Issuu

WEDNESDAY 8th DECEMBER, 2021

No. 106569

O&G, investment agreements signed - as Ghana’s high-level delegation wraps up visit to Guyana

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd (left) and Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thomas Mbomba, exchange copies of the signed framework agreement on co-operation. Also pictured are Guyana’s VicePresident, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Ghana’s Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (Adrian Narine photo)

Nurses guilty of forging COVID vaccine books to be fired

Shuman departs from facts, says Prime Minister

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- reaffirms government’s commitment to improving livelihood of all Guyanese

Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley named Champion of the Earth SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

O&G, investment agreements signed -- as Ghana’s high-level delegation wraps up visit to Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, (second from left) and Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thomas Mbomba, celebrate after signing the MoU for co-operation in the petroleum sector. Looking on are Guyana’s VP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (left) and Ghana’s VP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (Adrian Narine photo) GUYANA and Ghana, on Tuesday, officially signed bilateral agreements that will pave the way for the further strenghtening of co-operation between the two nations, and guide relations between sister agencies in the areas of oil and gas and investment. During a signing ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel, representatives from the two countries signed a framework agreement on co-operation; a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for co-operation in the petroleum sector, between Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ghana Petroleum Commission (GPC); and a MoU on mutual co-operation in investment promotion between Guyana’s Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). Meanwhile, at another signing ceremony also held at Marriott, the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) and the GPC signed a MoU, to provide a

framework for collaboration, and the exchange of information and sharing of resources between those two agencies. The signing of the agreements marked the climax of a three-day mission to Guyana by an 18-member delegation from the Republic of Ghana, which was led by that nation’s Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Dr. Bawumia’s visit to Guyana followed a trip by Vice-President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, in October, for discussions on topics of mutual concern. The signing of the agreements were overseen by Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Jagdeo. For the framework agreement on co-operation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, signed on behalf of Guyana, while Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thomas Mbomba, signed for his country. Minister Mbomba also signed on behalf of the Ghana Petroleum Commission for the MoU for co-operation in the petroleum sector,

which was signed by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, on the Guyana side. GO-Invest’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop and GIPC Chairman, Alex Dadey, signed the MoU on mutual co-operation in investment promotion. In the MoU between the GOGEC and the GPC, GOGEC President, Manniram Prashad, and GPC Chief Executive Officer, Egbert Faibille Jnr, were the signatories. Ghana’s 18-member delegation, which included private sector representatives, spent the time here engaged in high-level bilateral discussions at both governmental and private sector levels, including engagements with President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, and Dr. Jagdeo. Dr Bawumia and Dr Jagdeo, would have both worked on the framework agreement, which examines how engagements, such as shared prosperity and common out-

GO-Invest’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop (sitting, left) and GIPC Chairman, Alex Dadey, sign the MoU on mutual co-operation in investment promotion. Standing behind them are Guyana’s VP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Ghana’s VP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (Adrian Narine photo) look, are going to be made. dge Walrond. Following the sectors. Vice-President Bawumia tour, the team rested and This linkage, the Presalso meet with members of later attended a State Dinner ident added, will be imthe Ghanaian diaspora, paid hosted by President Ali, at portant in finding common a visit to the University of his official residence, State ground where mutual opporGuyana, Guyana’s majestic House. tunities can be examined and Kaieteur Falls and was hostAfter the dinner, Presi- joint strategies built. ed at an Official Dinner at dent Ali and Vice-President, Also on Monday, Dr. State House. Dr Bawumia, along with B a w u m i a m e t w i t h Arriving on Saturday af- other officials, did a meet- Vice-Chancellor of the Uniternoon at the Cheddi Jagan and-greet along Main Street, versity of Guyana (UG), Dr. International Airport (CJIA), Georgetown. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, Dr. Bawumia and his deleOn Monday, there was a to identify areas where unigation were greeted by PM meeting with the Ghana del- versities in the two countries Phillips, and other high-level egation at the Arthur Chung could collaborate. Guyanese officials, including Conference Centre (ACCC). Minister Todd was a part Permanent Secretary at the During that meeting, Presi- of that meeting, which was Ministry of Foreign Affairs dent Ali highlighted that the held at UG’s Turkeyen camand International Co-opera- ensuing discussions at the pus. tion, Ambassador Elisabeth governmental and private Among areas open for Harper. sector levels between Guy- collaboration are the enOn Sunday, Dr. Bawumia ana and Ghana are aimed at vironment, technology, and his delegation visited bolstering bilateral relations healthcare, agriculture, the Kaieteur National Park and generating business-in- infrastructure, and huin Region Eight to view the vestment opportunities. manities, as well as the majestic Kaieteur Falls. The Head of State said oil and gas industry. On The Ghanaian delegation that the Government of Guy- the hydrocarbon industry, was chaperoned by Senior ana is pleased to be part of Ghana has already begun Minister in the Office of the the process that not only offering support to GuyPresident with responsible seeks to integrate the people ana through its Natural for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, of the two countries but, Resources Fund (NRF) and Tourism, Industry and more importantly, to inte- and with local content legCommerce Minister, Onei- grate the two local private islation.

WITH three health ministry-affiliated workers currently before the courts for allegedly forging government-issued COVID-19 vaccination booklets, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, warned that persons found guilty would be removed from the Ministry of Health. Speaking during his daily COVID-19 briefing, the health minister said he is aware there are persons who have been arrested in connection with forging vaccination booklets and commended the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for their investigations. Maintaining the pre-

sumption of innocence guaranteed to persons under the law, the Minister said if persons are found guilty, “they would not be working with the ministry anymore”. “It is unfortunate that nurses who were placed in a position of trust to administer these vaccines and make sure that the process goes smoothly, have chosen to breach that trust and sell the vaccination cards,” Dr Anthony added. The health minister said nurses are governed by specific laws which empower the nursing council and being found guilty of such an offence would be a breach

of professional conduct. “We would be taking stringent actions by sending this information to the nursing council for them to act upon because we cannot have nurses who are found in break like this; it runs counter to the profession,” he reasoned. Concerns were raised in the public about the frequency of persons purchasing COVID-19 vaccination booklets to access public buildings which require those booklets as a primary condition for entry. Where persons do not have booklets, they are sometimes required to present results from a

COVID-19 test that proves they tested negative for the deadly virus. The health authorities have impressed the need for persons to get vaccinated to increase the chances of herd immunity in the country and ultimately reduce the mortality rate of the virus. Just a few days ago, Guyana recorded the 1000th COVID-19-related death with that number continuing to climb, although minimally, every day. The health minister said in his update there is a good uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among the adult population in Guyana.

Nurses guilty of forging COVID vaccine books to be fired The challenge has been, however, that persons primarily between the ages of 18 to 39 years, which Dr Anthony identified in previous briefings as a particularly active demographic group, have not returned for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose. “If you only get one dose of the vaccine, it is not going to give you that protection,” the health minister warned as he urged persons to complete their vaccine dosage to be fully protected. Dr Anthony said a similar low vaccination trend is noticed among adolescents and teenagers between the

ages of 12 and 17 years. For this group, the health minister disclosed: “The first dose is still lagging behind… at 40.5 per cent [of the total population of that group] and [the] second dose is at 28.4 per cent. So, we really need to do a lot more work here”. Dr Anthony called on parents, teachers, and influential persons in communities to encourage young people to take their vaccines. He noted that if an adolescent or teen does not attend school, they can still present themselves at a vaccination centre to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Guyana keen on advancing bilateral relations with Spain, Netherlands

- President Ali accepts Letters of Credence from ambassadors PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has expressed his intention to advance Guyana’s bilateral relations with Spain and the Netherlands after accrediting new ambassadors from the two European nations on Tuesday. The formal ceremonies took place at the Office of the President, with the Non-Resident Spanish Ambassador, Fernando Nogales Alvarez,

followed by the Non-Resident Dutch Ambassador, Henk Ary Christian van der Zwan presenting their Letters of Credence to the Guyanese Head of State. President Ali congratulated both men on their appointments, welcomed them to Guyana, and related that the occasion reinforces the desire of Guyana and Spain, and Guyana and the Neth-

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erlands to strengthen their bilateral relations. The President also offered his best wishes to the respective leaders of both nations. Speaking to Ambassador van der Zwan, President Ali noted that Guyana’s development agenda is multifaceted and encompasses clear policies in areas of climate change, oil and gas, agriculture, health and security, which the Netherlands also prioritises. He said that these areas will help to create a more active programme of bilateral co-operation between the two countries. The Netherlands’ strides towards climate mitigation, specifically as it relates to a long-term strategy

Henk Ary Christian van der Zwan presenting his Letters of Credence to President, Dr Irfaan Ali (Office of the President photo)

on climate change aimed at building a better future for the European country, was also applauded. The Head of State commended the nation’s leadership in “efficient and sustainable agriculture management” and reminded the ambassador that the agriculture sector remains a key area of development for Guyana. With this in mind, he said he hopes it will form part of the priority area on the two countries’ bilateral agenda. President Ali also assured Ambassador van der Zwan that an air services agreement to see flights directly between Guyana and other Dutch nations will be completed. “I further wish to assure you that the experience of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Dutch engineering TURN TO PAGE 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley named Champion of the Earth BARBADOS’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, has been named the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2021 Champion of the Earth. Prime Minister Mottley

is among three persons and one entity who have received the prestigious award. The champions were chosen for their transformative impact on the environment and their leader-

ship in advancing bold and decisive action on behalf of people and the planet, a UNDP release said. Since its inception in 2005, the annual Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmen-

tal honour, has been awarded to some of the world’s most dynamic environmental leaders. So far, it has been awarded to 101 laureates, including 25 world leaders, 62 individuals and 14 organisations. This year,

UNEP’s 2021 Champions of the Earth are: Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, honoured in the Policy Leadership category for her powerful voice for a sustainable world from the global south, consistently raises the alarm about the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States due to the climate emergency. The Prime Minister is a driving force for climate action across the Latin American and the Caribbean region – the first to agree on the Action Plan for the

UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Under her leadership, Barbados has adopted ambitious renewable energy targets, committing to a fossilfuel free electricity sector and transport by 2030. At the same time, Barbados is implementing numerous conservation and restoration projects, from forests, through cities, to the coastline and the ocean. She also co-chairs the One Health Global Leaders’ Group on Antimicrobial Resistance.

Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley

The Sea Women of Melanesia (Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands), honoured in the Inspiration and Action category, train local women to monitor and assess the impacts of widespread coral bleaching on some of the world’s most endangered reefs using marine science and technology.

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Maria Kolesnikova (Kyrgyz Republic), honoured in the Entrepreneurial Vision category, is an environmental activist, youth advocate and head of MoveGreen, an organisation working to monitor and improve air quality in Central Asia. Under Kole-

D r. G l a d y s Kalema-Zikusoka (Uganda), honoured in the Science and Innovation category, was the first-ever wildlife veterinarian of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and is a recognised world authority on primates and zoonotic diseases.

snikova, MoveGreen developed an app called AQ.kg, which collects data every 20 minutes from the two largest Kyrgyz cities, Bishkek and Osh, about the concentration of pollutants in the air, including PM2.5, and PM10 and nitrogen dioxide.

As the founder and CEO of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), she leads the implementation of three integrated strategic programmes using the ‘One Health’ approach.

Maria Kolesnikova

UNEP received a record number of nominations from all over the world, the release said. “As we enter into a decisive decade, to cut emissions and protect and restore ecosystems, UNEP’s Champions of the Earth demonstrate that all of us can contribute. Every single act for nature counts. The entire spectrum of humanity has both a global responsibility and a profound opportunity,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “This year’s Champions are women who not only inspire us, but also remind us that we have in our hands the solutions, the knowledge and the technology to limit climate change and avoid ecological collapse,” the release said. The release noted that by amplifying the significant work being done on the environmental frontlines, the Champions of the Earth awards aim to inspire and motivate more people to take to address the triple planetary crisis -- climate change, nature and biodi-

versity loss, and pollution, chemicals and waste. “This year ’s awards highlight the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which runs until 2030, coinciding with the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By halting and reversing the degradation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, we can prevent the loss of one million endangered species. Scientists say restoring only 15 per cent of ecosystems in priority areas and thereby improving habitats can cut extinctions by 60 per cent. “ T h e re h a s n e v e r been a more urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems than now. Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Ecosystem restoration will only succeed if everyone joins the #GenerationRestoration movement to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide,” the release said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Guyana-Ghana Relations

THE Government of Guyana hosted a high-level delegation from Ghana which was led by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The purpose of the visit, according to President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is to deepen relations between the two countries and to remove hindrances to business development. At a meeting held on Monday, December 6, 2021 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre between representatives of both governments and the private sector, the parties agreed to examine ways of bolstering bilateral relations and generating business investment opportunities. According to President Ali, the Government of Guyana is pleased to be part of the process that not

only seeks to integrate the peoples of the two countries but also to integrate the private sectors of the two countries. Such linkages will be important in terms of finding common ground where mutual opportunities can be examined and joint strategies built. The private sector in Guyana has long been regarded as the engine of growth after having been sidelined by the former PNC regime for several decades. Following the ascension of the PPP/C on October 5, 1992, the private sector once again began to flourish and several policy measures were put in place to remove bottlenecks to private sector development. Several fiscal incentives were provided to the sector and an enabling environment

was created for the sector to grow and develop. As pointed by President Ali, while it is the responsibility of the government to make policies and create the environment conducive for private sector development, it is the private sector that will have to take advantage of investment opportunities and have these opportunities implemented. President Ali re-affirmed his commitment and that of his administration to remove all bureaucratic red tape in order to expedite business opportunities. In that regard, both governments agreed to make the functionaries of government and the system of government accessible to the private sector of both countries. President Ali stressed that the intention should not only be grow-

ing a business in Guyana or Ghana but combining efforts and economies to become more significant players on the international market. The Guyanese Head of State underscored the importance of following through on agreements. In this regard, he indicated that both Dr. Bawuima and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo will work on a framework agreement that examines how engagements, which include shared prosperity and common outlook, are going to be made. These include, but are not limited to, reducing disparity, inequality, hunger reduction, capacity-building and reducing energy cost. Diplomatic relations between Guyana and Ghana were officially established

on May 14, 1979. Both countries share a number of economic and cultural similarities and it is only natural for the two countries to deepen that bond of friendship and kinship that existed between the two countries. Both Guyana and Ghana can learn from the experiences of each other given the fact that both countries emerged from decades of British colonial rule and are now oil-producing nations and can therefore benefit from each other’s experiences and expertise. Ghana, formerly The Gold Coast, achieved its political independence from Britain in 1960, six years ahead of Guyana which gained its independence May 1966. Ghana, under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah played a key role in the anti-co-

lonial struggles and was a founder member of the NonAligned Movement along with Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru; Yugoslav President, Josip Brotz Tito and Egyptian President, Gamal Abdel Nasser. A monument in honour of these founder members is situated on the corner of Republic Avenue and Church Street in Georgetown as a reminder of the principles of peaceful co-existence. Guyana, in particular, being relatively new to the business of oil and gas, can learn a thing or two on how to manage the booming oil sector in a way that will benefit the country as a whole while at the same time avoiding the dreaded ‘Dutch Disease’ which has been the pitfall of so many oil-producing nations.

Increase in prices for commodities and services is a global phenomenon Dear Editor, THE increase in prices for commodities and services is a global phenomenon and is not peculiar to Guyana. Worldwide, the demand for goods and services has increased but supply has contracted. What is rarely understood by all is the fact that world production of commodities is very much integrated making the world more vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Therefore, this means that parts may be produced in different countries but the assembly of the final product may be done in an entirely different country. The pandemic has created issues at nearly every aspect of the supply chain: a lack of materials, ingredients, equipment, speedy trucking and shipping. There is an acute labour shortage of truckers and longshoremen to offload

ships, thus creating a buildup and shipping delays that have never been witnessed before. This effect of the disruptions of the supply chain has not only pushed costs up but has created a decrease in supply which again resulted in the prices of commodities spiraling. Another factor is higher oil prices. This situation is beyond the control of any government but measures can be put in place to alleviate the climbing cost of living. This is exactly what the PPP/C Government has been doing for more than 16 months now. Some progressive measures which have been put in place are outlined as follows. There was a drastic reduction in the excise tax on fuel which is in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to “ensuring that Guyanese consumers

continue to be protected from escalation in fuel prices on the world market as far as possible”. This reduction happened in February and October this year. This would have resulted in reduced transportation and production costs. In its very first budget, this government did not give itself a salary increase but gave immediate relief to the citizens. It reverses the punitive tax measures implemented by the APNU+AFC and drastically cut licence fees, VAT was removed from many essential items such as water, electricity, medical supplies and medicines, private education, cellphone data, farming machinery and equipment, etc. This is a government which saw the collapse of the entire socio-economic fabric of this nation and immediately began the

Herculean task to revive the economy. The Coalition had bankrupted the country in less than five years and it became imperative that the rebuilding process began immediately. This brought immediate relief and ensured that more disposable income becomes available. Next, the government ensured that the disposal income is given a boost by direct cash injection since the COVID-19 and the flood began wreaking havoc to the economy. It gave COVID-19 cash reliefs to every household. According to a study conducted by the World Bank, titled ‘An Uneven Recovery: Taking The Pulse Of Latin America And The Caribbean Following The Pandemic’, Guyana is one of the leading countries in the Caribbean and Latin America that have been as-

sisting their people through the hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. So far the government has disbursed to every Guyanese, including the vulnerable groups, cash reliefs amounting to nearly $10 billion. The World Bank noted that this assistance was pertinent since many households suffer from food insecurity. In addition, our students were given $3.6 billion to help them get back to school and our farmers were given flood-reliefs which amounted to $7.8 billion. Moreover, the year-end bonus given, the two weeks bonus to the Disciplinary service, the $400 million to frontline workers, the seven per cent across-the-board increase to public servants and I am sure that more cash relief is in the making. We must not lose sight of the government’s sacrifice to

save the lives of Guyanese from the virus and of the huge cost it bore to ensure not only that the Infectious Disease Hospital is brought into operation but the acquisition of vaccines and making them available to all in a timely and efficient manner. As we take notice of the many investments which are taking place and as we await these to bear dividend, we must applaud the government which has ensured that the multiplier effect from the many cash injections which increased the disposable incomes of every Guyanese has kept the economy buoyant and progressive. In these times of hardships across the world this government has done wonders for its people, and we must show our appreciation in a tangible manner. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Guyana keen on advancing bilateral...

FROM PAGE 4 in water management and sea defence are, of course, a known fact to us, and we are looking forward to further collaboration and strengthening of partnership in these areas.” MUTUAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES Speaking to Alvarez, President Ali underscored that Guyana and Spain share

relations that are built on mutual values and principles that have shaped the two nations into what they are today. These values, he said, will be an impetus to promote greater co-operation and interaction between the two countries. President Ali recalled contributions from Spain to the development agenda of Guyana, such as the hinter-

land Rice and Bean Project, which allowed Guyana to advance its agricultural policy agenda in the hinterland region. “The Kingdom of Spain prides itself on the principles of equality and inclusiveness. This has increasingly been shown through your responses to the global challenges that the COVID-19

pandemic has had on vulnerable nations.” The President said that Spain’s contribution of vaccines to nations, including Guyana, is in accordance with Guyana’s view of vaccination diplomacy. He also noted that Guyana has recognised Spain’s particular interest in the CARICOM region through the Spain/

CARICOM co-operation mechanism and continues to advocate for closer collaboration between the European country and CARICOM to forge a stronger connection. “Guyana commits itself to revitalising relations with Spain, and your accreditation will continue to deepen the relations between our two countries. We look

forward to the increased co-operation in areas of mutual interest, including agriculture, climate change, technology, tourism and investment. I am mindful that strengthening this bond of friendship will produce fruitful dialogue and collaboration that will be beneficial to our two countries.” (Office of the President)

Judge refuses to recuse herself from libel case -after rejecting Basil Williams’ claim of bias

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C

HIGH Court Judge, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, on Monday, threw out an application filed by former Attorney General, Basil Williams, S.C., asking her to recuse herself from hearing a $25 million lawsuit filed by his successor, Anil Nandlall, S.C. In January 2021, Williams had sought to have the court disqualify itself from hearing Nandlall’s claim on the ground of likelihood or appearance of bias during the course of the case. In 2017, Nandlall filed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

a $25M lawsuit seeking damages for libel and slander against Williams, who was then, Minister of Legal Affairs, for publicly stating that he (Nandlall) would be charged for stealing several law books belonging to the State. Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, on November 6, 2017, dismissed the claim over a breach of procedural compliance in accordance with the new Civil Procedure Rules. Nandlall subsequently appealed the case in the Full Court and the matter was reinstated be-

fore Justice Sewnarine-Beharry. The judge, on December 5, 2019, granted an order to stay the hearing of the case until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings filed against Nandlall in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court with respect to the alleged theft of the law books. However, in October 2020, the larceny charge was withdrawn against Nandlall based on instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack.

This paved the way for the resumption of the case before Justice Sewnarine-Beharry. Before, the court could properly hear the matter, Williams in January 2021, made an application for the judge to recuse herself on the ground that she showed bias especially when she stayed the case on December 5, 2019. He also contended that the judge showed bias when she allegedly said that should the criminal charges against Nandlall be dismissed, the libel suit will be sustained and conversely if Nandlall was convicted of the criminal offence, then the libel suit will be dismissed. “The staying of the matter until the criminal proceedings were determined conveys that Justice Beharry attaches greater importance to the outcome of the charge rather than that the charge itself confirmed the claimant’s [Nandlall] contention that the defendant said he would be charged. The claimant being charged with larceny of the missing law books established the defendant’s defence of truth and fair comment on a matter of public interest,” Williams said in his application. During her ruling on Monday, at the Demerara High Court, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, said that the decision to stay the proceedings was in furtherance of the overriding objective of the court to do justice to the parties. Against this background, the judge noted that her December 5, 2019 ruling was done in accordance with the court’s responsibility to actively manage cases in accordance with Rule 25.02(1)(c)(iv) of the Civil Procedures Rules (CPR) 2016. In this regard, Rule 25.02(1)(c)(iv) empowers the court in actively managing cases to stay the whole or part of any proceeding generally or until a specified date or event. Regarding Williams’ complaint that the inordinate award of costs by the court against him demonstrates an appearance of bias, the judge said that the court’s flysheet record into the case demonstrates that this contention is unmeritorious and that the court has awarded more costs to Williams than Nandlall. As such, Justice

Former AttorneyGeneral Basil Williams, S.C Sewnarine-Beharry said that the decision of her court to stay the proceedings and award costs against Williams are judicial decisions and rulings that could have formed the basis of an appeal and are insufficient to constitute a valid ground for recusal. “In conclusion, an informed, fair-minded, and reasonable observer would not, in all of the circumstances of this particular

Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry case, have formed an objective opinion that there was a real likelihood that this court might not bring an impartial and unprejudiced mind to the resolution of the question involved,” the judge said before dismissing Williams’ application. Costs were awarded to Nandlall in the sum of $150,000 to be paid by Williams on or before January 14, 2022. In determining the quantum of costs to be awarded in this matter, the judge took into consideration that Williams’ application appears to be an attempt to stall/or delay the hearing of the substantive claim which is ripe for hearing and ought not to be encouraged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

PNC/R Congress could be posponed

GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander will, on Thursday, present a report on the way forward for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) elections slated for this Saturday. This development comes following concerns about the elections process and talks of the possible postponement of the party’s 21st Biennial Congress and the elections. Notwithstanding the party awaiting the outcome of that report, several of the party members contesting the elections are forging ahead with their preparations for Saturday. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, PNC/R executive member, Ganesh Mahipaul, confirmed that the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) has appointed Alexander as Chief Elections Officer for the elections and has tasked him with presenting a report on the readiness for the elections. “A motion was passed in the CEC, on Friday, that gives Mr Vincent Alexander a timeline of five days to ascertain the readiness of the party to hold this Congress. He is tasked with presenting a report to the CEC after which we will know definitively our position,” Mahipaul explained in a telephone interview on Tuesday. He noted that Alexander has been given sweeping authority over the electoral process and pronouncement on the way forward. “It will be for him to say that he is comfortable with the status of where we are at, that we have done all the necessaries and put all that is required to be put in place for the hosting of the elections. It is his determination to say the way forward, ensuring that all the necessary things are put in place, and all that he would’ve required of us, we would’ve satisfied before going to the actual polls,” Mahipaul outlined.

Mahipaul noted that he could not say why Alexander was only tasked on Friday with vetting the electoral process and not earlier, or what prompted the need for the report. Mahipaul is one of three members of the elections’ Accreditation Committee, who had recently resigned because of a conflict of interest. Mahipaul, along with Annette Ferguson and Carol Joseph, were deemed to have conflict of interest given that they are all contesting the elections. With the resignation of the trio, Mortimer Mingo, is now the only member of the Accreditation Committee. Mahipaul was nominated for the position of Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and CEC member. He shared that he declined the VC and Treasurer nominations and only accepted the CEC member nominations given that he has been singled out for selection as party General Secretary (GS) by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, who is contesting for party leader. The party GS is appointed and not elected. Harmon is one of seven persons who were elected for the party leadership position with his main competition coming from former GS Aubrey Norton. Other notable nominations for the leadership are Dr. Richard Van-West Charles; former party Chairman, Basil Williams, and party executive, Carl Greenidge. Former Region 10 Regional Chairman, Sharma Solomon, according to another section of the media is said to have declined a nomination for the leadership, choosing instead to focus on a nomination for Chairman. Current party Chairman, Volda Lawrence, was also given a nomination for the leadership position but has since been mum on whether or not she would accept. All persons nominated for positions in the party had up to last Friday to accept or decline

their nominations. Of the positions being contested, the party received seven nominations for leadership, 16 nominations for chairman, 30 nominations for the two VC positions, and 18 nominations for treasurer. Additionally, there are over 700 nominations for the 15 CEC member spots.

GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander

PNC/R Executive Member, Ganesh Mahipaul

Shuman departs from facts, says Prime Minister GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

-- reaffirms government’s commitment to improving livelihoods of all Guyanese

Flashback: Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman, during their meeting on October 25, 2021

PRIME Minister Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips has reaffirmed government’s commitment to the equitable development of Guyana and the improvement of the livelihoods of all Guyanese even as he expressed profound disappointment with comments made by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman. Responding to a letter by Shuman published in the Monday edition of the Stabroek News, the Prime Minister said the Deputy Speaker has departed from facts to unfairly and erroneously suggest that the PPP/C Government is not open to dialogue with regard to the development

of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. Shuman’s position, the Prime Minister said, is inconsistent with the well-established track record of the PPP/C when it comes to Amerindian development throughout its tenure in office. “On October 25, 2021, at my office, Mr Shuman and I cordially discussed several matters related to Indigenous Peoples’ development and the government’s approach to bridging the digital divide and eliminating the disparity in quality of life between our hinterland and coastland,” the Prime Minister pointed out. After that interaction with the Prime Minister, Shuman publicly declared on Facebook: “The Prime

Minister iterated his government’s commitment to taking steps to ensure Indigenous Peoples are part of the development of Guyana under the One Guyana framework and that the infrastructural needs are critical to such future plans along with ICT access, among others. He was also very receptive to ideas put forth on advancing initiatives that will enhance IP’s [Indigenous Peoples] presence and participation in Guyana.” It is now an enigma, the Prime Minister said that only a few weeks later, Shuman has taken a position in absolute contrast and contradiction to the facts when even in his published letter to the editor, he admits to being

consulted on numerous occasions and his suggestions considered. Outside of this inconsistency, the Prime Minister urged Shuman to continue to engage the relevant authorities and respective ministries where there are concerns, as he has done in the past. “Our Indigenous brothers and sisters form a significant part of our country’s history and will most certainly be a part of its future and development through a considerate and consultative mechanism, as has been consistently demonstrated by successive PPP/C Governments. The PPP/C Government will always respect the views of our Indigenous Peoples,” the Prime Minister stated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The 100-year history of the Communist Party of China is a key to understanding China

Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Since arriving in Guyana, I have felt it in heart that the friendship between China and Guyana is deeply rooted and to further strengthen our co-operation is the expectation of both sides. In the meantime, I have also found that some Guyanese friends still lack a comprehensive understanding of China, or even puzzled by some myths. What exactly is China like today and what will China be like in the future? Getting to know the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is a key to understanding China. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. The 19th Central Committee of the CPC convened its sixth plenary session in Beĳing from November 8 to 11, 2021. The plenum reviewed and adopted the third Resolution in the party’s history, which is of landmark importance since it fully summarized the major achievements and historical experience of the CPC’s 100 years of endeavors. History is the most vivid and persuasive textbook. The Resolution has concluded systematically the CPC’s major achievements in the periods of the new-democratic revolution, socialist revolution and construction, and reform, opening up, and socialist modernization, and emphasized the great achievements since socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a new era. It has summarized the Party’s valuable historical experience covering the following

ten aspects: upholding the Party’s leadership, putting the people first, advancing theoretical innovation, staying independent, following the Chinese path, maintaining a global vision, breaking new ground, standing up for ourselves, promoting the united front, and remaining committed to self-reform. These historical achievements and experience have fully demonstrated that the leadership of the CPC and the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics are the choices of history and of the Chinese people. Before the founding of the CPC, China was a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. Although China emerged as a victorious nation after World War I, its territory was traded by the other victorious nations with great powers and the Chinese nation was in peril. The Revolution of 1911 led by Dr. Sun Yatsen overthrew the absolute monarchy, but failed to find a way to alter the bitter fate of the Chinese people. In the end, it is only the CPC equipped with scientific theories that has been rallying and leading the Chinese people in winning national independence and liberation and walking on a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which ensures it is the people who run the country and realizes development and prosperity according to China’s specific realities. These historical achievements and experience have fully demonstrated that breaking new ground continuously from the combination of theory and practice and having the courage to reform itself are the secrets of how the CPC remains young and vigorous. Marxist theory is not a dogma but a guiding ideology that must develop with the evolution of practice. The CPC has always been grasping the historical trends, China’s basic realities, and the principal contradiction of its society, achieving time and time again historic breakthroughs in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context through arduous exploration, and leading the Chinese people to make great achievements of

revolution and construction. In the process, although the CPC encountered failures and setbacks, it has always owned up to its errors, grounded all its efforts in reality and in the

fundamental interests of the people, reformed itself, corrected its errors, and finally become an innovative party that stays at the forefront of the times.

These historical achievements and experience have fully demonstrated that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the

guiding ideology that should be upheld in the long-term in order to achieve the Second Centenary goal of China and the great rejuvenation TURN TO PAGE 12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

A Contextual Analysis of the Public Sector Wage Increase PUBLIC SERVICE WAGE PER CENT OF GDP PUBLIC Service wages represents close to nine per cent of non-oil GDP, while other countries average between 10 per cent-12 per cent of GDP. Here again, using this indicator, Guyana is just one percentage points below the average of other countries which also indicates that public servants’ wages in Guyana is within the highest range countries can afford to pay that is financially and fiscally sustainable. The size of the public service relative to the population would also have a bearing on the net effect of wages an individual employee would receive–that is, the smaller the public service, the greater the individual wage and the larger the public service, the smaller the individual wage (theoretically). For this reason, the modernisation of the public sector, vis-à-vis, digital transformation of the public service over time, is critical. In so doing, this would enhance the efficiency and quality of service and also enable a leaner public service. It is important to note though that (1) achieving a leaner public service would take about 10-15 years assuming that the public service transitions through a digitisation strategy as early as FY 2022; and (2) a leaner public service can be achieved through this method without having a single public servant becoming redundant. This can be achieved easily in the following manner: As senior career public servants or public servants’ veterans reach the age of retirement, there will be no need to have those persons rehired which will effectively cre-

ate the opportunity for the younger and mid-level public servants to advance to senior levels. Thus, with this strategy over a period of 10-15 years coupled with the simultaneous transition to digitisation, upskilling and continuous training and development of the public service, a leaner and more efficient public service workforce can be achieved within 10-15 years, easily. This is unlike the case of GuySuCo under the previous regime with the abrupt termination of 7000+ sugar workers which impacted the livelihood of about 50,000 households directly and indirectly under the pretext of right sizing the industry. THE MACROPRUDENTIAL CONTEXT The Potential Inflationary Impact and Sustainable Public Financial Management There was a strong view by

20 per cent increase be granted. Twenty per cent increase in public servants’ wages would result in an additional $16 billion for public servants, thereby increasing the total employment cost from $80.3 billion to $96.3 billion, representing 53 per cent of current revenue. Fifty three percent employment cost of current revenue is way above the prudential benchmark of 30 per cent, bearing in mind, that 30 per cent of revenue goes towards debt service and – a 30 per cent debt service-to-revenue ratio is in line with prudential financial practice. Even at the individual level where a person seeking to obtain a loan from a commercial bank, for example, the banker would tell you that your loan installment (debt service = principal + interest) should not be greater than 30 per cent of your income. This is after con-

one of the trade unions that public servants should have gotten 20 per cent increase. While from the discussion and analysis so far, a 20 per cent increase cannot be accommodated from a financially sustainable position at this time, lets nonetheless test the theory to ascertain what might be the impact on inflation should a

sidering other regular household expenses. And if in the individual case, when the banker calculates the individual’s household and other expenses and add what the installment of the proposed loan amount would be and it exceeds 30 per cent of the income earned and/or the surplus remaining is not sufficient to cover the in-

stallment, then that person would not be qualified for the loan. The same principle is applied in public financial management. Turning now to the likely inflationary impact of a 20 per cent increase within the current financial and macro context, the public servants represent about 15 per cent of the employed labour force which means any substantial wage increase could have a relatively material (inflationary) impact on the economy. Source: Author/Data Extracted from BoG Reports Inflation is typically tied to the country’s imports simply because most of the goods consumed domestically are imported. With this in mind, the average annual growth rate for importation of consumption and intermediate goods (pre-oil production) is below five per cent. So, having established that 15 per cent of the employed labour force is relatively material in terms of increased spending power, should an additional $16 billion or US$77 million is spent on consumption, imports on this category of goods can increase by 4.5 times the current growth rate, and therefore using 4.5 times as the multiplier of the current inflation rate, the potential rate of inflation, as a result of this, could reach 25 per cent. Contrary to this argument, the counter argument is supposing the increase is not used in this manner and rather used productively to invest in other entrepreneurial endeavors, the result is likely to be the same as even in business, most businesses are in the business of supplying consumption goods and services. The only way this theory will not hold true is if the extra money is put towards savings in

the bank, rather than spending on consumption items. Now, there are two important points to note from the above scenario type argument–that is: The call for a 20 per cent increase cannot be accommodated simply because total employment cost of above 30 per cent and in this case above 50 per cent is not financially and fiscally sustainable, even in the richest countries in the world. And, not just governments but the richest companies in the world, the fortune 500 companies such as the ExxonMobil(s) of the world, Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc., do not allow their employment costs to be more than 15-30 per cent of revenue. Therefore, 50 per cent is simply not sustainable; and Even if, in the current situation, provided that all things being equal, the 20 per cent wage increase for public servants could potentially result in 25 per cent inflation which will have effectively diminish the purchasing power of the currency by 25 per cent. In a different perspective, the 20 per cent increase would not have been a sensible fiscal policy decision in the long run, if it potentially takes away 25 per cent of the purchasing power of the currency. Understanding the Source of Central Government’s Current Revenue in the context of the Economic Policy Philosophy In the discussion and analyses so far, the author explored a variety of different dimensional contexts of sustainable public financial management practices and policy implications. In this section, the author seizes the opportunity to dedicate

this section in response to the argument put forward on the wage increase by the Shadow Finance Minister. Where in a letter to the editor, the shadow Minister of Finance argued that the policies of the government of the day are private sector focused and thus it was implied that the working class and public servants are treated with less importance or ignoring their plight altogether. This contention, though interesting, begs the question: where do public servants wages come from? Or what is the composition of central government’s current revenue and how can the government expand its revenue base – or effectively, its tax base. The answer to these questions is simple, logical, and quite obvious. The current revenue composition of the State is made up of taxes paid by the private sector. In fact, 90 per cent of current revenue is made up of taxes paid by the private sector. These include PAYE, corporate income taxes, VAT and excise taxes, customs, and trade taxes, etc. It therefore means that in order for the government to be in a position to pay the public servants better wages and salaries, over time, it needs to focus heavily on improving national competitiveness of the business environment so that businesses and the private sector as a whole can thrive, attract more foreign direct investments, stimulate, and enable the business environment for increased investments by the private sector. By doing so, the private sector create more employment opportunities, generate more wealth and ultimately pay more taxes. To be continued.

The 100-year history of the Communist...

FROM PAGE 11 of the Chinese nation. China has been developing the whole-process people’s democracy, which is the most extensive, truthful, and effective socialist democracy. Democracy is a shared human value, not a tool to label friend or foe by any country. The realities of different countries are various. Democracy takes different forms, and there is no one-size-fits-all model. China’s whole-process people’s democracy means that the people can fully enjoy their right to be informed, right to be heard, right to exercise oversight, and right

to participate in the whole process. It is not the kind of democracy that the people would only be awake at the time of voting and go back to dormant afterwards, but the kind that gives full expression to the will of the people, protects their rights and interests, and sparks their creativity. China has been applying a new philosophy of innovative, co-ordinated, green, open, and shared development, comprehensively deepening reform and continuously improving the level of modernization of China’s system and capacity for governance. China completed the poverty-eradication target

of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule, which created a miracle in the poverty-reduction history of human. China has been playing an active role in global environmental and climate governance and keeping its commitment to act as a responsible major country. These historical achievements and experience have fully demonstrated that the CPC’s endeavours over the past century have not only produced a profound influence on China, but also on the course of world history. For 100 years, the CPC is

always an important force promoting the peace and development of the world. The victory of the Liberation War of the Chinese people has enormously inspired all the oppressed nations and peoples around the world. China successfully found its independent and unique path to development and modernization, providing a brand new practice and option for developing countries to achieve modernization. China champions the shared human values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom, promotes the important concepts of building

a community with a shared future for mankind, Belt and Road Initiative, and Global Development Initiative, and offers Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions, and Chinese strength for achieving mutual benefit, win-win, and common development for all countries instead of the zero-sum game, hostility or confrontation. We should learn from history so as to create a bright future. The CPC will keep its original aspiration and its mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation firmly in mind,

rally and lead all the Chinese people to make tireless efforts to realize the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a modern socialist country in all respects. The CPC will also shoulder its responsibility of seeking progress for human and the common good for the world as a major party in a major country, and guide the Chinese people to join hands with the people of other countries to safeguard world peace, promote global development, unite in response to challenges, and for a better world.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

China gifts UG $7M for infrastructural works

CHINA has gifted the University of Guyana (UG) a cheque to the value of $7M to aid in refurbishing of a generator and the construction of an access road at the institution’s Turkeyen Campus, East Coast Demerara. Ambassador Guo Haiyan handed over the cheque to UG’s Vice-Chancellor, XI, Professor Paloma MohamedMartin, during a recent courtesy call. Ambassador Haiyan, the first female Chinese ambassador to Guyana, was accompanied the First Consul and Director of Trade and Development in the Chinese Embassy during the UG visit. Professor MohamedMartin expressed sincere thanks to the People’s Republic of China for its timely contribution to Guyana’s only national premier tertiary educational institution – the University of Guyana. She noted that as the university continues to push its preparations for an impending return, the good gesture

will go a far way in enhancing the services being offered to staff and the over 10,000 students who are slated to begin returning to face-to-face classes for Semester Two of the 2021/2022 academic year. “This is the continuation of very close relations between the university and the Embassy of China in Georgetown. We have a Confucius Institute on the campus that trains hundreds of Guyanese every year in Mandarin Language, and we look forward to growing that and to the continued support of the embassy for the university,” the Vice-Chancellor stated. She continued: “Additionally, almost two full years of disuse of buildings including the terrible weather we have had, and the ages of the buildings is really placing a strain on the infrastructure. So, this will certainly contribute.” Ambassador Haiyan, in her remarks, said that her country was very pleased

From left: UG Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Engagement), Professor Emanuel Cummings; UG’s Vice-Chancellor, XI, Professor, Paloma Mohamed Martin; Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan; and the People’s Republic of China to Guyana Deputy Chief of Mission, Chen Xilai to have been given the opportunity to partner with the University of Guyana and will continue to explore other avenues in which the embassy and the university could further enhance collaboration so that both students and staff and the country as a whole would benefit great. The ambassador noted that since the outbreak of

the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities around the world have experienced severe challenges in finance, teaching, and management. “This situation provides opportunities and convenience for improving campus infrastructure. I am happy that the embassy can be of some help, within our capacity, to

create a sound environment for teachers and students in the post-pandemic era, and to assist UG to nurture more students who are the bearers, leaders, and architects of the future,” Ambassador Haiyan expressed. University of Guyana’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Professor Emanuel Cummings

expressed thanks on behalf of the entire UG community for the gift offered by the People’s Republic of China. He noted that it is a timely initiative that will boost the institution’s capacity to improve the level of services offered to students. “Guyana has a long-standing relationship with China and this specific contribution is in the right direction as it is an investment into education. That is, any investment in education will be felt by several generations to come. We are grateful for this contribution as it will go a far way in enhancing our roadways and more so our infrastructure,” Professor Cummings said. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy ViceChancellor (Institutional Advancement), Dr Mellissa Ifill; Deputy Chief of Mission, Chen Xilai; and Economic and Commercial Affairs Officer, Wendy QI, the release said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Eureka Lab launches Guyana’s first online patient portal IN its quest to ensure continuous, efficient and reliable medical services to all, Eureka Medical Laboratories (EML) last Tuesday launched its Online Patient Portal. According to a release, this new portal, which was officially introduced to clients and stakeholders by way of a virtual Zoom launch, allows patients who use the laboratory service to view their results online. The Board of Directors and Management of EML have recognised the need for test results to be conveniently accessible and therefore sought to implement this

added feature on the Company’s website. Speaking during the launching event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EML, Andrew Boyle stated that the new portal not only allows for quick and convenient access to test results, but it is also highly confidential. “Eureka continues to stay ahead of its competitors by not only offering quality, reliable and caring medical services, but those that you can access easily,” Boyle said. In addition, Boyle boasted that the system allows patients to access results for tests conducted up to 20 years ago or more. “Once it’s in the system, you should be able to access all of those results and in that case, you can compare your PSA or cholesterol levels over the years to see how things would have evolved,” he posited. The CEO further explained that it is protected by cyber security technology that

guards against any external threats. According to Laboratory Manager, Nazara Roach, EML is now the first Medical Lab in Guyana to introduce an online patient portal, which she noted can be accessed 24/7. EML’s Marketing Manager, Latoya Croker, who gave a detailed presentation on how to sign up for the portal, stated that patients must first register using their email addresses at the EML office when they go to make an appointment or conduct a test. Following this, the patient will be sent a link for verification, after which he/she would need to set a password to begin viewing results. Currently, this feature is available at Eureka’s Georgetown and Berbice branches, even as the company moves to expand this service to its other offices countrywide. Croker highlighted that in some critical cases, a patient may not see their informa-

tion on the portal right away. “So you might want to know, ‘what if I don’t see my results on the portal?’” “Now, that can mean that your results may be critical and we would have to speak with you before releasing the results on the portal. For example, if it’s an HIV or a positive test result of some kind, our technicians would reach out to you first before uploading the results onto the system,” the Marketing Manager explained. The Patient Portal is currently live and can be accessed at www.eurekalabgy.com. All results are available for download in PDF format. It should be noted however, that hard copies will still be made available to patients, upon request. Stakeholders in attendance at the online launch, praised EML for this initiative, noting that it will greatly evolve the way medical results are issued and accessed in Guyana, the release noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Lack of education contributing to misconception of modern agriculture - says President, urges investment in the sector

President, Dr Irfaan Ali delivering the keynote speech at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) 26th Annual Presentation of Awards Ceremony at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara By Richard Bhainie OWING to hesitancy to pursue and invest in modern agricultural techniques which can be credited to a lack of education in the sector, in a country with vast arable land and a copious freshwater supply, the true agricultural potential of Guyana remains untapped. “There is a misconception of what modern agroprocessing and agriculture is,” President Irfaan Ali told the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) at their 26th Annual Presentation of Awards Ceremony at the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara, last Friday. “If I ask here how many people believe that agro-processing is an area that is sustainable and could provide wealth for you, put your hands up, and how many of you are willing to invest in it – the showing will be very poor,” the President told the gathering. Delivering the keynote speech at the event held under the theme, “Changing the paradigm for advancing sustainable industry, transformation and growth,” the Head of

State identified that due to a systematic failure to re-educate the population on modern agricultural techniques and agro-processing, the misconception prevails. He related that during his visit to Glasgow, Scotland for his attendance at the 26th United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), he had the opportunity to witness youths involved in agriculture, who are growing high-valued crops in modern shade houses. Impressed by model, President Ali disclosed that upon his return to Guyana he shared the idea with the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and requested that the model be implemented locally. He also recommended the idea to a group of local small and medium scale fisherfolk, with whom he met, as a means of supplementing their income after they complained of a decline in their fish catches; however, they were not receptive of the idea. “I asked the fisherfolk ‘how many of you guys own the small boats’, they said ‘71’; so, I said let us pursue this idea. Their immediate response was ‘you

sending us back to the garden again?’ – that was the immediate response … very important for us to understand the power of that response” President Ali said. SYSTEMATIC FAILURE The response from the fisherfolk is consequent to a systematic failure on the part of the government and the manufacturers association to re-educate the population on the new realities and opportunities which exists, the Head of State opined. “But we will pursue this project. Imagine if we have 200 young persons, young entrepreneurs with their own shade house doing broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Just think about it. That is what is going to lead to sustainability,” President Ali explained. He shared that these missed opportunities which are not being capitalised on by Guyanese are being sought after by international investors. “We had the Qatar Investment Fund coming in, and they went crazy when they saw the freshwater potential of the country, and now they are looking at us as a possible hub to produce food for them,” President Ali told the gathering while noting, “the potential is there, how do we capture it?” The development of the agro-processing industry remains a priority for the Government of Guyana, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture. To this end, in excess of $800 million have been earmarked for the establishment of six agro-processing facilities across the country. This was disclosed by Mustapha at a virtual United Nations (UN) Food Systems forum in May 2021. He said the facilities are slated to be established in farming communities,

notably Aranaputa and St. Ignatius in Region Nine; Black Bush Polder in Region Six; and Leguan in Region Three Further, according

to a Department of Public Information report dated October 11, 2021, government, through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC)

has expended $158.5 million of the budgeted $293 million to improve the viability of the local agro-processing industry.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

COVID-19 has caused an education crisis

- learning losses could cost this generation of students close to $17 trillion in lifetime earnings, World Bank-UNESCO-UNICEF report says

THIS generation of students now risks losing $17 trillion in lifetime earnings in present value, or about 14 per cent of today’s global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as a result of COVID-19 pandemic-related school closures, according to a new report published today by the World Bank, UNESCO, and UNICEF. According to a release, the new projection reveals that the impact is more severe than previously thought, and far exceeds the $10 trillion estimates released in 2020. In addition, ‘The State of the Global Education Crisis: A Path to Recovery’ report shows that, in low- and middle-income countries,

the share of children living in Learning Poverty – already 53 per cent before the pandemic – could potentially reach 70 per cent, given the long school closures and the ineffectiveness of remote learning to ensure full learning continuity during school closures. “The COVID-19 crisis brought education systems across the world to a halt,” said Jaime Saavedra, World Bank Global Director for Education. “Now, 21 months later, schools remain closed for millions of children, and others may never return to school. The loss of learning that many children are experiencing is morally unacceptable. And the potential

increase of learning poverty might have a devastating impact on future productivity, earnings, and wellbeing for this generation of children and youth, their families, and the world’s economies.” Simulations estimating that school closures resulted in significant learning losses are now being corroborated by real data,

the release noted. For example, regional evidence from Brazil, Pakistan, rural India, South Africa, and Mexico, among others, show substantial losses in mathematics and reading. Analysis shows that, in some countries, on average, learning losses were roughly proportional to the length of the closures. However, there was great heterogeneity across countries and by subject, students’ socioeconomic status, gender, and grade level. For example, results from two states in Mexico showed significant learning losses in reading and in mathematics for students aged 10-15. The estimated learning losses were greater in mathematics than reading, and affected younger learners, students from lowincome backgrounds, as well as girls disproportionately. Barring a few exceptions, the general trends from emerging evidence around the world align with the findings from Mexico, suggesting that the crisis has exacerbated inequities in education. LESS LIKELY Notably, children from low-income households, children with disabilities, and girls were less likely to access remote learning than their peers. This was often due to lack of accessible technologies and the availability of electricity, connectivity, and devices, as well as discrimination and gender norms; younger students had less access to remote learning and were more affected by learning loss than older students, especially among pre-school age children in pivotal learning and development stages; the detrimental impact on learning has disproportionately affected the most marginalised or vulnerable. Learning losses were greater for students of lower socioeconomic status in countries like Ghana, Mexico, and Pakistan; and initial evidence points to larger losses among girls, as they are quickly losing the

protection that schools and learning offer to their wellbeing and life chances. “The COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools across the world, disrupting education for 1.6 billion students at its peak, and exacerbated the gender divide. In some countries, we’re seeing greater learning losses among girls and an increase in their risk of facing child labour, gender-based violence, early marriage, and pregnancy. To stem the scars on this generation, we must reopen schools and keep them open, target outreach to return learners to school, and accelerate learning recovery,” said UNICEF Director of Education, Robert Jenkins. The report highlights that, to date, less than three per cent of governments’ stimulus packages have been allocated to education. Much more funding will be needed for immediate learning recovery. The report also noted that while nearly every country in the world offered remote learning opportunities for students, the quality and reach of such initiatives differed – in most cases, they offered, at best, a rather partial substitute for in-person instruction. More than 200 million learners live in low- and lower middleincome countries that were unprepared to deploy remote learning during emergency school closures. URGENT PRIORITY GLOBALLY Reopening schools must remain a top and urgent priority globally to stem and reverse learning losses. Countries should put in place Learning Recovery Programmes with the objective of assuring that students of this generation attain at least the same competencies of the previous generation. Programmes must cover three key lines of action to recover learning: 1) consolidating the curriculum; 2) extending instructional time; and 3) improving the efficiency of learning.

In terms of improving the efficiency of learning, techniques like targeted instruction can help learning recovery, which means that teachers align instruction to the learning level of students, rather than an assumed starting point or curricular expectation. Targeted instruction will require addressing the learning data crisis by assessing students’ learning levels. It also necessitates additional support to teachers so that they are wellequipped to teach to the level of where children are, which is crucial to prevent losses from accumulating once children are back in school. “We are committed to supporting governments more generally with their COVID response through the Mission Recovery plan launched earlier this year,” emphasised Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education. “With government leadership and support from the international community, there is a great deal that can be done to make systems more equitable, efficient, and resilient, capitalising on lessons learned throughout the pandemic and on increasing investments. But to do that, we must make children and youth a real priority amidst all the other demands of the pandemic response. Their future – and our collective future – depends on it.” To build more resilient education systems for the long-term, countries, the bank said should consider: investing in the enabling environment to unlock the potential of digital learning opportunities for all students; reinforcing the role of parents, families, and communities in children’s learning; ensuring teachers have support and access to high-quality professional development opportunities; and increasing the share of education in the national budget allocation of stimulus packages.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Neesa Gopaul’s mother moves to CCJ

Bibi Shareema Gopaul

BIBI Shareema Gopaul, who is currently serving a 45-year jail sentence for the 2010 murder of her 16-year-old daughter, has now moved to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to appeal her conviction and sentence. In 2015, Gopaul and her ex-lover Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small, were found guilty of murdering Neesa Gopaul, by a jury at the Georgetown High Court. They were later sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 106 years and 96 years, respectively. The pair subsequently filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging their conviction and sentence but were only successful in getting their respective sentences reduced.

The appeal was filed by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes and Associates on behalf of Small, while Gopaul was represented by attorney-at-Law Arud Gossai. The attorneys had asked the court to reverse and/or set aside the convictions. They also argued that the sentences were too severe, given the circumstances of the case. The attorneys also argued that the trial was unfair, and that the judge erred in law. However, in September 2021, the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction, but commuted the duo’s initial 202-year sentence to 45 years. Dissatisfied, Gopaul has now moved to the CCJ seeking to overturn the Court of

Appeal’s decision. Recently, the CCJ granted Gopaul’s attorney special leave to file the application. Prior to the murder, Small and Bibi were in a relationship, and, at one time, Small had even lived with Gopaul at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, along with her two daughters, the eldest being Neesa. Neesa’s body was found submerged in a suitcase in the Madewini Creek in the vicinity of the Emerald

Towers Resort on October 2, 2010, at about 14:00hrs, and at the time was believed to be headless. A post mortem examination later revealed that the body was not headless but was, instead, clobbered beyond recognition. Dumbbells similar to those found in a gym owned by Small were found tied to the suitcase in which the body was found. In addition to the body, a passport bearing the

DEAD: Neesa Gopaul name Neesa Lalita Gopaul was also found. The teenager was reported missing just days before the gruesome discovery was made. Subsequent to the discovery of the body, Bibi and Small were arrested and were later charged for the crime.

Judge to sum up evidence in Agricola murder trial today TODAY, December 8, 2021, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow is expected to sum up the evidence in the murder trial of Sylvester Vanderhyden who is accused of fatally shooting Melissa Payne during an armed robbery at Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara, in 2008. Vanderhyden, of Block ‘A’ Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, has denied that, he, on November 5, 2008, at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, murdered Payne during the course or furtherance of a robbery. He is represented by attorney-at-law George Thomas while prosecutor Lisa Cave is on record for the State. Both parties gave their closing statements, following which, the judge adjourned the case until today, for her summation. Following the summing up at the Demerara High Court, the judge will hand over the case to the 12-mem-

Sylvester Vanderhyden ber jury who will retire to consider the verdict. According to reports, on the day in question, at about 08:30 hrs, Payne, along with her reputed husband, Devon Thomas, were in a canter truck heading to Georgetown to conduct business. As the couple approached Agricola, the truck encountered mechanical problems.

Fraser came out and tried to fix the truck, while Payne stood and watched him. A few moments later, one of the two bandits came up to them with a gun and demanded their money. The armed man snatched Fraser’s gold chain and attempted to pull away Payne’s handbag. Payne resisted and was fatally shot in her chest. The men then escaped with some $110,000 in cash that was in the woman’s bag, along with her jewellery. In November 2017, Jermaine Savory, formerly of Second Street, Agricola, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a High Court judge after he was found guilty of killing Payne. Savory had confessed to investigators that he had participated in the robbery but was not the trigger man. In 2016, after being on the run from the police, Vanderhyden was finally arrested and charged for the offence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

NY Guyanese hold remembrance ceremony for Hari Om Sharan By Vishnu Bisram

THE Guyanesebased Surya Narayan Mandir, 173rd Street off Jamaica Ave., Queens, hosted a remembrance ceremony for the late Hari Om Sharan, on Sunday December 5. Sharan, a Hindu religious devotional singing icon, passed away in De-

cember 2007 in New York. Hari Om was described as the world’s greatest bhajan singer. He was well known as “Dadaji” and was very close to the Surya Narayan Mandir Guyanese family. Sharan was born on September 26, 1932 in Lahore in the state of Punjab, British India that would later become part of Pakistan. He

and his family moved to India after partition in 1947. He attained fame singing bhajans that were very popular in the diaspora. The Hindu or Indian population in Guyana was often awakened by his songs early morning on radio stations. He travelled to Guyana and other parts of the region performing at religious concerts. His

Scene from the remembrance ceremony for the late Hari Om Sharan held last Sunday

singing is legendary globally. In Guyana, he met and fell in love with a beautiful singing nightingale Nandini. They got married and she became a backup singer to him. They were involved in countless albums. They went on concert tours in the Indian diaspora. He died 2007 at Jamaica hospital in New York and was also cremated there. He and Nandini (commonly known as Didi-ji) were very closely affiliated with Shri Surya Narayan Mandir where nightly wake was held for him. Hari Om had a magnificent evergreen golden voice and could have become a

leading singer for the Bollywood film industry that could have earned him unlimited wealth and become a household name. But he did not seek fortune. Instead, he pursued God, dedicating his life to devotional singing in praise to the lord, particularly Ram, Sita, and Hanuman. All of the leading singers in the Bollywood movie industry paid tribute to him for his total dedication to devotional singing. At Surya Narayan Mandir, glowing tributes were paid to him by Guruji Pandit Ram Hardowar and all the pandits in attendance. Bahen Radha Hardowar

also recalled her experience in the final days of Hari Om preparing snacks for him and for Didi-ji. Also joining in the tribute were Bhai Lutchman Budhai, Nazir Subrattee, Anoop Dhanpat and several Trinidadians. Verses of several of his bhajans were sung. Many recalled their fond memories and experiences with him. As the tributes were said or sung, Didi-ji participated live via a video link from her home in Mumbai. She also sang verses of his bhajans and also sang along with others who sang his bhajans in tribute.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

UG honours 59 long-serving employees

THE University of Guyana has recognised and honoured 59 employees for their dedicated and selfless service to the institution, and, by extension the country, for as many as 40 years. While the disruptions in 2020 saw a postponement of the 2020 LongService Ceremony, this year, the institution was determined to honour both the 2020 and 2021 longest-serving staff members from its campuses. The event was held for a limited number of awar-

dees only at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen Campus, while their families, friends, colleagues, and other UG staff viewed it online. Awards were given for 40, 35, 30, 25, and 20 years respectively with monetary gifts, certificates, and plaques in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the development of the institution, under the theme, ‘Perseverance’, a release from the university said. Vice-Chancellor, XI, Professor Paloma Mo-

UG Vice-Chancellor, XI, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin (second left) with the Long Service Awardees for the period 2020 and 2021 hamed Martin, in her re- tion to the awardees for offered to the university timents. He expressed marks, congratulated and their tenacity, dedicaover the years. She also that the university was expressed deep appreciation, and selfless service acknowledged the support very fortunate to have and understanding of the such dedicated employees families of the awardees. who worked very hard to “We love you, we ap- ensure that students who preciate you, and there is entered the halls of the no way you have stayed institution were supported for 40, 35, 30, 25, or 20 in every way possible to years because of the mon- be successful in their acaey or any fancy office, but demic endeavours. because you are special. Citations detailing the And every time we see a progression of the emUG graduate, we know ployees over the years you had a part to play in were read by Dean of that; you are the bedrock the Faculty of Educaof this institution,” the tion and Humanities, Vice-Chancellor told the Dr. Roslin Khan; Public awardees. Relations Officer, Krest She acknowledged Cummings; UG’s former that her administration Public Relations Officer, is serious and working Paulette Paul; and Senior diligently in achieving Lecturer, Al Creighton. student and staff success, The evening saw musical which she noted is an renditions by Ras Kamo integral part of the uni- Williams, Ezzie Crandon, versity’s Blueprint 2040 Kwesi Cox, and Omiah Goals. Hall. In his feature address, Delivering responses Deputy Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the awarof UG, Professor Ema- dees were Calvin Bernuel Cummings, who was nard (2020) and Arlene also awarded for serv- McLean (2021) who reing the institution for 30 flected on both the chalyears, acknowledged the lenges and successes they significant contributions experienced in serving the made by each awardee university over the years. and noted that it was the They both acknowledged first time the university that serving the univerwas awarding 59 of its sity over the years was a employees at once, the fulfilling and rewarding release noted. experience which they “We have stayed for would always cherish and 40, 35, 30, 25, and 20 that they were happy to years so as to continue be still on staff to be part producing skills for the of the positive significant development of Guyana. changes being made in While others sought more this particular period of favourable opportunities, UG’s history. we have continued to perGiven that the event severe over the years,” was being held on InProfessor Cummings ac- ternational Men’s Day, knowledged. each man present reChairperson of the ceived a special gift and ceremony, University a celebratory chorus of Guyana’s Registrar, sung by all those preDr. Nigel Gravesande, sent, the release conalso echoed similar sen- cluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 8, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 8, 2021

New management for Guyana Amazon Jaguars THE Guyana Amazon Jaguars will have new management set-up for the upcoming Regional Four-Day season in February 2022. Apart from the change in backroom staff from Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Ryan Hercules will join as assistant coach/manager while the experienced and successful Esaun Crandon will continue as head coach. GCB recently held a press conference where the appointment of the duo was announced and they will

soon get down to work, given the impending tournament. Crandon, who assumed West Indies assistant coach duties in 2019, is Level III-accredited and won five of six Four-Day titles since the inception of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) in 2014. Hercules, on the other hand, is a former national cricketer from Essequibo, who is currently pursuing his Level III accreditation with Cricket West Indies (CWI). He has coached numerous county teams in the past and

the senior female national team and has worked during the preparation camp of the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The 34-year-old Hercules officially replaces current West Indies assistant coach Rayon Griffith in the Jaguars set-up. In Griffith’s absence, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Julian Moore would act in the capacity but Chanderpaul is now part of the West Indies Under-19 team coaching group while Moore, a Level III coach, will be head coach of the senior female team. GCB vice-president Hil-

bert Foster, who chaired the committee which interviewed persons for the coaching posts, indicated that eight persons had applied for the positions of head coach and assistant coach. Those assisting Foster were Chief Executive Officer Claude Raphael, Secretary Ronald Williams and Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart. On August 26, 2021, GCB had posted a job application for the positions on its official Facebook page.

Queen’s College and St Stanislaus benefitting from introductory... (From back page) successful ‘Introduction to Chess’ programme at School of the Nations. The programme, which is in its third term, has introduced some 150 students to the game. According to information from the vice-president of the federation, Anand

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Raghunauth, Bishops’ High School yesterday confirmed its participation and will be the next school to benefit from the introductory programme. Additionally, over 100 students from various schools have been successfully guided through the be-

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ginners’ level after they were selected to take part in GCF Sunday afternoon classes. The release added that the federation is now enrolling for January and February classes which will span six weeks. “Despite the pandemic, the growth of chess in

the seven to 12 age group has been significant and the GCF remains committed to investing in the development of youths in the sport. The Guyana Chess Federation can be followed on Facebook and on their webpage www. guyanachess.org.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 8, 2021

Follow-on looms for Bangladesh after Sajid Khan's six-for … hosts will fight to survive after another batting collapse SAJID Khan's maiden six-wicket haul left Bangladesh in danger of being made to follow-on with one day of the Dhaka Test to go. It remains to be seen if the weather will halt Pakistan's push for full WTC points, though. Yesterday, play was called off at 16:30hrs, an hour before the scheduled close. Conditions remained murky all day. Yet, it was better than on the three previous days when heavy rain allowed just 63.2 overs to be bowled in the Test. Pakistan got busy as

soon as play commenced at 10:50hrs. They first declared on 300 for four, with half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam. Then, despite being hamstrung by the umpires' diktat that play wouldn't continue if they operate with fast bowlers, Pakistan made inroads with spin. Debutant Mahmudul Hasan Joy tried to charge off-spinner Sajid, only managing to edge to slip. Then, Hasan Ali made his presence felt at point, first with a simple catch to dis-

miss Shadman Islam before running-out Mominul Haque with a direct hit. Mushfiqur Rahim was the next to go, one ball after surviving a close lbw call, as he tried to swing Sajid across the line with Fawad taking the catch at short midwicket. Then, Liton Das, sent ahead of Shakib Al Hasan, tried to attack Sajid but only hit one back to the bowler as Bangladesh slipped to 46 for 5. Sajid then completed his five-for when he trapped Najmul Hossain

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings

BANGLADESH 1st innings

Abid Ali b Taijul Islam 39 Abdullah Shafique b Taijul Islam 25 Azhar Ali c Liton Das b Ebadot Hossain 56 Babar Azam lbw Khaled Ahmed 76 Fawad Alam not out 50 Mohammad Rizwan not out 53 Extras: (lb-1) 1 Total: (four wkts decl., 98.3 overs) 300

Shadman Islam c Hassan Ali b Sajid Khan 3 Mahmudul Hasan Joy c Babar Azam b Sajid Khan 0 Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw Sajid Khan 30 Mominul Haque run-out Hassan Ali 1 Mushfiqur Rahim c Fawad Alam b Sajid Khan 5 Liton Das c & b Sajid Khan 6 Shakib Al Hasan not out 23 Mehidy Hasan b Sajid Khan 0 Taijul Islam not out 0 Extras: (b-5, lb-2, nb-1) 8 Total: (seven wkts, 26.0 overs) 76

Fall of wicket: 1-59, 2-70, 3-193, 4-197. Bowling: Ebadot Hossain 23-3-88-1, Khaled Ahmed 17.3-5-49-1, Shakib Al Hasan 19-7-52-0, Taijul Islam 25-6-73-2, Mehidy Hasan 14-2-37- 0.

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-20, 3-22, 4-31, 5-46, 6-65, 7-71. Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 1-1-0-0, Nauman Ali 12-2-33-0 (nb-1), Sajid Khan 12-3-35-6.

More success for Mexico, Cuba as athletics action concludes at Junior Pan Am Games MEXICO and Cuba both enjoyed additional success as athletics action came to a close at the Junior Pan Am Junior in Cali, Colombia on Saturday. Mexico won medals in the first two events on the day when Guillermo Ornelas took bronze in the Men’s 110m Hurdles in 14.05 and Cesar Ponce claimed a silver medal in the 3000m Steeplechase in 8:56.65. Their compatriot, Israel Alvarez, finished fourth in the 800m in 1:50.43 ahead of Dominica's Dennick Luke, who was fifth in 1:50.79. The Cubans then got in on the act in the discus

where Mario Torres finished second with a throw of 60.77m and Anyel Sampre took the bronze medal with 57.03m. Another Caribbean competitor, Jorge Nazario of Puerto Rico, was sixth in 50.72. Mexico’s Luis Peralta was sixth in the Men’s Pole Vault with 4.80 metres. Cuba then got their first gold medal of the day with Andy Salazar jumping 16.77 metres to win the triple jump. Taeco O’Garro of Antigua finished sixth with 15.60 metres. There were only two individual female events on

the day. Arian Hernandez of Mexico finished fourth in the 3000m Steeplechase in 10:57.62. Yaritza Valera then won Cuba’s second gold medal on the day with a 67.47 metres effort to win the Women’s Hammer Throw. Her teammate Liz Llorente was fourth with 64.34 metres. In the final athletics event of the Games, the Dominican Republic secured a bronze medal in the Mixed 4x400m Relay in 3:28.28 while Mexico finished fourth in 3:29.52. (Sportsmax)

Sajid Khan struck two blows at the start of the Bangladesh innings (AFP/Getty Images)

Shanto for 30. Shanto couldn't capitalise on his reprieves, first being dropped on 13 and later when he was caught behind off a Nauman Ali no-ball. Shakib tried to bristle his way for runs, but Ban-

gladesh kept losing wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz became Sajid's sixth victim. Shakib and Taijul Islam then survived 5.2 overs before play was called off. Pakistan had earlier declared their first innings

on 300 immediately after Fawad reached his second Test half-century. Rizwan made an unbeaten 53 off 94 balls, with the pair's unbroken fifth-wicket stand worth 103. Rizwan endured slices of luck; he was dropped on 30 apart from surviving two lbw calls from the on-field umpires, both reversed through DRS. Bangladesh had started well with pacers Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed bowling well in tandem, with the wickets of Azhar Ali and Babar Azam respectively. It was Khaled's first Test wicket, having bowled 69.4 overs over three Tests since his debut in November 2018.

Olivier returns as South Africa announce squad for India series DUANNE Olivier, who last played a Test for South Africa in 2019, has been named in South Africa's 21-member side for the three-match series against India. Glenton Stuurman and Prenelan Subrayen, too, got the nod, while Ryan Rickelton and Sisanda Magala earned maiden Test call-ups. After being rested for the ODI series against the Netherlands, Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje are back in the squad for the all-important series as South Africa aim to make a positive start to their ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 journey. Olivier, who has played ten Tests since his debut in 2017, returned to South Africa earlier this year after a stint as a Kolpak player and has been in red-hot form this season. In the four firstclass matches in four-day Franchise series, the pacer has bagged 28 wickets at an average of 11.14 with 9 for 95 being his best in a game. 'Keeper-batter Rickelton has scored two centuries 117 against Boland and 159 against North West - to make his case while Stuurman impressed against India with seven wickets in the second unofficial Test. Erwee struck 163 for Dolphins against Titans while pacer Magala had bagged 15 wickets in three first-class matches before making his ODI debut against the Netherlands. Lungi Ngidi will make a return to the side after recovering from COVID-19 as the selectors have given the think-tank plenty of pace options to work with. Dean Elgar will lead the

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 8, 2021

Olympic champ Thompson-Herah among nominees for BBC’s World Sports Star award JAMAICA’S Elaine Thompson-Herah has been named among the nominees for BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s World Sports Star award. This follows her being named Female Athlete of the Year by World Athletics at their virtual award show held on December 1. The triple gold medallist from the Tokyo Olympics this year has been nominated alongside Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Rachael Blackmore, Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic and Max Verstappen. Thompson-Herah will face stiff competition from her fellow nominees as Alvarez became the first undisputed super-middleweight champion in boxing history with an 11th round finish against Caleb Plant last

Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah

month. Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National back in April. Tom Brady led the Buccaneers to their first Super-

bowl in franchise history and his seventh overall, having won six previously as a member of the New England Patriots. Novak Djokovic won three Grand Slam titles this year at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon to take his overall tally to 20, joining rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the top of the all-time leaderboard. Verstappen is in a fight for his first F1 title and has won nine races so far this season. Voting is now open for the award on the BBC’s website and closes on December 14, with the winner being unveiled at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Ceremony on December 19th. (Sportsmax)

Curry helps Golden State Warriors beat Orlando Magic Duanne Olivier leads the first-class wickets chart this season with 28 strikes at 11.14, including two five-wicket hauls (Getty Imagees)

side while Temba Bavuma will be his deputy with the series set to kick off on December 26. "We, as the Selectors, are excited for the return of Test cricket. This format is very important to CSA and keeping it relevant and alive is one of the organisation's priorities," Victor Mpitsang, the Convenor of Selectors, said. "We are really looking forward to the return of Dean Elgar and his men; it's been a long few months since the last time we saw them dominate in the West Indies. We are confident in the team that we have selected and believe fully in backing the talent that we have unearthed and cultivated over the last couple of seasons and giving players the backing that they deserve when they have continuously done well over a significant period of time. "This Test series is also important in terms of get-

ting some points in the Test Championship table and we are confident that this group will pick up from where they left off and give us a good show on home soil." The first Test will be played in Centurion while the next two matches will be played in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The series will be followed by three ODI from January 19. Squad: Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Kagiso Rabada, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman, Prenelan Subrayen, Sisanda Magala, Ryan Rickelton, Duanne Olivier. (Cricbuzz)

STEPHEN Curry scored a game-high 31 points as Golden State Warriors bounced back from defeat by San Antonio Spurs on Saturday by thrashing Orlando Magic 126-95. Curry, who leads the league in three-pointers, landed seven of 13 attempts from outside the area. Warriors lead the Western Conference with 20 wins from 24 games. Elsewhere, Joel Embiid hit 43 points in Philadelphia 76ers' overtime win away to Charlotte Hornets. The 27-year-old also grabbed 15 rebounds in their 127-124 success, which was only assured when Hornets' Kelly Oubre Jr, who finished with 35 points, missed a three-point shot with five seconds remaining. Charlotte were missing LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels and Ish Smith because of coronavirus protocols. Paul George top-scored for Los Angeles Clippers with 21 points, in their 10290 win over Portland Trail Blazers. Jusuf Nurkic's season-high 31 points was in vain for the Trail Blazers, who were missing Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Stephen Curry has hit 126 three-point attempts this season, while his nearest challenger, Sacramento Kings' Buddy Hield, is on 87

celebrated his 27th birthday by scoring 15 points in the final quarter as his Milwaukee Bucks side won their 10th game in 11 by beating Cleveland Cavaliers 112-104. Domantas Sabonis was the star with 30 points as Indiana Pacers broke a fourgame losing streak with a 116-110 win over Washington Wizards. Oklahoma Thunder, who were on the wrong end of an NBA record 73-point losing margin against Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, recovered to beat Houston Pistons 114-103 as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored

30 points. Grizzlies racked up a fifth successive win with a 105-90 victory over Miami Heat, despite the continued absence of injured star guard Ja Morant. Zach LaVine stepped up in the absence of DeMar DeRozan to hit 32 points in the Chicago Bulls’ win - 10997 - at home against Denver Nuggets. Chris Paul scored 21 points, including a crucial three-point play with 17 seconds left, as Phoenix Suns sneaked a 108-104 win over San Antonio Spurs. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 8, 2021

Ashes Test stats preview:

Players records and approaching milestones SO after two years and over two months, the biggest and the greatest rivalry of Test cricket, The Ashes is back. Two of the fiercest rivals, Australia and England will face each other this time in the series down under. After all the drama of the 2019 series, when Ben Stokes became the superstar to win the Headingley Test, when David Warner became Stuart Broad’s bunny, the first match of this series takes place on December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane where the England side haven’t been able to win since the year 1986. Notably, the British side has lost nine of their last ten Tests on Australian soil. They managed to draw one match in the last series back in 2017/18. Australia, who haven’t played a Test since their defeat against India in January this year, will be having a new captain in Pat Cummins after Tim Paine decided to step down from the leadership role due to a ‘sexting’ scandal. England too played their last series against India in August-September where the last game was called off with India leading the series 2-1. England, who last won a series in Australia back in 2010/11, would like to end that drought as Joe Root and his men will be looking to dominate the Kangaroos the same way like they do in their home conditions. On the other hand, Australia will begin a new era in Test cricket with Pat Cummins donning the captaincy hat. The pacer would hope to start his new role with a bang in the massive series.

Pat Cummins Australia (at left) and Joe Root England)

Meanwhile, here are the important stats and numbers ahead of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England: Head-to-head: The two rivals have played each other 335 times in Test history. Australia has the edge over England as they have beaten them 136 times while England has won 108 times. 91 clashes between the two teams have been drawn. Both have played 167 Tests down under, with the hosts managing to win 86 times and losing 56. 25 encounters ended up in a draw. At the Gabba, England last won a Test 35 years back with Aussies winning 12 out of total 21 games played at Brisbane. 1 – Nathan Lyon (399) needs one wicket to become the third Australian bowler to reach 400 Test wickets. Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563) are the other two holding the feat. 1 – Stuart Broad (149) needs one match to complete 150 Tests. 1 – Stuart Broad (49) needs one grab to reach 50 catches in Tests.

35 – Ollie Pope (965) requires 35 runs to reach 1000 runs in Tests. 56 – Ben Stokes (7944) needs 56 runs to complete 8000 runs across formats. 72 – Marcus Harris (428) needs 72 runs to reach 500 runs in Tests. 115 – Marnus Labuschagne (1885) requires 115 runs to complete 2000 in Tests. 6 – Stuart Broad (118) needs six wickets to surpass Bob Willis (123) and become second highest wicket-taker for England in The Ashes. 79 – Ben Stokes (921) requires 79 runs to complete 1000 runs in The Ashes 45 – Joe Root (1455) needs 45 runs to reach 1500 runs in Tests in 2021. He’ll become the first player to do so. 1 – Joe Root (7) equaled with Dimuth Karunaratne (7) needs one 50 plus score to become batter with most 50 plus scores this year. 26 – Joe Root (1455) requires 26 runs to become the England batter with most runs in a calendar year. Michael Vaughan scored 1481 runs in the year 2002. (CricTracker)

Yorkshire appoint former captain Darren Gough as managing director of cricket YORKSHIRE have appointed former captain Darren Gough as their new managing director of cricket on an interim basis until the end of the 2022 season. Ex-England bowler Gough, 51, had two spells as a player at Headingley before retiring from cricket and starting a career in broadcasting. Former director of cricket Martyn Moxon, first-team coach Andrew Gale and all members of the coaching staff were among 16 people who left the club last week amid the racism scandal involving former player Azeem Rafiq.` Gale has said he is considering legal action but Yorkshire are moving ahead towards a new era regardless, persuading Gough to trade a lucrative and successful broadcasting career for a major rebuilding job at Headingley. Gough has been out of the game since his retirement in 2008 but took a shortterm mentoring role with England's seamers on tour in New Zealand two years ago and was enthused by the experience. "Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) has been part of my life since my earliest days in cricket when I made my debut in 1989, and I spent 15 happy years at the club," Gough said. "Like many, I have followed how the club handled the recent racism allegations with sadness and anger. "I want to play my part in rebuilding cricket in Yorkshire and I am looking forward to working with the exceptionally talented group of players here. I am also aware of my wider responsibility to listen to everyone and ensure

Darren Gough had two spells at Yorkshire as a player

that every person who is associated with this club feels welcome, instilling values we want associated with the White Rose: honesty, straight talking, hard work, integrity and excellence. "I share (Chair) Lord Patel's vision for YCCC and the collective determination to face the issues head-on with a series of positive actions. Change will not happen overnight, but I am certain that we can make Headingley roar again". Gough is highly regarded by whistleblower Rafiq and was among the first to make contact when his allegations of discrimination at the club became public. England Test skipper Joe Root, a lifelong Yorkshire player, has also backed Gough as the perfect man to help the White Rose bounce back from a torrid chapter in its history. Speaking from Brisbane ahead of the first Ashes Test, he said: "I've obviously spent time with Darren and he's a good man. "I'm sure he'll be looking to put his stamp on things at the club. "From my experience of spending time with Goughy he is obviously very passionate and knowledgeable about the game. His love for it is clear for anyone to see and

for the club as well "I'm sure he will be wanting to bring all of that to the fore and all of his experiences and achievements within the game and pass that knowledge onto the group, if it is that he is about to take over." Former West Indies fast bowler and Sky Sports commentator Michael Holding whose book 'Why We Kneel, How We Rise' has just won the prestigious William Hill Sports Book-of-the-Year award - feels it would be wrong to treat any of the former Yorkshire staff as 'pariahs'. "I don't know what the people who have left Yorkshire have done or said. But 16 people, that seems huge to me," said the 67-year-old. "Sometimes you have to totally destroy a building and rebuild it. And perhaps that's what needs to happen now. "I get the impression the entire racism debate is heading towards being a little bit toxic. We don't need the toxicity. "We don't need people to be pariahs, we need a coming together. Action must be taken, but it should be taken against people who have perpetuated this over a long period of time. (Sky Sports)

Seales stars for Kings in winning outing COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – Gifted West Indies quick Jayden Seales snatched a two-wicket haul to help fire Jaffna Kings to their first win of the Lanka Premier League here Tuesday. The 20-year-old followed up on his three wickets in Sunday’s open-

er which came in a losing effort, to claim two for 23 as Kings rebounded to beat Dambulla Giants by eight wickets at R Premadasa Stadium. Opting to bat first, Giants were bundled out for 110 with three balls left in the innings, Nuwanidu Fernando top-scoring with 23

from 25 balls to be the only batsman to pass 20. Leg-spinner Hasaranga de Silva (3-16) and 21-yearold off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana (3-22) both ended with three wickets apiece while veteran Test pacer Suranga Lakmal took two for 28. Seales’s first two-over

spell cost just six runs but was roughed up on return for his second spell, his third over – the 18th of the innings – leaking 18 runs. Englishman Tom Kohler-Cadmore then stroked an unbeaten 45 off 30 balls as Kings marched to their target in the 13th over. They lost Rahmanul-

lah Gurbaz cheaply for three in the third over with 13 runs on the board but Kohler-Cadmore put on 63 for the second wicket with Avishka Fernando (33) and a further 38 in an unbroken third wicket stand with Shoaib Malik who struck a 10-ball unbeaten 26 with three sixes.

In the other game of the double-header, neither Jamaican Kennar Lewis (0) nor fellow countryman and West Indies batsman Rovman Powell (1) made any impact as their Kandy Warriors failed to defend their 143 for six and went down by four wickets to Galle Gladiators.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 8, 2021

Serious flaw in West Indies’ batting By Bryan Davis (former West Indies Test batter) FIRST, it was the T20 World Cup, then before we cricket fans of the Caribbean could recover from being thoroughly crushed as defending champions, the Test cricketers succumbed meekly to the Sri Lankans at Galle. In the second of a twoTest series, the Caribbean team collapsed to 132 in their second innings to lose by 164 runs. Hence, WI bowed to their hosts in both matches by appreciable margins, leaving little doubt as to who were the stronger team. Although the selectors were to be blamed for the T20 downfall, the players themselves have no excuses for losing the series. Their shortcomings as far as batting technique is concerned have to be blamed on themselves to a great extent, and the coach. The coach is there to guide the player, but it is up to the cricketer himself to know enough about his discipline and temperament to passionately want to do so well as to win matches. Regardless of whether batter or bowler, technique is of vital

importance and a winning disposition is a must. I repeat constantly: WI cricketers do not practise enough. I’ve followed interviews with top sportsmen and coaches in the past and I gather from everyone regardless of the kind of sport, just how seriously and regularly they practise their art. I applaud and praise them, but don’t know the many hours they spent perfecting the art. That is where discipline is learnt. I read about Manchester United footballer David Beckham in Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography, Managing My Life. This is what he had to say: “David Beckham is Britain’s finest striker of a football not because of God-given talent but because he practises with a relentless application that the vast majority of less gifted players wouldn’t contemplate. Practice may not make you perfect but it will definitely make you better and any player working with me on the training ground will hear me preach the virtues of repetition – repeatedly.” Sir Alex is one of the most successful sports coaches ever. He goes on to say: “Good coaching relies on repetition. Forget all that nonsense about altering training

West Indies batsman Shai Hope plays a shot during the fifth day of the second Test (Friday) against Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka

programmes to keep players happy.” Andre Agassi, the former tennis champion from the US, was on vacation from playing continuously in world tournaments. A TV interviewer caught up with him. He was on the tennis court, so he was asked why he was there as he was on holiday. He answered, “I practise eight hours a day, as the vacation gives me that extra time to practise.” Kraigg Brathwaite says: “We will take a few days off”

– from what? The best golfers, basketballers – you name it, they practise religiously to be the best they could be. Present batsmen like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Joe Root, all subscribe to rigorous work in the nets. I’ve seen present WI teams practise and there’s no intensity, no long hours. Batters must love to bat, like Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul did – those who will make their way to the

nets on their own without having to wait on a coach, then practise passionately for hours. They are always the successful ones. People see them perform, applaud and praise them, but don’t know the many hours they spent perfecting the art. That is where discipline is learnt. Because of the shortage of the type of practice needed, WI batsmen are not performing. Whether wickets are turning, seaming, bouncing or keeping low, once proper

practice habits are in place, the batter will prosper. This, of course, is accepting the fact that talent is a given. It was a shame to witness the Caribbean batters’ deficiency in playing spin bowling on slow turners in the two Tests. Basic flaws were glaring. Only Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva and Brathwaite showed the right technique required, plus the determination to survive. I’m left to wonder exactly what coach Phil Simmons’ attitude is to his batters. They do not seem to have a clue, particularly Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers - the main offenders. They are all experienced batters in Test cricket, yet haven’t the technical wherewithal to play on pitches that are assisting spin-bowling. Some of them seemed mentally unable to adjust from what they expected, and were defeated in the pavilion before the games began. All cricketers, batters especially, need regular and lengthy hours in the nets, not in the middle, in the nets, practising the art of batting with a coach pointing out their flaws; and practising until the correct technique becomes a habit. And that’s the road to success. (TT Newsday)

Mbappe earns record and Messi score twice in PSG win KYLIAN Mbappe became the youngest player to reach 30 Champions League goals as Paris St-Germain rounded off Group A with a win over Club Bruges.

The hosts were already guaranteed to qualify for the knockout stage in second place, behind Manchester City, while defeat sees Bruges finish bottom. Mbappe all but put the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday December 8, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Nkrumah Bonner-148 runs (2) Dimuth Karunaratne-278 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI took most wickets in the just-concluded Test series against SL? (2) Which SL claimed most wickets in the recent WI/SL Test series? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

game to bed inside seven minutes, scoring twice in quick succession for the home side. Lionel Messi also scored twice either side of a Bruges consolation. Mats Rits beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a slotted finish for the visitors, who created several good chances. Mbappe's first came after 72 seconds, firing into the bottom corner when goalkeeper Simon Mignolet palmed a cross into his path, before the France forward volleyed in from Angel di Maria's clipped pass soon after. That took him to 31 goals in Europe's elite competition, passing the 30-goal landmark at the age of 22 years and 352 days to surpass Messi, who was 23 years and 131 days when he reached that target. Mbappe then set up the

Kylian Mbappe has now scored 31 goals in the Champions League

man whose record he had just broken, though PSG's third was a classic Messi dribble and finish. The 34-year-old scampered to the edge of the Bruges box, shifted the ball on to

his left foot and curled into the corner to score against a 38th different side in the competition, a joint-record alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi grabbed his second after Rits had re-

sponded for the Belgian side, slotting in from the spot after he was fouled for his fifth Champions League goal this season and 125th in total.(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 8, 2021

GBBFF seeks Task Force approval for in-person audience at National Championship … Numerous season campaigners expected to compete THE Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) is hoping to have spectators at its premier event - the National Seniors Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship, which is scheduled for December 19 at the National Cultural Centre. According to information from the federation, it has written the COVID-19 Task Force and is awaiting approval. “We have suggested that the GBBFF implement the same guidelines and protocols that were used for the hosting of the Sports Conference along with making it compulsory that, upon entry, attendees present their vaccination cards evidencing full vaccination against COVID-19.” The event, which crowns the Mr Guyana champion, is a fan favourite. According to information from the federation, permission has already been granted

Defending Mr Physique champion Emmerson Campbell (right) is expected to get strong competition from former champion Yannick Grimes

Rosanna Fung would look to defend her Ms Bikini title

Marlon Bennett won the last Mr Guyana title in 2019

for the use of the National Cultural Centre for the competition. “…On competition day, all athletes, backstage per-

sonnel and the executive of the GBBFF will abide by all COVID-19 protocols as gazetted by the Ministry of Health. While on stage, ath-

letes will be required to stand six feet apart from each other. While backstage, athletes will be required to wear their masks and to maintain the mandatory physical distancing. Judges will be seated six feet from each other and will be required to wear their masks.”

COMPEITIORS Overall, some 30 competitors will battle in the Men’s Physique, Ms Bikini and Mr Guyana (bodybuilding) segments. All the defending champions have already registered for the event, including CAC 2021 Men’s Physique silver medallist Emmerson Campbell, de-

fending Ms Bikini champion Rosanna Fung (CAC 2021 bronze medallist) and defending Mr Guyana, Marlon Bennett. Campbell and Fung have the edge to retain their titles this year, but Bennett would have to go up against a pumped-up Darious Ramsammy, who finished second overall at the Santo Domingo Open in the Dominican Republic in October as well as several improved bodybuilders. Among the other competitors in the three categories who have completed registration are Yannick Grimes, Nicholas Albert, Ashanti Conway, Christina Ramsammy, Gale Karim, Colin Chesney, Ronaldo Caldera, Jonathan Jeffrey, Junio Sinclair, Joel Caldera, Lyndon Kennedy, Brian Singh and Odel Crum-Ewing. The federation noted that the event has attracted financial support from the National Sports Commission, Fitness Express and several other business entities and individuals.

Olympic 100m WBC heavyweight champion Fury to face champion Lamont Dillian Whyte in title defence Jacobs to return to action in February Lamont Marcell Jacobs won 100m and 4x100m gold at the Tokyo Olympics

OLYMPIC 100m champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs will return to competitive action in Berlin in February. The 27-year-old Italian has not raced since the Tokyo Games in August, where he also won 4x100m gold. He has missed five Diamond League events, but competes at the Berlin indoor meet on February 4.

His manager Marcello Magnani previously said injury was not a factor in Jacobs' decision to take a break, but the time off is a preventative measure. Jacobs, who only switched from long jump in 2018, became the first Italian to win the men's 100m Olympic gold with his success in Tokyo. (BBC Sport)

TYSON Fury has been ordered to defend his heavyweight title against British rival Dillian Whyte. The World Boxing Council (WBC) has named Whyte as Fury's mandatory challenger and the two parties

have 30 days to agree a deal. Fury retained his title with an 11th-round stoppage of Deontay Wilder in their third fight on 9 October. Fury-Whyte is likely to take place in February or March next year, with Car-

diff or Manchester potential venues. After beating Wilder in Las Vegas, Fury had a 30-day window to set up an clash for the undisputed title with Oleksandr Usyk, who beat Anthony Joshua in Septem-

Tyson Fury knocked out Deontay Wilder last month to retain his world title.

ber to take the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts. However, Joshua triggered a rematch clause with the Ukrainian, leading to Whyte being called as Fury's mandatory challenger. (BBC Sport)

Head coach Esaun Crandon

Assistant coach/manager Ryan Hercules

New management for Guyana Amazon Jaguars

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The late ‘King Frank-I’ was a respected cricket historian and broadcaster

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) paid tribute to Franklyn Francis, who passed away on Monday. Known as ‘King Frank-I’ he was a respected cricket historian, broadcaster, journalist and social activist in Antigua and Barbuda. He was revered for his immense knowledge of the game, his insightful and informative commentary and analysis of local, regional and international matches for over four decades. Enoch Lewis, President of LICB and Director of

CWI, LICB pay tribute to King Frank-I, cricket historian and commentator CWI, paid tribute. “I want to offer condolences on behalf of LICB, as well as the President, Board of Directors and staff of CWI to his family, friends and loved ones, as well as the community in Antigua and Barbuda. Today, cricket in the West Indies is poorer for the passing of King Frank-I, a man who had energy, passion and fire for West Indies cricket, who lived and breathed the game and offered support at all levels,” said Lewis. “When international cricket first came to the Antigua Recreation

Ground, King Frank-I was among the first to witness the matches and chronicled the country’s rise to prominence on the cricketing landscape. He was part of the fabric of the game and was on the pulse with his fair and fearless commentary and analysis. Outside of cricket he also made a significant contribution to the society and the development of the nation. As we say farewell to this kind-hearted soul, I’m sure he would leave us with his signature line: ‘Jah guide, keep fit … and be a good sport’. (CWI)

The Guyana Chess Federation is looking to build the sport from the school level

Queen’s College and St Stanislaus benefitting from introductory Chess-in-Schools programme APPROXIMATELY 200 students from Queen’s College and St Stanislaus College are benefitting from the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) Chessin-Schools programme. The initial phase of the online programme will introduce students and teachers of Grades 8 and 9 to the board game. According to a release

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

from the GCF, participants will benefit from 10 hours of training over four days (December 6-9), as they are taught the basics of the game. “This introductory course was established by the GCF in close collaboration with Queen’s College Chess coordinator, Dianne Henry, and St Stanislaus College Games Master, Rob-

ert Fernandes, as well as the respective school administrations.” The programme is being supervised and conducted by the GCF ‘Chess in Schools’ team. The federation, at its AGM in early November, said that it intends to spread the game at the junior level. It has already run off a TURN TO PAGE 30 ► WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021