Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-10-2021

THURSDAY 7th October, 2021

No. 106507

Vaccinated Moruca teen died from serious pre-existing condition

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‘We are asking for fair treatment, not handouts’

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-President Ali tells developed nations, in call for equity during pandemic recovery

Guyana is currently partnering with neighbouring Brazil for the 24th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange, which focuses on strengthening border security. The two-day forum is being hosted in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and will conclude today (Photo by Lance Corporal Randy Deputron of the G9 Branch of the Guyana Defence Force) (See story on Page 9)

Gas price drops to $198, diesel $185 SEE PAGE

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46 families receive land titles after 20 years of waiting

Sugar earnings increase by US$2.8M

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

Sugar earnings increase by US$2.8M -as industry rakes in US$10.7M at the end of the first half of 2021

The Guyana Sugar Corporation earns more by selling its nicely packaged, ‘Demerara Gold’ sugar EVEN amid the ongoing restructuring of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), coupled with its recov-

ery from the country’s most devastating floods, the sugar industry has reaped ‘sweet’ benefits in the first half of the year, earning US$10.7 million.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report, the earnings from the industry reflect an increase of some of US$2.8 million when compared to the previous half-year report.

Those notable achievements have added to the overall economic growth recorded during the first half of the year.

The profitability of the sugar industry has also allowed GuySuCo to settle some of its debts.

In June, the corporation, according to its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sasenarine Singh, was able to facilitate repayments to its trade creditors, to the tune of some $700 million.

Added to that, the sugar company also managed to pay $175 million to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), honouring the debts owed to credit unions in the industry.

Further, GuySuCo said that due to its commitment to its 7,400 workers, a strategic plan was crafted to ensure that the $475 million arrears owed to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) are paid over. As at November 2020, $123 million of that sum was reconciliated.

The sugar company had attributed its positive fiscal standing to a smart and sustainable sales mix aimed at tackling the institution’s long-existing financial woes.

In doing so, GuySuCo took a decision to reduce the sale of its bulk sugar and invest more in selling the packaged product which is in wider demand, and could be sold at a higher cost.

With the switch, the company’s annual losses have plummeted from $2.6 billion to $825 million. This means, that by simply redesigning its marketing and sales strategy, GuySuCo has managed to save approximately $1.7 billion.

“Changing the sales mix is one of our primary short-term strategies, and it has worked,” CEO Singh said at a press con-

ference in July.

He explained then that by having GuySuCo place special emphasis on packaged sugar, the corporation has managed to “unleash some unexploited potential in the revenue stream at very short notice.”

Elaborating on GuySuCo’s savings, the CEO said: “If we sell sugar on a boat, it goes for US$300 to US$350 per metric ton. If we sell the sugar in a bag, it goes for about US$600 a metric ton.”

However, with the packaged sugar, Singh said that Guyana could sell the “Demerara Gold” for as much as US$700 per tonne.

He said that to push the “packaged-sugar” agenda, GuySuCo has restarted operations at the Enmore Packaging Plant, and has moved to further expand production at the Blairmont Packaging Plant. “…and because of that initiative, GuySuCo has been able to reduce its January to May losses from $2.6B to under a billion this year,” Singh posited.

In yet another effort to be more efficient and sustainable, GuySuCo is also looking to procure equipment necessary for the implementation of a mechanical harvesting system.

“Mechanical harvesters are becoming mandatory,” Singh related.

He said that so far, the average turnout rate for cane-cutters across the six estates is approximately 70 per cent.

“We need a mechanical harvester to do the other 30 per cent of harvesting for us,” the GuySuCo official said.

MECHANICAL HARVESTING He said that the industry is also moving ambitiously towards achieving 30 per cent mechanical harvesting by 2025, at least across the Albion, EastBerbice Corentyne, and the Blairmont, West Coast Berbice estates, respectively.

He said that this will not result in the loss of jobs for canecutters, since the mechanical harvester would just be filling

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

‘We are asking for fair treatment, not handouts’ -President Ali tells developed nations in call for equity during pandemic recovery

By Rehana Ahamad

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali is continuing his critical stance against developed countries that are guilty of isolating and discriminating against small and developing nations during the pervasive COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Ali’s latest reproach was voiced during the 15th United Nations’ Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Leaders Summit Dialogue III hosted in Barbados, on Tuesday.

There, the Guyanese Head of State made specific reference to the ongoing vaccine inequalities and polarisation that continue to affect countries such as Guyana.

Dr. Ali said, pointedly, that even though some developed countries are claiming to be recovering from the pandemic, part of their recovery includes discrimination and differentiation.

“The world is not recovering; it is the developed countries that are recovering…part of the recovery effort is to differentiate [in] vaccination,” Dr. Ali told the United Nations forum.

He used as an example, the fact that while many developed countries boast of vaccination rates that go well beyond 80 per cent, dozens of developing nations are recording below three per cent in the vaccination efforts.

“We thought that the pandemic taught us a singular lesson – that is, we are not isolated; we are all interconnected,” Dr. Ali deduced.

He noted, however, that based on the global COVID-19 response, greater

emphasis has been placed on policies that contribute to isolation.

“It is not that the developing countries did not try to get the vaccines,” President Ali clarified.

He said that similar to Africa, members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also exhausted every possible avenue to negotiate the purchase of vaccines from all suppliers.

“Many [other] countries did the same, but the vaccines were just not available to us – the developing world,” President Ali lamented.

NOT ASKING FOR HANDOUTS The Guyanese leader went further to note that even though small and developing countries may not be wealthy, “we were not asking for handouts.”

“This message must be clear…we were not asking for preferential treatments. We were asking for fair treatment, and that is what we negotiated for – fair treatment. We were not granted fair treatment, that is the bottom line,” Dr. Ali stated.

He said that even though small and developing nations were “left on the back burner,” many went ahead to fend for their own chance of survival, trying to secure the lifesaving vaccines wherever possible. However, these efforts are now facing a backlash from developed countries that are moving to consider “vaccination for entry” requirements.

“Now we are told that if you tap into this source [for vaccines], you will not be able to travel to the US. How do we ensure that this

path does not lead to greater isolation?” Dr. Ali queried.

CONDITIONALITIES OF MONEY He went further to say that even as small and developing countries push for economic recovery, the US$650 billion assistance that has been approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will not do much.

As a matter of fact, CARICOM Member States are likely to receive some US$1.7 billion, which is merely one third of the funding required for the community’s recovery.

“That money is also coming with conditionalities,” Dr. Ali posited.

He contended: “The new money cannot come with conditionalities that were there in the past, because it will be out of the context of what we are faced with today.”

President Ali pointed to the fact that the region’s worries have also been compounded by issues relating to economic and learning loss, climate change, and the continued fight against the pandemic, all of which will hinder achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It is estimated that we spend US$0.5 to US$1 billion annually, just to restore damaged infrastructure from natural disasters. So, if you take a ten-year period, we have to spend $10 billion, at minimum to respond to natural disasters,” Dr. Ali reasoned.

He said that there is a blatant mismatch in relation to what is required and the assistance being provided. “…and unless we are willing to correct the mis-

closure of four sugar estates by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change government.

In his recommendation, author of the report, Dr. Thomas Singh, pointed to the need for GuySuCo to advance its cellulosic ethanol production as a source of renewable, low-carbon energy that could possibly boost the very profitability of the sugar industry.

“Consideration must also be given to developing a bio-refinery to produce other high-valued chemicals from lignocellulose, both as a strategy for reducing costs, and also for further diversifying the industry,” Dr. Singh noted.

He said that the bio-refineries would make use not only of bagasse, but will also use other kinds of biomass, including rice straw, sawdust, etcetera. This, he related, will also allow for the production of several commercial-scale, high-valued co-products that will enhance the profitability of the core cellulosic ethanol facility.

To this end, the GuySuCo official said that the institution has a diversification committee in place to consider all options.

Singh said that the industry has a lot that it has to do, but these have to be done with “a lot of common sense.”

Sugar earnings increase...

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the existing gap.

“People will move from basic manual labour, to semimechanical systems,” Singh envisioned.

He said that the mechanical systems would also allow for the estates to function much better amid unsuitable weather.

In another effort to save even more money, GuySuCo is also looking to diversify its operations and examine the possibility of advancing its renewable-energy initiatives, as recommended by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in a report which was released recently.

The report examined the socio-economic impact of the

President Dr. Irfaan Ali shares a light moment with Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Motley and President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta match; unless we are willing to address the issue of fairness and how we are treated, then this will be a prolonged problem for us,” Dr. Ali surmised.

In addition to the issues that require immediate responses, many countries have not even begun to assess medium or long-term impact of COVID-19.

“If the developed countries believe that they are recovering, then it is clear that their message to us is that we [they] will recover at the isolation of the rest of the world,” President Ali reiterated.

The Guyanese Head of State also emphasised the need for institutions to be boosted to promote and develop multilateralism.

To this end, Dr. Ali said that the bond that has been created between CARICOM and Africa is critical.

“It is the coming together of the numbers and the bringing together of the common objectives and common goal that would apply enough pressure on the system,” President Ali said.

He added that even though there are new commitments being made by developing countries on various issues, that is not what is needed. He said that countries in the developing world ought to be fulfill-

ing their old commitments before venturing to make new ones.

‘WE ARE OUR OWN ENEMY’ President Ali underscored the need for small and developing countries to demonstrate that they are “equal partners” in global development, and are “prepared to do what is right.”

“Sometimes we are our own enemy, because we allow ourselves to be in a position that we have to get the developed world to come fix some of the problems that are basic,” President Ali said.

Also addressing the forum was Secretary General of CARICOM, Carla Barnett, who reminded world leaders that they have to keep pressing for the implementation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), which will allow for a country to be assessed using more than just income-based data.

The MVI also takes into consideration climate as well as socio-economic challenges facing a country.

“We, therefore, call on the UN system to intensify collaboration with relevant regional institutions, particularly in the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, to make this index a reality,” Barnett petitioned.

She also led the call for

major development partners such as the IMF and World Bank to “step away from the blinders” of measuring a country’s success mainly by its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and “apply what we learn in Development Economics 101 – that GDP per capita cannot be a measure for development, let alone sustainable development.”

The UN forum was hosted under the theme: “Building a more prosperous development path – matching the scale of the moment.”

Both President Ali and the CARICOM SecretaryGeneral have lauded Barbados for hosting a successful summit.

Also speaking alongside President Ali on the high-level panel were President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta; Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan; Vice-President of the Dominican Republic, Raquel Peña; Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Vera Songwe; Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Winnie Byanyima, and President of the InterAmerican Development Bank, Mauricio ClaverCarone.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

46 families receive land titles after 20 years of waiting

By Richard Bhainie FOURTY-SIX families of Area Z, Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, who were allotted lands from the Sugar Welfare Fund over 20 years ago, finally received their Certificate of Titles on Wednesday, solidifying their proprietary interest.

Speaking at a simple handing-over ceremony on Wednesday at Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., pronounced on the importance of a Certificate of Title and highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring each Guyanese is in possession of same.

The Attorney-General explained that a Certificate of Title is a document of great legal and commercial value as not only does it certifies in law the Title holder as the bona fide owner of the property, guaranteeing ownership, but it can also be pledged as collateral to secure loans which can be used for various purposes.

After patiently waiting for 18 years, Seepersaud Sewchand receives his Certificate of Title from the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. on Wednesday (Richard Bhainie photo)

A section of the crowd which gathered to collect their Certificates of Title (Richard Bhainie photo)

“Once the law is there, the Title is protected and it is that protection that you pass on to generations, and it is that Title that you can take to commercial banks and lodge it there as collateral and you can borrow money to build, or send your children to pursue an education,” he said.

Poorandatt Narine was the first recipient of a Cer-

Kwesi Glenn and his wife, Abiola Abrams, display their Certificate of Title after receiving same (Richard Bhainie photo) tificate of Title during the distribution exercise; he has been waiting for almost seven years to receive the official document to be able to

pledge it as collateral and acquire a loan to complete construction of his home and to move into same.

“This was one of the

roadblocks because to be guaranteed funding everybody knows you need collateral, so once you have this in your hand, the AG said it – it has value that is incomparable in Guyana,” Narine told the Guyana Chronicle.

SIGNIFICANT Nandlall explained that though the distribution of the Certificate of Titles may appear as a small gesture, it is a significant one which forms part of the government’s overarching housing policy.

He highlighted that persons may only be familiar with the allocation of house lots; however, there are other components such as allocating housing units, regularising squatter settlements, partnering with the private sector to develop housing schemes and rectifying issues which forms a hindrance to homeownership.

“The government saw a grouping of people occupying land and there was no

title, and there was a process by which the Title can be accessed. What the government did in this case is to step in and got that machinery working, and that machinery delivered the Title,” Nandlall said.

VERY HAPPY An emotional Jaipersaud Ramlall, who, along with his wife, Doodmatie Persaud, finally received their Certificate of Title after almost 19 years of waiting, told the Guyana Chronicle that they are “very happy” to finally officially exercise ownership of their property.

Kwesi Glenn, and his wife Abiola Abrams, who has resided in the locality since 2010, and has been waiting since then for their Certificate of Title, were also among the beneficiaries and shared similar sentiments.

They told this publication that they were elated to have received their Land Title after so many years; they explained that their next move is to sit as a family and to plan their next steps as they now have the Title which can be used as collateral.

As for Seepersaud Sewchand, he has been patiently waiting for 18 years to be granted his Certificate of Title. On Wednesday he was “proud” to receive his Title document and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Attorney-General for intervening and seeing the process through to the end.

VITAL PILLAR Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, was Turn to page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

FoodMaxx Superstore & Java Coffee Bar launches “Java Vibes”

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Gas price drops to $198, diesel $185 -as government announces further reduction in excise tax on fuel

Inside “Java Vibes” located in the FoodMaxx Superstore at the Giftland Mall, Plantation Pattenson, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara THE FoodMaxx Superstore & Java Coffee Bar has opened a brand-new café called “Java Vibes” located in the FoodMaxx Superstore at the Giftland Mall, Plantation Pattenson, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara.

According to a release, the celebratory occasion starts Wednesday with specials and sampling for a warm welcome to a historic and vibrant community at the Giftland Mall.

The popular suburban café and bakery, which specialises in handcrafted meals and memorable baked goods, is owned and operated by

husband-and-wife team, Miguel and Evie Gurchuran who seized the opportunity to expand this musical classic concept for coffee lovers.

The new café offers an inviting space that accommodates a wide variety of dining preferences. From guest seeking a quick meal that is on the go to those looking for leisurely meals, Java Vibes provides a scalable hospitality experience for all to enjoy with their hand-crafted coffee, pastries and a feel-good environment.

The open interior concept boasts an abundance of natural light complemented by a charming vintage musical

look for maximum comfort. The menu has a variety of items including gourmet sandwiches, refreshing salads, indulgent baked goods and an elevated range of coffee.

“Java Vibe is thrilled to be open to all Guyanese. They promise to deliver a unique and authentic café experience and are very excited to showcase their new and classic dishes. Everyone is invited to experience an idyllic spot for any occasion – be it a casual coffee meet-up, quick bite or weekend brunch!,” the release concluded.

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has announced that the government will be further reducing the excise tax on gasoline and diesel to ease the domestic impact of the continuous rise in the world market price for fuel.

The government, in February, had reduced the excise tax rate on both gasoline and diesel from 50 per cent to 35 per cent.

Even with that adjustment, oil prices continued to rise steadily on the world market, moving from over US$60 a barrel to over US$80 a barrel at close of trade on October 5, 2021. This steady rise in the world price has had a resultant effect with prices rising on the domestic market also.

Minister Singh announced

that the government will be lowering the excise tax rate on both gasoline and diesel from 35 per cent to 20 per cent with immediate effect.

This reduction will aid in cushioning the impact on domestic consumers, particularly the travelling public as well as those productive sectors for whom fuel is an important input.

The prices at the pump are expected to also be reduced with immediate effect, with gasoline prices expected to reduce from $213 per litre to $198 per litre, and diesel prices from $200 per litre to

$185 per litre.

Minister Singh said that the adjustment in the excise tax rate on fuel from time to time is part of the measures that the government will implement to cushion the domestic impact of world market price fluctuations.

He emphasised that the implementation of those measures is in keeping with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s commitment to ensuring that Guyanese consumers continue to be protected from an escalation in fuel prices on the world market.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

Correcting an Injustice

SUGAR workers whose services were terminated under the previous APNU-AFC regime will benefit from a $1.8B package. The announcement was made by Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent meeting with sugar workers at Skeldon, East Berbice. According to the Vice-President, each retrenched sugar worker will receive an additional $250,000 on their severance payment, expected to be made

by January 2022.

This is music to the ears of sugar workers whose services were unceremoniously and callously terminated by the previous APNU-AFC administration. The workers were pushed into the breadline without any form of relief by the then administration. Many were forced to live on charity

and handouts. The social and economic fallout from the closure of functioning sugar estates was monumental and spoke volumes of the anti-working class and vindictive nature of the David Granger regime.

This gesture by the PPP/C administration was welcomed by sugar workers and their representative union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU).

Sugar workers for decades have subsidised the economy by working for low wages under harsh conditions. Under the PNC regime, a significant proportion of the revenues from sugar was sliced off to meet government spending leaving very little for the payment of wages and salaries.

Factories and other capital equipment were allowed to

deteriorate as the then administration literally squeezed the juice out of the industry in order to finance their lavish and extravagant lifestyles.

It was not until the PPP/C came to power in October 1992 that the levy on sugar was withdrawn and a lifeline thrown to the industry. Sugar production increased steadily and the workers were paid better wages despite challenges faced by the industry including a precipitate decline of the price of sugar following the termination of subsidies enjoyed under the European Union preferential market price for sugar.

When the APNU+AFC assumed power in May 2015, it closed down four grinding sugar estates including the Skeldon Estate which was modernised by the PPP/C

administration in order to produce sugar at lower unit cost and to become more competitive on the world market. Despite some initial hiccups and technical glitches, the Skeldon Factory was beginning to pick up momentum before the Granger administration took a decision to close it down along with three others including Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales.

The then government closed down the factories even as a technical committee set up by the administration advised against the closure of the estates.

It is a known fact that sugar workers are in the main supporters of the PPP/C and it is widely believed that the decision to close the estates had more to do with politics and less with economics.

Despite the mismanagement

of the industry by the then APNU+AFC administration and the vindictive policies toward sugar workers, the industry was still viable and contributing significantly to the economic and social life of the country. Thousands of workers were employed in the industry, not to mention the accelerator effect such employment generated at the community level.

Thankfully, the PPP/C administration is now in the process of bringing back to life the shuttered estates and already hundreds of retrenched sugar workers have gained re-employment. And while it is a fact that the contribution of sugar to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is not as substantial as in past years, there can be no doubt that the industry still has

tremendous potential to add value to the transformation process currently underway especially in the context of our emerging oil and gas economy. Sugar production, and the agriculture sector as a whole, is one sure way to avoid what is commonly referred to as the ‘Dutch Disease’ as it remains a strong pillar of our diversified economy.

The decision to pay sugar workers the $250,000 in addition to their severance pay is consistent with the propoor and pro-working class character of the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C administration. More significantly, it is an attempt at correcting an act of injustice meted out to sugar workers by the uncaring and vindictive policies of the previous David Granger administration.

I will never object to any location or street being named after Gandhi

Dear Editor, AMONG some of the many prominent members of society, I was honoured to be invited as part of a cultural event at the Promenade Gardens to commemorate the 152nd birth anniversary of one of the world’s greatest leaders, Mahatma Gandhi.

First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to the Indian High Commission in Guyana and the Indian Government for always being intrinsically connected to Guyana’s history, legacy and culture. It is truly laudable that, although still under British control at the time, India ensured that its citizens who arrived in Guyana were sent missionaries and prominent individuals to keep us informed about India and to ensure its citizens remained true to the essence and value of the Indian culture. This can be said about Dr. KJ Srinivasa, India’s current High Commissioner to Guyana and his efficient team, H.E. Mr. V. Mahalingam, Dr. P.V. Joshi, and all those before them who have ensured that

the cultures, customs, faiths, and values of our forefathers remained unscathed. Today, the impact of Indian culture is evident throughout Guyana and the Caribbean, even in Fuji, Mauritius, South Africa, and many other countries.

As the Indian High Commission is well known for hosting informative and entertaining programmes, the event was truly memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed watching our youths in action; in poetry, songs, and dances. Among the most distinguishing qualities of the Indian Culture Centre in Guyana is its openness to all Guyanese, which represents the spirit and legacy of Bharat/India. Through the tapestry of the mosaic of Indian civilisation, India has protected, guided, and raised our children, and has repeatedly provided grants, low-interest loans, roads, medical relief, scholarships, and friendship to Guyana -- regardless of which government is in power -- so that all people, irrespective of race or religion, may prosper despite being a country beset

by its own problems.

Further, more should be said about the thousands of scholarships the Indian government has offered. It is wonderful that, rather than requesting that these scholarships be awarded exclusively to Indian descendants in Guyana, the scholarships are accessible to all Guyanese, and even individuals throughout the Caribbean, the Pacific, Africa, South Korea and other countries who qualify, including thousands for the ITEC programme.

In light of the foregoing, I am truly disappointed to note the complaints and criticisms expressed by some individuals opposing the proposed renaming of Middle Street to honour Mahatma Gandhi despite the significant contributions the Indian Government and people have made to Guyana. One may also ask: how is it that none of us, whose ancestors came from India and made such significant contributions to the formation of our beloved country, Guyana, has ever complained about Nelson Mandela Avenue? This

writer firmly believes that in the same way Gandhi had a profound influence on Nelson Mandela, there should not be much objection if a street or location is named after him or any other icon, past or present.

It must also be noted that it was Gandhi who broke the yolk of colonialism through his non-violent campaign to bring liberation to the ancient historic land of India/Bharata.

It was refreshing to listen to His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, as he eloquently spoke about Gandhi’s place among the change-makers of history. In his remarks, President Ali presented himself as a stalwart of international peace and goodwill, which impressed the Universal Peace Federation and yours truly, as the National Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation.

In a nutshell, President Ali is certainly an emerging giant of peace walking in the path of Gandhi.

In his remarks, His Excellency expressed his view that India is a real cradle of cultures and a true bastion of

human freedom and liberty.

Gandhi’s sacrifice sparked a non-violent revolution, and India became the first country in the British Empire to gain freedom, followed by hundreds of other nations across the world, including Guyana, seeking independence. Gandhi’s legacy lives on in the minds of our own leaders: late Presidents Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, who fought for the cause of our own independence, as well as in the minds and hearts of other leaders in Trinidad and Tobago, the Pacific Islands, Africa, just to name a few. We know from history that even the great Nelson Mandela was also inspired by Gandhi’s Satyagraha (non-violent) struggles and revolutions and kept a portrait of India’s infamous half-naked fakir (beggar) in his house. He was also an inspiration and mentor to the late great American non-violent freedom fighter, Dr. Martin Luther King, who stated that Gandhi had influenced him in his non-violent revolution, which eventually

delivered tremendous rights to African-Americans who had suffered for hundreds of years.

Mahatma Gandhi, in my opinion, is/was the modern-day saint who lived the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita is a Holy Scripture for all peoples, not only Hindus/ Sanatanists. My life has been a reflection of Gandhi’s principles and philosophy, and consequently, I will never object to any location or street being named in honour of this extraordinary individual, or other heroes like him, past or present. Former Yugoslav leader, Josip Broz Tito; former President of Ghana, Mr. Kwame Nkrumah; the founding President of Tanzania, Mr. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere; former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Patrice Lumumba, and other heroes, trade unionists, late politicians, and even one of our own stalwart politicians, Mr. Ptolemy Reid, are all notable examples.

Yours sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

The fire at Brickdam Police Station should be a wake-up call

Dear Editor, NO one knows for sure whether the destruction of the Brickdam Police Station by fire could have been, avoided, but almost everyone knows that fire hydrants, fire trucks and access to water should be the ultimate choices in any future housing development in Guyana. Proper single and commercial building designs, safety systems and building codes regulations should also be of high priority for future housing development. From the inception of a flame, safety measures must kick start the process of containment and evacuation of personnel while those trained in disaster management (fire fighters, ambulance attendants etc) must be on hand to save lives and to evacuate and assist in other ways possible. This scenario suggests that Guyana would, at some time in the future, get a modern, well-designed and fully equipped fire service stations. But this is not the case today.

The Brickdam Police Station fire is yet another episode where the fire service displayed the gaping holes in its function and equipment. The questions on most minds are: were

there any smoke alarms/detectors and fire extinguishers on the premise or fire hoses inside the standard glass cabinets? What is even more mind boggling is the time taken for the fire trucks that were only a few blocks away to arrive at the conflagration site at Brickdam. It seems that the incompetency and poor service of the Fire Service has once again have been exposed to the entire public.

The public, but especially disaster management personnel, must be familiar with the five primary methods that are employed worldwide in cases of fire.

The acronym RACEE aptly depicts this: R=rescue anyone in immediate danger, A=alarm-call the fire department, C=confine the smoke/fire by closing doors and windows, E=evacuate all persons and E=extinguish small fires with portable fire extinguishers if possible.

In Guyana, strict building codes and regular inspections are needed to prevent fires, save buildings and most importantly, save lives. This can be achieved by a complete overhaul of its building codes and safety standards that includes: 1. The Ministry of Hous-

ing must make sure that all buildings in Guyana confirm to the country’s building codes and that single family homes are not secretly converted into tenant occupied residences so that homeowners can obtain some extra income from rental. The reason is that the the original plumbing and electric systems for a single-family home will to have to support tenants with additional appliances for the same outlets after the conversion is made. In other words, in a single-family house the electrical system was built to accommodate one microwave oven, a specific number of air conditioners and a fridge, among others, however, having tenants in a converted single family building to a multi-family structure means more appliances that could induce overloading of the electrical circuits and thus result in overheating . In some cases, extension cords are hidden under carpets, and their multiple connections could induce sparks from overload which in turn could result in burning the carpet.

2. It is time for the electrical system, components, and installation codes be updated to international

Dear Editor, LIKE every other law enforcement organisation, the Guyana Police Force may have its flaws but when it comes to its investigation of the fire which destroyed the Brickdam Police Station, I’d take the word of the police over its dishonest detractors in the APNU+AFC any day.

The GPF has within its ranks officers with decades of investigation experience who have been exposed to numerous training, both local and overseas. It is this sort of experience and training that have allowed them to

crack numerous cases that have resulted in successful prosecutions.

On the other hand, its detractors in the APNU+AFC accepted that it had been defeated by a 33-32 margin in a no-confidence vote then argued all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice that it was not defeated as 33 is not the majority of 65.

It then mounted one of the most comical attempts at election rigging ever witnessed and when caught, claimed that Russians were attempting to hack the paper-based voting system on

behalf of its opponent. To this day it claims that it won the elections and has copies of the Statements of Poll to prove but refuses to make them available to the public or anyone else.

So you see dear readers the police ranks currently investigating the Brickdam Station fire have far more credibility than their dishonest detractors aligned to the APNU+AFC whose sole aim is to discredit them for reasons known only to themselves.

Yours very truly, Anson Paul

The word of the police more credible than the detractors in the APNU+AFC any day

standards. For example, the main power distribution centre in both residential and commercial buildings should be equipped with circuit breakers that would trip and shut off the power in the event of an overload.

3. For the safety of all Guyanese, young or old, the Bureau of Standards must monitor the quality of electrical fittings and accessories, most of which are imported from China.

And while these electrical accessories are cheap, the Bureau of Standards should not sacrifice life for cost.

Also, the housing authority must determine the safety features and occupancy of commercial buildings. Single and multi-family buildings should be inspected regularly, perhaps twice a year as a safety measure to prevent fires, and to make sure that they conform to their specific occupancy

codes.

4. Building codes and zoning regulations should be updated to allow a minimum space of roughly eight feet between buildings to facilitate evacuation as well as allow access to firefighters and ambulance attendants etc.

5. Given the spate of recent fires on commercial buildings, it should be mandated that all commercial buildings be fitted with modern sprinkler systems to prevent their entire destruction in case of fire.

Automated oxygen retardant systems (halogens is often used) should also be installed inside commercial buildings so that an increase in temperature (say at 110 F) will trigger off the chemical spray which will reduce atmospheric oxygen thus containing the fire. Smoke alarms should be installed in homes and along the cor-

ridors of commercial buildings which are the principal pathways for smoke.

6. Fire hydrants, which are generally taken for granted by many, should be seen as a means of emergency water supply to out fires.

In the final analysis, the authorities should put safety first and institute polices which must be mandated by law, to prevent further tragedies. All buildings must have sprinkler systems and undergo regular inspection by the Fire Department where pitfalls will be identified and corrected. Fines must be imposed on all forms of non-compliance if Guyana is truly serious about preventing fires. The burning down of Brickdam Police Station should be a wake-up call for all.

Leyland Chital Roopnaraine Real Estate Builder (New York)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

Professor Misir presents copies of his books to President, Vice-President Professor Prem Misir presenting copies of his books to President Dr. Irfaan Ali

FORMER ProChancellor 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 present-

ed to the President and Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t a r e , ‘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 copies of his books to Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

Military Exchange with Brazil

commences in Lethem

WITH a strong commitment towards strengthening border security, as neighbours with a common frontier, military officers of Guyana and Brazil have commenced discussions at the 24th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange.

The two-day forum commenced on Wednesday in the conference room of the Regional Democratic Council in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The meeting, according to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), proposes to examine a number of issues including cross-border criminal activities, cattle rustling and illegal mining.

The meeting is held annually and the host country

is rotated each time. The important exchange was not held last year due to the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, as the world pushes ahead in an effort to return to some level of normalcy, the military officials of both countries agreed that in 2021, it was time to persevere and proceed with hosting the exchange activity this year.

Brigadier General Adriano Fructuoso Da Costa, Commander of the 1st Jungle Infantry Brigade, is leading the Brazilian delegation while Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia, Colonel Trevor Bowman is heading the local delegation.

In 2019, the 23rd edition of the exchange was held in Boa Vista from August 13-

14. At that time, discussions between the two military bodies focused on issues relating to intelligence and co-operation with a view to enabling a bilateral approach to finding and implementing solutions that are pertinent to the safety and security of both countries.

The exchange is just a component of the fruitful diplomatic relations between Guyana and Brazil, which date back to 1968 when the establishment of an Embassy of the Republic of Brazil in Georgetown was announced.

Over the ensuing decades, the relationship between the two nations were strengthened significantly and resulted in the GDF benefiting from training and

(At podium) Colonel Trevor Bowman commenced discussions at the 24th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange logistics support from the collaboration even resulted and by extension, improve in nine wells being drilled the lives of residents of Brazilian military.

In 2018, the military to increase water supply, South Rupununi.

RESIDENTS and businesses in Ameila’s Ward, Linden, will become the latest in Guyana to access GTT’s fibre-optic internet service, as the company expanded its cutting-edge broadband technology to Region 10.

The rollout of this programme keeps GTT on course to achieving its goal of “reliably connecting our customers” by delivering “GTT Fibre” to 10,000 new homes in 2021, providing subscribers with more bandwidth over a greater distance and better prices.

The company recently unveiled its GTT Fibre service as a major upgrade to the former Blaze service, offering significant increases in upload and download speeds and reliable connectivity at reduced rates.

GTT’s Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions & Fixed Services, Eshwar Thakurdin, said it is a proud moment for the company to deliver its fibre-optic internet service to Lindeners. “ We a r e e x t r e m e l y pleased to add Linden to the growing number of residential and commercial districts in Guyana now benefitting from GTT Fibre.

GTT Fibre offers fast and reliable internet for all communication needs whether it be for education, entertainment, or supporting you in developing your careers and businesses, even in a pandemic” he said Thakurdin added: “We have been working since

the beginning of this year on this expansion. The current global challenges in acquiring vital equipment and resources to make this happen did affect us but did not deter us. Today, we are happy to deliver on our promise

Linden at $8,999, $10,999, and $12,999, respectively.

Each service also comes with a fixed voice line included.

Business customers will also benefit from the BizFibre service with plans ranging from Biz50, Biz100, to

Biz500 at reduced costs, starting from as low as $14,999.

GTT promises to continue expansion of its fibre-optic service to new residential and business areas in the coming months and will announce on the

GTT expands fibre-optic internet service to Linden

GTT’s Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions & Fixed Services, Eshwar Thakurdin of reliably connecting our customers in Linden.”

Chief Executive Officer of GTT, Damian Blackburn, said the company is happy to deliver on another promise and reminded of the company’s continued investment to bring its 21st century highways vision alive.

New residential plans of Fibre50, Fibre100, and Fibre150 providing 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps and 150 Mbps download speeds could be accessed by customers in

company’s social platforms.

The company is also making provisions for all customers remaining on DSL service in the interim, by providing free speed upgrades to most DSL customers, while reducing

DSL costs to those where upgrades are not possible.

This upgrade is ongoing and will be completed

by November of this year.

Customers will be contacted directly to be informed of their upgraded speeds or prices.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

Global exhibitors make final preparations as import expo nears

By SHANGHAI, Xinhua writers Zhou Rui, Sun Xiaoling and Cao Bin Though China’s weeklong National Day holiday is ongoing, Pakistani businessman, Habib Ur Rehman, couldn’t afford a day off, as he was getting ready for the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is just one month away.

This year, Rehman has ordered more salt lamps, which are made from minerals in mountainous areas. He hopes to introduce the popular household gadget from Pakistan to the Chinese market.

At a matchmaking session for buyers and exhibitors to meet ahead of the expo, Rehman’s products successfully aroused interest among merchants from across China, which has boosted his confidence.

This year, more than 200 exhibitors and over 500 purchasers participated in the matchmaking sessions.

John Edwards, British trade commissioner for China, said in an e-mail interview that the Scottish Development International (SDI) was “particularly heavily involved in this year’s CIIE” and for the second year running, Scotland will “have a significant presence.”

The SDI will partner with Greenland Group, a Shanghaibased state-owned enterprise, to bring 37 Scottish companies to CIIE 2021, with 23 brands in the Food & Agricultural Products section, and 14 brands in the Consumer Goods section.

Official figures of the British government showed that the country secured more than 430 million GBP of commercial deals across a range of sectors during the 3rd CIIE last year.

Shu Jueting, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Commerce, said the exhibition area exceeded 360,000 square meters, and the number of signed exhibitors exceeded that of the previous year, adding that over 80 per cent of the Fortune 500 and industry-leading companies from last year’s CIIE will participate again in this year’s event.

Returning multinationals such as Michelin, Shiseido, Fonterra, Amorepacific, ABB and Fast Retailing have even signed up for the 5th CIIE in advance.

Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of France-based cosmetic giant L’Oreal, said the expo is a good chance for the company to showcase cutting-edge innovation and get in touch with the country’s “dual circulation” strategy first hand.

“I’m more than confident in the Chinese market. In fact, I’m very ambitious.” He said with the rise of the middle class and the “dual circulation” development pattern, the domestic consumption of China is “something we are very confident about.”

An exhibitor presents his products during a matchmaking session for buyers and exhibitors ahead of the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in Shanghai, east China, July 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Global toy giant, Lego Group, just opened one of the world’s largest Lego retail flagship stores in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou during the National Day holiday.

“We’ve seen very strong return brought by our previous participation at the CIIE as it offers a dialogue platform with local partners and government,” said Niels B. Christiansen, CEO of LEGO Group, adding that the expo showed the success of China’s moves to open up and improve the business environment, which encourages the company to further invest, develop and innovate in China.

LEGO opened more than 60 branded stores in the first half of the year with more than 40 of them in China. According to Christiansen, the company is expected to cover 85 Chinese cities with 300 retail stores by the end of this year.

A racing car by Michelin which is among the earliest exhibits in place for the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) arrives in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 27, 2021. (Xinhua) A racing car by Michelin arrived in Shanghai last Monday, which was among the earliest exhibits in place for the 4th CIIE. The Mission H24 car powered by hydrogen cleared customs in a single second thanks to innovative services, and will make its Asian debut at the upcoming CIIE. “The CIIE is not only a platform for trade and investment,

but also a window for multi-party dialogue and communication,” said Kamran Vossoughi, president and CEO of Michelin China.

According to the customs, more than 200 batches of exhibits are expected to enter the country by sea, air and rail in the coming month.

Detailed measures to ensure the safety of the expo amidst the COVID-19 pandemic have also been high on the agenda.

For example, a special group consisting of a service staffer, a virus prevention specialist and three security personnel will be responsible for customer guidance in each and every restaurant of the exhibition centre during the expo. Once the diner limit is reached, they will guide extra customers to outdoor dining areas.

Gu Honghui, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai municipal government, said efforts will be made to ensure the COVID-19 prevention and control is more precise, urban service more refined, and the spill-over effect of the CIIE brand more prominent during the expo.

The CIIE is the first dedicated import exhibition in the world and has seen fruitful outcomes in the past three expos.

The 4th CIIE is slated to be held offline in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10 this year.

Decorative plants for the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) are seen at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 5, 2021.

(Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Human rights report: China fulfills obligations

By YANG ZEKUN | China Daily | Updated: 2021-09-30 07:40 China has fulfilled its international human rights obligations over the past five years and actively conducted exchanges and co-operation with other countries, according to an assessment report.

The “Evaluation Report on the Implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (20162020)” was issued by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the Human Rights Institute of Southwest University of Political Science and Law on Wednesday.

All 168 objectives and tasks listed in the action plan have been completed, with many being achieved ahead of schedule or going beyond the targets set.

The report noted an improvement in the protection of people’s economic, civil,

Villagers attend a spring-ploughing ceremony in Quxu County, Lhasa, Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region, March 16, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua] political, social and cultural rights. The rights situation of ethnic minorities, women, children, the elderly and the disabled had also improved, along with education and dissemination of information on human rights issues.

Achievements had been made in international exchanges and co-operation.

China has completed

all the indicators of implementing international human rights treaties and international exchanges and co-operation, and fully participated in the work of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, the report said. The nation successfully passed its third periodic review by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2019, and more than

120 countries have affirmed the progress China has made on human rights, it added.

Zhang Yonghe, head of the human rights institute, said China has fulfilled its commitments to the international community and its obligations to international human rights conventions listed in the action plan. “Non-governmental organisations are also encouraged to participate in international exchanges and co-operation on human rights, and many forums related to human rights have been held,” Zhang said.

Since September 2016, China has held nearly 20 dialogues on human rights with the European Union and individual countries including Germany, Switzerland and New Zealand. It has conducted more than 10 consultations and exchanges with countries including Russia, Pakistan and Brazil, the report added.

Last month, the Human Rights Action Plan of China

(2021-2025) was released.

China will substantially engage in the work of UN human rights bodies and play a leading and constructive role in maintaining healthy and sustainable development of international human rights, the plan said.

China will put forward proposals and viewpoints to human rights bodies and promote more just, fair, reasonable and inclusive international human rights governance, and work to build a global community of shared future, it said.

China’s human rights action plans were formulated in accordance with the requirements of the UN, said Chang Jian, head of the Research Center on Human Rights at Nankai University.

Chang said the plans integrate the spirit of the UN’s conventions with China’s real national conditions and are implemented through policies.

“China’s plans are comprehensive and carried out in a planned way. Each plan puts forward new targets and tasks to solve new problems,” he said. “We can see that problems such as double standards or politicizing human rights issues still exist in other countries. For example, in the case of anti-terrorism, the actions of Western countries are ‘just’, while China’s anti-terrorism actions in Xinjiang Uygur (autonomous region) are criticized as a violation of human rights. There must be political elements behind such a problem”.

Chang said it is crucial for the UN to establish a fair, objective and inclusive order of human rights governance to promote the more effective and healthy development of such governance. “If all human rights issues are politicized, the cause of human rights will collapse,” Chang said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

Partner, alleged ‘hit-man’, plead not guilty to murdering Diamond businesswoman

EIGHT years after businesswoman Sirmattie Ramnaress was murdered in her Diamond, East Bank Demerara home, her reputed husband and his alleged accomplice, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to the gruesome crime.

Ex-policeman Colin Bailey and his co-accused, Colin Grant, appeared before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court where a 12-member jury was empanelled.

The duo denied the charge which read that, between August 30-31, 2013, in the county of Demerara, they murdered Ramnaress called “Sabo.”

The state’s case is being presented by prosecu-

tors Latifah Elliot, Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig, while attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes and Dexter Todd are on record for the accused.

Trial will commence on Tuesday, October 12, with the testimony of a number of police and civilian witnesses.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Ramnaress was found dead on the morning of August 31, 2013 with a stab wound and injuries to her head and body, in the garage of her Diamond home.

While petrol had been thrown all over her house, it was the bond at the back of the yard that was set alight and destroyed. The woman’s body was discovered after the fire service was called to the fire scene. Her attacker

also removed the footage from the surveillance cameras that were located around the house.

The police suspected that Bailey who shared a 21-year relationship with the victim, was involved in her death. However, he had told police investigators that, at the time of his wife’s demise, he was on active duty and therefore had a solid alibi.

In 2015, the case was reopened after police arrested Grant. Grant alleged that he was paid by Bailey to kill Ramnaress and remove the footage from the surveillance cameras.

The police later charged both Grant and Bailey for the businesswoman’s murder.

because the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) could not source a Certificate of Compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Enterprise, East Coast Demerara Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) due to owing the entities millions of dollars.

As a result, GuySuCo could not transfer the lands to the Sugar Welfare Fund and so, the families could not be granted a Certificate of Title.

The process of distributing the Land Titles commenced in 2014 while Nandlall was Attorney-General under the Ramotar administration; however, after the PPP/C demitted office in 2015, the process was

halted.

The PPP/C, during their campaign leading up to the March, 2020 General and Regional Elections, promised to resume the process to see that the Certificate of Titles were awarded; that promise was renewed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Nandlall during an outreach to the East Coast of Demerara in February and materialized on Wednesday.

The Attorney-General advised the gathering to make as much photocopies as possible of their Certificate of Title, and to secure and protect the original copy as well as the photocopies in a bid to protect their property against fraud.

46 families receive...

From page 4

also present at the simple handing-over ceremony; she told the gathering that home-ownership is a pillar of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government and they will facilitate the process to ensure persons achieve same.

“We’ve been heavily focused not just on the house lots allocations but on homeownership, getting people to homeownership, not just allocating them a plot of land and then say promised fulfilled, we met our target, and that’s it, but helping them through the process of acquiring their titles and then going beyond that,” she said.

The families were unable to receive their Titles

Colin Grant

Ex-cop Colin Bailey

Dead: Sirmattie Ramnaress

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

Vaccinated Moruca teen died from serious pre-existing condition

Credit: Shutterstock

I N V E S T I G AT I O N S into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 13-year-old boy of Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), have revealed that the teen, who died about 90 minutes after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on October 4, suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.

According to a release from the Ministry of Health (MoH), a highlevel team of health officials was dispatched to the region to investigate the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.

As part of the investigation, a post-mortem examination was conducted on October 5 by a medical team led by Guyana’s Senior Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh. Also, among the members of the team were Pathologist, Dr. Nancy Sitchao and Government Medical Officer, Dr. Swarasite Persuad-Etwaria.

The Moruca teen’s cause of death was determined following a postmortem examination in the presence of his family.

Based on the findings of the post-mortem examination, the child died as a result of a pre-existing condition identified as a cerebral aneurysm which led to a cerebral haemorrhage. It was explained that the child suffered un-

controlled bleeding in the brain after the cerebral aneurysm ruptured.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a cerebral aneurysm (also known as a brain aneurysm) is a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain that balloons or bulges out and fills with blood.

The institute explained that a ruptured aneurysm could result in serious health problems such as hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage, coma, and even death.

The Health Ministry, in its release, did not disclose further details on the PME, however, it was noted that the vaccination site on the body of the deceased was not identifiable. There was also no scarring nor haematoma.

While expressing readiness to support the family and community of Kamwatta, the Health Ministry also expressed profound condolences to the family of the young teen on behalf of the subject minister, Dr Frank Anthony, and other staff of the ministry in Georgetown and Region One. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and we pray they have the strength to cope with the loss of a loved one,” the Health Ministry related.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

No automatic selection for Gayle – Sir Curtly

(CMC) – Former West Indies fast bowlers Sir Curtly Ambrose and Kenny Benjamin said veteran opener Chris Gayle should not be an automatic choice in the West Indies final 11 for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup. The two Antiguans expressed their views on the weekly radio cricket talk show, Mason & Guest on Tuesday on Voice of Barbados 92.9 FM, where Gayle’s

wretched form over the past two years was discussed.

G a y l e , t h e s e l f - p r oclaimed ‘Universe Boss’, has made only one T20I half-century in the past five years and averages less than 20 over the period.

He made 165 runs at an average of 18.33 in nine matches for first-time champions St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) that ended last month in St Kitts.

Gayle played only two of the Punjab Kings’ five matches since the IPL resumed last month in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), scoring only 14 and one, before checking out of the bio-secure bubble living to “focus on the T20 World Cup”.

Sir Curtly said Gayle’s exploits in the format in the last 18 months to two years do not inspire confidence that he can play typically explosive innings of the past.

“No, he is not an auto-

matic choice for me,” Sir Curtly said. “The few home series (West Indies) just played, he had no scores of significance, and I have said before that if he did not do well in those home series, he should not go to the World Cup. “However, he will be at the World Cup, but for me, he is definitely not an automatic choice for starting, If he gets it going on the day, he can be destructive, but he has not done much in the last 18 months or so to really make me think he will set the World Cup alight.”

Benjamin shared similar sentiments and said it will come down to head coach Phil Simmons and captain Kieron Pollard to make the decision if they are not seeing major performances from the talismanic opener.

“Not for me, he isn’t (an automatic choice),” Benjamin said. “When you look at the team we have, you have (Evin) Lewis and (Lendl)

Simmons, these guys have been fairly decent in the last few matches they have played.

“We have got to play our best team. At the end of the day, if before the first game, the coach and captain think our best 11 based on what they are seeing, pre-World Cup, does not include Chris Gayle, that is the way it is.

But for me, I do not have him as an automatic starter.”

Sir Curtly and Benjamin also said if Gayle does make the final 11 for any match at the global showpiece taking place from October 17 to November 14 in the UAE and Oman, he should open the batting.

“For me personally, if he is not opening the batting, which I would prefer him to do, No.3 is fine,” Sir Curtly said. “Anything outside of opening the batting or No.3 is not suited for him.

“Chris Gayle is not the Chris Gayle we are accustomed to seeing and doing

the things he has done over the years. He is 42 years of age. The reflexes must slow down. The hand-eye coordination is not the same, and he has not produced any magic for quite a while.

“On his day, if he gets it right, he can still be very destructive, but we have not seen it for a long time, so let’s hope that he can at least produce some magic during this World Cup.” Benjamin added: “I would open the batting with Chris Gayle. He has been more destructive when he opens the batting if he gets off. I don’t think we can hope anymore. There is no time to see if Chris Gayle is going to come off, whether today, he might come off, maybe next week. If he is not opening, then for me he is sitting out.

“We have to remember the people playing against Chris Gayle, they have done their homework, and they are going to be starving him

and cutting out the big shots and stopping him from using his arms, so we have to back him doing what he does best and that is facing the new ball … and once he gets going, he can go really deep.

“To put him down in the middle when the field is spread, there are going to force him to run the ones and twos, and we know that is not going to happen.”

West Indies are assembling this week in the UAE, where they will have a training camp before fine-tuning their final preparations, including warm-up matches against Pakistan and India.

The Windies will start their title defence against England on October 23 in Dubai in a rematch of the 2016 final.

Kieron Pollard’s side will also face recent opponents Australia and South Africa, along with two teams from a qualifying tournament in Group 1 of the World Cup.

Bhuvneshwar ruins Royal Challengers' shot at a top-two spot (ESPNCRICINFO) - AB de Villiers was left to get six off the last two balls. They were both full tosses but he failed to hit them as he usually does and so Sunrisers Hyderabad were able to savour victory by four runs.

With 13 needed off the last over, bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, de Villiers drilled the fourth ball for six, but fell short in the end. The defeat means Royal Challengers' chances of finishing inside the top two are all but over, as the eliminated Sunrisers pinched their third win of the season following contributions from pretty much all their bowlers, and Jason Roy and Kane Williamson.

Harshal's hot run continues Harshal Patel was introduced just after the powerplay ended, with Sunrisers sitting pretty at 50 for the loss of one wicket. His first over went for eight - including a boundary from Roy, who pulled him to deep midwicket - and he was taken off after that.

By the time he returned for the 12th over, Sunrisers had managed to maintain the momentum, with Roy and Williamson having added 67 runs.

But two balls and three runs later, Harshal foxed Williamson with an off-cutter that landed bang on a good length, and took off to strike the top of middle stump.

Sunrisers lost track once that 70-run stand was broken. They made just 50 runs off the last eight overs. There were five wickets as well. Two of those went to Harshal, taking his tournament tally to 29.

Brought back to bowl two of the last three overs, he beat Wriddhiman Saha with a lack of pace too, as another off-cutter landed in the hands of long-off. And off the final ball of the innings, he

the field restrictions were lifted; but contrastingly, he beat the batters with his extra pace. Malik began by hitting 141kph, and conceded just a single off his first four deliveries. The fifth one produced a wicket, KS Bharat caught behind off a searing short ball.

Malik continued to work the speed-gun, cranking it up to 153 kph. His first over cost him just a single. His second just five. Williamson took him off at that point and brought him back with the Royal Challengers needing 29 off the last three.

The pressure was on, but Malik was able to handle it well, finishing with 1 for 21 off his four overs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck in the first over.

(BCCI)

went for a slow, dipping full-toss to Jason Holder, who found long-on with his slog.

Malik pushes the speed gun Umran Malik, brought on as a short-term replacement for the COVID-positive T Natarajan, attracted eyeballs with his ferocious pace and accuracy. Like Harshal, he too started immediately after

Maxwell's Big Show Glenn Maxwell arrived at the crease with Royal Challengers at 38 or 3 in the seventh over. While Devdutt Padikkal at the other end was taking his time, Maxwell got stuck into Rashid Khan, launching the second ball he faced - and the first from the leg-spinner - over deep midwicket for six. That was followed by another maximum over long-on off a tossed-up ball as well as a four, two balls later, when he hoicked Rashid to deep midwicket again.

Maxwell dominated pace as well, pulling Siddarth Kaul for four, and also stealing another four off the inside edge off Holder. He tried attacking Bhuvneshwar in the 14th over, but tight lines from the bowler meant Royal Challengers could manage just six runs.

Then the game changed as Maxwell was run-out for 40 off 25. It happened when Padikkal tapped the ball to cover and the batters set off for a non-existent single. Williamson was standing pretty close in, and swooped on the opportunity, his acrobatic direct hit catching the batter well short.

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Drakes to join CSK for the remainder of IPL

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have named West Indian all-rounder Dominic Drakes as injured Sam Curran's replacement for the remainder of the IPL. Curran was ruled out of the ongoing IPL and the upcoming men's T20 World Cup on Tuesday with a lower-back injury.

Drakes, who was with Mumbai Indians as a net bowler in the UAE, will join CSK - who have qualified for the playoffs - ahead of their last league match, against Punjab Kings on October 7. The 23-year old, who was part of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots led by Dwayne Bravo in the CPL, played a crucial role in their successful campaign this season.

Dominic Drakes played a crucial role for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in their successful CPL 2021 T20 campaign.

(CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The left-arm quick claimed 16 wickets in 11 matches, but his most important contribution of the season came with the bat - he hit an unbeaten 48 off 24 in the final against St Lucia Kings and was named Player-of-the-Match. In 19 T20s so far, he has picked 20 wickets and has scored 153 runs at a strike rate of 159.37.

Curran, meanwhile, played only two matches for CSK in the UAE leg. He had a poor season with the ball, leaking 56 runs and 55 runs in the matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) respectively in addition to remaining wicketless.

Overall this season, he picked up nine wickets in nine games and scored 56 runs in four innings.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday October 07, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle- 13 matches (2) Shane Watson-10 matches Today’s Quiz: (1) The WI & IND have contested 17 T20 Int’l matches to date. How many the WI have won?

(2) How many IND have won?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Snow Candy Race 2 I’m Perfect Too Race 3 Twelth Man Race 4 Openthegate Race 5 Saratoga Kisses Race 6 Atta Kid Race 7 No Deal Race 8 The Important One Race 9 Tales Of Macenna Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Forest Falcon Race 2 Crafty Conquest Race 3 Cheek To Cheek Race 4 Cedar Valley Race 5 Coltons Dream Race 6 Reconfigure Race 7 Kiddie Holiday Race 8 Funiculi South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:15 hrs Another Level 08:50 hrs Code Zero 09:25 hrs Successful Ruler 10:00 hrs Flying Bull 10:35 hrs Opera Class 11:10 hrs Sister Light

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

Phoenix CC looking to make it 3-0 this weekend Motie, Dhanpaul and Jonathan Rampersaud supported with two wickets each, which helped to restrict the side for 83 in 19.2 overs.

Phoenix Cricket Club players with club president Sharma Sukhdeo

DEFENDING champions of the NYNCL Cricket Zone T20 Cup, Phoenix Cricket Club, will look to win their third game when they go up against fellow Guyanese side, Majestic Cricket Club, on Saturday.

The star-studded side are leading Group B with two wins in two games, while Majestic CC are third in the group, with a win in their opener.

President of the club, Sharma Sukhdeo, told Chronicle Sport that he is delighted to work with “this extremely talented group of young men, mixed with both overseas and local players”. The Saturday side includes a lot of big names, including the likes of

Gudakesh Motie, Jonathan Foo, Akshaya Persaud and Randall Wilson.

Sukhdeo noted that for this weekend’s clash former West Indies Test spinner Devendra Bishoo and national cricketer Chandrapaul Hemraj could also join the squad. “We have gotten the best start possible and will take it one game at a time until the final.”

VICTORIES In their openers on Saturday, Phoenix CC defeated Jazba CC and Queens Blaster CC. In the clash against Jazba, Phoenix won the toss and opted to bat. Wilson, a Guyanese-born and former US U-19 cricketer, led the charge

with 42 runs from 31 balls (3x4, 2x6), which propelled the side to 130-8 before the overs expired.

In reply, national cricketer Akshaya Persaud, spun his way to 4-26 from four overs, while fellow left-arm spinner Motie, who dismissed both openers, finished with 3-14 from four overs to help restrict Jazba CC for 101 in their allotted overs. Foo and skipper Yutesh Dhanpaul also picked up a wicket each.

Against Queens Blaster, Phoenix lost the toss and were asked to field.

Persaud once again found his line and length early, which propelled him to bowl two maiden overs en-route to 4-7 from his four overs.

Brazilian footballer charged with attempted murder of referee

TV footage showed Ribeiro kicking out at the referee on the floor.

(BBC) - A Brazilian footballer has been charged with attempted murder after kicking a referee in the head during a lower league match.

Sport Club Sao Paulo player William Ribeiro attacked Rodrigo Crivellaro after he awarded a foul against him on Monday.

The match against Guarani was suspended in the second half and Crivellaro was taken to hospital.

The referee was later released from hospital while Ribeiro has been sacked.

The club said the incident, which happened in the year of its 113th anniversary, was "one of the worst in its history" and that officials are evaluating what further action to take.

Sport Club Sao Paulo are based in the city of Rio Grande, 200 miles south of the state capital Porto Alegre, and play in the second division of the Rio Grande do Sol state championship.

Guarani won the restarted match 1-0 a day later, the state football federation said.

In reply, Persaud, who was again named Man-ofthe-Match, struck 30 (3x4, 2x6) from 14 balls, while Wilson finished with 21

(4x4, 10 balls) not out and Foo 15 (2x4, 1x6) not out to steer the side to 86-1 in 5.4 overs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

OSCL rewards players in IKO Guyana suspends training at MYO presentation with a … moves to outdoor training difference in the fight against COVID-19

Jubilant Mercenary players and supporters celebrate their winnings.

By Frederick Halley IT was a presentation with a difference following a condensed 2021 season. Unlike previous years, when the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) held an annual presentation, dinner and dance, this year which marked the 26th since the league was formed, the organisers were forced to stage last Saturday’s presentation outdoors.

The venue was the Ashtonbee Reservoir, Scarborough, Canada and apart from the presentation ceremony, the day’s programme included a feature encounter between the all-conquering Mercenary and an OSCL All Stars combination.

Among those in attendance for part of the presentation ceremony was Toronto’s Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson.

The COVID-19 pandemic had already taken its toll on the season with the ten teams in contention being placed in one division (20 overs) which meant that there were no 10 and 15 overs competitions as in previous years.

Mercenary, who dominated the season, winning 10 of their 11 games with the other ending in a no-result, were again dominant in Saturday’s feature, thereby taking the regular season and championship trophies while Riaz Kadir was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy.

Mercenary achieved similar feats in 2019 when they were crowned Division One playoff and regular season champions and also added the 15-over crown to their collection.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there were no tournaments in 2020.

Canadian Legends took the runners-up spot while Leguan Warriors were the Consolation winners with 3 Counties as runners-up.

Top batters awards, sponsored by Natasha Sue, went to Amit Arjun of 3 Counties who totalled 302 runs while Devon Ramnauth (Essequibo Coast CC) scored 272 and Jai Singh (Bacchus Ruff Ryders) ended the season with 258.

Jairam Ramoutar (3 Counties) led the bowling department with 17 wickets, one

more than Avinash Sookdeo (Mercenary) while Shazam Baksh (Carr Tec) finished with 12, Five players were awarded trophies, compliments of Great Canadian Valvoline Oil Changers for registering centuries – Amit Arjun (3 Counties), Richard Driffield (Canadian Legends), Avinash Sookdeo (Mercenary), Rovendra Mandolall (Carr Tec) and Ravi Bodo (Leguan Warriors).

Five-wicket hauls were registered by Anil Kumar (Canadian Legends), Nishal Dass (Canadian Legends), Reyaz Prahalad (Canadian Legends) and Shazam Baksh (Carr Tec) and they received trophies sponsored by Natasha Sue. Dass also claimed the lone hat-trick of the tournament.

Most Improved Player awards went to Salim Hassan (Leguan Warriors), Richard Dias (Mercenary), Damien Basant (Enmore), Kyle Ramsawak (Essequibo CC), Tuan Azhadeen Amidon (Bacchus Ruff Ryders), Kishan Banasar (Malvern All Stars), Adham Hussain (Ramblers), Romano Sugrim (Canadian Legends), Nazir Khan (3 Counties) and Akaash Pala (Miss Phoebe).

Plaques were also presented to female supporters Harijanthy Yogarajah, Nari Khan, Ranie Bhopaul, Mala Monelall, Elizabeth Ramsawak, Whitney Sanichara, Dina Jaipersaud and Alisha Ramadhar in recognition of their contributions to their teams and also to the OSCL. A special presentation was made to veteran softball stalwart Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth in recognition of his outstanding achievements to the sport. Parasnauth had the unique distinction of being a part of three winning teams in the 2021 season. He represented champions Mercenary in the OSCL season, was part of Canadian Legends in the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Over-40 and Toronto Blizzards in the Over-50, both emerging as champions.

A pleasantly surprised Parasnauth, who collected the award from OSCL president Ravin Babulall, was ecstatic in his praise for the OSCL executives for the gesture, while professing his love for the grassroots game over the years.

THE International Karate Organisation (IKO) Guyana has taken a decision to suspend indoor training at its Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) headquarters until further notice in response to the Government of Guyana’s efforts to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This was revealed to the media via a release on Tuesday.

“While all our instructors are fully vaccinated and while many of our students are also vaccinated, we have opted to conduct outdoor training at this time. We believe this decision is in the best interest of our students, parents, and instructors.”

Training sessions are now held at the National Park.

The IKO Guyana will

Some of the students going through their paces at the National Park

continue to be a responsible sporting organisation and we are committed to doing our part in helping Guyana out of this pandemic.

The IKO Guyana also urges all Guyanese who are

eligible to be vaccinated, to do so urgently. “We are convinced that the vaccines are safe and are the only option at this time to help us out of the pandemic,” the release concluded.

V-Net supports coach Hercules on Level Three journey

Coach Ryan Hercules (left) collects his laptop from Sales Representative, Whitney Brock, in the presence of V-Net’s CEO, Safraz Sheriffuden.

V-Net Communications gifted cricket coach Ryan Hercules a laptop to aid in his studies for the rigorous and in-depth programme, organised by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The donation was made yesterday at the company’s Delph Street, Campbellville location.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Safraz Sheriffuden, the support is part of the mantra they have to assist in the grassroots development of the sport and he knows the passion Hercules has for coaching.

The former national cricketer said he was extremely grateful for the support of the company whose Brand Ambassador is West Indian cricketer, Keemo Paul.

According to Hercules, the 12-month course has a lot of online classes so it really

makes this support extremely meaningful.

Thus far, Hercules said the focus has been on the mental side of the sport and he has already learnt unique techniques he can impart in training camps.

He is set to leave on October 22, 2021, for Antigua where he and three other Guyanese – Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Mark Harper, and Vishaul Singh - who are part of the 17 being qualified, will undergo practical assessments.

Once successful, Hercules said it will be a major achievement for himself and Essequibo cricket as he will be the first Level Three coach from the Cinderella County.

This initiative is part of CWI’s ‘Cricket First’ strategic plan to invest in building coaching depth and quality across the region, considering the vital role coaches play in developing cricketers’ skills across all age groups and abilities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 7, 2021

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Chris Gayle (right) listens to team’s bowling coach Curtly Ambrose during a training session ahead of their ICC World Twenty20 2016 match against Sri Lanka in Bangalore, India, Saturday, March 19, 2016.

No automatic selection for Gayle – Sir Curtly Bhuvneshwar ruins Royal Challengers' shot at a top-two spot

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck in the first over. (BCCI)

Coach Ryan Hercules (left) collects his laptop from Sales Representative, Whitney Brock, in the presence of V-Net’s CEO, Safraz Sheriffuden.

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V-Net supports coach Hercules on Level Three journey 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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021