Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_10_08_2020

THURSDAY 8th October, 2020

' No.106146

Free zones to be created –– to promote export and investments

SEE PAGE 03

GuySuCo will be rebuilt brick by brick PAGE

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– says CEO, banking on value-added to return industry to profitability

Sugar in the process of being packaged at the Blairmont Estate. The estate will focus on packaging the commodity for overseas markets (Marceano Narine photos)

Energy cost to be slashed by 50 per cent in five years 13 PAGE

Strikes by nurses suspended 09 PAGE

Robert Corbin hospitalised with COVID-19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Investors lining up to come to Guyana –– major Brazilian investors expected soon

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S economy, like many others around the world, has taken a hit because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but investors are still eyeing the local market and will soon make their presence known.

The country can expect investments on all fronts, but major attention will be placed on the new oil and gas sector, which recently welcomed the US$9 billion Payara Development Project.

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, Owen Verwey, while serving as CEO, had told the Guyana Chronicle that interested investors are mainly the tier-1, tier-2 and tier-3 contractors for the oil and gas industry.

“They have to do something to be able to deliver for the Liza 2 development and the Payara development,” said Verwey, adding that the country did not lose any investor, but investments have just been postponed because of the pandemic.

Just Friday, Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, con-

firmed that ‘a lot’ of companies are knocking at Guyana’s doors, especially companies from the oil and gas sector.

Considering the potential investments, including the US$9B Payara project, President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad, had said that Guyana needs to position itself to gain a significant portion of the spill-off commercial opportunities.

The US$9 billion project has been described as the single largest investment in Guyana and is twice the size of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is close to US$4 billion.

The $9billion development will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels. Ten drill centres are planned, along with up to 41 wells, including 20 production and 21 injection wells.

“During this period, and up to 2024, there will be significant increase in the demand for goods and services to sustain this level of operation which will have at

least 10 drill centres,” said Prashad.

He believes that Guyanese will be better able to capitalise on these opportunities once there is a ‘solid’ Local Content Policy.

Oil, however, won’t be the only source of opportunities, as Verwey said there are a number of hotels in the making. Accommodation, he said, is still an issue in Guyana. And, with the growing oil and gas sector and other activities, which are expected to ‘rebound’ after COVID-19, the country will need hotels with accommodating prices.

Investors are also examining other areas of focus, such as agriculture and agro-processing, a key sector which is expected to complement and sustain economic growth.

Verwey said with the settling of elections and providing that COVID-19 subsides soon, Guyana could also see the return of Brazilian investors, who were “knocking at Guyana’s doors.”

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali,

had said recently that the country is expected to see a ‘flurry’ of development projects in 2021.

Guyana, which sits on the edge of South America and has a population of about 750,000 people, is expected to ‘boom’ with its new-found oil wealth, wealth which will drive infrastructural development and other sectoral advancements.

According to reports, the country has already raked in close to US$150 million from its oil-and- gas sector, with lots more to be earned.

But the focus, as outlined by the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, will be on maintaining a diversified economy.

Progress is expected on all fronts said President Ali, noting that 2021 will be the year of investments and development.

“What you will see next year is a flurry of development… there will be active work on the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the new four-lane road, new hotels and the creation of 50,000

Former CEO of Go-Invest, Owen Verwey

homes,” said the President, following an inspection of the site for the new harbour bridge, on Saturday.

He said work will commence on the construction and rehabilitation of roads in hundreds of communities; new infrastructure will be created; and there will be major developments in every

sector.

Additionally, private-sector investments are expected to increase, stretching from the construction of new shore bases to service the oil-and-gas sector, to new office complexes and other private development projects.

Robert Corbin hospitalised with COVID-19

FORMER Opposition Leader and leader of the People’s National Congress

Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin is hospitalised after being tested positive for

Former PNCR leader Robert Corbin

COVID-19.

The 72-year-old lawyer and politician was in a serious condition on Tuesday but is now listed as stable after being admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Corbin became weak at home and a decision was made to have him hospitalised after he exhibited coronavirus symptoms.

His wife, Carol Corbin,

who is head of the Public Procurement Commission, has also tested positive but has not shown serious symptoms and has self-isolated at home.

Corbin, who was first elected to the National Assembly of Guyana in 1973, handed over leadership of the PNC in July 2012 to David Granger, who was elected President of Guyana in 2015 but lost the elections in 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Free zones to be created

–– to promote export, investments

By Navendra Seoraj CREATING an enabling environment for business and investments is high on the agenda of the new Government, and part of the effort to achieve this goal will be to create free and special zones.

“We will be working collectively with all ministries and private stakeholders to foster an enabling environment and promote a model whereby free zones or special zones are created to help promote investments and exports,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Free economic zones are defined as a class of special economic zones designated by the trade and commerce administrations of various countries.

The term is used to designate areas in which companies are taxed very lightly, or not at all, to encourage economic activity. The taxation rules are determined by each country.

Already, the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has announced the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on exports and other concessions/measures to stimulate growth in the private sector.

Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration, within the space of two months, has sought to implement an array of policies and initiatives to foster development within the public and private sectors.

Dr. Ramsaroop said Government’s aim is to create a ‘flourishing’ business environment for current and new business ventures, and to also have a collaborative and consultative relationship with the private sector.

Creating such an environment would entail transformative investments such as a deep-water harbour, which will essentially close the infrastructural gap in the local economy.

CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop

A deep-water harbour is said to be a fixed or floating structure that is built at strategic points in a country to serve as a hub for the transport of goods.

AIDING ECONOMIC GROWTH This will complement a “free zone” because it is known to be a major source of aiding in economic growth, as it links one country to several others. The port is useful in not only shipping items to that country cheaper, but serves as a gateway for other countries’ goods to pass through as well.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, in 2019, had pointed to the need for a deep-water port in Guyana, as such a port will aid in reducing the time it takes to transport goods and moreover the costs attached to doing so.

“It (deep-water harbour) will drastically improve the time and economics of importing and exporting goods by ocean freight, opening up global trade,” said Dr. Ramsaroop.

This initiative will be supplemented by the Linden to Lethem Road, the

high-span bridge across the Demerara River and other transformational infrastructure which will pave the way for the expansion of the economy and lead to the creation of jobs and other benefits.

Providing there is connectivity, Dr. Ramsaroop said the ultimate goal is to create a sectoral prospectus to allow investors to develop their strategy, timeline, engagement process, project value, investment cost and returns.

SINGLE-WINDOW CLEARANCE SYSTEM To allow for the ease of doing business, Government will also create a single-window clearance system which will essentially reduce bureaucracy and cost of doing business in Guyana.

Trinidadian Economist, Dr. Roger Hosein had said: “Doing business in Guyana is way, way too difficult in terms of the international comparison or even in terms of the Caribbean comparison.”

Dr. Hosein said Guyana must do its “homework” on how to improve the ease of doing business here; if the country is successful in this

bid, greater private capital injection and foreign capital injection will be facilitated.

Although not responding directly to Dr. Hosein, Dr. Ramsaroop said Guyana will be reducing bureaucracy for the processing time for applications and other relevant paper work required for doing business in Guyana.

The CEO emphasised that Guyana is now officially an oil producing nation so the nation’s approach to development will be greatly enhanced.

Recent oil and gas discoveries have transformed the nation into a petroleum economy that was once heavily dependent on agriculture and mining. Guyana is now recognised as a premier frontier of crude oil exploration and production, whilst it continues to expand and build on

its established industries.

Guyana recently signed an agreement with the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, to strengthen energy and infrastructure finance and market building cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Guyana.

This will serve to enhance the bilateral agreement between the two governments and will bring forth an array of opportunities, as Guyana positions itself as a major player within the global trade and investment community in the Americas.

“I strongly believe that opportunities for investors with a vision and a capacity to deliver are immense. Guyana is open for investments with its vast natural resources; a young, educated and

English-speaking population; stable and open financial markets; investment protection under the law; unrestricted repatriation of profits; and capital; duty-free access and equal treatment for local and foreign investors,” said Dr. Ramsaroop.

He maintained that Guyana is an excellent jurisdiction for investors, as the country is well-known, outside of its territories, as a business-friendly destination with a wide range of incentives and protection for foreign investors.

These incentives range from exemption from customs duty on most plant machinery and equipment, zero rate of VAT on exports and, most importantly, full and unrestricted repatriation of capital, profits and dividends.

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Trump back at work US President Donald Trump has returned to work and held briefings at the Oval Office less than a week after he tested positive for coronavirus.

The president has had no Covid-19 symptoms for more than 24 hours and has been fever-free for more than four days, his doctor, Sean Conley, said.

In a video message on Wednesday, Mr Trump said he felt “great”, adding: “I think this was a blessing from God.” He said he wanted all Americans to have access to the treatments he was given.

Mr Trump also promised

to provide the drugs produced by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals free of charge.

He said the experimental antibody cocktail he was given last week was a cure rather than a therapeutic measure, adding that hundreds of thousands of doses were nearly ready. But Regeneron’s drugs have not been approved by federal regulators.

“This was a blessing in disguise - I caught it, I heard about this drug, I said let me take it and it was incredible,” he said, adding that he would seek emergency use authorisations for the drugs.

President Trump renewed

Thursday October 8, 2020 - 09:00hrs - 10:30hrs

his attacks on China, telling Americans: “You’re not going to pay for it. It wasn’t your fault that this happened.

It was China’s fault. And China is going to pay a big price,,, This was China’s fault.”

Earlier, Dr Conley said the president had not needed any supplemental oxygen since going to hospital on Friday. He was discharged on Monday.

Mr Trump’s supporters say that he has shown leadership since his release from hospital. But his opponents say his behaviour has become increasingly erratic.

The White House has also set out new safety measures after President Trump’s return from hospital and the news that another aide had Covid-19.

The presidential election is on 3 November. One key issue in the run-up to polling day is a coronavirus stimulus package for the economy. Mr Trump appeared to abandon negotiations with the Democrats on Tuesday, only to say later he would agree to some measures individually.

“His physical exam and vital signs, including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, all remain stable and

US President, Donald Trump

in normal range,” a health report from Dr Conley said.

It added: “The president’s labs demonstrated detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies on Monday October 5th.”

Levels drawn last Thursday had shown “undetectable” antibodies.

“We’ll continue to closely monitor and I will update you as I know more,” the doctor said.

The body makes antibodies to help fight the infection, and coronavirus antibodies in the blood indicate a person has had the virus. However,

it remains unknown whether their presence will prevent the person getting the virus again.

Mr Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon to be briefed on Hurricane Delta in the Gulf of Mexico and the latest on talks with Democrats about a stimulus package for the economy, officials said.

Mr Trump has been in a defiant mood since returning from hospital, angling to work in the Oval Office rather than in the Residence, as well as pushing for an address to the nation and a resumption of campaign activity.

But many of his aides and staff remain in self-isolation.

Earlier in the day, chief of staff Mark Meadows said that anyone interacting with Mr Trump had been wearing “full PPE, masks, goggles and the like”.

A memo on Monday called for limited traffic on the first floor of the West Wing and at the Residence, with strict measures on protection equipment and hand sanitiser for anyone within six feet (two metres) of the president.

Reports said there did appear to be much more mask-wearing at the White House, which had been criticised by many opponents for its lax attitude before Mr Trump’s infection.

Although the names of many people who have interacted with the president and tested positive are now known, it remains unclear just how many were exposed at the White House. At least nine White House employees have tested positive but the cluster could be much higher.

Some staff have expressed concern to US me-

dia that they were exposed without their knowledge to people who were known to be infected or were at risk of being Covid-positive.

Leading Democrat Nancy Pelosi said the White House was “one of the most dangerous places in the country”, adding she would “not go anywhere near it”.

Stephen Miller was the latest aide to test positive on Tuesday. Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany and at least three other press staff have also been infected.

Several senior military leaders are also quarantining after Coast Guard official Admiral Charles Ray tested positive.

Opinion polls over the past week have suggested Mr Biden had a lead of between eight and 12 percentage points over Mr Trump nationwide, but it is likely the election will be decided in battleground states where the race is often closer.

On Tuesday, Mr Trump said he was ending negotiations with the Democrats over a Covid-19 relief bill and would only resume talks after the election.

After a negative stock market reaction, Mr Trump said he would support some stand-alone bills, later tweeting: “Move fast, I am waiting to sign!” a bill for $1,200 (£930) stimulus cheques to the American people.

Mr Meadows said there were about “10 things that we can do on a piecemeal basis”.

Ms Pelosi said Mr Trump was “rebounding from a terrible mistake”.

She reportedly was in talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Wednesday on the possibility of a bill to aid US airlines. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

New CJIA, Marriott and Skeldon Energy Inc boards appointed

By Navendra Seoraj PROMINENT Attorneys-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin and Devindra Kissoon, have been appointed to chair the board of directors of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI) respectively.

Both Datadin and Kissoon have been practising law for several years and had recently appeared in high profile cases leading up to the recent General and Regional Elections and during the fivemonth impasse, which ended on August 2, 2020.

The attorneys have a new challenge ahead, as they take charge of companies which have been affected immense-

ly by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Decreased arrival rates due to the closure of international airports have not only reduced income earned by those facilities, but have also impacted the hotel industry because of low visitor rates.

Datadin, while at CJIA, will be supported by David Ramdeol, Shawn Richmond, Savitree Sharma, Dawn Elis, and prominent neurosurgeon, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, who are all members of the new board.

Over at AHI, which is the parent company of the Guyana Marriott Hotel, the other members of the board include Marcia Nadir-Sharma, Attorney-at-Law, Yolander Persaud, Ariane McLean, Leader

Chairman of the Board of Directors of CJIA, Sanjeev Datadin

of “The New Movement”, Dr. Asha Kissoon, Rabin Chanderpal, Joel Bhagwandin, Maurice Gajadhar, and

Chairman of Atlantic Hotel Inc, Devindra Kissoon

Vanelda Harris.

Meanwhile, government has also announced the appointment of a new board of directors to the Skeldon En-

Chairman of the Skeldon Electricity Inc, Dr. Grayson Haley

ergy Inc. The new board will be chaired by Dr. Grayson

Haley with Adrian Anamaya as vice-chair.

Other members of the board include Wayne Watson, Loris Nathoo, Radha Krishna Sharma, Zamal Hussain, and Errol Assar.

Those persons replaced Colvin Heath-London (chairman), Leslie Gonsalves, and Kim Williams-Stephen.

The Skeldon Energy Inc is a special purpose company owned by the Government’s holding company, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). The company has oversight for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)’s co-generation plant.

COVID-19 death ‘No Mask, No Ride’ in public transportation toll climbs to 98 — as gov’t ups campaign to tackle COVID-19

THE novel coronavirus has claimed three lives within the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 98.

Authorities said the recent victims were a 41-yearold woman and 64-yearold male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and a 58-year-old male from Region One (Barima-Waini).

Those persons died recently while receiving care at a local medical facility.

The Ministry of Health expressed condolences to the families of the three victims and pledged to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.

Health authorities have so far tested 15,360 persons, with 12,068 proving negative, and 3,292 positive.

While 2,084 persons have recovered from this disease, 98 persons have died and there are 1,113 active cases which include 159 persons in institutional isolation, 939 in home isolation, and 15 in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Considering these numbers, persons were encouraged to take extra precaution because there is no approved cure or specific treatment for the disease. Guyanese were also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said 200 inmates of the Lusignan Prison who tested positive for COVID-19 are no longer infectious and can be reintegrated into the prison population.

More than 290 inmates had tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility.

More than 90 others are still

being monitored closely.

“From a medical point of view, since they are no longer infectious, we can return them to Lusignan. That is something that the personnel at the isolation centre and the prison authority would have to discuss so that all these persons who have been discharged can go back to the prison setting,” Minister Anthony said.

A screening and testing campaign for COVID-19 was initiated in the prison after two inmates initially tested positive for the disease. Since then, the Ministry, along with the Guyana Prisons Service, has been working to put measures in place to guard against the spread of the disease.

Authorities have said that cases are being detected because more tests are being done. Sample- taking was also increased across the country because the authorities believed that many cases were going “under the radar”.

This suspicion had prompted the 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 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) 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,” said Dr. Anthony, in a recent report.

THE Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) has thrown is support behind the government’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 with the launch of the “No Mask, No Ride” campaign for public transportation.

Minister of Public Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, said he had shared the idea with GNRSC and it was quickly adopted.

The minister made these statements today at the launch of the GNRSC’s competition for the 2020 to 2021 theme.

Minister McCoy said the principle is simple: “No Mask, No Ride”. If you do not have on a mask, you do not get into the minibus. It is the conductor and the driver who should ensure that it does not happen. If you are going into a vehicle and you see people without mask then do not join the vehicle.”

He noted too that the guidelines are in keeping with the COVID-19 emergency

Minister of Public Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy

measures which states: “No person shall, without reasonable excuse, be without a face mask fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin when the person is in public or the person is travelling in a vehicle, vessel or aircraft.”

Minister McCoy noted the public has been provided with all of the relevant information to protect themselves in several advertisements and other programmes.

“When I assess the amount of ads, infomercials and programmes we have on COVID-19, none of it is short of information; none of it is short of telling you what is the situation, none of it is short of telling you that you will die if you do not wear a mask,” Minister McCoy said.

While the government is leading the campaign to curb the transmission of the disease by implementing curfews and other measures, each individual must also take steps to protect themselves.

Meanwhile, GNRSC’s Coordinator, Ramona Doergen, said reducing the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation is critical since 75 per cent of the population use this mode of transportation.

As such, the GNRSC is partnering with the Guyana Police force Traffic Department to help ensure that drivers are informed about the COVID-19 measures.

“This is where we would be going out there along with the police and the media and

we are not only looking for the drunk drivers, the police will also ensure the COVID-19 ordinance of the Ministry of Health is followed,” Doergen said.

To date, Guyana has 3,292 positive cases of COVID-19 with 98 deaths. There are 939 persons in home isolation, 159 in institutional isolation and 15 in the intensive care unit.

A total of 15,360 tests have been conducted.

On Thursday last, Prime Minister Brigadier, Mark Phillips, launched ‘Operation CoviCurb’ to promote and enforce adherence to the emergency measures aimed at stemming the spread of COVD-19. Since then, personnel from the Joint Services have fanned out across the country to interact with the populace, educate them about reducing the spread of the disease and to distribute masks.

This activity will be held countrywide for one month.

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Rehabilitation of Prisoners THE prison population is getting younger every day and even schoolchildren are committing some of the most heinous crimes imaginable, inclusive of physical attacks, oftentimes leading to murder. With the rapidity of deceleration of the economy and punitive fiscal policies of the Coalition Government, leading to redundancies and skyrocketing unemployment, the consequences became beyond disastrous, with spending power constrained to bare essentials, where even the quality of nutritional intake is severely compromised.

Most of these young people who have been inculcated with a moral compass and consequently adhere to discipline will adjust accordingly, but it is the youths who

Dear Editor,

have no guiding force or role model pointing them in the right direction who find it preferable to pick up a weapon and try to extract quick riches from the unwary, even if they have to kill to obtain the spoils of their forays into criminality.

Very soon they become hardened criminals who have no compunction for their actions and often display no compassion for their victims, indiscriminately depriving them of their property, money, and lives without thinking of the devastation they wreak on the families, especially vulnerable dependants, such as elderly parents and children.

They perfect the art of escape after the execution of their crimes, so oftentimes when they are caught after

a long career of thefts and murders they are treated as ‘first-time offenders,’ figuratively rapped on the knuckles by bleeding -hearts judges and magistrates and sent to prey on society once again, with scant or no punishment.

Imprisonment, especially with hard labour, is meant to act as a deterrent to engagement in criminal activities in civil societies, and this should ideally work concurrently with rehabilitation to integrate prisoners into families, communities, and the society at large. It is the general consensus that prisoners should be treated humanely. They were caught committing their crimes, while many criminals who have been getting away without discovery – including those leaders in the trade

unions and political parties who have devised schemes to destroy public and private properties, among other anti-social activities-- are enjoying their freedom and the largesse they acquired from the previous government.

Retired Director of Prisons Dale Erskine, who during his tenure created synergies to make the prison system more aligned to rehabilitation rather than punishment, had incorporated new programmes in the prison system to create a dynamic whereby prison was no longer somewhere merely to lock away people found guilty of aberrant behaviour, but where the inmates could be guided, directed, and encouraged to change their thinking and attitude into more positive, achievement-oriented di-

rections. That change was a work in progress throughout Erskine’s tenure as initially officer-in-charge of the Georgetown Prison, and then as director of prisons. The changes wrought by the forward, humanistic thinking of Dale Erskine were multi-faceted and transformational.

One of the programmes he set in motion was the identification and employment of a skilled bank of prisoners who were at least risk of escaping or engaging in additional criminal activities.

The prisoners were thus enabled to earn incomes, part of which provided for their own needs; the needs of relatives, including young children left defenceless as their mothers struggled to take care of their prerequisites for survival;

and some saved for their own upkeep upon their release, because the world knows that for a person with a prison record finding employment is a difficult feat. However, there are those who are considered beyond human redemption, because they have become so hardened in their hearts that opportunities for atonement and salvation are wasted on them and society is better served by locking them up for the longest possible time and, upon their release, keeping them under secret surveillance until the protective services are completely assured of their restored sense of right and wrong, and their intention to continue to adhere to the laws of the land.

There is only one way to deal with those who are ‘hard-ears’

GUYANA has had its fair share of stigmatisation during the election period and its consequential dogma continues. Vice-President Dr, Bharrat Jagdeo had forewarned before the election recount result was declared that all those involved in contributing to hindering the smooth electoral process will have to face the necessary penalties.

At that time, a number of guilty parties did not pay attention, ignored his advice and continued to be puppets dancing to the whims and fancies of the PNCR political masters.

Intelligent people have allowed themselves to be used and abused; act against their better judgement; make irrational decisions; failed to accept right over wrong; condone unrigh-

teous actions over righteous actions; deny truth and embrace lies; support evil doings above virtuous tidings and castigated morality to be shaded by an umbrella of immorality. A sense of false security had prevailed and yet naïve candidates became vulnerable to inauspiciousness and fell prey to manipulation.

When confronted by national and international communities that were determined to uphold free and fair elections and defend the CARICOM recount election result in order to protect the will of the people, how did anyone in a right frame of mind expect to escape by aiding and abetting, rigging and defrauding the system?

But the strong influence of devious, devilish and diabolical persuasions created an ambience of corruption to which the gullible read-

ily succumbed, aware of the costly repercussions, yet dazed by the false promises of future gains and the immediate, short-lived, frivolous perks. In hindsight, was the reckless risk worthy of the unrealistic mirage? So foolish is this sad state of unpleasantness that now has to remain a permanent part of an embodiment and now has to suffer the dehumanising result! It was not a case of miscalculation or faith and belief in the destabilisers, but simply, the green of greed and the callous disrespect for integrity that influenced a regrettable and disastrous behaviour. Now, this sad state of affairs is dragging all those who are ashamed and want to hide from the long arm of the law, but sadly, they all have to face the legal penalties.

Do not think for a second that this is “witch-hunting” or being spiteful or it’s pay-

back time or a combination of retributions. This award is the reward for the sterling efforts that went astray. Is there a bitter lesson learnt?

Are there Guyanese who will once again try to repeat such a horrendous ordeal? For sure, there will be reformation before the next elections are held. It is unfortunate that there are still many who feel aghast at this outcome and are bitter with pent-up feelings. There are many who harbour no remorse and many who feel betrayed.

Are they now willing and capable of experiencing a change of heart? It was the U.S. Secretary of State who had also cautioned that all those who were complicit in undermining democracy in any form or shape and by any degree, will certainly feel the wrath of the law.

The U.S. sanction by way of visa restrictions was cer-

tainly welcomed as proof of that promise. Now we have many of the accused facing criminal charges and others who are wary and worried, watching the clock and the front door, fearful of that long awaited, dreadful knock.

Sleepless and troublesome nights are not a thing of the past. But then, they told you not to do it but you insist. So? Ole people say, “now face the music.” Will they see clearly now that the rain has gone?

Goodbye Johnny Nash, you have left indelible memories.

You did help to revolutionise the rhythm of reggae in the Caribbean.

Music lovers have also lost another musical icon, guitarist Eddie Van Halen.

His memorable performance with Michael Jackson’s “ Beat It” from the album “Thriller,” that held the #1 top spot on the musical hit chart for three weeks, will

long be remembered. Eddie Halen was specifically chosen by Quincy Jones to assist in its recording and playing the guitar. Unknown by Jackson, Eddie Halen changed a number of chords to enhance that song and when Michael Jackson heard it afterwards, he was overjoyed with exuberance and Michael asked Eddie to perform live on stage with him at concerts.

Tonight, the U.S. Vice-Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, takes place. A pensive Mike Pence will have to downplay a tenacious Donald Trump but not offend him and, a raving Kamala Harris will be only too eager to defend and support a determined Joe Biden. Meanwhile, in the NY court, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of See page 7

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Understanding labour conciliation, mediation, and arbitration Dear editor, CONCILIATION/MEDIATION in industrial disputes, whether it is a dispute of interest or a dispute of rights, is an essential process in the field of industrial relations. The conciliation process seeks to encourage disputing parties to discuss their differences with a view to assisting them to develop their own proposed solution, as an extension of negotiations. The outcome is essentially the agreement of the two parties with the assistance of the Conciliator/Mediator.

The Ministry of Labour in Guyana is the principal third party dealing with individual and collective labour disputes, and provides a free, voluntary conciliation service under the authority of the Labour Act., enacted to regulate the relationship between employers and employees and the settlement of disputes between them. Conciliation/ Mediation has been one of the principal means used to resolve industrial disputes The Ministry of Labour in its conciliation service, by virtue of the very nature of the

service provided, embodies the concept of non-political conciliation/mediation, and must maintain a role of non-partisan conciliation/ mediation if it is to enjoy the confidence of the social partners. It must function with credibility, impartiality, high professional standards, and integrity to command the respect of social partners and state agencies.

Technically, conciliation is limited to encouraging employers and unions to develop their own proposed solutions through rational discussion of their differences.

While mediation, on the other hand, is a stronger form of third-party intervention, in which the mediator can offer to the parties, recommendations for settlement of any industrial dispute. In practice, however, the technical distinction is blurred, or disappears as both words are used interchangeably to express the same process of third-party intervention, the outcome of which is an agreement by the involved parties.

The use of the conciliation service of the Ministry

of Labour is required by a collective labour agreement, or at the intervention of the chief labour officer or exceptionally by the minister, given the fact that the ministry is the sole agency which provides this service free to employers and unions.

This is usually the required procedure before resort to adjudication through arbitration or some other means for final settlement. In this context, conciliation/mediation can be described as an extension of collective bargaining with third-party assistance, or simply as “assisted collective bargaining.”

The conciliation/mediation process is used widely in CARICOM countries on account of its voluntary nature, its attempts at compromise, the win-win outcomes, and because the process addresses both conflict and dispute.

It is essentially a consensus-based process, which includes negotiations, conciliation/mediation, and joint problem-solving, a process in which the parties agree on the outcome. They have control of the outcome with the assistance of the conciliator/ mediator. It is their judge-

A step in the right direction Dear editor, THE past six months of delays and political uncertainty almost halted Guyana’s opportunity to become one of the biggest oil producers in the Caribbean before it even began.

But last week, the Irfaan Ali government finally approved the Payara project.

The approval brings Guyana one step closer to a better future in terms of development, new jobs, higher incomes, and a diversified economy.

More importantly, the thousands of Guyanese employed in the industry and the dozens of companies that have eagerly joined the thriving industry servicing the projects can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Millions of dollars and thousands of

hours of training have been invested to build up the capacity needed for Guyanese to take part in their own oil industry.

Many local companies are already well integrated into Guyana’s burgeoning oil-and-gas sector, from the MatPal Marine Institute and Strategic Recruitment Solutions, which train and place technicians on offshore platforms, to Arrow Oilfield Services and Panthera Solutions, which provide scaffolding and construction services for offshore rigs.

Thousands of Guyanese are already employed by domestic and international companies working in the sector.

The wealth that will come from Payara and its successors could allow the government to strengthen and diversify our econo-

my, increasing access to education, healthcare, and other social programmes through an expanded budget. Investment in infrastructural projects has the power to bold better trade relationships with Brazil and Suriname and create new opportunities for Guyanese businesses to thrive here at home.

But all that development depends on a steady stream of new projects such as Payara. It would have been a tragic error to halt that development and put those investments to waste just as they were beginning to bear fruit.

I applaud the Irfaan Ali government for taking a step in the right direction.

Yours sincerely, Donald Singh

ment, and not the judgement of an arbitrator or judge.

LABOUR CONCILIATOR/MEDIATOR The conciliator/mediator is not an arbitrator and cannot substitute his/her judgement for that of the parties. The conciliator/ mediator cannot impose a settlement; it is for the parties to agree to a solution under the guidance and skill of the conciliator/ mediator who must maintain a strictly impartial and neutral attitude towards the two parties. The conciliation/mediation function requires full independence of judgement, and a conciliator/mediator should not be swayed or influenced by external pressures.

The conciliator/mediator must endeavour to bring about an agreement. However, if it is not possible to obtain agreement, the conciliator/mediator should persuade the parties to agree to submit the dispute to binding arbitration, or to another procedure for dispute settlement in keeping with their collective agreement or law or practice in the process of conflict management.

LABOUR ARBITRATION

Labour arbitration is another type of third-party intervention. It is the stage which, in the context of the usual grievance or representation procedure, is expected

to follow closely upon an impasse or failure at conciliation/mediation to resolve a dispute. However, arbitration need not wait for the failure of the conciliation/mediation process in situations where a dispute can have a severe social and economic impact; or where a prolonged dispute in a major industry or service could severely affect community life; or where the on-going operation of an industry is necessary to sustain the national economy; or when the continuance of the dispute is likely to be gravely injurious to health and the national interest.

In such a case, the minister of labour is empowered to refer the dispute to compulsory arbitration as a means of resolving any dispute.

The minister of labour is so empowered under Section 4 of the Labour Act, and under Section 3 of the Essential Services Act. Labour arbitration, like labour conciliation/mediation, involves third-party intervention in the collective-bargaining process.

In conciliation/mediation, however, the conciliator/mediator is expected to use the powers of persuasion to enable the parties to narrow the areas of difference between them, with a view to reaching an acceptable, mutual solution. However, in arbitration and industrial-tribunal proceedings, the arbitration tribunal is required to decide the issue on the merits of a case presented by the parties and

make an award. Such an award is final and binding on the parties involved in the dispute, in keeping with the terms of reference for the tribunal, and the parties are expected to give effect to the award in the tradition of industrial relations practice, and in keeping with the law.

In collective labour agreements, there is provision for voluntary arbitration, either by mutual consent or at the request of one party, while legislation provides for voluntary arbitration or for the establishment and operation of industrial tribunals, or compulsory arbitration in the essential services or in situations where the national interest is at stake. This is the usual representation procedure outlined in collective labour agreements, both in the private and public sectors.

While the terms and conditions for civil servants can be processed under the Recognition and Procedure Agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Public Service Ministry (PSM), matters falling under the purview of the Public Service Commission are subject to adjudication by the Public Service Appellate Tribunal. Such matters relate to appointments, transfers, promotions and discipline, including dismissal of officers appointed by the Public Service Commission.

Sincerely, Samuel J. Goolsarran

There is only one way to deal ...

From page 6 Appeals broadly rejected Trump’s arguments that the subpoena for records was overly broad and issued in bad faith.

The Manhattan district attorney can obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns, a federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday, dealing the President another setback in his effort to shield his tax returns

from investigators, but the case is likely to head to the Supreme Court. His high-handed attitude in dealing with COVID-19 and personally endangering those surrounding him, plus, his perpetual refusal to declare his tax returns to the public, does not sit well with Americans. He is also being accused of preaching and practising racial dis-

crimination. Three strikes and you’re out. The election is a few weeks away and his rating is falling rapidly behind Joe Biden.

Will the royalists and loyalists in Guyana come forward finally and present their statement of assets and liabilities? Perhaps the time is ripe for some more court action. There is only one way to deal with those who are “hard-ears.”

Respectfully, Jai Lall

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday,October 8, 2020

GuySuCo will be rebuilt brick by brick ― says CEO, focusing on ‘value-added’ to return industry to profitability

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is banking on value-added to help return sugar to profitability, said acting Chief Executive Officer, Sasenarine Singh, who noted that every effort was being made to rebuild the destroyed industry brick by brick.

He made these remarks during a visit to the Blairmont Estate on Wednesday.

“GuySuCo is on a change plan. We have refashioned the way we are doing things. We have re-engineered the way we are thinking at GuySuCo. The whole vision at GuySuCo right now is to move up the value chain as fast as we can within the constraints of finances, and, in addition to that, we are opening three estates so it’s going up and it’s going broader,” he told reporters.

According to Singh, the corporation is seeing returns from packaged products and has now shifted focus to putting measures in place to help this strive in the short-term.

“GuySuCo is making money on the packaged sugar and losing on the bulk sugar, so we are moving away from the bulk sugar and focusing on the value-added products.

We are building a short-term, medium-term and long-term plan; we are supplementing what Blairmont is producing.

Blairmont is now focused exclusively on the export market for packaged sugar while Enmore will focus on the local

market,” the acting CEO said.

The short-term plan, he explained is seeking to move up the value chain by moving towards more value-added products such as packaged sugar while the medium-term

ment around sugar. Raw bulk sugar is a challenge and the money is in sugar-related products at the top end; so we are talking about refined sugar, ethanol and rum manufacturing, alcohol production and

Singh explained that the plan is to lift the entire industry to a different level by selling the right products and sugar at the right price.

In order to achieve this, he noted that careful assessments

re-opening of the three estates and the remaining $0.8B will be used to re-capitalise the current assets to help achieve outlined objectives.

Among one of the immediate issues identified at the

GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer, Sasenarine Singh (in blue mask), interacts with Blairmont estate officials during a visit to the estate on Wednesday (Marceano Narine photos)

plans are to engage in private/ public partnerships to enhance the value-added content.

“In the mid-term, we are hoping to engage in private/ public partnership to help build the value-added ele-

agro-energy etc. This is the level we want to be at and we want to make this our going concern and a viable element to the continued contribution to human development in Guyana,” he said.

will be conducted, especially by analysing the cost chain.

WEEDING OUT FLUFF “... so we are going to make procurement decisions, we are not spending too much money on fluff and puff but we are going to focus on the factory, the fields, the cane transportation route and we will ensure that the elements that will bring greater value

Blairmont Estate is the inability of the packaging plant to convert all the sugar produced daily. This was highlighted by the Estate Manager, Hutton Griffith.

The estate produces between 220-230 tonnes of sugar daily but the three production lines of the packaging plant can only package 65-70 tonnes combined, Griffith explained.

In addition, the factory

the factory can package all the sugar produced daily and not have to resort to sending the excess to bulk.

Further, in the mid-term plans for the estate, more machines will be added so that all the sugar can be packaged for the export market.

REFINERY Among the long-term plans is the addition of a refinery at one of the estates to tap into a 200,000 tonne market for refined sugar.

“We are looking to bolt on a refinery at either Albion or Skeldon to tap into Caribbean market which imports 200,000 tonnes of white sugar from outside the Caribbean at escalated prices when we can use it by doing the Caribbean External Tariff (CET) route and be able to be competitive and still make a profit in that market space,” the acting CEO told this publication.

He also lamented the loss suffered by the corporation over the past three years and called for all responsible to be held accountable for their action.

“GuySuCo gave NICIL moving equipment, moving impediments but what we got back were several pieces of scrap iron. This is the reality that we are living in. It was the greatest loss of value across the industry in the history of GuySuCo. It happened over the past three years.

It is a national crime and those responsible for this national crime, we all must expose them and if possible incarcerate some of these criminals; it was a national crime.

But we are not going to think hard on it because we are going to rebuild the sugar industry, brick

Cane being moved at the Blairmont Estate on Wednesday

to the estate in the short- term are resourced.”

Government has released $3B to the industry, of which $2.2B will be used for the

has the capacity to bag about 150 tonnes of sugar as well.

To this end, the CEO has committed to making another line available by next year so that

by brick and prove to those people who want to destroy it that it can come back again,” Singh said passionately.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday,October 8, 2020

2020 elections debacle must never happen again

― US committed to partnering with Guyana to support institutional democracy UNITED States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, on Wednesday, discussed with the Attorney General and Governance Minister Guyana’s plans in the areas of constitutional reform, legislative reform and electoral reform.

During a meeting at the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs, the ambassador met with Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

The Attorney-General began the meeting by thanking the Ambassador for her, the US Embassy and the USA Government’s critical role in ensuring that the March 2, 2020 results were not derailed.

These sentiments were also echoed by Minister Teixeira, who noted that democracy prevailed and the will of the electorate was respected in the end as a result of the support.

The US Ambassador congratulated Minister Nandlall and Minister Teixeira on their appointments.

She expressed admiration for the legal team that defended the rule of law,

constitutionality and democracy during the multiplicity of proceedings that were filed before the declaration of the March 2, 2020 elections results and the swift and able manner in which the cases were prepared, filed and presented.

The Attorney-General updated the US Ambassador on the Government of Guyana’s accomplishments in the less than 100 days that it has been in office.

These, Nandlall noted, included but not limited to the allocation of a budget of approximately $100 billion being re-injected into the economy through various grants, human service outreaches to combat COVID-19 and the numerous tax alleviation measures that have been implemented to bring relief to the Guyanese people.

The US Ambassador commended the Government of Guyana for the signing of the Shiprider Agreement during the historic visit of the Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo.

The envoy emphasised that the agreement assured collaboration between the US and Guyana in monitoring the security of Guyana’s Exclu-

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, flanked by US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, after discussions on Wednesday

sive Economic Zone which now and in the future will be the location of a number of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO’s) vessels and other large investments offshore in the oil and gas sector.

Minister Teixeira spoke of

Suspension of nurses’ strike commendable ― Health Minister urges collaboration to improve working conditions

EVEN as he commended the signing of an agreement to end the protest action by nurses, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to improve working conditions for all healthcare workers.

On Wednesday, it was reported that GPSU Vice-President, Dawn Gardener, and government adviser, Dr. Jennifer Westford, signed an agreement for the commencement of negotiations between the two sides and the suspension of a planned countrywide strike.

“I am really happy that decision was made, and that we will work to resolve whatever issues come up… We can do that in a very cordial way because all of us want the best for our healthcare workers and we have to work together to improve the system,” Minister Anthony said in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Minister Anthony commended the work that is being done by the country’s healthcare workers.

“I have really met some wonderful people during this short time who really go beyond the call of duty trying to make sure that patients are cared for. That’s what nurses and doctors and other health-

care professionals do,” he said.

For several weeks now, public healthcare workers, nurses in particular, have been staging protests at facilities, including the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC); the West Demerara Regional Hospital in Region Three; the Fort Wellington Hospital in Region Five; and the Linden Hospital Complex in Region 10. The nurses are calling for better pay and risk allowances.

Moving forward, Dr. Anthony said he expects cordial deliberations to take place as the government continues to augment measures to ensure that healthcare professionals, and other frontline workers are given the requisite gear to deliver the best service.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde

Last week, GPSU President, Patrick Yarde, issued an ultimatum that the union would await a “positive response” from the minister by October 6 or the union will work to mobilise and support countrywide protest action and strikes.

According to reports, more than 250 health workers employed at the GPHC, who work directly with COVID-19 patients, have been receiving risk allowances. $150 million was also allocated to the frontline workers in the recently-passed budget. However, government had noted that there are other budgetary provisions that healthcare workers will benefit from.

the many deficiencies in the governance apparatus from 2015 to 2020.

Both ministers updated the US Ambassador on the Government of Guyana’s short-term and long-term plans in the areas of constitutional reform, legislative reform and electoral reform.

The US ambassador committed to the US Government partnering to assist and collaborate with the Government of Guyana in a number of key areas, including but not limited to security, security training and enhancement, human services, legislative reform and strengthening Guyana’s institutional democracy to avoid a reoccurrence of the March 2, 2020 elections debacle.

The US ambassador expressed her gratitude for the meeting and the hope that this will be a continuous and regular engagement.

10

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Prisoners being equipped with employable skills

By Rabindra Rooplall PRISON OFFICERS are being trained to become facilitators within the prison system in order to host rehabilitative workshops to equip inmates with employable skills so that they will be successfully integrated into society.

NURI, the research institute attached to School of Nations, has been awarded a two-year consultancy through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-Government of Guyana project to focus on the rehabilitation of prisoners in Guyana.

At the end of the 22-month programme, the prison officers and prisoners will get internationally-recognised certificates from the Association of Business Executives (ABE) in the UK. Due to COVID-19, this support is being provided by the Nations’ team via WhatsApp groups and Zoom.

The intervention, which began a year ago, is multi-faceted. It includes training in literacy, computers, technology, art and music, entrepreneurship and psychological skills.

Training will also be done in business skills which will offer inmates the possibility of establishing their own income-generation projects to avoid a return to crime.

It also includes an examination of the legal situation in Guyana and a review of classification systems and

monitoring and evaluation methods within the prisons.

Nations has recruited a team of 26 consultants from overseas and from Guyana to meet the objectives of the consultancy.

This consultancy by NURI adopts a ‘trainer of trainers’ approach whereby the NURI consultants train the Prison Officers (POs) and then the Nations’ team accompany the POs as they introduce the same training to prisoners.

By adopting such an approach it contributes to the sustainability of the intervention.

The various Lines of Action adopted by NURI for this consultancy are building on programmes that are already in place in each of the prisons.

Dr O’Toole, the Director of the Nations project, said: “To help promote sustainability in the project we adopted a train-the-trainers approach but this was only possible because of the very high caliber of prison staff we were invited to work with and the relationships that many of them have established with many of the prisoners.”

The entrepreneurship training is provided by Max Persaud, who has delivered such courses throughout the country.

The training is based on a course provided by the Association of Business Executives (ABE) from the UK.

Pamela O’Toole teaching the literacy class with prison officers

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Persaud has now delivered the first part of the training for Prison Officers (POs) in five of Guyana’s prisons.

The course focuses on the practical steps involved in setting up a business.

“The training in entrepreneurship at Mazaruni Prison lasted four days with 12 inmates. There were three prison officers attending as lead trainers. Many of the inmates worked before in nearby villages on carpentry jobs. After receiving training in entrepreneurship, the prisoners were now able to esti-

mate costs of jobs based on material, labour and overhead and profit margins something which they could not do before training,” Persaud, said He further commented: “We trained 12 inmates at Lusignan Prison. Two prison officers were lead trainers.

One inmate was still trying to help his family run his grocery store from the prison.

After training, he was excited to learn simple book keeping practices like profit and loss calculations, inventory management and overhead costs which enabled him to better manage his business. Another inmate made prisoners’

and prison officers’ uniforms.

After training he was able to demonstrate critical cost elements in running a business.

He was released and returned to Essequibo to start up his own tailor shop and continue running his photography business feeling confident with the entrepreneurship training he received.”

Nations plans to produce a book from this project that will showcase the art, music, rap and stories of the prisoners which it hopes will contribute to a deeper understanding of the lives and experiences of prisoners and begin to showcase prisoners

in a new light.

It is hoped that the various lines of training will help equip the prisoners on their release to embrace new opportunities. The Nations team is now working with the POs in three of the prisons in supporting the officers as they put the training into practice with the prisoners.

The overall goal of the project is therefore to assist in the process of rehabilitation of prisoners and help promote a more welcoming environment within the Guyanese context to accept prisoners back into society on their release.

Myers ‘dodged’ wanted bulletin by surrendering to cops DEPUTY Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, surrendered herself to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday, after she was tipped off that police were preparing to release a wanted bulletin, after she had been evading investigators for over a month.

Press Officer, Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor, in a press statement, noted that Myers’ attorney, Nigel Hughes, had given the impression that she was arrested and detained because she exercised the right to remain silent.

“Ms. Myers was arrested on October 6, 2020, after she turned herself in at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, in the company of her attorneys, one of whom was Mr. Hughes,” the Assistant Commissioner said, adding: “This was following a period of time of over a month, during which several efforts were made by the police to contact Ms. Myers even at her place of work in relation to the post-March 2, 2020 elections incidents.”

Adding that Myers made every effort to elude the police investigators, the press

Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers

officer noted that a wanted bulletin was prepared by the GPF but before it was issued

she turned up at CID Headquarters in the company of her attorneys.

Further, the Assistant Commissioner said Myers was promptly arrested for the offence of “conspiracy to defraud” and she was told of the allegation at the said time. She then exercised her right to remain silent.

“Ms. Myers remains in police custody as the investigation continues into her actions during the postMarch 2, 2020 elections incidents. The GPF wishes to reiterate that Ms. Myers was not detained by the Police because she remained silent, contrary to statements attributed to Mr. Hughes in the press. This is a distortion of the truth and the GPF re-

jects same,” the Press Officer noted.

However, attorney Nigel Hughes said he had the benefit of reading the press release issued by the Guyana Police force on the arrest of Roxanne Myers.

“I stand by all the statements I previously made, and invite the Guyana Police Force to release the contents of the station diary, at the CID HQ, which records the arrest of Ms Myers at 12.30 for the offence of perverting the court of justice, as entry number three recorded on the 6th day of October 2020,” Hughes said.

11

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

What the people say …

About liberalisation of the telecommunications sector ON Monday, the government issued Commencement Orders fully bringing into force the Telecommunications Act 2016 and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016, which effectively ended the 30-year monopoly held by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company.

Since 1990, GTT, which is 90 per cent owned by American company Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN), has had exclusive rights to a number of telecommunications services in Guyana including, landline, Internet, production of telephone directories, and provision of pay phones, among others.

This meant that even though other companies may have wanted to provide these services, or consumers may have wanted more options to choose from, GTT was the only company allowed to provide those services.

Over the years, that monopoly had left Guyanese weary, frustrated over Guyana lagging behind in the telecommunications arena, due to lack of competition.

However, with the market now officially open for investment by diverse telecom providers, what this means for consumers is more choices in who to choose from and with the increased competition in the market, cost to consumers is expected to reduced significantly.

Already, large companies and key industry players like E-Networks, Digicel and even GTT have made commitments to improving their service in light of the anticipated competition stemming from a liberalised sector.

The Guyana Chronicle caught up with some Guyanese to find out how they feel about the move and what it will mean for their life and their pockets.

There’s also a problem when large numbers of people using the network at once, if we have other options less people on one network, would hopefully mean better connection. In the case of the cell phones there are so many people with 5G capable phones but most of the features can’t be used because the network can’t support those functions or features.”

MARVIN LEE, SCHOOL TEACHER “Everybody knows that competition creates lower prices and a wider variety of products for the end user to choose from. Considering the current world climate, the demands being made of us, it is a really, really good thing, the only thing is how long will it take for the competition to yield benefits.

In teaching, when you look at process of teaching online it’s been difficult. School teacher, Marvin Lee You could have a quite clear connection and then within a few seconds the connection has delays, it’s a serious issue that depending on where you live.

JOEL HUNTE, UNIVERSITY STUDENT “It’s something that I feel most Guyanese were expecting to happen eventually.

Having new companies enter the market would mean that the competition may prove beneficial to Guyanese who are unhappy with their current service. Given what has been going on, in not only Guyana but the entire world, I welcome any positive change once it’s managed well. Personally, I have been contented with the service I was already receiving from my provider, University student, but if this new implementaJoel Hunte tion means cheaper costs and

Kim Rampersaud, vendor “I prefer GTT because that’s we own, and I know what I getting with GTT but I don’t know what coming after with the rest. But if we get something better yes I would be good with something better. With the Internet, one and two time I may have ups and down with my Internet being on and off but I still prefer GTT. I have the Blaze and Vendor, Kim Rampersaud I don’t get much problem with the Blaze, but before when I had the other Internet it was ‘lil difficult, but now that I have the Blaze it works faster. We pay $12,000 a month for the Blaze. If the cell phone could go down [in price] yea I would glad for the cheapness because everybody like things cheap, as a business person I use a lot of money on cell phones.”

faster speeds I’m on board.”

PRIYA PERSAUD, SUPERVISOR AT GRA “It would mean more telephone companies can come into Guyana to do business, and that’s a good step. Especially since we are in high demand of Internet services with the virtual learning due to the COVID-19 which isn’t going anywhere for now.

I had applied for landline service from GTT months if not years ago, and had to be calling all the time to follow up. They weren’t even finding the application, it was ridiculous. I had wanted the landline to get Internet, but I never get it even after following up. When they had finally processed the application, they told me I GRA Supervisor, have to wait for an available Priya Persaud line. I was forced to take Internet from one of the companies that use the antenna. With cellphones I had to be activating plans, but the data finishes so quickly and to do add on is ridiculous with the pricing.”

HARRINARINE, HEADTEACHER “Trade liberalisation means removal of trade barriers so as to promote fair trade, so the liberalisation of telecommunications sector will mean a fair playing field for all businesses within the sector.

The fair competition will lead to better and cheaper service to consumers, with better choices. It provides greater opportunities for the consumers. Digicel is already giving 50 per cent off their data plans. I am happy that the monopoly has been broken. Without Headteacher, Harrinarine liberalisation we’re facing high cost for land line services, poor Internet service.”

Mustapha looks forward to strengthened partnership with IICA COUNTRY Representative for the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), Wilmot Garnett, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy call on Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, as the institute observes 78 years of service in the Hemisphere, inclusive of 45 years of partnership with the Government of Guyana.

While sending his regards to IICA’s Director-General, Manuel Otero, and expressing gratitude to the institute for its notable contribution to the development of Guyana’s agriculture sector, Minister

Mustapha said that he looks forward to continued collaborations in this regard.

“On behalf of the Government, I would like to thank IICA for their valuable partnership over the years. The organisation has helped us to develop the field and we look forward to the continued corporation as we work to develop the agriculture sector,” Minister Mustapha said.

Since the establishment of its office in Guyana in 1975, IICA has been assisting the Government of Guyana, through its Ministry of Agriculture, with technical assistance mainly in areas such as bioeconomy and

production development, territorial development and family farming, international trade and regional integration, climate change, natural resources and risk management, agricultural health, safety and food quality and cross cutting themes such as women and youth, and innovation and technology.

Garnett, while offering brief remarks, thanked the government for its continued support for their partnership over the years.

He added that IICA anticipates fostering closer collaborations and looks forward to many more years of meaningful relations with Guyana.

IICA Country Representative, Wilmot Garnett and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

12

Guyana earns over $30B in rice exports GUYANA has earned over $30 billion (US $144,178,325) from 343,068 tonnes of rice exported during the period January to August 2020.

The exports increased by six per cent in volume and seven per cent in value when compared to the 325,052 tonnes sold for the same period last year.

General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan, explained that there have been increases in several blocks where produce was delivered.

For those CARICOM countries including Dominica, St. Vincent and Jamaica, over 50,000 tonnes of rice was shipped at a cost of over US $25 million, compared to the 44,355 tonnes sold during January to August 2019.

Guyana has earned more than US$66 million from January to August 2020 for shipments to the European Union. In 2019, sales to the same location earned US $56 million, after 158,751 tonnes of rice was exported.

When 2019 and 2020 exports to Latin America are compared, statistics shows an eight and nine per cent decrease in volume and value respectively. Hassan said

GRDB General Manager, Nizam Hassan

this is because Cuba did not receive any exports this year, while exports to countries such as Panama and Honduras decreased.

“But notwithstanding, there are other countries in which we did well. For example, we have sent 11,754 tonnes of rice to Colombia, compared to 2,204 tonnes in 2019. Exports to Venezuela was 90,328 this year, and last year for the same period, we sold 74,912 tonnes,” he said.

Additionally, last year, the United States of America received 256 tonnes of rice, but the shipping amount increased to 3,006 tonnes this year. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Sophia murder trial begins THE trial of murder accused, Odel Roberts, commenced on Wednesday with the testimony of seven witnesses.

Roberts also called Delon Williams or “Gully Side”, formerly of ‘C’ Field Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and a mixed jury at the High Court.

It is alleged that on May 1, 2015, he murdered shopkeeper, Shawn Anys, during a robbery at `D’ Field, Sophia.

The state is being represented by prosecutors, Tiffani Lyken and Nafeeza Baig, while attorney-at-law, Damion DaSilva, is representing Roberts.

The trial commenced with the testimony of Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh. He testified about the autopsy conducted on Anys’ body. Dr. Singh told the court that the cause of death was given as multiple gunshot wounds.

Mark Anys, the son of the deceased, was next to take the stand. He told the court that around 22:00 hours on the day in question, he was in the living home doing his assignment when

DEAD: Shawn Anys

he heard their dogs barking in the yard.

He recounted that his father went outside, thinking that someone had come to the shop which was situated in the yard.

The younger Anys, who was 15-year-old at that time, told the court that he heard his father, say, “No, no, no.”

Loud gunshots were heard shortly after, he said.

His father, who was at the door of the house, had collapsed onto the ground and was trying to get up to close the door behind him. However, by then, the gunmen were already inside.

Mark told the court that the gunmen ransacked the house for close to half an hour, before making good their escape with family valuables.

The witness said that he dialled 911, but no one answered. He then called his mother who subsequently arrived with the police.

Mark’s mother, Aminata and his brother, Shaquille Anys, also testified. They were followed by crime scene photographer and examiner, Police Sergeant Pat-

Accused: Odel Roberts

rick Benjamin, who tendered 12 crime scene photographs in court.

Also testifying was former Police Sergeant, Eon Jackson, who is now a Scientific Officer at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, and Inspector Suraj Singh.

Inspector Singh told the court that on June 16, 2015, while on duty at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), he received certain instructions from a senior officer.

Acting on those instructions, he prepared a body order and went to the Camp Street Prison, where he met the accused, who was serving a prison sentence for robbery.

While at the prison, Singh said that he put the allegation of murder to Roberts.

Roberts did not answer the officer, but shook his head in disagreement.

Roberts was then transported to the CID Headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown, where a confrontation was held by Singh with Roberts and his then girlfriend, Iyana Williams.

Williams had reportedly told the police that Roberts

confided in her about committing the robbery on Anys.

Singh told the court that under caution, Roberts told him, “I did call her and tell her that me and meh partner went pun the wuk but is he shoot the man.”

The trial will continue on Friday.

In December 2019, co-accused Jamal Forde, 26, was freed after spending three years on remand. His case was called before Justice Sandil Kissoon, but was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

According to reports, Anys, who owned and managed a small grocery shop at his home, was confronted by the bandits just before 23:00 hours, while at home with his three children.

The two armed men forced him into the house and shot him while demanding money and valuables. They later escaped with $40,000 in cash along with jewellery.

Anys was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Autopsy: Venezuelan cook was strangled THE female Venezuelan cook who was found Sunday last floating at Big Hope Backdam, Cuyuni, Region Seven was beaten and strangled to death.

An autopsy report revealed that Dimas Emilia Lezama Fermin, 28, of San Phoenix, Venezuela, died of asphyxiation due to compression injuries to the neck, compounded by multiple blunt traumas.

A miner and a dredge

owner were arrested and are in police custody.

Reports indicate that the Venezuelan was in a relationship with the dredge owner who on Saturday last left the camp and reportedly left the cook preparing meals.

The dredge owner left with the workers and visited the landing where they began drinking alcohol at a shop and about 21:30hrs, the miner allegedly left the gathering

and related that he was going to take a bath.

The police said the following morning around 06:30hrs, the Venezuelan’s body was found floating in a pit behind the camp where the men were working.

When the police arrived at the scene, the body was found clad in a blue jersey and without any underwear and bore multiple marks of violence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Energy cost to be slashed by 50 per cent –– in five years, says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Mark Phillips, explains government’s vision for the energy sector

GOVERNMENT is committed to providing stable and reliable energy for both domestic and commercial purposes with the aim of reducing cost by at least 50 per cent over the next five years, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips said on Wednesday.

High on the agenda of the Government is to significantly upgrade the energy sector. “[We] will pursue a programme with an energy mix that includes hydropower, natural gas, solar and wind, which will lead to more than 400 megawatts of newly-installed capacity for residential and commercial users over the next five years, and a reduction in the cost of energy by at least fifty per cent,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said that the Government will take urgent action to improve and upgrade the transmission and distribution of energy (the national grid).

He was at the time delivering remarks to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE) at a Ministerial Roundtable.

In keeping with the theme: “Leaving no one behind - how to build inclusiveness into sustainable recovery,” the PM noted that Guyana’s policy to develop a low carbon and climate resilient economy is outlined in the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which mandates maintaining low deforestation rates and the sustainable use of resources over generations.

Additionally, he said that the Government is committed to exploring all possibilities for the use of natural gas for electricity production.

The completion of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric project, the expansion of the Hinterland Electrification Programme to benefit 25,000 households and the development of mini-hydropower grid-tied systems in towns

such as Lethem and Bartica, are also on the agenda.

“These actions will lead to a modernised energy sector with an increased mix of clean and renewable resources that provides affordable, reliable and clean energy services for all in the most sustainable manner,” the PM noted.

The Prime Minister added that Latin America and the Caribbean can ensure energy access and inclusiveness as an integral part of recovery measures, through improved data collection and knowledge sharing, support for investment promotion, access to grant funding and concessional financing, and the sharing of policies and programmes among other initiatives.

Head of the Energy Division, International Development Bank, Ariel Yépez, in response to the Prime Minister, hailed Guyana’s energy agenda as ambitious.

He said: “We are glad to hear that you are working on a huge commitment to reduce the energy access gap … congratulations.”

The ILA-OLADE Ministerial Roundtable is a virtual high-level dialogue in collaboration with the International Development Bank (IDB), aimed at creating “insights for defining Latin America’s regional energy agenda for a post COVID-19 era”.

The event involved the participation of several ministers from Latin American countries, leaders of international organisations and officials from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Along with Guyana’s Prime Minister, ministers and representatives with responsibility for Energy from Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia, were also in virtual attendance.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to form part of the discussions in next month’s OLADE’s 50th Meeting of Ministers. (DPI)

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Prospect Housing Development to get water in two weeks

THE Housing and Water Ministry is on a quest to ensure that new housing schemes are developed with the basic amenities such as water, before allocations are made. This was the sentiment expressed by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, who visited Prospect Housing Development, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday, upon the request of residents. The population there currently depend on the rain as their main source of water supply or alternatively, fetch water from a standpipe some distance away in the community.

During her meeting with the residents, Minister Rodrigues explained that the ministry had fallen short

on developing new housing areas with access to potable water, prior to home owners taking up occupancy.

As part of plans to provide immediate relief to the community, Minister Rodrigues informed residents that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is working to provide water to each household within two weeks.

The realisation of this project would entail connecting pipelines to the Covent Garden water-supply system to serve the Prospect Housing Development. This would see persons receiving water at a minimum standpipe level as a temporary fix and negate the need for rain-water harvesting and the fetching of water.

The Housing and Water Minister explained that she visited the community in Au-

gust when she had taken up office to assess the situation, with the aim of catering for works in the ministry’s budget. As a result, funds to the tune of G$80 Million have already been transferred to GWI for a long-term solution to the community’s water woes.

These funds will go towards the drilling of two new wells – one in Farm and another in Providence, which would allow residents a significant improvement in the level of service in each household. The minister posited that drilling is expected to start before the end of 2020.

Residents thanked the minister, noting that they consider this intervention an early Christmas present.

Minister Rodrigues addressing residents of the Prospect Housing Development

Minister Rodrigues with officials from the Housing and Water Ministry and GWI during a walk through the Prospect project

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Diamond Hospital to become SMART facility

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony makes a point during a tour of the East Demerara Regional Hospital, which is currently being upgraded (DPI photo)

THE East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital is being retrofitted to be recognised as a SMART hospital, under a £38M United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) funded SMART Hospital Initiative across the Caribbean.

The facility, which is also known as the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, was scheduled to be overhauled in January 2019 with a deadline of May or June 2020; however, this has been pushed back to 2021.

“What do we mean by SMART hospital? We want to have better patient flow in the hospital. The hospitals tend to consume a lot of

energy and we can utilise renewable energy to reduce the power footprint of our hospital,” Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony told the DPI. Solar energy and SMART appliances will also be utilised in the facility to further reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint.

Meanwhile, the first phase of renovations, which started on September 1, is set for completion by October 16.

Although repairs are being done, some services are still being offered at the facility.

“A lot of physical work is ongoing but while that is happening, a part of the hospital still remains operational and

that includes the maternity section. Pregnant women can still come in to that section and be looked after,” Minister Anthony said.

The section of the hospital used to isolate COVID-19 patients also continues to be operational.

The Initiative, which is being conducted by the Ministry with oversight from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will see upgrades to four other facilities: the Leonora Cottage Hospital, the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, the Lethem Regional Hospital, and the Paramakatoi Health Centre.

Over GY$800 million will be used to upgrade the local facilities. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Nearly 70 countries voice support for China on human rights issues (CGTN) -- CHINA's permanent representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, on Tuesday, refuted groundless accusations against China on issues related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong by the United States, Germany, Britain and a few other countries.

Nearly 70 countries voiced their support of China's stance. Pakistan made a joint statement on behalf of 55 countries, opposing interference in China's internal affairs under the pretext of Hong Kong. Cuba made a joint statement on behalf of 45 countries in support of China's counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures in Xinjiang. Kuwait also made a joint statement supporting China on behalf of three Arab nations.

CHINA'S HUMAN RIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, 71 years ago, the Chinese people have made a great leap forward, from standing up to getting rich and becoming strong and made real achievements in human rights, Zhang said.

With a people-centered approach, China has lifted 850 million people out of poverty. Giving top priority to life, China has adopted the most stringent and thorough epidemic prevention and control measures and achieved major victories in the fight against COVID-19, he said.

The envoy stressed that China resolutely safeguards its national sovereignty, security and development interests. He said whether

it is promoting the development of western regions, such as Xinjiang, or maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, it is for maintaining the rule of law, national security and the interests of the people and is consistent with the well-established and common practice of the international community. No matter what others say or do, China will unswervingly move forward along this path.

China's human rights path is found by the Chinese people. China's human rights progress is achieved by the Chinese people. China welcomes dialogue on equal footing, but firmly opposes interference in internal affairs, double standards and political confrontation, he said.

PAKISTAN, CUBA MAKE STATEMENTS ON HONG KONG, XINJIANG A joint statement made

by Pakistan on behalf of 55 countries pointed out that non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states is an important principle enshrined in the UN Charter and a basic norm of international relations. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inalienable part of China, and Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs that brook no interference by foreign forces.

In any country, the legislative power on national security issues rests with the state. The enactment of the national security law in Hong Kong is a legitimate measure that ensures "One Country, Two Systems" remain steady

and enduring and that Hong Kong enjoys long-term prosperity and stability, according to the statement.

Cuba also made a statement on China's policies in its Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on behalf of 45 countries.

The joint statement commended the Chinese government's pursuit of a people-centered philosophy in advancing sustainable economic and social development, eradicating poverty, increasing employment, improving people's living standards and promoting and protecting human rights.

There have been no terrorist attacks in Xinjiang in the past three years. People of all ethnic groups enjoy their happy lives in a peaceful and stable environment. China maintains openness and

transparency by, among other things, inviting more than 1,000 diplomats, officials of international organizations, journalists and religious personages to visit Xinjiang, who witnessed Xinjiang's remarkable achievements, said the statement.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, on Wednesday, hailed the statements as "voices for justice," adding that the attempt of a few Western countries to smear China by hyping up issues related to Hong Kong and Xinjiang failed again.

Hua also slammed the external forces for interfering in China's internal affairs in the name of human rights.

Internet helps China's China, CELAC to further promote fight against poverty sci-tech innovation cooperation

(Xinhua) -- Residents in 98 percent of China's poor villages had access to the internet through fiber-optic cables as of June 2020, up from less than 70 percent in 2017, according to a report on China's internet development.

Meanwhile, people in 98 percent of poor villages in areas of extreme poverty have achieved broadband access, marking the early realization of broadband coverage in more than 90 percent of poor villages, one of the goals set for the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), said the report issued by the China Internet Network Information Center.

The report showed that the internet penetration rate in rural areas has reached 52.3 percent, up by 6.1 percentage points from March, with the urban-rural digital

gap further narrowed.

According to data from the center, 47.1 percent of Internet users have donated money online to help people in need as of June, up by 3.2 percentage points from the figure in March, and 34.6 percent have purchased agricultural products from impoverished areas online, an increase of 11.5 percentage points compared with the March figure, said the report.

The report also showed

that more people recognised the role of the internet in providing assistance, jobs, educational and medical opportunities to people with difficulties, as well as e-commerce livestreaming's contribution in helping people from poor areas sell products.

Villagers use livestreaming to sell pears in Dunzhai Town, Guizhou Province, China.

(Xinhua) -- China will further strengthen cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries in sci-tech innovation to fight the COVID-19 epidemic, a senior Chinese official said at a recent sci-tech forum.

Amid the epidemic, the two sides have worked hand in hand in COVID-19 drugs, vaccine and test-kit development, Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology, said at the second China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) forum of science, technology and innovation.

Wang said that, in recent years, China's sci-tech level and innovation capability have improved significantly, and the country has made important contributions to the global fight against the epidemic based on its achieve-

ments in scientific research.

China and the CELAC should strengthen exchanges and cooperation, while developing new models and docking strategies, building platforms and strengthening communication, Wang said.

Sci-tech innovation cooperation has played an important role in the development of relations between the CELAC and China, Mexican Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard said at the

video conference.

The conference participants expressed gratitude to China for its help and support amid the epidemic.

They also expressed willingness to deepen sci-tech innovation cooperation, so as to boost the high-quality development of the economy and society on both sides.

The two sides adopted a joint statement on sci-tech innovation at the conference.

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Guyanese businessman brings innovation to ‘flooring’ IN support of value-added products manufactured locally, Guyanese businessman, Andre Cummings, has taken his lumber-export business further by offering enhanced, ‘exotic’ flooring, which has increased his earning 15 fold.

Chief Executive Officer of ‘Floor It Guyana’ and ‘Hardware Solutions Depot’, Andre Cummings, described his businesses as ‘Lifestyle Businesses’ which go above the ordinary, setting the bar of quality at peak point. “‘Floor It Guyana’ is mainly in the lifestyle business in the sense that we provide exotic hardwood flooring to our clients. Apart from hardwood floorings, we provide kitchen cabinets and closets and hardwood doors. And these really are for clients who are very discerning and want something to be different from everyone else,” he proudly shared.

‘Floor It Guyana’ falls under the umbrella of its parent company, ‘Cummings Wood Products’.

While ‘Floor It’ began operations in 2014, the parent company was established in 2008.

“We started in 2008, actually, exporting hardwood lumber to Trinidad only at that time and then we started to increase our market reach over the years into most Caribbean Islands, also into the U.S and New Zealand,” the CEO explained.

However, seeing the demand for quality flooring locally, the businessman seized the opportunity and made the investment.

He reflected: “Because of the local demand for a prop-

er Flooring, we are talking about Kiln-dried flooring-and also to offer installation services, that’s when in 2014 the idea came and Floor It came into being.”

In terms of his business’ move to introduce value-added products, he said, “It has been in keeping with calls from government to really focus on more value-added.

So look, for example, if you export a log as against if you process it locally and provide a really good product, you increase the value by about 15 times and also you create more jobs for Guyanese, so it is really in keeping with the call from government to be involved in tertiary processing- value added.”

After 12 years as a businessman, Cummings saw another opportunity to grow not only for his business, but for himself, his leadership and management skills.

In 2016, he got connected with ActionCOACH Guyana, a business coaching firm consisting of a Certified Business Coaching Team who help business owners from all industries to push their businesses to meet their full potential.

He reminisced, “What drew me to ActionCOACH is... they speak about getting better at business, they speak about creating a profitable enterprise that works without you. And if you look at the testimonials that ActionCOACH has, many, many businesses--Small, Medium and Large --will talk about the development and how working with ActionCOACH changed their business from the ordinary to the extraordinary.”

CEO of ‘Floor It Guyana’ and ‘Hardware Solutions Depot’, Andre Cummings

REWARDING Adding that the results were rewarding, he said “over the years, my business has grown tremendously.

Not only my business but my personal life as well.”

He spoke to the benefits of furthering his training and education in business, even after over a decade of being a businessman.

“Having an ActionCOACH, they really ask you the right questions to bring out the ideas in you and of course I see myself and the business growing exponentially and as the years roll on, increasing our product line, increasing our market reach and really standing above all others in the industry. And with the help of ActionCOACH, that is very, very possible because you are being held accountable, you are being taught new strategies and ActionCOACH

A showroom display of ‘exotic’ flooring

is an international company so the ideas and the systems that you are exposed to are

not just local but also from an international standpoint where businesses are concerned,” he said True to his vision of “growing exponentially”, two months ago, ‘Hardware Solutions Depot’ began operations.

“This company was mainly started to introduce our products to our valued clients, and there again we look for brands that are aligned with our philosophy in terms of customer satisfaction and product differentiation,” he disclosed.

The business is the distributor of Domus products-uPVC windows and doors.

“We’ve been branching into other products like granite countertops and high-end door locks,” he also shared,

adding, “So, we have really positioned ourselves to serve a particular market that really, as I mentioned, wants to be different from the average.”

Because of the nature of his business, the businessman is giving back to his country -- not just with investment, directly -- but he is creating employment for Guyanese.

He said, “Corporate Social Responsibility is something that’s very, very important, not just that it serves the community but it also serves the team members in that you don’t just have stable jobs and are well paid, but you also get a sense of purpose and reason for being successful at what you’re doing.”

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, October 8, 2020

Jury trials resume

-- to tackle backlog in criminal cases: COVID-19 protocols strictly observed JURY trials recommenced on Monday at the High Court after it was suspended since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On October 5, 2020, Justice Brassington Reynolds resumed a jury trial which commenced in March 2020, but had to be adjourned due to the pandemic.

According to the Judicature Protocol and Communications Unit, these resumptions are a monumental achievement as many jurisdictions worldwide have been unable to restart this essential judicial service.

Effective from October 6, 2020, the Demerara Assizes opened and two juries

were empaneled in the cases of The State v Desmond James and The State v Keron Taylor.

The judges presiding are Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice Navindra Singh and Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry conduct-

ed another empaneling on Wednesday.

The Judiciary of Guyana has been working assiduously over the past six months to facilitate the safe resumption of jury trials for the October session of the Demerara Assizes.

Similar efforts are being undertaken with respect to

Justice Brassington Reynolds resumed a jury trial which commenced in March 2020 but had to be adjourned due to the COVID-19 pandemic

the Essequibo and Berbice Assizes. These efforts at resuming jury trials have been in recognition of the fact that Jury service is integral to the criminal justice system of Guyana.

“The Judiciary of Guyana has seriously weighed its responsibility to the public health and safety of staff and court users and its obligation to ensure constitutional rights of the accused are upheld. We have considered that in practical terms not only accused persons rights are affected but also victims have been deprived of the opportunity of having their matters resolved and obtaining closure. Attorneys at law, particularly those practising in the criminal field, police officers and witnesses, have also been affected in not having the cases addressed,” the Judicature Protocol and Communications Unit noted.

Members of the public who have an interest in the criminal justice system have not been able to witness trials.

A RIGHT Having access to justice is a right of all members of our society.

“We note also a continuing backlog in criminal cases as a result of the delay in hearings. Balancing all those factors, and after consultation with the Medical and Public Health authorities, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Police and the Prison authorities, and the Bar Association, we have carefully moved to resume jury trials,” the Communications Unit added.

The Judiciary has a constitutional mandate to ensure that justice is served and the rule of law is maintained.

During the month of September, 2020, officials from the Ministry of Health and the National COVID-19 Task Force met with the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan and Sueanna Lovell-- Registrar of the Supreme Court.

The high-level team comprised Col. Nazrul Hussain, Head of the Covid-19 Task Force; Dr. Karen Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer; and Dr. Colin James, head of the Emergency Response Unit.

Discussions were had with the team and inspection was done of the existing facilities for criminal trials with the jury.

The layout of the courts along with the installation of plexiglass, transparent screens around fixtures and furniture and proposed physical distancing of the judge, court staff, prosecuting and defence counsel, and jurors in the courtrooms were approved.

Meanwhile, there are close to 250 rape cases up for trial at the Demerara Supreme Court. The number of rape cases account for twothirds of all the cases set to be heard in the courts starting October 6, 2020.

On the notice published in the newspapers, there are 370 cases to be heard, ranging from murder trials, attempts to commit murder, manslaughter, wounding cases, trafficking, abduction and cases of rape, buggery, and sexual activity with a minor/family member.

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Infantino impressed by Lakers hit back to beat Heat and take 3-1 NBA Finals lead Qatar’s World Cup progress (REUTERS) - LeBron James overcame a sluggish start and Anthony Davis made a key three-pointer and block late on as Los Angeles Lakers beat Miami Heat 102-96 on Tuesday to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.

Coming off a win in their last meeting, the Heat played with confidence early on as Jimmy Butler went 5-5 from the field, including a jump shot at the buzzer that cut Lakers’ lead to 27-22 at the end of the first quarter.

The Miami defence frustrated Lakers in a back-andforth second quarter and Heat went into the break down two points after rookie Tyler Herro’s put-back jumper went in just before halftime.

James scored just eight points and committed five turnovers in the first half but

LeBron James finished with 28 points in Lakers 102-96 win on Tuesday night

was much better in the second, finishing with 28 points including a driving layup where he was fouled after Heat tied the game 83-83 with 6:22 left to play.

With less than a minute left,

Davis hit a long three-pointer to push the advantage to nine and blocked a Butler layup attempt to seal the win and put Lakers one victory away from their 17th championship and first since 2010.

Lakers got important contributions from the supporting cast including 15 points from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and five assists seven rebounds from Rajon Rondo.

“It felt like a Finals game.

It felt like both teams were desperate, understanding the situation they had both put themselves in,” James said.

“Trying to get every extra possession, execute offensively, trying not to make mistakes defensively - that’s what it was all about. And we needed every second from our bench and our starters to get this win.”

James said he was already thinking about tomorrow’s Game Five.

“We understand what’s at stake. The job is not done,” he added. “I look forward to the next match.”

Kvitova & Sofia through to French Open semi-finals PETRA Kvitova reached the French Open semi-finals for the first time since 2012 as an emotional run continued with victory over Germany’s Laura Siegemund.

The Czech seventh seed maintained her record of not dropping a set at Roland Garros this year with a 6-3, 6-3 win.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, 30, is bidding for a first Grand Slam title since returning from a career-threatening knife attack in 2016.

She will face American Sofia Kenin for a spot in Saturday’s final.

Australian Open champion Kenin progressed 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 against compatriot Danielle Collins, after the world num-

ber 57 needed treatment in the deciding set.

Collins claimed the second set but was broken to love in

Petra Kvitova is seeking a third Grand Slam title

the opening game of the third and appeared to be struggling with an abdomen problem on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Kenin, the 21-year-old fourth seed, quickly dispatched of her opponent without losing a game in a 29-minute final set to reach the semi-finals in Paris for the first time.

“This is really special, I am super happy and really loving the French crowd here,” she said.

“I knew I needed to be aggressive myself and take my chances. I feel I did a great job overall. I am proud of myself.” (BBC Sport)

Dean Jones ‘farewelled’ with a lap of the MCG MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - The life of Australian cricketer Dean Jones was remembered at a small, private funeral over the weekend which included a lap of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), video footage posted online yesterday showed.

Former Test and one-day batsman Jones died at 59 last month after suffering a cardiac arrest at a hotel in India where he was working as a TV pundit for a local broadcaster.

A hearse carrying Jones’s handmade Indian coffin and decorated with a floral arrangement of ‘324’, his

Australian Test cap number, drove a lap around the empty MCG as Elton John’s “Rocket Man” played over loudspeakers.

Jones’s wife Jane, daugh-

ters Isabella and Phoebe, and his siblings were among a small group at the ceremony.

Victoria State, of which Melbourne is the capital, limits funeral services to 10

Dean Jones’ family say goodbye

people due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love for Dean over the last week and can’t thank everyone enough for their support and for sharing their memories with us,” Jane Jones said in comments published by Australian media.

“It has been an awful time to navigate as a family, but I could not have thought of a more fitting place to say goodbye to my husband.”

Jones, known affectionately as ‘Deano’ by the global cricket community, played 52 Tests and 164 ODIs.

… left speechless after visit to stadium (REUTERS) - Qatar’s preparations for hosting the 2022 World Cup have progressed despite the coronavirus pandemic, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said yesterday, adding that he was speechless after visiting the Al Bayt stadium.

The 50-year-old visited the 60 000-capacity stadium, designed to resemble a traditional Arab tent, on a flying visit to Qatar and played in a seven-a-side match before meeting local organisers.

“Al Bayt Stadium is incredible: a true football stadium,” Infantino said in a FIFA statement. “It has a real football feel and a local touch. The tented shape makes it truly unique, and the Arabic patterns in the roof are just beautiful. I am speechless.”The stadium, which FIFA said is in the final stages of construction, will host the opening match plus group stage games, one quarter-final and one semi-final.

Eight stadiums will be used in all, of which three are so far fully operational.

“Qatar has been able to continue to advance during the last six months while the world stood still – from infrastructure preparations to important developments such as the recent labour reforms announced by the government,” Infantino said.

“I am very pleased with Qatar’s progress ahead of the tournament.”

Qatar announced changes to its labour laws in August, raising the minimum wage by 25 percent to 1 000 riyals ($275) a month and scrapping a requirement for workers to get permission from their employers to change jobs.

They were the latest in a series of labour reforms by the country which in the lead-up to the tournament has faced accusations that migrant workers are exploited.

Forde resigns from C/bean Steering Committee for Boxing

THE Caribbean boxing fraternity has received another resignation from one of its most experienced and long-serving administrators. President of the Trinidad Boxing Association Cecil Forde has thrown in his towel following resignation on Tuesday from the Caribbean Steering Committee for Boxing.

Forde’s walk from the committee came one day after Chairman Steve Ninvalle tendered his resignation and has apparently left the region’s leadership barrel in a critical state. Forde was the Vice-chairman of the committee and, along with Kathy Harper Hall of Barbados, is one of the longest serving administrators of the sport.

The outspoken Trinidadian said his decision to leave the group came after carefully analysing comments made at a virtual meeting of Caribbean presidents held on Sunday, October 4.

“Dear Caribbean Presidents, I hereby inform you that I have resigned as Vice-chairman of the Caribbean Steering Committee and the five-man committee appointed to hold discussions with AIBA Presidential Candidates with immediate effect. This decision was taken after carefully examining all comments that were made on Sunday, October 5 2020 Zoom meeting with presidents.

“In leaving, l feel confident that the achievements that we have made as a regional body will continue under the guidance of those selected.

“I wish to thank the entire Caribbean Boxing Community for the love, and total respect they have given me for the thirty plus years I have been involved in the sport of Boxing. I will remain committed to give my support and advice if needed,” Forde wrote.

On Monday, Ninvalle resigned from both committees citing personal reasons. The surprise move left many in the region puzzled and was labelled a `phantom punch` by head of St Lucia Boxing Association David `Shakes’ Christopher.

Ramson being guided ...

Meanwhile Ramson said, “Interestingly, even though the Act is what creates the position of Director of Sport, we would’ve had the renewal of a contract even in its absence;

Turn from back page

the fact that it was already expired.”

The National Sports Commission is a very critical entity in the area of sports development in Guyana.

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Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts after winning his quarterfinal match against Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta at Roland Garros, Paris (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes)

PARIS, France (Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic reached his 10th French Open semi-final but suffered an injury scare before beating Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 yesterday.

A month after being defaulted for inadvertently striking a line judge with a ball while playing Carreno Busta in the U.S. Open fourth round, the 33-year-old Serbian found himself in trouble once again.

This time it was nothing more sinister than apparent physical problems with the top seed wearing tape on the back of his neck and his upper arm requiring treatment.

Carreno Busta, who lost in the U.S. Open semi-final after leading Alexander Zverev by two sets, took advantage to win the opening set - the first conceded by Djokovic in the tournament.

Djokovic looked flat and had to save break points early in the second set before raising his game at the important moment to win the next two sets.

Carreno Busta hung on gamely but Djokovic was superior when it mattered and one break in the fourth was enough to set up a last-four clash with Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Serb’s 38th Grand Slam semifinal.

Djokovic’s dramatic demise in New York deprived him of a chance to win an 18th Grand Slam title and move to within one of Rafael Nadal’s haul and two shy of Roger Federer’s men’s record.

He looked relieved after avoiding another setback against the

Djokovic survives Busta scare to reach 10th French Open semi-final Spaniard he has found such an awkward customer of late.

“I started this match a bit badly with bad movement. After I found rhythm and confidence,” Djokovic said afterwards on Court Philippe Chatrier on another damp and chilly night.

“It was important to stay focussed. Many players have said it before me: these four Grand Slams matter the most in tennis history.”

Djokovic looked stiff and his swings restricted in the early exchanges and he fired a forehand into the net to lose serve at 2-2, but broke back in the eighth game.

However he was banging his racquet against his thigh in frustration as he dropped serve again before Carreno Busta held to take the opening set.

The alarm bells were ringing for Djokovic when he faced two break points at 1-1 in the second set but he saved them before raising his level to square the match.

It began to look like plain sailing when he led 3-0 in the third set before a dip allowed Carreno Busta back to 3-3 and the Spaniard wasted a break point when he went for glory on a forehand during a long baseline exchange.

Djokovic then reeled off three games to take the third set but was roaring in frustration as he missed four break points at 1-1 in the fourth and another at 2-2.

He did get the break at 3-3 but still Carreno Busta was dangerous and had chances to respond immediately.

But Djokovic was determined to avoid a late night and completed an often laboured victory with a forehand winner.

Afghan batsman Tarakai dies following road accident KABUL Afghanistan (Reuters) - Afghanistan top order batsman Najeeb Tarakai has died from injuries following a road accident last week, the country’s cricket board said yesterday.

The 29-year-old was critically injured in the accident on Friday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said without sharing details.

“ACB ... mourns the heartbreaking & griev-

Najeeb Tarakai played 12 T20Is and one ODI for Afghanistan

ous loss of its aggressive opening batsman & a very fine human being...” the board tweeted.

Tarakai made his international debut in the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and played his only one-day international against Ireland in 2017.

Tarakai scored 32 in his last outing for Mis Ainak Knights in the Shpageeza Cricket League last month.

JFF expresses disappointment with Flemmings

… urges all players to see ban as ‘teachable moment’

Jamaica national footballer Junior Flemmings

THE Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has expressed hope that the suspension of national footballer Junior Flemmings by the USL Championship, for the use of derogatory language, serves as a ‘teachable moment’ to all players.

Flemmings, a Phoenix Academy player, was suspended for six games and fined an undisclosed sum following an investigation into allegations that he used “foul and abusive language” against a San Diego Loyal player last week.

At the start of the second half, Loyal players and staff including their manager, United States icon Landon Donovan - returned only to take a knee before walking off the pitch.

The player, who is currently on administrative leave, could also face further punishment by the club. The JFF, in a letter released last Thursday, expressed solidarity with the USL’s decision and disappointment with Flemmings.

“The JFF would like to make it clear that we abhor foul, abusive, or discriminatory language. We are indeed disappointed, and we impress upon our players both locally and internationally, to be mindful of their expressions within and without a game,” the letter stated.

“Every player should use this incident as a teachable moment while they maintain professionalism even under pressure or provocation,” it added.

“We truly hope that Flemmings will quickly pick up the pieces and maintain the great scoring form if and when he is called to the National team.”

The suspension means that Flemmings will miss all of the 2020 USL Championships playoffs. He had scored 14 goals in 14 matches for Phoenix Rising. The 24-year-old has made 10 appearances for the Jamaica national team.

(Sportsmax)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Thursday, October 8, 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) Chris Gayle-175* (RCB vs Warriors, 2013) (2) Alzarri Joseph-6/12vs Sunrisers, 2019)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) What is the fastest 100 in IPL history in terms of balls faced?

(2) What is the highest number of centuries ever scored in an IPL season?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday,October 8, 2020

Sussex extend all-rounder Rawlins’ contract

LONDON, (CMC) – Bermudan all-rounder Delray Rawlins has had his contract with Sussex County Cricket Club extended by two years after he enjoyed another productive season, even though it was cut short by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The club announced the 23-year-old left-hander had signed a contract extension along with two other players, George Garton and Tom Haines.

“It’s nice to sign for a couple more years, and they are some big years ahead for me,” Rawlins said on Monday.

“I’ll be working hard to make sure that they are successful as well.”

Rawlins, an aggressive batsman and left-arm slow bowler, scored 460 runs and claimed 11 wickets across both formats during the 2020 season.

He made a season-high first-class score of 65 against Surrey, claimed career-best Twenty20 figures of three for 21 and hit an unbeaten 62

Bermudan left-hander Delray Rawlins

England all-rounder on Ben Stokes returning to cricket after compassionate leave

BEN Stokes says his father reminded him of his “duties to the job” as he prepared to leave New Zealand to play in the Indian Premier League following compassionate leave.

The England all-rounder travelled to New Zealand in August to be with his father, Ged, who has brain cancer.

Stokes flew to Dubai on Saturday to meet up with the Rajasthan Royals.

“Dad told me I have a duty to do the job that I do and as a husband and father as well,” Stokes said.

Stokes, 29, missed two

of England’s summer Test matches against Pakistan to be with his family.

Writing in his Daily Mirror column , Stokes said he was able to go to Dubai “with my parents’ love and blessing”.

“We came to a decision that now sees me back focusing on the game and then I’ll be heading home to Clare [his wife] and the kids.

“All things considered, I’m in a good place.”

(BBC Sport)

Ben Stokes (Getty Image)

Brazilian fans invade club to protest against poor form (REUTERS) - Brazilian police were called to Cruzeiro’s training centre in Belo Horizonte yesterday after fans, angry at the club’s poor run of form, invaded the facility to remonstrate with players and officials.

The club said in a statement that dozens of fans stormed into the training centre and “intimidated officials

and damaged the main gate and the entrance.”

Police were called to remove the fans, most of whom were part of an organised supporter group.

Their anger comes after a downward spiral that began last year with relegation from Brazil’s Serie A continued into the current season. Cruzeiro are in the relegation zone of Serie B, with just 11

points from 13 matches.

The club also faces serious financial troubles with players’ salaries not being paid on time.

“The Cruzeiro directors understand that the current situation in the Serie B is far from ideal but we are working hard to turn things around and get the club back where it rightly belongs,” the club said.

against Kent in the Vitality Blast.

“We’re delighted that George, Tom and Delray have extended their stays with Sussex,” said Keith Greenfield, the Sussex performance director.

“George has had a fantastic summer and is showing the match-winning capabilities we all know he has.

“Tom and Delray again have both shown the talent and potential they have, and were given more support and match time to add the consistency to make regular match-winning contributions for the club.”

Rawlins joined the Sussex Cricket Academy in 2015 and made his debut in the Second XI Championship the same year.

He signed a one-year professional contract with the club in 2016 and made his first-class debut against Kent in the County Championship the following season. He made his maiden first-class century against Lancashire last year.

Vettel says maybe he should not have picked some fights LONDON (Reuters) - Four times Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel says he will leave Ferrari without regrets at the end of the season but recognising maybe he should have steered clear of some of the fights he picked.

The 33-year-old German, who won his titles with Red Bull, is joining Aston Martin -- the renamed Racing Point team -- for 2021.

He leaves Ferrari after a difficult 2019 season, out-performed by young team mate Charles Leclerc, and a disappointing 2020 with a power unit lacking the performance of rivals.

“I don’t think I will go on having any regrets, looking back,” Vettel said in an extensive interview with Formula One’s ‘Beyond the Grid’ podcast.

“It is true that I have failed because I set myself the mission or the target to win the championship with Ferrari, I have failed; I didn’t manage to do that.

“There are things that I should have done better, things that maybe I should have seen earlier, fights that maybe I shouldn’t have

picked,” he added, without seeking to make excuses.

“But then again, I think everything that happened brought me to where I am now.”

“I think that maybe looking back they weren’t worth fighting... but then again part of it is probably my nature and it was natural to

Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium - Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel wearing a face mask during qualifying Pool (via REUTERS/Francois Lenoir/File Photo)

Vettel will be the only German racing in this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix at the Nuerburgring, a circuit where he won with Red Bull in 2013 -- the last time Formula One visited the track.

Questioned further on the fights he alluded to, the sport’s third most successful driver elaborated:

do so, and I think I had a point as well in some of these little fights and battles.”

The German, a father of three who married his long-time partner Hanna last year, said he had learned a lot in six seasons with Ferrari but was looking forward to a fresh start in England.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday,October 8, 2020

FIFA warns TTFA: No qualifiers if ban not lifted by December 18

TRINIDAD and Tobago will be barred from the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers if the suspension recently imposed by FIFA on the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is not lifted by December 18.

The TTFA was suspended by the world football governing body last month, after missing a deadline to withdraw a case brought against the association in the Trinidad and Tobago High Court.

The dispute arose earlier this year, after FIFA’s decision to dissolve a-then four-month-old TTFA board and install a normalisation committee to run the affairs of the country’s football. The deposed William Wallace-led executive has refused to recognise the committee.

The suspension immediately deprived the country of its full member benefits as part

of the association, and also impacts its ability to take part in international competitions.

of the CONCACAF Gold Cup draw, but would be replaced by Antigua if the

Fatma Samoura - FIFA General Secretary

Earlier this month, CONCACAF announced that the country would remain a part

matter was not resolved by the identical date of December 18. FIFA re-asserted

its position in a letter to the Normalisation Committee on Tuesday.

FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura, in the letter to Normalisation Committee chairman Robert Hadad, reminded him of the suspension and the possibility of missing the CONCACAF Qualifiers if the suspension is not lifted, saying: “By way of this communication, we inform you that FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers for the CONCACAF region (hereinafter: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers) are scheduled to begin in March 2021.

The organisation of such competition entails complex logistical and operational matters intensified by the COVID-19 crisis. In view of this, please note that FIFA has decided that in order to ensure the proper preparation and planning of the par-

ticipant teams, if the suspension imposed on the TTFA is not lifted by 18:00hrs CET (18:00hrs TT time) on December 18 2020, we have no choice but to exclude the TTFA from participating in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers,., the letter stated.

“As a result of the suspension of the TTFA’s membership of FIFA, the Normalisation Committee which was appointed by FIFA has necessarily ceased all operational and management functions over the TTFA. However, we want to highlight that the only legitimate leadership of the TTFA, recognised by FIFA and CONCACAF, is the one led by Mr Robert Hadad.

Having said this, any communication from FIFA with TTFA will continue to be exclusively with Mr Robert Hadad.”

According to FIFA, TTFA must meet three conditions before they are re-admitted to global football.

The TTFA complies with the terms and conditions of its membership of FIFA as set out under the FIFA Statutes, including in particular Article 59 of the FIFA Statutes; The TTFA acknowledges and confirms FIFA’s power and authority to appoint a Normalisation Committee subject only to the right of the TTFA to appeal such a decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport; The TTFA Statutes are amended to ensure that all type of disputes may only be submitted to the established dispute resolution forum at CAS. The suspension will immediately impact the country’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Another landmark for Aussie women match Ponting-era ODI record with 21 straight wins …have been unbeaten in ODI since England loss in 2017 Bravo but CSK lose ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – Veteran West Indies all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo, snatched a three-wicket haul to reach 150 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but Chennai Super Kings (CSK) came up short with the bat to slump to a 10-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) here yesterday.

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo

With both Andre Russell and Sunil Narine mis-firing with the bat, KKR were dismissed for 167 off their 20 overs, after choosing to bat first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Opener Rahul Tripathi topscored with 81 off 51 deliveries in only his second appearance of the season but was the only batsman to pass 20 as KKR tailed off badly following a strong start.

Bravo picked up two of his wickets and conceded just five runs in the final over to be the best bowler with three for 37 from his four overs of medium pace.

Narine, pushed down the order to four, extended his poor run with 17 off nine balls while Russell, in at number six, lasted four balls for his two before edging a slog behind off seamer Shardul Thankur in the 16th over.

In reply, Australian opener Shane Watson top-scored with 50 and Ambati Rayudu chipped in with 30 but CSK could only muster 157 for five off their 20 overs.

They were cruising at 90 for one at the halfway mark but managed only 67 runs from the last 10 overs.

Watson put on 30 for the first wicket with Faf du Plessis (17) and a further 69 for the second with Rayudu but off-spinner Narine (1-31) struck the key blow in the 14th over when he trapped Watson lbw.

Russell, who finished with one for 18 from two overs, prised out the dangerous Sam Curran (17) at the start of the 18th over, with the Englishman beginning to wind up with a four and a six off 11 balls, to further stall the innings.

Tasked with defending 26 runs in the last over, Russell gave up one six and two fours off the last three balls as Ravindra Jadeja (21 not out) went on a late charge.

THE Australian women’s team beat New Zealand by 232 runs yesterday to record their 21st consecutive win in one-day international cricket and equal a world mark set by Ricky Ponting’s Australian men’s team in 2003.

The Australian women haven’t been beaten in an ODI since losing to England on October 29, 2017.

The winning streak started in India in March 2018 and also included series wins over Pakistan, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Regular captain Meg Lanning, who missed yestersday’s game because of a hamstring injury sustained while scoring an unbeaten century in Australia’s series-clinching win on Monday, said her team wanted to cap off the Rose Bowl series and reach the milestone 21 with an emphatic win.

“To win 21 on the trot is a great effort and something we’re really proud of.”

Despite the absence of Lanning and star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who missed the series because of injury, the Australians still raced to their biggest win, over New Zealand.

Australia’s total of 3255 virtually took the game away from New Zealand, which needed the biggest successful chase in women’s ODI history to secure an unlikely victory.

Stand-in captain Rachael Haynes led the way, posting 96 from 104 balls and sharing a 144-run opening stand with Alyssa

ing double figures after skipper Sophie Devine was dismissed by Megan Schutt in the first over for a first-ball duck.

Schutt, Jessica Jonassen, Ash Gardner and Sophie Molineaux took two wickets apiece.

Unlike Australia’s win over India in the women’s Twenty20 World Cup final

in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some fans soaked up the sun in fold-up chairs near a green-and-gold banner that read “The history books are rewritten,” and others lazed on the grassy bank under the shade of trees that hung over the temporary fencing behind the boundary.

A little further away but still within sight of the

Australia Women’s 21st straight ODI victory equals the record set by Ricky Pointing’s men’s side in 2003

Healy, who scored a run-aball 87 including 13 boundaries and a six.

The New Zealanders were bowled out for 93 in 27 overs, with only Amy Satterthwaite (41) and Maddy Green (22) reach-

in March, with more than 86 000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the milestone ODI victory at Allan Border Field yesterday drew a crowd of about 300, with the capacity limited by restrictions

wicket square, Australian fast bowler Mitch Starc was going through his paces in the practice nets as his wife, wicketkeeper Healy, was helping the Australian women’s team to victory.

PAGE 24

Infantino impressed

by Qatar’s World Cup progress A general view shows the Al Bayt stadium, built for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup soccer championship, during a stadium tour in Al Khor

Ramson being guided by 1993 Sports Commission Act ... Minister insists naming commissioners first is import to getting Director of Sport

By Rawle Toney IN 1993, Samuel Hinds, in his capacity as acting President of Guyana at the time, assented to the National Sports Commission Act which was passed in the sitting of the Sixth Parliament on December 3 that year.

The Act was passed to make provisions for the establishment and functions of the National Sports Commission, which was identified to be responsible for, among other things, the promotion of sports and its organisation by all available methods including to make grants, provide for the establishment, erection and maintenance of sporting and other recreational facilities; to encourage, in cooperation with any sports organisation, the attainment of high standards in sports and to encourage the conduct of sporting activities in accordance with the national policy on sports.

Neil Kumar was the first to be named as Director of Sport and he served in that capacity from 1993 until the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) lost power in the 2015 Elections to the APNU+AFC coalition.

Minister of Culture, However, after Christopher Jones Youth and Sport, was installed in the position in 2015, Charles Ramson Jr following the March 2, 2020 elections,

SEE PAGE 27

and the announcement of the return of the PPP/C Government on August 2, many have since been speculating as to who will be Guyana’s third Director of Sport in 27 years.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, speaking to reporters this week, said since the March 2 Elections, the PPP/C party has been vocal about being compliant with the laws of the land, and as such, he is insisting that he doesn’t “intend to break the law” when it comes to the appointment of a Director of Sport.

Ramson said it’s not until the NSC is fitted with commissioners, “can we go about having a Director of Sport. So until you have a fully established National Sports Commission, then you’ll have a Director of Sport”.

According to the National Sports Commission Act, Section 11 (1), “The Commission may, after consultation with the Minister. employ upon such terms and conditions as it thinks fit a Director of Sport, and such other officers and employees as the Commission deems necessary for the proper carrying out of its functions.”

The Act outlines the Director of Sport as being the “Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, and subject to any general or specific directions of the Commission, be responsible to the Commission for ensuring that the functions of the Commission are properly discharged and objectives achieved.”

The Director of Sport shall be responsible for “managing the Secretariat of the Commission; managing the funds as directed by the Commission and preparing quarterly financial reports, accounts for presentation at meetings of the commission; causing minutes of meetings to be kept, and keeping members of the CommisTURN TO sion informed, particularly by PAGE 24 presenting an activity report at each meeting of the Commission.”

Forde resigns from C/bean Steering Committee for Boxing PAGE 24

President of the Trinidad Boxing Association, Cecil Forde

FIFA warns TTFA

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020