goes back to 6pm to 6am PAGE

Avoid overinvestment, unrealistic promises –– energy expert urges gov’t

AS the new government takes up management of Guyana’s oil and gas sector, there is a list of actions the Ali Administration should avoid if it is to evade the resource curse and the mistakes of its closest neighbours.

Vice-President of Energy and Sustainability at the Institute of the Americas, Jeremy Martin, recently put out a ‘not-to-do’ list for the administration, based on his research and experience in the industry. He was assisted by graduate student at the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California, Kathryn Hillis.

First, Guyana was advised to avoid overinvestment in the oil and gas industry. An example given of this is the construction of an oil refinery. It was pointed out that while there should be adequate infrastructure for drilling and shipping the oil, any refineries built would likely be “deeply unprofitable”.

Reference was made to the last refinery built in the US in 1977 highlighting that, since then, over 40 years, no such refinery has been built again due its infeasibility.

Added to this, energy economists point to an oversaturation of global refining capacity even as many countries are looking to decrease their use of fossil fuels and COVID-19 has negatively impacted the global fuel market.

In 2017, Director of Advisory Services at the USbased Hartree Partners, Pedro Haas, stated plainly that the construction of an oil refinery in Guyana would be unprofitable as it would cost the country some $5 billion with a negative rate of return on investment at between US$2- 3 billion.

“In addition to the cost issue, a refinery built before the state has enacted proper oversight and regulatory agencies could become a vehicle for corruption and crony capitalism. Look no farther than another neighbor, Brazil, as to the pitfalls of this issue,” the writers stated.

Vice-President of Energy and Sustainability at the Institute of the Americas, Jeremy Martin

This Brazilian political corruption scandal, which began in 2014, involved the indictment of dozens of high-level businesspeople and politicians after investigations alleged that millions had been given to officials of Petrobras, Brazil’s majority-state-owned oil company.

Second on the not-to-do list was the advice for Guyana not to subsidise gasoline. Martin explained that while a gasoline subsidy can provide a quick boost of economic growth to a developing country, this is only temporary and is not worth the long-term debt.

“To avoid the future need for the IMF and possible citizen uprisings, Guyana should keep gasoline at market value… in Latin America, an abundance of oil has led to a sense of resource nationalism, causing citizens to view gasoline as a public good rendered nearly free by government subsidies,” the writers acknowledged.

CASES OF VENEZUELA

AND ECUADOR

Giving examples of this mistake, Venezuela was put in the spotlight as the most drastic and Ecuador as the most recent. It was noted that once implemented, the subsidies become expected by the people and making them nearly “politically impossible to remove”.

Thirdly, it was recommended that Guyana refrain from turning away dual citizens as it transitions. They said that transitioning a largely agricultural country into the world’s newest oil nation requires significant technical expertise and talent which may not be present in Guyana in the numbers.

“Fortunately, Guyana has a large diaspora across the globe comprised of individuals with experience and ability. The government should appeal to its far-flung citizens to return home and share in the newfound opportunities. While this seems obvious, there is a pervasive nationalistic pride that makes accepting dual citizenship difficult,” the individuals outlined.

One case of this they pointed to was the illegality for a Member of Parliament (MPs) to serve while holding dual citizenship status. After the December 2018 no-confidence motion in Guyana, several MPs were forced to either resign from the post or give up their dual citizenship. Martin said that this type of nationalism cultivates the exact nature of policy that could hinder the success of Guyana.

Fourth on the list, Guyana is being urged not to disregard the potential to monetise associated natural gas resources. There has recently been much talk in this regard as many Guyanese want to see a gas-to-energy project which would bring cheaper electricity costs.

Martin and Hillis said that this gas can also be used to improve Guyana’s power system that is currently in need of enhanced reliability. Guyanese country-wide have been consistently affected by blackouts because of inefficiencies in the services offered by the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL).

Still, the writers advised: “Major developments around the use of natural gas as a cleaner burning power generation source, as well as the importance of avoiding flaring for emission and environmental reasons point to an obvious win-win for Guyana to monetise the associated natural gas primarily for use in power generation.”

MUST BE GROUNDED

The final action Guyana has been urged not to do as regards the “delusions of grandeur”. In all its doings, Martin said that the Ali Administration should ensure that its people are grounded when it comes to their expectations of the oil and gas sector.

While there will no doubt be significant economic development, it was noted that the average citizen will not likely not see a large-scale change in their circumstances that is immediate.

“When the population is anticipating wealth that may not occur on the level or timetable perceived, the simmering displeasure with government could lead to unrest and destabilising protests,” the cautioned.

“The reality check and need to manage expectations, while politically unpopular, will also help to ensure for the population that governance of the oil wealth is wise, long-term and not one associated with the expectation of a rapid, endless financial windfall and deluge of funds.”

National curfew goes back to 6pm to 6am –– control measures extended to September 30, 72 new cases recorded

By Navendra Seoraj

GOVERNMENT, in recognising the rise in cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), has amended the emergency measures, as part of an effort to contain the rapid spread of the dreaded disease.

The measures, which will now last until September 30, include an extension of the national curfew, which has reverted from 21:00hrs5:00hrs to the initial 18:00hrs to 06:00hrs.

The emergency measures were made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement –B, March 16, 2020.

According to health authorities, the COVID – 19 Emergency Measures (No. 8) will expire on September 30, 2020 unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

It was reported that the Government of Guyana had done a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and had found that it was fragmented and incapable of administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe.

“The Government of Guyana has initiated a complete overhaul of the current public health response. Government has looked at the approach used in other territories, especially in the Caribbean, and has resolved that a multi-sector and multi-faceted approach has been the most successful model, with an aggressive policy of detection, contact tracing and, if positive, isolation,” said authorities in a previous report.

Part of the renewed a p p r o a c h t o f i g h t i n g COVID-19, includes mass testing, something which has proven successful in detecting cases which could have gone “under the radar”.

Authorities have so far tested 8,510 persons, with 7,204 being negative and 1,306 positive. Of the positive cases, 718 persons have recovered and 41 persons have lost their lives. The remaining cases include 87 persons in institutional isolation, 451 in home isolation and 12 in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

While cases have been recorded in all ten Administrative Regions, the infection rate in some regions is higher than in others. Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has been the epicentre for this disease, recording 473 cases, while Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has recorded 237 and Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 217.

While monitoring is easier in Region Four, access to certain hinterland areas could be difficult, so government, as part of an effort to contain the spread in those regions, has restricted non-essential travel in and out of Regions Seven, Eight and Nine, until September 30.

On a national level, government has also agreed to keep the international airports closed to international travel.

The control measures, which include a national curfew and social distancing guidelines, are often hard to cope with, but, considering the prevailing circumstances, persons must be cautious and vigilant, as they continue to do their part in the fight against COVID-19.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Can’t ‘brush away’ everything done by coalition gov’t

–– says Ram, but expects gov’t will reverse some taxes, in Budget 2020

By Navendra Seoraj

BUDGET 2020 will soon be presented in the National Assembly, and while government will not be able to reverse or “brush away” ‘everything’ done by the former APNU+AFC administration, stakeholders expect that some taxes will be reversed.

The emergency budget is expected to be presented within two weeks upon convening of Parliament today.

The new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, while in opposition, had said that the coalition extracted some $300 billion more in additional taxes over the past five years.

Additional taxes included Value Added Tax (VAT) on utilities and reducing the list of zero-rated items. In economics, zero-rated supply refers to items subject to a 0 per cent VAT on their input supplies.

Some persons had argued that tax measures, instituted by the past administration, were cumbersome, but the new government, in reviewing those measures and preparing the budget, also have to consider the challenges and effects of COVID-19 on the economy.

The country’s last budget, Budget 2019, was passed in December 2018 to the tune $300.7B. And, with the country already eight months into 2020, it is important for a budget to be passed soon.

“I certainly believe that they would be reversing some of the taxes. I know it would not be all because I don’t think they could just take a big brush and reverse everything that the coalition government did…though not everything from the tax measures were bad,” said Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram in an invited comment, on Sunday.

Ram suspects that government is going to raise the threshold for personal income tax, which is at $780,000 per annum.

“The government may not wish to go much further than that, but I would like to see the reduction of the personal income tax rate and maybe a couple other productive, progressive plans, but I don’t like the situation where the personal income tax rate (28 per cent) is higher than the corporate tax rate for non-commercial companies (25 per cent),” said Ram.

On another issue of taxation, the accountant believes that government is going to deal with the issue of zero rating some items, which need to be restored to zero-rated status. This he believes will cost the government some amount of revenue, but it is needed.

“The government has its work cut out, they need to know the numbers and figures and I hope they will make not only right decisions, but also decisions to bring relief to the people on the lower grounds of the economic ladder,” said Ram.

STILL TOO SKEWED

The economy, in his view, is still too skewed, in the sense that it has been providing an investment climate and revenue structure that favours those who are “better-off” in society.

Government has, however, been taking stock of where the economy is, and while there is not a lot of time to do so, officials said they hope to achieve a lot.

Ram said he was disappointed that, despite the extraordinary circumstances, government did not invite any segment of the population for consultations on the budget, although it should have been done.

Outgoing Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Gerry Gouveia, was, however, a bit more lenient, as he acknowledged that the new government has only been in office for less than four weeks, during which time it had to deal with pressing issues, while informing itself on revenue, spending and the state of public finances.

“While doing so, government has had to contend with troubling statistics relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and workplace restrictions. This means that the government has necessarily had to limit interactions with stakeholders, including with the private sector commission. This is regrettable but understandable,” said Gouveia during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

While recognising the challenges facing the government, keeping private sector businesses afloat and all employees on their payroll is important to minimizing the pandemic’s impact on the economy. And, the support from the government to private sector entities over the past few months has been minimal, so they would like to see some relief measures in the budget.

One such measure includes allowing “loss relief,” not only prospectively, but all together, thus having an immediate positive impact on those businesses that are directly affected by COVID-19.

“We would also like to see the immediate restoration of zero rated status on exports and all those goods and services which adversely impact on the prices charged to consumers. Some of those things include domestic flights and food items, among others. We would also like to see an increase in the personal allowance and reduction of the personal income tax rate to 25 per cent and the possibility of some progressivity in the rate structure,” said Gouveia.

For companies and all the taxpayers unable to meet their payments on time, the private sector commission would like to see a waiver of penalties and interest, and some deferral of such payments. support in order to survive, to pay taxes, and continue employing staff,” said the outgoing PSC chairman.

Head of the Department of Economics at the Univer

Outgoing PSC Chairman, Capt. Gerry Gouveia

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

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

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

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

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

Government will have much to consider, given that Guyana has been without a budget for close to two years and the extraordinary spending that occurred between March 2 and August 2 has left the treasury in an empty state, President Irfaan Ali said.

According to him, the mismanagement of many state institutions and decision- making processes of Guyana resulted in the tremendous loss of finances, compared to pre-2015.

“We are going to ensure that we do a comprehensive report on every aspect of the economy, every sector, so that the Guyanese population can understand what is taking place,” the President told Newsroom in a recent interview.

To generate jobs, create wealth and opportunities, the President said a series of incentives will be launched for various sectors such as the hotel industry, manufacturing, industrial development and livestock, among others.

He said when capital is raised there will be public, private partnership to deal with the housing sector which will also create thousands of jobs. As such, works have already started on the 2021 budget.

Meanwhile, he noted that jobs will also be created when the sugar industry is up and running.

Government is also committed to creating opportunities at the sugar estates with a special investment regime set aside for the Wales Estate, since all the equipment were sold out.

“This will create wealth, opportunity, build capacity and bring back life and economic prosperity to communities,” Dr. Ali said.

He said the sugar industry is not about workers working in estates but the socio-economic impact of the estates on the regions and communities, as those far outweigh any subsidies government will give.

He noted that the government will inject some $600M into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to assist with the payment of wages and salaries for employees.

The President also noted he has seen many files of expressions of interest for the sugar estates.

UWI zeroes in on race relations in T&T

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, zeroed in on the dynamics of race relations and reconciliation in Trinidad and Tobago through its post-election Virtual National Symposium held on August 30.

The Twin Island Republic held its General Election on August 10, 2020. The pre-election campaigning and the post-election reactions were fraught with racist overtones and tension, primarily between the two larger racial groups, the Indo and Afro-Trinidadians. These two groups also form the support base for the two larger political parties, which hold the monopoly of the electorate.

“Perhaps this country is at a crossroads in its race relations, or perhaps the ease of social media simply allowed this issue to be propagated,” related Dean of the Faculty of Law at the UWI, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine. This, she highlighted, formed the impetus for the university’s forum, which was organised by the Law Faculty in collaboration with the Catholic Commission for Social Justice.

Importantly, she posited, “A university must be grounded in its community and it must provide a voice for important issues. It must facilitate discussion, as well as lead that discussion for public good.”

The symposium brought together several academics who have been immersed in the field of race and race rela- tions, alongside other integral stakeholders. According to the Professor, it is clear that there are enduring structural issues which are conducive for the pervasion of these ra- cial tensions but which must be interrogated in order to facilitate reconciliation. This symposium, she affirmed, was just the first step.

While speaking at this forum, Professor Emeritus, Rhoda Reddock, highlighted that the Afro/Indian binary replaced the black and white binary promulgated by colo- nisers during the post-Inde- pendence period. The antip- athy which exists primarily between these two groups results from colonial power structure where, essentially, white was right.

“(Race) was a key organ- ising principle of colonial- ism,” she said, explaining that it justified the near deci- mation of Indigenous people and the forced transportation and enslavement of Africans. This, therefore, meant that when the Indentured Indians and later, other groups such as the Middle Easterns and other Asians came to the

Twin Island, they entered into an already “racialised, colour-coded, hierarchical social structure.”

VICTIMHOOD

This overarching sys- tem of white supremacy was the genesis of a myriad of dangerous and destruc- tive stereotypes and myths that plague that multiracial country. This, she noted, positions the racial groups in competition with each other for “victimhood”; that is, they compete to ascertain who has suffered more, and who deserves more, who has been discriminated against more, and who is the current oppressor versus who is cur- rently oppressed.

“Racialised contexts are difficult enough when hier- archies are clearly visible but where the groups concerned are relatively equally placed or equally displaced, as in many parts of the post-co- lonial world, the potential for conflict is much high- er,” Professor Reddock said pointedly.

Meanwhile, Leader of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Kwasi Mutema, posited that the tensions between the Indo and Afro-Trinidadians which plagues the country today were politically engineered, in an attempt to consolidate political power for a minori

A 36-year-old man was arrested in connection with the murder of Kishan Persaud, 29, called “Rocky”, who was chopped to the neck on Saturday night at Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Reports indicate that Persaud of Busbie Dam, Craig, EBD, was driving motorcar, PKK 8911, a white corolla wagon, headed in the eastern direction along Busbie Dam and as he was about to turn his motor car into First Street Craig, he was confronted by a man blocking the road with a fruit and vegetable cart.

As a result, the father of two exited his vehicle and asked the suspect to remove his cart to allow him to pass, but the suspect refused to do

Professor Emeritus, Rhoda Reddock speaking at the UWI’s Post-Election National Symposium on Understanding Race Relations and Reconciliation in Trinidad and Tobago

ty. This hegemony of politileaders accountable for their cal power would be dismanactions, or even lack theretled, inevitably, if these two of. Furthermore, she said, large groups would unite, “It is not enough for us not according to NJAC’s leader. to be racist. If we are to This phenomenon, he said, is combat racism, we need to one which has been inherited be anti-racist.” from colonialism. To achieve this goal of

Exacerbating this was reconciliation, she advoChairman of the Council cated for the continuation for Responsible Political of conversation like this Behaviour, Dr. Bishni Rasymposium but which also goonath’s assertion that the provides safe spaces for country’s political leaders honest and candid discusseem not to have respect for sions about race and ethniceach other, nor a deep sense ity. She noted that “calling of responsibility to mitigate out” racism is necessary, racial tensions. He contended but there must also be space that political leaders have for persons to be engaged, incited racism, used racial to actively facilitate growth stereotypes to gain political and reconciliation. capital and have engaged There are many similarin race-baiting. According ities between Guyana and to him, respect and responTrinidad and Tobago in the sibility must be central in a context of race and race redevelopmental paradigm. lations, owed to the similarities in demography and his

Killed: Kishan Persaud called ‘Rocky’

so which resulted in an argument between them. Police said that it is alleged that the suspect then armed himself with a cutlass

MORE POLITICAL tory. This is articulated by WATCHDOGS Professor Ann Marie Bis

Clinical Psychologist, sessar and Professor EmerDr. Katija Khan, called for itus John Gaffar La Guerre more political watchdogs in their book “Trinidad and and pressure groups to hold Tobago and Guyana: Race and Politics in Two Plural Societies.” The Academics contend also that there is a unique interface between race and politics in these two countries.

Moreover, just as in Trinidad and Tobago this year, Guyana’s own protracted 2020 Regional and General Elections were similarly plagued by racial tensions and strife.

In July, before the declaration of the results in August, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said, ““There is no doubt that the historically long period it has taken for the declaration to be made has exacerbated tensions and discontent while unfortunately fostering ethnic strife, especially on social media platforms. There is also no doubt that public utterances, including the building of expectations by some officials and their political subjects, have and continue to contribute to the heightening of tensions and a further widening of unwanted division among our people.”

The ERC said that it would urge the political leaders to de-escalate those tensions. Following his swearing in, President Irfaan Ali committed to fostering an ambitious agenda of National Healing. According to him, the protracted election period exacerbated tensions in Guyana which inhibits the development of all

Father of two killed, fruit vendor arrested

Guyanese.

which was concealed in his cart and dealt Persaud a chop to his left side neck, after which he escaped. The incident occurred at about 21:30 hours.

Persaud, who was a seaman and a minibus conductor, then drove himself to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he died about 22:30 hours while receiving medical treatment.

The suspect was later arrested by the police at his home; he remains in custody and is assisting with the investigation.

Persaud’s wife said that her three-year-old son had witnessed the entire incident and is currently traumatised.

FROM PAGE 5

Mingo released ...

GECOM Commissioners Vincent Alexander and Desmond Trotman

CAUGHT

RED-HANDED

Prosecutor Mohammed impressed upon the court that Livan changed the numbers that were recovered on a computer system for District Four, and was caught red-handed, and that when the numbers were reviewed, there were discrepancies.

Livan was released on $150,000 bail, on condition that he, too, lodges his passport at the court, and report to CID Headquarters. His case was also adjourned until September 25.

Outside of the court, despite the rigid COVID-19 guidelines, several supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) were engaged in a spirited protest for Mingo’s release.

Several senior Party members and former government ministers, including former president David Granger, Simona Broomes, Khemraj Ramjattan, David Patterson, Joseph Harmon, and Nicolette Henry were also on the ground, showing support for Mingo.

GECOM Commissioners Desmond Trotman and Vincent Alexander were also present to throw their support behind the embattled RO.

The charges against the three GECOM officials were all filed after the Guyana Police Force launched a “comprehensive investigation” into allegations of criminal conduct by Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and RO of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, in relation to the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections and the events that followed.

On March 4, 2020, during the disrupted tabulations of the District Four count, Livan was questioned by the police after he was accused of abruptly halting the tabulations and secluding himself with a flash drive with GECOM’s information at the Ashmin’s Building.

Party agents and other observers became suspicious when Livan, after complaining of feeling tired and wanting to conclude the tabulation process, left the room with a flash drive and computer, both of which were being used during the tabulation process.

The following day, Mingo allegedly made a fraudulent declaration which was eventually overturned by the courts.

Livan was later promoted by Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield to perform the duties of a supervisor at one of the stations for District Four during the national vote recount despite protest by political parties.

Lowenfield is already facing criminal charges in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court relating to fraud, misconduct in office and breach of the public’s trust by providing results of the March 2 elections which he knows to be false.

MINGO’S ARREST

Mingo was on Tuesday last, arrested after court marshalls had been looking for him to serve a warrant for his arrest on criminal charges; charges which were filed by a private citizen, but he’d somehow managed to give them the slip for weeks.

The charges at reference were filed in March by Charles Ramson Jr. not just against Mingo, but PNC/R Chair, Volda Lawrence, as well, alleging they all had to do with the controversial results for District Four.

On Monday last, Mingo did not appear in court as was expected, but Lawrence did, and she was placed on $100,000 bail after appearing before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, on private criminal charges, including conspiring to forge documents to show a win for APNU+AFC at the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

APNU+AFC files election petitions, hopes for fresh elections

THE APNU+AFC coalition on Monday officially challenged the outcome of the March 02, 2020 elections by filing two election petitions at the High Court.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) emerged victorious in the aftermath of those elections.

The coalition through its lawyer Roysdale Forde filed the documents on behalf of the applicants Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick, who want the High Court to determine the legality of the elections and the results that led to the declaration and allocation of seats in the National Assembly.

Other attorneys who were part of the filing were Raphael Trotman, Olayne Joseph and Trinidad Senior Counsel John Jeremie.

The coalition also named several respondents, including Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; Vice-president Bharrat Jagdeo, as well as representatives of several political parties that contested the elections, as it wants the High Court to cancel the polls and order fresh elections within 90 days

Saying nothing about the party’s Statements of Polls (SoPs), former President and Leader of the APNU+AFC coalition, David Granger, while outside the High Court said the coalition is confident

From left: Attorney Roysdale Forde, former President, David Granger and Joseph Harmon after filing the elections petition (Adrian Narine photo)

that it has enough evidence to prove that the elections were poorly managed.

However, Attorney Forde said the coalition will not be providing its SoPs, noting that it was not relevant to what the APNU+AFC was asking the court to determine.

“As we have said repeatedly, the elections was [sic] not decided on Statements of Poll; it [sic] was decided on the recount and if we are challenging the results of the elections, it must be on the basis of the recount and those documents,” he said.

The applicants have also named Granger as a respondent to the petitions where they are also asking for a quick and expedited hearing.

According to Guyana’s laws, the validity of votes can be challenged only through an election petition after the overall election result has been declared and a government is in place. At this point, an investigation will be done and the case tried in court based on the evidence presented.

Chief prison officer killed in Homestretch Avenue accident

A 38-year-old chief prison officer attached to the Guyana Prison Service, on Monday morning, lost his life, and his colleague was injured, after a two-vehicle collision along Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

Reports revealed that the accident, which occurred in the vicinity of Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Headquarters, involved motor car PYY 7942, driven by a 27-year-old prison officer, and a Nissan X-Trail, PWW 4425, driven by a 22-year-old man of Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

The collision resulted in the death of Prince Cox, 38, of Nabacalis, East Coast Demerara.

Enquiries disclosed that the motor car was

Dead: Chief Prison Officer, Prince Cox

proceeding west along the southern side of the road and the X-Trail was proceeding east along the northern side of the said road and as both vehicles were approaching CANU headquarters, the motor car, while overtaking a line of vehicles, ended up in the path of the X-trail which pulled further north in an effort to avoid a collision.

However, despite his efforts the front of the X-trail collided with the left side front door and fender of the motor car, resulting in both drivers, as well as occupants of the motor car, Prince Cox and a 22-year-old prison officer of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, receiving injuries about their bodies.

They were picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where Cox was pronounced dead.

The drivers of both vehicles and the other occupant of the motor car were admitted at the hospital and are receiving treatment.

The body is at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting an autopsy.

Suspect in death of toddler arrested

REGION One Police Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, and a team, undertook a 14-hour journey to Kariako Village, Barama River, NorthWest District, where the motorcyclist involved in the death of a toddler was arrested on Sunday.

Dead is one-year-old, Nesiha Alexander. The accident occurred on Wednesday at Kariako Village around 19:30 hours. The matter was reported to the police on Friday night.

The suspect, who was riding the mo- torcycle at the time, has been identified as 25-year-old, Cain James.

Reports indicate that Neshia was with her 13-year-old sister, Charmaine Samuels, standing in the corner of the roadway. Charmaine was holding her little sister’s hand when the motorcycle, which was proceeding along the said road, collided with them.

As a result of the impact, the toddler fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries to her head and body.

She was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken home, and then rushed to the Kumaka District Hospital by her parents.

Nesiha was pronounced dead at about 09:00 hours, on Thursday, by a doctor.

‘Let the road proceed as designed’ -- St. Cuthbert’s residents tell Min. Edghill during consultation

PUBLIC Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Sunday, visited the residents of St. Cuthbert’s Mission on the Linden Soesdyke Highway to consult them on the ongoing $99 million road project.

Minister Edghill was accompanied by the ministry’s Senior Engineer, Miscellaneous and Urban Roads, Denita Crandon; Project Engineer, Stephen Cheong and the contractor from J&R General Construction Services.

The minister and his team received a warm welcome by the Toshao, Beverly Clenkian, and residents who were equipped with their face masks and at all times, socially distanced during the meeting.

The contract was signed back in December 31, 2019 but works on the road began sometime last week and is currently progressing on the 14 miles of sand road. The project was delayed due to COVID-19, according to

Minister Edghill (second from left) meets the village Council of St. Cuthbert’s Mission

Crandon, who also noted that the road works should be completed by November 29, 2020. The road surface will be upgraded to compacted loam, which can later be resurfaced to bitumen.

Minister Edghill explained that it was brough to his attention that residents had concerns with the project once it kicked off, since no consultation was done by the previous administration.

“It was brought to my attention that once the works was started there were some objections, especially in the main entrance coming off of the Highway where the widening is to take place… it will interfere with some of the trees and destroy the canopy. I spoke to the contractor on arrival and I was told that he was approached and asked to cease work interfering with the trees and the rest of it,” the honourable minister explained.

A resident of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, who has been recently appointed as the Minister’s Adviser on Aviation, Lennox Shuman, highlighted during brief remarks that no consultation with the residents was done, while noting that residents were not employed on the project.

Meanwhile, the minister in a frank and open manner engaged the residents on various views and issues. that the canopy was dangerous and in fact, serves as a hub for thieves. Against this backdrop, it was agreed that the structure should be demolished for the construction of the road and the safety of the residents.

One resident, Verona Persaud, said she would like the loam road to stop before it enters the village as the loam and dust can be dangerous, especially within the health centre district. She also noted that she feels when the road is completed, drivers will be reckless, thereby, affecting the indigenous children who are accustomed to playing around the village.

To this concern, the contractor assured the residents that speed bumps will be erected to ensure safety. On the other hand, Minister Edghill stressed the importance of the loam road coming into the village. According to him, development comes in stages and a com

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, being greeted by St. Cuthbert’s Mission Toshao, Ms. Beverly Clenkian

pacted loam road will pave the way for a bitumen road in the future.

On the issue of no residents being employed on the project, the contractor said, works will be executed via machines and less manpower will be required.

Minister Edghill, nonetheless, urged the contractor to remain in consultation with the residents and wherever possible, employ residents as part of the project.

Vincent Harry was very excited to see development taking place in his commu- nity and told the Minister, “Let the road proceed as de- signed.” This statement was welcomed with a resounding applause from the scores of residents that were present.

Minister Edghill took the opportunity to inform the community of the govern- ment’s developmental agenda and current preparation of the Emergency Budget 2020. He thanked the residents for their good wishes, prayers and words of encouragement.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 1, 2020 13 Parliament resumes today after 467 days

TODAY, for the first time in 467 days or over one year, the Government of Guyana will return to Parliament under new circumstances and in recovery from a five-monthlong electoral process, which made headlines across the world.

Members of Parliament (MPs) will, this time, take to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) today, an alternative to the Parliament Building Chambers and the best solution for engagement during a world health crisis which has killed almost one million people globally.

It is only the second time that this change of venue has occurred, having first being required in 2002 when then President Bharrat Jagdeo issued a proclamation designating that the National Assembly meet at the Ocean View Convention Centre while renovations to the Public Buildings were ongoing.

Under the new arrangement and likely another first, several MPs are to participate in the proceedings online, from home due to health-related concerns. Even so, and apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, normal circumstances did not lead to the hiatus of Parliament being held.

The last Parliament held was the 115th Sitting of the 11th Parliament which occurred on May 23, 2019. This Sitting, along with the three previous, was boycotted by the then opposition which was displeased with the continuance of operations of the APNU+AFC Government after it had been legally booted by a no-confidence motion.

The matter dates back to December 21, 2018, one of the most dramatic moments in Guyana’s history, when a no-confidence motion brought against the APNU+AFC Gov- ernment proved successful af- ter one of their own members crossed the floor to side with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

The motion, laid in the name of then Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, had blared on its cover: “BE IT RESOLVED that this National Assembly has no confidence in the government”. It was the party’s position that the APNU+AFC Administration was damaging the country’s future and an end should be put to its leadership.

THE FAMOUS “YES”

Shouts erupted that night in the National Assembly as colleagues of the former AFC Member, Charrandas Persaud, begged him to vote “no” to the motion as opposed to the “yes” he uttered twice.

“We ‘dropped the ball’ by not treating this seriously enough, and by failing to recognise that one of our own could vote in favour of the mo- tion,” then Leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman, said then in reflection.

It was the turning point for the country and would lead to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, but not after a slew of court battles climbing all the way up to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and seeking to deem the motion as invalidly passed.

Legal minds debated the 65-member government and what constitutes a vote of “majority” if the uneven figure, when divided, stands at 32.5 --- supposedly “half a member” which is evidently impossible.

It was also debated whether Charrandass, a dual citizen of both Guyana and Canada, was legally a Member of the Nation- al Assembly.

The no-confidence motion was upheld by the High Court on January 31, 2019 but on March 22, 2019, the Court of Appeal, by a two-one majority, invalidated the motion on the basis that an absolute majority was not acquired.

It was not until June 18, 2019 that the CCJ – Guyana’s final appellate court – validated the no-confidence motion. In handing down its consequential order on July 12, 2019, the CCJ stated clearly that the govern- ment, as a result of the passage of the no-confidence motion, will remain in office, though on a different footing, until a new President is sworn-in.

The CCJ’s finality on the matter cleared the way for the elections to be called and all eyes turned to the Guyana Elec

Guyana’s Parliament building

tions Commission (GECOM) which, at the time, was without a chairperson.

UNCONSTITUTIONAL APPOINTMENT

On June 25, 2019, former GECOM Chairman, Justice (Ret’d), James Patterson, stepped down from the post after the CCJ ruled that his appointment by former Presi- dent Granger was “flawed” and thereby unconstitutional. The matter had taken on its own string of legal battles.

On July 26, 2019, about a month later, renowned legal luminary, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, was selected by former President Granger to be the Chairperson, ending weeks of back and forth between the then opposition leader and President over the best possible pick.

That same month, the commission commenced its preplanned house-to-house registration which made a timeline for the elections uncertain. Added to this, faced with its own financial and technical challenges, in September 2019, GECOM informed former President Granger, for the very first time since the motion, that it wouldn’t be in a position to conduct credible elections until the end of February, 2020.

As such, on December 27, former President Granger ordered that the 11th Parliament and the 10 Regional Democratic Councils be dissolved on December 30, 2019, thereby paving the way for General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020.

THE FIVE-MONTH FIASCO

From March 2, to August 2, 2020, the now well-ventilated stages of the elections took place from E-Day, to the count, to the national recount, to the exhaustive recourse sought through the courts and the final declaration made.

Newly-elected President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, an- nounced in August that the 12th Parliament would commence today, September 1, 2020.

Apart from the $11.2 billion for constitutional agencies for which approval will be sought, a new Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Speaker will also be elected. The former Speaker of the National Assem- bly is Dr. Barton Scotland but there was no Deputy Speak- er under the APNU+AFC as, though it is protocol for the op- position to nominate the same, the PPP/C did not do so in 2015.

Meanwhile, the new Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, is also expected to be sworn in and will likely give a statement. He and his colleagues will form a group that is called the ‘shadow Cabinet’.

Parliament is one of three supreme organs of democratic power in Guyana. It consists of the President and the National Assembly and has power to make laws for the peace, order and good Government of

It was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana, embodied in the Schedule of the Guyana Independence Order and made pursuant to the Guyana Independence Act, 1966. The first Sitting of the National Assembly of the first Parliament of Guyana was held on the May 26, 1966.

Guyana.

Georgetown expansion a long-term goal for Housing Ministry

HOUSING and Water Minister, Collin Croal, has disclosed that an expan- sion project for the city of Georgetown is in the pipeline and is among his ministry’s long-term goals.

The minister was, at the time, speaking on Kaieteur Radio last Friday.

According to Minister Croal, as Guyana’s Oil and Gas Sector continues to develop, the expansion of Georgetown will be neces- sary.

“At the ministry level, you have the aspect of zoning; Georgetown is expected to expand further, with the advent of the Oil and Gas Sector, as well as, our improvement in our economy,”Minister Croal said.

As the ministry embarks on this project, a multi-sector approach will be instituted and relevant agencies will play a role in the project’s success.

“We will be working in collaboration with the other ministries to ensure we have the areas that are properly identified for housing development [and] for commercial development because the time will come when we also have to look beyond Georgetown. Those are part of the long-term vision in the ministry’s plan.”

Further, the minister is currently looking into the granting of permits. Time efficiency for the permission of grants is expected to improve, as the current process

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal and

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues (DPI photo)

was found to be lagging and discouraging to prospective investors.

“We will look at the legislation, to see how we can improve because when your applications are sent to us, we also have to work with the local authorities… for example the Fire Department… sometimes you submit those documents, and you may ask for their no-objection

THE government is working towards the re-tabling of the Petroleum Commission Bill, faulty in many ways, within a timeline of four to six months.

This was conveyed to the Guyana Chronicle by

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, who also said that the elaborate powers given the natural resources minster under the bill, will be reviewed. Even the former administration had admitted in 2018 that the powers vested in the responsible minister was “too much” after such was argued by the former opposition, now government, in Parliament. In 2017, former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, tabled the Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill of 2017 during the 64th sitting of the 11th Parliament. The bill, which is the legislative architecture for the Petroleum Commission of Guyana, was to be taken to a Special and the relevant sub-agencies could take a while to respond,” Minister Croal explained.

He also noted that Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is expected to soon establish a new board which will operate in a “more proficient and efficient manner” in addressing some of these

Contentious Petroleum Commission Bill to be re-tabled

issues.(DPI)

Select Committee at a later sitting of the National Assembly after its second reading. However, to date, it has not yet been passed.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, while an opposition Parliamentarian, had argued: “When we examine Section Eight, which deals with the power of the minister to give directions to the commission, it is clear that the commission will hardly be able to work without the direction and control of the minister. According to Section Eight, the minister is not only allowed to provide policy guidance, but also give direction to the commission regarding size of the establishment, the employment of staff and the terms and conditions of employment.”

Through the Guyana Chronicle’s research, the bill, in fact, speaks to the ‘minister’ 100 times in total. Apart from what was mentioned by Ali, the minister could also determine what is deemed as “good oilfield practice”;

Teen remanded for murder

THE juvenile who went berserk on August 14 was, on Monday, remanded to Juvenile Holding Centre after he made his first ap- pearance before Magistrate Annette Singh via Skype at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.

He was not required to plead to the murder charge committed on two victims and was therefore remanded to prison until September 21, 2020.

Meanwhile, the two women and her two children who were brutally stabbed about her body, remain at Suddie Public hospital in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The family member's condi- tions remain the same.

On August 14, the teen- ager went berserk at his home in Pomeroon River, Region Two, killing his brother-in-law, 55-year-old Ramdat Singh, also called “Shami”, of Bat Creek, Up- per Pomeroon River, and his nephew, three-year-old, Kissoon Williams.

Reports are after that the teen stabbed Singh, he at- tacked three children ages one, three and six, and his two sisters. He stabbed one

Dead: Ramdat Singh

of the women, and the three children about the bodies, while the other woman’s throat was slashed, after which he fled the area.

The injured persons were placed in a boat and rushed to the Charity Hospital. Singh was pronounced dead on arrival.

The other injured per- sons were all transferred to the Suddie Hospital, where two of them were rushed to the theatre for emergency surgery while the other three were admitted to the ICU in stable condition. Three-year-old Williams succumbed to his injuries later in the evening.

FROM PAGE 14

Contentious Petroleum ... approve, amend or reject we’re on the opposite side the plans, proposals, reports, now we’ll support that, we analyses, data and any other don’t support it. We believe information submitted by that the minister should not an applicant or operator and have that amount of power; direct that the commission that the sector should be perform “any other function depoliticised as much as as assigned” among others. possible,” he said.

Section Five(d) lists one It was President Ali, in of the duties of the com- his inauguration speech on mission as being expected to “carry out any directions of the minister given under Section Eight” and Section Eight lists seven categories of directives that the min- ister may give the to the commission. In an interview with this newspaper, Minister Bharrat detailed what should be expected from the commis- sion, likely to be established by early 2021. “It’s an independent August 8, who announced that his government has plans to set up a Petroleum Commission to insulate the oil and gas sector from po- litical interference. With Guyana heading back to Parliament today, progress begins towards finalising the 2020 budget which will further pave the way for crucial bills to be debated. Minister Bharrat said: commission, free of polit- “It has to go back to Par- ical interference because liament. We would have the previous Petroleum given it a timeline for four Commission Bill or the one to six months and that is that was tabled, that one what we’re working with. actually gave minsters too We have to get through much power. Actually, the this budget period and minister could have usurped then, I’m sure, we’ll reta- all the powers of the com- ble the Petroleum Com- mission. So, not because mission Bill.”

Messi fails to show up for Barca training

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Un- happy Lionel Messi missed Bar- celona’s first training session of thenewseasononMonday, days after his shock announcement that he wants to leave the only club he has played for profes- sionally.

Messi’s failure to show up forthe session, the firstundernew Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman, was widely expected after the 33-year-old Argentine also failed toshowupforapre-seasonmedical onSunday.

Reuters television footage showed players arriving for the session which began at 1730 local time (1530 GMT) and Messi did notappear.

The six-times world player oftheyearinsistshehasaclause in his contract that allows him to leave on a free transfer — a claimdisputedbyBarcelonaand LaLiga.

Messi’slawyersplantoinvoke a clause in his four-year contract, signedin2017, whichwouldhave allowed the forward to leave the club forfree ifhe hadrequestedit byJune10.

They will argue that date — nominally the end of the season

— is now irrelevant after the coronavirus pandemic forced an extension ofthe La Liga season deepintoAugust.

However, La Liga said on Sundaythattheonlywayaclub cansigntheArgentineforward isifhetriggersareleaseclause of700 million euros ($836 mil- lion).

Messi’s decision came after Barcelona failed to win any silverware last season, which finished with a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the ChampionsLeaguequarter-finals.

Supporters who waited outside the training ground on MondayweresplitoverMessi’s decision.

“IreallywantMessitostay,” Brazilian Fabio Alfredo Suarez told Reuters. “Messi lives in my heart — it’sapitythatheleaves, Iwantedhimtoleavethroughthe frontdooroftheclub.”

Spaniard Ivan Antolin Bel- tran remembered that Barca had helped Messi through the earlier stagesofhiscareer.

“After all that Barca has given to Messi throughout his career, which started here as a child... theypaidhimforallhis medicines and everything ... I think his way ofbehaving is a bitincorrect,” hesaid.

Beacon...

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

up by capturing the presti- gious Kashif and Shanghai annual nationwude KO on New years day 1996.

Among the club’s play- ers of that era were: Claude Phillips, Mark Pollard, Rawle Prince, Dexter Cort, Ola Pedro, Andre Trotz, Wayne Dover, Julian Masdammer, Sherwayne Scott, Trilton Luke, Shawn Prince and brothers Martin and Mortimer Stewart. The year 1996 also brought honor to the club when Nigel Denny was appoint- ed captain of the national U-19 team, a feat emulat- ed 2 years later by son of coach Brathwaite, Kayode.

Over the years the club has gone through lots of changes with migration being chief among them, while the mal or non functioning of the Georgetown Football Association is another factor. Today as they celebrate 35 years of ex- isting as a club congratu- lations are in order.(Ras Wadada)

NBA roundup:

Leonard posts 33, Clippers close

out Mavericks

KAWHI Leonard had 33 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists and the Los Angeles Clippers eliminated the Dallas Mavericks from the playoffs with a 111-97 victory in Game 6 on Sunday in the NBA bubblenearOrlando.

IvicaZubachad15points and 11 rebounds, while Paul George contributed 15 points, nine boards and seven assists for the Clippers. Leonardaddedfivesteals.

The Clippers advanced to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, where they await the winneroftheUtahJazz-DenverNuggetsseries. TheNuggets won later Sunday to tie the series 3-3. Game 7 is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30p.m. ET.

Luka Doncic had 38 points, nine assists and nine rebounds for the Mavericks. Dorian Finney-Smith added 16pointsandTimHardaway Jr. chippedin10.

Denver Nuggets 119 — 107UtahJazz

Jamal Murray exploded for a game-high 50 points, including 14 in a second-quarter turnaround that propelled third-seeded Denver to victory over sixth-seeded Utah, forcing a seventh and deciding game in theirWestern Conference first-round playoffseries in theNBAbubble.

In scoring 50 for the secondtimeinthreegames, Murraywonasecondconsecutive duel with Jazz counterpart Donovan Mitchell, who poured in a team-high 44 points, his third time over 40 in the series.

Game 7 is scheduled for

Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists as Clippers eliminated the Dallas Mavericks.

Tuesday, with the Nuggets going the distance for the third consecutive time in the last two seasons. They survivedaGame 7 withSan Antonio in the first round last year, before losing the decisivegameto Portlandin theWesternsemifinals.

Boston Celtics 112 — TorontoRaptors94

Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart scored 21 points

BERN (Reuters) - UEFA has confirmed that teams could ultimately forfeit upcomingNationsLeague matches if they are unable to turn out due to players testing positive for COVID-19, or that the drawing oflots could decidearesult.

Soccer’s European governing body said that matches could also be officiated by non-neutral referees should any of the originally-appointed match officialstestpositive.

Two rounds ofmatches will be played between

Sept. 3 and8, thefirstcompetitive internationals in

Europe since the coronavirus outbreak, and UEFA acknowledged that preparations were progressing against “a background of apiece to lift Boston to a victory over Toronto in the openeroftheirEasternConferencesemifinalseries.

Kemba Walker had 18 points, Jaylen Brown 17, Daniel Theis 13 and Robert WilliamsIII10astheCeltics wontheirfifthstraightgame to open the playoffs. Theis and Walker added game highs of15 rebounds and10

Kyle Lowry had 17 points and Serge Ibaka added 15 for the Raptors, who saw their eight-game winning streak come to a halt. Torontoshot31-of-84 (36.9percent) fromthefield and10-of-40 (25.0percent) from 3-point range. Pascal SiakamandFredVanVleet combined to go 8-of-32 for 24 points.( -Field Level Media)

UEFA confirms teams could forfeit Nations League matches over COVID-19

assists, respectively. difficulties”.

All the matches are due to be played in the originally-scheduled venues except Moldova v Kosovo which has been moved to Parma in Italy, although this is because Moldova does not recognise Kosovo as an independentnation.

UEFAsaidthatpositive COVID-19casesfromtests conducted before matches could result in groups of players, officials or entire teams being placed into quarantine.

In the case of quarantined players, UEFA said the match would go aheadaslongastheteam still had 13 players availableincludingatleastone goalkeeper.

Ifa team did not have 13 players, UEFA said it would try to reschedule the match. However, if this was not possible, the disciplinary committee would decide on the outcome and the team judged to be responsible for the postponementwouldforfeit thegame.

Ifneitherorbothteams were judged responsible, the result would be decided by the drawing oflots, UEFAsaid.

UEFA said that, should any match officialstestpositive, itmight “exceptionally appoint replacement match officials who may be of the samenationalityasoneof the national associations and/or may not be on the FIFAlist”.

Ewan sprints to Tour de France stage three victory

CALEB Ewan produced a dazzlingsprintfinish to win stage three of the Tour de FranceasJulianAlaphilippe heldontotheyellowjersey.

TheAustralianLottoSoudal ridertimedhis sprintperfectly into a strong headwind in Sisteron to squeeze past PeterSaganandsnatchvictory fromIrishmanSamBennett.

It is his fourth Tour stage winafterthreevictoriesonhis debutlastyear.

“The guys did a great job keepingmeatthefront,” said Ewan.

“This is the biggest race in the world and I’m so happy to get another win andprovelastyearwasn’ta fluke. Ihopetokeepcoming backandkeepwinning.”

Ewan displayed excellent bike handling skills to navigate a chaotic finish, and avoid the headwind that penalisedhisrivals, untilthelast moment.

The 26-year-oldnarrowly avoided Sagan’s back wheel andtheright-handsidebarrier to get onto Bennett’s wheel before he kicked clear with tremendous speed at 50m to go.

“I was a bit too far forward in the final kilometre so I dropped backand gave myself a bit of a rest,” he added.

“Coming from behind is a bit of a risk but I got throughpastthebarrierand hadthespeedintheend.”

European champion Giacomo Nizzolo finished third, withFrance’sHugoHofstetter takingfourth.

Former three-time world championSaganfadedto finishfifthbutpickedupenough points to replace stage one winner Alexander Kristoffin thegreenpointsjersey, which theSlovakianisaimingtowin for a record-extending eighth time.

Caleb Ewan has won stages in all three Grand Tours.(Getty)

It was a high-speed finish after a largely sedate day, with France’s Jerome Cousin spending 110km off thefrontalonebeforehewas sweptupbythepelotonwith 16kmtogo.

Cousin had been in a breakaway with compatriots

Root left out of Twenty20 squad to face Aussies

ENGLAND Test captain Joe Root has been left out of the Twenty20 squad for the threegame series against Australia.

Root is in the one-day squad with Chris Woakes while Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran and Mark Wood are included in both squads.

Ben Stokes, who missed the last two Tests against Pakistan to visit his ill father in New Zealand, is left out.

The three-match Twenty20 series starts on Friday with three one-day internationals from 11 September.

The second T20, on Sunday, will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 13:50 BST.

T20 squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood. Reserves: Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood.

ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. Reserves: Joe Denly, Saqib Mahmood.

Opener Jason Roy has been left out as he recovers from a side strain but he will stay inside the bio-secure bubble with a view to demonstrating his fitness for the one-dayers.

Reece Topley, David Willey, Liam Dawson and James Vince - who only scored 57 in three innings - drop out of the one-day squad that faced Ireland with batsman Joe Denly and bowler Saqib Mahmood demoted to reserves.

Willey and all-rounder Lewis Gregory drop out of the T20 squad that is currently facing Pakistan while Mahmood again drops to the reserves.

Root’s omission from the T20 squad means he will not have featured in any of England’s last four series in the format with a World Cup scheduled to start in India in October 2021.

The 29-year-old opted to play in the Vitality Blast for Yorkshire rather than rest after the Pakistan Test series, and has still been left out despite scoring 65 against Notts on Monday and 64 against Derbyshire on Sunday.

Despite that, National Selector Ed Smith says no “doors are closed” for Root.

“At the moment we are setting up in a particular way as an XI in T20 cricket and Joe is not in that,” said Smith.

“The decision then moves to ‘if he’s not in that starting XI at the moment, although no doors as closed to him in the future and that could easily change, where is the right place for Joe?’

“He plays so much cricket and gives so much to England every time he plays and the decision is that it is not right to have him in the squad if he’s not likely to be starting.

“Moving forward that could easily change - we’ve all seen that Joe is an easily adaptable and outstanding batsman and he could easily come back into the reckoning.”

Head coach Chris Silverwood will be in charge for the series after assistants Paul Collingwood and Graham Thorpe took charge of the series against Ireland and Pakistan respectively.

The three ODIs form part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League which will determine qualification for the 2023 World Cup, with the top seven teams automatically booking their spot at the tournament in India.(BBC Sport).

BenoitCosnefroyandAnthony Perez, who were battling for king of the mountains points.

Perezhadtakenthevirtual lead off Cosnefroy in that classification but was then forced to abandon the race withabrokencollarboneafter he punctured on a descent and crashed into his Cofidis teamcar.

Alaphilippe avoided trouble to retain the race lead, with Britain’s Adam Yatesstillsecondatfourseconds back, while defending champion Egan Bernal has moveduptwoplacestosixth overall.(BBC Sport).

Windies allrounder Rahkeem Cornwall eyes successful Test career

Rahkeem Cornwall

RAHKEEM Cornwall has only played three Test matches but if he gets to have things to go his way, he will be playing a lot more before he puts his bat away for good.

The gigantic 27-yearold Antiguan all-rounder is currently playing for the St Lucia Zouks in the 2020 Hero CPL and it is an opportunity to perhaps get his foot in the door of the international franchises that have signed many of his Caribbean colleagues, who have flourished.

However, his primary focus is on becoming a permanent fixture in the West Indies senior Test side.

“If I can play the T20 format and travel the world and play leagues it would be good but my aim is to be one of the most successful Test players out there,” Cornwall said in a recent interview.

“Playing Test cricket is the art of cricket, everyone wants to play Test cricket and do well. I have already played the format, I just want to make sure I get what I am really looking for in Test cricket and when my times comes to retire, I don’t have any regrets.”

In the three Tests he has played, Cornwall has taken 13 wickets.(Sportsmax)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz (1) 2015 & 2017 (2)2017

Today’s Quiz: (1)Who took most wickets in last season’s Hero CPL? (2)Name the teams that have never contested a CPL final to date.

CSA to consider reparations to players discriminated against in the past

Cricket South Africa (CSA) will embark on a process of reparations for anyone involved in the game who has been discriminated against in the past as part of their Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) project.

Compensation amounts will be determined after complaints have been heard and mediated by the newly appointed transformation ombudsman Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza, who will also be responsible for setting up the Restoration Fund.

“My expectation is that based on the complaints, the ombudsman will be able to categorise them, and based on that, he will be able to determine what percentage goes to which player,” Dr Eugenia Kula-Ameyaw, a CSA Independent Board Director and their transformation chair, said. “If you work in an asbestos factory and they are affected by TB, you get compensated. There’s nothing wrong with compensation when people have lost income.”

That means that anyone who believes they were denied opportunities on racial grounds could approach the ombudsman, who will then have to determine the severity of their case and the amount of compensation .

The money for the fund has yet to be secured but CSA are hopeful of raising it through corporate involvement and even the South African government. “We’ve got to still raise the funds to see how we are going to restore. There are a lot of companies, even government, that is ready to restore people,” Kula-Ameyaw said. “The money will change hand at some point but the modalities and the formula must be worked out. It could even be after a year because the ombudsman will take a few months to set up and deal with complaints.”

While the finer details, including a timeline, have not yet been finalised, Kula-Ameyaw called the launch of the SJN

Makhaya Ntini and GaryKirsten will both be ambassadors forthe Social Justice and Nation Building projectGettyImages

“one brick in this nation-building house,” which seeks to ensure that “everyone will be treated fairly in the game of cricket”. It also comes after several stories of exclusion were revealed in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Former players and coaches have spoken out in the media and while none have actively asked for compensation (Thami Tsolekile demanded an apology), CSA are seeking to make financial contributions to those who were not able to earn money from the game because of discrimination. “Potentially, players who see themselves as victims of the current target system which requires franchise teams to field a minimum of six players of colour of which three must be black African, could also approach the ombudsman.”

As an example, this might mean a player like Aaron Phangiso, who went to the 2015 World Cup and was the only member of the squad who did not play a game even after South Africa qualified for the quarter-finals with a game to spare, may be compensated in match fees or that Geoffrey Toyana, who missed out on the national coaching job in 2017 (which former CSA president Chris Nenzani has now called a “missed opportunity,”) may have a case for reparations.

The ombudsman’s functions are not limited to people of colour only and Kula-Ameyaw indicated that anyone who has been involved in the game, at any level, can approach the ombudsman. “If something is fair, it will be fair to everybody,” she said.

Potentially, that opens the door for players who see themselves as victims of the current target system, which requires franchise teams to field a minimum of six players of colour of which three must be black African.

An example of such is Leus du Plooy, who told the Afrikaans-language publication Netwerk24 in February that the reason he signed a Kolpak deal with Derbybshire was because, “the system we have disadvantages young, white players in particular.”

Although the SJN will be open to hearing, and addressing, all stories of exclusion, Kula-Ameyaw stressed that CSA still need to accelerate the pace of change and ensure more representation for people of colour. While the work of the ombudsman will deal with historical complaints, CSA will continue its own transformation work, with an emphasis on on-field demographics. “Where we will focus the most, is the actual game. The plans will include building talent aggressively,” Kula-Ameyaw said. “The long-term plan is to make sure there is no racism in sport; no discrimination.”

The SJN will be supported by nine former players, who have been named as the project’s ambassadors, and will assist with raising public awareness of the campaign. Some of the ambassadors, such as Makhaya Ntini, Monde Zondeki and Toyana, have already gone public with their experiences of discrimination.

The list of ambassadors is: Zondeki, Gary Kirsten, Lance Klusener, Toyana, Ntini, Marcia Letsoalo, Shandre Fritz, Nolubabalo Ndzundzu and Dinesha Devnarain. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Zverev beats Kevin Anderson in US Open

FIFTH seed Alexander Zverev overcame a tough challenge from South AfricanKevinAndersontoreachthe USOpensecondroundwitha7-6 (7- 2) 5-7 6-3 7-5win.

The 23-year-old German stuttered as he lost the second set, but regained controltobeatthe2017finalist.

“Kevin is not somebody you usu

ally play in the first round,” Zverev said. “I’m extremely happy to get through.”

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, the fourth seed, also reached the second round.

Both players are chasing a maiden Grand Slam title with defending championRafaelNadalabsentfromthe men’sdrawduetocoronavirusconcerns while 20-time major champion Roger Federer is not playing because ofknee surgery.

But they must still compete with men’stopseedand17-timeGrandSlam champion Novak Djokovic, who faces DamirDzumhurinhisfirst-roundmatch after00:00BSTonTuesday.

Zverev broke serve to go 3-2 up against Anderson in the first set but was later broken back by the world number 117, managing to claim victoryinatie-break.

Anderson broke late in the second set to level things and pushed the German at every opportunity with his dominant serve, but Zverev eventually wrappedupthematchinjustoverthree hours.

Tsitsipas, 22, sailed through his opening match, beating Spain’s Albert RamosVinolas6-2 6-1 6-1.

The world number six will face either American Maxime Cressy or Slovakia’sJozefKovalikinthesecond round, while Zverev plays American 19-year-old Brandon Nakashima. (BBC Sport)

HERO CPL 2020 Match 22…

Pooran ton, the ideal confidence booster ahead of Tridents skirmish -TKR, Tallawahs lock horns in opener

All eyes will be on Nicholas Pooran tonight following his record hundred

By Clifton Ross

F R E S H o f f t h e i r thumping come-frombehind win on Sunday night, Guyana Amazon Warriors will enter another must-win battle today; this time against defending CPL champions Barbados Tridents in what could be another firecracker under lights at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy ground.

After a few mixed outings, the Warriors went from the most under-pressure team this season, given their stardom and CPL record to the seemingly hungriest team on show. Up until a few nights ago, Chris Green and his men have been enduring a yo-yo season and one which has been plagued most by shoddy batting.

The savoir of the woeful batting performances was Shimron Hetmyer, who had been fetching the team on his back for a few rounds with a couple of fifties, before he too seemed to be running a bit cold with the blade.

However, the occurrences of Sunday night was a clear reminder that no team should underestimate the prowess and unpredictability of the former 5-time finalists. After hitting 68 and then throwing the game away a few rounds back, Nicholas Pooran made amends for his misfortunes in the past and hammered his way into the top player

CPL

Jason Holder and his men are terribly under pressure heading into tonight’s encounter

ranks this season.

The West Indies left-hander smoked 10 sixes and 4 fours in his 45-ball whirlwind, unbeaten ton which helped Guyana to much-needed 7-wickets win. His 128-run stand for the 4th wicket with Ross Taylor, who ended with with 25 not out off 27 balls including 6; broke the backs of their opponents while giving them the desired impetus needed ahead of this evening’s duel.

Warriors enter the match as clear favourites, especially after the one-man show by Pooran who has now passed Hetmyer as the team’s leading run-scorer and second in the tournament with 206 runs; trailing Jamaica Tallawahs opener Glenn Phillips by a mere 1 run.

The champs on the other hand, will be gunning to break their recent string of losses and get back to their winning ways should they seek to reclaim their title. After Raymon Reifer failed to defend the final over which was in favor of thse champs versus Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), resulting in Kharry Pierre seeing his team over the line yet again; the Tridents then suffered an even more embarrassing loss at the hands of the St Lucia Zouks on Sunday.

Barbados failed miserably to attain the low target of 93 set by their opponents, eventually being ripped apart for a paltry 89-7 when their 20 overs expired. Such bad luck has put Jason Holder under a bit of pressure, given his team has now replaced the Warriors by dropping to second-to-last place on the table.

Chris Green and his men as a result of their scorching win on Sunday, regained some of their glow, shooting back up to 3rd place behind the Zouks who have moved up to 2nd with ‘Bubble’ hosts, the unbeaten TKR sitting pretty in the num- ber one position. Batting will play another huge role again for the Warriors as Pooran will be keen on continuing his form along with Hetmyer and Taylor who are the team’s regular contributor of runs during the recent days. Chandrapaul Hemraj got the axe last game in place of all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, who returned 1-9 from 4 overs before being promoted as Brandon King’s partner at the top.

Although Sinclair managed just 5, his approach could warrant another match while King will need to break his string of low scores and regain some confidence. The all-rounders in Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford remain x-factors namely because of their West Indies experience and their capability of going berserk with the bat.

Tridents have been similar to the Warriors in their batting approach this season, as a number of star player; the likes of Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Kiwi Corey Anderson (who has one of the fastest ODI hundreds in history) and Kyle Mayers; who kicked off the season in nice form; have yet to discover their true form but could flip the switch on the Warriors tonight.

Bowling-wise, both franchise are evenly poised and tonight’s match could be a battle of the World-class leg-spinners in Tridents Rashid Khan and Warriors Imran Tahir. Windies leg-break spinner Hayden Walsh Jr. is fresh off a 3-fer and could add nicely to the Ashley Nurse/ Khan combo.

Reifer remains a key bowler for the Tridentss but his horror last over versus TKR will play on his mind today. Holder has been decent as leader of the pace attack but Guyana’s variety in their attack like Naveen Ul Haq and Paul will be keen on recording another win.

At this point, both sides can ill afford to lose another battle; Guyana especially are keen on breaking the CPL cure while the Tridents will want to get themselves back into a position of completing a successful title defense. Match bowls off at 17:30h.

IPL franchises see glass half-full despite financial hit from COVID-19

The 13th edition ofthe IPL will begin in the UAE from September19. File Photo wiped out by the pandemic this year they are takinga ‘glasshalf-full’ viewofthesituation.

TheIPL’soriginalMarchstartwasscuppered by the first wave ofthe novel coronavirus and India’scricketboard (BCCI) hadtopulloutallthe stopstorescuetheTwenty20league, whichhasan estimated $6.8 billionbrandvalue.

The tournament has been shifted to the United Arab Emirates, will be played under a hastily-arranged title sponsor and will start on Sept. 19 — nearly six months later than scheduled.

AfterVivopauseditstitlesponsorshipforthis year’sedition, fantasygamingcompanyDream11 took it up for 2.22 billion Indian rupees (22.75 millionpounds), roughlyhalfofthe4.4billionthe Chinesesmartphonemakerpaidannually.

“ThediscountprovidedtoDream11 wouldbea major (financial) hitfortheBCCI, alongwithmakingarrangementsforbio-securebubblewhichwill beanadditionalcostburdenontheboard,” Santosh N, anexternaladvisoratfinancialconsultancyfirm Duff & Phelps, toldReuters.

Theleagueshares50% ofthetitlesponsorship money with the eight franchises, who will also miss out on gate receipts and in-stadium revenue this year while existing sponsors demanddiscountsintheabsenceoffaninitiatives.

The switch has seen Delhi Capitals lose shirt sponsor Daikin, with the air-conditioning equipment maker saying the new dates did not work forthem.

“The reason being the business scenario and thetiming, whichearlier, beingthesummer, would callforadvertisingeffortstocreateawarenessand recall for the AC category,” a Daikin spokesman toldReuters.

Capitals Chairman Parth Jindal said the BCCI should look at compensating the fran- chises.

“Ifthe BCCI doesn’t compensate, there will beasignificantlosstoeachfranchise, abouta30% drop in revenues,” Jindal told Mint newspaper earlierthismonth.

SILVERLINING

But with the BCCI at risk ofa $547 million drop in revenue had the entire season been cancelled, treasurer Arun Sigh Dhumal preferred to lookonthebrightside.

“When you encounter such challenging timesandsomanyimpediments, youarebound to lose on certain revenues,” Dhumal told Reuters.

“Looking at the overall picture, everybody should be happy that at least we’ve been able to organiseit.

“At such short notice, we’ve been able to get anewtitlesponsor. Itspeaks volumes ofIPLas a brand, andhowithasgrownovertheyears.”

Sponsorscontinuetotrickleinforthefranchises andthe league also welcomededutechstart-up Unacademy as a new sponsor on Saturday on a three-yeardeal, reportedlyworth1.2billionrupees.

Santosh said thatas the tournamentdraws closermorewouldcomeonboard.

“And with the IPL happening around the festive season this time around, it’s an added bonus for the companies to be associated with it,” headded.

Guyana’s Emery Welshman (#10) bullying his way against Trinidad defender Curtis Gonzales during their clash which ended 1 - 1 at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. (PHOTO CREDIT: Associated Press)

Welshman hoping for Golden Jaguars ‘call up’ ahead of 2022 World Cup qualifiers

By Rawle Toney

AS the country’s beloved ‘Golden Jaguars’ count down the days before their October 8 start of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifiers, Israel-based forward, Emery Welshman, says he’s hoping to receive a call from Coach Marcio Maximo to be part of his squad to embark on a FIFA World Cup dream.

“As always it will be up to the coaches to select us. We know that they have a cap on the amount of internationals selected so my focus is to keep fit and healthy so that I am in contention for selection,” Welshman told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview from his base in Sakhnin, Israel.

Since taking over the reins of the Golden Jaguars from former coach, Michael Johnson, Maximo made it clear that there needs to be a balance between the local and overseas-based players, with the Brazilian coach adding that “balance between the numbers of internationals, export and local players in all competitions will be maintained as well as our level of competitiveness and at the same time we will continue to develop our local football and local players,”

Welshman, however, who has scored nine times for Guyana in his 16 outings since making his debut in 2015, seems more than a shoe-in to be part of the squad for the campaign which will see the Golden Jaguars roaring against Trinidad and Tobago at a venue to be announced in the Twin Island Republic.

The 28-year-old Welshman in his last outing for Guyana grabbed

3, the ‘Player/Coach began a journey that reaped rewards, winning trophies and providing players for youth and senior national teams of Guyana.

In the beginning it was called YSM Beacon, but in 1992 the YSM, meaning Young Socialist Movement, was taken off. After competing in the Georgetown Football League’s division two in 1986 the team earned promotion to the Demico League division one in 1987.

Undaunted by a dismal debut season in the City’s top flight football where they

Lionel Messi missed Barcelona’s firsttraining session ofthe newseason on Monday.

a historic point for Maximo against Jamaica, in a game which was played in the Land of Wood and Water last November.

Welshman had given Guyana the lead in the 45th minute, but Jamaica, through Javon East, equalized in the 50th minute. The game finished 1 - 1.

Guyana is grouped with Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and St Kitts and Nevis, and according to the former Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake player said “history has shown that we tend to make things harder on ourselves so I hope we can all learn from past mistakes and not take these games lightly.

Having said that, we will need all the players at our disposal (local and foreign-based) to be playing at high levels, playing competitive matches week in and week out. “

“With the right mentality and best available squad we give ourselves the best chance to qualify to the next round,” Welshman said.

Asked about his tenure in Israel’s top-flight league since moving from Hapoel Haifa to FC Bnei Sakhnin last year, Welshman noted “football-wise things are moving along here in Sakhnin. We were able to gain promotion back to the first division last season and are now preparing for the start of the league.”

“Of course the lockdown was difficult as it has been for the majority of people. I’m fortunate enough to have my Wife and kids in Israel with me so that made things a little bit easier. It would have been extremely hard to be separated during this pandemic so we thank God that we are together,” Welshman reasoned.

Welshman, scored twice for Guyana in their 2018 World Cup run in their home-and-away contest against St Vincent and the Grenadines.

After an illustrious NCAA Division 1 career with Siena Saints and Oregon State, Welshman found his way on the Portland Timbers (U23 side) before joining Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Toronto FC.

With stops at Sigma FC, Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs, Puerto Rico FC, Forge FC and Cincinnati FC, Welshman found a new home in Israel.

Beacon FC - 35 years old today

Distinguished national footballer of the mid-70’s to mid 80’s Gotdon `Ultimate Warrior’ Brathwaite

ended at the bottom of the table they battled their way out of the relegation and promotion competition to avoid demotion.

Thereafter there was improvement season after season while garnering a reputation for an attacking and attractive brand of football.

The crowning moment for Beacon was winning the Demico League in 1995 followed

SEE PAGE 19