Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_06_10_2021

WEDNESDAY 6th October, 2021

' No.106506

Operations of the Guyana-Suriname ferry increased to three trips weekly

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Economy grew by 14.5 per cent in first half of 2021 03 PAGE

–– non-oil economy records 4.8 per cent growth despite floods, pandemic

Guyana, Barbados mull joint effort to tackle 13 regional food import bill PAGE

In observance of World Teachers’ Day on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education, headed by Minister Priya Manickchand, hosted a luncheon ceremony to honour a number of iconic educators who serve at various levels (See story on Page 17)

Sugar workers: ‘We could 08 breathe with some comfort again’ PAGE

Mechanism established to address 02 discrepancies in flood-relief grant distribution PAGE

Fire Chief to proceed on accumulated leave

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Mechanism established to address discrepancies in flood-relief grant distribution –– Vice-President Jagdeo says workers involved in ‘unscrupulous acts’ will be fired

THE government has established a mechanism that would allow persons who suffered losses as a result of flooding to verify their names; persons who were left off of the list to have their names added, and pave the way for an investigation into discrepancies related to the distribution of the flood-relief grants.

This programme will run for a month, and will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, according to Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo during a meeting with stakeholders at the Rose Hall Estate Community Ground on Monday.

As part of the investigation into the matter, members of the public with information on persons who did not qualify for the grant but benefited are advised to contact the Agriculture Ministry to aid in the process.

Vice-President Jagdeo said that this programme is a direct response to “unscrupulous acts” by a few persons to undermine the successful rollout of a carefully-thought-out support programme, which was announced in July 31, 2021, for farmers who were hard hit by flooding during the period of April to June this year.

Jagdeo said that assessments, with the aid of regional organisations, were done, and a support programme valuing $8 billion was care-

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo fully crafted to help some 60,000 in various categories of households and farmers.

A no-holds barred Jagdeo made it clear that government employees who are found to have engaged in corrupt and unscrupulous activities will have their services terminated.

“We hired people to look out for our (the government’s) interest; to verify it (the compilation of names of proposed beneficiaries),” he said.

On July 31, 2021, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government made available almost $8 billion to assist persons severely affected by flooding, a measure that was in response to a commitment made.

Cash of $100,000 was to be issued to homestead farmers, $50,000 to those with kitchen gardens, and $50,000 to affected households; this amounted to over $3.5 billion.

There was a ceiling of

$10 million in compensation for rice farmers. Those farmers who lost rice which was ready to be harvested were to receive $80,000 per acre.

Those with rice sowed were to receive $65,000 per acre, and those with land prepared were to receive $45,000 per acre. In addition to this support, 60,000 bags of seed paddy were to be made available. Aggregately, this initiative cost $3.2 billion.

Affected livestock farmers were to receive $600 million. Subsistence farmers, small farmers, medium farmers, and large-scale farmers were targeted for support.

In addition to these direct transfers, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) were to assist, through genetic improvements, drainage and irrigation works, technical support, and extension services to the approximate value of $500 million.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Economy grew by 14.5 per cent in first half of 2021 –– non-oil economy records 4.8 per cent growth despite floods, pandemic

GUYANA has recorded real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 14.5 per cent, and a growth of 4.8 per cent in the non-oil economy during the first half of this year, despite being faced with challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating floods experienced from May to July.

Due to the unprecedented floods, which impacted particularly the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors, along with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will spill over into the last half of this year and even beyond, the revised full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2021 is now 19.5 per cent overall, and 3.7 per cent for the nonoil economy.

This is according to the Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report, which is expected to be tabled

by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh at the first sitting of the National Assembly, once it resumes after recess.

With regard to sectoral performances, for the extractive industries, the report shows that in the first half of 2021, the mining and quarrying industries were estimated to have grown by 23.1 per cent, with higher output from the petroleum and other mining industries, despite contractions in gold and bauxite.

It was reported that total output from the petroleum sector increased by 65.4 per cent when compared to the same period last year.

With respect to diamond, sand and stone, these were estimated to have seen a total growth of 63.3 per cent, with quarry stone having a growth output of 141 per cent, sand declarations growing by 119.3 per cent

STRONG PERFORMANCE The report also noted the strong performance of the construction sector, which grew by 25.5 per cent in the first half of 2021, reflecting increased emphasis on implementing the public sector investment programme, as well as increased private sector construction, reflecting Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh as a result of increased activity in the construction sector, while diamond declarations improved with a growth of 166.3 per cent.

The outlook for the remainder of this year for other mining industries was estimated to be promising as well with an estimated growth rate of 74.5 per cent for the entire year.

With regard to manufacturing, this sector notably saw an estimated growth of 13.1 per cent when compared to the same period last year, with expansion of the sector being attributed to a growth of 23.1 per cent in other manufacturing. In the category of other manufacturing, growth was experienced in the manufacturing of non-metallic products, chemical products and beverages.

Meanwhile, the services industries were estimated to have expanded in the first half of 2021 by 9.4 per cent, when compared to the same period in 2020, as it was noted that the measures to curtail the impact of COVID-19 would have severely affected such activities last year.

Notably, the report shows that the gradual relaxation of these measures would have contributed to some growth in the sector.

by 22.4 per cent when compared to the same period in 2020.

Some of the reasons for this decline were a 30 per cent mortality of mature cane at the Albion Estate, 10 per cent at Uitvlugt, and five per cent at Blairmont due to the floods. Another 15,000 tonnes of sugar in the second crop were also expected to be lost, based on

cit of US$39.1 million, in comparison to a deficit of US$396.5 million for the corresponding period in 2020.

This was attributed to a significant increase in the merchandise trade surplus, which moved from US$72.7 to US$813.3 million. The merchandise trade account, according to the report, improved as a result

Construction activities at Providence, East Bank Demerara improved private sector confidence and optimism regarding the economic outlook.

Unlike the sectors that recorded healthy performances, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries, for the first half of 2021 are estimated to have contracted by 2.4 per cent compared to a decline of 4.1 per cent for the corresponding period last year. It was noted, too, that this was as a result of lower output from the other crops, sugar growing, forestry, and fishing industries.

“At the end of the first half of the year, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) produced 29,650 tonnes of sugar. This performance reflects the record high levels of rainfall, which resulted in waterlogged soils, particularly at the Albion Estate, and strike action that resulted in over 5,600 mandays being lost,” the report detailed.

According to the report, the sugar industry declined

the report.

Conversely, the rice industry grew by an estimated 7.8 per cent in the first half of the year, marginally lower than the target set for the period, but ‘other crops’ declined by 7.3 per cent due to the floods.

Further, the livestock industry was estimated to have grown by 10.6 per cent when compared to the same period in 2020.

However, for that same period, the fishing industry contracted by an estimated 6.6 per cent, and the forestry industry by 7.1 per cent.

BALANCE OF PAYMENTS The Mid-Year Report noted that at the end of the first half of this year, “the overall balance of payments recorded a deficit of US$67.4 million compared with a deficit of US$2.8 billion at the end of June 2020,” with the current account registering a defi-

of export receipts expanding by US$786.9 million, outweighing the US$46.2 million increase in imports.

Meanwhile, the capital account has shown a deficit of US$19.6 million when compared with a surplus of US$419.7 million at the end of June 2020, attributed to outflows of US$1,713 million from private enterprises in the oil-and-gas sector, along with outflows of US$123.6 million in revenue from the petroleum sector to the Natural Resource Fund.

The report also highlighted the fact that foreign direct investment in the first half of 2021 was 41.6 per cent higher than the US$940.6 million recorded last year for the same period.

At the end of the first half of 2021, consumer prices grew by 5.6 per cent; this was largely driven by increased food prices as a result of the inclement weather, and shortages experienced following the

flood.

Further, the report indicated that the bottlenecks in the global supply chain adds some measure of imported inflationary pressures. However, the report underscores that the price increases are ‘transitory’, and unlikely to have lasting long-term impact on inflation. Inflation is now projected to be in the order of 3.8 per cent for the full year.

ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES Earlier this year, Dr. Singh had said that Guyana would be one of the fastest growing economies in terms of real GDP, and would see rapid transformation in a number of sectors, especially since the government would make efforts to boost the non-oil economy as well.

“We’re anticipating a rapid expansion in the services sector, including transport and logistics, construction of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, office buildings in the private sector, etc, along with expansion in other services such as financial services, all of which will contribute to rapid expansion in real output,” Dr. Singh had said.

“So, you’re going to see Guyana being one of the fastest growing economies in real GDP terms; globally in the hemisphere, and certainly in the Caribbean… A lot of the real GDP growth in the region will be driven

by Guyana,” he’d added.

The favourable economic performance at the end of the first half of 2021 in the non-oil economy bodes well for the upcoming second half of 2021 and beyond. It is expected that advances in key investments, both in the public and the private sector, will buttress the second-half performance of the economy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

State Department says U.S. is reviewing findings from Pandora Papers (Reuters) - THE United States is reviewing findings of leaked financial documents known as the Pandora Papers, but is not in a position to comment on specifics, State Department spokesman, Ned Price, said on Monday.

A massive leak of documents was published by several major news

organisations on Sunday that allegedly tie world leaders to secret stores of wealth, including King Abdullah of Jordan, Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babis and associates of Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

“We’ve of course seen the reporting on the Pandora Papers and we are not in a position to com-

Wednesday, 6 October 03:30hrs - 05:00hrs

ment specifically on the findings, which we are reviewing,” Price told a regular news briefing.

He said the U.S. government actively focuses on strengthening financial transparency and investigating possible illicit activity.

Addressing a specific query about Jordan, a significant recipient of U.S. aid, Price said U.S. assistance to Amman was “in the direct national security interests of the United States.”

“We carefully conduct monitoring and evaluation of all of our programs to ensure they are implemented according to their intended purpose,” he said.

According to the news organisations that re-

viewed the Pandora Papers, they showed that King Abdullah, a close U.S. ally, used offshore accounts to spend more than $100 million on luxury homes in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Jordan’s royal palace said the king’s property ownership was “not unusual nor improper” and Abdullah himself told tribal leaders the cost of the properties and related expenditures had been personally funded by himself, not by the state budget or treasury.

According to the State Department, the United States is Jordan’s single largest provider of bilateral assistance, providing more than $1.5 billion in 2020.

A man walks in front the Central bank headquarters building in Brasilia, Brazil October 4, 2021. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

Guyana Where and What 2021-22 in circulation THE 13th edition of Guyana Where and What (GWW), the only premier pocket-size hand book on Guyana, is now in circulation in hotels, travel agencies, embassies, airports, Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana.

GWW was first published in 2007 for Cricket World Cup and, since then, it has been an annual publication, except for 2020 when the world was reeling in the COVID-19 pandemic and most things were put on hold.

The tourism industry in Guyana was deeply affected by the pandemic in 2020, until the latter part of the year, when lodges and resorts had to satisfy the authorities

about being COVID-19 compliant to be authorised to re-open their doors, mainly to domestic tourism.

GWW now has an active social media presence on FB page “Guyana where and what” and its website www.guyanawhereandwhatonline. In this publication, all advertisers have a special page listed with their website that visitors to the site can click on and go directly to the advertiser’s webpage, a new feature of this edition.

Guyana Where and What was made possible through the kind sponsorship of various ministries and agencies of the government and the private sector. GWW was published and edited by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento.

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Fire Chief to proceed on accumulated leave

ACTING Fire Chief, Kamaladeen Edoo, is expected to proceed on leave in the aftermath of the fire that destroyed the Brickdam Police Station, Home Affairs Ministry officials have confirmed.

Reports indicate that the Fire Chief is expected to proceed on accumulated leave and is expected to hand over to his deputy.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Sunday last, called for an independent investigation into the action taken by the fire service to control the blaze.

He described the coordination and response from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to the fire that gutted the Brickdam Police Station last Saturday as “poor, at its best”.

According to the President, a lot more could have been done by the fire service to control the fire and potentially prevent the destruction of several sections of the police station.

The Brickdam Police Station which was the headquarters for the Guyana Police Force’s Regional Police Division Four ‘A’ and housed the office of the regional commander, was flattened in the inferno.

Years of police records and vehicles valued millions of dollars were destroyed in the blaze.

The fire, which reportedly started in the eastern section of the compound at 11:06 hours, destroyed the Property Room, Enquiries Office, Traffic Department, and Officers’ Mess Hall.

Fire Chief Kamaladeen Edoo

The Head of State, in his comments, noted that government has been making significant investments in the fire service in a bid to equip it to effectively respond to threats of fires across the country. He said these investments were not reflected in the fire service’s actions on Saturday.

“We have been making tremendous investment in the last year in the fire service and I have made this very clear [that] in this country people would have to be held accountable for their actions. We can’t be making investments in state apparatus and state insti-

tutions and do not get the results from those investments. The response of the fire service was poor at its best yesterday (last Saturday), and as President, I hope the fire service can acknowledge this,” President Ali stated.

The President had also disclosed that instructions have been given to Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn to assemble a special team to investigate the performance of the service and reiterated government’s commitment to tackle inadequate and inefficient performance in the public sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

A Look Back

OCTOBER 5, 2021 marks 29 years since the return of democracy to Guyana after 28 years of PNC authoritarian rule.

Indeed, October 5 can be considered a watershed moment since it ushered in a new chapter in the political landscape of the country.

There can be no doubt that the return of democracy has changed the international profile of the country from that of a pariah state to one that is a respected and valued member of the international community.

Because of the past undemocratic nature of the country, Guyana was denied financial and technical assistance by lending institutions and the donor community, for which the PNC regime must take full responsibility.

When the PPP/C took power on October 5, 1992, the country was in a dire economic situation. The economy was bankrupt. The entire physical and social infrastructure was in a state of advanced decay. The country was living on borrowed money and debt repayment and servicing was eating up practically the entire government revenues. At one time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) refused to do

business with Guyana after having deemed the country ‘uncreditworthy’. Such was the extent of our economic and social decline that we were ranked among the poorest country in the western hemisphere, second only to Haiti!

How did a once prosperous country in the early 1960s descended to such levels of economic depravity in less than two decades? There can only be one answer: the strangulation of democracy by the then Burnham regime which unashamedly was prepared to go to any length to remain in power even if it meant the reduction of the population to a state of mendicancy. There was always enough for the political boys, and as far as they were concerned, the rest of the country could go to hell.

For the vast majority of Guyanese, life in Guyana under the PNC regime was indeed a living hell. There was no way the average Guyanese could have survived on the wages or salaries they received. Many were forced to ‘moonlight’ on the job in order to supplement incomes. And, as if those were not enough, several essential food items such as wheaten flour, peas, imported milk, cheese and butter were

banned. It was a miracle how Guyanese survived in such an environment of starvation wages, high inflation, food shortages and a collapsing social infrastructure including water and electricity supply.

Thankfully, all of that changed after democracy was restored in October 1992.

The PPP/C under the then leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan immediately embarked on a rebuilding and reconstruction programme with emphasis on human development. Due to prudent financial management and visionary thinking, the quality of life of the Guyanese people began to steadily improve. Poverty levels which were estimated at 86 per cent under the PNC began to fall as the economy improved and more resources were put into social services, especially education and health.

According to a World Bank Country Study (1993), by 1988, output was only 68 per cent of the 1976 level. By 1989, total debt was 600 per cent of GDP due in part to a massive devaluation of the Guyana dollar.

Democracy in Guyana, as the last General and Regional Elections have

demonstrated, is still fragile and it is important therefore that all efforts be made to strengthen and institutionalise our democracy in order to prevent a return to that sordid past. The fresh air of democracy and that mood of optimism of a better Guyana ushered in by the return of democracy in October 1992 must not be allowed to smother. The country, so far, is well on the road to economic prosperity and the deepening and further consolidation of our democracy is an important ingredient for our continuing prosperity. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has repeatedly stressed the importance Guyana has placed on the values of democracy and good governance and made it abundantly clear that such values must never be sacrificed.

These values, he said, are values that are part of human dignity and human rights without which no society can develop and prosper.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who stood up for our democracy in the difficult years of PNC authoritarian rule and who would have contributed to making it possible for the return of democracy on October 5, 1992.

The rise of Afro-Guyanese in the PPP Dear Editor, I WAS born in Supenaam, on the bank of the Mighty Essequibo River, and was literally brought into this world by African hands.

The midwife, Nurse Canterberry, struck me lightly; I cried and began breathing.

I am no expert, but the DNA trail is clear: Man came out of Africa. For some, this may be a stretch, but, in a sense, we are all Africans.

It is simplistic (and a disservice) to think of Afro-Guyanese as a monolith. While they do not have the dizzying variety and complexity of Nigeria’s numerous ethnic groups (who sometimes eye each other warily), they do display differences in political outlook and philosophy.

From the inception, there was Afro-Guyanese involvement in the PPP; significantly, Ashton Chase and Forbes Burnham himself. In fact, if memory serves me well, after the latter broke away, there were, for a short period, two PPP’s: The ‘Mother Party’ and the breakaway faction led by Burnham.

Freddie Kissoon, in one of his recent articles, pointed to the real power and influence wielded by Dr. Roger Luncheon and Clement Rohee, who was, at one time, General Secretary of the PPP. Rohee also served in the positions of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Minister of Home Affairs. Incidentally, Freddie complained about

the price of Mr. Rohee’s recently published 582-page memoir, “My Story My Song”.

Indeed, the print version is expensive, but the Kindle version is available (as an instant download) from Amazon.com for US $5.99, and from Amazon.ca for CAD $7.46. Apart from Luncheon and Rohee, there were other Afro-Guyanese in or associated with the PPP at various levels: Cyril Belgrave, Brindley Benn, Clinton Collymore, Sam Hinds, and a host of others.

Fast forward to today. Afro-Guyanese government involvement at the ministerial level has been reported to be 33 per cent, which is a good thing for Guyana. When an ethnic community is over-represented at the top level of government, to deem that tokenism rings hollow. Beyond that, the portfolios are very substantial. To cite just one example, Prime Minister and First Vice-President Mark Phillips has responsibility for the energy sector, civil defence, telecoms and information. He is humble, quiet, and unassuming, and is well qualified, holding a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Public Management. Additionally, to have been the head of the Army is no small thing; he is solid.

Then there is former magistrate Oneidge Walrond, the powerful Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. No doubt proud of her African heritage, she has also displayed an

admirable multicultural ‘fluency’; a vital asset for any politician in Guyana’s plural society.

She looked smashing in Indian attire, and was even comfortable eating with her hands.

Her brother idolises her; I read his post on Facebook last year. The face of Guyana to the world is African; Hugh Todd, who holds the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Other prominent names in the current government are Robeson Benn, Bishop Juan Edghill, Joe Hamilton, and Kwame McCoy. No political party is angelic; there are imperfections, but credit should be given where due.

So, in Guyana today, Afro-Guyanese are well represented in Government by PPP Afro-Guyanese (PAGs), and in the Opposition

by APNU Afro-Guyanese (AAGs). There can be no pincer movement, as PAGs are ‘loyal to the bone’. The tension and interaction between the two groups is interesting and, sometimes, amusing. In response to AAG taunts, I suppose PAGs can retort: “Guess what? We are in the seat (of power), and you ain’t!” Very substantial Afro-Guyanese representation in the Police, Army, Civil Service and Judiciary complete the picture. Guyana is a small country, with a still small economy, and there are only so many jobs that can be remunerated from the public purse.

There is a third (incognito) group. During the five-month post-election ordeal, two Ras-

tafarian gentlemen were interviewed in Kingston, Georgetown, in a Facebook livestream.

They were refined and soft spoken. One of the two gave his name (at least phonetically) as “Ras Fas”. This was during the “guard the containers” phase of the fiasco. In the course of answering the interviewer, Ras Fas mentioned “Closet Afro-Guyanese PPP supporters” (CAGPS). Afro-Guyanese are as shrewd as Kenya’s Kikuyu tribe. In the years ahead, with multiracial ministerial community outreaches and oil money facilitating the sharing out of the goodies, the numbers of CAGPS could swell.

The demographics of Guyana have changed, and continue changing. Apart from the two major groups (neither one being near to a national majority) and Amerindians, there has been an influx of Brazilians, Venezuelans, Cubans, Chinese and others. Some of these people can legitimately become citizens, with the right to vote. In view of this, for any major party to focus only on one group, or to even give the impression of doing so - or, worse; to send exclusive and hostile signals to other groups! - would be a recipe for marginal status, even political suicide.

To fail to grasp this is to be left behind.

Yours faithfully, Sieyf Shahabuddeen

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

I agree with the President’s criticism of the Guyana Fire Service Dear Editor, I WANT to say that Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas; Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie and other stakeholders handled the bewildering approach shown by the Guyana Fire Service to the fire which occurred at the Brickdam Police Station over the weekend.

All of them were assessing the damage, and conducting meetings with the aim of

rebuilding the Brickdam Police Station, and ensuring that the public is not inconvenienced while they are doing so. They have shown leadership in this dark moment in time, when the historic building went up in flames.

I am sure they are working feverishly to ensure that this will not subsume the government, and distract the Police Force’s attention from the arrest of crime in our society.

If anything, this fire, though deliberately

set, will make the law enforcement stronger, and the government will show what “leadership” means in times of uncertainty.

But I must comment on the response of the fire service; it was poor and unsatisfactory, to say the least.

I agree with President Dr. Irfaan Ali when he said, “This is less than three minutes’ walk to a main fire station; we cannot continue as a country and as a people to not address these issues. We can’t continue to make investments and not have the return on

the investments. Whether it is in the public service, in the hospitals, the inefficiency has to be weeded out. If you don’t want to perform public service, then do the honourable thing; don’t take a job in the fire department and believe it is a part-time job.

Don’t take the government assets, your safety gear, and leave it home and you are an emergency worker.”

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

Harmon’s statement not in harmony with reality Dear Editor, IT comes as no surprise that following the recent fire which destroyed the Brickdam Police Station, Leader of the Opposition Joseph Harmon would release a ridiculous statement calling for the resignation of the Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn.

I find the statement to be hypocritical and biased and as such I ask that you allow me space in your publication to share some of my views.

Firstly, the call

made by Harmon for Minister Benn to resign over the Brickdam Station fire has no basis, since the investigation has revealed that it was an act of arson and not poor leadership as is stated by Harmon.

The investigation also led to the individual responsible for the fire being identified. In addition to this, no lives were lost. However, back in 2016 when the APNU+AFC Coalition was in office, the Camp Street Prison was set on fire which resulted in 17 prisoners losing their lives and a part of the facility being

destroyed. At that time, Khemraj Ramjattan was in charge functioning in the capacity of Minister of Public Security. With so many lives lost in that fire, why didn’t Harmon make calls for the resignation of his ministerial colleague Ramjattan for poor leadership?

Editor, I wish to also point out that in 2017 there was another

fire at the Camp Street Prison facility which resulted in its destruction and the death of Prison Officer, Odinga Wickham. Where was Harmon then? Why did he not call for Ramjattan to step down as Minister of Public Security? It is ridiculous that now with the Brickdam Police Station fire, Harmon is calling for Minis-

ter Benn to resign. I posit this question to Harmon: on what basis should the minister resign? Again, I say, no lives were lost in the fire, efforts were made immediately to ensure that the work of the police force continues as smoothly as possible, and the culprit responsible for the fire was identified. As far as I can see, the

minister and the police should be commended for their efforts to deal with this unfortunate situation.

It would appear that Harmon’s obsession with painting the PPP/C’s ministers in a bad light is affecting his ability to think properly.

Yours respectfully, Alvin Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

‘We could breathe with some comfort again’ –– retrenched sugar workers welcome $1.8B package announced by gov’t

By Nafeeza Yahya

SUGAR workers retrenched by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government have expressed gratitude to the Dr Irfaan Ali Administration for recognising their plight and brining much-needed relief to them.

On Monday, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, announced that retrenched GuySuCo workers will receive an additional $250,000 on their severance by January 2022.

“By January or so, each sugar worker, each sugar worker who was severed, would also get

another $250,000 on their severance. That would be between $1.7 and $1.8 billion, because we have 7,000 workers who were severed who will all get that. It was a great injustice and many people stood out there and remained silent. Many of them to justify the action of APNU because of politics,” Jagdeo said, but noted that the People’s Progressive Party stood resolutely in the corner of the workers.

The announcement by the Vice-President was met with excitement and renewed hope and this was the talk of the town on Tuesday amongst the former workers.

Speaking with the

Guyana Chronicle, many of the affected workers told of the despair and untold hardship they have endured since being retrenched following the closure of the Skeldon Estate by then APNU+AFC Government.

Some 7,500 workers were sent packing by the previous administration following the closure of the Skeldon, Rose Hall and Wales estates. The workers, who toiled in the industry for most of their lives, were given a severance by the David Granger Administration but after a long wait. The sum given to them only lasted a short while as the workers were unable to find stable employment and this led to

many social issues, including broken families.

The good gesture by the PPP/C Government the retrenched workers said could not have come at a more opportune time as many have lost hope.

They are still struggling to land steady jobs and get their lives back on track having being firstly laid off, unable to find employment, struggling to survive in the pandemic and then having their crops destroyed by the recent flood.

Devindra Ramlall of Number 64 village, who worked as a ‘chain link operator’ in the industry for 17 years, said he lost his family after he was unable to get a job and fulfill his obligations as the breadwinner.

He noted prior to being laid off, his life was comfortable and he was happy being surrounded by his family.

However, all of that changed when he received his severance letter and months later after not finding a stable job and being unable to provide a steady income, his wife of 17 years decided to part ways and took his two children with her since she could no longer wonder whether they will have anything throughout the day to eat when the morning arrives.

WORST IN MY LIFE He said those moments were the worst in his life, and after struggling for three years, he managed to find a job as security guard.

He noted also he still supports his children, so he had to work two jobs to maintain them.

In the mornings, he would work with his local Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) as a

labourer while in the night he works as a security guard for a school.

On Monday, Ramlall was at the meeting with the Vice-President at Skeldon when the announcement was made.

He said at first, he did not quite understand what was happening amid the excitement but after it was explained to him, he said he felt a sense of ease throughout his body.

“Things have been so hard; I don’t ever want to relive those moments. The severance I get help me for a couple morning to maintain the family but when it done, and me and my first wife separate in January 2018, I was at my lowest. Now after three years I am finally trying to get a lil stable job and I remarry but things still tight and this money will definitely make the New Year bright and give me motivation to live and continue,” he said.

According to Ramlall, he will put the money to good use when he receives it.

Malcolm Maltay, a 26-year-old mechanic, who started his career at the Skeldon Estate in 2012 and was hoping to remain there until he reached the age of retirement.

RESURGENCE OF HOPE But his hopes were dashed when he received the severance letter.

He related that he lost all hope and went down a dark period where he occasionally took construction work as a labourer just to get money for personal items. However, after the change in government recently and the announcement that the estates will be re-opening, he felt a resurgence of the drive and positive energy he had

previously and managed to land a steady job. Now with the announcement of the additional severance payout, he is even more excited and optimistic and expressed thanks to the government for recognising the struggles of the retrenched workers.

Like, Ramlall he is also hoping to put the money to good use.

Simon Peter Alexander Hazel, 40, of Lot 413, Number 76 Housing Scheme and a father of four, said he worked for 17 years as a cane harvester before being laid off. He was the last Champion Worker for the Skeldon Estate and sees this payout as more than deserving and long overdue.

“It was real sad when we got that letter. I don’t go backdam to play you know. I used to work six days per week cause Saturday I go to church, but I didn’t wake up one morning and say I gottta get champion this year, I just put in the work. When I received that letter I ask myself how ends gonna meet? ‘cause I get a mortgage and four children but God see us through so far and I consider myself lucky cause I still have my family unlike many of my friends. This payout is good and we deserve it, cause it ain’t easy being a cane harvester and trying to find a job. The struggle real. I happy we gun get the money and I know for plenty people that get lay off since then them ain’t even see that kind a money, so thank you for this.”

For Kingsley Clarke, 57, life has not been easy since he became unemployed. He noted he spent more than half his life as an employee of the Skeldon Estate as a punt

dumper operator and

See page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

CCJ sets November 11 for hearing of Marcus Bisram case

COME November 11, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is expected to commence hearing an appeal filed by Guyanese-American businessman, Marcus Bisram, challenging the Guyana Court of Appeal’s ruling that he stand trial for the 2016 murder of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt.

The challenge was filed

by Bisram’s lawyers, Darshan Ramdhanie, QC, and Arudranauth Gossai. The hearing will commence at 10:00 hours via video conference.

Recently, during a case management hearing, the CCJ suspended the judgment of the Court of Appeal until it hears and determines the appeal that has been filed by Bisram.

The CCJ has also ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C. not to take additional steps in the existing criminal proceedings to further the prosecution of Bisram, including but not limited to any steps to detain him, pending the hearing and determination

Guyanese-American businessman, Marcus Bisram

of the case before it.

The CCJ further ordered that Bisram surrender his passport to the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana, and that he remains in Guyana and presents himself to the Divisional Commander or Deputy Commander of ‘B’ Division by 12:00 hours on every Monday until the determination of the appeal.

On May 31, 2021, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of a case filed by the DPP to challenge the decision made by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall on June 1, 2020 to free Bisram.

Justice Morris-Ramlall had granted several orders which led to Bisram’s release. The first order granted by the trial judge was for the quashing of the decision

the DPP made on or about March 30, 2020, directing Magistrate Renita Singh to reopen the preliminary inquiry into the charge against Bisram, with a view to committing him for the said charge on the ground that the decision of the DPP was unreasonable, unlawful, and made by ignoring relevant considerations and ultra vires.

The second was an order of certiorari for the quashing of the decision of the DPP, directing Magistrate Singh to commit Bisram for trial in the High Court. Additionally, the judge granted an order which prohibited the DPP from proffering an indictment in the High Court charging Bisram.

Following the judge’s ruling, Bisram walked out of the Camp Street Prison, on June 2, 2020, after the final documents were signed.

Dissatisfied, the DPP moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn the ruling. In delivering the unanimous decision in May, the Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards said: “We are of the view that the committal proceedings by the magistrate and the direction by the Director of Public Prosecutions would not have been invalid.”

Bisram had to turn himself over to the police and was placed on remand to stand trial for the capital offence of murder before the

High Court.

Bisram is accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, on October 31, 2016. Narinedatt’s body was found on Number 70 Village road in Berbice.

The next day, police arrested his attackers who confessed that the flamboyant Bisram had ordered them to commit the killing.

It is alleged that the carpenter refused Bisram’s sexual advances which led to him ordering the hit.

Bisram returned to the United States after the crime was committed but was extradited to Guyana in November 2019, after spending over two years in prison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

ExxonMobil likely to cash in on US$700M profit boost - as natural gas prices improve IN addition to oil, ExxonMobil is also projected to benefit from higher natural gas prices that are expected to boost the company’s third quarter upstream profits by some US$700 million.

The benefits which would accrue to the company as a result of the increase were outlined by ExxonMobil in its third-quarter earnings guidance, under the Securities and Exchange Commission Form 8-K filing, which is slated to be released later in the month.

Snippets of the report were released by Natural Gas Intelligence (NGI), which said that current gas prices will see correlating earnings surpassing that of oil, when compared to its second quarter earnings.

ExxonMobil has also projected that natural gas usage will continue to expand rapidly across the world.

“We expect about 40 per cent of the projected growth in global energy demand from 2016 to 2040 will be met by natural gas,” the oil company related.

The company said too that even though all of the world’s energy sources will be needed to meet rising global demands, there will be a “marked shift” toward cleaner fuels, particularly natural gas.

“Not only are natural gas resources geographically and geologically diverse, abundant, reliable and versatile in use, but [it] also emits significantly fewer pollutants than coal-power generation,” ExxonMobil said.

As it relates specifically to Guyana, the landmark gas-to-energy project will see the construction of massive pipelines which will run from the Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels offshore Guyana, to an onshore natural gas processing (NGP) plant located within the Wales Development Zone along the West Bank of the Demerara River.

As part of the US$900 million project, the pipeline will transport approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day (MSCFD) of dry gas to the NGL plant, which will then drop the pressure of the gas, dehydrate it, separate out propane, butane and pentanes+, and treat the gas to the specification to be received by a power plant, which is also in its planning stages.

Once established, the power plant will be owned and operated by the Government of Guyana until alternative ownership options are considered; its operation is projected to save the country some US$150 million annually.

The gas-to-shore project, which is expected

Guyana has big plans to convert the natural gas being extracted by ExxonMobil into energy as part of the landmark gas-to-energy project, which includes the construction of a natural gas plant, as seen in this preliminary artist impression (Photo source: EEPGL)

to last for some 25 years, is a mere component of the Dr. Irfaan Ali administration’s plan to cut electricity costs by 50 per cent before 2025.

This plan is expected to be driven by an energy mix that will see solar, wind, hydro and natural gas being utilised as key sources of energy.

The implementation of this mix, which would include the iconic Amaila Falls Hydro Project, is expected to provide Guyana with 400 megawatts of newly installed power. As it is, the national grid is providing 120 megawatts of electricity, an amount which is equal to the consumer demand of 117-120 megawatts of power.

The expectation, as previously outlined

by President Ali, is to position Guyana as the energy capital of the region.

MAJOR PLAYER “Our potential to become a major player in the energy market is not only limited to our borders, but we have already commenced discussions with our neighbours-- Brazil and Suriname-- in the establishment of an energy corridor,” President Ali said previously.

Nonetheless, in addition to natural gas, ExxonMobil is also eying improved oil earnings, with prices remaining high and predicted to increase further.

The oil giant is anticipating increased quarterly profits by about US$400 million in the third quarter of 2021, as compared to the second quarter.

“Wider refining margins, along with less maintenance downtime, should add US$600 million,” NGI added.

On the contrary, NGI said that ExxonMobil’s chemicals arm, which, in the second quarter of 2021, had the best quarter in the company’s history, is forecast to see a US$300 million decline in sequential earnings.

Nonetheless, in the NGI report, BMO Capital Markets analyst, Phillip Jungwirth, was quoted as saying that the upstream earn-

ings forecast “exceeds consensus” by a wide margin.

BMO expects ExxonMobil to report US$12.6 billion in cash flow from operating activities, “well above consensus of US$10.6 billion,” with US$8.7 billion free cash flow, Jungwirth said.

Additionally, NGI said that while there were concerns by some analysts that ExxonMobil would be pressured into reaching some of its financial targets, that appears to no longer be the case because of rising commodity prices.

Consequently, Jungwirth, according to NGI, predicted that ExxonMobil would hit its US$10-20 billion debt repayment target by mid-2022 or before, with net debt to capitalisation of less than 20 per cent by the middle of next year.

A significant chunk of ExxonMobil’s profits could be linked to its operations offshore Guyana, which continues to be more and more lucrative.

With 22 substantial oil finds already recorded within the past few years, Guyana is rapidly approaching 13 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources, In fact, within the coming months, the Guyana basin is poised to witness the country’s largest ever oil exploration campaign.

ExxonMobil, via its local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has already submitted a document outlining its plans to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In the submission, the company said that Guyana’s oil reserves could more than double its confirmed nine billion plus barrels of oil equivalent, once drilling commences in the Stabroek and Canje blocks. Those heightened exploration efforts are expected to run until December 2025. The oil company said that it plans to drill a total of 37 wells at the Stabroek block alone.

Guyana’s oil resources could more than double, once drilling commences in the Stabroek and Canje blocks. (Photo courtesy of Hess Corporation)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Alleged video confession in Brickdam fire to be presented in court

EVEN as new reports surfaced of Clarence Greene, the 26-year-old alleged arsonist denying his involvement in starting the fire that razed 80 per cent of the buildings in the compound of the Brickdam Police Station on Saturday last, investigators are preparing to have his video confession presented to the court.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Tuesday night, issued a statement dismissing what it said were “malicious”

and “fabricated” social media posts that question the integrity and professionalism of investigators.

“One can only infer that these unsubstantiated attacks on the integrity and professionalism of ranks of the Guyana Police Force is [sic] nothing more than an attempt to undermine the investigations,” the GPF statement said.

It added, “It is clear that the suspect was under no form of duress at the time he explained to the police how

he started the fire…the Guyana Police Force is sparing no effort as it continues the investigation.”

The GPF also clarified that investigators are in possession of a video confession and “not on paper” as is being claimed by the 26-year-old Georgetown resident. “Based on police procedures,” the GPF statement continued, “the evidence of the video confession would be prepared for court presentation.”

A media report surfaced

Operations of the Guyana-Suriname ferry increased to three trips weekly –– as Canawaima ferry prepares for return on October 24 EFFECTIVE Monday, October 11, 2021, the M.B. Sandaka, which is temporarily plying the Guyana to Suriname route, will increase its twice weekly trips to three – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

This was one of the decisions taken during a stakeholders’ meeting led by Guyana’s Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, and his Surinamese counterpart, Albert Jubithana.

The meeting, which also included directors from the Boards of the Canawaima Management Company and the Canawaima Ferry Service Incorporated, agreed that subject to a joint final inspection and approval from regulatory maritime authorities, the Canawaima Ferry, which is currently docked for repairs, will resume daily service from October, 24, 2021.

According to a release issued by the government’s Department of Public Information, the increased trips will continue to be executed in accordance with all COVID-19 regulations from the health authorities in both countries.

Additionally, it was agreed that a joint Terms of Reference will be drafted and advertised for the hiring of a consultant to assess the booking systems with a view to propose an online booking platform.

The authorities also discussed the need for auditing of the ferry company’s accounts, as well as several management, operational and financial matters to improve the service, and the overall management of the

The Guyana-Suriname ferry service is slated to return to its daily operations, once the Canawaima ferry returns to the waters on October 24 ferry service.

In addressing the gathering, Minister Edghill informed the delegation that it is important to have a service where there is greater level of accountability, transparency and shared information.

Under these objectives, the minister stressed the need for a new approach on how the Canawaima Ferry is managed and dealt with.

Notwithstanding previous issues, Minister Edghill promised that under the new administrations of both countries, a new approach and co-operation built on shared partnership will be instituted.

The minister also lauded his counterpart for embracing this approach, and hailed the existing relationship that has been created by Presidents of the two countries – Guyana’s Dr. Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

“At the end of the day, it is about the interest of the people of both countries and as such the transportation system linking both sides must be developed,” Minister Edghill posited.

The ferry, which plies the Moleson Creek, Coren-

11

tyne to South Drain, Suriname route, recommenced its service on February 21, 2021, after being suspended for almost an entire year, owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Even though Guyana’s major airports and borders had reopened, the resumption of the Guyana-Suriname ferry service was stalled after it was reported that a number of Cuban refugees had been camping out at the Suriname end of the border, waiting to travel to Guyana. It is believed that the Cubans had intended to use Guyana as a trans-shipment point to the United States of America.

After that situation was resolved, the ferry service resumed, using the M.B. Sandaka, since the Canawaima ferry was docked for repairs.

For years, the Guyana-Suriname ferry service served as a critical and legal link between the two countries, mutually improving economic and cultural relations.

Without the ferry service, scores of persons in Suriname and Guyana usually resort to the alternative “backtrack” route.

A member of the security forces at the scene of the Brickdam Police Station fire (Elvin Croker photo)

on October 5, 2021, on the social media platform, Facebook, noting that Green met with attorneys-at-law Ronald Daniel and Kiswana Jeffords and related that not only did he have nothing to do with the fire, but he was forced to sign a confession.

In the initial press statement issued last Sunday, the GPF disclosed that a

video confession was provided by the alleged arsonist. Greene, a resident of Princes Street, Lodge, had been arrested for armed robbery and was in custody at the Brickdam Police Station at the time the fire started.

According to the police press release Sunday, the man claimed that he “grew frustrat-

ed” after being detained for several hours and so he decided to set fire to the building.

Greene was reportedly one of 16 persons in custody at the time of the fire and had been safely evacuated from the Brickdam compound. Persons held in custody at the station were later transferred to the Sparendaam Police Station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

Four more persons succumb to COVID-19 - Health Ministry records 115 new cases

FOUR more persons have died after contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the country’s death toll to 807.

According to the Ministry of Health, the fatalities were a 69-year-old male from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), a 66-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 70-year-old male and a 74-yearold female, both from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). All four persons, according to the ministry, were unvaccinated.

According to the release, the patients were admitted with COVID-19-like symptoms and died while receiving care at medical institutions.

Meanwhile, of the 115 new cases recorded on Tuesday, Region Four accounted for 41, while Region 10 followed behind with 20 new cases.

Other new cases were recorded in Region Two (five cases), Region Three (18 cases),

Region Five (three cases), Region Six (13 cases), Region Seven (one case), Region Eight (one case) and Region Nine (13).

To date, the country has recorded a total of 32,701 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Some 34 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while there are 3,485 persons in home isolation, 129 persons in institutional isolation, and two persons in institutional quarantine.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols contained in the Gazetted COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until October 31, 2021, along with other measures, such as regular hand-washing and social distancing, to curb the spread of the virus.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately.

Rape convict moves to CCJ CONVICTED rapist, Calvin Ramcharran, has moved to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to challenge the decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal not to overturn or set aside his conviction and 23-year jail sentence.

In 2015, a 12-member jury found 28-yearold Ramcharran guilty of the rape and brutal assault of a woman at a dance at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, on July 22, 2012.

Trial judge, Jo-Ann Barlow, at the High Court, had sentenced him to serve 23 years for the rape and four years for the assault charge. The sentences are running concurrently.

The first charge stated that on July 22, 2012, in the county of Demerara, Ramcharran engaged in sexual penetration of an adult female without her consent. The second charge reads that on the same date, he assaulted the young woman, causing her actual bodily harm.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that on the day in question, the young woman went to urinate and Ramcharran followed her, asking if she was “doing business” and she said no. Although he had heard that, he still assaulted the young woman and raped her.

He subsequently filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging his conviction and sentence which he argued could not stand and therefore ought to be set aside or overturned.

However, in January, 2021, the Court of

Calvin Ramcharran

Appeal dismissed Ramcharran’s appeal and affirmed his conviction and sentence.

Dissatisfied, Ramcharran has now moved to the CCJ seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision. The case is expected to come up for a case management hearing on October 12.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Guyana, Barbados mull joint effort to tackle regional food import bill

UTILISING the agricultural potential of Guyana and Barbados to reduce the regional food import bill and enhance food security plans were among the plethora of opportunities discussed when President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, on Tuesday.

During a meeting at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Conference Centre, Bridgetown, Barbados, President Ali and his Barbados counterpart discussed the possibility of

enhanced co-operation in agriculture and fisheries, oil and gas, mining, forestry, tourism, the hospitality industry, transportation, housing and water resources.

Both President Ali and Prime Minister Mottley alluded to their desire for a new paradigm in the relations between Guyana and Barbados that would allow the peoples of both countries to benefit from an expanded programme of co-operation.

They expressed a determination to succeed with a model for the re-

gion built on enhanced trust and cutting through bureaucracy to achieve their objectives within the shortest possible time for implementation.

Significant attention was paid to exploring how the agriculture potential of Guyana and Barbados could be utilised to reduce food importation bills as part of the overall regional food security plans.

It was agreed that a monitoring mechanism would be put in place to oversee the implementation of an action plan.

Counterpart meet-

Professor Misir presents copies of his books to President, Vice-President

FORMER Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Prem Misir recently presented three of his recent books to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The books presented to the President and Vice-President are, ‘HIV/AIDS and Adolescents: South Pacific and Caribbean’; ‘The Subaltern Indian Woman:

Domination and Social Degradation’ and ‘HIV & AIDS: Knowledge and Stigma in Guyana’.

These books were published by Palgrave Macmillan and the University of the West Indies Press.

Another of his publications, titled ‘COVID-19 and Health System Segregation in the US’ will be published by Springer in December 2021.

Professor Prem Misir presenting Professor Prem Misir presenting copcopies of his books to Vice-President ies of his books to President Dr. Irfaan Bharrat Jagdeo Ali

ings were also held at the ministerial level and between the private sector representatives of both countries with a view to advancing the decisions of the Heads of Government of Guyana and Barbados.

The Heads of Government encouraged the members of their private sectors to become more aggressive in taking advantage of the oppor-

tunities that should be seen not as competitive but providing a measure of complementarity that would be a win-win for both sides. They stressed the urgency with which both countries needed to move forward.

President Ali expressed his sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Mottley for the warm welcome that he received and

for the kind hospitality extended to him and his delegation by the people of Barbados.

Prime Minister Mottley also conveyed her sincere gratitude to President Ali for travelling to Barbados with his delegation to attend the UNCTAD 15 opening session and for engaging in substantive talks with her and her delegation.

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Nurse arrested after gun, ammunition find

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

–– boyfriend wanted for alleged murder

A 29-year-old nurse was arrested in ‘B’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown after police found an illegal Beretta handgun and ammunition in her yard.

Acting on information received, a group of policemen visited the location in search of Romerio Hudson, 34, who is wanted in connection with an alleged murder.

Contact was made

with the nurse who admitted to being the man’s girlfriend.

Police said a search was later conducted in her home but nothing of evidential value was found. However, a search of the yard unearthed a black haversack under a tree. When opened, a Beretta handgun with one magazine and two live 9MM rounds were found.

The woman was asked

if she is the holder of a firearm licence and she said no. She was then told of the offence committed and cautioned but she remained silent.

She was then arrested and escorted to the Turkeyen Police Station where the firearm and ammunition were marked, sealed and lodged in her presence.

An investigation is in progress.

The Beretta handgun, the one magazine and two live 9MM rounds that were found by police

Man in custody for raping unconscious woman A 36-year-old man, who was allegedly caught raping a woman who had fallen unconscious after consuming alcohol, has been arrested.

According to the police, the crime was committed between October 4 and 5 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice).

Based on information, the 27-year-old victim and the suspect are known to each

other. The woman reportedly consumed alcohol on October 4 and retired to her bed.

Around 00:40 hrs on October 5, the suspect was seen committing the act on the woman who was unconscious.

Upon being seen, he made good his escape.

A report was made and he was subsequently arrested by police and placed in custody pending further investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Region Three private sector partners with police to combat COVID-19

THE Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), in collaboration with the region’s police ranks, recently visited several communities and marketplaces to share information about COVID-19 and its impacts.

Head of the private s e c t o r o r g a n i s a t i o n, Halim Khan, said the aim of the campaign was to educate Guyanese about the dangers of the virus and how to prevent its spread given the noticeable increase in positive cases in Region Three “We had television and radio personality, Frederick Rampersaud, doing a live broadcast from a PA system on

Head of R3PSInc, Halim Khan(second left) and Deputy Commander of Region Three, Superintendent Khalid Mandal (second right) at the Leonora Market where masks and COVID-19 information flyers were distributed. Also pictured are television and radio personality, Frederick Rampersaud (left), police ranks and CPG members a canter truck and we visited Leonora Market, Zeeburg Market and hot spots in Tuschen Hous-

ing scheme and Parika,” Khan noted.

He said that flyers and masks were shared

and the tagline “Save our family, make Region Three safe” was constantly repeated during the many interactions.

“Strategic communications are part of our daily work on the ground, and everybody

has a role to play in combatting the spread of misinformation that is currently aiding the pandemic and delaying Guyana’s goal of reaching herd immunity as quickly as we can,” Khan added.

He disclosed to this publication that the initiative aims to help increase trust in vaccine safety and efficacy since many people have been exposed to information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading.

“Misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines have caused confusion and led people to decline vaccines, reject public health measures such as masking and physical distancing, and use unproven treatments, and this is the worst time to do such with the Delta variant,” he said.

He noted that anyone who has questions can visit any health centre to speak to a professional about issues surrounding COVID-19 and vaccination.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Manickchand to teachers: ‘Your value is not lost on us’

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–– as World Teachers’ Day is observed

“YOUR value is not lost on us. Your value is not lost on this nation,” were the words of Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, as she addressed teachers and headteachers during a luncheon held in their honour on Tuesday.

The activity was hosted by the ministry in observance of World Teach-

a calling that you have responded to and an art that you have developed over the years,” Manickchand remarked.

She said: “This value is not lost on us. I want you to understand that at the level of the ministry, that we understand your value.

We know in the Ministry how valuable you are.”

She said that together,

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand addressing teachers at the luncheon ers’ Day, and saw the attendance of teachers and headteachers from various levels of the school system. Minister Manickchand reminded the educators that their value to the nation will never go unnoticed.

“I believe strongly the nation knows your commitment and knows how special teachers are,” the minister told gathering.

She said that that if ever the value of teachers was in doubt, the last year and a half proved that they [teachers] possess a special skill and have been able to master the art of educating the nation’s children.

“Teaching is a calling;

teachers and the Education Ministry have a duty to take the standard of education in Guyana higher and higher each year, so that better and better results could be achieved.

The Education Minister said that she is pleased that such a day is set aside to honour teachers, expressing hope that teachers across the country would use the day to reflect on how important they are to every child.

Manickchand reminded that teachers could make a difference between children living a life of comfort or continue See page 22

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, along with some of the senior officials within the Ministry of Education at Tuesday’s luncheon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

‘We could breathe with some...

From page 8

had to turn to subsistence farming in order to make ends meet after being laid off.

Clarke explained that from 2017 to now he has been seeking employment but to no avail. He started to plant his kitchen garden to secure his meals and built a small roadside stand where he sells the surplus along with icicles

and snacks just to get an income.

When he heard of the payout, he said he felt a heavy load lifted from his chest and he could not help himself from smiling.

CAN’T STOP SMILING “To say things tough is not enough. I tell you I

struggle real bad.

I lost a lot personally and otherwise. I was raised tough and through patience I am surviving.

When I hear about this money I only hope I live to get it ‘cause God knows it will do wonders for me.

I trying hard to get a job even now because I need a steady income and even register to work at the es-

tate again when it re-open cause I know with a job at GuySuCo I don’t have to worry. I can’t stop smile and I know plenty people done plan what to do with them money too.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), praised the announcement

by Vice- President Jagdeo.

“The support by the government is welcomed and seeks to correct the injustice and indignation the workers and their families confronted following the callous minimisation of

the sugar industry.

“Indeed, the government must have taken account of the socio-economic tribulations that the workers encountered following estate closure.

As the ILO study on the impact of estate closure outlined, the pangs of hardship and despair confronted a great lot of our Guyanese brothers and sisters. That study confirmed that the workers and their families lives and well-being were significantly setback and indeed some may never be able to make up the ground

that they lost. As GAWU said then and reiterates again, the decision to shutter estates has no sincere economic or social rationale. We contend that it was an undisguised attempt to punish sugar workers and the sugar industry.”

However, GAWU also urge the government to consider extending its support to all sugar workers, noting it will help to alleviate the many burdens the workers had to contend with during the term of the Coalition tenure in office.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Porter dies after falling from moving lorry

DAYONAND Chandraban, 30, called “Rasheed” of Lot 5, Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, died on Monday after he reportedly fell from the tray of a moving motor lorry.

At the time, he was

loud noise coming from the tray of his lorry and as a result of the sound he glanced into his right-side rearview mirror and observed Chandraban lying motionless on the road.

He immediately stopped the vehicle and

awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police conducted a breathalyzer test on the driver and it recorded zero readings.

He is in custody assisting with the investigation.

The motor lorry that the porter fell from a porter working on the lorry bearing registration number GWW 7258, police said in a press release.

It added that reports indicated that the lorry was proceeding south, along the eastern drive lane, at an alleged rate of speed of 50 mph, while the porter was standing in the tray which had zinc, cement and other materials.

Police said it was alleged by the driver, 27-year-old Ron Singh, that he heard a sudden

assisted in picking up the porter who was in an unconscious condition. He was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor.

He was then referred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was further examined but he subsequently died while receiving treatment.

The body is currently at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital mortuary

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Resounding call made to build production to ensure regional food security –– at Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2021

THE opening event of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2021 made a resounding call to transform agri-food systems so as to ensure economic, social and environmental sustainability and facilitate post-pandemic recovery.

CWA is the sub-region’s most important forum for dialogue, convened with the aim to reach consensus on the future of agriculture and rural life. Participants at the event include key stakeholders in the Caribbean from both the public and private sectors.

Themed “Transforming our food systems”, this is the 16th edition of the event— inaugurated in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999—and is the first time it is held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caribbean Week of Agriculture is organised by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CAR-

DI), the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) and FAO. The week-long event concludes on October 8 and includes over 30 activities, 100 speakers and a virtual presentation covering topics such as primary production, manufacturing, agritourism, agricultural technology, agricultural education and trade.

“If we are willing, we can transform our agriculture, making it better, more diverse and capable of guaranteeing access to healthy, nutritious foods for everyone, leaving no one behind,” affirmed Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The head of state explained that Guyana has been working to increase production and strengthen the sector’s institutions to build a more resilient agriculture sector with access to technological innovation.

He continued: “We must ask ourselves why we need to transform the

food systems and how we can achieve it. Our region is blessed with arable land, abundant sources of fresh water and qualified agricultural workers. However, we import over USD 5 billion in food annually. We have the resources to produce more food than what we consume and, in the process, generate income for the population”.

President Ali believes that the Caribbean has a critical need to increase food security given that “it is particularly vulnerable to extreme climate events like floods, droughts and hurricanes as a result of climate change. We must respond to the challenges and seize opportunities to build resilience”.

Errington Thompson, President of Agriculture Alliance of the Caribbean (AACARI), underscored the role played by IICA in supporting agriculture in the Caribbean given the challenging situation stemming from the pandemic in early 2020.

CWA is the sub-region’s most important forum for dialogue, convened with the aim to reach consensus on the future of agriculture and rural life. Participants at the event include key stakeholders in the Caribbean from both the public and private sectors that the Caribbean fulfills document containing 16 WE MUST ACT FAST Errington made an em- its objective to reduce food messages that expressed the phatic call to action regard- imports by 25 per cent by region’s joint vision for the ing the need to strengthen 2025. transformation of agri-food the sustainability of food systems.

RESILIENT FUTURE production, processing and Day summarised the ac“Over the next few tions undertaken by IICA trade: “The circumstances we are in do not allow us years, we must strength- since early 2020 to support to delay or procrastinate. en our food security by the nations of the Caribbean We are facing the impact making strategic decisions in responding to the pandemof COVID-19 and climate that guarantee a resilient ic, including the creation of change, as well as weakened future,” he stated. He also a special fund to ensure food economies and food short- noted the importance of and nutrition security. The ages. We must act fast and reorganising the agricul- institute also participated reach consensus to ensure tural business model in in campaigns to facilitate that we meet the Sustainable the Caribbean to drive im- access to seeds, irrigation Development Goals (SDGs), provements in productivi- equipment and inputs in especially eradiating hun- ty, incorporate innovation Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti, and build more resilient Grenada, Saint Kitts and ger”.

Ignatius Jean, Chairman structures to the volatility Nevis, Saint Vincent and of the Board of the Carib- of international prices. the Grenadines, Guyana and Lloyd Day, Deputy Di- Belize. bean Agricultural Research and Development Institute rector-General of IICA, IICA also made signif(CARDI), explained that spoke of the importance, in icant efforts to rebuild agrecent natural disasters, in- terms of diversity, of the ricultural production in the cluding the floods in Guyana Americas and the Caribbean wake of natural disasters, and Trinidad and Tobago, to global agri-food systems. including the eruption of La “On the one hand, the Soufrière volcano in Saint the earthquake in Haiti and the eruption of La Soufrière region contributes to global Vincent and the Grenadines, volcano in Saint Vincent and food and nutrition securi- the floods in Guyana and the Grenadines, have exacer- ty as the top exporter, the Suriname and the earthquake bated the devastating effects largest ecosystem services in Haiti. provider and the greatest of the pandemic.

In turn, Julio Berde“Today, millions of peo- source of biodiversity. On gué, FAO Assistant Direcple don’t have access to a the other hand, there are tor-General and Regional healthy diet,” informed Jean, countries, particularly in the Representative for Latin who further emphasised the Caribbean, that are heavily America and the Caribbean, urgent need to involve young dependent on food imports, urged the different stakepeople in agriculture as an making them vulnerable to holders to work together to indispensable condition to be disruptions in the supply face threats like the recent able to build a food produc- chain.” outbreak of swine fever, Day also pointed out the which puts at risk an imtion that is resilient to natural significance of the Caribbean portant economic activity disasters.

Joseph Cox, Assistant Week of Agriculture being in the region, and warned Secretary-General for held just days after the UN that the global mitigation of Trade and Economic In- Food Systems Summit, for climate change is “a matter tegration at CARICOM, which the entire Ameri- of life or death” for the Careferred to the importance can continent agreed on a ribbean islands. (IICA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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Manickchand to teachers: ‘Your value ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021 From page 17

to live in poverty as an adult.

Additionally, the minister said that teachers will see improved relations from the ministry. She said that this will not be achieved with a “big stick” approach, but rather one where guidance is given to improve standards and levels of engagement.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, told teachers that they are valued not only as professionals, but as persons who help to make positive

differences in the lives of children.

During his remarks, Dr. Hutson recalled how teachers have even made a difference in his life by encouraging him to work towards achieving a better life than that which he was exposed to as a youth.

He said that every child is born gifted and that teachers have the responsibility to nurture those gifts and help children achieve their full potential.

During Tuesday’s luncheon, Ms.

Francesca Vieira was also honoured for giving 50 years of service to the education sector.

Also, teachers Ms. Malkia Payne of The Bishops’ High School and Ms. Candida Williams of Queen’s College were also honoured for writing the Portuguese Curriculum which began in April 2013. They trained teachers and prepared material to teach the subject in schools.

According to Minister Manick-

chand, it is because of the work of those teachers that the Caribbean Examinations Council is now offering Portuguese at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations across the region.

The subject was first written in 2017 with Guyana obtaining an 89 per cent pass rate. She said that this is a representation of what persons are capable of when given the platform to deliver.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

BCB to benefit from $1.08M sponsorship from Tenelec Inc. … Funds directed towards U-15, 1st Division tournaments CRICKET in the Ancient County of Berbice continues to attract investments and sponsorship as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to work hard ahead of a possible restart to its season, later in the year or early next year.

BCB yesterday successfully completed discussions with the management of overseas-based company Tenelec Inc. of the United States of America for a million-dollar sponsorship of two major cricket tournaments for the 2022 season.

BCB president Hilbert Foster who has over the last three and half years spearheaded a comprehensive marketing drive for the board, successfully completed the discussions with co-owners of the company, Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruentzel for the sponsorship.

The sponsorship is expected to cover the cost of an Under-15 and senior first-division 50-overs tournament.

Foster stated that the U-15 tournament would be for players born on or after September 1, 2007.

Twenty-three teams are expected to play in the tournament which would be used to select the Berbice inter-county team and to identify promising players for the future.

These players would then be part of the BCB coaching programme. which would be expanded in the new year.

Among the teams expected to play are Paradise, Bush Lot United, Achievers, Cotton Tree, Bath, Blairmont, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Kendall Union, Edinburgh, Mt Sinai, Albion, RHT Farfan and Mendes, Port Mourant, No. 73, Cut and Load

Scotland beat lreland...

(From page 31)

spare.

It was the first warmup game for both sides and Scotland made an instant impact yesterday by quickly removing big-hitting openers Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien along with captain Andrew Balbirnie.

Ireland's middle-order came to the rescue with Tector, Campher and Neil Rock (32) ensuring the Scots would face a competitive target.

Safyaar Sharif took 2-27 while Hamza Tahir and Michael Leask both finished with 2-33.

Scotland opener Ollie Hairs was dismissed

with just one run on the board but Munsey was soon blasting his way to a half-century.

Munsey departed with Scotland on 108-2 and his blistering knock allowed his team to make the total with ease.

Ben White had figures of 2-35 for an Ireland side which will face United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first of three T20 warm-up games tomorrow.

Ireland start their T20 World Cup campaign against Netherlands on October 18 with Scotland taking on Bangladesh a day earlier. (BBC Sport)

and Rana Krishna.

The first-division tournament would be one of at least four to be organised by the BCB in 2022.

Foster disclosed that the Tenelec Inc. 50 overs tournament would be played using the 50-overs knockout format among the eleven first division teams.

The teams that would participate in the tournament are West Berbice, Blairmont,

Police, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Yound Warrior, Albion, RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Port Mourant, Skeldon and Upper Corentyne.

Foster explained that the overseas-based company had sponsored the tournaments for over a decade up to 2016 but left in frustration in 2017.

Deonarine, who is the uncle of former West Indies Test player Narsingh Deon-

arine, expressed confidence in the current administration and stated that he was delighted to be on board again.

The Tenelec tournaments have a rich tradition in the history of Berbice Cricket and played a great part in the development of players like Deonarine, Devendra Bishoo, Veersammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Romario Shepherd, Nial Smith, Kelvon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair and Sewnarine Chattergoon and others.

Stadium, hill to be...

L.F. Wade International Airport to the Cabinet Office.

Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Ernest Peets, said there would also be a special recognition of Duffy by the Bermuda Post Office, an open-air tribute concert will be held and there will be both a statue of Duffy commissioned, and a mural created in her honour.

“We will share more details shortly on how the community can participate,” Peets said.

“During such a challenging time (from COVID-19),

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seeing our own on the world stage performing like no one before had the effect of bringing us together as a community and as a people.”

He said: “That same unity and togetherness is needed now more than ever.

“We very much look forward to welcoming Flora back home so that we can celebrate with her and share in our national pride for her achievement.”

An international triathlon weekend ahead of the national holiday, in which Duffy was expected to par09:25 hrs Lily Of Orange 10:00 hrs Trump My Queen 10:35 hrs Brandenburg Irish Racing Tips Navan 08:15 hrs Keel Bay 08:45 hrs Dancing Rebel 09:20 hrs Indiana Rose 09:55 hrs Inflection Point 10:30 hrs Temple Of Artemis 11:05 hrs Coill Na Sionainne 11:40 hrs French Company 12:12 hrs Wish Me English Racing Tips

(From back page)

ticipate, was cancelled because of a surge in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on the island.

To date, there have been more than 5 000 confirmed cases and 75 deaths.

Peets said the government also planned to pay tribute to former boxer Hill, who won bronze at the 1976 Games.

“In that regard, the government will also commission a bronze bust of Mr Hill to celebrate his achievement as part of Bermuda’s Olympic success,” Peets said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

Players' union deplores 'lack of vision' with biennial World Cup PARIS, France (AFP) - The world footballers' union FIFPro attacked the “lack of holistic vision” of the game's institutions, including FIFA's proposal for a

biennial World Cup, with its general secretary saying the debates were prompted by “commercial interests”.

Speaking by videoconference on the sidelines of the

presentation Monday of a report on the playing demands of professional players, Jonas Baer-Hoffmann called for a “reasonable and effective reform” to lighten the burden

on footballers and reduce the chance of injury.

“There is an absolute lack of holistic vision and leadership from most of the institutions,” he said about FIFA's proposal for a biennial World Cup. “It is very much a transactional affair in which proposals, whether good, bad or ugly for football, have very little basis for a conversation or consultation because everything is aligned to the commercial interests of different competitions.

“That really undermines our chance to have a reasonable and effective reform.

“We would really like to try to differentiate between conversations about the calendar and that about competitions. These are two very separate conversations.”

The debate around the international calendar and a World Cup every two years has been revived in recent weeks by ex-Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, FIFA's head of global development.

Wenger says the idea would be to have a final phase every summer from 2025 to 2026, alternating World Cups and continental tournaments like the European Championships and Copa

Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger is FIFA's head of global development.

America. Qualifying matches would be grouped together in October, or in October and March.

He refutes the argument that the players would face increased strain, arguing that they would have to make fewer long journeys and would have a minimum of 25 days rest after playing in summer tournaments for their countries.

A full report is due to be released by FIFA in November, ahead of a “global summit” by the end of the year.

The idea has already led to widespread criticism from

managers while UEFA has been scathing in its response, but FIFPro struck a more pragmatic approach.

“Condensing windows is an interesting one,” said Jonas Baer-Hoffmann.

“We had a first meeting with FIFA about this about a week ago. There is a lot in this whole proposal we still need to look at and analyse.

“Reducing windows would be a positive as it would reduce travel. FIFA is also suggesting going from 10 games we have in the current window down to seven.

“I see upsides for coaches who would have more time to work with players, so there is merit.”

He warned, however, that the biennial competition could just make the rich football nations richer at the expense of developing countries.

“The entire potential thought process for innovation is being put into the peak of the pyramid,” he said.

“The notion seems to be: 'Let's generate as much money there as possible and then there might be some trickle down to help the pyramid out.'

“I don't think that's working particularly well.”

England's Sam Curran ruled out of T20 World Cup ENGLAND all-rounder Sam Curran has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup with a back injury.

Curran complained of back pain after playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday and scans have shown a lower-back issue.

The 23-year-old's brother Tom has been called into the squad as a replacement and is replaced on the reserve list by fast bowler Reece Topley.

England's first World Cup match is on October 23 against West Indies.

Curran will fly back to UK in the coming days where he will have further scans from England's medical team to assess the injury.

It is hoped further assess-

Sam Curran has taken 16 wickets in 16 T20 internationals and has scored 91 runs at an average of 18.20.

ment will indicate whether the Surrey player will be available for the Ashes series against Australia, scheduled to begin in December.

Injury has already ruled England fast bowler Jofra Archer out of the World Cup, while all-rounder Ben Stokes is also

absent as he continues to take an indefinite break from cricket to prioritise his mental health.

The members of the England squad not playing in the IPL arrived in Oman on Monday, where the tournament is being held alongside the United Arab Emirates. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

Gasol retires after 23-year career, two NBA titles, three Olympic medals … pays tribute to late Kobie Bryant BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Spanish basketball great Pau Gasol announced yesterday that he is retiring from the sport after a 23year career.

"I'm here to tell you that I'm going to retire from professional basketball. It's a difficult decision after so many years but it's a decision I've taken carefully," Gasol, 41, told a news conference at Barcelona's Liceu theatre.

Gasol, who stands 7 feet 1 inch, made his professional debut in 1998 with Barca as a centre before being signed by NBA side Memphis Grizzlies in 2001.

He won NBA titles with Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010 while being chosen in the All-Star team on six occasions.

Gasol later played for Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs and had a brief

Pau Gasol during the press conference.

(REUTERS/Albert Gea)

stint with Milwaukee Bucks plus four months at Portland Trail Blazers, where injury prevented him from playing.

He returned to Barcelona earlier this year, helping his boyhood club end a sev-

en-year wait to win the Spanish championship in June.

Gasol was a talisman for Spain, helping them win the Olympic silver medal at the 2008 and 2012 Games plus bronze in 2016.

He recovered from almost two years out injured to compete at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, where Spain lost in the quarter-finals to eventual winners the USA in his final international.

Gasol began the news conference by detailing his battle to overcome a stress fracture he suffered in his left foot in 2019.

"Not many doctors thought I'd be able to recover but I'm a person who likes challenges and I wanted to fight to do the improbable," he said.

"I got to the point where I was relaxed about my career ending, I was at peace.

GGA rates 2021 a success, thanks to support from schools, students countrywide THE Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/ Nexgen Academy has endured a strong 2021 despite a number of hurdles caused by the lasting effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the association had faced challenges - thanks to the pandemic - similar to that of other sport bodies, golf had found a way to allow players to still engage in the sport while observing the numerous COVID-19 protocols which are still in effect; vaccinated or not.

As such GGA has used this down-time of actual weekly competitions and tournaments, to focus more on the development of the sport and the youths. This move has seen a number of local learning institutions such as Texila American University, School of the Nations and a number of

government schools across the regions, add golf to their curriculum.

With the sport being a Olympic one, the horizon for GGA seems broad as president Aleem Hussain said that the focus on schools is ideal for the expansion of the sport but more importantly, it proves a base for students to come and further engage in a game which is universally adored and used by most as a way to unwind, especially in the bustling lives of businessmen and athletes alike.

Now with the added support of a majority of the schools across places like Berbice, Linden and of course Georgetown being premier hubs for learning golf,. Hussain said he also was pleased that the sport had managed to reach the corporate world, as a number

of prominent businesses, entities or individuals have so far thrown their support behind the venture and its drive to get more youngsters involved.

Also, the large turnout of females across all age groups has also hugely impressed the GGA head, who wanted to see more women being involved in golf, thus adding to the short list of women; namely - ex-Guyana Open Champs Joaan Deo and Christine Sukhram; who are arguably Guyana’s premier female golfers.

Looking ahead to the end of a rough 2021, GGA plans to keep the ball rolling and momentum going as they will be looking to safely see out the year with a few in-house events and activities while keeping 2022 as a year with huge plans for the association.

But when things went well I took the decision to sign for Barcelona which wasn't in my plans. But I managed to win the league with the club where it all began and where I made my debut. It's been

very special."

Gasol also paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, his old Lakers team mate who died in a helicopter accident in January 2020.

"I'd have liked him to

have been here today but sometimes life is unfair," Gasol added.

"He taught me to a better competitor, a real winner, I considered him like an older brother."

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

Women’s Champions League Mohamed Salah better than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona sweep aside Arsenal says Chris Sutton LIVERPOOL forward Mohamed Salah "is the best player in the world" at the moment, says former Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton.

Salah's stunner against Manchester City has been described as "one of the best goals of the Premier League era" by ex-England striker Alan Shearer.

The 29-year-old has scored nine goals in nine games this season.

"At this moment in time, he's better than (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo," Sutton said.

After scoring his 100th Premier League goal in September, Salah hit one of his best to give his side the lead again against Manchester City.

The Egypt striker set up the opening goal for Sadio Mane after an impressive run, but Phil Foden and then Kevin de Bruyne's deflected equaliser earned a point for City.

Sutton said Salah's "consistency levels" are what make him the world's best player at the moment.

In addition to his nine goals in nine games across all competitions, Salah - who is yet to agree a new contract

From left: Lionel Messi, Moahmed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo

extension at Anfield - has produced three assists.

The former Chelsea forward has averaged 21 goals per season across the last three Premier League campaigns and found the net 32 times in 2017-18.

"His numbers have been sensational the last few seasons," Sutton continued on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"To do it on that stage, which he has done for so many years, it just sums up how brilliant he is.

"Consistency is what

you look for and he is doing it season after season after season where others are falling away and Liverpool still haven't signed him up."

Former England defender Micah Richards - who played with Salah at Italian side Fiorentina in 2015 agreed with the former Celtic striker.

"I've been saying Salah is world class for years," Richards said.

"Everyone laughed at me. I've been singing his praises since the Fiorentina days.

"When I saw him in training, I was like, 'this guy isn't real'. He could dribble past five players and then chip it over the keeper.

"You could play the ball to him as hard as you want and the first touch would be there. He was greedy in training as well because he just knew he was going to score.

"I tried to tell people years ago but no-one wanted to listen to me - I saw it and now, I'm not surprised at what he's doing." (BBC sport)

BCCI set to earn US$12M from T20 World Cup ALTHOUGH the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup won’t take place in India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to earn a massive profit for the competition.

The global event will get underway on October 17 with

the matches taking place in UAE and Oman. Earlier, India had the hosting rights of the competition. However, the COVID-19 crisis in the country meant the action is shifted to the Gulf nations.

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) will get US$7M

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 6, 2021)

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for hosting 39 games across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai. Oman Cricket (OC) will receive a fee of US$400 000 for staging six preliminary matches of the competition in Muscat. As BCCI are the designated hosts of the global championship, they’ll enjoy a surplus of US$12M. BCCI reportedly wrote a detailed email to Apex Council members and informed them about the cost details.

“BCCI is paying ECB a fixed fee of US$1.5Mn (from our host fee of US$13.5M) and operational costs of US$5.5M which will be covered by ICC. The total fee payable is US$7 M. BCCI is paying OC a fixed fee of US$400 000,” the email read as seen

by Cricbuzz.

BCCI also asserted that the competition was shifted to the Arab nations considering the health and well-being of the players. Nevertheless, the

Indian board has deployed teams at venues to oversee the preparation for the event.

“The BCCI discussed the hosting issues with the ICC and had several rounds of deliberations internally. After much thought, it was decided that the safety of players and other stakeholders is of paramount importance, and keeping that in mind, it was best to shift the event to the United Arab Emirates and Oman,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote in the email.

Meanwhile, the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is underway in UAE. The competition will be concluded on October 15 with the T20 World Cup getting underway a couple of days later. With T20 becoming a fan-favourite format lately, fans must gear up to witness some exciting contests in the tournament. (CricTracker)

Asisat Oshoala was BBC's first Woman Footballer-of-the-Year in 2015.

ARSENAL lost for the first time since February as Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala haunted her old club in their Women's Champions League Group C opener.

Mariona Caldentey scored the rebound from an Oshoala shot for the first.

Nigerian Oshoala ran down the right wing and squared it for Alexia Putellas to slot home and added a third herself from a sublime Mariona through ball.

Frida Maanum bundled in a consolation for the visitors before Lieke Martens chipped in the fourth for the holders.

Putellas should have made it 5-1 deep into stoppage time but her penalty was saved by Manuela Zinsberger.

Oshoala, 26, played for Arsenal from March 2016 to February 2017, helping them to win the FA Cup, and did not celebrate her goal at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

It took Arsenal 55 minutes to have a shot, with Vivianne Miedema's weak effort rolling straight to goalkeeper Sandra Panos.

The Gunners did create more chances as the game

wore on with Nikita Parris having a shot cleared off the line shortly before Maanum struck.

Jonas Eidevall's Gunners were one of the form teams in Europe coming into the game, with eight wins from eight games in all competitions this season, scoring at least three in each match.

They were unbeaten in 20 games in all competitions, going back to February.

Unfortunately for them, Barcelona had also won all their matches this season five in the league - and this was the first time they hit fewer than five goals in a game.

European champions Barca showed why they will be tough to stop this season and should definitely have extended that scoring run, ending with 35 shots, 14 on target.

Next in the Champions League, the Gunners host German side Hoffenheim on Thursday, October 14, with Barcelona going to Denmark to face Koge.

Hoffenheim beat Koge 5-0 in yesterday's other Group C game.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 6, 2021

Mercenary continue winning ways with victory over OSCL All Stars

… Toronto Deputy Mayor praises executives for keeping culture alive

OSCL treasurer Budesh Ramsawak (right) hands over the regular season winners’ trophy to Mercenary skipper Looknauth Ramsuchit.

OSCL president Ravin Babulall (left) presents medal of appreciation to Toronto Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson.

All Stars MVP Anil Samuel receives his trophy from OSCL president Ravin Babulall.

MERCENARY’S incredible run of victories continued last Saturday when they made light work of an All Stars combination at the Ashtonbee Reservoir, Scarborough, Canada.

The feature game, played as part of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) annual presentation ceremony, which was held outdoors because of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Mercenary win by 68 runs in the 20-over affair which was witnessed by a fair-sized crowd. Set a challenging 134 for victory, All Stars folded meekly for

All Stars skipper Troy Gobin, a former Guyana Under-19 player, was the only batter to reach double figures, hitting a four and one six in his 22.

Earlier, Amit Rukhram also starred with the bat with a top-score of 39, which included three sixes while opener Avinash Sookdeo smashed two sixes in 19.

Anil Samuel turned in a useful bowling performance, bagging an impressive five for 34 from his four overs, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize for his team. Amit Rukhram’s all-

Mayor of Toronto, Michael Thompson, who in brief remarks prior to the presentation, praised the OSCL executives for keeping the grassroots game alive while celebrating and expanding the culture.

The deputy mayor told the gathering that he was proud to be part of the Scarborough Centre Community which he also represents in the City Council. He alluded to the fact that it’s important to get engaged in what’s going on in the community and pledged his ongoing support from the sport.

63 in 11.3 overs.

All Stars were in immediate trouble, losing openers Mike Kadir and Devon Ramnauth with only two runs on the tins. They never recovered from that disastrous start as Mercenary bowlers kept them in check while also picking up wickets regularly.

Anand Gurdial had the impressive figures of three for 19 from his four overs while Amit Rukhram took two for one from 2.3 overs and Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth two for 12 from three.

round effort earned him his team’s MVP award.

Apart from winning a lop-sided final against Canadian Legends, Mercenary also played unbeaten during the season, winning 10 of their 11 games with the other being a no-decision. Their 72 points were also two better than Carr Tec Sports Club’s 70 while Canadian Legends totalled 57 and Leguan Warriors 57 in the 10-team tournament. Leguan Warriors took the Consolation title with victory over 3 counties.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Deputy

Speaking on the touchy vaccine issue, Thompson said he hoped that everyone present was vaccinated although he feels it was perfectly fine to question it. He also urged the OSCL executives and players that they should stand up and let the authorities know what they need.

OSCL president Ravin Babulall took the occasion to present Thompson with a medal, which he said will adorn his Deputy Mayoral Office as long as he remains a councillor. (Frederick Halley)

Scotland beat lreland in Dubai Dhoni hints at featuring in 2022 IPL warm-up game GEORGE Munsey's quick-fire 67 helped Scotland to a five-wicket win over Ireland in their Men's T20 World Cup warm-up match in Dubai.

Ireland were struggling at 20-3 but recovered to make 176 all out with Harry Tector hitting 38 and Curtis Campher adding 35.

Scots opener Munsey hit five sixes and seven boundaries in his 25-ball innings to set the platform for victory.

Calum MacLeod made 36 as Scotland reached 178-5 with 13 balls to (Turn to page 27)

George Munsey needed only 41 minutes to make his blistering 67 against Ireland.

‘DEFINITELY not’ said MS Dhoni when Danny Morris asked him whether CSK’s last game in IPL 2020 is his final outing in yellow colours? The former Indian captain stood to his words and is featuring in the 2021 edition of the gala tournament.

However, many reckon Dhoni won’t feature in the next season and he has been woefully out of form with the bat.

Well, that doesn’t seem to be the case as Dhoni hinted towards playing another IPL season. Speaking to some of his fans virtually, the former Indian captain said he’ll ‘hopefully’ play his farewell at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With the ongoing IPL 2021 taking place in UAE, Dhoni’s state-

CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni

ment clearly indicates that he’s planning to take the field next season as well.

“You will still get that opportunity to bid me farewell. Hopefully, you will come to see me in Chennai where I will play my last

game and I can meet all my fans,” MS Dhoni told some of his fans in a virtual interaction conducted to India Cements. The news spread like wildfire as the wicketkeeper’s fans were delighted. (CricTracker)

BCB to benefit from $1.08M sponsorship from Tenelec Inc. 27

Bermuda was one of around 70 countries never to have won Olympic gold, until this year’s 2020 Games in Tokyo.

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Stadium, hill to be renamed after golden girl Flora Duffy HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Bermuda’s first Olympic Games gold medal winner, Flora Duffy will have two landmarks on the outskirts of the capital named after her, the government announced.

The National Sports Centre’s South Field Stadium will become the Flora Duffy Stadium, while a short, twisting road used in previous World Triathlon Series events is to be changed from Corkscrew Hill to Flora Duffy Hill.

The name changes – under the Public Lands Act 1984 – were posted in the Official Gazette on Monday.

The government earlier announced plans to honour 34-year-old Duffy with a one-off national holiday on October 18 in recognition of her gold medal success at this year’s delayed Tokyo Olympics and her record-equalling feat in becoming women’s world triathlon champion for the third time Her Olympic success came 45

years after heavyweight boxer Clarence Hill, now 70, won Bermuda’s only other medal at the Games – a bronze in Montreal.

Duffy divides her time between Bermuda, South Africa, her husband Dan Hugo’s home country, and her training camp in the United States in Boulder, Colorado.

Duffy will be welcomed back to the island on October 11 with a motorcade from TURN TO PAGE 27 ►

… Funds directed towards U-15, 1st Division tournaments

BCB president Hilbert Foster

Holding slams England for ‘western arrogance’ … They wouldn’t have done that to India FORMER West Indies cricketer Michael Holding lashed out at England for calling off their tour of Pakistan in October. England were set to send their men’s and women’s teams for bilateral series. But after New Zealand abandoned their tour due to ‘security threats’, England took a similar step that hasn’t gone down well with Holding and the Pakistan cricket fraternity.

Holding expressed his agony, and said that the ECB’s approach was reminiscent of their stand towards the talked-about ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.

The veteran said that England shouldn’t have backed away, especially after how Pakistan toured the UK when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak. Holding put forth his opinions after getting the Cricket Writers’ Club

Peter Smith Award.

“Pakistan went to England before vaccines were available. They stayed, they played their cricket, they honoured what England had wanted them to honour, to save England’s butt, to put it mildly. You have an opportunity now to try to repay what Pakistan did,” Holding said as quoted by Mirror.

Holding said that he found it tough to comprehend ECB’s statement. “The ECB statement doesn’t wash with me. No substance. Nobody wants to come forward and face up to anything because they know what they did was wrong,” he stated.

“So, they put out a statement and hide behind a statement. It just reminds me of the rubbish they did with Black Lives Matter.

“I won’t go back into that because I’ve said enough. But what that signal

sends to me is the same western arrogance. I will treat you how I feel like treating you, it doesn’t matter what you think, I’ll just do what I want.”

The 67-year-old Holding didn’t mince any words in saying that England wouldn’t have dared to call off a tour if India were the hosts because the BCCI is “rich and powerful”.

“Four days in Pakistan? I’m absolutely sure they wouldn’t have done that to India, because India is rich and powerful,” Holding added.

Due to the cancelled series, Pakistan players are taking part in the National T20 Cup to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Earlier, Ramiz Raja, the PCB, and a number of former Pakistan cricketers, including Shoaib Akhtar, bashed England and New Zealand for their abrupt calls. (CricTracker)

Former legendary West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding

BCCI set to earn US$12M from T20 World Cup 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

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021