccination alliance.

Months ago, Guyana signed up with the COVAX facility, which is geared at accelerating the development and manufacture of the COVID-19 vaccines, and then providing them in a guaranteed rapid, fair and equitable manner. And, under this mechanism, Guyana is expected to receive its first set of vaccines to cover about 20 per cent of the population for free.

“We are going to be very happy that they (COVAX) have indicated to us that we are going to get 104,000 doses as a start and we would be working closely with them to see when these vaccines will be arriving in Guyana,” the minister highlighted on Monday, during his COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The vaccines expected are the Astrazeneca vaccine,

otherwise called the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine, which have received emergency use authorisation in the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), India and other countries. This is a two-dose vaccine, meaning that once one receives one dose of the vaccine, one will have to return sometime after to acquire the second dose.

According to the BBC, this vaccine is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (known as an adenovirus) from chimpanzees. It has been modified to look more like coronavirus, although it cannot cause illness, and when the vaccine is injected into a patient, it prompts the immune system to start making antibodies and primes it to attack any coronavirus infection.

“Research has shown it is highly effective. No one given the vaccine in trials developed severe COVID or needed hospital treatment,” the BBC reported.

Importantly, this vaccine, unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that have been distributed in few countries around the world, does not require cold or ultra-cold storage. It can be stored in the normal fridge, which makes it easier to distribute and

more suitable for global south countries like Guyana.

The minister explained that this vaccine is currently before the World Health Organisation (WHO), for emergency use listing. Once that approval has been granted by the global health authority, Dr Anthony affirmed that Guyana will then be in line to receive the vaccines.

MORE VACCINES In addition to this newly announced allocation, on Saturday, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that China has agreed to donate 20,000 doses of its COVID-19 vaccines to Guyana. He also assured that the Government is “aggressively” pursuing all avenues to secure vaccines.

This includes engaging many of Guyana’s international partners, such as India, China and Russia, who have been developing and manufacturing vaccines, in addition to major vaccine manufacturers including Pfizer-BioNTec and Moderna.

Widespread vaccination is the “exit strategy” for the pandemic; this means that only when about 80 per cent of the population is immunised through vaccination or through recovering after contracting the virus, would

A graphic explaining how the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine works (Source: BBC)

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

‘Exxon’ boasts having spent over $77.5B on Guyanese-owned businesses to date –– made tremendous headway in the area of local content

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

By Tamica Garnett EXXONMOBIL reports having spent $77.5 billion on Guyanese-owned businesses since 2015, and grown its workforce to reflect a local-content capacity of over 56 per cent.

That’s according to Company officials during the virtual opening ceremony of the “Guyana Suppliers Forum 2021” on Monday.

ExxonMobil Guyana Production Manager, Mike Ryan

Of the total sum expended on Guyanese-owned businesses thus far, Exxon says, approximately $31 billion was spent in 2020 alone on some 806 companies, representing an approximate 29 per cent increase on the over $24 billion it had reportedly spent in 2019.

“We are very proud of the progress that we have made with local content. Over time, we have progressed efforts with continued growth in hiring and

Tuesday February 2, 2021 –– 9:00HRS Wednesday February 3, 2021 –– 9:03HRS

development of personnel, and expansion in the area of supplier utilisation in three years, growing from less than 500 Guyanese personnel to over 2300, and from less than 100 vendors to over 800 vendors in 2020,” Company Production Manager Mike Ryan shared during his video remarks at the Forum.

According to Ryan, notwithstanding the constraints of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, which greatly affected the economy in 2020, the ‘Exxon’ workforce grew to over 4100. The over 2300 Guyanese at the company, he said, represent a 21 per cent increase in Guyanese labour when compared with the 1900 that were on the team in 2019.

Much of the growth in terms of local-business involvement has been credited to the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), established in 2017 by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd, an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation in collaboration with DAI Global, LLC. Monday’s Forum, which was a CLDB initiative, was aimed at providing a unique virtual platform for Guyanese suppliers to receive up-to-date

information on the procurement process, key contacts, upcoming and longer-term tenders directly from ExxonMobil Guyana and its leading prime contractors.

“For ExxonMobil, it is important that we have, and that we continue to grow our local supply chain, and that local businesses get a chance to participate in the development of Guyanese oil and gas,” ExxonMobil Guyana President,

Alistair Routledge said during his presentation. “This Forum is an opportunity for us to explain our business; show you the progress we are making, and for you to engage us,” he added.

Routledge commended the strides that the company has been making in catering to local content.

“I am delighted with the progress we’ve made to date, spending over $77.5 billion on

The minister was at pains to emphasise that it is vital that the country has a proper business policy to address gaps and identify internal factors, and explore relationships with the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) strategies.

“Guyana’s current development of the oil and gas which will allow for improved economic growth and social activities necessitate that there be better standards and pro-

over 800 local companies,” he said, adding: “But this is only the start, and this is the opportunity for them to continue to grow and be part of the development of Guyana oil and gas resources.”

Also making remarks at the Forum was Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, who disclosed that his ministry will be establishing a Local-Content Secretariat to look at the sustainable management of the local supply chain between the oil-and- gas companies and local businesses.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources will be establishing a local-content secretariat to coordinate all activities on local supply chain management at a national level,” Minister Bharrat said, adding: “This will be complementary in our efforts to understand local authority and oil-and-gas companies, concerns, motivation and strategies in dealing with local content policies.”

cedures that provide for the sustainability of the industry’s supply chain. Hence, SSCM practices must include firm internal factors that affect the sustainability strategies employed by different functional areas of its supply chain,” the Minister said.

He stated that the proposed secretariat will work along with the CLBD to provide opportunities for well-established businesses, and commended the hosting of the Forum.

The “Guyana Suppliers Forum 2021” commenced on Monday, and will run until February 5. Day One entailed presentations from the MNR, the Private Sector Commission, ExxonMobil Guyana, Tullow, and 10 prime contractors from the oil-and-gas sector, while from February 2-5, the event will be used for discussions between the suppliers and the oil-and-gas companies.

TURN TO PAGE

05

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Security guards protest for unpaid salaries

OVER 30 security guards attached to the Integrated Security Services, and stationed at various posts in Black Bush Polder, East Berbice, Corentyne on Monday staged a protest, calling on the company to pay them for the two months they worked and did not receive their salaries.

The workers gathered in front of the Mibicuri Hospital with their placards as they demanded payment of their December and January salaries. They are also calling on the company to provide them with their leave package allowance, which they contend has not been honoured for the past three years.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday was Sukhdeo Mathura, 34, who is stationed at the Mibicuri Hospital, and said life has been very tough for him since he had not been paid.

“We want we salary right now! I living with meh mother, and I do this job to support us. If did living far; I don’t know what would have happened. Is a good thing I can ride meh bicycle to work,” he said.

Some of the workers during the protest on Monday

He claims that even though monies have been deducted from their salaries for NIS contributions, they have not been paid to the Scheme.

“We want we money for the past two months and we leave package for the past three years now; we don’t want to wait anymore. Plus, I am asking for all the security guards here for them to pay we NIS, so we can get we benefits,” Mathura said.

Norma Singh, 59, related that it has been a difficult two months for her and her family, who made it past Christmas without any money. And

now that February is here, she wants her money now.

“I collect my November salary in December; me nah had no money to spend over Christmas, and I expect by early January we woulda get paid. We in February now, and I don’t want to wait anymore; I need my money now,” Norma said.

Marlene Punch, 61, who has been working hard all her life, and was looking forward to receiving her benefits and relaxing, got the shock of her life when she applied for her NIS pension, only to be told that she is ineligible, because

there were no contributions since 2017.

“I applied when I was 59 for my NIS pension, only to be told since 2017 no contributions has been made,” Marlene said, adding: “I call and call, and they said it has been paid. I got a print-out from Port Mourant NIS; one from New Amsterdam, and Skeldon and went to Georgetown and get one, too, and show them, but they saying it paid. I am old; is just me and a li’l boy. That NIS money can do me well; I worked for it, and I should enjoy it. Look

meh pay slip; it showing they deduct $2,500 or how much every month. I want me contributions paid, my leave package and my salary.”

Single-mother of two, Simone Bissoon also echoed similar sentiments, and like her colleagues, she is hoping the company can understand their plight and pay them immediately.

“Since Christmas pass, yuh ain’t seeing $20,” she said. “Rain, sun and shine, we deh pon it, and they ain’t paying we. It’s unacceptable!

Yuh t’ink it easy to work for $40,000 ah month then gotta wait a whole two months to get one month pay?”

The Guyana Chronicle reached out to the company for a response to the claims made by the workers, but was told that a senior official who speaks with the media was unavailable at the time, but will return our call. Up to press time, the call had still not been returned.

FROM PAGE

‘Exxon’ boasts having spent over ...

4

Delivering remarks on behalf of the PSC was its Chairman, Nicholas Deygoo, who lauded the hosting of the forum as a vital means of ensuring that local businesses are well informed, and are given an opportunity to benefit from Guyana’s oil-and-gas sector.

“Further, with Guyana working to develop a robust local-content policy, this will allow for greater Guyanese participation as our economy develops. We look forward to continued ventures of this nature to build capacity,” he said.

This is the second hosting of the event, with some 300 local businesses having attended the forum when it was first held in 2018 at the Marriott Hotel.

This year, over 2700 businesses were invited to take part in the Forum.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

A better world post-COVID GLOBAL leaders, last week, engaged in a worldwide live streaming virtual event for an important international conversation, The Davos Agenda - an elite think tank that the World Economic Forum hosted from January 25th to 29th, to brain storm on the new world emerging post-COVID, and out of this glimpse into the future from masterminds, brilliant futurists and global planners, the shape of the future of the global village looks like an extraordinary, powerfully progressive world order, with a significant role for Guyana.

The World Economic Forum describes the event thus: “The Davos Agenda is a pioneering mobilisation of global leaders to shape the principles, policies and partnerships needed in this challenging new context. It is essential for leaders from all walks of life to work together virtually for a more inclusive, cohesive and sustainable future as soon as possible in 2021.”

This vital confab of world leaders from business, government, and global organisations sets out four areas that need urgent attention in 2021: “The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that

no institution or individual alone can address the economic, environmental, social and technological challenges of our complex, interdependent world. The pandemic has accelerated systemic changes that were apparent before its inception. The fault lines that emerged in 2020 now appear as critical crossroads in 2021.”

Guyana is emerging as a major oil and gas producer, with its international role taking on an important tone, especially given the country's parallel simultaneous agenda to be a global leader in sustainable development, for preservation of the natural environment, and to protect nature's ecosystem. In the environmental department of the four impact areas that The Davos Agenda outlines, Guyana is a major world player in the environmental field, with 80+ per cent of its landmass covered in lush green virgin forests. Of course, in the other three areas - economics, social and technological, Guyana would want to make sure the country is well-positioned as a progressive nation. One of the major impacts that came out of the Davos Agenda is an urgent worldwide commitment to drastically reduce carbon emissions, work with serious intent on climate change, and cause

reforestation across the earth.

The Davos Agenda ended with three impact areas, which every country in the world, including Guyana, would align with to play a real role in the international community.

These three impact areas are: building awareness and cooperation through bringing together “leaders from business, government, international organisations, academia, civil society and youth to work together to drive positive change”, shaping mindsets and agendas to “influence Government priorities, business strategies and public opinion”, and driving collective action, from “saving lives through childhood vaccination to improving the productivity of small-scale farms”, according to a World Economic Forum brief after the event.

The Davos Agenda 2021 announced 11 initiatives for the world to tackle this year: the COVID Action Platform, involving 40 plus projects around the world; bringing racial justice to the workplace, an initiative that involves nearly 50 global firms; using blockchain to track and reduce carbon emissions; fostering a multi-generational inclusive workforce, whereby “50 global companies representing more

than two million employees and $1 trillion in annual revenue have come together with the World Economic Forum, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and AARP to create the Living Learning and Earning Longer initiative. The initiative curates a digital platform that employers can use to find case studies, statistics and research on the advantages of a multi-generational workforce”; improving physical and mental health in cities; using technology to combat plastic pollution, through a Global Plastic Action Partnership project in Ghana; building a global response to cybersecurity risks, because “by 2025, next-generation technology could overwhelm the defences of the global security community -- unless we act now. Businesses are building a global response to these cybersecurity risks through the Future Series: Cybercrime 2025. The joint programme of work brings together more than 150 global experts from the world’s leading companies, research institutions and public-policy departments to enable organisations to share and develop research, insights and responses to future risks as a community”; charting a

course for cities to reach net zero - “from clean electrification to efficient buildings and smart infrastructure, a new initiative will help cities chart a course towards a net-zero carbon future. Nine cities and more than 70 organisations in 10 different sectors have come together for a multi-year initiative ... to help cities rethink urban ecosystems, ensuring that they are greener, more efficient, resilient, circular and equitable”; committing to disability inclusion across companies, whereby “400 companies have joined the Valuable 500 initiative and committed to increasing their organisation’s confidence and competence in disability inclusion. The initiative provides support, tools and best practices to embed inclusivity across their businesses”; closing the digital gap, whereby “the new EDISON Alliance will bring together governments and industries to accelerate digital inclusion and connect critical sectors of the economy. It aims to ensure that everyone can affordably participate in the digital economy”; supporting social entrepreneurs, an initiative that already “supports more than 90,000 social entrepreneurs across the world who are helping an estimated

1.9 billion people by providing access to employment, food, affordable energy and other critical services”.

The World Economic Forum is playing a major role in re-designing the world system, and engineering fundamental systematic reforms, to generate a more equitable, sustainable, and healthy humanity postCovid. Last year, the Forum drafted a global post-COVID Action Plan it titled The Great Reset, to which The Davos Agenda 2021 adds deeper layers.

Like with the rest of the world, Guyana's progress through these futuristic systematic reforms of how the world works, that are flowing out of these global think tank and brainstorming events, are opening exciting new possibilities for a futuristic Guyanese society.

Intertwined, interdependent, and interwoven as a global village, the world will see every country embracing the new world emerging post-COVID. The Davos Agenda is an exciting advent, bringing much hope that the post-COVID world would be much better than the preCOVID world, including for Guyana.

Military coup in Myanmar as Suu Kyi detained Myanmar's military has seized power after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders.

Troops are patrolling the streets and a night-time curfew is in force, with a one-year state of emergency declared.

US President Joe Biden raised the threat of new sanctions, with the UN and UK also condemning the coup.

The army alleges the recent landslide election win by Ms Suu Kyi's party was marred by fraud. She urged supporters to "protest against the coup".

In a letter written in preparation for her impending detention, she said the military's actions would put the country back under a dictatorship.

The military has already announced replacements for a number of ministers.

On the streets of the main city, Yangon, people said they felt their hard-fought battle for democracy

had been lost.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, was ruled by the armed forces until 2011, when democratic reforms led

by Aung San Suu Kyi ended military rule.

She spent nearly 15 years in detention between 1989 and 2010.

She was internationally hailed as a beacon of democracy and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. But her international reputation suffered severely following an army crackdown on the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. Former supporters accused her of refusing to condemn the military or acknowledge accounts of atrocities. In the early hours of Monday, the army's TV station said power had been handed over to Commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing.

Ms Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) were arrested in a series of raids. It is not clear where they are being held.

No major violence has been reported. Soldiers blocked roads in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, and the main city, Yangon. International and domestic TV channels, including the state broadcaster, went off air. Internet and phone services were disrupted. Banks said they had been forced to close.

Later, the military announced that 24 ministers and deputies had been removed, and 11 replacements had been named, including in finance, health, the interior and foreign affairs.

A curfew is now reportedly in effect from 20:00 local time to 06:00 (13:30-23:30 GMT).

The military takeover follows weeks of tensions between the armed forces and the government following parliamentary elections lost by the army-backed opposition.

The opposition had demanded a re-run of the election, raising allegations of widespread fraud that were not backed by the electoral

commission.

Michael Ghilezan, a partner of a US law firm who lives in Yangon, told the BBC he had expected military vehicles and protests in the city, but there was instead an eerie calm.

"The most common reaction from my Burmese friends has been anger.

They feel deeply betrayed by the military and the USDP." Theinny Oo, a development consultant, told Reuters: "We had a lawful election. People voted for the one they preferred. We have no protection under the law now."

Many people feared giving their names. Author and historian Thant Myint-U tweeted that a door had opened to a "very different future", and he feared for the millions who had been descending into poverty.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the army's move a "serious blow to democratic reforms", as the Security Council prepared for an emergency meeting. The UN demanded the release of what it

said were at least 45 people who had been detained.

Joe Biden released a statement saying "force should never seek to overrule the will of the people or attempt to erase the outcome of a credible election".

He said the removal of sanctions over the past decade as Myanmar progressed to democracy would be immediately reviewed, adding: "The United States will stand up for democracy wherever it is under attack."

In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the coup and Aung San Suu Kyi's "unlawful imprisonment".

European Union leaders have issued similar condemnations.

China, which has previously opposed international intervention in Myanmar, urged all sides in the country to "resolve differences", while some regional powers, including Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines, said it was an "internal matter".

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Members clash over motion to remove Patterson as PAC chair and it failed because of the vote, but we have this situation where the chair refused to allow the motion to go to the vote.”

The resumption of the PAC is yet to be determined

By Rehana Ahamad THE government side of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), on Monday, attempted to put forward a motion seeking to remove David Patterson from his post as Chairman of the committee. However, the motion brought by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, was met with objections from the Opposition side of the PAC, which includes Ganesh Mahipaul, Juretha Fernandes and Jermaine Figueira.

“In this case, I brought a motion calling on, and I did preface what I said by saying that it would be wisest if Mr. Patterson resigned as Chair.

Nothing I proposed asked that Mr. Patterson be removed as a member of the PAC,” Teixeira told reporters on the corridors of Parliament buildings.

She reminded that Patterson was appointed by the National Assembly’s Committee of Selection, and that the members of PAC lack the powers to have him removed therefrom.

Patterson, the former Minister of Public Infrastructure, is currently being investigated as part of the gift-giving scandal in which, it is alleged, he received in excess of $2 mil-

lion in gifts from agencies that were under his remit.

As the motion surfaced, the Opposition members vehemently objected, complaining that no notices were given for the motion to be served.

After almost an hour of debating the subject, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, was summoned to provide guidance and clarity on the way forward. According to Teixeira, “The Clerk advised the committee that there is no notice required in any committee of the House; a member can bring any motion to the house. If consensus is gained, fine, if not, then it must go to a vote.”

MOTION PROPER Government PAC member, Juan Edghill, explained that the Clerk, following consultations with his counterparts in various Commonwealth countries, also determined that the motion was proper and that it can be put to question and voted on. The media was not allowed to sitin on the arguments, but both parties have since confirmed that following the Clerk’s intervention, Patterson recused himself to allow for the voting aspect of the motion.

However, “He did not

recuse himself during the debate,” Edghill complained.

The Public Works Minister went on to accuse Patterson of “controlling the debate to suppress government members from speaking or even addressing the issue.”

Nonetheless, as Patterson stepped down, Mahipaul, Fernandes and Figueira refused to take his place as Chairperson of the committee. “None of them accepted that offer, so basically, the PAC, at this time, has been left without a presiding officer, and as a result, the business of today, and the business of the PAC going forward, is left to be determined,” Edghill told reporters.

Teixeira indicated that should the Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) continue resisting the chair, the matter would have to “go back to the Committee of Selection, and the Speaker [of the National Assembly] will have to get involved with having another election of the PAC’s chair.”

She explained that while the motion is one that is somewhat unusual, “There has been a time in this Parliament when there was an attempt to remove a member from a committee from chairing,

Missing car found stripped in West Ruimveldt A Toyota Carina 192 motorcar, which was stolen, was found stripped, on Monday, in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The car belongs to Gavin Dindyal of 13th Street Foulis, East Coast Demerara. The car was parked at the owner’s home on Saturday evening.

Reports indicate that the car’s engine, the bumpers, lights, wheels and other parts were removed, along with number plate bearing PJJ 5428.

After a social media post about the vehicle’s disappearance, it was found in West Ruimveldt.

The car that was stolen and stripped

CONFIDENCE IN PATTERSON Meanwhile, the Opposition PAC members are insisting that none of them will take Patterson’s place, since he has earned the full confidence of his Coalition party – the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).

Ganesh Mahipaul said that the Opposition side of the PAC was shocked and disappointed by Teixeira’s attempt to move the motion.

“We found it very strange that a motion would just appear from thin air, and no reason

would be given,” Mahipaul noted. His colleague, Jermaine Figueira, has emphasised that it is unfair for the motion to be put based on allegations, since “anybody could make wild allegations on any member”.

The Opposition MPs complained that no arguments were given in support of the motion. Asked about what led to the motion, Ms. Teixeira did not give specifics, but pointed to the allegations that have been “adequately highlighted” in the local press.

Meanwhile, as the saga continues, both sides of the Committee are accusing the other of attempting to obstruct the work of the PAC; the government MPs believe that the stalling of the PAC’s work is an attempt to distract the

committee from scrutinising the Auditor General’s 2017, 2018 and 2019 reports.

Similarly, the Opposition members of the PAC expressed suspicion that the motion was a tactic to prevent the PAC from moving on to examine government spendings for the latter part of 2020 and going forward.

Presently, the work of the PAC is far behind schedule, with the committee only now wrapping up examinations of the country’s questionable 2016 spending. “We still have 2017, 2018 and 2019 accounts of audited reports to look at,” Teixeira noted.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Brothers killed, two injured following Corentyne stabbing –– suspect in custody TWO brothers were fatally stabbed and two persons, including their mother, were injured after a relative went berserk during a heated family argument on Sunday night.

Dead are 25-year-old Mahendra Ramotar, called “Sunny” and 23-year-old Surendra Ramotar, called “Ranga” both of #43 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne.

Sookmattie Richmond, called “Baby” age 40, is being treated for a stab wound at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

A neighbour, Anthony Persaud, was also injured when he tried to assist one of the brothers during the attack. He was treated at the New Amsterdam hospital and sent away.

The suspect has since been arrested by the police and the suspected murder weapon-- a knife-- was retrieved.

While the details of the incident are sketchy, the Guyana Chronicle understands that around 22:30 hrs on Sunday, Richmond and her husband, Randolph Richmond, were engaged in a heated argument at their home.

The argument escalated and Mahendra went to his mother’s aid. He confronted his stepfather and another argument ensued, which captured the attention of the 49-year-old suspect who was imbibing at a nearby yard.

The suspect is Randolph’s brother.

“From what people tell me, is that the husband and wife had a lil problem and

the big son, Sunny, come and then he and the stepfather start to argue and the stepfather call he brother to come and help he,” the dead men’s aunt, Hemwattie Ramotar, related.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that the suspect came, armed with a knife, and proceeded to stab her older nephew despite the intervention of her sister, her brother-in-law and others.

According to her, the man slashed Surendra’s throat as he walked away from the scene.

“He stab Sunny and when me sister try fuh part them, he stab she in she breast and the stepfather get wan lil cut to he forehead and face too.

After Sunny fall down, he walk away and same time the small brother coming and he just cut he throat and he fall down right on the road,” the woman said amidst tears.

The injured Mahendra was picked up and rushed to the Skeldon Hospital. Subsequently, Surendra, who was found on the roadside bleeding, was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital.

Their mother, who was stabbed in the region of her chest, was taken, along with Persaud, to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Persaud tried to stop the suspect from stabbing Mahendra but was stabbed in the process.

Up to press time last night, Sookmattie was unaware that Surendra had succumbed to his injuries; she kept asking for him.

Aside from the two brothers,

who are from a previous marriage, Sookmattie has a son and a daughter from her union with Randolph.

Relatives related that the couple is known for their little squabbles and that the brothers would always protect their mother, which irked the stepfather.

“The big son did go away after them keep getting problems, but he come back the other day... I wan know how he brother (the suspect) can kill two people and stab me sister but he barely get wan lil cut. He can’t just lef and come and do that. This had to plan,” Hematite said.

As news of the double murder spread, a number of residents made their way to the scene. Police officers quickly cordoned off the crime scene and took statements from witnesses.

Bloodstains were visible on the roadway, while there was a broken window at the side of the couple’s house.

Bibi Faroozadeen, another aunt of the brothers, said they shared a good relationship and would often assist their mother. She described the incident as “a tragic loss”.

Meanwhile, this publication was told that Mahendra worked as a labourer while Surendra was an operator at the Ramrich Drying and Steaming Facility.

Surendra’s employer, Leeka Ramrich, spoke highly of him.

“Ranga has been working with me for the past seven years and worked his way up as an Operator. I know him way before the seven years, but since I employ him, he is such a very good person and a dedicated

Dead: Surendra Ramotar

Dead: Mahendra Ramotar

Injured: Sookmattie Richmond

The area where the stabbing incident occurred

worker. You can call on him any hour of the night and he would come. It is so sad what has happened,” she said.

Ramrich also used the opportunity to call on the relevant authorities to find

meaningful activities for the youths in the community.

“I think this village needs some intervention by the relevant ministry because this village has too much rum-drinking and substance

abuse, and this is causing some serious problems in this village. It’s a really depressed area,” she said.

Investigations are ongoing.

Man dies after hit by excavator

A MAN who was hit by an excavator on his worksite at Houston, East Bank Demerara, died on Monday.

He was pronounced dead on arrival when taken to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

Dead is Royston Souvenir, 49, of Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara.

Souvenir was working for Gaico Construction on a wharf being constructed near the Guyana Shore Base, which provides services to

Dead: Royston Souvenir

the oil and gas industry.

Reports indicated that Souvenir was at his worksite,

along with other workers when one of his co-workers, who was operating an excavator, turned the machine while he was standing next to it, resulting in him being hit to his chest and abdomen.

Souvenir subsequently fell to the ground and was picked up and taken to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

The body is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting autopsy as the investigation continues.

‘Rims’ remanded for murder KAREEM Stewart, who is accused of beating a man to death, on Monday, made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Stewart called “Rims” was not required to plead to the murder charge.

The allegation against him is that, he, on January 27, at Camp Street, murdered Mark Benjamin.

According to information provided, at about 03:30 hours, Benjamin was seen on CCTV footage obtained by the police, lying on the eastern side of Camp Street in the vicinity of the Teleperformance building.

Stewart was observed lashing Benjamin four times to his head. Benjamin later succumbed to his injuries.

Stewart was subsequently arrested and told of the offence committed. He reportedly confessed to the crime in a caution statement.

The matter was adjourned until February 11.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

New Canadian High Commissioner accredited PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali was on Monday presented with Letters of Credence

by Mark Berman, which accredited him as High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Guyana.

The Head of State was joined at the Office of the President by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Elisabeth Harper.

Accepting the Letters of Credence, President Ali reiterated his appreciation for the unwavering stance which Canada took in defence of Guyana’s democracy and its support for the county’s development. He noted that the two countries share a history of cooperation which has been intensified since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The President said that the countries’ shared respect for democracy, human rights, the rule of law, the promotion of sustainable development, each other’s territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of controversies have provided a firm foundation for bilateral relations.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, I express our gratitude for Canada’s continued support for the peaceful res-

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (centre) with newly accredited Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman (second left) and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd following the accreditation ceremony on Monday (Office of the President photograph)

olution of the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela that is now before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”

President Ali noted too that with Guyana on the cusp of major economic transformation, new opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships are arising, which is exemplified by the recent establishment of the Canada-Guyana Chambers of Commerce.

“This reciprocal initiative paves the way for greater

trade ties between our states as is evident with the presence of major Canadian companies operating in Guyana.

Guyanese-owned businesses are partnering with Canadian companies. I welcome your own commitment to facilitate the contributions of Guyanese Canadians to Guyana’s development.”

The President reiterated his government’s support and partnership.

“Excellency, I am convinced that given our shared values and mutual interests,

Guyana and Canada are poised to forge an enduring partnership for the mutual benefit of our peoples. You can count on the support of my government as you undertake your mandate. Welcome, High Commissioner, to the shores of Guyana and my best wishes for a successful tour of duty.

Presenting his Letters of Credence, High Commissioner Mark Berman acknowledged that both countries have shared a legacy of development and prosperity.

“I am very proud that Canada has been here in Guyana since Guyana’s independence and before and that we continue to be present and a very vocal supporter of Guyana today. I commit to you to continue to advocate for democracy as we have done for many years and most recently during Guyana’s electoral impasse and that we will continue to reiterate the importance of the will of the people.”

The Canadian dignitary congratulated Guyana on its

efforts to tackle COVID-19 and reiterate Canada’s commitment to assist Guyana in response to the pandemic.

In addition, the High Commissioner pledged his support for the development of priority work including, private-sector development, strengthening the judiciary, promoting gender equality, support for indigenous people and other areas as Guyana prepares for rapid economic growth.

“During my tenure here I look forward to engaging with the Chamber of Commerce, the Government of Guyana and other stakeholders in the business community to forge more of these trade partnerships between Canadian and Guyanese companies. I am excited about these possibilities and you can count on my support. I am honoured and humbled to serve here in Guyana and I am ready to work hard to continue our strong relationship.”

The High Commissioner, who was accompanied by his wife Allison Berman along with staff of the High Commission, takes over from Lilian Chatterjee, who was accredited in September of 2017. (Public Information and Press Services Unit)

Education Ministry launches ‘BEKIND’ campaign …to address ‘unkind behaviour on social media’ IN a bid to stamp out bullying among teachers, parents and students on social media platforms, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched a ‘BEKIND’ campaign that seeks to address the upsurge in the practice here.

The campaign is expected to run for an indefinite period, and will include interactive posts intended to prompt short videos, sharable graphics, short animated videos and wallpaper graphics, so as to stimulate discussion about the issue on the various social media platforms.

“The primary targets of the ‘BEKIND’ campaign are children, teachers, and parents who have had harsh experiences due to COVID-19 and its impact,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

As it went on to say, “The MoE is cognisant that the advancement of emotional intelligence is critical in helping youths prepare for the

difficulties they face as youngsters today, and as grown-ups tomorrow. The campaign aims to promote the development of emotional intelligence of children, teachers, parents, and all Guyanese through education and kindness. It also aims to celebrate and amplify

the power of kindness through education.”

It gave as its reason for embarking on the campaign the irresponsible way in which persons have been using social media, particularly of late, to communicate with each other.

“Use of social media plat-

forms for interactions between parents, students and teachers,” the ministry says, “increased exponentially over the past year due to the school closures that were brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“The use of several of those platforms has been incorporated as part of a multi-faceted, blended learning approach that the MoE has had to adopt over the past few months in order to begin re-engaging students at public schools.

“Teachers started using Zoom, WhatsApp, Edmodo and other similar platforms to engage children while they are at home.

“Due to the virtual nature of the learning, and the students being at home, parents have also had an increased role to play in their children’s education for these new approaches to education delivery to be successful. At times, some parents found it challenging

to navigate across these platforms.

“It is in this context that the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, urged social media users to be kinder, less harsh, less judgmental and less insensitive.”

It quotes the minister as saying, “Think twice before laughing at, mocking or pok-

ing fun at other social media users at this time.”

In closing, the ministry noted that the development of a culture of “graciousness and kindness” would go a long way in creating “a ripple effect that can have sweeping impact across families, communities, and the country as a whole.”

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Corentyne fishermen call for zoning revision after ‘cussin’ from trawler operators –– Minister Mustapha commits to looking into issue AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, during a recent outreach to several villages along the Corentyne coast, met with a group of fishermen who appealed for improved zoning in Guyana’s waters.

During the meeting at Hogs Town, in Fyrish village, a group of fishermen who usually fish in a dedicated area in the Atlantic Ocean, told Minister Mustapha that there has been a recent migration of the fish stock that requires them to venture beyond their dedicated zone.

Sankar Samaroo, one of the affected fishermen, told the minister that climate change had adversely impacted the catch level and population within their cur-

Sankar Samaroo

rent fishing zone.

“Due to the climate change, the fish not coming into the amount of water you guys give us to fish in. We gotta go over by the trawlers and we ah get cuss. They

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha addressing those in attendance

saying that that is not our zone. We are asking the minister if there can be a review of this so that there can be a

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha addressing those in attendance

specific time for the trawlers to fish and the fishermen to fish. We’ve met with them and asked for us to be allowed to fish from 6 o’clock in the morning to 2 o’clock in the afternoon and they could fish during the rest of the day and the night because they are fishing primarily for shrimps. The fishes feed on the shrimp, so wherever the shrimps go the fishes following,” Mr. Samaroo said.

In response, Minister Mustapha committed to raising these concerns with the recently installed bodies mandated to overlook the industry and give recommendations to the government.

“Last week I installed two bodies that are responsible for dealing with these matters: the Fisheries Advisory Committee and the Guyana Fisheries Limited Board (GFLB). Members of the trawlers association have also raised issues pertaining to the low level of catches and the ministry, through the Fisheries Department, will soon launch an investigation into the matter. In relation to your matter, I will raise it with the heads of both bodies so that they can meet with all parties involved, launch an investigation and make recommendations for a way forward to the Fisheries Department,” Minister Mustapha said.

IRRIGATION CHANNEL Other fishermen also appealed for assistance with the irrigation channel used when discharging their catch and for works to be carried out

on the access dam used to transport their engines.

“When the tide low, boat cannot come in. We have to wait for the tide to rise then boats can come in. We are coming in a line, so by the time the first boat finish discharging the catch, the catch from the last boat spoil. The channel is very, very narrow.

Another issue whenever the channel where the Albion Estate blow water, the dam is breaking so the channel is being affected. We are asking if… they recently bring a long-boom hymac but it cannot reach to the middle. So we’re asking if they can get a pontoon with the hymac and get that thing resolved. The revetment on the eastern half of the channel from where the concrete irrigation is which is like about 500 feet, so that the dam cannot break away.

It’s tough on us to take out our engines when the tide is low and the catch. We cannot work during low tide. We are asking for something to be done so that we could get better access,” Mr. Ramsarran said.

Minister Mustapha committed to having works executed to bring some level of assistance to the fishermen.

RELIEF “I’ve asked the CEO of the NDIA, and within two weeks we’ll send the pontoon with the excavator to clear the entire enlarged channel, so that you can have some level of relief,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also told the fishermen that soon

there will be a National Aquaculture Conference, during which President Dr. Irfaan Ali will launch government’s Aquaculture Master Plan.

Recently, stakeholders in the fishing industry across the country have raised concerns over low-level catches in both fish and seabob species in Guyana’s waters.

During a recent meeting with the newly installed Fisheries Advisory Committee, President of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP) Ruben Charles, expressed concern over the current low level of catches with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha.

This, he said, might be linked to the current oil-exploration activities offshore.

He added that although no scientific research has been done in Guyana to officially link low levels of catches to oil exploration, there have been similar instances of low-level catches in other nations with current oil-and-gas operations offshore.

Farmers also raised issues about drainage and dilapidated roads and dams.

Minister Mustapha committed to having a machine deployed to the area to carry out the works. He told residents that the machine will remain in the area until the works have been completed.

He also committed to providing crusher run gravel to do revetment works on the dilapidated dams.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

11

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Region 10 RDC mulls major agriculture projects

–– chairman says region can be an ‘agriculture hub’ GIVEN that Region 10 imports 80% of its food, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is currently considering a number of agriculture projects which could develop the sector and provide employment for residents.

This disclosure was made

by Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

He noted that, although the region is known to many as the mining town, it is also an agriculture area, and, with much-needed development and funds, the region can become an ideal agriculture hub in the country.

“I hold agriculture dear to my heart. Agriculture, I believe holds the greatest potential to create jobs in the region and it is my hope that a massive investment will be made,” he said.

Adams told this publication that currently the region imports some 80% of its food and within the next few years the RDC will be looking to significantly reduce this per-

centage through a number of agriculture projects and training programmes.

Adams stated: “We need the assistance. We want to have an agro-processing plant built, we would have budgeted for it but I’m not sure it is going to be approved in the 2021 budget through the agriculture department.”

Adams said the setting up of market places and platforms for agro-processors in the region to advertise and potentially sell their products and goods to consumers is also being discussed at the level of the council.

“What we are taking steps to do as well is to set up a farmer’s market day here in the region where farmers can have at least two days in the week where they can bring out their produce,” he explained.

The council, he noted has already pin-pointed two locations in Linden to hold such an activity.

“We are trying to get the area at the Wismar Market made available and another area in Mackenzie. We want

Region 10 Regional Chairman, Deron Adams

a set up like they have in Georgetown where persons who are into agro-processing can bring their products out on display and have a special day dedicated for them to market, highlight and sell their produce,” he said.

Additionally, he disclosed that the council is looking to set up community farms across the region that will not only benefit Lindeners, but also persons living in surrounding communities.

“There is also something that I’m exploring where we want to set up community farms, where we can identify

A farmer tending to her crops

lands in various communities and invite the CDC (Civil Defence Commission) and other stakeholders to get on board and set up community shops.”

As it relates to youths in agriculture, Adams disclosed that the region has already started two programmes to encourage youngsters to become more involved in the agriculture sector.

“We cannot continue to approach the agriculture sec-

tor with the traditional means.

That is why last month, I would have launched a programme where we are incorporating youth and ITC and agriculture.”

According to Adams, ten of the region’s youth recently completed a four-week Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme, aimed at enhancing development in the agriculture sector.

Further, the council in collaboration with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) recently launched its ‘Farmtastic’ Kitchen Garden initiative which saw children from age four to six planting vegetables in their own kitchen garden.

Adams disclosed that in the coming month, he hopes to expand these programmes so as to ensure food security in the region.

Skeletal remains identified as Ivor Campbell THE skeletal remains found at Wisroc, Linden, over the weekend have been confirmed to be that of 71-year-old Ivor Campbell who went missing on November 13, 2020.

This was confirmed by Regional Police Commander for Region 10, Hugh Winter.

On January 30, 2021, the skeletal remains of a male

was discovered in a clump of bushes at Wisroc, Linden.

The discovery was made by a 47-year-old female farmer of Third Phase Wisroc Squatting Area, Linden.

The woman told the police that she was preparing an area about 200 yards away from her home to plant pakchoi when she stumbled upon the remains. The po-

Ivor Campbell

lice were summoned, and samples were taken for DNA testing.

Following news of the discovery, the elderly man’s family went to the Wismar Hospital Mortuary and were able to identify his body by the clothing found on his remains.

Campbell, also of Wis-

roc Housing Scheme, disappeared from his home in early November after he left to purchase cigarettes at a nearby shop. The family had filed a missing person report and launched search parties from home over the months, but all had proved futile.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Brunch… with a twist!

––small businesses given space to ‘show off’

Candacee Ali of the Preview clothing store

By Vishani Ragobeer THOUGH physical shopping might be constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic, the spacious Parc Rayne event centre, located at Rahaman’s Park, Georgetown, afforded small businesses the opportunity to network and showcase their products, while patrons benefitted from the centre’s weekly brunch activity.

Owner of Parc Rayne, Angela Rahaman, told the

Guyana Chronicle that the brunches are usually held at the venue on Sundays, and these have found favour with a number of patrons since the spacious venue allows adequate social distancing.

But, that wasn’t enough.

Rahaman and her husband had an epiphany: they could also provide small businesses with an opportunity to market their products and network with each other. That led to the creation of their “Brunch with a twist” that was held on

Owner of Le Chef Catering, Dustin Dalgetty

Sunday.

“During COVID, last year, we realised that a lot of businesses were not getting to showcase what they are doing and we found that a lot of young people were actually coming up with unique ideas for businesses today, so we decided to join pop-up shops with the brunch,” Rahaman said.

She related that the small businesses were not charged to ‘set up shop’ at the venue and going forward, even

more small businesses would be invited to market their products on the last Sunday of every month.

Candacee Ali, of the Preview clothing store, highlighted that she was grateful for the exposure that the business got on Sunday. While there, she displayed some of the dresses the store stocks.

“Being here at the first ‘Brunch with a twist’ is actually beneficial to us, because we’re having a little bit more exposure, people are becom-

Owner of Parc Rayne, Angela Rahaman

ing au fait with what Preview is about,” she said.

According to Ali, this small business offers dresses, casual dresses in particular, to cater for those persons who want to look “fashionable and cute,” even though there aren’t many events to attend because of COVID and all.

Meanwhile, owner of Le Chef cater, Dustin Dalgetty, offered sushi to patrons coming to Parc Rayne’s brunch on Sunday. Dalgetty noted that the event allowed him

to showcase his business, particularly his sushi-making skills, while encouraging people to eat more sushi -anyday, anytime.

This business is located on Aubrey Baker Road and caters for birthday parties, weddings or any special occasion. Importantly, Le Chef’s catering was selected to cater for the State House visit by Former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

Sentencing deferred for self-confessed ganja trafficker A STABROEK Market vendor on Monday pleaded guilty to narcotics trafficking and was released on $60, 000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs –Marcus, after his sentencing was deferred to February 22.

Antone Hoppie, who appeared at the Georgetown

Magistrates Court, admitted that he on January 28, while in the Stabroek Market area, Georgetown, had in his possession 70 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Austin told the court that on the day in question, ranks acting on

information proceeded to a cigarette stall in the Stabroek Market area. The ranks met Hoppie, the owner of the stall and requested that a search be conducted on his person.

Nothing of evidential value was found. However, when a search was carried out on his stall, a blue haversack

Alexander acquitted of Thomas’ murder STAFREI Alexander, who was on trial at the High Court for murdering his accomplice, Terrence Thomas, in 2015, following their escape from police custody, was on Monday acquitted from the crime by a jury.

Alexander, a former resident of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, was arraigned before Justice Brassington Reynolds for the capital offence. He denied that between December 8 and 11, 2015 at Linden, he murdered Thomas.

A 12-member jury on Monday found Alexander not guilty of the crime.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Alexander and Thomas were charged

Stafrei Alexander

jointly for the murder of Linden businesswoman, Shevon Gordon, who was gunned down outside of her house on April 4, 2015, at One Mile Block 22, Wismar, Linden.

She was also relieved of a bag containing money and her son was also wounded.

On December 8, 2015,

Alexander and Thomas escaped from the Mackenzie Police Station, where they were in holding to attend court.

Thomas’ decomposed body was found in the Demerara River, in the vicinity of West Watooka, three days later. Thomas is believed to have provided investigators with information about Gordon’s murder and was reportedly killed by Alexander.

Alexander, who was among the high-profile prisoners who broke out of the Camp Street Prison in 2017, is currently serving a life sentence for the attempted murder of Curtis Thom. He is also awaiting trial at the High Court for another murder.

was seen. The haversack when searched contained a quantity of transparent

ziplock bags containing a leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Hoppie was told of the offence committed, cautioned and arrested.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Retrial ordered for trio convicted of murdering gold miner

Ray Yokum

THE Guyana Court of Appeal, on Monday, ordered a retrial for three men who were convicted and sentenced to 80 years in prison for the 2012 murder of gold miner, Glen Xavier.

Back in 2017, a 12-member jury had unanimously found Faisal Moore, called “Hard Mouth”; Steffon Camp-

bell, called “Burnham”; and Roy Yokum, called “Ray Ray” guilty of murdering Xavier, while he and his ‘buddy’ Orin John, were having drinks at the Cornbread Minimart, on D’Urban Street, Werk-en-Rust on May 8, 2012.

The sentences were handed down by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High

Faisal Moore

Court. The trio subsequently approached the Court of Appeal contending that the judge had erred in law, and as such neither the sentence nor conviction can stand.

The appeal was heard by Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud

via Zoom.

The Chancellor in delivering the ruling agreed with the men’s contention. She stated that their conviction and sentence will be set aside based on the evidence presented in the case.

Additionally, the matter has been sent back to the High Court for retrial at the next

Steffon Campbell called “Burnham”

practical sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that, on the day in question, the trio’s motive was robbery. The modus operandi was to ride up to Xavier and John on CG motorcycles, and hold them at gunpoint while demanding their money and jewellery. To ensure that

they complied and did not put up a fight, the trio shot at the men before making good their escape.

Xavier, 32, was shot in the abdomen and subsequently died, while 48-yearold John sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and spent a few weeks in the hospital.

Alleged ganja trafficker gets $100, 000 bail ALICIA Henry, who was allegedly caught with cannabis, made an appearance

in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was granted $100,000

bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus.

Henry, of West Ruim-

veldt. pleaded not guilty to the possession of narcotics charge when it was read to her.

The charge alleged that Henry, on January 30, at Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, had in her possession 485 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Austin told the court that around

07:20hrs, the police acting on information , proceeded to the address mentioned in the charge and made contact with Henry.

A search of the premises was requested and Henry agreed. During the search, a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis were found in a room the woman was occupying.

Henry was told of the offence and was cautioned.

While under caution, she allegedly claimed ownership of the cannabis. Subsequently, Henry was arrested and escorted to the Kitty Police Station where the suspected cannabis was weighed in her presence.

Further investigations resulted in Henry being charged for the offence.

The matter was adjourned to March 1.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race 1 Wicked Ways Race 2 Mine Alone Race 3 Eagles Palace Race 4 Going With Style Race 5 Who Can Win Race 6 Mrs. Robinson Race 7 Jilly From Jersey South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:05 hrs Grimaldi 08:40 hrs Senescence 09:10 hrs Odd Rob 09:40 hrs Tartan Dancer 10:10 hrs She’s A Cracker

10:40 hrs Push Off English Racing Tips Newcastle 08:25 hrs Northern Falcon 08:55 hrs Busy Street 09:25 hrs Ottoman 09:55 hrs Mackenberg 10:25 hrs Armattiekan 10:55 hrs Set In Stone 11:25 hrs Not That Fuisse 11:35 hrs Tea Clipper 12:25 hrs No Hiding Place Southwell 12:40 hrs Lightning Attack

13:10 hrs Carrothers 13:40 hrs Nick Vedder 14:10 hrs Tawny Port 14:40 hrs Mulzim 15:10 hrs Thrave 15:40 hrs Daafy

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

21

Fidel Edwards targeting West Indies return (ESPNCRICINFO) - Fidel Edwards has made himself available for the West Indies and hopes to return to international cricket for the first time in almost 10 years.

Edwards, who will celebrate his 39th birthday this week, last represented West Indies in 2012. But, reasoning that he is as fit now as he has ever been, he believes he could play a part in West Indies’ T20 World Cup campaign later in the year.

He also hopes he can secure a return to the IPL. He last played a match in the tournament in 2009 -he was part of the Deccan Chargers side that won the tournament - but will put himself into the auction this year.

“I have made myself available for West Indies,”

Edwards, who is currently representing Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10 tourna-

any opportunity, I’m ready.

“Training has always been a big part of my game

Fidel Edwards has been a stalwart at Hampshire in recent years (Getty Images photo)

ment, told ESPNcricinfo. “I have spoken to Kieron Pollard and Phil Simmons and let them know that, if there’s

but, in the last 18 months or so, I’ve changed what I do and I’m the fittest I’ve ever felt.

Ramson makes good ...

Community Centre.

The committee members said the deplorable facility is a safe haven for youths, especially those with football aspirations.

One month and over $2M later, the facility now has a rebuilt pavilion, a redone fence and upgraded field, as well as proper electricity supply and lights.

Minister Ramson told reporters that the manifestation of the promises made only reflects the directives given to the Ministers and Cabinet by Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali. “In another couple of days, it’s going to be six months since we’ve taken office and that has been enough time to give a good assessment to how we intend to govern and despite some of the backbiting, we are establishing relationships with

“I’ve had my time in England and now I’ve made myself available to represent

the people, and the community in this framework of partnership,” Ramson said.

Asked about other areas benefiting from his Ministry’s generosity and mandate, Ramson reminded that over the past six months, an effort was made to visit as many communities and groups in and around the city and outlying areas, where support was given.

He reminded the media of previous interactions, where he noted that over $38M has been spent, so far, from the previous budget, on assisting grounds across the country.

“One of the things is, every village has a ground and every village has a ground with specific needs as well.

So, we’re going to help all the villages across the country,” the Minister stated.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Tuesday, February 02, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Chris Gayle-117 (WI vs SA, Johannesburg, 2007) (2) Umar Gul-5/6 (PAK vs NZ, the Oval, 2009)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who has played most Test matches to date?

(2) Who has scored most Test runs to date?

ANSWERSS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE ANSWER

TURN FROM PAGE 22

He added that “some grounds have to be earmarked for different type of development because we’re focused on a different type of sport development, it means that we have to get to a specialization of sports for some grounds, or for specialization of sport, which means that some facilities will have to be specialized in their orientation and usage.”

Making the journey to the East Coast of Demerara with Minister Ramson, was president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, who thanked the Minister for his timely intervention by adding another quality facility that can be used by the Federation to run-off several tournaments.

Forde told Minister Ramson that the GFF had previously earmarked the venue for an upgrade as part of their programme, and while they were able to have some work done, which included placing international standard and quality goal post at the facility, ramblings and in-fighting amongst the various committees in the area over the Community Centre prevented further progress.

Meanwhile, for the community of Buxton, seeing the ground that is used extensively by the community for more than just sports, being restored, it is their hope that they can work closely with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, to further enhance the facility.

West Indies again. I think I did pretty well in the CPL and I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

Edwards’ availability for both West Indies and the IPL is due, in part, to Brexit. The UK’s departure from the European Union has put an end to Kolpak registrations in the county game and means that Edwards, who signed such a deal with Hampshire in 2015, is free to play international cricket again.

And while Kolpak registrations were theoretically entitled to play in the IPL, Edwards was obliged to remain available for Hampshire for the entire season and was not, therefore, free to enter the auction.

“I enjoyed my time at Hampshire, but that was a big part of me not playing in the IPL,” he says. “But now I’m not with them, my aim is to put my name back out there and hopefully get

another chance to play. Anything is possible.”

Although few 39-yearold fast bowlers win top-level comebacks, Edwards does have some skills that West Indies, and some IPL teams, no doubt, may require. Not least, he can bowl in both the powerplay and at the death and he can still generate sharp pace. In the most recent CPL season, he was timed at over 148 kph (92 mph) and dominated the list of quickest deliveries in the tournament. He isn’t ruling out playing 50-over or even first-class cricket again, either.

“I still love the game,” he says, “and I’m still doing what I do best, bowling quickly and taking wickets.

You never know what can happen. But if the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Region Ten RDC calls for more youth development through sports projects THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of region ten is calling on central government and other stakeholders to collaborate with the council to spearhead more youth developmental projects through sports.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Chairman of the RDC, Deron Adams, stated that he believes that much can be achieved with investing in the region’s sports department.

“My vision and that of the council is one which is to ensure that, as policy makers, we create an enabling environment for youths to prosper and for them to grow and

develop themselves,” he said adding: “I think, through sports, this is one way we can have this achieved; we know that region ten is the talent basket of the country; many top athletes came out from this region.”

The chairman stated that, in the New Year, he is looking forward for the completion of the synthetic track and for more emphasis being placed on sports at the school level in the region to guide the children, who are transitioning into adulthood, on prosperous career path.

“We have taken steps to have sports officers appoint-

Regional Chairman of Region 10, Deron Adams

ed that can connect directly with all the schools across the region, going and do training and doing psychical education with them.”

He added that while the council has been doing some work on its own, there is much more work needed to be done and such can be executed with the full support of the central government and other stakeholders.

“Any project that will come to the region that will improve sports, create employment and improve young people and their social and economic wellbeing, I am in support of that.”

He noted that the council has been donating sports gears to a number of clubs in the region, however, with additional support and even more funding, the region will be able to produce even more talented athletes.

I would have been donating sports gears to clubs, cricket gears and football and all of these, but there is only so much that my office can do,” he said adding: “We need central government to build upon what they would have achieved and complete the works that have already been done and invest in the region; I will support that.”

West Indies Test tour of Bangladesh 2021…

Simmons wants Windies to capitalize on Bangladesh’s lack of cricket

By Clifton Ross

EYEING revenge after being trounced in the ODI series, West Indies coach Phil Sim-

mons is looking to capitalize on Bangladesh’s lack of Test cricket over the past year, adding that the Tiger’s talented lineup still commands

respect.

Simmons spoke on Monday, virtually, when he seemed poised heading into the first Test which bowls off tomorrow

(11:30 tonight Guyana time).

The Trinidadian said that due to Bangladesh not playing cricket since the early part of 2020, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, he wants the Caribbean side to utilize their recent overseas Test tours against England and New Zealand in order to redeem themselves from the recent ODI series loss.

“They (Bangladesh) haven’t played Test cricket for

seize the opportunity, “said Simmons.

Although the hosts have been away from the Test arena for roughly a year, their squad, confident from the recent 50Over series win and their familiarly with the conditions, can be a handful for the tourists.

“You can have a lack of international cricket but you will be training properly. It takes away the rust, which is

West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons

a year now and getting back might be a bit of vulnerability early on. I am sure that will soon be taken care of; they have a fairly experienced team with the likes of Tamim and Shakib. The vulnerability might not last too long, but if it does happen, we have to

only a mental thing. It will go away after the first couple of hours of the first day. Bangladesh will always have the edge no matter who they are playing at home, even though they haven’t played cricket for a year. They are a very strong side when they play at home”.

Regarding the actual performance of the team, most notably the batting and their posting of scores, the ex-West Indies opener turned coach believes that the team will eventually fire on all cylinders despite a few hiccups along the way.

“We are trying to get the system to run as smoothly as we can. The more things we put in place, the more we will see these things being taken care of before they get to the international level”. Simmons pointed out.

Meanwhile, Simmons further praised his variety of bowlers for their work on tour thus far and is adamant that spinners and pacers alike will adapt and succeed in the conditions come game time.

“All the bowlers bowled well in the practice games; the spinners bowled well, so it’s good to see that they have been able to adjust to the wicket, which are not like it is in the Caribbean. It was good to see them getting a chance to bowl some overs.

“There’s always a role for your fast bowlers and medium pacers. It is about them knowing and adjusting to what lengths and lines they have to bowl on these wickets.” Simmons ended.

Ramson makes good on promise to Buxton community A promise made by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, to the community of Buxton during a visit last December, has been materialized following an injection of over $2M towards the refurbishing of the Buxton Community Centre

ground.

Minister Ramson, along with a team from his Ministry, returned to the Community on Sunday, when they distributed a quantity of footballs and further promised additional funding towards the lights for the East Coast Demerara facility.

It was during one of his many community outreach programmes in December, that he was approached by a newly-formed committee in the Buxton area, to help with the refurbishing of their TURN TO PAGE 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 2, 2021

23

‘I should have been the man to replace Permaul’, says Adams

By Rajiv Bisnauth

AFTER ruling out victimisation, left-arm spinner Anthony Adams has expressed surprise at his omission from the Guyana Jaguars’ 15-man squad for the CG Insurance Super50 Cup which bowls off on Sunday in Antigua.

Adams was among a number of notable omissions from the squad which has left the Essequibian flabbergasted.

“I am surprised...obviously, there is no Permaul (Veerasammy) this year which leaves a space for a next leftarm spinner, knowing over the years there is always Permaul and Motie (Gudakesh) in the squad; so I felt that I should have been the man to replace him (Permaul) in the squad. Having said that, I think is what the selectors have in mind...the combination they feel will work in the tournament,” the 27-year-old reckoned.

Despite the latest snub, Adams has indicated that continuous training and performances remain his top priority.

“I was a bit disappointed, but some things you can’t control, so hopefully, I’ll get a chance sometime in the future because, as a man who loves cricket, continuous training and performances remains my top priority”, he said.

There have been more questions than answers, not only about Adams’ omission, but the inclusion/exclusion of certain players. Fans and local cricket administrators have criticized the composition of the Guyana Jaguars squad, and have since called on Cricket Guyana Inc. and the selectors to come clean on the selection criteria.

Allegations of favouritism and nepotism are being levelled during the selection process.

At least this is the view of former president of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB),

Sheik Ahmad, who is alleging that the selectors have ignored talent and instead have given chances to players who do not merit their selection.

Further, two former national youth players, Devon Ramnauth and Dillon Heyliger, have also expressed disappointment with Guyana’s selectors, claiming that both Adams (Ricardo and Anthony) along with Ronsford Beaton, should have automatically made the side.

Beaton, who played in six matches last season, before his action was reported and found to be illegal, seems to have cleared that hurdle as he recently played in an ICC-sanctioned US Open T20 Cup. However, no official announcement has been made whether he is cleared to bowl.

There have been several changes to the Guyana Jaguars 2019 Super50 squad, which failed to make the semi-finals in Trinidad and Tobago.

Anthony Adams

Omitted are Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Jonathan Foo, Ronsford Beaton, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Clinton Pestano. Veerasammy Permaul and Raymon Reifer played in 2019, but are currently on West Indies duties in Bangladesh.

This year, recalls were given to Assad Fudadin, Trevon Griffith and Keon Joseph, while there are maiden Jaguars’ Super50 call-ups for Kevin Sinclair, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach – all three have played List A cricket before for other teams.

Guyana Jaguars 2021 squad: Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kemol Savory, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson (Captain), Shimron Hetmyer (vice-captain), Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach.

BCB secures sponsorship for inter-zones U-19 knockout tourneys THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), as part of its ongoing efforts to invest heavily in youth development, has agreed to host four inter zone Under-19 knockout cricket tournaments across Berbice.

The Zones are: Upper Corentyne (including Black Bush Poldel), Central/ Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/ Canje/East Bank and West Berbice.

The U-19 tournament is one of three tournaments which will be played in each of the sub-zones as part of an aggressive cricket development programme.

On Thursday last, the president of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, received sponsorship from

One of the three sponsors, Latchman Chandradat, hands over Premium Asphalt sponsorship to PRO of the BCB, Simon Naidu

two sponsors for the Upper Corentyne and New Amsterdam/ East Bank Berbice tournaments, while an overseas-based Guyanese has committed to sponsoring another in June for teams in the Lower Corentyne area.

Contractor, Tevindra Jagdeo, of Premium Asphalt Inc. would be sponsoring the New Amsterdam/Canje/East Bank Berbice tournament.

Among the teams expected to play in that tournament are Kendall’s Union, Rose Hall Canje, Tucber Park, Mt. Sinai, Guymine, Edinburgh and East Bank Blazers.

The matches would be played at the Canje, Edinburgh and Kendall’s Union venues, with the final set for

the Edinburgh ground.

Another contractor, Mohamed Ahmad of Mohamed Ahmad Construction Ltd., is the sponsor for the Upper Corentyne leg of the tournaments. Teams to play would include No. 73, Scottsburg, Skeldon and Radha Krishna Academy.

Meanwhile, overseas-based Guyanese, Rickey Itwaru, has agreed to sponsor the Lower Corentyne tournament which would be played in June at the Albion Sports Complex ground. The teams to play in that tournament would be Albion, Rose Hall Town Pepsi and Port Mourant.

Foster, who is spearheading the BCB marketing effort, disclosed that the board has, in one

month, obtained sponsorship for twenty four tournaments and that the four internal zone tournaments would be followed by a countywide U-19, 50-over competition which would be sponsored by the New York Business Group.

The main aims of the four internal zone tournaments would be to encourage youth players to join clubs in their areas, to identify promising players for the BCB Elite Coaching programme and to allow different clubs across Berbice to win BCB titles. Foster praised the cooperation of Region Six Regional Executive Officer, Navindra Persaud, whom he hailed as a true friend of cricket development.

Khan defeats defending champion Drayton in round two of Chess Championship TAFFIN Khan’s road to his fourth Senior Chess Championship title took a positive turn when he defeated defending champion, Anthony Drayton, in round two of the 2020 final (postponed from early last year) on Sunday morning at the National Stadium in Providence.

The 29-year-old Candidate Master, who was a dominant force in his late teens and early 20s, said that the path to the title has narrowed, but that it was still early for him to feel overly confident.

He noted that the upcoming clashes this weekend against former

champion and Candidate Master, Wendell Meusa and top player, Loris Nathoo, will be crucial in determining his overall success.

“This was a key game, getting through that without drawing placed me ahead of other people. A lot of pressure is off of me and a lot of pressure is now on the other players.”

Meusa, who is also unbeaten, was expected to play Glenford Corlette this afternoon in his postponed first round clash.

He currently sits on two points after back-to-back wins on Sunday. He defeated 2020 Rapid and Blitz

champion, Davion Mars, in Round Two and Errol Tiwari in Round Three.

After today’s clash against Corelette, Meusa can also enter this weekend with three points, but he faces his toughest battles with Drayton in Round Four and Khan in Round Five.

Taffin Khan is currently unbeaten on three points

KHAN VS DRAYTON Khan played the Chigorin defense against d4 when he battled FIDE Master, Drayton. He said that the game was almost even until move 20, when he was able to gain position.

“I was able to win a pawn and follow a simple

chess rule—past pawn must be push.”

Towards the end, Khan held his nerve for the win.

Drayton was able to rebound on Sunday afternoon when he defeated Loris Nathoo in Round Three, while Khan forced Rai Sharma to resign.

He currently sits on two points from three games.

Corlette, who defeated Mars in Round Three, will also play his Round Two match today when he meets Mr Sharma.

Eight of the top players in Guyana are battling over seven rounds to determine an overall winner.

Ramson makes good on promise to Buxton community …$2M upgrade for Community Centre completed;

SEE PAGE

22

Minister promises to further enhance facility

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, along with GFF president Wayne Forde, flanked by members of the community while handing over a quantity of footballs SEE PAGE

22

Simmons wants Windies to capitalize on Bangladesh’s lack of cricket

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

| TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 , 2021