Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_09_09_2021

THURSDAY 9th September, 2021

No.106479

6,103 persons vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday

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‘No altar of sacrifice’ - Guyana rejects latest claim to its land by Venezuelan Government, Opposition

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In one of his stops during a packed day of activities on Wednesday, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, visited Industrial Fabrication Inc. (INFAB) and inspected works being done to the new fabricated span nine of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (Public Works Ministry photos)

Construction Supplies Company High teacher, opens $800M complex at LBI learner turnout PAGE

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despite GTU’s protest 02 PAGE

Two held after brazen robbery of Demerara Harbour Bridge commuters 15 PAGE

Youth admits to Sophia double murder

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

High teacher, learner turnout despite GTU’s protest

OVER 80 per cent of the nursery and primary school teachers required to be at school, turned out on Wednesday, despite efforts by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to mobilise teachers to strike in protest of the government’s vaccina-

tion policies, which are in place to guard against the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

O n We d n e s d a y, t h e union staged a protest outside of the Minister of Education’s Brickdam office.

In response to this action, the Minister of Education,

Priya Manickchand, continued to call on teachers to not be “unconscionable” and negatively impact their learners.

“When we are dealing with children, we should always do what is in their best interest. The protest is not in the best interest

of the Guyanese children,” Minister Manickchand said.

According to information shared with the Guyana Chronicle, Regions Three, Five, Six and Eight stood above the average, recording over 90 per cent turnout of teachers for

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand both nursery and primary schools.

Specifically, across the country, 88 per cent of the nursery school teachers and 89 per cent of the primary school teachers, required to be present, turned out to schools across the country.

In terms of learners, 67 per cent of the nursery school children scheduled to be in school were there and 63 per cent of the primary school pupils scheduled to be in schools turned out.

Schools are operating on individualised schedules that do not require all students or teachers to be in school every day.

Additionally, parents have the option of keeping their children at home if they so desire.

In emphasising the i m p o r t a n c e o f r e s u ming physical learning, the Ministry of Education had pointed to the fact that children have been home from school for over 17 months, resulting in well-chronicled loss of learning and school leaving (dropping out).

As a matter of fact, the Education Ministry said that since the pandemic started, and schools were forced to remain closed, more than 600 drop-outs were recorded at the primary level alone.

The country returned to physical learning following months of careful planning, and keen consultation with teachers all across the country, most of whom were cognisant of the realities facing children all across the country.

To this end, the ministry described the GTU’s call for strike as being

“uncaring and unconscionable” and not reflective of the realities of the present state of the COVID-19 pandemic nor the needs of the nation’s children. “ We w a n t a l l o f o u r children engaged and in school and are working towards achieving this safely,” the ministry emphasised.

The statement went further to clarify that although physical learning had resumed, there was no mandatory requirement for children to be vaccinated to return to classrooms.

“Vaccination of teachers is not mandatory and there are clear guidelines issued for those who do not want to be inoculated, all of this to keep teachers, their families, and our children safe,” the ministry said.

In keeping with the globally established mission that vaccines are the only way out of the pandemic, the ministry re minded that the Government of Guyana has spared no effort to make vaccines available to every member of the public, in an effort to return the country to a state of normalcy.

“Multiple types and brands of vaccines are still available and easily accessible to all Guyanese,” the ministry reminded.

It went further to note that throughout the entire pandemic, all teachers continued to be paid their full salaries and benefits.

“Our teachers have been accorded the status of a most valuable resource… there were no salary cuts or layoffs as in so many other countries,” the ministry said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

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‘No altar of sacrifice’

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Guyana rejects latest claim to its land by Venezuelan Government, Opposition

V E N E Z U E L A’ S l a t e s t move to lay claim to Guyana’s territory through an internal agreement between the nation’s government and its opposition was rejected categorically by the Government of Guyana.

At a meeting in Mexico City on September 6, 2021, the Heads of Delegation of the Venezuelan Government and the opposition’s Unity Platform of Venezuela agreed to ratify Venezuela’s purported rights over the Essequibo, Guyana’s territory, and signed an agreement to that effect.

This agreement was, however, rejected by the Government of Guyana, which, through the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, stated: “That agreement is an overt threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana. Guyana cannot be used as an altar of sacrifice for settlement of Venezuela’s internal political differences.

“While the Government of Guyana welcomes domestic accord within Venezuela, an agreement defying international law and process is not a basis for mediating harmony.”

Guyana’s position, as stated before, is that the controversy with Venezuela is properly before the In-

ternational Court of Justice (ICJ) and will remain there for peaceful resolution.

In March 2018, Guyana filed its application in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking an affirmation of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the international boundary that it established. The ICJ ruled on December 18, 2020, that it has jurisdiction to hear the border controversy case.

Guyana is seeking to obtain a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the

land boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

A report from Energy Company, S&P Global Platts, however, related that Venezuela, in its agreement, rejects the ICJ’s declaration of jurisdiction over the issue, and urged Guyana to engage in direct negotiations.

“We will call on Guyana to resume the path of negotiations in order to reach an agreement on the territory,” representative of Venezuelan

AHEAD of an impending construction boom in Guyana, IBIS Construction Equipment Sales and Rentals (ICON), owned jointly by the local Farfan & Mendes Group and FT Farfan of Trinidad and Tobago, has expanded its operations with an $800 million complex at LBI, on the East Coast of Demerara.

The company was established officially on September 19, 2020, but, owing to its owners, boasts over 100 years of experience in the construction industry.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, while delivering remarks at the launch of the new complex, said the government welcomes private sector development for the modernisation and transformation of Guyana.

“We see ourselves as policy makers, people who create the incentives, help to determine the correct architecture and climate and environment and allows the private sector to get their feet in, do what they know to do and to help lift this country to greatness,” Minister Edghill said.

The minister said Guyana is set for take off not only in oil and gas but in other sectors. He made specific mention to the construction sector and the vision which the government has to transform the country.

With that, he urged heads of the company to work along with the government to prepare Guyanese for the construction boom.

“Partner with the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training so that we could have more peo-

ple equipped and trained to operate because the more people that are looking for a work, means more equipment would be sold; people would genuinely want to buy more,” the Minister said.

Chairman of ICON, Andrew Mendes, said the company is elated to be operating in Guyana with industry-leading brands, and to be part of the continued development and growth of such a dynamic market.

He assured locals that the company intends to build the capacity of Guyanese to be part of the business.

“Farfan and Mendes has always been committed to community and part of that community and it is important for us and everything that we have done.

“While we may bring in experienced people from

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd President Nicolas Maduro, Jorge Rodríguez, was reported as saying.

Venezuela has said, for the longest while, that it is not interested in having this matter resolved by the court. And from all indications, Venezuela early this year seemed bent on arbitrarily laying claim to Guyana’s territory, with its naval forces intruding on Guyana’s maritime space.

Increased activity by Venezuela’s naval vessels and other forces in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) started after Venezu-

ela’s President Nicolás Maduro issued a decree claiming Venezuela’s sovereignty and exclusive sovereign rights over the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River.

Despite outright condemnation of Venezuela’s latest claims and global recognition of Guyana’s sovereign rights over the contested area, a naval vessel attached to the Bolivarian Republic, just days after the issuance of the decree, entered Guyana’s territory and abducted 12 fishermen, who have since been released.

A peaceful conclusion to its border controversy with Venezuela remains Guyana’s aim, but Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, had affirmed that his nation will not cower in the face of threats against national security.

“As President of our beloved country, my single most important responsibility is to keep the Guyanese people safe. It is the first thing I think about when I wake [up] in the morning. It is the last thing on my mind at night. And my working day is consumed by it.

“But I want no mistake made about it: my government is doing all in its power to vigorously pro-

tect our people’s health and our country’s territorial integrity. Just as we will not relent in the battle against COVID-19, so will we not bend to threats to our national security…we may be a small country, but we are a proud people. We have no military might, but we have moral and legal right. We pick fights with no one, but we will resist threats from anyone,” President Ali said early this year.

The most recent international stakeholder to add its voice to this matter has been the United Nations (UN) through Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.

According to President Ali, Guterres, in a letter, made reference to January 30, 2018, when he chose the ICJ as the means to be used for solution of the controversy.

The secretary-general acknowledged that the court is proceeding to adjudicate the merits of the case.

“Guyana is fully committed to the ICJ process.

We believe international law and independent international jurists of the highest calibre offer the most credible and definitive way in which to put an end to the Venezuelan contention. Therefore, we will continue to pursue that course,” President Ali said.

Construction supplies company opens $800M complex at LBI

Some of the equipment offered by ICON outside to build the capacity of our people, so that they can take over the rolls, that is only transient.

It is bringing in that expertise from the outside to help build our capacity as a business and that has applied to ICON in every way,” he related.

ICON represents internationally established industry brands such as JCB, Atlas

Copco, Belle, Mulitquip, Lincoln Electric, Linde, Thompson Pumps, Dewalt/ Milwaukee, Generac and JLG, among other leading brands.

The company’s factory-trained technicians are constantly updated on new developments in the industry, including the latest equipment, technologies and tools to be able to supply the mar-

ket with the best products and service.

“We offer an extensive range of equipment and tools including but not limited to excavators, backhoes, scissors lifts, power systems, generators, welding equipment, compressors, and forklifts as well as drills, saws and other power tools,” the company said on its Facebook page.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

Contracts worth $1.3B signed for upgrade of ‘agri’ infrastructure

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha (seventh from left) with other officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and its subsidiaries, and contractors who will soon commence work on several projects

THE Ministry of Agriculture, o n We d n e s d a y, signed eight contracts totaling $1,329,392,603 for a series of projects as part of its 2021

capital programme.

The contracts were signed for the construction of several paddy drying facilities, the construction and rehabilitation of drain-

age pump stations, a sluice and an agroprocessing facility.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, subject minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that some of the projects are multi-year projects, but it is important for contractors to remain on schedule.

As it relates to the paddy drying facilities, Minister Mustapha said that the facilities were

needed to improve the current system farmers use to dry their paddy.

“We are coming very close to awarding all the contracts for projects that were approved in the 2021 budget. This is the tail end but these are large projects that we are awarding, and as usual I want to implore contractors to get them done within the contract period.

“These projects

are multi-year projects because of the amount of work they entail but they are very critical projects for the delivery of services to the people of this country,” Minister Mustapha said.

He went on to say: “As it relates to the drying floors, these are also very critical. Rice farmers are often forced to dry their paddy on the public roads and we want to change that culture. Although a number of these facilities already exist, some people do not want to use them. We will be working to encourage farmers to use these facilities so that conflict with pedestrians and motorists can be avoided.”

Pertaining to the drying floors, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Ministry of Agriculture signed a contract valuing $16,889,364 with A&J Construction Services for the construction of a drying facility at Black Bush Polder.

Another contract valuing $16,700,000 was singed with H Nauth and Sons for the construction of a concrete drying floor at Benab, No. 63 village, Corentyne, while two other contracts worth

$16,949,888 and $17,537,100 were signed respectively with TVS Engineering, Contracting & Construction Establishment and NP Investment for drying floors at Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara and De Hoop, Mahaica.

The National D r a i n a g e a n d I rrigation Authority (NDIA) also signed a contract with H Nauth and Sons for the construction of a pump station at Andrews, on the Essequibo Coast, to the tune of $532,067,550.

The authority also signed a contract valuing $446,854,320 for the rehabilitation of a pump station at Adventure, Berbice, with D Sawh Mechanical Workshop, and another worth $259,458,750 for the construction of a sluice at Capoey, Essequibo Coast, with M. Sukhai Contracting Services.

Finally, the new Guyana Marketing Corporation (new GMC) also signed a contract with DBL Contracting and General Supplies to the tune of $22 million for the construction of a processing facility at Fort Wellington, Region Five.

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

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Youth admits to Sophia double murder

-claims dead soldier had raped relative KOABE Grant, a 23-yearold carpenter of Sophia, on Wednesday, admitted that he shot and killed Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal, Daniel Fraser and his girlfriend on September 1, 2021, over the alleged rape of a close relative, a police source has said.

Fraser, 26 and his 23-yearold girlfriend, Shanicka Forde, were gunned down while on their way to his Lot 598 ‘A’ Field, Sophia home.

Grant was subsequently arrested and taken to the CID at the Brickdam Police Station where under questioning he reportedly related that in November 2020, Fraser and two others raped a close relative. Following that incident, Fraser was in the habit of disrespecting and threatening him, the man reportedly told investigators.

After feeling frustrated over the entire situation, Grant,

on September 1 at about 20:30 hours, left his mother’s home at Meadow Brook and visited the said relative’s home.

At about 23:00 hours he left that location on his black BMX bicycle to visit a friend and on his way there, he saw Fraser in ‘C’ Field Sophia having drinks.

Upon seeing him, Fraser allegedly made insulting remarks towards Grant and reminded him about the rape incident.

Guyana Chronicle understands that Grant who was annoyed and angry, returned to his mother’s home where he retrieved a handgun that he claims he found some time ago. He later confronted Fraser in ‘B’ Field Sophia. After shooting Fraser and his girlfriend he dropped the gun and returned to his mother’s home.

Reports indicate that Grant’s relative did make a report about the rape which

Dead: Daniel Fraser allegedly occurred in February 2021. However, the woman refused to seek medical attention and pursue the case.

According to reports, Forde, who resided in Barbados, was in Guyana on vacation for about three months and was staying at her friend Tashanna George’s South Sophia, East Coast Demerara home.

Dead: Shanicka Forde The young couple had been reportedly dating for just over a year.

According to the police, Fraser was shot once to the chest. Forde, on the other hand, was shot thrice; once in the chest, and in the right knee. The third bullet entered her abdomen from the right side and exited on the left.

Arrested: Koabe Grant

Investigation underway into alleged irregulaties in distribution of flood relief _

extension officers to be reprimanded, undeserving farmers will not receive funds

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, expressed concern after persons from several flood-affected regions claimed that persons who did not suffer losses as a result of the flood are listed to receive assistance from the government.

As a result, Minister Mustapha said that an investigation is underway, and should any discrepancies be found, those persons will not receive assistance.

He also said that since the ministry’s extension officers were tasked with conducting the investigation and verification, they too would be made answerable if it is found that the names of persons who didn’t suffer losses were added to the list.

“When this process commenced, I made it very clear that anyone found guilty of malpractices or ‘padding the list’ so to speak would be dealt with. We also made an appeal to farmers to be honest because this is taxpayers’ money we are dealing with and we cannot be reckless. But it seems as though persons didn’t heed to our warning and now we have to take a step back to carry out an investigation

to see if there is any truth to these allegations,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also said that as a result of the allegations, there was and will be a delay in further payment in some regions.

“This is not what we wanted to do but until we get to the bottom of this, we cannot continue in some regions. Both the farmers and the officers responsible for carrying out the assessment have to be honest and held accountable.

“When people are dishonest and we have these things occurring, we have to go back and correct them.

Because of these claims, we have to review and redo some areas which are resulting in delays in the entire process, but we have to ensure things are done the right way,” Minister Mustapha clarified.

During a media briefing, Minister Mustapha said that persons have been making allegations but have not provided any evidence to support those claims.

“To date, we’ve started in Region Six, we went to Region Five, Region 10, and this weekend we’ll be going to Region Two to continue the rollout of the flood-relief

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha distribution.

“Some of the Regions we’ll have to go back because there were a number of queries that we have to sort out. Also, persons

who were not captured in the first instance have now been captured, verified, and their information was sent to the Ministry of Finance for cheques to be prepared.”

The minister said.

He added: “There are a number of persons who are making allegations that some people on the list should not receive payments. As Minister of Agriculture, I welcome any information but I will need evidence so that we can deal with it.

“Many times, people are saying persons are not entitled but when we ask for the names, the persons making the allegations do not have the evidence. Similar allegations were being made on social media recently. I sent the entire leadership of NAREI to investigate those

claims but they didn’t find any evidence to support such.”

“I agree that we must have proper accountability and transparency. Once the allegations are made, we need the evidence to handle those persons accordingly because this relief is intended for persons who suffered losses in the rice, cash crop, and livestock sector,” Minister Mustapha said.

Persons who have information or queries about the ongoing flood-relief exercise are asked to contact the Ministry of Agriculture on telephone number 223-7291.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

Reckless and Irresponsible

THE Guyana Teachers’ Union, (GTU) has called on teachers to go on strike.

The proposed action comes just two days after school recommenced after a prolonged closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also comes at a time when Education Month is being observed to celebrate the immense strides in the education sector.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Education condemned the action of the union and deemed the call irresponsible and baseless.

According to the Ministry, there is no industrial basis for the strike call.

The right to take industrial action is enshrined in our Constitution. But it cannot be done in a capricious manner or at the whims or fancies of individuals with political axes to grind or with ulterior motives that have nothing to do with the betterment of its

membership.

The call for strike action is engineered by Ms Coretta Mc Donald, someone closely associated with the opposition APNU+AFC coalition.

She currently wears multiple hats, that of a Member of Parliament, General-Secretary of the Guyana Teacher’s Union, opposition activist and host to programmes on social media that are pro-opposition and anti-government.

It is not difficult to see the connection between the call for strike action and the political predisposition of those in the leadership of the union. There appears to be a leadership cabal that has seemingly placed political loyalty over the health and well-being of those who they purportedly seek to represent.

The union, from all appearances, is seeking to play politics with the lives of its membership, and for that matter the society as a whole

including that of school children. Contrary to scientific evidence, it remained opposed to vaccinations of teachers or COVID-19 tests as a condition for entering the classroom. Such a position can only be seen as reckless and irresponsible.

The government has indicated that teachers who heed the strike call will be considered absent from duty and will have salary deductions made to the extent of the days absent. In its statement, the Ministry of Education has urged teachers, parents and school administrators not to fall prey to the political machinations of ‘Coretta McDonald and the small cabal of self-serving individuals they represent’.

It is unfortunate that the GTU, which has as its motto ‘Moulding Our Nation’ has opted to go down a road that is fraught with dangers for children, teachers and the

nation as a whole. This is a dangerous precedent from the standpoint of industrial relations.

The fact is that executive actions aimed at protecting the health and well-being of children and the wider population are not unique to Guyana. There are several other countries where similar, if not more rigorous measures are taken without any great fuss. It is inconceivable that strike actions would even be contemplated by unions representing teachers in the United States or elsewhere even though similar measures are currently in place.

There is one possible explanation: A small leadership cabal led by Coretta MacDonald has hijacked the union and is playing political hardball with the intention of derailing the government’s vaccination programme aimed at reaching a state of herd immunity so necessary

to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of this is happening at a time when the infection rates still continue to be cause for concern and which, more than ever, require the support of all stakeholders including representative bodies such as trade unions.

The call by the GTU is uncaring and unconscionable and certainly not in the best national interest. The PPP/C administration has, over the decades, implemented several measures to improve salaries and working conditions of teachers and other professionals. Teachers received several benefits under the PPP/C Government including significant salary increases, duty-free concessions for senior teachers, reductions in Whitley Council leave entitlement from five to three years, among others.

The call for industrial action is likely to take the union

down a slippery road, one that is likely to create deep fissures in the union. For one thing, it does not appear to reflect the wishes of the full membership. It also comes at a time when both teachers and students are eager and excited to resume the teaching/learning process after a prolonged period of school closure.

It is not too late for the leadership of the union to free itself from the tentacles of the political opposition.

The union, by its actions, has proven to be less than honest with its membership. This could undermine its own motto of moulding the nation.

It could undermine trust and confidence in the leadership of the union.

Our teachers, it must be said, are not as gullible and are likely to allow good sense to prevail and do the right thing. The welfare of our children is paramount.

The wave of protests to the new vaccination policy was handled maturely

Dear Sir/Madam,

I AM an avid reader and listener of all things w h i c h a re c o n s i d e re d news or public information. Also, I am very politically savvy if I might say so freely.

Recently, it seems as though the government came out swinging with

the additional amendment to their vaccination policy.

Added to that, there is now a remarkable level of acceptance that the only form of protection that is effective in the prevention of the COVID-19 virus is through vaccination. That message was supported recently by Dr. Karen Cummings, who is a medical doctor and an

opposition politician.

I also noticed the way the government handled the wave of protests to the new vaccination policy.

The PPP/C Government showed experience and calm in handling the potential threats associated with the protest against the COVID-19 vaccination rules. They did not play

into the hands of the politicians who were eagerly awaiting some step or misfortune to occur. Also, the opposition politicians did not have the opportunity to use some small argument to accuse the government of racial discrimination.

Today, everything is back to normal. There is business as usual. The AP-

NU+AFC politicians are still intertwining the politics in the anti-vaccination campaign but they have been rebuffed both at the level of the Parliament and the people. People are smarter. They are realising who is really on their side as far as creating a healthy society is concerned. I can tell you they know it is

the government. The APNU+AFC Coalition is losing the battle to get people on their side.

Moreso, everyone will fall in line with time. So, the government must keep the same energy all the time.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

The health of the nation is the highest law Dear Editor, THE health of the nation is the highest law.

This is the reason why g o v e r n m e n t s h a v e e nsured that helpless babies who are so entitled to a healthy life are inoculated without sound or fury and the process continues that on these little children

entering nursery school must produce their record of inoculation against certain known diseases.

Equally, in a global pandemic of this kind, the COVID-19 virus, it is the bounden duty of the State to ensure and guarantee the health of the citizens through lawful medical means. In this case, the

vaccination that has been approved by governments globally.

Constitutional human rights are guaranteed in ordinary prevailing circumstances in a State. However, when a nation is threatened by war, plague or pandemic certain fundamental rights, especially the right to safety, good health and peace-

ful living must supersede or suspend those guaranteed fundamental rights for the safety of the entire nation.

In the prevailing circumstances of this pandemic it is mandatory that the government ensure that the nation remains safe, secure and healthy, thereby vaccinating the entire nation

in concord with law which ought to be made. If someone believes there is no COVID-19 and becomes so infected, do the State have the right to exclude him or her from a medical institution? It is sad that those who persuade its constituency from taking this vaccine whilst they themselves do not want

to die of COVID-19 inoculated themselves while certain leaders must prevail upon us to refuse and obey as motley fools. It is said the most abundant reality in our lives is ignorance.

Thank you.

J. T. Kissoon

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

7

URP restores Arya Samaj Monument in Georgetown

MEMBERS of the United Republican Party (URP), on Monday, volunteered time and resources cleaning, restoring, and sprucing up the Arya Samaj national monument at the Promenade Gardens in Georgetown. The monument was built in 2011 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Arya Samaj presence in Guyana.

U R P P r e s i d e n t , D r.

Vishnu Bandhu was joined by other executives and members of the party during the cleaning up effort.

“The Arya Samaj monument was badly in need of cleaning up of vegetation and discolouration and blemishes and a paint job.

It sparked a fuel among volunteers in the party to perform public service,” the URP said in a release.

According to Dr. Bandhu, party members decided to work together zealously and clean up this important heritage site, beautify it and the garden around it because they are proud of the City and country.

“We want to brighten up the monument and garden so people can enjoy it and it can attract tourists,” he said.

Volunteers spent several hours sprucing up the monument and area around it. They pulled weeds, mulched around the plants as well as the monument and shrub beds, and hauled away the garbage.

“This is another in a long list of volunteerism in various projects including doling out hampers by members of the party,” the release said.

Dr. Bandhu is of the view that the City and the country are blessed to have such monument constructed in a prominent location. The monument is a reminder of the presence of the Arya Samajists in Guyana. Arya Samaj is a branch of Hinduism. The monument tells a story of the Arya Samaj and Indian presence in the country.

The Arya Samaj movement played a very important role in the independence struggle, Dr Bandhu said.

The Arya monument has not been cleaned or painted since first erected a decade ago. Dr. Bandhu had overseen the establishment of the monument when he was leader of the Central Arya Samaj; it was funded with financial resources of the United Federation of Arya Samaj

Mandirs of America.

“It’s a sacred duty to maintain the monument that has been neglected for so long. It is important that the monument stand out and that the plants and flowers around it be spruced up. The monument is very important to a large number of Guyanese, telling a story of their presence and contributions to the nation and the growth of the movement. The URP is proud and humbled to spearhead the cleaning efforts and rehabilitation of this monument and plan to do same with other neglected structures. The monument has been restored to its original beauty. It is quite an achievement. Hopefully, it will inspire others to do same with other neglected monuments,” the release said.

The U RP leaders hip expressed appreciation to the volunteers last Monday.

“It fills my spirit with joy to see volunteers committing time, energy, and resources to polish up the monument. I am so thankful to them. The monument is once again a very attractive site, like it is brand new,” Dr Bandhu said.

Dr. Vishnu Bandhu, URP leader (right) with UPR Trustee, Ganesh Rajkumar and URP Chairman, Dr. Josh Kanhai (left) at the Arya Samaj national monument, Promenade Gardens, Georgetown

Good Hope gets $65M road upgrade AS part of the overarching plan of the government to develop and upgrade infrastructure across the country, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on Wednesday, commissioned the newly rehabilitated roads at Sari Dam in Good Hope, Region Four.

Under the Vereenigi n g / U n i t y N e i g h b o u rhood Democratic Council (NDC), the Ministry of Public Works constructed the two roads to the tune of $65M. The ministry noted that the daily lives of hundreds of residents will be significantly improved as a result of the road upgrades.

Minister Edghill noted that road works were done as a way to modernise the infrastructure and provide a more accessible commute to and from communities.

In addition to the commissioning of the new roads, Minister Edghill,

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, residents and representatives of the Vereeniging / Unity NDC, assist a young resident to cut the ribbon to officially commission the rehabilitated roads (Ministry of Public Works photo) also visited a section of the Cane Grove Main Access Road where work is being carried out, after residents, some three weeks ago, complained about the deplorable state of the road.

MORE INFRASTRUC-

TURAL WORK In keeping with government’s roadmap for growth and advancement in the local economy, some $543.6 million has been invested to upgrade several roads along the East Coast De-

merara (ECD) corridor.

Information released by the government shows that a total of 27 roads valued at $458.6 million were built in the Better Hope/La Bonne Intention NDC area alone, while another $88

million was spent to repair roads in the area governed by the Plaisance/Industry NDC. In addition to providing improved road facilities, the ongoing works have also added to the creation of thousands of jobs, bringing the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration closer to delivering on its promise to create at least 50,000 jobs within the next five years.

During this year alone, the government plans to expend some $172.4 billion, or 45 per cent of its $383.1 billion budget on education, public infrastructure and healthcare. Of this sum, the $58.2 billion worth of planned expenditure on public infrastructure is the second largest component of the government’s fiscal programme.

On the capital side, the budget for infrastructure is $32.9 billion, or 32 per cent of the total allocation for 2021. The country’s

aggregate capital provision for this year is $103 billion.

Further, the government’s total budget for its road programme is $23.7 billion, $7.9 billion of which will go specifically towards the development of community roads. Of the budgeted sum, $2.1 billion has been set aside for hinterland roads, and the rehabilitation of a number of hinterland airstrips.

Those investments, according to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in its message following the announcement of Budget 2021, provide the financial grounding for the ‘build-out’ of the country’s infrastructure, and the basis for re-starting economic growth, which would have been hindered by a protracted electoral process and the pervasive COVID-19 pandemic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

No interim injunction can be granted in vaccination requirements’ challenge _ AG argues during court hearing

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Wednesday argued that the law prevents the High Court from granting interim injunctions against the implementation of govern-

ment’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

The AG made this submission when the application filed by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and their umbrella body, the

Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), came up for hearing before Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln.

In the application, GPSU Vice-President Dawn Gardner, GTU General Secretary Coretta Mc Donald and General Secretary of the GTUC, Lincoln Lewis are claiming that former President, David Granger, exceeded his authority when he issued the first COVID-19 emergency measure in March 2020. They have therefore called for the measures to be quashed.

In the interim, they are asking the court to grant injunctions preventing the state from implementing the vaccination requirements and ordering the government to stand the cost for regular COVID-19 testing for all public servants.

However, the AG argued that the injunctions being sought in the application cannot be granted against the State.

GPSU Vice-President, Dawn Gardner; GTU General Secretary, Coretta Mc Donald and GTUC General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis To explain his position, he cited Section 16 (6) of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, which states “Where in any proceedings against the State any relief is sought as might in proceedings between citizens be granted by way of injunction or specific performance the court shall not grant an injunction or make an order for specific performance but may in lieu thereof make an order declaratory of the rights of the parties.”

He told the court that this position was interpreted by former Chief Justice Ian Chang in the case of the Guyana Softball Association versus the Attorney General in 2009.

“In this case, the court refused several injunctive remedies against the State

on the grounds that such remedies are prohibited under Section 16 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act,” he argued.

Among other things, the AG said that according to Section 16 (8) of the said act “the court shall not in any civil proceedings grant any injunction or make any order against an officer of the State if the effect of granting the injunction or making the order would be to give any relief against the State which would not have been obtained in proceedings against the State.”

As it relates to the laws and facts of the case, Nandlall said that the court ought not to grant the interim declaration being sought by the applicants against the March 16, 2020,

directions of the president’s implementation of the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.

In response, the judge reminded the AG that provision for the granting of injunctions is provided for in the Judicial Review Act which gives a statutory framework for the granting of interim injunctions.

The unions’ attorney Dane Elliott-Hamilton rejected the AG’s arguments and said that the court has the power to grant injunctions against the State.

Nandlall was given time to file written submissions with the court and the applicants’ attorney was given time to reply. The case was adjourned until September 17.

A 26-year-old man is currently in police custody after five grammes of suspected cannabis was allegedly found during a search of his Tabatinga, Central Rupununi home.

According to a Guyana Police Force release, ranks were on patrol on Tuesday when they noticed a group of persons gathered in front of a house. Having seen the gathering, the law enforcement officers became suspicious

and requested a search to be done on the house.

The release indicated that the 26-year-old man identified himself as the owner of the house and agreed for the search to be done in his presence.

It is alleged that during the search, the police found a wrapped transparent plastic bag containing five small ziplock bags with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis,

on a television stand in the living room.

The owner was then told of the offence and cautioned.

He reportedly admitted that the cannabis was his.

The man was then arrested and escorted to the Lethem Police Station along with the narcotics, which was weighed in his presence and amounted to five grammes.

Investigations are ongoing.

Lethem man arrested for possession of cannabis

The packages of suspected cannabis that were retrieved from the Lethem house (Guyana Police Force photo)

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Three more unvaccinated persons die from COVID-19 MINISTER of Health, D r. F r a n k A n t h o n y , o n We d n e s d a y, n o t e d that none of the three persons who died from COVID-19 complications within the past 24 hours was vaccinated against the deadly virus.

The health minister who made this disclosure during his daily COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI), reiterated that while the COVID-19 vaccines do not prevent persons from contracting the virus, it serves as the best protection against it.

“Over the last 24 hours we had three deaths. All of the persons who have died, none of them is vaccinated; so again we know if you’re fully vaccinated your chances of getting severe infections is much lower, your chances of

going in the ICU is much lower, your chances of dying from COVID is much lower,” he expressed.

Government has been rolling out an aggressive COVID-19 vaccination programme that gives persons 18 years and above the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves against the virus. Currently, government is offering the Russian-produced Sputnik V vaccine; the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine; and the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

Government has also been distributing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children age 12 to 17.

In keeping with gove r n m e n t ’s i n t e n s i f i e d efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, 325,095 Guyanese or 63.4 % of Guyana’s adult pop-

ulation have received their first dose. Of that number, about 170,125 or 33.2% have received both doses of the vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.

Minister Anthony encouraged citizens to take the necessary precautions against the COVID-19 virus inclusive of wearing masks, sanitizing and getting vaccinated. He reminded citizens that the Delta variant of the virus continues to threaten the health system of several first world countries and u rg e d t h e m t o b e c o g nisant of the impact it would have on the country should persons remain unvaccinated.

According to research, the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV 2) is deadlier than the original COVID-19 virus; almost 100 per cent more

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony transmissible. It has been found to be more transmissible than the

original COVID-19 virus in younger persons.

Additionally, the Delta

variant affects children more than the original COVID-19 virus.

Suspected bandit arrested, three others escape following shootout at Ogle A MAN suspected to be part of a gang of robbers was arrested on Wednesday after bullets were traded with ranks along the Ogle Airport Road, East Coast of Demerara.

According to a Guyana Police Force release, ranks were following a lead based on intelligence garnered and information received relating to armed robberies in the police di-

vision. At about 06:15hrs, while on mobile surveillance, they observed and trailed four men of a suspected gang driving along the Plaisance Railway Embankment on two motorcycles.

The release noted that the ranks drove up and closed in on the men in an attempt to intercept them after it was suspected, from their actions, that

they were about to rob a female who was standing on the roadway.

H o w e v e r, t h e s u s pects drove away and the police gave chase.

The suspects separated with the motorcycles g o i n g i n d i ff e r e n t d irections and the police continued behind one of them along the Ogle Airport Road.

It is alleged that during

the chase, the pillion rider discharged rounds at the police, who returned fire.

The two suspects then abandoned the motorcycle and fled on foot resulting in one of them being arrested; the other escaped.

No one was injured during the exchange of gunfire.

The suspect and the motorcycle are in custody as investigations continue.

The abandoned motorcycle which was retrieved by ranks after the suspects fled the scene on foot (Guyana Police Force photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

Latin America, Caribbean face insufficient labour market recovery _with a predominance of informal jobs, ILO says

(International Labour Organisation) THE economic recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean is still insufficient to recuperate the jobs lost during the pandemic, and has given rise to a labour market characterised by a high unemployment rate and a strong prevalence of informal occupations.

“Neither the quantity nor the quality of jobs that this region requires to cope with the aftermath of an unprecedented crisis are being created. The labour overview is complex and poses challenges of great

magnitude,” the Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Vinícius Pinheiro, said while presenting a new technical note.

“In 2021, informal jobs are leading the partial recovery of employment,” Pinheiro said, adding: “These are jobs that are generally unstable, with low wages, without social protection or rights.”

The ILO Director added: “The close link between labour informality, low income and inequality has become even more evident

in this context.”

The technical note: “Employment and informality in Latin America and the Caribbean: An insufficient and uneven recovery,” reviews the changes detected in labour markets, income and inequality in recent months.

It also addresses both the

impacts of the crisis and the recovery of jobs as some economic activities have restarted.

About 70 per cent of the jobs generated from mid2020 to the first quarter of 2021 are occupations in conditions of informality, according to data from a group of Latin American countries, the ILO technical note advises.

“In the first quarter of 2021, around 76 per cent of independent workers, and just over a third of wage earners, were informal,” adds the technical note.

It also relates: “Although it is premature to state that there is a process of informalisation of previously formal employment, taking into account the experience of previous crises, this is a significant latent risk.”

The publication analyses the dynamics of informality as a result of the pandemic, highlighting an atypical behaviour, since unlike other crises, informal occupations did not increase or offer refuge for those who lost formal jobs.

On the contrary, the measures necessary to face the health crisis had as a correlate, a strong impact on the destruction of informal employment and the loss of income among people who worked in these conditions, who found themselves without social protection safety nets, and without the possibility of accessing reduction of hours or teleworking options. In many cases, this even led to a temporary reduction in informality rates in some countries.

IMPACT OF INFORMAL POSITIONS With the new scenario of a more intense impact of informal positions, it is possible that in many coun-

tries the informality rate is similar, or even higher than that observed before the pandemic, when it affecting around 51 per cent of the employed.

Along with informality, the region is experiencing an insufficient recovery of jobs, according to the data in the technical note. Most notably, the reduction in employment between the first and second quarters of 2020 at the worst moment of the COVID-19 crisis was just over 43 million jobs.

“The subsequent recovery from that point to the first quarter of 2021 was around 29 million. Therefore, the increase in jobs did not fully compensate for the previous loss,” the publication highlighted.

About 30 per cent of the jobs lost have yet to be recovered. At the same time, at the beginning of the year critical, labour indicators were dragging.

In the inter-annual comparison between the first quarter of 2020 and the same quarter of 2021, an average reduction of 3.5 percentage points in the employment rate was observed for the region, and a contraction in the economic participation rate of 2.6 percentage points. In addition, there was a rise of 2 percentage points in the unemployment rate.

This yields for the first quarter of the current year a value of 59 per cent of the economic participation rate and 52.6 per cent of the employment rate – in both cases the lowest in at least a decade – and an 11 per cent unemployment rate, which implies that around 32 million people were actively looking for a job without finding it.

REDUCED PARTICIPATION RATE The reduction in the participation rate has been a peculiarity of this crisis, during which millions of people preferred to leave the labour force at the prospect of looking for jobs that were not available.

When many of those people return to look for

work, added to others who will need income after the crisis, there will be additional pressures both on the unemployment rate and on the levels of informal employment.

The ILO technical note also reveals that women, youth and the lower-skilled have been disproportionately affected by the contraction of employment and incomes, and are more strongly affected by the unequalising and povertyincreasing impacts of this crisis in the region.

ILO Labour Economics Specialist and author of the technical note, Roxana Maurizio, highlighted: “In the case of women, there was a decline in labour participation after decades, during which there had been an increase in their inclusion in the workforce.

It has been more than 15 years since there has been such a low rate of economic participation for women.”

Faced with a labour outlook characterised by an economic recovery with insufficient improvement in employment, the region needs to adopt a comprehensive, consensual and far-reaching human-centered policy agenda that underpins the creation of more formal jobs, Maurizio advised.

The measures must go hand-in-hand with strategies to rebuild the production apparatus, including the creation of new companies and the increase in productivity of those companies that managed to survive the crisis.

The technical note advised that the measures, particularly those focused on improving job creation, seek to prevent the crisis from continuing and leaving long-term social and labour scars.

“The uneven rates of job recovery among different groups of workers and the growing levels of inequality and poverty can not only severely limit economic growth, but can also increase the degree of social unrest in the region,” the publication cautioned.

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UG students star at global business simulation competition THREE students of the University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) recently outshone many of their colleagues from around the world in the GloBus International competition, a business simulation competition that focuses on competitive business strategy in a truly global market arena.

The students who participated in the competition are Sean Langevine, Anisa Ramraj and Traceyann Massay-Gillis.

As part of the simulation competition, each group was required to run a company in head-tohead competition against other students who were also put in charge of other companies, all of which manufactured and sold two product categories, wearable video cameras and sophisticated camera-equipped copter drones.

Providing a brief background of how students were able to enter the competition, Dean of SEBI, Prof. Leyland M. Lucas, said that over the past two years, students of SEBI have been engaged in a simulation exercise as part of the requirement for the BUAD 4201 Course (Business Policy & Strategy), which is taken by students in their final semester.

This course is a senior-level management course that focuses on firm efforts to attain and sustain a competitive advantage. It is concerned with managing the competitive position and long-term development of a business enterprise to ensure its survival and success.

The goal of the course is to increase the students’ effectiveness in managing strategically.

During the just-completed second semester, several groups were recognised for their perfor-

mances, which involved being ranked in the top 100, globally.

Recent statistics show that in the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic year, the simulation was used by over 30,000 students, 253 campuses, and in 28 countries.

Of all the groups around the world participating in the semester-long competition, 675 teams were invited to compete in the May 2021 Best Strategy Invitational (BSI) Tournament and 65 of them accepted the invitation. They were separated into six different simulation industries, each competing for a BSI Grand Championship.

Langevine and Ramraj were grouped with D Safare Company while Massy-Gillis was placed in J Photography Company.

At the end of the invitational tournament, D Safare finished in first place, as the overall best-performing company, and J Photography finished sixth.

The SEBI students were extremely delighted with their successes and expressed gratitude to UG for allowing them to participate in the international competition.

Langevine said: “The process was complex. We were placed in an industry with students from around the world. Unlike the inclass simulations, we had one to two weeks to make strategic decisions, think about what other companies might do, and formulate a strategy to outperform them.

“I believed in my vision and strategy. I was confident in my ability due to the knowledge gained during my interactive sessions with Professor Lucas, the Business Policy and Strategy course lecturer at the University of Guyana. He had a unique way of teaching, where he forced me to find what I was looking for by providing clues,

Traceyann Massay-Gillis

but once I found them, I never forgot them.”

Ramraj said: “When I first saw the invitation to participate in the GloBus Best Strategy Invitational, my first thought was that I would have to tell this to Sean Langevine.

This was because he was exceptionally outstanding at understanding the simulation and its mechanisms.

“After having told him, I thought it would have ended there for me, even though there was a small voice at the back of my mind telling me to go for it. This voice won when Langevine asked me to participate in the competition alongside him. Having been friends for the last four years, I accepted.”

She added: “As Guyanese, we often hear of the accomplishments of citizens from other countries and not much news of ourselves unless it’s a tragedy of some sort.

Thus, competing with the world was nervewracking, to say the least, as we wanted to bring recognition to our country for a positive reason.

“When I entered the competition, I felt relaxed, calm, and collective – that only lasted until the first day of the competition. The anxiety of having to compete against international teams was intense – it was terrifying. However, as we excelled each week, the fear and anxiety faded, and the trust in myself and my teammate increased.”

In a brief comment,

Sean Langevine

Massay-Gillis related: “I considered this an incredible honour since our group received honourable mentions for placing in the top 50 for a few categories during the weeks of the competition.

However, I was the lone participant since the other members opted out of the competition.

“On recognition that first place garnered an invitation to a global competition,

Anisa Ramraj

I was eager for more chances to compete and refine my knowledge and strategies.

This made my semester even more exciting.” (University of Guyana)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

Gov’t committed _to comprehensive disaster risk management P R I M E M i n i s t e r, B r i g a d i e r ( re t ’ d ) , Mark Phillips, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring Guyana has comprehensive disaster risk management as he delivered remarks at the virtual kick-off workshop held by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for a National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA).

Putting a focus on the use of technology-based disaster risk management (DRM), the NDPBA which will be conducted over a one-year period, aims to establish a national baseline for priority hazards in vulnerable communities and populations with requisite mapping and analysis that will strengthen DRM across all sectors.

“The government has been taking the necessary steps and making the right investments to implement projects and programmes that will allow for effective disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery,” the PM said.

PM Phillips stressed that this government’s approach is to work towards adapting a comprehensive multi-hazard approach to managing hazards, rather than response-based management. “ We h a v e b e e n making significant strides in developing national and regional plans, strategies, and the development of a draft disaster risk management bill that will set the foundation for building resilient communities, people and ultimately a resilient nation,” he noted.

He said recent severe flooding in Guyana which was caused by unprecedented rainfall and which severely affected citizens in some cases, underscored the need to mitigate such disasters in the future even as the government focuses on helping citizens get back on their feet.

The government through technical co-

PM Phillips says at opening of CDC workshop

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (second row, second from left) and CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig (second row, third from left) during the virtual kick-off workshop

operation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC) has commenced a Damage and Loss Assessment (DALA) that is currently ongoing.

DALA is expected to determine the macroeconomic impact of the flood disaster with specific focus on the agriculture, health, education, forestry, mining, manufacturing, commerce, tourism, infrastructure, and water and sewerage sectors.

From the NDPBA, a reliable early warning and multi-hazard virtual monitoring platform called DisasterAWARE would be established.

This virtual platform is one being used by several governments and humanitarian organisations globally.

The NDPRA will be conducted by the Pacific Disaster Centre (PDC), an applied research centre managed by the Uni-

versity of Hawaii, which supports government and non-profits globally to effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters using new technologies and best practices.

“The Commission recognises that a paradigm shift is needed for disaster risk reduction and management in Guyana, specifically in areas of science and technology,” CDC Director-General Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig noted in remarks during the workshop’s opening ceremony.

The DisasterAWARE platform would facilitate a standardised process that allows for easy access, updating, guiding, and informing critical decision making through empirical data and methodologies across sectors.

Guyana’s implementation of this assessment will form part of the country’s aim to become better aligned with the priorities of the UN Of-

fice for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Management 2015 – 2030, which specifically addresses the need for the use of science-based information and technologies in Priority for Action 1.

It will also align Guyana with the Caribbean D i s a s t e r E m e rg e n c y Management Agency (CDEMA)’s Regional Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy 2014 – 2024.

With Guyana particularly vulnerable to hazards which are exacerbated by climate change, the need is all the greater for the country to guard against impending disasters through preventative and protective measures.

“Building safer communities can only be attained through evidencebased decision making, supported by the most modern technology and tools,” Craig conveyed.

“Understanding that hazard exposure assess-

ment is an ongoing process that reduces vulnerability across all sectors is crucial. This Baseline Assessment is an important step towards establishing a sustainable system for risk assessments in Guyana,” he added.

The assessment process will include risk and vulnerability assessments that will examine several components of risk including exposure to hazards, vulnerability, coping capacity, and existing disaster management capabilities for Guyana.

The NDPBA will be a multi-stakeholder assessment that will include continuous engagement and consultations with several local organisations and government ministries throughout the process.

Several of those organisations had representatives present at Wednesday’s workshop.

The Ministries of Public Works, Agriculture, Human Services and

Social Security, Local Government and Labour were among the government ministries represented. Other national organisations represented included the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), and Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Also present were several private sector representatives and international organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Pacific Disaster Centre (PDC) Director of Global Operation, Dr. Erin Hughey, and several other PDC representatives were present at Wednesday’s virtual workshop. Hughey relayed her excitement to see the projected getting underway and noted her enthusiasm to work along with the varying local stakeholders.

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Over 1,000 Region Seven school girls get sanitary napkins _ as First Lady rolls out Menstrual Hygiene Programme in the region

SOME 1,168 secondary school girls received one year’s supply of sanitary napkins on Tuesday, when First Lady, Arya Ali, launched the novel “Menstrual Hygiene Programme” at the Bartica Secondary school in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Ali was accompanied by Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who is partnering with the First Lady to distribute sanitary products to female students across the country.

The First Lady told students that the launch of this initiative is to end period poverty, which contributes to the school dropout rate and creates many other issues.

“Last year when I

First Lady, Arya Ali (DPI photo)

heard that girls were forced to drop out of school in Guyana because they did not have sanitary pads to use when experiencing their menstruation or their period, my heart broke.”

“At no point in your lives should you be forced to choose between having an education and staying home

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand hands over sanitary napkins to a Region Seven student (DPI photo)

because you don’t have access to sanitary products,” the First Lady said.

Ali said the “life changing mission” will continue across the country to tackle the existing issues and bring comfort to young girls.

Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand said period poverty is one of the issues that interferes with gender equality, since many opportunities are taken away from girls during their period.

“These are the small things that we don’t talk about that interfere with the equality the world

is trying to achieve. If you have to take away five to seven days from your life every month, sometimes longer, because that’s what happens with our bodies and hormones behaving badly and so on, then you don’t have the same opportunities to shine, to grow, to learn,” the Education Minister said.

For this reason, she encouraged female students at the Bartica Secondary school to speak out about issues that affect them, especially menstrual poverty and health.

“Any effort to shine

a light on the issue of menstruation and how we can provide for persons who can’t provide for themselves is a noble one,” Minister Manickchand told students at the ceremony.

Additionally, prior to her arrival, the Education Minister distributed a number of packages to the Beach View Nursery and St. John the Baptist Nursery schools.

Those packages include necessary school supplies to aid children in their educational development.

(DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

Two held after brazen robbery of Harbour Bridge commuters

POLICE have arrested two persons, including a teen, following a brazen robbery at the eastern end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, early Wednesday morning.

According to reports from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the two persons, aged 23 and 15 years, were among eight suspects who robbed commuters who were awaiting the reopening of the bridge, which was closed for retraction.

Reports are that the 23-year-old was released recently from prison after

serving five years for robbery under arms.

Police said the suspected bandits were caught after the police command centre, by way of CCTV, captured four motorcycles -- all with riders and pillion riders -- committing armed robberies at the eastern side of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

As a result, anti-crime patrols in Division 4A were immediately dispatched and they managed to intercept two of the suspects.

The 23-year-old male was caught hiding in a trench at North East La Penitence,

A motorcycle without registration that was seized by the police

while the 15-year-old was arrested at James Street, Albouystown.

Police have recovered three cellphones, a pink handbag, a female make-up kit, a lip gloss, $8,100 in cash, two lighters, two packs of cigarettes, a bunch of keys and a black 110 motorcycle without registration number.

Both persons are in custody as further searches for the other perpetrators are being conducted. Police advised the victims to visit the Brickdam Police Station to identify and uplift their belongings.

A haversack retrieved by police

Some of the items recovered by police

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

6,103 persons vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday HEALTH Minister, Dr. F r a n k A n t h o n y, o n Wednesday, commended all persons involved in the vaccination drive for their hard work and commitment to getting persons immunised against the deadly novel coronavirus.

During Wednesday’s edition of the daily COVID-19 update, the minister said

some 6,103 persons were vaccinated on Tuesday, with 2,507 being adults who took their first dose.

Another 916 persons took their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,678 children took the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The minister said this figure represents the highest number of vaccinations in any one day.

“So, I think this has set a new record for us in terms of how many persons would have received the vaccine yesterday [Tuesday] and I just want to compliment the staff, both of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health for the work that they’ve been doing in rolling out this vaccination process [which] can be tedious and

difficult.

“I’ve seen a lot of committed and dedicated people working on this and I really want to extend congratulations for assisting us in doing this because without them being out there, we are not going to get these numbers,” the Health Minister related.

But even as more persons

embrace the vaccination drive, Minister Anthony said the number of positive cases is increasing significantly since the Delta variant is easier to transmit. For this reason, he again urged persons to be cautious and observe all COVID-19 protocols.

“So, if people are not taking the precautions and they’re exposed to infected persons, they are going to get the virus. Now, some people might get it mildly and some others might have the moderate form of the disease.

“So, if you get the severe form of the disease, it could require hospitalisation and possibly, you’d have to come into the ICU. So again,

we’ve seen the numbers in hospitals go up, we’ve seen the ICU patients going up, we know this happens with the Delta variant, that’s why we’ve been urging people to be very cautious and take precautions” he added.

Dr. Anthony said approximately 2,205 antigen and PCR tests were done over the last 24 hours, and from this, 290 persons tested positive for COVID-19, taking the country’s overall active cases to 2,646 persons.

The minister also said 125 persons are currently hospitalised, with 37 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Ocean View facility. (DPI)

Guyana, India could work collectively to strengthen democracies _ Speaker of India’s Lower House says

Guyana’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir (right) and Speaker of India’s Lower House (Lok Sabha), Om Birla SPEAKER of India’s Lower House, or Lok Sabha, as it is referred to there, Om Birla, has said that Guyana and India could explore the possibility of working together to strengthen their democracies.

Mr Birla pitched this idea during an engagement with Guyana’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, who, along with a team of local officials, represented Guyana at the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, held in Austria.

The two Speakers exchanged pleasantries and discussed the close ties between Guyana and India.

According to the High Commission of India, India’s relations with Guyana are “warm and cordial” with a high degree of understanding. The interaction is structured through periodic joint commissions, foreign office consultations, cultural exchange programmes and ITEC, among other things.

With India being considered a model democracy which has had 17 general elections and 300 assembly elections, Birla believes that India and Guyana could work together to strengthen their democracies.

He also said that the people of the two nations could learn from each other, both culturally and economically.

Speaker Nadir agreed with Birla and said that people from both countries could benefit economically and culturally once there is access to opportunities.

Both Speakers pledged to continue to have dialogue on strengthening the institution of Parliament in the two countries with exchange programmes to learn from each other’s best practices, and to maintain the strong bond shared over the years.

Nadir also spoke of the close relationship between Guyana and India, highlighting that India is one of Guyana’s largest donors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 9, 2021

Tallawahs power hitting earns them win over Patriots JAMAICA Tallawahs inflicted the third successive defeat on St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League with a 22-run victory at Warner Park.

The Patriots won the toss and opted to bowl, yet the Tallawahs were able to post a sizeable score of 169/8, largely thanks to some power hitting from captain, Rovman Powell and Andre Russell.

The Patriots were unable to accelerate and chase the total as Tallawahs bowlers, Imad Wasim,

Kennar Lewis (R) of Jamaica Tallawahs hits a maximum and Joshua de Silva (L) of Saint Kitts & Nevis Patriots watch during the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League match 21 between Saint Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Jamaica Tallawahs at Warner Park Sporting Complex on September 8, 2021 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

(Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday September 9, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brandon King (Guyana Amazon Warriors) (2) Jayden Seales (TKR) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who cracked the first century in this season’s CPL? (2) Who is the first captain to lift the CPL trophy?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Veerasammy Permaul and Migael Pretorius helped produce a disciplined bowling performance which earned the franchise their third win of this year’s Hero CPL. Jamaica Tallawahs got off to a steady start, with openers Kennar Lewis and youngster, Kirk McKenzie batting through the first five overs before Lewis was caught on the boundary. Shamarh Brooks top scored with 43 runs from 39 balls to consolidate, before Powell and Russell hit fast runs to take the score

to a substantial total. Patriot’s stand-out bowlers were spinners Jon-Russ Jaggesar and veteran, Fawad Ahmed, who ensured their side took wickets throughout the innings, while maintaining low economy rates of five and under.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in contrast had an indifferent start, losing batsman, Evin Lewis in the second over, closely followed by captain, Chris Gayle. Devon Thomas and Joshua da Silva accumulated runs in search of building a foundation, but wickets

tumbled and only Dominic Drakes later on in the innings was able to strike at the required velocity to chase the target, hitting 22 runs from just 12 balls.

Once Drakes was out, and Fabian Allen dismissed in the 19th over, any hopes of a Patriots win evaporated and the Tallawahs were able to successfully defend their target.

Jamaica Tallawahs jumped into a play-off spot with this victory, and will be hoping to stay there for the duration of this year’s league stages.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 9, 2021

GBA benefits from AIBA's generosity ...15 gyms receive boxing equipment THE Guyana Boxing Association yesterday presented over $2M worth of equipment to their affiliate boxing gyms, compliments of the sport’s global governing body-- the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Fifteen gyms were the beneficiaries of the AIBA’s generosity under current president, Umar Kremlev.

The presentation was done

by GBA president, Steve Ninvalle, in the boardroom of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

“Guyana has received, and so has several countries

within the English-speaking Caribbean, Central America, North America, Asia and Europe and across the world. We are very happy to have this injection which will assist us greatly in the development despite being in the middle of a pandemic,” Ninvalle told reporters and other gym members that gathered yesterday.

Ninvalle, who also serves as Guyana’s Director of Sports, said AIBA’s input will “assist us in remaining the number one boxing nation in CARICOM.”

Ninvalle heaped praises on Kremlev, adding that if the Russian remains at the helm of global amateur boxing, AIBA’s 204 members will see the advancement of the sport.

“On behalf of the GBA, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Kremlev.

Guyana will continue to support his initiatives and we do hope that he can continue supporting Guyana, the Caribbean and our initiatives,” Ninvalle said.

The GBA boss said visits will be made by the Association to ensure that the equipment are used for their intended purpose.

GBA president, Steve Ninvalle, makes a presentation to a representative of the Guyana Police Force in the presence of other affiliate gym representatives and GBA executives.

Royals thump Guyana Amazon Warriors

King heroics, spinners save GAW against St Lucia Kings

The Barbados Royals claimed their second win of the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a 45 run victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Tuesday evening.

A strong all-round display from the Royals keeps their playoff hopes alive with three group games remaining.

The Amazon Warriors never really recovered from a blistering start from the Royals batsmen who put their bowlers under real pressure after being asked to bat first.

The Royals innings started quickly with 67 runs from the PowerPlay with Johnson Charles (40) and Kyle Mayers (36) getting their team firing early on. The Amazon Warriors pegged things back with the wickets of Mayers and Azam Khan but a stand of 48 between Glenn Phillips and Smit Patel put the Royals back in front.

Phillips top scored with 44 and he was well supported

by Jason Holder who made 22 from just seven balls. When both fell within quick succession the Royals innings lost some impetus but they still posted a very competitive 185/8.

Romario Shepherd was once again the pick of the Amazon Warriors bowlers, claim-

Guyana Amazon Warriors moved back into the top four of the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table with a 17-run victory over the Saint Lucia Kings.

The Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first, but they had to overcome an early wobble to post a competitive total lead by Brandon King’s enterprising 77.

In reply the Kings looked as if they were in cruise control when Roston Chase and Tim David put together a big partnership but excellent death bowling tightened the screws and the Kings succumbed to the pressure.

Having been supplanted in the top four by Jamaica Tallawahs earlier in the day, Guyana needed a win to reignite their competition. However, three early wickets in the PowerPlay put them on the backfoot as Wahab Riaz and Jeavor Royal made the early breakthroughs.

King came to the Amazon Warriors rescue with his first Hero CPL 50 of the season but other than Nicholas Pooran’s 25 no batsmen was able to stick with King.

Once King fell for his

Mohammad Hafeez (L) of Guyana Amazon Warriors dismissed by Smit Patel (R) of Barbados Royals during the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League match 20 between Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Warner Park Sporting Complex on September 7, 2021 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

ing 3/31 from his four overs.

Gudakesh Motie bowled with penetration to claim 2/33.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors reply started badly with three wickets falling inside their PowerPlay as they reached 39/3 off the first six overs. While wickets fell it was Mohammad Hafeez who looked to hold things together for the Warriors. He made it to 30 from 25 balls before he was well stumped by Smit Patel off a wide bowled by Ashley Nurse.

When Hafeez fell the

Amazon Warriors needed 115 runs from 65 balls and the pressure was on Shoaib Malik to see his side home. When he fell going for a big shot off Nyeem Young there was no way back for the Guyanese side.

Some late order hitting from Odean Smith gave some respectability to the margin of defeat, but the Royals closed out a comfortable win with a very strong bowling display with wickets shared evenly across their attack.

Andre Fletcher (L) of Saint Lucia Kings is bowled by Imran Tahir (R) of Guyana Amazon Warriors during the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League match 22 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Lucia Kings at Warner Park Sporting Complex on September 8, 2021 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

(Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

sparkling 77, Odean Smith was able to add some maximums to take Guyana to a challenging total of 151.

Saint Lucia Kings were circumspect in their early reply and found themselves three wickets down with 43 runs on the board. Gudakesh Motie’s parsimonious spin bowling saw him take 2/12 from his four overs to

keep the Amazon Warriors well in the hunt.

Roston Chase and Tim David put together a boundary laden partnership of 75 from 63 balls but just as it seemed they would take the Kings home, Naveen Ul-Haq and Odean Smith bowled four excellent overs to seal two crucial points for the Amazon Warriors.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 9, 2021

Eagles Volleyball Club notch another win in DVA League EAGLES Volleyball Club secured their second successive victory in the Demerara Volleyball Association League which continued on Tuesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The come-from-behind victory, which is the third of the season for Eagles, came against Castrol Strikers.

Castrol Strikers drew first blood with a 25-18 triumph but from there on, it was all Eagles as they went on to win 25-13, 25-22, and 15-12.

Trevon McRae (13 points), Adriel Moore (11 points), and Quacy Matheson (nine points) did the damage for Eagles in the comprehensive win.

Castrol Strikers will return to action when they face Young Achievers from 19:00h on Friday.

Part of the winning Eagles Volleyball Team

Demerara GBA shifts focus to AIBA World Championship Mutual Life golf tournament on Saturday …AMBC pulls plug on Elite tournament

DEMERARA Mutual and Demerara Fire and General Insurance Companies have joined forces with the Lusignan Golf Club to host a tournament on Saturday from 12:30hrs. The tournament is called "I am with Dem" golf tournament.

Staff from the insurance company is also expected to attend and share the ambiance of the COVID-19 compliant sport.

The partnership is ongoing for a decade, and according to a company representative, they seek to support unpopular activities.

The format will be 18

holes which will be divided into front nine and back, for which prizes will be awarded for highest net score for both divisions. There will be an overall prize due to the combination of front and back nine for first, second and third; in all, six prizes will be up for grabs.

It will be a shot-gun start as players will start at various points of the course to alleviate congestion at the start.

The tournament is expected to help players harness their skills for the upcoming Guyana Open Golf tournament from October 30 – 31.

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will now shift their attention to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Championships, after the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) pulled the plug on their Elite Boxing Championship which was set for September 25 – October 4 in Colombia.

Keevin Allicock, who recently competed in the Tokyo Olympic Games, will compete in the Featherweight division, while Colin Lewis will box in the Light Welterweight and Desmond Amsterdam in the Middleweight category, at the October 24 – November 6 AIBA Men's World Boxing Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

According to GBA president, Steve Ninvalle, the organisers of the tournament in Colombia felt that it was scheduled too soon

FLASH BACK! Guyana’s Keevin Allicock lands a left jab in his clash with Alexy Del La Cruz at the Tokyo Olympics.

after the Tokyo Olympics and too close to the World Championships.

Terrence Poole, MS, will accompany the trio to the South-eastern European country as coach.

Ninvalle said the Elite Championship would give the GBA another chance to expose their boxers, particularly Amsterdam and Lewis, whom he said have not fought since 2019 at the

Caribbean Championships.

According to Ninvalle, Guyana was represented at most of the AMBC championships in the past and this year would be no different. (Rawle Toney)

King heroics, spinners save GAW against St Lucia Kings PAGE

22

Gudakesh Motie of Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrates the dismissal of Samit Patel of Saint Lucia Kings during the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League match 22 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Lucia Kings at Warner Park Sporting Complex on September 8, 2021 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

(Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

Demerara Mutual Life golf tournament on Saturday

PAGE

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From left: Patanjilee Persaud, Patrick Prashad, Maxim Mangra, Dem Life Sales and Marketing Executive, Sharmela Ramsammy and Dem Life CEO, Melissa De Santos Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021