Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_08_11_2020

TUESDAY 11th August, 2020

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56 employees No.106088

'draw down' $800M

-- with no evidence of work under Bulkan’s watch

Courtesy call: President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali interacts with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Cui Jianchun, at the Office of the President on Monday (DPI photo)

Dr. Van West-Charles' services terminated PAGE

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Parliament could 09 convene in two weeks PAGE

--says Minister Teixeira, confirms that process for preparation of Budget 2020 has commenced

SEE PAGE 03

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

No COVID-19 cases in 24 hours -- CMO calls on persons to be responsible, get tested if they show symptoms

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA has seen a consistent rise in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases over the past two months, and while the burden of the pandemic remains direct and indirect, the country survived 24 hours without a new case.

This is a welcome change in the daily statistics, especially after the country would have recorded 64 new cases over the period, August 7 to 10. Those cases came from Regions Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, in presenting the COVID-19 update on Monday, said Guyana has recorded 568 cases to date. But, of those cases, 189 persons have recovered and 22 persons have lost their lives.

He confirmed that the remaining 357 active cases are being monitored by health authorities. Four of those persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while the others are in institutional isolation.

“Guyanese, I urge to you

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

to come forward and get tested if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been contact with someone suspected of the disease,” said Dr. Persaud.

Further, persons who have concerns about their status regarding COVID-19 are asked to make contact with testing sites, for an evaluation. Being tested means you know your status and gives you the ability to seek the necessary treatment and further prevent the spread

of this detrimental disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

“So fellow Guyanese, let us act wisely and be responsibly as we start another exciting week. We can continue to do

all the things we need to do safely and in a way that does not compromise public health in Guyana,” Dr. Persaud advised.

He reminded persons that COVID-19 is in Guyana and will not go away by denial or ignorance. It is real, said the CMO, noting that it is evidenced by the many persons who died and the agony and sadness of their families and friends.

The control measures in

place are often hard to cope with, but considering the prevailing circumstances, persons must be cautious and vigilant, as they continue to do their part in the fight against COVID-19.

“We are stronger together. So, stay vigilant, observer all the measure, wear a mask in public, maintain physical distance and practice good hygiene for a safer and healthier Guyana,” the CMO advised.

Guyana Chronicle had reported that Guyana’s economy, like many others around the world, has taken a hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially at the household level, where jobs were lost, income dried up and, in some cases, hunger crept in.

The conditions were exacerbated further because of the political instability caused by a protracted electoral process, which only ended last Sunday.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING But, the new administration has “hit the ground running” and, according to newly-elected President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, his government is working to secure $4.5B as emergency response to help at the household level.

“We have reached out to several multilateral and bilateral sources with a view to urgently mobilise financial resources of the magnitude that is necessary to overcome the effects of this pandemic. I must say the response has been encouraging,” said Dr. Ali during his address at the inauguration ceremony, on Saturday.

To further ease the strain on persons, government had met with the Governor of the Central Bank and directed him to extend regulatory permission so as to allow for bankers to continue extending moratoriums.

Government has also looked at the possibility of adjusting the “reserve requirement” which will al-

low the banks to have more disposable resources and tie that adjustment with lower interest rates.

“We have started to examine, from a fiscal perspective, what support we can give to the private sector and other groups all with the view of supporting a resumption of the economic activities and putting people back to work.

“Every life in our nation matters and my Government will ensure that every life is protected from harm. The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed too many lives. Everything possible must be done to protect our people from this dreaded and dreadful disease,” said President Ali. That is why, as President, he promised to personally and urgently participate in his government’s programme to stop infection by the coronavirus, curb its spread, and safeguard the health of Guyana.

After completing a rapid assessment, the President already started to establish a structure to tackle the virus as effectively as possible.

Part of the structure includes the creation of a COVID-19 Response Unit comprising Government policymakers, represented by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health, and regional and international partners such as CARICOM, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and UNDP. The Unit, he said, will be guided by a collaborative policy to address medical responses and to create a COVID-19 impact socio-economic plan for Guyanese.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 19.4 million cases of COVID-19, with over 772,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

56 employees

3

'draw down' $800M -- with no evidence of work under Bulkan’s watch

By Tamica Garnett FORMER Region Three Regional Information Officer, Ganesh Mahipaul; Georgetown Councillor, Oscar Clarke and former Region Two Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rupert Hopkinson were on Monday named among some 56 employees at the former Ministry of Communities who were paid over $800 million across five years, with no evidence of the work they did.

This was revealed by Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall during a media briefing on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Dharamlall declared that the employees appeared to have been “part of the political machinery that were part of the [previous] government”.

He noted that the condition was discovered when the new administration recently conducted a situational analysis of the ministry he now heads.

Since the changeover of government, Dharamlall said there has also been no presence of the 56 individuals.

“In the minister’s secretariat in MoLGRD [Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development], there were 23 staff who were [collectively] earning as much in total as $7.30 million per month. Who were those staff? We have been unable to verify and validate the performance of these staff because there is no record of their work, no documentation of their work, and since we took office there has been no presence of their person in MoLGRD,” Dharamlall informed.

Leading the list of earners were two advisers to the minister [Ronald Bulkan], who were earning a total of over $500,000 per month.

“We had two advisers to the minister: Carmichael Thorne and Samuel Parris. Carmichael Thorne was earning $488,250 per month plus $30,000 in non-taxable allowance and telephone as well as a travelling allowance of over $20,000 per month.

That is over $500,000 per month, and we have no record of any of the work they would have done,” Dharamlall shared.

Clarke was listed as a “Special Ministerial Adviser”

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, briefing the media at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday (Delano Williams)

Former Region Two REO, Rupert Hopkinson

who was paid approximately $418, 000 per month, in addition to $25,000 per month duty-free allowance, and a telephone allowance of $15,000.

“Since we have taken office we have not seen him and from reports we received this individual turned up three

Georgetown Councillor, Oscar Clarke

half days per week, earning, when you add it all up, close to half a million dollars per month,” Minister Dharamlall said.

Hopkinson was listed as a “Special Adviser” and said to be earning $376,807 per month with a non-taxable allowance of $70,000 per

Former Region Three Regional Information Officer, Ganesh Mahipaul

month, along with a telephone allowance of $10,000.

ABSENT FROM WORK “These are individuals whose contracts were renewed even after no-confidence motion, renewed for a substantial period. So their contracts are in effect but the

fact that they have not turned up for work it means that they are in terrible breach of their contract,” Dharamlall further explained.

Aside from the 23 employees at Balkan’s secretariat, the other employees were part of a “Department of Community Development

Council (CDC)” and worked in the respective regions.

Individuals under the CDC include Mahipaul, who is receiving approximately $220,000 in salary and allowances; former APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Barbara Pilgrim, who is receiving approximately $230,000 per month; and Technical Assistant to the Minister, Simpson Da Silva, who is earning approximately $370,000 per month.

“From the names we have perused, these are all political operatives of the APNU+AFC. They are stationed in the regions but when I spoke to the REO they were not supervising these individuals,” Dharamlall said.

In the past five years, the 56 persons identified by the local government minister took home over half a billion dollars.

“This is $13.5 million between [former Minister Ronald] Bulkan secretariat and the CDC per month. By five years that is over $800 million that these 56 persons have earned on the back of taxpayers without evidence of their efforts. We cannot countenance this,” Dharamlall said.

The minister noted that going forward the persons identified will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as contact is made with them.

“The MoLGRD will ensure as we move forward that everyone who works for the ministry will exude the greatest of professionalism, competence, and greatest of respect in the conduct of our duties. That is the minimum with which we will work and minimum that has been set for all of us,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Belarus election: Opposition disputes Lukashenko landslide win The main challenger to Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko has refused to accept the autocratic president won 80% of the vote in Sunday’s election.

“I consider myself the winner of this election,” Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said on Monday.

This follows thousands of arrests after protesters and riot police clashed in the capital Minsk and other cities.

A lack of scrutiny - no observers were present has led to widespread fears of vote-rigging in the poll.

The election was held amid growing frustration at Mr Lukashenko’s leadership, with opposition rallies attracting large crowds.

The preceding days saw a crackdown on activists and journalists.

The president has described opposition supporters as “sheep” controlled from abroad, and vowed not to allow the country to be torn apart.

Mr Lukashenko won 80.23% of the vote, according to a preliminary count, with Ms Tikhanovskaya receiving 9.9%.

Ms Tikhanovskaya entered the election in place

Ms Tikhanovskaya says she wants the authorities to hand over power (BBC photo)

of her jailed husband and went on to lead large opposition rallies.

Mr Lukashenko, 65, has been in power since 1994.

The opposition candidate said that the election results published on Monday morning “completely contradict common sense” and the authorities should think about how to peacefully hand over power.

“We have seen that the authorities are trying to hold on to their positions by force,” she said.

“No matter how much we asked authorities not to turn on their own people, we were not listened to.”

Tuesday,August 11 , 2020–– 22:00hrs -23:30hrs

Her campaign said it would challenge “numerous falsifications” in the vote.

“The election results

announced by the Central Electoral Commission do not correspond to reality and completely contradict common sense,” her spokeswoman Anna Krasulina said.

But Mr Lukashenko poured scorn on Ms Tikhanovskaya’s comments.

“So Lukashenko, who is at the top of the power structure and at the head of the state, after getting 80% of the vote must voluntarily hand over power to them,” the president said. “The orders are coming from over there [abroad].”

“Our response will be robust,” he added. “We will not allow the country to be torn apart.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated

his Belarusian counterpart on his victory, despite friction over accusations of a Russian plot which Mr Lukashenko has tried to link to the opposition.

The leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova and Azerbaijan have sent messages of support.

But the German government said it had “strong doubts” about the election and that minimum standards were not met.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the election results to be published.

“Harassment and violent repression of peaceful protesters has no place in Europe,” she said.

Meanwhile, Poland has

called for an emergency EU summit to discuss the crisis.

Demonstrators took to the streets in central Minsk as soon as voting ended.

Many chanted “Get out” and other anti-government slogans.

Police used stun grenades, rubber bullets and water cannon.

Reports from a human rights group that a man had died proved to be untrue.

However, social media footage showed a man who had clung to the front of a police truck lose his grip as it accelerated, hitting his head.

The interior ministry said 50 civilians and 39 police were injured.

(BBC)

Blast destroys Baltimore homes; at least one dead, children trapped -- firefighters

A major gas explosion leveled three houses as it tore through a Baltimore neighborhood on Monday, killing at least one person and critically injuring three while at least five others including children were trapped, firefighters and media said.

The Baltimore Sun reported it was a natural gas explosion, citing fire officials,

but said the exact cause remained unknown.

Photos from the scene showed a section of brick row houses destroyed with rubble strewn about as rescue workers climbed over a pile of debris, searching for victims.

One woman was killed, the Baltimore City Fire Department said on Twitter.

Four others were rescued,

all in serious or critical condition, the Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 said on Twitter.

At least five people were trapped, some of them children, and rescuers were communicating with one person still trapped, the union said.

Later it tweeted that a man was freed from the rubble.

“He is being transported by #BCFDEMS to the hospital in serious condition. Rescuers continue to search the debris for other survivors,” the union said.

Officials from Baltimore Gas and Electric Co were working to turn off gas to the area, the Baltimore Sun reported.

“Once the gas is off, we can begin to safely assess

the situation,” gas company spokesman Richard Yost told the Sun. One neighbor who happens to be a building inspector told the Sun he could hear shouts from trapped children.

“Come get us! We’re stuck!” came the cries, Kevin Matthews, a U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration building inspector who lives on the block, told the Sun. Matthews found one person buried from the neck down and another sheltering in a closet, the Sun said.

People felt the blast miles away and neighbors said their windows were blown out and doors blasted off the hinges, the Sun reported. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Coronavirus: Brazil passes 100,000 deaths as outbreak shows no sign of easing Brazil has recorded more than 100,000 deaths linked to Covid-19, the world’s second-highest figure, as the outbreak in the country shows no sign of easing.

The virus killed 50,000 people in three months, but that number doubled in just 50 days. There have been more than three million confirmed cases so far.

The pandemic is yet to peak but shops and restaurants have already reopened.

President Jair Bolsonaro has downplayed the impact of the virus and opposed measures that could hit the economy.

The far-right leader, who caught the disease himself and recovered, fought restrictions imposed by state governors to curb Covid-19, and has frequently joined crowds of supporters, at times without a face mask.

Experts have complained of a lack of a co-ordinated plan by the Bolsonaro government as local authorities now focus on restarting the economy, which is likely to boost the spread of the virus.

The health ministry is being led by an army general with no experience in public health. Two earlier ministers, both physicians, left the job after disagreeing with the president over social distancing measures and the use of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment, though studies say it is ineffective and even dangerous.

President Bolsonaro who has called Covid-19

a “little flu” and has been criticised at home and abroad for his response to the outbreak - said he recovered from his own infection thanks to the anti-malarial drug.

“We should be living in despair, because this is a tragedy like a world war.

But Brazil is under collective anaesthesia,” Dr José Davi Urbaez, a senior member of the Infectious Diseases Society, told Reuters news agency.

“The government’s message today is: ‘Catch your coronavirus and if it’s serious, there is intensive care.’

That sums up our policy today.”

Brazil has had 100,477 virus-related deaths and 3,012,412 cases, according to the health ministry, though the numbers are believed to be much higher because of insufficient testing. Only the United States has higher figures.

Cases have accelerated in recent weeks in the countryside, particularly in southern and western states, while the situation seems to be improving in São Paulo, the most populous.

Meanwhile, the number of infections has declined in northern states - including Amazonas, which was an early hotspot - and in Rio de Janeiro, where pictures of crowded bars and beaches outraged many earlier this week.

In a tribute to victims on Saturday, the non-governmental group Rio de Paz placed crosses on the sand

A tribute to the victims was held at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach (BBC photo)

on Rio’s famed Copacabana beach and released 1,000 red balloons into the sky.

“We reach that mark and many people seem to not see it, both among the government and our people...

Death became normal,” 56-year-old Marcio do Nascimento Silva, a taxi driver who lost his children in the pandemic and joined the tribute, told the Associated Press.

The virus has hit black populations and impoverished neighbourhoods known as favelas especially hard, and there are fears it is still spreading among indigenous communities.

At least 22,300 indigenous people have been infected while 633 have died, Brazil’s main indigenous federation Apib said.

Senate Speaker Davi Alcolumbre announced four

days of mourning in Congress but President Bolsonaro has not yet commented.

Earlier this week he said he was sorry for all the deaths but suggested “we should carry on with [our] lives”.

Just as news came in that Brazil surpassed 100,000 deaths, there was cheering and fireworks across São Paulo. No, this was not some perverse celebration of Covid-19 - football team

Palmeiras had won the state championship over rival Corinthians after a tense penalty shootout.

Passion for the beautiful game is not to be knocked - especially when there is little else to cheer people at the moment - but the fact that Jair Bolsonaro marked the win by offering his congratulations, yet stayed silent on the grim numbers, says a lot about how the

president continues to view the pandemic.

The editorials in the newspapers on Sunday are full of criticism of the president.

His indifference and his lack of empathy do not go unnoticed. His lack of leadership continues to be deeply worrying, especially with the country reopening and the virus still not seemingly under control.

Brazil accounts for nearly half of all coronavirus-related deaths recorded in Latin America and the Caribbean, where more than five million cases have been confirmed, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the disease globally.

Some of the other hardhit countries include Mexico - which has the world’s third-highest number of deaths with 52,000 and nearly 476,000 cases - Peru, Colombia and Chile.

Experts say a combination of overcrowded cities, poverty and illequipped health systems is contributing to the outbreak in the region. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

The failed ‘good life’ promise THE horrendous pilferage of the treasury and other State funds by the coalition APNU+AFC government is being revealed moment by moment, sector by sector, ministry by ministry, and it is apparent that “The good life” the coalition parties promised the electorate pre2011 and pre-2015 elections did fructify – for their Cabinet members, family members, cronies, financiers, et al.

The APNU+AFC coalition government obviously (mal) administered Guyana with no defined economic plan or social development programme based on coherent studies of the dynamics that would eventuate into their promised “good life for all”..

What is emerging is that the Guyanese working-class people were thrown meagre crumbs from the coalition government’s buffet table, while the ‘fat cats’ gobbled up the bulk of the economic feast.

According to Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking at one of his weekly press conferences, “… the (coalition) government has been sponging off the billions” left in the National Treasury by the former Administration, as well as the achievements of the PPP/C, in almost every area of social and economic life.

During a press conference at the People’s Progressive Party’s Freedom House Headquarters, then General-Secretary, Clement Rohee, declared that, from the inception, the

APNU+AFC coalition administration has been “knocking from pillar to post” in an aimless attempt to find an appropriate development model to build on what the PPP/C left behind.

Rohee continued, “In the meanwhile, the persistent corruption scandals rocking the Granger Administration has resulted in growing disillusionment and dissatisfaction on the part of its own supporters, in particular, and the Guyanese people in general. In contrast, the socio-economic model based on the programmes and policies of the PPP/C served to sustain persistent growth rates, resulting in consistent improvement in the lives of the Guyanese working people in general but, more particularly, for single parents, pensioners, young Amerindians and workers in general.”.

From the inception of its governance, the APNU+AFC government embarked on a nation-wide witch-hunt of those whom they perceived were PPP/C leaders and supporters, even technocrats who served under the PPP/C administration.

One of their first acts after assuming office was to fire 2000 young people from Amerindian communities, while simultaneously awarding to themselves hefty salary increases. Their racial and political discrimination, their blatant corrupt actions, their victimization and witch-hunting of former government officials and PPP/C supporters

amounted to economic genocide and assumed proportions of a gargantuan persecution pogrom.

Post-election gerrymandering and posturing, with the clear intention of rigging the elections, even as the nation was assailed by a deadly pandemic that left the Guyanese people from every community vulnerable to the point of starvation, created a vacuum in the existential dynamics of most working-class Guyanese that should have been filled by any caring government. Instead, they were appropriating hundreds of millions-- actually billions of dollars of state funds-- to pay for an unnecessary vote re-count and innumerate, vexatious and irrelevant court cases, as well as to encourage their supporters to engage in mass protests in the midst of a lockdown and curfew.

But, in or out of government, the PPP was/is historically a people-caring party, and President-elect, Dr. Irfaan Ali, stepped up to the plate. He dispersed teams countrywide to share masks to protect people from infection from the Covid-19 virus and share food packages to save the poor people from starvation.

His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali has already demonstrated that he will not merely promise, but he will deliver to all Guyanese “the good life,” where every man, woman and child will reap the harvest of Guyana’s bounties.

GAWU heartened by commitment to help sugar workers Dear Editor,

THE GAWU was pleased to see President Dr. Irfaan Ali spending a few moments, during his inauguration address, to speak about the sugar industry. Indeed, the President adequately summed up the situation in the industry which, we hold, was glaringly ignored and sidelined by the past regime. Our union is on record in expressing our dismay as it regarded the callous manner in which the former administration cast aside the industry and the

several thousand who depended on its operations. As the August 10, Stabroek News revealed former workers of Rose Hall Estate have still yet to recover from the closure now almost three years ago.

It is not to say that the coalition was not warned. Our union, among others including President Ali, had warned of the ramifications of the cold-hearted decision.

But for our chorus of voices, the APNU+AFC simply chose to ignore the obvious and plunge headlong into the minimisation

of the industry without even the slightest clues of how it would address the economic and social fallout. Their actions which can only be described as heartless have set back the well-being of thousands. As the Stabroek News pointed out, the workers and their families have seen their standard-of-living curtailed as they seek to make their ends meet. We share President Ali’s views when he said this is not the Guyana we should want at any time.

Our union, certainly like

the thousands who have been plunged into hardship and misery, were most heartened to hear of the government’s commitment to bring back semblance to their lives. For them, the days and weeks since closure are probably the most difficult they have faced in their lives and ones they wish never to endure again. We recognise that re-opening will not be a quick process and the government has a great deal of work to do. We have learnt that several movable assets were sold at fire sale prices and equipment

and buildings were allowed to fall into disrepair. The conditions of the abandoned cane fields are yet another steep challenge. But as experience and time have shown, where there is a will there is a way. Our union is hopeful that the process can commence in earnest at soonest and some degree of normalcy and hope can be restored.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Come let us build Guyana THE Maranatha Ministries International Inc. acknowledges the ascension of his Excellency, the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali. You are now the Father of the Nation and Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force; we therefore salute you, recognising that it is Almighty God that has placed you there for such a time as this. The people have voted and GECOM has declared that the PPP/C has won the general elections and will form the new government.

I have had interaction with several presidents in the short history of this nation and in my life. Two of those direct interactions were at the State House on the 75th birthday anniversary of the late Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan and the other was with the late Mrs.

Janet Jagan on the 14th February 1999 at a book launching ceremony at St. Joseph High School Auditorium.

On that occasion, I counselled her using the integrity, within my Ministerial office as an Officer within the Ecclesia (The Church).

I told her that to be an effective and honourable leader, it was absolutely necessary to maintain and enjoy three basic, simple things in the grand scheme of life.

1. Excellent health 2. Great friendship 3. Wealth not excessive, but enough Excellent health would be a configuration of physical; mental and spiritual: A strong physical body free from illness, which will endure the rigors and daily grind of being responsible for a nation.

A sound and powerful

mental attitude, positive thinking balancing every thought with the right attitude demonstrating humility; behaviour that is akin to being gracious and conduct that is morally acceptable. Speaking respectful to both rich and poor; high and low; educated and uneducated; the haves and the have nots; the young and the old. Great friendship should be a goal to win even your enemies, be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove, being friendly towards all and sundry.

Finally, to be wealthy within the parameters of being content and not craving for more or being covetous.

These qualities will make for the greatest of leaders the world could ever produce and you have a choice your Excellency.

Mrs. Jagan, in that day and time believed what was

said to her, but it was too late, she resigned within a few months of counselling her.

God bless you Mr. President and God Bless Guyana. You have my prayers.

For what say ye, if ye are consumed and there be none to help or save; Come; let us build Guyana for this is the hour when we must seek to forgive.

“Come let us build Guyana” (Isaiah 52:3-8) Children of Guyana, hear ye this day the Lord’s command; Ye young and strong at heart for this is not an unreasonable demand.

Born of this Nation, from the day of Creation; the Lord is your portion, So, come, let us labour, for we have his favour for this Nation.

Children of the desolate, ye have been deceived and thus you cried; Father! Father! How long must we go on in this manner, for Christ died!

And behold! He liveth again! So here we stand – a people strong and bold; Let us unite and build what is ours, then sweet victory will come I am told.

Children of the redeemed, be Ye not grieved to do his glorious will; Ye with sorrows, there is a tomorrow, if ye will hear his voice and be still.

Children of the king, ye are clothed with Royalty; Majesty and Authority: Why do ye give up your integrity for that which is naught!

Rise up in victory and proclaim that Guyana is

God’s for we are a chosen people, So come! Let us build again the walls of this Nation, though we are little.

Children of God! Where shall the walls of “Holiness unto the Lord be laid?” or The ‘Gates of righteousness’ be restored?

Tell me, what price must be paid? For the walls of Holiness are broken down!

And the Gates of righteousness are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.

Come! Come! Let us build our Land to what our Fathers did know and proclaim, That Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father!

Amen and Amen!

Apostle Vanrick Beresford

Blessings to all of Guyana on an auspicious occasion

IN Guyana and throughout the world, Shri Krishna Janmashtmi or Gokulashtmi is being celebrated on August 10 and spilling over today as it is a midnight celebration, the time when the Lord manifested on Mother Earth in Mathura, as Shri Krishna (the dark complexioned Lord) and fondly referred to as Gopal (one who plays the cowherds), or Govinda (one who pleases the cows, land and nature) or Mohan (all attractive God) or Vasudev (all prevailing Lord) or Yogi (the supreme master) or any of the remaining 108 names.

Shri Krishna came into the imprisoned abode of His earthly parents, Devaki and Vasudeva and immediately afterwards, Vasudeva took him across the Yamuna River to his foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda in Gokul. Shri Krishna took the Eighth Avatar (Incarnation) of Vishnu, the Preserver (One of the Trilogy of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh- Creator, Sustainer, Annihilator) at a time when it was a dark era, freedom was curtailed, evil was rampant and there was a threat to his life by his Uncle, King Kansa.

Eventually, good triumphed over evil, light replaced darkness and truth conquered lies when Gopal demolished Kansa and righteousness again prevailed over unrighteousness. Some 1.25 billion followers of Hinduism will participate in different customs and traditions as

is culturally practiced globally but curtailed and limited this year in restricted and controlled COVID-19 protocols. The large conglomerate gathering of devotees will be disallowed by only a handful of attendees in the mandirs, but, there are various virtual programmes for participation and Hindus will perform personal home services.

Hinduism is more than just a religion and traditionally and significantly, a “way of life” that embraces religious, philosophical and cultural ideals and practices that originated thousands of years before the birth of Christ. Hinduism is called the world’s oldest religion and many practitioners refer to their religion as “Sanatana Dharma,” “the eternal way,” which makes reference to its origins stretching beyond human history as revealed in the Hindu Texts. One of the most powerful books gifted to mankind is the Hindu Text, “The Bhagavad Gita,” simply referred to as “The Gita.” President Barack Obama is a prolific reader of this text and he once reflected that the Gita was one of the books that molded his character and helped to influence his work towards the nation. The Gita is an 18-chapter, 700-verse Hindu Scripture that is part of the Hindu Text, “The Mahabharata,” (Chapters 23-40 of Bhishma Parva). It is set in a narrative framework of a dialogue between Arjuna, the Pandava prince and his guide and charioteer Shri

Krishna. On the brink of a great war on the battlefield of Kurushetra between two sets of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, over the throne of Hastinapur, Arjuna is suddenly overwhelmed with misgivings about the justice of fighting his brothers, uncles, friends and teacher on the opposite side. Shri Krishna’s reply to him forms the themes of the Gita, teaching him and the world the mind-body dualism, self-consciousness, the immortality of the soul, transmigration of the soul into another body at death, the purpose of life, Nirvana/Moksha (God Realization), performing one’s duty, in-action is impossible, bravery from fear, freedom from the cycle of birth and death through Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action).

Two main principles are expounded, one is, of every action carries an equal or opposite reaction and the source of evil is not in actions but in the passions and desires, i.e. “The intentions behind the actions.”

Two American philosophers, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau considered the Gita to be the pivotal Hindu text. There are eight basic and fundamental concepts today’s society can adopt, digest and practice in the applications of our lives from the teachings of Lord Krishna: (1) Attachment -Because nothing is permanent and will perish, man should quick-

ly detach himself from material attachments - attachment breeds misery and detachment ferments happiness, (2) False pride - Inaction is misapprehension and trying to escape responsibilities by failing to perform your worldly duties is being delusive. Not shunning your humanitarian commitments allows true liberation, (3) Renunciation – Give as much of yourself as long as you can and don’t be concerned with the result and reward, (4) Lust – Conquer desire for a want is not always a need. Have a stable mind to understand the nature and structure of desires so that we can exercise control, (5) Covetousness – Selfishness blinds wisdom and when put aside, then clarity of the mind steps in. A clouded mind with selfishness is a mirror covered with mist or dust, (6) Greed – Avoid extremities and embrace moderation. Too much or too little creates imbalance in life and it can be food, sleep, physical pleasures, money and even knowledge. Moderation is the control key, (7) Anger – Rage deludes and confuses us when we fall in a fit and actions performed are futile. We cannot apply logic or reason and anger can be the reason for the downfall of even the greatest man who will later regret this mood, (8) Realisation – God is seated within. God is omniscient (all knower) omnipresent (here, there and everywhere) and omnipotent (all powerful). A human being is

only a small piece of the whole and most of the circumstances are a play of a bigger entity, whole or force i.e. an unmanifested source.

It is thought that the theory of relativity discovered by Albert Einstein owed its existence to the wisdom contained in the Bhagavad Gita. Einstein seriously indulged in the teachings of the Gita in his later life, believing in the efficacy of the Gita from initial stages of life. Philosophy and politics are blood related and inseparable and is influential in its “rubbing effect.” Today is a day of reflection as the celebration of Janmashtmi is a commemoration of good over evil and the reestablishment of righteousness over unrighteousness. Many lessons can be learnt from the past five months in Guyana and one of them is that truth will always ultimately prevail and people will always seek the blessings of happiness and blissfulness. Gandhi had remarked that everything a problem appears as an obstacle, he turned to the pages of the Gita for its answer. Janamdin Mubarak ho… May all of Guyana enjoy the Ashirvad of Shri Krishna and remain protected under His umbrella. May the government and its officers be guided

by His influence.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Two months on…

Policeman still listed as ‘missing’ IT has been a little over two months since Police Constable Quincy Lewis went missing, after leaving his La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara home for work.

Lewis, who is a serving member of the Guyana Police Force since 2015, is stationed at the Agricola Police Station, on the East Bank Demerara.

According to the man’s relatives, he was last seen alive on the afternoon of Friday, June 19,

2020, when he left in his friend’s car, PTT 7541, to report to work.

His cousin, Revon Jordon, had earlier told this newspaper that he’d initially thought that Lewis was in-line, seeing that he was a policeman, and that was all part of the job.

However, a few days later, the owner of the motorcar he’d borrowed paid the family a visit, looking for Lewis, as he hadn’t returned the vehicle, and neither was he answering his cell-phone.

As was only to be expected, Lewis’s relatives not only became worried, but suspicious as well, as, like his friend said, calls to his cell-phone were going unanswered. Things went even more downhill, when the family decided to call the Agricola Police Station where he was stationed, and his colleagues told them that he’d never shown up for work.

On June 26, Lewis’ family filed a ‘missing person’ report at the La Parfaite Harmonie Police

Station.

An investigation was duly launched, and a review of CCTV footage of various points on the Demerara Harbour Bridge showed that Lewis did cross it, presumably on his way to work.

According to the police, that investigation is still active, and they’re asking that anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to call them on either 677-6547; 680-1436; or the nearest police station.

Police Constable Quincy Lewis

Fatal accident on Soesdyke Public Road Police are currently investigating the accident at Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara, which claimed the life of a 25-year-old minibus conductor and left four others injured, in the wee hours of Monday, August 10, 2020.

Dead is Quamie Dalton, of Block ‘C’ Ice House Road, Timehri, while four other passengers of the motor car he was travelling in are currently hospitalised.

Those injured are hirecar driver Shaquille Henry, 25, of Mora Street, Linden; Shania Budburgh, 18, of Amelia’s Ward, Linden; Melissa Lewis, 20, of Providence; and Rosanna Bobsemple, 27, of Kara Kara, Linden.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Henry was the driver of motor car #HD 1029 and, around 02:00 hours, on Monday, he was speeding along the eastern side of Soesdyke Public Road with his four friends inside and was looking for a place to ‘hang out.’

It is alleged that Henry, while in the vicinity of the

The mangled car

Soesdyke junction, hit a median, which is situated in the centre of the road and lost control of his vehicle.

As a result, the vehicle ‘skidded’ off the road, collided with a lamp post and

DEAD: Quamie Dalton

‘turned turtle’ before coming to a halt.

The vehicle received extensive damages and the passengers were all taken out of the vehicle by the police and public-spirited citizens

and placed into another car and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

They were all seen and examined by a doctor on duty. Dalton later died while receiving treatment.

Henry, Budburgh, and Bobsemple were later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where they were treated for various injuries such as fractured legs and laceration to

the head and about the body.

The motor car driver was subjected to a breathalyser and it showed that he was under the prescribed limit.

The police investigation is still ongoing.

Results indicate second term for Dr Rowley PEOPLE'S National Movement leader, Dr Keith Rowley has declared victory in the 2020 general election.

He made the declaration at 10.30 pm to a small nunber of supporters at Balisier House.

He said the party had won 22 of the 41 seats, down from 23 in the 2015 general election, "against all odds."

He did not specify which seats had been won, and said "one or two areas need to be tied up." But he added that 21

is a majority, and he thanked the country for its support.

"In a most difficult situation, we have once again been called to service the people of TT." Rowley said the win had not been an easy task nor an easy win, but the party stayed the course. He added the people of TT can be trusted to do the right thing when called upon so to do.

He thanked his wife Sharon for keeping his spirit up and also thanked his par-

ty officers and party campaign manager Rohan Sinanan.

He added the number of seats did not reflect the PNM's performance across the country. The main opposition, the United National Congress, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she will not concede the elections. There will be recounts in three marginal seats. (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

People's National Movement leader, Dr Keith Rowley

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Parliament could convene in two weeks --says Minister Teixeira, confirms that process for preparation of Budget 2020 has commenced

By Navendra Seoraj CONVENING of the 12th Parliament could take place in about two weeks, as government moves to get everything in place for a return to one of the most powerful organs of the land, said Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

There has been no sitting of the National Assembly since May, 2019. This was due mainly to the passage of a Motion of No-Confidence against the former A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

The then Parliamentary Opposition had secured the support of then Government Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud, to get an edge over the Government in House, in December, 2018.

Although the motion was passed in the National Assembly, there were a slew of legal challenges which protracted the process and allowed sittings to be convened. Those sitting were, however, only attended by members on the then governing side, as members of the then Parliamentary Opposition had committed to attending Parliament only after the completion of General and Regional Elections.

Those elections have since been held and though there was a five-month impasse after polling day, on March 2, 2020, the end result was a victory for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

This now paves the way for a return to the National

Assembly, and, when asked about this, Minister Teixeira told this publication that it could take place in “two weeks’ time.”

“I really can’t say, I have said it could take place by two weeks’ time, but I cannot go further than that right now,” said the minister.

Sections of the media had reported, recently, that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has written to political parties on their requirement to soon submit their lists of potential parliamentarians.

It was reported that the Office of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, issued letters to political parties, requesting their lists of parliamentary representatives, thus initiating the process of appointing a new batch of Members of Parliament.

According to the final result of the elections, the PPP/C will hold a majority in the National Assembly with 33 seats; the APNU/AFC Coalition will have 31 seats, while the joinder parties –A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), and The New Movement (TNM) – will have one seat.

Upon their return to parliament, Members of Parliament will elect a Speaker to preside over the proceedings of the House. The Speaker oversees the administration of the House and chairs several committees, including the Parliamentary Management Committee.

The Speaker is also the spokesperson and representa-

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

tive of the National Assembly in its relations with the executive and other bodies outside of the House. The last Speaker of the National Assembly was Dr. Barton Scotland.

The passage of a National Budget will also be high on the agenda, as the country is already eight months into the year and is faced with the challenges caused by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

WORK STARTED Minister Teixeira confirmed that the process has started with regards to budget preparation. The country’s last budget, Budget 2019, was passed in December 2018 to the tune of $300.7B. The National Budget, as observed in previous years, is prepared by the Ministry of Finance and tabled in the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance, and, while a minister has not been identified as yet by the incumbent, the Office of the President has confirmed that it will have oversight for the

areas of Finance and Natural Resources.

Just last week, it was reported that the newly-elected PPP/C Government is still in “search mode,” when it comes to the appointment of someone to the post of Minister of Finance.

President Irfaan Ali had said his transition team has not yet identified an individual for the position, but hopes to do so soon, as all options are being reviewed.

“We are looking at the variables and we are still in search mode, so I cannot confirm any individual. We have not identified an individual,” said the president while responding to questions from the media, on the sidelines of a swearing-in ceremony for 19 ministers of government, last Wednesday.

In the structure of governance and government, the transition team has reached out to many individuals, but no one individual in relation to finance.

The finance minister holds a key portfolio, as he/

she has oversight for government’s spending and plays a critical role in the preparation of a National Budget. Prior to 2015, Dr. Ashni Singh had served as the Minister of Finance under the Donald Ramotar-led administration.

While several ministers have already been appointed, Dr. Ali said the post of finance minister remains critical and more “critical” appointments will be made soon. He, however, said that, until a minister is appointed, the president has responsibility for that sector.

“And, with the skillset that we have at the moment in the Office of the President, with the former president (Bharrat Jagdeo), we are hoping to move quickly on a number of issues at the financial level, but it is an area that we are still searching for potential candidates,” said the president.

The work of government is, however, not hindered by the absence of a finance minister, as work is ongoing in relation to the preparation of a National Budget.

Assessment President Ali had said government has been doing an assessment of the current economic situation and the availability of resources.

“That is ongoing, and what we have found is alarming in some of these areas,” said the President, noting that a lot has to do with the recent management of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

To this end, President Ali assured that financing for initiatives to curb the spread of COVID-19, will be a top

9

priority for government.

The urgent need for the passage of a budget was recently highlighted by Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Guyana, Sydney Armstrong, who believes that the swift passage of a national budget would create some traction and stability for the economy.

“There is the need for President Ali and his team to swiftly pass a budget for 2020 so as to create some traction for this economy in this difficult time, and at the same time think about Budget 2021,” the economist told the Guyana Chronicle, in a recent interview.

Armstrong strongly advised that the proposed budget be “people-focused”, and especially give priority to vulnerable groups.

He feels that essentially, it should focus on such key sectors as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and industries, all of which should be inextricably linked to the new Oil-and-Gas Sector, which should be its central feature.

“As a nation, we are at a defining moment, given the development of our Oil-andGas Sector,” Armstrong said, “but it is also important to note that the road up ahead is still going to be challenging, given that we are still in a global pandemic.”

Considering the economic situation and the instability caused by COVID-19, the economist said there is need for a “stimulus package”, as this would ease the “economic hardship” faced by vulnerable groups in society.

Dr. Van West-Charles’ services terminated THE services of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van-West Charles had been terminated, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, has confirmed.

Reports indicate that the contract for Dr. Van-West Charles was slated to expire in October 2021.

Dr. Van West-Charles was written to by the chairman of the board of GWI to hand over any property and records in his possession. He was at the helm of the utility since October 1, 2015.

Dr. Van-West Charles was said to have vast experience in the area of public health, including being responsible for research and

bioethics.

He is a former academic dean of St. Helen University Medical School and Health Sciences, St. Lucia, Special Adviser Partnerships with the International Financial Institutions at the World Health Organization (WHO), Area Manager for Information and Knowledge Management, PAHO/WHO as well as PAHO/WHO Representative for Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Bermuda, among other places.

He is also a doctor of medicine, holds a master’s in public health from the University of Michigan, a certificate in health economics from University of Aberdeen, Scotland and other qualifications in leadership and social development.

Dr. Richard Van West -Charles

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

IDB criminal justice programme to be reviewed

– Attorney General ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, on Monday, said he will be reviewing the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded project under the title “Support for the Criminal Justice System Program.”

The Attorney General expressed an intention to review the project documents to ensure that the project is being efficiently and effectively managed.

On a visit to the building located on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, which is the former Office of the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, the Attorney General said the $8M USD project is under the management of the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

The Attorney General stated that he is pleased that such a project is ongoing in Guyana and expressed his unwavering support to it.

However, the Attorney General expressed deep regret that since the commencement of the project in

2017, the public is not aware of its nature, nor objective.

Minister Nandlall expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the project is unfolding and that its impact is not being felt by the people of Guyana.

He reminded the staff that the project is funded by a loan that will eventually have to be repaid by the people of Guyana and therefore, in the end, the ultimate beneficiaries of the project are the people of Guyana and that they must strive to ensure that the people reap maximum benefits from this project.

The main objective of the project is “to contribute to the reduction of high concentrations of prison population in Guyana”. The more specific objectives are to: (1) reduce the proportion of inmates who are pre-trial detainees and; (2) increase the use of alternative sentencing in the country.

The project also provides a legal-aid service.

The Attorney General

Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall in discussion with staff of the IDB Criminal Justice System Programme

related that a Sentencing Policy is lacking in Guyana.

However, he stated that there are Sentencing Guidelines, which were drafted under a previous project but never implemented.

In this regard, the Attorney General tasked the

team with reviewing and modifying those guidelines, if necessary, so as to avoid duplicity.

He, further, stated that Guyana is in need of a Bail Act and one is already drafted at the Legislative Drafting Department of the Attor-

ney General’s Chambers.

He urged that this Act be reviewed and updated, if necessary, to avoid wastage of valuable resources.

Notably, the Attorney General expressed the need to have a legal aid programme be grounded on

some form of statutory footing and must be nationally oriented and not confined only to Georgetown, as there are people in need of legal aid right across Guyana.

Baliser House quiet, crowd growing at UNC in Couva

Baliser House, Port of Spain

(TRINIDAD EXPRESS) Unlike previous years, the scene at Baliser house, Corner Victoria Avenue & Tranquility Street was a quiet Monday night, as People's National Move-

ment (PNM) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Laurel Lezama-Lee told the media that supporters are not encouraged to gather at the PNM's headquarters amid the

UNC supporters following the vote count

Covid-19 pandemic.

But at the Couva South constituency office of incumbent MP Rudy Indarsingh, more than 100 had gathered as the party's executive followed the vote

count, and announced it on big screen televisions set up around an auditorium.

PNM senator, Nigel De Freitas said, "No mass gatherings. We do not want that. Given the restrictions

that are in place. This is only the command center where the media will be fed the results and that's it."

Instead PNM has set up three trucks as temporary media mobile centres

complete with a stage, seating and air condition, where we are told, Dr.Keith Rowley will address the media after the results.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Gov’t sees Opposition as partner in development

-- attorney general THE government is prepared to work with all opposition parties. Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, made this disclosure during a ‘Government in Focus’ programme on the National Communications Network Inc. (NCN).

However, even as he relayed this, the attorney general hoped for fresh energy.

“We will work with the opposition… Hopefully, we have a fresh group of people who have the interest of Guyana and Guyanese at heart.”

However, the attor ney-general noted that he felt certain persons now in the opposition, have disqualified themselves from being a part of the political direction in Guyana.

“I believe that over the last five or six months, there are certain persons

because of their behaviour, because of their conduct, because of what they have said, have disqualified themselves from being part of the political leadership of this country,” the attorney-general stated.

He re-emphasised that a “responsible opposition” is needed.

“I am hoping that we have a responsible opposition on the other side of the Parliamentary aisle, with whom we can work with; not necessarily to support our political positions, but to support our positions of national interests.”

The Attorney General also took the time to reach out to the voting population in Region Four, saying that the Peoples National Congress (PNC), had a very important constituency, and while the constituents may not support the PPP/C, nevertheless, the Government will continue

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall responds to questions from host, Leeron Brummel during the programme ‘Government in Focus’

to work with them.

“It is a constituency

that is deserving of proper leadership, and the

PPP is prepared to lend that leadership,” Attor-

ney-General Nandlall stated.

Police force receives 'gears' to fight COVID-19

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, handing over PPE to the Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie

THE Guyana Police Force, on Monday, received a quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist the force in its fight against COVID-19.

The donation was made by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. The equipment includes K-95 Masks, protective coveralls, gloves, face shields and protective goggles.

The items were received by the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons in the form of a donation from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to aid frontline officers from the Guyana Police Force’s Trafficking in Persons Unit (CID), and other departments who are actively involved in the fight against trafficking in persons.

After recognising the potential health risks posed to officers who interface with victims and perpetrators of human trafficking, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons saw it necessary to ensure that all precautions are taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Distributions of PPE were also made to the Ministry of Social Protection’s Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit, and to a number of TIP Shelters and Transitional Facilities for the use in activities related to combating trafficking in persons and assisting in protecting victims of trafficking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Ambassadors of China, Russia visit President Ali

AMBASSADOR of the People’s Republic of China to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Cui Jianchun, and Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz, paid a courtesy call on President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Office of the President on Monday. Below are photographs of their visits.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, greets Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines during a courtesy call earlier on Monday (DPI photo)

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali greets Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (DPI photo)

Floods receding in Upper Corentyne villages QUICK intervention by the Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday has resulted in a rapid receding of waters in flood-affected communities in the Upper Corentyne.

Currently, four excavators are cleaning the drains and canals within the communities of the Number 52/74 Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), which is the largest NDC district in the country.

Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, told Guyana Chronicle that based on the rate at which the water has receded thus far, he is optimistic that by Wednesday, the floods are expected to recede completely.

He continued that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) staff was in the communities distributing cleaning supplies to the affected residents while technical personnel from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) conducted assessment on the damage suffered by poultry and livestock farmers.

Staffers from the Ministry of Health are also expected to visit the flooded-affected residents today.

Heavy rainfall in the early hours of Saturday morning coupled with blocked drains caused knee-high accumulation of water in some villages, resulting in millions of dollars in losses to a poultry farmer at Number 57 villages.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, along with a high-level delegation, including Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall; Chief Executive Officer, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Fredrick Flatts, and other senior officials of the NDIA; Deputy CEO, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Dr. Dwight Walrond; Region Six Chairman, David Armogan and other regional officials visited the flood-affected communities of Number 53/ Union, Number 57 and Number 58 villages in East Berbice-Corentyne last Sunday to assess the damage caused by the floods and to take corrective action.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Works at Mahaicony sea defence breach must be accelerated – Minister Indar WORKS have started to repair the breach in sea defences at Content and Dantzig, Mahaicony, Region Five, but Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who visited the site on Friday, called for those works to be accelerated.

During his visit, minister Indar met with two representatives from the two contracting firms, BK International and A&S General Contractors Inc. who were tasked with sealing the breached sections of sea defence.

The minister was informed by Ganesh Sawh, Chief Engineer, BK International that the 500-meter breach at Content should be sealed within 40 to 41 days’ time.

Minister Indar nonetheless questioned the lengthy duration of the project, which he reminded, has cost millions in losses to farmers along the embankment.

“The country has already seen the kind of damage that the flood has caused to the farmers in the area. Over 2000 farmers have lost their livelihood…what we have to do is try to get this area (or) the sea defence here fixed quickly,” the minister explained.

He added that this should have been in place since last month.

The contract for the project was awarded back in November 2019 for the rip-rap works, but the contractor complained of access to materials.

The contractor was also paid a $105 million advanced payment of the contract sum $352M although the contractor did not perform any mobilisation as yet.

Over at the Dantzig to Glaciers Lust area works were progressing. Approximately 50 per cent of the works are completed.

Meanwhile works at Prospect are nearing completion

by A&S General Contractors Inc. The company was award-

ed approximately 1.6km of sea defence works back in November and so far, 1.25km is completed.

Minister Indar stressed the need for the existing breach of 800 meters to be sealed immediately as the violent tides can result in more damage and expenditure.

Accompanying the minister on the site visit were Chairman of Region Five, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal; Regional Vice-Chairman, Region Five, Mr. Rion Peters; Party Representative, Mr. Faizal Jaffarally and engineers from the Ministry of Public Works.

The Regional Chairman, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal said, “I am very happy that Minister Indar came to visit the

Minister Indar inspects a section of the sea defence works that were completed.

The work site at a breached section of sea defence.

work site here in the Dantzig area…this situation started approximately two years ago and very little was done to bring relief to the farmers and the citizens of this part of the region…”

Meanwhile, the Regional Vice-Chairman added, “We are looking forward to this breach being sealed as urgent as possible so that our people can go back to their normal means of earning and their

normal livelihood which was disrupted as a result of this breach many years ago.”

Party Representative, Mr. Faizal Jaffarally, also shared, “I want to thank the Honourable Minister (for

responding) very promptly to be here in this community this morning. I must say I am disappointed in the pace in which this work is going. This work was awarded since November

last year and we expect because of how it affects the residents in this community and the contractor should have made some more effort to ensure this thing is completed.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

UNDP provides COVID-19 support to HIV victims, LGBT+ community THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has provided $5.6 million worth of food items to make available nutritional support to Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender plus (LGBT+) community in Guyana.

PLHIV and LGBT+ persons are among the most vulnerable and marginalised in any society. At the time of COVID-19 and its mandatory containment measures, the challenges facing these groups are further exacerbated. Given their overrepresentation in the informal labour market, they are faced with increased food insecurity and livelihood challenges.

The National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) are partnering with UNDP to ensure that

UNDP Resident Representative, Jairo Valverde hands over food items to National AIDS Programme Secretariat Director, Dr. Rhonda Moore and SASOD Managing Director, Joel Simpson

much needed relief is delivered to individuals and households from key population groups in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. The NAPS will also pair the delivery of food items

with the distribution of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to PLHIV to ensure that persons are still accessing and following their treatment while at the same time boosting and maintaining or supporting a

strong immune system.

While receiving the food items, Director of the NAPS, Dr. Rhonda Moore, noted that UNDP’s support is part of a wider initiative to address food insecurity for

members of the PLHIV key populations. In expressing appreciation, she noted that NAPS is partnering with several civil society organisations to reach persons across Guyana and UNDP’s

support will specifically target families as against individuals, especially where key population members are expected to contribute to their households.

Managing Director of SASOD, Joel Simpson, noted that UNDP was one of the first international partners to respond to the needs of the LGBT+ community by supporting a socio-economic needs assessment of the LGBT+ population. The findings from that study were shared with key partners and would help to support fund-raising efforts to respond to the impact of COVID-19.

Resident Representative, Jairo Valverde, noted that UNDP is very happy to support vulnerable groups which are affected disproportionately, as this is key to the United Nations mandate of leaving no one behind and reaching the furthest behind first.

Cuban President ‘Satan’ wanted for questioning congratulates President Ali in relation to Corriverton murder CUBAN Head of State and President, His Excellency, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, has sent a congratulatory message to His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on his accession to the Presidency of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

In his letter to President Ali, President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez extended “Congratulations on the electoral triumph of the People’s Progressive Party and your election as President of the Cooperative of Guyana.”

The Cuban President said the occasion was an auspicious one and expressed the will to continue strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

“Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem,” President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez added.

Cuba’s Head of State and President, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez

ROCKY Profitt, 34, called “Satan,” is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to murder committed on Marlon Fordyce on August 7, 2020 at “AA” Kingston, Corriverton, Berbice.

Marlon Fordyce, of Albert Street, #79 Village, was struck in the head by a stray bullet when he left his home to witness a fight among residents a short distance away Friday last.

He was taken to the Skeldon Hospital and then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being admitted to the Georgetown Hospital for surgery when he succumbed.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Rocky Profitt is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 333-2151, 333-5564, 333-3876, 226-6978, 225-8196, 911 or the nearest police station.

His last known address is Embassy Street, Line Path Corriverton, Berbice.

Police said that all information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Dead: Marlon Fordyce

Wanted: Rocky Profitt

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Greater opportunities for Amerindian youths -- Minister Campbell-Sukhai says addressing neglect of hinterland regions a priority

NEWLY-ELECTED Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, said her ministry will immediately target the general neglect of the hinterland regions – including creating opportunities for the youth in the Amerindian villages.

The minister gave the commitment during a recent handing over of COVID-19 relief supplies to a number of Amerindian communities.

“Our manifesto committed that immediately upon our assumption, at the earliest possible time, we will reintroduce the Community

Service Officer (CSO) programme.

We will be ensuring that the concept is reviewed to work with at least 2,000 youths in the very early stages of this government,” Minister Sukhai explained.

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry, she noted, will not use COVID-19 as an excuse not to address pressing issues affecting the hinterland population.

“The hinterland is becoming a high-risk area where COVID-19 is concerned, and just two days into my assumption, we are heading to Regions Eight and Nine to provide dietary support for the quarantined

families and communities. When we were not in government, we had volunteers who sent in masks to the high-risk areas, and now I am happy that we are in government so we can move swiftly with this matter.”

Speaking on the options available for the annual Amerindian Heritage Month in September, Minister Sukhai relayed that the safety of the Indigenous community is paramount.

“We have to consider whether the cultural aspect of our heritage celebration will proceed in the way we are accustomed to… therefore, I will have to engage, on the ap-

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Campbell-Sukhai

proach, this coming week.”

Minister Sukhai emphasised the importance of unity to achieve the changes that are about to come.

“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be working collaboratively with the Local

Government Ministry because together we can achieve the change we are looking for. We will continue to address the issues in the hinterland regions in the term ahead.”

From the countryside with love -- combatting food insecurity with ancestral solidarity during the COVID-19 crisis HUAMANI Cardenas lives in Lima, but is originally from Conayca, a rural town of roughly 1,300 people in the central highlands of Peru. When he received a delivery of fresh food from his hometown, he was thrilled. “I sincerely thank the authorities of Conayca for thinking of us,” he wrote in a social media group for young Conaycans living in Lima.

In times of crisis, it is typically rural areas that are most vulnerable to adversity.

During the 2008 food crisis, 73 per cent of the hardest-hit Peruvians were living in the rural Sierra and Amazon regions. In these cases, it is often big cities that send humanitarian aid to the countryside. With the COVID-19 crisis, however, the situation has reversed. The pandemic’s mobility restrictions are disrupting food supply chains and hindering access to traditional and nutritious food in urban areas.

Family farmers, belonging to several Indigenous communities in rural parts of Peru, are sending help to their relatives in the cities, reviving the tradition of Apachicuy.

Apachicuy – “help the loved ones” in the Quechua language – is an ancestral Indigenous practice which ensures that whatever the hardship, family, friends and

community get the support they need.

towns of Apurímac, Cusco, Huancavelica and Puno are

The fresh produce helped families cope with nutritional

The Apachicuy initiative ties into a larger project in Peru that focuses on maintaining the rich agricultural biodiversity of this area (FAO photo)

Building on this tradition, FAO, in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and with Peru’s Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, launched the Apachicuy initiative as part of its agro-biodiversity project. The initiative coordinates the delivery of fresh food, produced by Indigenous farming communities, to Peru’s cities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A COMMUNITY OF HEROES Some 2,475 family farmers belonging to Indigenous communities in the rural

more than happy to give back to their families far away who are struggling to access food markets. “My relatives are suffering from food scarcity, which is why we will send them what the land provides us,” said a farmworker from Chaccrampa-Apurimac, when preparing a package for his family in Lima.

Between April 25 and May 31, 2020, 161 tonnes of healthy and diverse food harvested in the high Andean region were shipped to urban areas. Among the food items sent were native potatoes, corn, beans, wheat, meat, cheese, quinoa, avocado, peeled barley and squash.

and caloric shortages, helping to strengthen immune systems—something invaluable during a pandemic.

T h a n k s t o the Apachicuy initiative, 2,856 families in major Peruvian cities such as Lima, Nazca, Pisco, Ica, Cañete, Tacna, Moquegua and Arequipa have already received sustainable and nutritious food shipments. This initiative has also supported the livelihoods of Indigenous farmers, who are economically affected by the pandemic and the related containment measures that prevent their produce from reaching urban markets.

“Thanks to everyone there. Here we are on lockdown. We don’t even take a step outside. I will pray for you, so you stay safe and healthy. Hopefully the future will give us joy and laughter,” said a resident of Pisco when receiving a package of food from his nephew in Huayana-Apurimac.

SPREADING SOLIDARITY The success of this initiative, and the power of Apachicuy, has grown beyond just solidarity among loved ones. Gabino Cartolin Altamirano, the mayor of Chiara, a farming district located in the southern side of the Andes, distributed over 80 kilograms of native potatoes to urban residents in Lima.

“Our brothers from Chiara are joining forces to support their loved ones, so we decided to contribute as well.

We understand that this is a very difficult situation and we hope the nutritious food will help our brothers that live in Lima,” Altamirano said.

PRESERVING AGROBIODIVERSITY The Apachicuy initiative is part of a larger project, the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme, that works with Indigenous family farmers to preserve

agro-biodiversity in the Andean region of Peru—one of the world’s most important centres of agricultural diversity. At over 4000 meters above sea level, traditions and practices kept alive from the Inca civilisation have carefully preserved agricultural treasures and guaranteed growing conditions. One of these practices is the terracing system used to control land degradation. The Central Andes are also a centre of origin of potatoes, where up to 177 varieties have been domesticated by generations of the Aymara and Quechua people in the valleys of Cusco and Puno.

This GIAHS project in Peru also focuses on making the ecosystem economically attractive by marketing products as organic and natural.

Ensuring that projects promote agriculture, while also respecting the environment, is an important aspect of the FAO-GEF partnership.

Times of crises are also times of solidarity. Apachicuy, or helping loved ones, is a tradition and also a calling to support one another during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic. FAO strives to be one more source of support, protecting food and income sources for vulnerable communities during crises and beyond. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Hetmyer, King form crucial for Amazon Warriors success this CPL season

By Clifton Ross

GUYANA Amazon Warriors will be seeking to finally shake the proverbial ‘Monkey off their back’ and capture the elusive 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), but will need heavy contributions from two of their premier batsmen-- Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King.

With just New Zealand star, Ross Taylor, being the only credible international batsman in the franchise this year, much will rest on the shoulders of the young side which will be entering the Bubble in an attempt to snag the title which they have come so close to capturing a number of times in the past.

This year, the former multiple-time finalists have settled for a relatively mixed unit with a number of all-rounders and bowlers filling up the spots. The move has been successful in the past editions, as utility players have proven to be an X-factor for the Warriors.

But with no Shoaib Malik, who had been a great servant to the franchise last season, Taylor will need to step up and shepherd the relatively young side, being the most senior batsman in the Warriors mix.

However, all eyes will be fixed on King and Hetmyer, as they have been over the previous seasons. Last year, King the Jamaican-born Windies

batsman, lit up the CPL, ending with 496 runs along with the highest individual score of 132 not out.

As a result, the Warriors finished second overall behind eventual champs Barbados Tridents (2022 runs) with some 1924 runs scored in total by their players. Although Hetmyer was not as dangerous as he’s been in the past, his approach seems to be more mature now as compared to his dashing approach.

Months off due to Covid-19 could make for a more refreshed, dangerous Hetmyer and one who could roll back the years and remind the world of his class. Being the youngest centurion in CPL history after smashing a ton back in August of 2018 against the Jamaica Tallawahs, the left-hander has gone onto forge a decent international career with the West Indies.

Hetmyer has 5 half-centuries to go along with his ton in T20 cricket, and with more than 700 runs under his belt, this season could see a totally different ‘animal’ being unleashed.

Should the pair find their groove early in the 33-match season, it could spell trouble for the other franchises. The ultra-aggressive style of the two batters can be devastating to the opposition should both ‘Warriors’ come out with guns blazing this season.

Chandrapaul Hemraj has also been a key figure at the

top of the order for the Warriors and his international experience with the West Indies team, as well as with the Guyana Jaguars in Regional cricket, has allowed him to unlock a more aggressive chapter to his cricket.

The Warriors batting structure this season remains a mystery but one thing is for sure, batting will play a bigger role than it has ever played before for the local franchise.

If Hetmyer and King can combine and take the pressure off of the other batsmen, the likes of Taylor, Nicholas Pooran, Anthony Bramble and the hard-hitting all-rounders, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford, will have more room to play an even bigger role in the crucial stages of any match.

Also, with this season being played under strict Biosecurity rules in Trinidad & Tobago due to the pandemic, the 33 games will be split between two venues-- the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium and the Queen’s Park Oval; both of which are premier venues for Regional 50-Over, T20 and 4-Day cricket.

Should the Warriors find their right batting combination early on in the competition, coupled with their world-class lot of bowlers, it is likely that the seven-year jinx could finally be broken and the long-awaited title being nestled nicely on the Warriors’ shelf.

Bravo just wants to play

THE injury to Dwayne Bravo that kept him out of the 2019 edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League and saw Kieron Pollard replace him as captain of the Trinbago Knight Riders may have been fortuitous.

Pollard had big shoes to fill, as Bravo had led the TKR to back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.

The big West Indies captain, the most experienced T20 player in the history of the format, lost to eventual champions Barbados Tridents in the second qualifier for the competition’s final in 2019.

Still, he has retained his position as skipper in the team and has the blessing of his predecessor.

CEO of the TKR, Venky Mysore, revealed recently that Bravo, though very successful as captain of the team, had, for a long time, wanted to pass the baton, but he had delayed the action.

“The champion DJ Bravo has been coming to me year after year and asking me to give someone else the captaincy because he wants to just concentrate on playing and enjoying the game,” said Mysore.

Bravo, who recently came out of international retirement, has also played under Pollard for the West Indies and has lauded his approach to captaincy.

“I always told him not until I am ready and that time has come and he is very happy to play under Pollard,” said Mysore.

The TKR will open the CPL season against last year’s beaten finalists, the Guyana Amazon Warriors on August 18.

“Pollard was kind enough to accept the position to lead the team at the tournament. He said if we wanted him to do it he will and we said that we will be delighted to have him as captain again,” said Mysore.( Sportsmax)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

NBA roundup:

Lillard scores 51, Embiid injured in Blazers’ win

DAMIAN Lillard poured in 51 points and added seven assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 124-121 victory over a Philadelphia 76ers’ squad that lost Joel Embiid to injury on Sunday night near Orlando.

Carmelo Anthony recorded 20 points and seven rebounds as Portland (33-39) moved within a half-game of the eighth-place Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference race. The Trail Blazers are a half-game ahead of the San Antonio Spurs and one game in front of the Phoenix Suns for the play-in berth.

Josh Richardson scored a season-best 34 points and matched a season high of six 3-pointers for the 76ers (42-28). Embiid exited with a left ankle injury with 6:18 left in the first quarter and had two points on 1-of-6 shooting and collected four rebounds.

Anthony moved into 15th place in NBA history with 26,411 career points. He passed Paul Pierce (26,397) and John Havlicek (26,395).

Houston Rockets 129 - Sacramento Kings 112 Austin Rivers scored 41 points off the bench, James

Harden tallied 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and Houston roared back from a sluggish start to top Sacramento.

The Rockets (44-25) improved to 4-1 in the restart while the Kings (29-41) were eliminated from playoff contention when the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Philadelphia 76ers earlier Sunday.

Houston played a second consecutive game without guard Russell Westbrook (right quad contusion), although Westbrook and guard Eric Gordon (left ankle sprain) are nearing a return.

Rivers helped compensate for their absences with his career high scoring, including 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting prior to the intermission to help the Rockets erase an early 13-point deficit.

San Antonio Spurs 122 - New Orleans Pelicans 113 DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points and San Antonio kept its playoff hopes while helping to end those of New Orleans.

The Spurs (31-38) improved to 4-2 during the restart and stayed in the thick of the tight battle for the eighth and ninth positions in the Western Conference.

The Pelicans (30-40) fell to 2-4 in the restart and, following Portland’s win later in the day, were eliminated from the playoffs.

Rudy Gay added 19 points, Derrick White scored 16 despite missing most of the second half because of a bruised left knee, Dejounte Murray had 18 and Marco Belinelli tallied 14. JJ Redick led New Orleans with 31 points, Zion Williamson scored 25, Brandon Ingram had 17 and Derrick Favors had 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Toronto Raptors 108 - Memphis Grizzlies 99 Marc Gasol capped a key third-quarter run with a 3-pointer in his first game against his longtime employer and Toronto clinched the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over slumping Memphis.

Gasol was dealt from Memphis to Toronto last February and was a member of the Raptors’ championship team in 2019. He contributed 10 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes to lift the Raptors to a fourth win in five games since the restart.

The loss was a costly one for Memphis (33-38), which began

the day in eighth place in the West but is locked into a tight battle with Portland, Phoenix, San Antonio and New Orleans.

The loss prevented the Grizzlies from clinching a spot in the playin game for the No. 8 seed.

Boston Celtics 122 - Orlando Magic 119 (OT) Gordon Hayward scored 31 points and Jayson Tatum added 29 to lift Boston past Orlando in overtime.

Jaylen Brown collected 19 points and 12 rebounds for the third-place Celtics (47-23), who saw their slim chances to secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference go by the boards earlier on Sunday when Toronto wrapped up the No. 2 seed with a win over Memphis.

Nikola Vucevic had 26 points and 11 rebounds and Terrence Ross added 18 points off the bench for the reeling Magic (32-39), who have dropped four in a row.

Oklahoma City Thunder 121 - Washington Wizards 103 Darius Bazley scored a career-high 23 points to lead Oklahoma City past Washington, pulling ahead of Utah for fifth in

the Western Conference in the process.

For the second consecutive game, the Thunder jumped out to a big lead early. But unlike Friday’s game against Memphis, where an 18-point first-quarter lead turned into a 29-point blowout loss, this time Oklahoma City was able to keep control to remain in the thick of the race for a top-four spot in the Western Conference.

The Wizards (24-46) remain winless in the NBA bubble, having dropped six consecutive games. Washington has two games remaining at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Brooklyn Nets 129 - Los Angeles Clippers 120 Caris LeVert had 27 points and 13 assists, leading Brooklyn past Los Angeles despite Kawhi Leonard’s 39 points.

Joe Harris scored 23 of his 25 points in the first half before fouling out late in the contest. Tyler

Johnson scored 21 points, Garrett Temple added 19, and Jarrett Allen finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds for the Nets (34-36).

Leonard also had six assists and four steals for the Clippers.

Lou Williams scored 18 points, while Marcus Morris Sr. contributed 15. Terance Mann chipped in 14. The Clippers (47-23), playing the second game of back-to-back contests, rested All-Star forward Paul George. Clippers guard Patrick Beverley (calf) missed his third straight contest.

—Field Level Media Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes up for a shot against Josh Richardson #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Pakistan’s five most stylish batsmen

By Shamya Dasgupta Pakistan’s finest batsmen, through the best part of my cricket-watching years, have not been the prettiest. They were the ones that got the job done, smashingly well at that, and none superior to that man, Javed Miandad.

Then Saleem Malik and Ijaz Ahmed and later, Inzamam-ulHaq and Saeed Anwar. They were certainly not graceless, the last two especially, but neither was a jaw-dropping stylist either. For that, we have…

MAJID KHAN Majid’s last Test had a fun batting order: Mohsin Khan (pretty), Mudassar Nazar (not pretty), Majid Khan (pretty), Javed Miandad (not pretty), Zaheer Abbas (pretty) and Saleem Malik (not pretty). Unfortunately, Majid fell for a 13-ball duck in that game.

But he had made a name as a batsman most pleasing to the eye over the course of a near-20-year-long Test career.

Right-handed Majid was elegant in the way left-hand batsmen usually are, with flowing drives and pulls, his bat coming down in a graceful arc. What gave him an air of sophistication was the

somewhat laidback appearance at the crease, which led to more than one critic suggesting that it didn’t matter to him enough. It certainly did. A long and quite successful career at first-class and Test level proves that.

ZAHEER ABBAS One of Pakistan’s absolute greats, Abbas was, at his best, almost the perfect batsman, beautiful to watch and someone his team could count on to lead the charge - not always a given with batsmen so pleasing to the eye. Abbas finished with a Test average of 44.79.

In Australia, it was 40.62, and in England, where he also found a happy, long-term home with Gloucestershire, it was 56.06. He wasn’t quite so successful in India, strangely, or New Zealand and the West Indies. But wherever he played, Abbas wowed onlookers like few could at the time, certainly among right-handers.

In many ways, he was the anti-Viv Richards. Both Richards and he scored a lot of runs and dominated attacks, and were equally stylish in their different ways, but Richards was more hammer ‘em while Abbas was knife through butter. He was especially alluring because he hit so many boundaries and looked, at times,

him in the batting order? Yousuf stood out. An unusual run-machine who rarely ever looked clumsy.

Zaheer Abbas caressed the ball as if afraid he would hurt it (Getty Images) like he was worried about hurting the ball when banishing it.

Is there a prettier off-drive in the game than Babar Azam’s?

Getty Images MOHSIN KHAN Mohsin Khan walked away from the game at the age of 31 to become an actor in India. He left with some pretty impressive performances and numbers to his name, but they don’t tell of how, in late 1983, he seemed like he could make himself taller than he was at the crease and get on top of the bounce from Dennis Lillee, Geoff Lawson, Rodney Hogg and Carl Rackemann to score 390 runs at 43.33 in a five-Test series in Australia.

At the time, pace and bounce were the weaknesses of many an opening bat from the subcontinent, but Mohsin - tall and loose-limbed, with in-vogue long hair - was cut from a different cloth (and even in the regulation whites of the time, he looked more stylish than his team-mates). He could have played on, surely, and had he done so it would have only made Pakistan that much more appealing a side.

MOHAMMAD YOUSUF From the mid-1980s, we jump straight to the late-1990s and 2000s, and to the man who started out as Yousuf Youhana but really came into his own after changing his name to Mohammad Yousuf.

Like Abbas before him, the best part about Yousuf was how well he balanced a hunger for runs with grace and grandeur. With 7530 runs in 90 Tests, at an average of 52.29, and 9720 in 288 ODIs at 41.71, he is among Pakistan’s top five run-getters in both formats.

Like the other three, Yousuf was supple, graceful, and - what’s the best word? - calm. Calm himself, of course, and so unhurried, so in control, so peaceful that he created a sense of serenity while he was out in the middle. Was it the exaggerated backlift? Was it the time he seemed to create between bowler releasing ball and batsman doing something about it? Or was it, maybe, Younis Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq on either side of

BABAR AZAM Some say he should be included in the current Fab Four - lose one of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli and Joe Root. That, or just make it the Fab Five because there can’t be a list of great current-day batsmen without this young man. It’s tough to say exactly why he sets the pulse racing because Azam is not quite as obviously magnificent as the other four stylists on this list. He isn’t even built like them; not as languid nor as nimble.

The thing about him is that he never looks ugly, or gauche, not for a moment. His statements on style aren’t as conspicuous as, say, Williamson’s, but you’ll find them - enough to be bowled over - if you are attentive. Think soft-shouldered suits and a dollop of the blasé. That’s Azam.

When I can began writing this piece, I didn’t think it would end it with five right-hand batsmen and not even Anwar in it.

Here we are, though - and when it comes to Team Pakistan... you know the cliché. (ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

A memorable win but England will have questions over Buttler, Archer and Anderson

By Jonathan Agnew FOR Joe Root to say England have the belief they can win matches from almost any situation is perfectly valid.

The victory in the first Test against Pakistan, when the odds were stacked against them deep into what turned out to be the final day, is another example of why Root and his team should think that.

It was a classic day of Test cricket, with England digging just that little bit deeper to beat a Pakistan side that had been in charge, but ultimately contributed to their own downfall with some mistakes when the pressure was on.

Root, though, also acknowledged it was a far from perfect performance from England, which itself is important.

It would have been easy for him to say a win means everything is rosy in the garden, but it is actually a sign of strength of character to admit there are things England need to look at.

It is the character, togetherness and willingness to work hard that carried England to such a memorable win.

Take Chris Woakes, for example. Here is a man with a dubious record against short-pitched fast bowling, arriving at the crease just after he had seen Ollie Pope fall to a snorter from Shaheen Afridi.

Yet, there he was, a few hours later, scoring the winning runs. Woakes very rarely gets the credit he deserves, so I’m thrilled he had his day in the sun.

Funnily enough, the beginning of Saturday’s play was another occasion that highlighted how under-appreciated Woakes can be.

England’s Jos Buttler hits out during his crucial innings against Pakistan in the first Test. (Getty)

Selected Test wicketkeepers since 1 January 2019 Name Average dismissals per Test Batting average De Kock (South Africa) 2.7 50.3 Paine (Australia) 2.4 24.8 Rizwan (Pakistan) 2.1 31.0 Watling (New Zealand) 2.0 42.9 Pant (India) 1.9 39.6 Buttler (England) 1.8 26.4 Bairstow (England) 1.8 18.0 Dickwella (Sri Lanka) 1.6 32.3 Dowrich (West Indies) 1.4 33.8 He and Stuart Broad have been England’s bowlers of the summer and Woakes dismissed Pakistan’s best players, Babar Azam and Azhar Ali, the previous evening.

England still chose to partner Broad with Jofra Archer at the start of play.

Woakes is never one to complain and often seems to be the fall guy when changes are required.

However, as Saturday proved, he is an incredibly valuable asset to the England team and perhaps he has now ensured he

will not again be the one who misses out.

While Woakes is someone rarely in the spotlight, his ally in England’s match-winning partnership, Jos Buttler, found himself under the microscope for his wicketkeeping errors earlier in the Test.

There had been pressure on his batting, too, though we had seen signs of that slowly coming together at the end of the West Indies series.

His errors with the gloves, particularly the double reprieve of Shan Masood, who went on to make 156, are mistakes a Test keeper cannot continue to make.

Buttler himself admitted as much and vowed to keep working at it. You cannot ask more of him than that.

However, if you compare Buttler’s glovework to his opposite number in this series, Mohammad Rizwan, there is a clear gulf in skill.

It leaves the selectors with an incredibly complex problem. It would be ruthless - and, if we’re honest, highly unlikely - for Buttler to be left out after his contribution with the bat.

But England will know that, on another day, they will not get away with such errors behind the stumps.

It might be that, come the winter, when England are due to play Sri Lanka and India, the specialism of Ben Foakes is needed behind the stumps and Buttler has to earn his place through runs alone.

England also need to address issues around Archer and James Anderson, two pace bowlers at the opposite ends of their Test career.

Even after the win against Pakistan,

Root was referring to Archer as a “90mph fast bowler”, but that might be something England need to rethink.

There is no doubt Archer is capable of some electrifying spells, but more often than not his pace is in the mid-80s.

Archer is clearly very skilful, a modern bowler with all sorts of tricks, variety and slower balls. He also relies on rhythm, and often that has him at a pace we normally call fast-medium, rather than out-and-out fast.

It might be unfair to expect him to be always pushing the speed gun past 90mph.

That is not to say he should not be in the team, because he has a lot to offer, but time will tell if he is the pace merchant England have been looking for.

As for Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker has not quite looked himself and is clearly not happy with the way he is bowling.

Before the fourth day against Pakistan, he was on the outfield, bowling off a few paces, making sure his wrist was in the right place. That is a sign of things not being quite right.

Anderson is 38 and has repeatedly spoken of his desire to play as long as he can. That is admirable, but there also has to be the worry that eventually his body will let him down.

When you look to the winter, you wonder if England would really want to put him through Sri Lanka and India, then next summer they will be building a team for the Ashes, by which time he will be 39.

Having said all that, no one would be silly enough to write off an all-time great like James Anderson. (BBC Sport)

Recluse’ Serena ready for US Open after lockdown Los Angeles, United States (AFP) — Serena Williams said Saturday she is pressing ahead with plans to play in the US Open despite a wave of player withdrawals from the upcoming Grand Slam event over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) fears.

The 23-time Slam winner returns to tennis this week at the inaugural Top Seed Open WTA event in Lexington, Kentucky, relaunching her season after a six-month hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Williams, who was one of the first players to commit to the US Open despite the pandemic, said her plans remain unchanged, adding that she was tentatively planning to go to Europe for the rescheduled French Open.

“I see myself doing it all if it happens,” Williams said when asked about her schedule during a virtual

press conference on Saturday.

“But I am not planning for the future, as tournaments got cancelled I was just like, ‘Let me just work on today and see what happens.’”

The former world number one said she has spent the past six months at her home in Florida, sheltering from the threat of the coronavirus.

Williams has a history of pulmonary embolisms which have restricted her lung capacity, a factor which she said had prompted her to be a “little bit of a recluse” this year.

“I started social distancing in early March,” she said.

“I don’t have full lung capacity so I’m not sure what would happen to me.

“I am sure I would be okay but I don’t want to find out.

“I have like 50 masks that I travel with, I don’t ever want to be without one.

A little bit neurotic “With health concerns I am super careful with what I have been doing and everyone in the Serena bubble is really protected.

“It is cool to play tennis, but this is my life and my health, so I have been a little bit neurotic but that is how I have to be right now.”

Williams revealed that she had been practising on her own court, built with the same hardcout surface used at the US Open. She has also stayed fit with construction of a home gym.

“I had to make a gym and my husband made a court for me. The gym is not quite done. The tennis court is fun, I go there and it is my own sanctuary. It’s like, ‘Why haven’t I done this 20 years ago?’,” she said.

Williams, who is also scheduled to play the Western and Southern Open tune-up event in New York be-

WILLIAMS...one of the first players to commit to the US Open despite the pandemic (Photo: AFP)

fore the US Open, admitted that only tournament play would allow her to properly gauge her fitness.

“Everyone has an opportunity to be more fit now, because we spent so much time at home to work on ourselves,” Williams said.

“Fitness wise, there is going to be a tonne of fitness, but match fitness is different to fit-fitness.”

Williams, who turns 39 in September, meanwhile said she was

unable to say whether she would be at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

“That is just looking too far ahead, I don’t know if Tokyo plans to be in Tokyo, we will have to wait and see,” she said.

“I don’t know what to expect.

One thing I have learned is don’t plan, I am living for the day and for the moment, in a good way but I am not making plans to

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Morikawa faces major expectations after PGA Championship win

By Frank Pingue (REUTERS) - Collin Morikawa displayed nerves of steel in the final round of the PGA Championship golf on Sunday where the young American fended off a slew of big names to grab his first major and ensure he will no longer fly under the radar.`` In only his second career major start, the 23-year-old Morikawa was a model of precision at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco where he finally pulled away from a tight leaderboard with a remarkable drive that set up a late eagle.

“In the strokes-gained era, this is the first time a player has ever led in fairways hit, proximity to the hole and strokes-gained putting,” said

Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee.

“You put all that together and it’s just not fair that somebody after 29 events on the PGA Tour has all of those skills and has their whole career in front of them.”

Morikawa, who last month picked up his second career PGA Tour win, was not on anyone’s radar at the year’s first major until firing a 65 in the third round that left him two shots back of the leader.

In the final round he delivered the drive of his life at the par-four 16th which led to an eagle that all but clinched the Wanamaker Trophy and cemented his place among the cast of young standouts in the golfing world.

“There’s a maturity there

San Francisco, California, USA; Collin Morikawa poses with the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 2020 PGA Championship golf tournament at TPC Harding Park.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

that at 23, it shouldn’t exist,” former British Open champion Justin Leonard said of Morikawa. “The skillset that he has is a little different than what we see in a modern young player.”

PGA Championship runner-up Paul Casey, who finished two shots back, praised Morikawa’s maturity and said the previously unheralded American will remain a force.

“There’s always a lot of — there’s always kind of a new wave,” English Ryder Cup veteran Casey said.

“There’s always a bunch of guys that rock up on the scene, and he didn’t necessarily get the most publicity out of the group he was in, but you know, I can consider myself veteran; I’ve been around the block, so I know talent when

I see it.”

Morikawa, who was 65th in the rankings at the end of 2019, shot up seven places to world number five after his win, is eager to relish the spotlight and anything but complacent after the biggest win of his career.

“When I woke up (on Sunday), I was like, this is meant to be. This is where I feel very comfortable. This is where I want to be, and I’m not scared from it,” said Morikawa.

“I think if I was scared from it, the last few holes would have been a little different, but you want to be in this position.

“It doesn’t stop here. I’ve got a very good taste of what this is like, what a major championship is like.”

Jadon Sancho to stay at Borussia Dortmund

-’decision is final’-Sporting director ENGLAND forward Jadon Sancho will remain a Borussia Dortmund player next season, says the club’s sporting director Michael Zorc.

The 20-year-old has been named in the Bundesliga club’s squad for this week’s training camp in Switzerland.

It comes on the day of the deadline set by Dortmund for any deal to be agreed for Sancho, who is Manchester United’s top summer target.

“We plan on having Jadon Sancho in our team this season,” said Zorc.

“The decision is final.

I think that answers all our questions.

“Last summer we adjusted Jadon’s salary to match the development of his performances. So in context, we had already extended his contract until 2023 back then.”

Dortmund want about £100m for Sancho, who they signed from Manchester City for £10m in 2017.

Sancho and England Under-17 midfielder Jude Bellingham are among 31 players to travel to Bad Ragaz.

Bellingham, 17, joined Dortmund from Championship side Birmingham City in July.

Dortmund have two

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matches during their training camp, against Austrian sides SCR Altach on Wednesday and Austria Vienna on Sunday.

They set the deadline for Sancho, who is under contract with them until 2022, because they want undisturbed preparation for the 2020-21 Bundesliga season.

The new campaign starts on 18 September, with the transfer deadline for international deals on 5 October.

Analysis

Dortmund and Manchester United have reached an impasse over the fee.

The German club want about £100m for the player, including a large upfront payment. But United think that does not take into account the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Old Trafford club, who meet FC Copenhagen in the Europa League quarter-finals in Cologne on Monday, have threatened to look at alternatives.(BBC Sport)

Borussia Dortmund want a fee of about £100m for winger Jadon Sancho.

Jamaican Flemmings hat-trick inspires Phoenix rout

NEW YORK, USA (CMC) — Reggae Boy Junior Flemmings netted a superb hat-trick as Phoenix Rising FC came from behind to thrash New Mexico United 5-1 in the United Soccer League on Saturday night.

Playing in Scottsdale, Arizona, the hosts fell behind early through a fifth-minute strike from Romeo Parkes, but the 24-year-old Flemmings equalised in the 17th minute before scoring twice in the last 20 minutes to lead a rout of the visitors.

For Phoenix, the victory was their second on the trot following a surprise loss to Orange County FC last month, and Flemmings said afterwards they were still smarting from that defeat.

“Coming off that defeat we said that wasn’t good enough,” said Flemmings, who moved his tally for the new season to a league-leading seven goals. “We had to compete harder and we did that tonight.”

Another defeat looked on the cards when Amando Moreno put a searching cross from

the right into the box for Parkes to elude his marker and lobbed a header past goalkeeper Zac Lubin from 18 yards out, to put the visitors ahead at Casino Arizona Field.

But Flemmings inspired Phoenix’s revival, hauling them back on level terms when he latched on to a ball over the top and outmuscled one defender to bury a clinical, right-footed volley into the upper right-hand corner from just inside the box.

When Rufat Dadashov scored five minutes later, Phoenix were in front and took the 2-1 lead into the break.

A J Cochran added a third seven minutes following the resumption but New Mexico hit back through Andrew Tinari, the 24-year-old forcing a cross over the line in the 59th minute following a goalmouth scramble.

The scoreline remained narrow until Flemmings took charge of the contest.

His second goal came in the 73rd minute when he swept in a low Jon Bakero cross from close range and then put the game to

bed four minutes from time, drilling a thunderous volley past goalkeeper Cody Mizell after being picked out inside the box by a superb through ball from Santi Moar.

At Sportsplex at Matthews in North Carolina, Jamaican Dane Kelly scored in the 38th minute as his Charlotte Independence drew 1-1 with Charleston Battery, who benefited from an Aaron Maund own goal in the 42nd minute.

Battery lost Jamaican Rennico Clarke in the 85th minute after he was sent off for pulling Kelly back in the penalty area with a goalscoring opportunity on the cards.

Another Jamaican Devon Williams found the net, this time for Louisville FC, but they were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Indy Eleven at Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky.

And at Bold Stadium in Del Valle, Texas, Turk and Caicos Islands’ Billy Forbes was on target in second-half stoppage time for Austin Bold as they hammered Rio Grande Valley FC 4-1.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 11, 2020

NexGen Academy hosts 2-Day junior golf camp NexGen Golf Academy teed off their 2-Day Junior camp yesterday and will wrap up today with a final session hosted by a number of local pros, as live sports commences its journey back to normalcy.

Just days after inking a solid deal with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), the golf academy, located on Woolford Avenue and Albert Street, spiked off a mini-golf camp to help the upcoming youngsters to familiarize themselves with learning the basics of the sport.

Veteran golfer Colin Ming will facilitate the two days of golf training with no cost required to attend the sessions. The camp comes

in wake of the deal between the academy and the GTU, which is geared towards expanding and modifying the Academy’s learning course.

Greens for putting, sand bunkers, along with miniholes for beginners are among the endeavors between the two entities. As a result, the two-day clinic will target the newer generation of golfers, some of which have already been involved in the recent brandishing of the facility.

NexGen Academy head, Aleem Hussein, was adamant that the upcoming batch of golfers will have their handson training carried out under the expertise of some of the country’s senior pros in the

Golfers going through the sessions at the ongoing NexGen Academy camp

sport. He said the support has been overwhelming especial-

ly by the youths, adding it was the reason for planning

future programmes of a similar nature.

Also, with thousands of teachers coming under the GTU umbrella, plans to properly equip teachers with the necessary skills required to teach golf to students are currently in the pipelines following the end of the camp.

Coach Ming has also been a key facilitator of the ongoing camp as well as those other clinics billed for the future, donating a number of golf equipment, including clubs and balls, towards the development of the Academy and their upcoming crop of golfers.

Also, the camp is currently exercising all precautions which coincides with the Covid-19 restrictions.

Livewire Lukaku leads Inter to Europa League semi-finals DUSSELDORF, Germany (Reuters) - Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen as he tormented the Germans to lead his side into the Europa League semi-finals on Monday.

Nicolo Barella put Inter ahead after 15 minutes, driving the ball home after Lukaku’s shot was blocked, and six minutes later the Belgian got on the scoresheet when he displayed his strength by holding off defender Edmond Tapsoba before firing home.

Leverkusen winger Kai Havertz, reported to be a transfer target of Premier League club Chelsea, pulled a goal back for the Germans but it was

Dusseldorf, Germany - Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their second goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pool via Reuters/Martin Meissner

goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky who kept them in the game with a string of fine saves.

The win sets up a semi-final against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk or FC Basel of Switzerland, who meet on Tuesday After scoring what proved to be the winner, Lukaku could have had a second goal when Inter were awarded a penalty for handball, but that harsh decision against Leverkusen was overturned by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Tapsoba struggled all night to contain the physicality of 27-year-old Lukaku, who set a record by scoring in nine straight Europa League games, and in the second half the centre-back resorted to hacking the striker down on a number of

occasions.

Seeking their first trophy since a 2011 Coppa Italia triumph, Inter sent on Alexis Sanchez in the second half and he had two excellent efforts blocked by last-ditch defending.

Lukaku was again denied a spot kick by VAR after an Inter player was discovered to have handled just before Christian Eriksen was bundled over in the box, and he fired a late shot wide under pressure from Tapsoba as Inter held on for victory.

Lukaku showed plenty of humility after his dominant performance, saying: “To me, the man of the match is Nicolo Barella. The way he plays football is simply incredible maturity, quality. He is truly a great player.”

GFF meets with Member Associations to asses COVID-19 impact WAYNE Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), conducted a series of consultations and sessions with representatives from the Regional Member Associations (RMAs), Affiliates and Elite League Clubs to obtain a firsthand account of the impact COVID-19 has had within their respective jurisdictions.

The sessions, which began on July 24 and concluded on August 4, were organized in small groups in adherence to the

COVID-19 social-distancing guidelines.

Forde, in commenting on the meetings, said they were informative and there was optimism among members. “It was indeed a pleasure to spend time with our football family and see how well everyone was coping in these challenging times.”

“While we have a duty to engage with our primary stakeholders when key decisions are being contemplated, it goes without saying that it will require a massive team effort to kick-start football once

the situation improves and the requisite approvals and protocols are announced,” Forde said.

The GFF president also stated that “these meetings were informative and enlightening and I felt that everyone left feeling optimistic and motivated to put in the work that is so badly needed to ensure that football makes the best use of future opportunities.”

Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the decisions made

by Concacaf and FIFA to mitigate the impact

President Forde speaks at one of the Consultation sessions for Regional Member Associations

of COVID-19 on football across the Region, present plans and obtain feedback on competition

formats being developed by the GFF for the resumption of on-field football activities and present

plans for the material and financial support the members will have access to during 2020 and 2021.

Hetmyer, King form crucial for Amazon Warriors success this CPL season -Local franchise ended last year with 2nd most runs in tournament Shimron Hetmyer(left) and Brandon King will have important roles to play with the bat this season for the Guyana Amazon Warriors

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Bravo just wants to play – Former TKR skipper

TKR all-rounder Dwayne Bravo

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19

happy to be led by Pollard

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop

Early Windies administration underestimated value of T20 cricket claims Bishop

FORMER West Indies fast bowler turned pundit Ian Bishop has lamented somewhat of a tumultuous introduction to global T20 cricket in the Caribbean, which he believes has set the region back.

The shortest format of the game, which began to gain prominence in the mid-2000s, initially had a bumpy introduction to the region as leagues clashed with the schedule of international cricket.

The scheduling clash, combined with the rules of the then administration, saw several of the team’s top players unable to take part in the longer formats of ODI and Test cricket. The discrepancy saw an experienced West Indies team claim two T20 World Championships but continue to struggle in the other formats.

Bishop believes the availability of the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, and Kieron Pollard, during the period, could have added much-needed

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experience and firepower to the Windies line-up.

“In the West Indies initially, there was a bad effect on the game since the administrators did not know the value of T20 cricket and the ability of a player as a sole contractor where they had to choose when they wanted to play. We did not handle that well. We lost a few significant players from West Indies cricket for a period of time I wish did not happen,” Bishop told the Hindustan Times.

“And it’s only now when we see England allowing their players to go and play in the IPL. The West Indies have taken a different view now under their leadership that they need to allow their players to earn their living but when they were available, we will have a compromise. But we have missed so many important players. I think it’s set back West Indies cricket a little bit.”-(Sportsmax).

TUESDAY,AUGUST 11, 2020