Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_09_07_2020

MONDAY 7h September, 2020

' No.106115

Brutal murder of teens rocks Cotton Tree SEE PAGE 05

Dead: Joel Henry

Dead: Isaiah Henry

“It is with a heavy heart that I was informed of the brutal and senseless murders of Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry of West Coast Berbice. I have since spoken to the Minister of Home Affairs and Commissioner of Police urging them to deploy all needed resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We cannot and would not tolerate this type of brutality in our communities and country. I can understand the pain of the families and community and my prayers and thoughts are with you.

“Whilst we await the swift work of the police to bring those responsible to justice, I urge residents from the communities to be patient and support the police in ensuring justice is served.

“I ask you to act lawful and responsible in demonstrating your anger and hurt. As President, I can understand the emotions but I ask that the police be given an opportunity to do their job.

“I also assure all of you that I have asked for a constant update on the progress of the investigation by the police to be shared with the media, community and country,”

— President, Dr Irfaan Ali

New look for Timehri-Soesdyke highway

SEE PAGE 02

An artist’s impression of a welcome sign, which will be a prominent feature of a project to landscape the entire area from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri to the Soesdyke/ Linden junction

No exclusion of Coalition

–– contrary statements by Harmon not in harmony with gov’t plans, says Min. Teixeira

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Learning Channel stepping up to COVID-19 challenge

By Lisa Hamilton AMIDST the global health crisis that prevents children from physically attending schools as per normal, the Guyana Learning Channel (GLC) is working to ramp up its broadcast of educational content to children in Guyana, reaching those who hadn’t access in the past.

The Guyana Learning Channel was set up for this purpose but the coronavirus pandemic has proven even more valuable, its contribution. The Guyana Chronicle reached out to Head of Distance Learning at the GLC, Anesha Mohammed, who told the newspaper of the plans on stream, working along with the Ministry of Education.

Already, the Learning Channel has six stations through which it broadcasts its information, namely channels three, five, 10, 24, 29 and 80. Arrangements are now being made to get more channels on board so that children do not have to wait until a specific time of the day before content suitable to their level is aired.

“Every region has just one channel available. We want to streamline it in a way in which we have mul-

tiple channels available in one district. A Grade Four student wouldn’t have to wait until around six o’clock to get their content, they can look at another channel and be able to work at the same

to stations previously on board. Only about three days ago, the Learning Channel was able to restore access to its programme on Channel 10, which broadcasts to persons in Essequibo, after two

this. Over at Bartica, similar works are ongoing.

“We are working to restore other affected areas. We have technicians and we have people on-site working to make sure that

Some of the recent videos uploaded to the Guyana Learning Channel

time as another grade,” Mohammed explained, adding: “We are currently in talks with several persons to assist with this… we’ll also be soon featuring our content on E-networks as they’re on E1, E2 and E3. They’ve offered to air some of content free of cost.”

Meanwhile, effort is being put into restoring access

years of the coverage being down.

Early this week, broadcasting challenges affecting Corriverton are expected to be rectified.

In Ituni, the Learning Channel is not being aired because of a satellite issue, but talks are ongoing with the National Communication Network (NCN) on changing

everyone has access,” Mohammed said.

PROGRAMME QUALITY On these channels, the GLC is also looking to improve the quality of its programmes, airing content suitable for each grade from nursery up to Grade 11. Recently, a call was put

out for teache r s within this grade range to submit a two-minute video displaying their ability to engage children creatively for the ultimate selection of hosts for the various new programmes to come on board.

The Distance Learning Head said: “Response has been very good with that.

I actually just came off of a Zoom meeting with one of our potential hosts… we don’t want to make it a mundane, boring experience. We want to boost that with as much creativity as possible when it comes to delivery.

[For example] engaging kids in live, hands-on experiments, making it a new approach to learning in this COVID-19 time,” she said.

For children who may miss the televised programmes, these will be uploaded on the Guyana Learning Channel’s YouTube page and, already, programmes aired recently have been uploaded. A quick skim through the YouTube

page shows that videos had not previously been uploaded to the medium within the last four years.

Providing this content on online platforms will also make it more accessible to children in hinterland and riverine communities, who may not have access to the televised programmes but can watch the same via an Internet hub.

“We have content aired on the channel but I don’t think it’s being maximised in terms of what we’re creating and what we’re putting out there. So, having it available on the Internet at all times [is good]. We also have the Ministry of Education’s website that will have all resources on there,” Mohammed said.

She explained the GLC’s ultimate objective is to ensure education is delivered throughout Guyana in an equitable manner.

New look for Timehri/Soesdyke highway FIRST Lady, Arya Ali, has initiated plans with a range of stakeholders to landscape the entire area from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri to the Linden/ Soesdyke junction.

A key feature of the project is the construction of a welcome sign at the roundabout.

The design of the welcome sign, which was developed by Impressions, will feature the Coat-of-Arms mounted atop a body of text which reads ‘Welcome to Guyana’.

The Coat-of-Arms will be double-sided, with the reverse end of the sign reading ‘Thank you for visiting’.

The sign will be erected at the roundabout just next to the country’s main airport.

The First Lady visited the location in the company of CJIA Chief Executive

Officer (CEO), Ramesh Ghir; CEO of Impressions, Neal Sukhlal, and proprietor of China Trading, Jason Wang.

At the site, the team discussed the proposed size of the sign and additional features including lighting and décor.

Sukhlal pointed out that the project will rely on the use of materials that will not have a negative impact on the environment.

The First Lady said that she was pleased to hear that such an approach is being adopted, since her National Beautification Project underscores the need for environmentally-friendly practices.

This project, which is being spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady, is one of many being undertaken by Mrs. Ali as part of her National Beautification Project which relies on scenic conservation.

First Lady, Arya Ali, and team during a meeting with CJIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ramesh Ghir; CEO of Impressions, Neal Sukhlal, and proprietor of China Trading, Jason Wang on the landscaping project

She added that as Guyana positions itself for social and economic transformation in the coming years, it is

important for the country to be prepared for an influx of tourists.

“We therefore have to en-

sure that we invest in enhancing the scenic qualities of the country, so tourists will find it esthetically pleasing and be

encouraged to return,” Mrs. Ali said.

The team is also considering the inclusion of flower baskets which will hang from the light posts from the Soesdyke junction to the airport.

One of the pillars of the National Beautification Project is to attempt to engage the business community, civic and professional organisations, and state agencies, to boost tourism by creating a more scenic Guyana.

This approach seeks to establish a link between business and tourism development, and the conservation of natural, cultural, recreational, heritage and scenic resources, while relying on professionals whose skills can benefit these scenic conservation efforts.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

No exclusion of Coalition

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–– contrary statements by Harmon not in harmony with gov’t plans, says Min. Teixeira

By Navendra Seoraj SUPPORTERS of the APNU+AFC coalition will be represented and included at all levels of society, as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) moves to restore political and economic stability in Guyana, said Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

“Let me say that the supporters of the PNC/APNU/ AFC coalition deserve to be represented and included at all levels of society, and, they will be, as the PPP/C government restores political and economic stability and rolls out its transformative projects to put Guyana back on track for all Guyanese,” said Minister Teixeira in a statement on Sunday evening.

The minister’s assurance comes a day after Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, criticised the PPP/C administration for excluding his party from State boards.

“There is a difference between the State and the Government. The State of Guyana is a legal entity that operates in perpetuity. Governments come and go. A government can be illegal and illegitimate [but] where State boards are prescribed in a law, then it is of the State,” Harmon said in a statement

on Saturday.

Minister Teixeira, however, found his comments to be premature and precipitous, as there are over 100 boards to be appointed and only five

ernment, every single board was dominated by coalition supporters.

“For a government that came into office with less than 5,000 votes in 2015 the

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira

have so far been appointed by the new government.

“In the interest of inclusivity and participatory democracy, these five boards include members of the new political parties, civil society as well as individuals who have supported the PNC. This trend will continue as other boards are appointed,” the minister affirmed.

She argued that during the life of the former APNU+AFC Coalition gov-

APNU+AFC coalition took 99 per cent on every board,” Minister Teixeira lamented.

The PPP/C government, she said, is different and will unapologetically include representatives on boards from civil society, political parties, skilled and experienced individuals who reflect the diversity of Guyana, in keeping with the constitution and in particular Article 13, which speaks to representation of the people.

NO MORAL AUTHORITY The minister’s firm belief is that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R)-dominated AP-

did everything possible to remain in government for 14 months even after a successful no-confidence vote. Their actions were described as an open violation of article 106

Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon

NU+AFC coalition leadership, lost the moral authority to lecture anyone on the law, constitution, and customs and practices with regards to the appointments of boards and appointments to constitutional posts.

Harmon’s statement that “a government can be illegal and illegitimate as is the one she is a part of,” appears to be a Freudian slip, as Minister Teixeira said it is his government that unlawfully

of the Constitution.

The minister said even more offensive was the repeated attempts by the coalition to “thwart the will” of the people and ‘rig’ the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections’ results to keep them ‘illegitimately’ in office.

It is to this end that she said the new-found “holier than thou” posture of Harmon and other APNU+AFC leaders convinces no one. Even

after the elections, the coalition had appointed boards.

“Wasn’t this a wilful and deliberate move to undermine the new government with boards that were overwhelmingly stacked with APNU+AFC activists and supporters?” Minister Teixeira asked.

She said the track record of the PPP/C in government demonstrates that it did abide by the constitutional provisions in regards to appointments to constitutional posts as well as where the law required representation by the Parliamentary Opposition, and, further the Opposition was offered seats on boards which were not stipulated.

“I continue to espouse that the composition of the parliamentary opposition post-2020 elections is vastly changed; the political landscape has also vastly changed. The APNU+AFC coalition has to adjust to sharing political space with the newer smaller parties and civil society who showed their resolve to protect democracy when Guyana was under threat.

“Regrettably, thus far, the APNU+AFC Coalition leaders appear to still be stuck in a time warped mindset unable to retrieve themselves,” said Minister Teixeira.

Too few male teachers in education system –– Minister Manickchand acknowledges, many in the system because of love for the profession

By Tamica Garnett IN Guyana, as with many other parts of the world, men are under-represented in the teaching profession, even as the importance of their presence in the career continues to be emphasised.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, has acknowledged that there are too few male teachers in the system.

“I would like to see more men picking up teaching as a profession because of what it can do for the students, particularly the boys and young men that they are teaching,” she said.

The minister noted that it is important to strike a gender balance within the profession.

“In any profession, particularly in one where we have a great influence on young minds, we should strike some level of [gender] balance because of what it means in terms of the mes-

Ronwick Lopes from Patentia Primary believes male teachers bring a diverse array of experiences to the learners

sage sent. Many times it’s even more than a message, it’s the influence brought,” she noted.

The general belief is that the presence of men in the

Mark Wills, a male teacher at Central High School West Demerara Secondary School Headteacher, Harrinarine (left) with one of his students, Joanna Archer. Archer credits Harrinarine for being positive influence in her life

teaching profession provides an important chance to inject positive role models into the

lives of children at a young age.

“When they are seeing

the male teachers operate, it is easy for them to pattern themselves after these teachers,” commented General-Secretary for the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Coretta McDonald.

Of the over 10,000 teach-

ers in the system, in Guyana, McDonald estimates that men account for less than 30 per cent of the total, but are very much needed.

“When they are there you have this sense of authority and that’s one of the factors we see lacking in many of our schools. Not that the females are not equipped to the function but when you see Sir around there’s a different thinking coming from the students,” she said.

Twenty-year-old national athlete, Joanna Archer, believes that the male teachers that she has encountered during her time in school helped to redefine her thoughts on male figures, after she grew up without her father.

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Nine new cases of COVID-19 recorded

–– 14 persons in ICU

GUYANA has recorded nine new novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the past 24 hours even as authorities anticipate a continued rise as more tests are being conducted across the country.

Authorities have so far tested 9,403 persons for COVID-19, with 7,935 being negative and 1,468 positive. But, 954 of those persons have since recovered while 46 persons have lost their lives.

Of the remaining cases, 52 persons are in institutional isolation and 402 are in home isolation while 14 persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Just Saturday, Guyana received the first batch of results from the 500 samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), but authorities said those results are still being processed and will be released soon.

The country had sent 500 samples to CARPHA, as part of an effort to reduce a backlog of samples in the system.

“We started receiving back results, but we did not

get back all… we got the first batch but they are now processing the results,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the emergence of asymptomatic cases had prompted authorities to distribute more sample kits across the country, especially to regions where the infection rate is high. Most of the cases have so far been recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“We are sending out more kits, so there will be an increase in sample collection… the testing itself has components… one is sample collection and then there is the processing of samples,” the minister said.

To this end, sample-taking sites have been established across the country, especially in ‘hotspot’ areas.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Labourer dies in confrontation with bullies ORLANDO Jonas, 27, a labourer of Lot 500, Number One Road, East Berbice, Corentyne, was discovered in an unconscious state on the Albion Public Road on Saturday evening and when he was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, he was pronounced dead.

According to information, at around 19:30 hrs, Jonas and his co-worker and friend, Mahendra Ramnarine,19, were riding along the Albion Public Road, a short distance away from the Albion Police Station when Jonas suddenly turned around to confront two men who reportedly uttered remarks at him.

Ramnarine recalled he was riding in front and when he looked back he saw Jonas clutching at his neck and chest.

The two suspects were arrested pending investigation, after they went to the police to report that Jonas and his friend attempted to rob them.

However, Ramnarine has refuted the allegation and is contending that they were attacked.

Too few male teachers in ...

POSITIVE IMPACT “Growing up without a father I did resent men, and didn’t want to get too close to them at all,” she admitted, as she shared how her male teachers impacted her.

“In primary school, the person who introduced me to sports was a male teacher

and showed me so much love and support that I’ve gained so much confidence and hope as a girl. It made me see the world better, made me realise that not all men are the same,” Archer shared Today, Archer is currently on an athletic scholarship studying sociology at Texas

Monday, September 7, 2020 –––09:00 HRS

Tech University, grateful to all of those who played a role in helping her to see more for herself.

“I definitely think the system needs more male teachers because, like me, there’s a lot of young men and women that have lost hope, and these male influencers really ignite a light.

They can see and show us things that we may never have the opportunity to experience at home,” she conveyed.

A former student of the West Demerara Secondary School, among those male teachers who would’ve impacted Archer was Harrinarine, head teacher for that school.

Harrinarine has ‘racked

up’ some 31 years in the profession since he first began teaching at the age of 19. It was watching on and admiring his own male teachers, coupled with a vision to play a role in helping students excel, that had led him into the profession.

“I always wanted to be a teacher, to emulate my own teachers. What I love most about teaching is changing lives, helping less-talented and less-fortunate students to make a difference; letting them know they can succeed,” Harrinarine noted.

REMUNERATION The challenge to get more men into the profession is believed to be linked to remuneration.

Dead: Orlando Jonas

He noted that, when Jonas collapsed, one of the suspects attempted to stab him in the neck with a knife but he managed to fight the attacker off and ran from the scene.

Despite putting up a defence, he received a big cut on his face. Police are investigating the incident.

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“Males don't see it as a means of providing for their family,” shared Mark Wills, a teacher at the Central High School, who has been in the profession some 19 years.

Despite his mother having been a teacher, Wills said he got involved in the profession on a passing thought.

“Teaching wasn't my path originally but I have grown to love it,” he shared.

Harrinarine shared that, aside from the salary, changes in the curriculums offered would also contribute to attracting more males to the profession “…. Teaching needs more practical subjects in schools to attract more males, such as wood work, masonry, electrical technology and such,” he said.

Like Harrinarine, many of the male teachers who get involved in the profession do so because of being drawn by their love for the job.

Some ended up in the career despite it not being their first choice.

“Teaching was not a career path that I wanted to do but I was encouraged and motivated at the time to teach since I had finished school and at home doing nothing,”

3 recalled Ronwick Lopes, a Grade Six teacher at the Patentia Primary School.

Lopes has been in the profession for some 24 years now, and said while the profession has its challenges, at the end of the day, it is the students who make it worth it.

“Sometimes you may be down and out as teacher, but when you get into the classroom the love that emanates from these pupils just makes your day. One of my grade six pupils sang ‘To Sir with Love’ for me at a graduation and that was so touching and inspiring for me as a young teacher,” Lopes recalled.

He too emphasised the importance of what male teachers bring to the profession.

“They bring a diverse array of experiences to the learners which allow them to see how female-male relationship works within, and outside, the classroom. This in turn provides strong, positive role models and father figures, especially for those who may not be experiencing a relationship with a father in the home,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

‘Help save a life’

–– Min. Anthony pleads with recovered patients to give blood to help turn the tide against COVID-19

By Naomi Parris MINISTER of Health Dr. Frank Anthony is calling on those who would have recovered from the dreaded coronavirus to donate blood to assist with convalescent plasma treatment for patients who are still battling for their lives in the COVID-19 intensive care unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Dr. Anthony made the

call during a virtual press conference, where he noted that convalescent plasma has already been used to treat critically-ill COVID-19 patients and has proven to be effective.

“Some of the novel things that we have been doing with our treatment of the more critical patients,” Dr. Anthony said, “is that we have introduced the use of convalescent plasma. By now, we have treated seven patients who were critically

ill; we will continue to use convalescent plasma, because the doctors, having evaluated the patients they have treated, felt that this is a good method of treatment.”

As such, the Minister is urging recovered patients to donate their plasma to aid in the fight against COVID-19.

He said that those who are willing to do so can visit the ‘blood bank’, where medically-trained staff will extract the antibodies.

“We want to urge the

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

public and the persons who would’ve had COVID and recovered from the infection that if they can help us by coming in to the blood bank and donating some of their plasma,” Minister Anthony said, adding: “This can help patients that are critically ill, and make a difference between life and death.”

The minister further noted that the Ministry has placed high emphasis on treatment in all regional hospitals, as well as the GPHC. PLASMA THERAPHY Convalescent plasma therapy is the term given

to the using of blood from people who've recovered from an illness to help others recover too.

In this instance, what it essentially means is that blood donated by persons who have recovered from COVID-19 has antibodies to the virus that causes it. In that case, the donated blood is processed to remove blood cells, leaving behind liquid (the plasma) and antibodies, which can then be given to people with COVID-19 to boost their ability to fight the virus.

For the plasma to be donated, it is first collected as a

regular blood unit. However, instead of being placed in a bag, it is transferred to a centrifuge, where the plasma is separated from the other components of blood.

The blood is then returned to the body of the donor with a saline solution, and the plasma serum is collected in a separate bag. This step is repeated until the desired amount is collected. On a normal basis, one plasma contribution can yield up to four units of the substance.

This is later transferred to the patient.

This particular form of passive immunisation has been used in the past to treat persons who were suffering from several other similar diseases like the Ebola, Spanish Flu, Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever, the H1N1 virus, and other coronaviruses such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Last Friday, health officials had reported that some six patients were released from the Georgetown Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), following their being successfully treated with the plasma from patients who recovered from the deadly COVID-19 disease.

Balwant Singh employees tested, quarantined after paediatrician’s death –– hospital says neither doctor nor his nurse spoke about COVID-19 symptoms THE medical fraternity recently mourned the death of renowned Paediatrician, Dr. Seepersaud Chatterdeo, but with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) being responsible for his demise, the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital has mobilised testing for its staff and has since quarantined them.

Dr. Chatterdeo, who once headed the Paediatrics Department of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), worked part-time at the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital, the same institution which treated him before his demise last Sunday.

According to reports, following the doctor’s demise, a sample was taken from his body and it was tested for COVID-19. The sample tested

positive for the disease.

“To protect our patients and staff we have informed all who may have been in contact with him to remain vigilant and be tested if they experience any symptoms, this includes patients deemed at risk, and their families.

“We have also tested and quarantined all medical personnel that were involved in his care while at the hospital. It must be noted that this action was taken the day after we received information that he had tested positive for COVID-19, even though we did not have the final report in our possession,” said the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital in a statement, on Sunday.

While the hospital expressed “deep sadness” over the passing of Dr. Chatterdeo,

Renowned Paediatrician, Dr. Seepersaud Chatterdeo

the institution said neither the doctor nor his nurse, who was employed by him, ever indicated that they were experiencing symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. Dr. Chattardeo was only brought to the hospital two hours before his demise, said the institution in its statement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Young doctor wants to improve access to heart surgeries in Guyana

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA does not conduct routine heart surgeries because of its lack of cardiothoracic surgeons but, 30-yearold Dr. Avlon Jeffery hopes to be the change that turns the tide in the right direction.

Dr. Jeffery is a general practitioner at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he has been employed for the last four years. He recently sat down with the Guyana Chronicle to tell his story of how he ignored the stigma associated with his community, Mocha, pushed to achieve his dreams, and is now reaching for more.

For as long as he can remember, he had always wanted to become a doctor. His interest in cardiology, however, developed during his studies in Cuba, after a patient was rushed into the hospital following a gruesome accident and he locked eyes with the patient’s beating heart.

“He had trauma to his chest and his entire sternum was separated and, from the outside, you could actually see in his chest and you saw the dynamic of how the heart was squeezing and, for me, that was it, that was when I knew that the heart was where I wanted to be,” he said.

He had left for studies in the Spanish-speaking country at the young age of 17, made possible through a scholarship from the government. However, after graduating, Dr. Jeffery returned home to the limitations of Guyana’s healthcare system.

At the GPHC, there are two clinics which manage heart patients: the Cardiology Clinic and the Heart Function Clinic.

The hospital sees patients in relation to heart attacks, heart failure, congenital heart disease and valvular heart disease with just over 1,000 patients on scheduled visits for heart-related issues. However, the GPHC

does not conduct routine heart surgeries.

Dr. Jeffery said: “We're still very young in medicine. We

soon leave to pursue that. Of course, like everyone else, coronavirus has affected doctors too. Borders are closed,

Looking back at his childhood and growing up in Mocha, Dr. Jeffery realises that he had to withstand the stigma placed on

GPHC General Practitioner, Dr. Avlon Jeffery

still have a very far away to go.

We don't do routine heart surgeries in Guyana. We probably do a few if we have a visiting team, probably from the U.S. or Canada, whatever the case might be. So, it's difficult to know that your patient requires more but there's only so much you can do,” said Dr. Jeffery.

The GPHC instead performs simple procedures such as placing a stent for a heart attack patient. Patients requiring more complex surgeries such as a heart transplant, must seek surgical help overseas.

This is owed to the lack of a routine cardiothoracic surgeon in Guyana.

Dr. Jeffery is on a mission to change this, beginning with himself. His current goal is to return to Cuba on another scholarship to study to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

A DREAM “That’s one of the areas I definitely want to pursue, that’s actually what I want to do,” he said. “My dream is to

we can’t travel… but my next big plan to pursue my cardiovascular surgery programme.”

Even as he is optimistic that he will be successful in his studies, Dr. Jeffery also looks forward to a time when Guyanese no longer have to travel overseas to study such progammes and where all persons, no matter their financial challenges, can have access to education.

“I think what young people need done for them is the lowering of costs. It's not easy to study medicine at home, I can tell you that. I started out at the University of Guyana doing biology but when it was time to do medicine I couldn’t afford it so I had to take a scholarship. I think if we can make it more cost effective for the youths, youths that really want to pursue the area, that would be definitely a place to start,” he said.

The general practitioner also recommends that more scholarships are offered to groups that are less privileged.

Miner shoots pork knocker during drinking spree POLICE are investigating a shooting incident that involved a pork knocker and a miner at Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, on Saturday.

According to reports, Albert Nigel Benjamin, 30, called “Pluto”, a pork knocker of Blackwater Backdam was attacked by a 46-year-old miner of the said area.

According to reports reaching Guyana Chronicle, the victim and the suspect were drinking at a shop for some time, and while they were there an argument started between the two.

As a result of the argument, the suspect left the shop and went towards his home, a short distance away, and

returned, shortly after, with a firearm in his hand and discharged two rounds in the direction of the shop.

The suspect then approached Benjamin and discharged another round, which struck him to his left foot, causing him to fall to the ground where he received further injuries to his face and abdomen. Benjamin was taken to the Bartica Hospital where he is a patient in a stable condition.

Investigations into the matter are still ongoing. Meanwhile, the police have stated that no arrest has been made but the search is ongoing for the suspect.

his community, financial challenges and the guaranteed ups and downs of life to be able to stand where he does today.

He does not believe that any child or youth should be disenfranchised simply for where he/she was born or what financial class he/she was born into. He encourages others who may be contemplating following their dreams to reach for it, despite the negativity that might surround them.

The doctor said: “You have to follow your dreams.

Even when I wanted to leave and study, persons would have told me ‘you want to go and be a doctor? For what?’ You have

to hold on to your dreams, it's not about people, it's about you and it's about what your plans are for your future. Nobody's going to come and give anything to you, you need to go and pursue what you want... don't worry about the time, time will pass, six/seven years.

I’d rather spend that time following my dream than waiting on something that somebody might have promised me.”

As doctor with a love for the heart, Dr. Jeffery also left some words of advice to the average Guyanese. He said that there are many tell-tale signs for heart complications that persons should pay attention to guard against an impaired quality of life or even death.

SYMPTOMS For example, the symptoms to look out for when one is experiencing a heart attack are a squeezing, sticking or burning pain in the middle of the chest; a numb arm; sudden onset coughing and shortness of breath.

Meanwhile, he said that many are in the habit of ignoring key symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains or even known heart challenges, visiting the hospital only when their conditions have far worsened. He recommends that more persons utilise the health centres in their communities when unsure about changes in their health.

“That’s one thing that patients don’t do. Everybody

comes to Georgetown Public Hospital, nobody wants to go to the health centre and so forth but, if we use our primary healthcare for initial symptoms, I think we can tackle these are complications that would arise later,” he advised.

To improve and maintain heart health, he also urged citizens to adapt a healthy diet, exercise regularly and control their comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes which can lead to a heart attack in the future. He reminded that anyone can suffer from a heart attack.

He said: “We’ve been seeing, recently, even the younger population suffering from heart attacks because of alcohol use, drug use, recreational drugs, even marijuana. These can all precipitate the events that can cause a heart attack.

It's not just the obese, it's not just the old, it's not just the chronic smoker anymore. Of course, these are all factors that would put you at worse risk but we see it in everybody these days.”

Until the borders reopen and he’s able to pursue his further studies, Dr. Jeffery urges Guyanese to stay safe amidst the pandemic, monitor their health through health checkups and to reach for their dreams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

10 years old and growing fast

WE may not wish it upon our children, and some of us prefer to be in denial, but there is a group of children who are on the fast track to puberty.

‘Nooooooo!’ You might want to cry ‘Not my child - he or she is still a baby’.

But let’s be real; if your child is ten, or older he/ she is a pre-adolescent and soon his/her body will be preparing for puberty.

You have two choices: you can accept these facts and holistically assist your child through this strange chapter in his/her childhood; or you can try to pretend it is not happening and ignore the hair growing under the arms and the shapes and sizes he/ she will change into, sometimes literally overnight.

When it comes to children, it is always better to prepare them for the future.

They appreciate hearing facts about life, from their parents, carers and loved ones. These are the adults they should turn to for care, attention and protection.

Protecting children is much

more than just a physical endeavour. Protection also involves giving them relevant information, so they know what to expect in life, and for them to make informed choices.

Puberty is a process where children become sexually mature; it begins around 10 -14 years old in girls and 12 - 16-years old in boys. As their bodies change, naturally children will have questions about, one, the transformations they are experiencing and, two, although they may not mention it, surrounding sexual health. Remember, these significant changes are new to them, so even if they seem to be coping well, they still need guidance.

If parents could recognise and share information with their children at significant stages of their development, it would assist children emotionally, socially and build their self-esteem.

More parents should work to empower their children rather than belittle them or make fun of them as their

bodies change.

Children going through puberty find it awkward enough, without thoughtless parents ridiculing them.

‘Oh, so you think you’s a woman ‘cause you getting breast nah?’ or they might tell a boy, ‘…as you get little height, you playing you’s a man...you big and stupid’.

Parents aim to hurt the child or cut them down to size by making remarks about their growing, changing bodies. What they should do is help the child through these changes in a positive way. Explain to the children what to expect during puberty and why this transition happens to everyone.

Teach them how to step up their hygiene and give them useful tips on same. Children develop at different rates so remind them not to compare themselves with their peers (although they will and always do).

While the pubescent body is changing, children’s minds are also developing.

Their personality is taking shape, and they begin to

form their own opinions, which may be quite different from the ones with which they were raised. It is healthy for children to create their thoughts and ideas and even respectfully challenge their peers and others. It is a small step towards the bigger picture of growing up and becoming independent. Other factors include children becoming more concerned about their body image and choice of clothes.

Parents need to have a good rapport with their children during pre-adolescence, more than at any other time; during adolescence, it is far easier for children to be influenced by peers. Young people need a sense of direction and a solid role model to look up to during this time. Although they should have a reasonable ability to perceive right from wrong, some adolescents end up partaking in criminal activities or performing senseless, thoughtless acts.

They need the constant watchful eye and involvement of their parents or

carers, even if they seem fine, trustworthy, happy and contented, stay connected to your children, let them know that you care and are there for them.

While some children sail through pre-adolescence and adolescence without a hitch, others may become overwhelmed by the experience and appear sad and moody. It is natural, as children slowly leave behind their childhood and move towards the world of adulthood. But if symptoms of worthlessness, isolation and hopelessness persist, it could be signs of depression and medical advice should be sought.

Puberty can be a confusing time for children if they have no idea what is happening to their bodies and what they should expect.

You may be thinking, ‘Well my parents didn’t tell me one thing, and I turned out just fine’. But wouldn’t you have preferred that they did ‘clue you in’ along the way as you were growing and that you learnt about the whole

life cycle and reproduction process naturally?

It is not a dark, sinister secret, only shared amongst peers; it is the most natural experience that we all should embrace.

Parents who find it difficult to speak to children about reproduction, puberty, contraception, sexual intercourse or other topics of this nature, should make use of the many online sites that offer tips and information for children and parents.

Cartoons on these subjects can be useful as a starting point for conversation. It is a parental duty to prepare children for their future, and there can be no excuses, with so much information at hand.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Youths in detention guarded against COVID-19 THE Ministry of Home Affairs Juvenile Justice Department in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has taken steps to protect youths in detention from COVID-19 and to ensure access to justice for those who may be awaiting trial.

In a release, the ministry said to this end, skype recording units and other equipment will be installed at the Sophia Holding Centre, New Amsterdam Prison, Camp Street and Lusignan Prisons to allow the remote hearing of cases and connections with the courts, including the Children’s Court, and other facilities deemed necessary for the promotion of telehealth to persons in detention.

In addition to the savings from travel and other related costs, the equipment will have the double-benefit of ensuring access to justice, while maintaining physical distancing during COVID-19,

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn (centre) handing over Skype recording unit and a quantity of detergents to administrator of the Juvenile Holding Centre, Yvette Sancho

the ministry said.

UNICEF has also provided support to the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure the promotion of sanitation and

hygiene practices for staff and youth in detention, as a means of safeguarding against the disease.

“With UNICEF, the min-

istry will also improve its sanitation area in the facility, and support the implementation of protocols for the safety of juveniles in detention, along

with hygiene management training. Based on the global guidelines for the prevention and response to COVID-19, UNICEF is also supporting

the ministry to ensure that there is access to legal aid, which will also have the desired effect of reducing the numbers of youth in detention. These measures precede joint discussions on the draft Juvenile Justice Regulations 2020, which will complement the legislation, aimed at strengthening the overall administration of justice for juveniles,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

The ministry also took note of the women in detention at New Amsterdam and said the ministry has recommitted efforts to assessing policies surrounding early childhood development and breastfeeding for lactating mothers who may be in prison.

Here, the equipment that will be installed will also help mothers to communicate with their children as part of the process towards ensuring reintegration of families during detention.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Firemen avert major disaster at ‘Kanhai’s Variety’ –– contain mid-afternoon fire to top floor only A MID-afternoon fire has left the top floor of the building that houses Kanhai’s Electrical and Variety Store, on Charlotte Street in down-town Georgetown, severely damaged.

The fire, according to reports, began sometime around 14:00 hrs on Sunday, and saw the Guyana Fire Service responding quickly, which is perhaps how it was able to be contained to the top floor only, and save the entire building from being reduced to rubble.

According to Joseph Kanhai, son of the business’s proprietor, all he

knows about the fire is that it originated at the top floor of the building, though he couldn’t say how. He was, however, able to confirm that there were several persons on the premises at the time word spread that there was a fire in progress, as one floor of the building serves as a hostel of sorts for some Brazilian nationals staying in the country.

He explained that while the tenants occupy the second floor, the first and ground floors are used as a storeroom and place of operation for the electrical aspect of the business.

“We don’t even know what going on,” young Kanhai said. “We get a call that the building on fire, and I came down. All we know is that no one was up there, and maybe it was a minor electrical thing that caused it.”

Reports are that the second floor of the building houses 16 Brazilians, who were all thankfully able to escape to safety after hearing the breaking of the upstairs windows due to the heat.

The Guyana Fire Service, meanwhile, has begun its investigation into the origin of the fire.

Kanhai’s after the fire mid-afternoon on Sunday

Some of the Brazilian nationals that stay on the second floor of Kanhai’s Electrical and Variety Store on Charlotte Street (Photos by Elvin Croker) FROM PAGE

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Balwant Singh employees tested ...

In an effort to ensure that other health facilities, where Dr. Chattardeo also worked, take the necessary steps of contact tracing and containment, the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital also informed the Ministry of Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, of these developments.

In the face of this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital remains vigilant to protect the lives of all who seek health care there, as well as the lives of caregivers and their families.

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

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

The WHO had said that 81 per cent of persons, who contract COVID-19, will have mild symptoms while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms and five per cent will need intensive care.

Although a large percent of the infected persons show only mild symptoms of the disease, the country, in addition to losing Dr. Chatterdeo, has lost 46 persons.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony had hailed Dr. Chatterdeo as Guyana’s most respected paediatrician.

According to a recent statement from the health minister, outside of being one of Guyana’s most respected paediatricians, Dr. Chatterdeo was a “dear teacher” to several medical students and medical interns.

“He dedicated his young life to ensuring his students had all his attention and benefitted from his knowledge

and experience. He treated his students as his sisters and brothers. Dr. Chatterdeo also contributed immensely to the continuing medical education programme for practising physicians in Guyana,” Dr. Anthony noted.

Every life lost to COVID-19 was precious, and while there is no specific treatment or approved vaccine for this dreaded disease, authorities have been implementing preventative measures such as a national curfew and social distancing guidelines.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or any concerns about which you need information, please contact the COVID-19 Hotline numbers – 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 – or visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www. health.gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Petty thieves find face-mask ruling to their liking –– causing vendors to plead for heightened police presence around Stabroek Market

By Naomi Parris SEVERAL vendors who ply their trade around the Stabroek Market are calling for heightened police presence in the area as many consumers are afraid to shop there due to the spike in the number of robberies in recent weeks.

They say that on top of having to deal with the vagaries of COVID-19, they also have to contend with their own ‘epidemic’ with the upsurge in activity of petty thieves and robbers which has been hindering customers from shopping in the area.

One vendor, who spoke on condition of anonymity told the Guyana Chronicle that because known petty thieves and delinquents have taken to patrolling the area of late, it is becoming more and more difficult for him to make a living these days.

What makes it even more unsettling, he says, is that de-

spite there’s a police outpost nearby, it doesn’t seem to bother the criminals not one jot. And, from all appearances, neither do the authorities seem to want to apprehend the wrongdoers much less address the situation.

The man, who sells mostly fruits on the marketplace, disclosed that he would have brought the matter to the attention of the Mayor and City Council on many occasions, and asked that they to look into it, but, unfortunately, nothing has been done to date.

Another vendor, who gave her name as ‘Black Girl’, disclosed that she has been managing fairly well, in terms of sales, and has been trying her best to adhere to all the COVID-19 directives, so as to protect herself and customers. “We managing out here; but, yuh know, it li’l tough. I continue doing my normal routine; yuh know, washing my hands

Citizens going about their daily errands at the Stabroek Market

‘Black Girl’ a well-known vendor who plies her trade on the Stabroek Market

and suh. I’m not letting customers touch the fruits and vegetables, because, you don’t want anybody to catch or spread anything,” the woman said.

She, however, noted that things could be much better if there were better security in and around the marketplace, particularly during this pandemic, since many petty thieves have been using the mandatory face-mask ruling to commit their crimes and make good their escape.

“Security is the big issue,” ‘Black Girl’ said, “because, like de thief-men dem, by they wearing de face mask now, they are taking advantage.”

Loriann, another popular Stabroek Market vendor (Photos by Delano Williams)

She noted that because of this mandatory wearing of the face mask, it has been hard for persons to identify the thieves among them, but she believes that with heightened police presence on the market, the situation can be dealt with.

Loriann, who also plies her trade on the Stabroek Market, disclosed that in recent weeks, sales have slowed up tremendously, due to the number of petty thieves and upsurge in crime in the market area.

“There are a lot of petty thieves out here,” Loriann said, adding: “And you could never find the police or the constables at the said time; is

after it done happen, then you see the police coming… It’s really affecting customers coming to buy, because it happens right in front of us.”

The woman also noted that many a times she’s wanted to make a report or speak out, but out of fear, she stays quiet, since she has been threatened on several occasions.

She, too, noted that the perpetrators have been taking advantage of the COVID-19 compliance to commit their crimes with the wearing of the face mask, which makes it difficult to identify or trace them.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

A real-life superhero

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--Meet Nurse Dianna Bernard, one of the ‘front-liners’ taking the fight to COVID-19

By Naomi Parris MANY children are known to look up to superheroes to rescue the meek and save the day from the chaos and dangers of the world.

However, for one seven-year-old girl, her superhero is her mother, Nurse Dianna Rose Bernard, who, like many other frontline workers, has been valiantly battling against the novel

Essequibo), way up in the hinterland, close to the border with our southernmost neighbour, Brazil.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Nurse Bernard, who primarily tends to COVID-19 patients at the Lethem Regional Hospital, noted that this virus has taught her a thing or two about making sacrifices, putting herself in the line of danger to care for those who

much time to help her with home-schooling,” she said.

“And that is a disadvantage for her, since other parents get to home-school during the pandemic and I don’t.”

Bernard noted that her daughter has been somewhat understanding as to why her mother as to be away from her for the time being, and has been her biggest motivator during the pandemic, cheering her on to do her

Nurse Dianna Rose Bernard, one of many frontline workers fighting to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Region Nine

coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for the past few months.

In March of this year, Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case, and, like other countries the world over, it was not prepared for the anguish that came with the pandemic, as the country saw a rapid spread of the virus across its ten administrative regions.

However, it was the hinterland regions which bore the brunt of the impact of the deadly virus, with very little resources and manpower at hand to combat its spread in the various Indigenous communities.

During the course of the battle, it was the few frontline workers like Nurse Bernard who worked beyond the call of duty to slow the march of the virus, and save as many lives as they possibly could.

Nurse Bernard, who grew up in the Rupununi region, has been a Registered Nurse for some nine years now, and currently lives at St. Ignatius, a small village outside the township of Lethem, seat of administration of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper

have fallen prey to it.

Though just 31, she knows only too well what it means to put family first, as she talked openly about the agony of having to move away from her home and close relatives to protect them from contracting the virus.

MAKING HARD DECISIONS “It was a very hard decision when I had to make up my mind to leave my home, and move in to the hospital compound, mainly to protect my daughter and my family; I had to leave my daughter with her grandparents,” she said.

Bernard noted that for the past few months, she has not been able to embrace her daughter in her arms, or even help her understand the realities of a pandemic.

The young nurse noted that it has even been harder, since her daughter now has to deal with home-schooling and Online classes, and she is not even around to assist her with what she may not understand in the new learning environment. “I haven’t had

utmost to continue to save lives during the health crisis.

She said that whenever she has a little free time, she would visit and call her daughter as much as she can.

NO EASY FIGHT Bernard noted that the fight has not been an easy one, as healthcare workers are still working under extreme pressure to combat the virus, and do everything in their power to limit its spread. She, however, noted that during this time she and her fellow workmates have managed to become more than just a group of nurses and doctors, but rather a family and a team of superheroes.

“The good thing is that we have become as family; the COVID-19 team members. We support each other in many ways, and we are working hard, and finally seeing a decline in number of cases,” Nurse Bernard said.

She noted that their work goes beyond the confines of the hospitals, as they have been doing everything in their power to educate persons about the virus and how they can protect themselves

from contracting it.

“Some people just wasn't adhering to precautionary measures and COVID-19 guidelines,” Nurse Bernard said. “They continue to have parties, and socializing. And that was a major cause for the rapid increase in our cases in the interior communities, so we had to walk with persons who speak their dialect, and help with educating the people,” she added.

Nurse Dianna Rose Bernard, one of many frontline workers fighting to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Region Nine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Brutal murder of teens rocks Cotton Tree

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur

WEST BERBICE residents took to the streets in protest, after the battered bodies of two teenagers were found dumped in a clump of bush at Cotton Tree Backdam, on Sunday afternoon.

The bodies of two cousins, Isaiah Henry, 16, and Joel Henry, 19, both of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) were found three villages away in the backlands.

Both bodies bore several ‘chop wounds’. Isaiah had the letter ‘X’ carved on the back of his head and forehead, while Joel’s chest was cut open, exposing his organs.

Gladstone Henry, the father of Isaiah, said the boys

“It is with a heavy heart that I was informed of the brutal and senseless murders of Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry of West Coast Berbice.

I have since spoken to the Minister of Home Affairs and Commissioner of Police urging them to deploy all needed resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We cannot and would not tolerate this type of brutality in our communities and country. I can understand the pain of the families and community and my prayers and thoughts are with you.

“Whilst we await the swift work Dead: Isaiah Henry left early Saturday morning for the backdam to pick coconut, but when they did not return by late afternoon, he became worried.

After the night passed,

Dead: Joel Henry the police were alerted and a search party was organised early Sunday morning.

During the search, the party came across a bag of

Protesters set fire to the roadway at Number 5 Village, West Coast Berbice, on Sunday evening, as they called for justice into the horrific killing

GECOM security guard dies while receiving medical treatment –– following vicious attack on way home at Port Kaituma PORT Kaituma police are in search of the suspect in the murder of a 75-yearold security guard attached to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) office there.

The deceased has been identified as Earl Peters, who, according to reports, is believed to have been attacked around 22:25hrs on Saturday, in the vicinity of Train Line, Port Kaituma, in the North West District (NWD).

Reports are that a Port Kaituma businessman, who lives near where the incident occurred, claims he was at home when he heard someone shouting for help, and upon going outside to see who it was, saw a man, whom he later recognised to be Peters, lying on the ground soaked in what appeared to be blood.

After the matter was reported to the Port Kaituma Police Station, a party of

policemen went to the scene at about 22:35hrs, where they found the victim lying, comatose, on his back on the ground, and just as the businessman had told them, soaked in what appeared to be blood, from the multiple injuries he’d sustained to his abdomen, head and wrist.

After being taken to the Port Kaituma Public Hospital, he briefly regained consciousness, and told the police that an unknown male had attacked him, and, believing he was dead, made good his escape.

Peters reportedly died later the same day at around 11:23hrs whilst receiving medical attention.

The police have not yet arrested anyone in connection with Peters’ murder, but have since launched an investigation to ascertain who the perpetrator is and find and prosecute him.

peeled coconuts with a rod that they identified as the one the lads left with, but saw no trace of the two teens.

A larger search party was formed and a wider search was conducted and they eventually stumbled on the body of Isaiah in a clump of bush, a far distance away from where the coconuts were found.

A further search led to the discovery of the body of Joel which was found, face down, in a ditch a short distance away, with a gaping wound to his chest.

“My son neck was slashed, his face was cut like a cow face that you cut up to make pepperpot and he had a X on he forehead, all because of a few coconuts... these men killed before because they would never been able to put a ‘X’ on my son face,” the emotional father declared.

He continued that he

of the police to bring those responsible to justice, I urge residents from the communities to be patient and support the police in ensuring justice is served.

“I ask you to act lawful and responsible in demonstrating your anger and hurt. As President, I can understand the emotions but I ask that the police be given an opportunity to do their job.

“I also assure all of you that I have asked for a constant update on the progress of the investigation by the police to be shared with the media, community and country,” — President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

wanted justice and was calling on the police to conduct a thorough investigation, since from his findings, there was evidence to suggest the killer/s went to great lengths to conceal the tracks.

“They try to cover up the bicycle tracks and you could see the bodies drag far and the blood trail on the dam and to the trench till the next over. Them boys strong and them could not get to do what them want with them to hide them away, but we know this whole backdam and was able to find them.”

The manner in which the youths met their demise has sent the villagers in a state of shock and anger as they took to the streets in protest, burning tyres and blocking the roads demanding justice.

As the bodies were brought out around 18:30hrs, many residents who gathered at the entrance to the Cotton Tree backdam, expressed

outrage while demanding justice for the youths.

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, we want justice!” they shouted as the hearse took the bodies away.

By 19:00hrs, the villagers gathered at the homes of the two youths to show solidarity and support for their families. They then moved towards the end of the Number Four village as others joined with tyres and other debris, setting them on fire and blocked the roads to express their outrage.

By 21:00hrs, the protesters moved to Cotton Tree Village where they continued their calls for justice while continuing to block the roadways.

A 57-year-old man has since been arrested, based on information provided to the police. Up to press time, he remained in custody assisting with the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

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Preserving our sense of dignity WE in Guyana joined with the world on September 5, 2020, in observing the International Day of Charity. In this crisis during this global pandemic of the coronavirus, more than ever before we must focus on being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and progress a creed of being in solidarity with the drive to eradicate poverty.

According to the United Nations, “Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises [and] supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.”

Guyana’s 10th President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali is off to a flying start. A few days ago he visited sev-

eral villages in East Canje distributing hundreds of hampers to those in need.

And why was this area of marked significance to Guyana? It is the home of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate where the former PNC- led government under David Granger shattered the economic well-being for thousands of these families in several villages. These villages include Gangaram, several miles up the Canje River, Betsy Ground, Good Banana Land, Adelphi, Reliance, Canefield, and Canje Front.

Those who have visited these villages before and after the closure of the Rose Hall Sugar Factory would observe the marked difference in the aesthetics of these communities, as that PNC-led government sought to suck their dignity from them. Well, no more says Dr. Ali, as he spoke to these people on September 1, 2020.

In his message to the families of these villages, he said: “The process to restart operations at the Rose Hall estate has already begun.” He further stated that his government’s commitment to the Rose Hall Estate is that it

will be “brought back into operations.”

Reopening these estates will re-energise many of these villages to their former glory as more families start to plan for the future with a predictable set of economic energy flowing through their respective villages once again.

But reopening the estates aside, we take a moment to nonetheless take stock of the deeper message of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The President told the villagers that “I have made a commitment that I am going to work every single day, the government is going to work every single day in the best interest of all the people in our country.”

Now, this is not empty talk, these are words backed by real action. Only on Sunday, August 30, 2020, the President was in the urban community of Tiger Bay listening to his people and sharing food hampers and face masks with them.

Then on September 1, 2020, he was doing the same thing in rural Guyana. And in this Amerindian Heritage Month of September, he repeated the same process when he distributed some 1,100 food hampers in the remote communities on

the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to mainly Amerindian families.

Dr. Ali is a man on a mission, one who is focused on chartering a course to bring back a sense of dignity to the families of Guyana, so they can live their lives by a better standard in an environment where people follow the rule of law. In these COVID times, it is important that we are all our brothers and sisters keepers. If our neighbours do not have masks, even cloth masks, we should help, support and provide if we can. President Ali as a presidential candidate before August 2020, led on the distribution of some 200,000 cloth masks made in Guyana for Guyanese.

Those who can afford, even if we give away 20 face masks and two food hampers, it is better than doing nothing.

These acts by all, of taking care of the nation is important at this time. In the end, it takes a family to build a community and a community to build a nation.

Let us join President Ali in fixing this mess as Guyana joins the world in observing the International Day of Charity.

Energy drinks: a silent killer of our youths Dear editor, IT breaks my heart to see that more and more people, particularly young adults, turning to energy drinks (Sting, Redbull, Rockstar, XL, Turbo, Monster, etc.) that are generally, but incorrectly, believed to boost energy and concentration.

Although marketed for “instant energy boost,” researchers have found that energy drink consumption gives a false sense of alertness and is more dangerous to one’s health, compared to what consumers are led to believe.

Energy drinks are advertised as edgy soft drinks, but one glance at their list of ingredients and safety labels tells a whole different story. Excessive levels of caffeine, taurine, and vitamin B make them unhealthy and dangerous. Increased consumption of energy drinks raises the risk of unhealthy habits such as alcohol use, mental health issues such as depression, sleep deprivation, high blood pressure, and other heart compli-

cations such as palpitations, cardiac arrest, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, etc. In addition, excess sugar in energy drinks can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, cause cavities, and even lead to death. Our youths also need to realise that these energy drinks, and all their stimulants, actually have a detrimental impact on sexual efficiency.

I firmly believe that, considering the proven adverse effects of these drinks on one’s mental and physical well-being, this trend has become one of great concern and calls for urgent monitoring and intervention.

I write this missive out of great care and concern, as I, the undersigned, have always been an advocate of saving our youth. I have always recommended steps in a number of ways to protect and care for them in every way that I can.

I have also been an advocate of all things natural; growing one’s own fruits and vegetables, instead of them being chemically produced. If people really want energy, they can drink some lime wash or swank. This

beverage contains part water, sugar, limes or lemons and essence, for flavour. This can be served chilled or at room temperature and is an instant source of energy.

Cane juice is also a better, more natural and more potent alternative for energy drinks. It has all the minerals in the world, and it’s better for you than refined sugar found in energy drinks. The natural supply of sucrose in cane sugar gives your body the right amount of energy to start your day and normalises the release of glucose in your body. It is also the best way to rehydrate the body and shake off the fatigue. Cane juice is also attributed as a natural remedy to a variety of problems. It is rich in antioxidants, so it helps to combat infections and improve immunity. It is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and other electrolytes, making it ideal for rehydration on a hot sunny day. By drinking this pure and healthy juice, you are not only saving your body, but also helping the cane industry and our cane farmers.

People who go to work, school, etc., can

easily freeze a bottle of cane juice and/or swank or lime juice overnight and enjoy it all day long. Additionally, an instant boost of energy may also be obtained from a spoon or two of honey or sugar. These natural alternatives are a safe and healthier replacement to heavily advertised beverages that cause people to waste their money needlessly. Such products, energy drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, etc., are profitable only to the producers who manufacture them, but are detrimental to the people who consume them. This is because they are intentionally made with ingredients that cause dependence and addiction.

So, my dear readers, I urge you, firstly myself, to be very cautious of the gimmicks of these advertisers and/or manufacturers. I ask you to be careful of what you eat, because the food we eat will eventually make us or break us as time passes by.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Cleanliness is next to godliness Dear editor, CLEANLINESS, it is said, is next to godliness. There is nothing more pleasing to the eyes than a clean and well-kept environment.

In this regard, the initiative by our First Lady to clean up the seawall and other public spaces is commendable.

I had the opportunity to visit Singapore a few years ago and the first thing that strikes me is the cleanliness of the country. Of course, Singapore has some of the most stringent anti-littering measures in the world, including hefty fines and flogging if found guilty.

While I do not propose such extreme measures, I do believe there is a case

for a much more robust enforcement of existing laws to keep our city and our country in a clean and eco-friendly manner.

A clean environment requires a multi-agency approach and, more importantly, behavioural changes both at the individual and corporate levels. There is a positive correlation between a clean

environment and the mental health of the society as a whole.

I urge all Guyanese to contribute to transforming our environment to one that is safe and free from garbage.

Yours sincerely, Hydar Ally

The practice of honouring the dead is a universal culture with variable customs and traditions Dear editor, HINDUS in Guyana and throughout the world are observing the period (inauspicious) of Pitri Paksha (Sept. 2nd to Sept.

17th). Pitri Paksha is a set time frame in which people belonging to the Hindu community pay homage and tribute to their deceased loved ones. For this, they perform Tarpan and Shradh rituals and pray for their salvation.

A Hindu tradition lasting 15 days during the month of Ashwin, ( most years, the autumnal equinox falls within this period, i.e. the sun transitions from the northern to the southern hemisphere during this period) Pitri Paksha (Fortnight of the Ancestors) is the time during which people remember their ancestors, particularly through food, fruits and water offerings, giving charity and reciting the scriptures, especially the Gita. Stemming from the Mahabharata, a Hindu epic (which tells of the soul of Karna, a deceased warrior, who couldn’t find any food in heaven because he had never honoured his ancestors with food offerings) the festival includes several ceremonies and rituals, which are performed in order for departed souls to attain peace.

It is believed that those who do not perform Tarpan and Shradh Kram undergo the Pitra Dosh, a kind of defect in one’s horoscope that can lead to severe problems in one’s life.

It is said that by performing Shradh rituals and Tarpan, one can provide peace to the soul of their deceased. There are many dos and don’ts as per tradition, one of them being not venturing into a new project. It is interesting to note how other cultures practise its doctrine and concept.

In Islam, when the Holy Prophet said that hearts also get rusted like iron, the people asked, “With what substance can it be cleansed?” The Holy Prophet replied: “By remembering death and reciting the Holy Qur’an.” Another tradition that is narrated from the Holy Prophet is this: “Remember death frequently for it has four effects: (1) It washes off your sins. (2) It reduces your keen fondness for the world. (3) It checks your indulgence in bad practices and improper use of wealth during the period of affluence. (4) It makes a man content with whatever little quantity of wealth he has as during poverty his remembering of death makes him realise how he will account before Allah for the wealth he has spent and the deprivation of the people, because he sees that when he has a small quantity of wealth his accountability also would be less.” (Nahjul Fasahat, saying, 444).

In the Jewish community, Yahrzeit is a Yiddish word meaning anniversary of a death. It is the yearly anniversary of a loved one’s death (traditionally the anniversary of the Hebrew date, not the Gregorian date).

Jews observe yahrzeit at home by the main observance which involves recitation of kaddish prayer and lighting a special long-burning candle in memory of the deceased.

Yahrzeit candles are also known as yizkor candles, because they are also lit on behalf of loved ones on the four Jewish holidays (Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Passover and Shavuot) that include a Yizkor, or Jewish memorial, service.

In Nepal, Gaijatra (or Gai Jatra), is a celebration that lasts for eight days in August and September. Also called the Festival of the Cows, this is the occasion to commemorate the death of people during the previous year.

The festival includes a procession of cows through the centre of town, led by family members who have lost a loved one in the preceding year. Cows have a sacred status in Hinduism and are therefore thought to help guide the recently deceased to the afterlife.

The festival is a light-hearted celebration and is meant to help people accept death and ease the passing of loved ones.

In China, a death anniversary is called Jichen or Jiri. This type of ceremony dates back thousands of years in China (at least to the Shang Dynasty) and historically involved making sacrifices to the spirits of one’s ancestors. The Hungry Ghost Festival, celebrated on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month (the ‘Ghost Month’) in the Chinese calendar, when spirits and ghosts are believed to leave the underworld and wander the living world. As such, this is a time to alleviate the sufferings of the dead. The festivities last the whole month, though the 15th day is given special attention and offerings are made on it. In addition, many people set an extra seat at the table for the deceased. At the end of the festival, people light flower-shaped water lanterns and place them on lakes or rivers to lead spirits back to the lower realms.

In Japan, a death anniversary is called meinichi or kishin. Monthly observances of a death are known as tsuki meinichi, while annual anniversaries are known as shotsuki meinichi.

Celebrated for over 500 years in Japan, the Bon (or Obon) Festival was established to commemorate deceased ancestors. Lasting over three days, this Buddhist-Confucian tradition is not a solemn celebration, and often includes feasts with fireworks, games and dances, including the Bon Odori, a dance performed to welcome the spirits of the dead.

Famadihana (Turning of the Bones) is perhaps, to outsiders, one of the most unusual celebrations for the dead. Famadihana is a time of the year when Malagasy people remove corpses from their graves or crypts, spray them with perfume or drench them in wine, before wrapping them in silk and carry around the tomb with music and songs. This unique tradition comes from the belief that,

until a body is fully decomposed, spirits of the dead can come and go between their world and ours. As such, the ritual is performed every seven years. While the tradition has declined in recent years, the celebration is one of the few occasions for entire families to come together.

The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday when families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebration takes place annually on the first and second days of November. On these dates, residents of Mexico and Central America celebrate deceased loved ones’ spirits as they return to the land.

While it might sound morbid, this is in fact a happy celebration for participants. The lives of the dead are celebrated, and the belief is that the living will eat, dance and drink with dead relatives. The tradition, which dates back to before the eighth century, is laden with symbolism -- including the meanings of the colours used in the decorations.

Allhallowtide is a “time to remember the dead, including martyrs, saints, and all faithful departed Christians.” It lasts from 31 October to 2 November, encompassing the Western Christian of observances, a triduum of All Saints’ Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’) and All Souls’ Day. All Hallows’ Eve, often contracted as Halloween, is the eve of All Hallows (All Saints’ Day), and the first day of the Allhallowtide. On All Hallows’ Eve, some believe that the veil between the material world and the afterlife thinned. In order to prevent recognition by a soul, “people would don masks or costumes to disguise their identities”; in North America, this tradition is perpetuated through the practice of trick or treating. The Christian Church traditionally observed Hallowe’en through a vigil “when worshippers would prepare themselves with prayers and fasting prior to the feast day itself.

After the service, “suitable festivities and entertainments” often follow, as well as a visit to the graveyard or cemetery, where flowers and candles are often placed in preparation for All Saints’ Day (All Hallows).The second day of Allhallowtide is known as All Saints’ Day, All Hallows, or Hallowmas. All Saints’ Day is a holy day to honor all the saints and martyrs, both known and unknown. On All Saints’ Day, many Christians visit graveyards and cemeteries in order to place flowers and candles on the graves of their loved ones. This is a common practice in countries such as Spain, Poland, the Philippines, as well as certain parts of the United States heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism such as Louisiana and Maryland. The final day of Allhallowtide is known as All Souls’ Day, and is also called the Commemoration of All

Faithful Departed. Like All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints’ Day, family members often attend mass and visit the graves of their deceased loved ones, placing flowers and lighted candles there. In England, a popular tradition associated with All Souls’ Day is souling, in which “bands of children, or of poor men, went round to the houses of the well-to-do on Souling Day, as they called it, begging money, apples, ale, or doles of cake.

As a public holiday, people celebrate Brazil’s Day of the Dead, called Finados, throughout the country on November 2, following All Saint’s Day. Brazil’s holiday may be the most subdued of all Day of the Dead celebrations. Still, devout Catholic families spend the day visiting cemeteries, celebrating and remembering the life of departed loved ones. Many of the traditions of the holiday are now practised behind closed doors or in churches. You’ll find many people in Brazil using this day to visit the graves of loved ones. They create an altar in the home to honour the departed with prayers and blessings throughout November. On the Day of the Dead, they cook the favourite meal of the deceased person and place it on the altar, leaving a cigarette or drink if they used to enjoy those products.

In Haiti, their veneration of the dead, known as Fet Gede, is a two-day event with a foundation in Voodoo traditions. For Haiti’s Protestants, Catholics and Voodoo practitioners, the Day of the Dead includes festivities similar to other countries that celebrate All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s Day as part of the holiday on November 1 and 2. Since the legalisation of Voodoo in 2003, Haiti’s Day of the Dead most public celebrations tend to focus mostly on Gede, the Lwas (spirits) of the dead and Baron Samdi, who is the gatekeeper to the afterlife.

Many people will have their faces painted white or chalked to imitate the paleness of the dead. Ritualistic dancers fill the cemetery throughout the day and night. Since Voodoo practitioners already believe in the return of spirits and bringing back the dead, don’t be surprised to see the dead walking the streets during Haiti’s Day of the Dead.

Offerings of food and drink will be given to the poor before general feasting begins.

After the poorhouse receives its meals, as a visitor, you will find yourself welcome to partake in the abundance of Haitian food and copious amounts of rum. Cover your ears (and eyes) if you aren’t comfortable with open sexuality.

The Gede are known for their sexual nature, so don’t be surprised by the off-colour jokes, provocative dancing and even fornication in the streets.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Hope for disadvantaged youths –– platform to be launched to provide access to academic assistance

By Lisa Hamilton

A GROUP of five Guyanese youths, who withstood financial challenges to pursue their studies, are now giving back in a way set to significantly improve access to academic assistance and development in Guyana to disadvantaged youths.

Soon more Guyanese will become familiar with Malik Williams, 19; Andrew Garnett, 21; Jun Leung, 21; Shomari Williams, 21 and

Ryhan Chand, 22, who have teamed up to launch the Unity.

GY platform at the end of this month.

Unity.GY is a donor platform that aims to promote youth development in Guyana by connecting donees with donors who possess the relevant, tangible and intangible resources.

The platform caters to youths at all levels of education who are experiencing academic challenges and, apart from monetary donations, will

facilitate acts of philanthropy in the form of guidance, training and opportunities.

The platform is at its final stage of development and, one of its developers, Andrew Garnett, spoke to the newspaper on Sunday about the motivation behind it all.

“The majority of us came from poor backgrounds. We had a lot of friends who we saw struggle to progress themselves and while we were fortunate enough to get these opportunities, we saw that

From left are: Shomari Williams, Malik Williams, Ryhan Chand, Jun Leung, and Andrew Garnett, some of these people had serious issues. Even if they worked hard or they did everything right, they weren’t able to progress simply due to the fact that they weren’t

able to connect with people who could provide them with these opportunities.

So, our idea basically revolves around giving these people a chance or some direct method they can use to level the playing field in Guyana,” Garnett said.

Four of the co-founders are from the University of Guyana (UG) while one studied at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Two of them are still studying while the other three recently graduated. Four are in the Computer Science field and took the lead in developing the platform, while Chand is into economics and deals with financial aspect and business plan.

Already, the social media page created for the platform has received hundreds of followers while potential donors,

be formed between experts and those in need of training or job opportunities. “The people who need help the most sometimes aren’t the ones that actually go on the online platform and sign up. So, a big part of our thinking was to implement a referral system so that we could have people sign up on behalf of other people.

We can partner with youth outreach organisations so that when they go into these areas like the hinterland where people don’t have that much access, they can register or sign up on behalf these people that really need help,” Garnett explained.

Unity.GY aims to create a ranked point system for donors to earn points and level-up for consistently contributing to the system. They will be rewarded through advertising.

Co-founders of Unity.GY engaging in the finalising of the platform experts and organisations have indicated their interest in partnering.

CONNECTING DONORS AND DONEES Instead of unrestricted donations, Unity.GY aims to confidentially connect those requesting assistance directly to the people who want to help.

However, research will be conducted into the background, location, income, and interests of these individuals to determine the best matches between donors and donees.

Garnett predicts that the way in which the platform is developed will allow even the average Guyanese to give of his time or talent.

Meanwhile, through a referral system, connection swill

Added to this, the data collected by the platform will be used to inform the government and non-governmental agencies on the needs of students in specific geographic areas.

This data stands to further diminish the educational barriers in parts of the country.

Garnett said: “We’re really excited about this.

It’s always been a goal that as we reach the end of graduation and we have all the skills that we feel could make it a success that we actually go into a venture like this.

We have high hopes for it and we hope that it all works out and becomes something that really helps people in Guyana.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday September 07, 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) Evwn Lewis (Patriots vs Warriors-Game #4) (2) 2015-33; 2017-34

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first player to win the Man of the Match Award twice in Hero CPL 2020?

(2) Who has scored most runs in CPL cricket without hitting a half-century?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Gastly Sunday in Italy!

(BBC) - Pierre Gasly took a stunning upset win in the Italian Grand Prix for Red Bull’s Alpha Tauri team in one of the most remarkable races in history.

Lewis Hamilton was dominating until he was penalized for being called in for a stop when the pit lane was closed.

Two safety cars in quick succession mixed up the order and Gasly took the lead after Hamilton served his penalty.

McLaren’s Carlos Sainz closed him down but the Frenchman just held him off to take his first grand prix victory.

Hamilton fought back from last place, 18 seconds off the back of the pack, to seventh, just two places behind team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

How on earth did that happen?

Gasly’s win sealed an amazing turnaround in

fortunes for the likeable 24-year-old, who just over a year ago was demoted from the senior Red Bull team to what was Toro Rosso and was renamed over the winter.

Gasly has been outstanding ever since, including taking a second place in Brazil last year, and few will begrudge him this win.

It is the junior team’s second grand prix victory - their first also coming at Monza, with Sebastian Vettel in 2008.

But it was a cruel twist of fortune for Sainz, who had been running in a superb second place to Hamilton and should have been in a position to benefit from the world champion’s penalty.

But the timing of the pit stops around two midrace safety cars and then a red flag effectively ended Sainz’s hopes.

He, along with all the

leaders, pitted during the first safety-car period, triggered by a breakdown for Kevin Magnussen’s Haas.

This was when Mercedes made the error that cost Hamilton his 90th grand prix win, calling him in as soon as the safety car was thrown and not noticing that race director Michael Masi had closed the pit lane because marshals were dealing with Magnussen’s car close to the entry.

Gasly had made his stop a couple of laps before the first safety car so did not stop again, and this promoted him to third behind Hamilton and Racing Point’s Lance Stroll for a mixed-up field at the restart.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was soon into fourth place, passing both Alfa Romeo cars into the first chicane on the first lap of racing, but the Mon-

egasque then lost control at the Parabolica and crashed heavily, causing the race to be reflagged for repairs to be made to the barriers.

The race was restarted with a standing start with Hamilton ahead of Stroll, Gasly, the Alfa Romeos of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi and Sainz.

Hamilton finally has a bad race Hamilton missed the pre-race anti-racism demonstration because of a timing mix-up following his return to the garage for a pre-race comfort break, and once the race started, what had been looking like a routine win turned on its head on Mercedes’ fateful decision.

The race surrendered to him at the start, when Bottas was slow away and had a dreadful first lap, passed by car after car as he slipped down to sixth

place.

From then on, Hamilton was untouchable until Mercedes made their mistake.

Hamilton went to see the stewards during the stoppage to check the penalty was fair. He took the restart from pole, but stopped at the end of the first lap, and his penalty demoted him to last.

He soon started lapping three seconds faster than anyone else and caught the field in no time, scything past car after car for a useful haul of points.

Bottas, his car struggling with overheating and uncertain handling in right-hand corners, could not make progress and became stuck behind other cars all race.

His fifth place moves him ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the championship after the Dutchman retired with

collision damage, but Hamilton is 47 points ahead - almost two clear wins - with the season close to its halfway point.

Stroll threw away his opportunity for a maiden win with a poor start, and Gasly moved into second behind Hamilton, who pitted at the end of the first lap of racing to serve his penalty.

Sainz then fought past Stroll into Turn One at the start of the second lap but took another four laps to catch and pass Raikkonen, by which time Gasly had a four-second lead.

The Spaniard closed that down to be right on his tail at the start of the last lap but Gasly managed to hold him off.

He is the first Frenchman to win a race since Olivier Panis won the Monaco Grand Prix for Ligier in similarly unlikely circumstances in 1996.

Raptors; Nuggets draw level in NBA playoffs (BBC) - The Toronto Raptors beat the Boston Celtics to level their NBA play-off series at 2-2 in Orlando, Florida, while the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers to tie their series at 1-1.

Pascal Siakam scored a series-best 23 points as the Raptors won 100-93 to tie up their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final.

Guard Jamal Murray top-scored for the Nuggets with 27 points as they won 110-101 in the Western Conference

Jamal Murray (left) starred for the Nuggets as they bounced back from an opening game loss

semi-final.

“Game one, we were tired. I hate to admit it, but we were tired,” said Murray.

“We came out sloppy, came out exhausted, fatigued. We didn’t make any shots, we didn’t get back on defence.

“Tonight we just upped the energy and that’s all it took to win.”

Successfully keeping out Clippers dangerman Kawhi Leonard also played a key part in the Nuggets’ win.

“They were the aggressor tonight,” Leonard said. “A few easy

ones didn’t fall early, and that was it from there.”

Meanwhile, 11 rebounds and double-doubles from Siakam and Kyle Lowry, who also scored 22 points, spearheaded a second successive Raptors win.

“We just continue to focus on every possession, every game,” Lowry said. “We know how tough those guys are.”

Celtic head coach Brad Stevens said his team “weren’t very crisp” after watching star shooting guard Jaylen Brown struggle to land his shots.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Buttler leads England to series win against Australia (ESPNCRICINFO) - Jos Buttler led England to a series win with seven balls and one game to spare against Australia at the Ageas Bowl, stroking a fluent 77 not out in a comfortable chase of 158.

Buttler started surprisingly slowly in the run chase, reaching the halfway mark on just 25 from 24 balls, but put his foot on the gas in the back half, pacing his innings to perfection despite a slight wobble as England lost three wickets in 22 balls.

Australia recovered from 3 for 2 and 30 for 3 to reach 157 after choosing to bat first, after Jofra Archer and Mark Wood ripped through the top order in a frighteningly quick new-ball spell.

Aaron Finch and Marcus Stoinis’ innings helped them to a respectable score, but it never looked like being enough.

ENGLAND LIGHTNING-FAST START Powerplay wickets have been a real problem for England this calendar year: coming into this game, they had taken only three in 36 overs, and Eoin Morgan had repeated highlighted new-ball bowling as an area for improvement.

But this time they managed to double the tally for the year thanks to hostile spells from Archer and Wood, whose combined average speed in the first two overs was above 90mph/145kph. Archer struck earlier, removing David Warner with a lifter in the off-stump channel that cut him in half, with the on-field decision upheld as Ultra-Edge confirmed it had flicked the glove on the way through to Buttler.

Alex Carey was given a promotion to No. 3, with Glenn Maxwell shifting down in an attempt to solve Australia’s middle-order conundrum, but looked all at sea in his brief stay, eventually feathering behind off Wood as he backed away to leave Australia 3 for 2.

Archer’s second over started with a 95.8mph/154.2kph ball the beat Finch, though

Jonny Bairstow fell early to a freak dismissal, becoming the first Englishman out hit wicket in T20Is as his bat swung around into his stumps following an attempted pull, leaving Buttler and Dawid Malan with a job to do.

Malan started characteristically slowly, reaching 15 off 15 balls, but grew in fluency and reinforced his ability against spin in the middle overs, hitting the first two deliveries of the ninth and tenth overs for four.

He would have been frustrated to hole out to deep midwicket off Ashton Agar for 42, but he extended his freakish T20I record, now averaging 50.84 with a 147.87 strike rate after 15 innings.

Marcus Stoinis edged Adil Rashid’s final delivery to slip, England v Australia, 2nd T20I, Southampton, September 6, 2020 his second ball was pulled for six. Steven Smith got up and running with two pulled boundaries - a four and a six - off Tom Curran, before he took on a quick single to Morgan at short midwicket and was run out with a direct hit to leave Australia reeling at 30 for 3.

England had been successful hitting the pitch at the death in the first game, and maintained a similar plan with the new ball today; Wood’s yorker to Marcus Stoinis, the penultimate delivery of the sixth over, was the first ball that registered full of a length in ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data.

FINCH, STOINIS LEAD RECOVERY Stoinis looked scratchy throughout his innings on Friday night, managing 23 not out off 18 balls as Australia fell two runs short in their chase.

Coming in with the field restrictions still

in place, he looked more comfortable in this innings, rebuilding in a 49-run partnership with Finch that laid some foundations for late-innings acceleration.

He was surprised by a sharp legbreak, steering to slip to give Adil Rashid a wicket off the last ball of his spell in consecutive games, but Maxwell’s enterprising cameo and some old-fashioned long-handle hitting from Pat Cummins took Australia to a respectable - if slightly below-par - 157 for 7 on a used pitch.

MALAN’S RUN CONTINUES England stuck with their bowler-heavy combination, resisting the temptation to bring in Sam Curran with brother Tom still carded at No. 7 instead, so it was important that their top order did the bulk of the scoring in the run chase.

BUTTLER’S BRILLIANCE Buttler hit three early boundaries off the spinners, including an beautiful punch through the covers and a dismissive crack over mid-on, but was unusually sedate early in his innings and he moved to 25 off 24 balls at halfway.

But he found his groove in the second half of the innings, hitting boundaries in the 11th, 12th, 13th overs and two in the 14th to make sure England weren’t tied down at any stage, despite losing three wickets in four overs.

Finch attacked early, Mitchell Starc bowling three in the Powerplay and one in the 15th, leaving the spinners to bowl at the death, and after Moeen Ali took the pressure off with two languid flows of the bat for six and four at the start of the 19th, Buttler sealed the game with seven balls to spare with an enormous straight six off Zampa.

Since his promotion to the top of the Rajasthan Royals’ batting order in May 2018, Buttler has now averaged 47.13 with a strike rate of 153.86 as an opener, with 15 half-centuries in 33 innings. Morgan reiterated before this series that England would continue to use him in that role, and it is increasingly difficult to make the case that he should bat anywhere else.

Pogacar wins stage nine as Roglic takes over Yellow jersey (BBC) - Britain’s Adam Yates lost the leader’s yellow jersey to Primoz Roglic as Tadej Pogacar won stage nine of the Tour de France.

Yates was dropped on the final climb of the 153km route from Pau to Laruns on another punishing day in the Pyrenees.

Marc Hirschi led for over 80km before being caught 1.5km from the finish, where Pogacar edged fellow Slovenian Roglic in a sprint.

Mitchelton-Scott’s Yates drops to eighth in the overall standings.

The 28-year-old crossed the line in 15th having looked resigned to the situation on the descent from the Col de Marie Blanque towards the finish.

As well as losing 54 seconds to the leading group, which also contained defending champion Egan Bernal, Yates also lost time to the likes of Romain Bardet, Guillame Martin and Nairo Quintana.

Bernal is now 21 seconds behind Roglic, who again justified his pre-race favourite tag with a series of accelerations on the final climb.

“Everybody dreams of wearing the yellow jersey one day in his life so first off I’m just happy how things are,” said current Vuelta a Espana champion Roglic.

“It’s a fight for every second now and lots of things will happen to each of us on the road to Paris.”

After Monday’s rest day, stage 10 is a flat 168.5km ride from Ile d’Oleron to Ile de Re. ‘It was fun while it lasted’ Yates, who moves to Ineos Grenadiers next season, sits 62 seconds off the overall lead after Roglic benefited from time bonuses.

The Englishman says he will revert to his original plan of targeting stage wins after four days in yellow.

“I did my best,” he said. “I knew coming into the race I wasn’t 100%.

“I gave everything I could to hang on. I think we can be pretty proud of what we did. We’ll freshen up with

Friday’s seventh stage, he has recovered 42 seconds in the Pyrenees to move up to seventh place from 16th, 44 seconds behind Roglic.

“It was really crazy, and after that hard day to win the stage is incredible,” Pogacar said.

“I just wanted to gain as much time as I could in the GC [general classification] but in the last 800m I knew that a stage win is also 10 seconds so I was focused on the sprint and it was just full gas.

“Primoz is really good. He has won [stages] before and he will win again. I hope we can do great things.”

STAGE NINE RESULT 1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE-Team Emirates) 3hrs 55mins 17secs 2. Primoz Roglic (Slo/Jumbo Visma) Same time 3. Marc Hirschi (Swi/Sunweb) 4. Egan Bernal (Col/Ineos Grenadiers) 5. Mikel Landa (Spa/Bahrain McLaren) 6. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek-Segafredo) +11secs Tadej Pogacar claimed the first Tour stage win of his 7. Guillame Martin (Fra/Cofidis) Same time career 8. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R-La Mondiale) the rest day and go after some stages.

9. Richie Porte (Aus/Trek-Segafredo) “I did what I could but there were just some guys 10. Rigoberto Uran (Col/EF Pro Cycling) with better condition than me. It is what it is.

General classification “There are a lot of stages in the last week that suit 1. Primoz Roglic (Slo/Jumbo-Visma) 38hrs 40mins me quite well so we’ll see what we can do.

01secs It’s a big honour to ride in yellow and it was fun 2. Egan Bernal (Col/Ineos Grenadiers) +21secs while it lasted.”

3. Guillaume Martin (Fra/Cofidis) +28secs 4. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R-La Mondiale) +30secs POGACAR MAKES HISTORY 5. Nairo Quintana (Col/Arkea-Samsic) +32secs Despite only being 21 years old, Pogacar arrived 6. Rigoberto Uran (Col/EF Pro Cycling) Same time in France as an outside favourite to win the yellow 7. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE-Team Emirates) jersey after finishing third in the Vuelta a Espana in +44secs 2019 - his maiden season as a professional.

8. Adam Yates (GB/Mitchelton-Scott) +1mins This victory saw him become the youngest stage 02secs winner at the Tour since Lance Armstrong in 1993 and 9. Miguel Angel Lopez (Col/Astana) +1mins 15secs also the youngest in the 21st Century.

10. Mikel Landa (Spa/Bahrain McLaren) +1mins While he lost time in the crosswinds into Lavaur in 42secs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

Finding TKR’s weakness crucial as semi-finals loom –– Warriors well-equipped for possible tussle against unbeaten home team

By Clifton Ross

the Queen’s Park Oval.

Should the Warriors face off with TKR, they THE Guyana Amazon Warriors will be keen on will have to find what no team has found yet, the perfecting the necessary tactics needed to capture Achilles Heel. Kieron Pollard has been on another this year’s title, but with the possibility of facing level as a captain while his prowess as a T20 marthe red-hot Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) again in quée player has so far reflected in a few of his top the semis or more importantly in this year’s finals. innings this season.

Warriors will likely be aware of any of their Some could say that the Warriors world-class lot of semi-finals opponents, having either lost or beaten bowlers led by leg-spinner Imran Tahir has somewhat them, or experiencing both results since action started boosted the efforts of their batters, who apart from in the Bubble. leading run-scorer Shimron Hetmyer had a late start Chris Green and his men have been through alot to what turned out to be a solid campaign. this year, but their die-hard approach to winning the The home team had won 10 straight matches CPL championship has persevered and they now await on trod, a feat which the Warriors managed last their next challenge and possibly the most crucial to season after winning all their preliminary games. If date. these two sides meet in either the semis or the finals, One team in particular could easily face the War- Guyana will need to check all their boxes. riors, TKR who have been on a roll, winning all their Any of the teams who advance to semi-finalis and matches to sit at the number one spot. managed to TKR will have to overcome facing arguNo team has managed to find TKR’s weakness ably the most gelled franchise in the Bubble. and as a result they have run roughshod over the However, the Warriors have shown immense competition, taking obvious advantage of their home adaptability to the conditions in Trinidad, barring conditions as well as their knowledge of Tarouba and the home team. Batting will play a role against

the Riders due to the success of the likes of Fawad Ahmed, Kharry Pierre, Sunil Narine and others in the spin department.

Imran Tahir will relish this challenge against such in-form opponents should they meet in future, further establishing himself as the leading bowler in the tournament by time this season culminates.

Barring Guyana, no other franchise seems likely equipped for a possible tussle against TKR in either the semis or finals.

It could be argued that Kieron Pollard and his men might make it all the way and possibly choke in the match the counts but no team will want to risk the unbeaten side imploding after playing superbly, especially with one eye fixed on their 6th title.

Should TKR be knocked out at some point over the next few days, then Chris Green and his men have a clearer path to securing the elusive title.

Once the Warriors bypass their next match with ease and make it to the finals, then doubling up the efforts which took them from almost being out of the competition to being a few steps closer to finally breaking the jinx.

Mumbai to play Chennai as IPL 2020 opens THE Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL title defence against the team they took the trophy away from last season - the Chennai Super Kings - on September 19 in Abu Dhabi, at 6pm local time (7.30pm IST). The IPL schedule was finally made public on Sunday, just under two weeks off from the start of the competition, and features ten double-header days.

The schedule has been released only for the round-robin stage of the tournament. In all, Abu Dhabi will host 20 round-robin games, Dubai 24 and Sharjah 12.

Mumbai and the Kolkata Knight Riders will play a majority of their games (eight each) in Abu Dhabi.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad will play eight of their games in Dubai, while the Super Kings, the Kings XI Punjab, the Delhi Capitals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore will play seven each in Dubai.

Only the Rajasthan Royals’ matches are more spread out - they play six in in Dubai, five in Abu Dhabi, and three in Sharjah.

THE ENGLAND-AUSTRALIA PLAYER QUESTION The Royals and the Knight Riders will be the last teams to play their first matches and that could be due to the late arrival of a handful of their key players from the limited-overs series between England and Australia in England, which ends on September 16.

While Steven Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Tom Curran are part of the Royals’ squad, Eoin Morgan, Pat Cummins and Tom Banton are part of the Knight Riders’.

Although IPL rules make it mandatory for every participant to undergo a six-day quarantine upon arrival in the UAE, and Abu Dhabi’s requirements extend that to 14 days, it has been said that those coming from the England-Australia series could be allowed ex-

MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings and Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians will kick off IPL 2020 BCCI emptions given they would be travelling straight from one biosecure bubble into another, but this remains to be confirmed.

DOUBLE-HEADERS ONLY IN OCTOBER The double-headers begin on October 3. October is typically when temperatures - which, as expected, are consistently breaching 40-degree Celsius during the day-time at present begin to come down in the region. There had been talk earlier of teams not being happy to play games beginning at 2pm in these temperatures, and that could be a reason why the double-headers begin only later in the tournament.

Mumbai start and finish, CSK have least prep time Mumbai and the Super Kings are the IPL’s most successful franchises - with four and three titles respectively

- and form its most prominent rivalry; no team has beaten the Super Kings as many times as Mumbai, who have a 17-11 record against them including a last-ball one-run win in last season’s final. Mumbai also bring the round-robin stage of the league to a close, pitted against the Sunrisers on November 3 in Sharjah.

After the BCCI was forced to move the tournament out of India owing to massive upsurge in the Covid-19 cases in the country, all eight franchises landed in the UAE nearly a month before the tournament. In terms of preparation in the UAE, the Super Kings have been the last off the blocks because of several members of their contingent - including two players - testing positive. The team commenced training only on September 4, roughly one week after the other franchises.

The Covid-19 effect: Disclaimer over schedule, doubts over spectators The IPL put in a disclaimer on the schedule, saying it is “subject to change for any reason” deemed fit by by the BCCI. The clause suggests the IPL is wary of a situation wherein a team(s) is/are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The schedule was expected much earlier, but delays happened as the IPL Governing Council considered a number of different parameters forced by the pandemic.

The Super Kings’ issues aside, the strict quarantine rules in Abu Dhabi are believed to have contributed to the hold up.

There has been no confirmation yet from the IPL on whether spectators will be allowed to attend the games and there was no mention of it in the statement announcing the schedule either.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had said it will happen later in the tournament, but there remains doubt over this especially given the upsurge in Covid-19 cases in the UAE over the last fortnight.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 7, 2020

TKR continue dominant th streak with 10 win

THE Trinbago Knight Riders once again showed that they are a formidable squad, not just an XI, as even with four changes, Sunil Narine still rested and Colin Munro injured, they put together a superbly planned and executed performance to bowl out the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots inside 19 overs and chase their modest target inside 12 overs, thus completing a perfect 10 for 10 record in the league stage of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020.

Kieron Pollard countered Rayad Emrit’s decision to bat first by putting himself in at bat-pad for both Akeal Hosein and Sikandar Raza’s first overs. Chris Lynn did hit Hosein for a Hero Maximum over mid-on, but two balls later he failed to clear deep midwicket even with a favourable breeze and a short boundary. After three overs, the Patriots were 13/1.

Evin Lewis chewed up deliveries, still scoring at only three an over even after sweeping Hosein for six, and it was not a surprise when he hacked at Raza and gave keeper Tim Seifert an easy catch off the top-edge. Lewis faced 19 dot balls in his 24 ball innings, and contributed to a Powerplay in which the Patriots stuttered to 27/2.

Ben Dunk too fell to a top-edge, Pravin Tambe taking an outstanding catch at short-third man off his fellow leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed.

Tambe got a wicket of his own, skidding one on to trap Joshua da Silva LBW, and Fawad trapped the promoted Imran Khan in similar fashion for a duck. Emrit and Denesh Ramdin did at least break a run of four straight overs with a wicket falling, but at halfway the Patriots were 36/5, and every over had been bowled by spinners on a perfectly serviceable pitch.

Ramdin showed intent to

resist, smashing Fawad for a flat Hero Maximum over the short leg-side boundary, but in between that and the previous boundary the Patriots had lost 4/15 in 35 balls.

Tambe’s third over went for just four, and in the 13th over the fit-again Ali Khan came on for the game’s first over of pace and struck third ball, Ramdin finding Darren Bravo on the long-on boundary.

Tambe bowled out going for just one, leaving the Patriots 64/6 after 14.

Anderson Phillip’s first over went for just two, and Fawad picked up two wickets in his last over to finish with his best ever Hero CPL figures. If Emrit was unlucky to edge onto pad and see the ball roll onto the stumps, Colin Archibald’s stumping was all due to Seifert’s poise waiting for the moment the foot lifted. Alzarri Joseph swung a Hero Maximum over Hosein’s head, but soon after picked out Phillip at long-off, and the Patriots were 75/9 off 17.

A leg bye took the Patriots past their lowest ever Hero CPL total, 75 away to the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2016, but Phillip soon put the innings out of its misery. It was the first innings in Hero CPL history where a team did not hit a single four. Tion Webster, in contrast, hit two fours off Sheldon Cottrell in the first over of the chase. With Narine and Lendl Simmons rested, Amir Jangoo got another game and started calmly, not allowing many dot balls and giving strike to the fluent Webster, who hit Imran for two more fours to take the Knight Riders to 27/0 off four overs. Jon-Russ Jaggesar was tight in both his overs, but Webster and Jangoo both hit Joseph for fours to take the Knight Riders to 42/0 off the Powerplay.

Webster was mostly content to hit through rather than over the field, but did launch

Sikandar Raza (L) of Trinbago Knight Riders celebrates the dismissal of Evin Lewis of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots during the Hero Caribbean Premier League match 29 between St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Trinbago Knight Riders at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on September 6, 2020 in Tarouba, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images) Joseph onto the grass bank for a Hero Maximum to take the Knight Riders opening pair past 50 - remarkably, the first time they had done so for the first wicket all season - but Jangoo fell to Emrit next ball to end the stand at 54. Seifert joined Webster, and the Knight Riders coasted to 63/1 at halfway, needing just 15 more to win.

Seifert finished the innings in style with a Hero Maximum, consigning the Patriots to just three points from the group stage, and emulating last season’s perfect league stage from the Guyana Amazon Warriors to march undefeated into Tuesday’s semi-final against the Jamaica Tallawahs. A team with two world-class spinners and Andre Russell can never be discounted, but the Knight Riders machine will take some stopping.

Finding TKR’s weakness crucial as semi-finals loom See story on page 22

–– Warriors well-equipped for possible tussle against unbeaten home team

Romario Shepherd (R) of Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrates the dismissal of Colin Munro (L) of Trinbago Knight Riders during the Hero Caribbean Premier League match 1 between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on August 18, 2020 in Tarouba, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Gastly Sunday in Italy!

See story on page 20

Race winner Pierre Gasly of France and Scuderia AlphaTauri celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 06, 2020 in Monza, Italy.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2020