Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-11-2021

WEDNESDAY 10th November, 2021

' No.106541

US$32.2M Hyatt Place Hotel slated for 2024 opening 03 PAGE

–– expected to create 300 jobs, increase economic activities in Providence

An artist’s impression of what the four-star Hyatt Place Hotel will look like

Barbados approaches Guyana for steady supply of rice 09 PAGE

Vaccination of persons 5-11 years old 02 expected soon PAGE

–– as local authorities continue fight against COVID-19

Seven City Hall employees fired for 17 embezzlement PAGE

Acting Town Clerk, Candace Nelson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Vaccination of persons 5-11 years old expected soon

–– as local authorities continue fight against COVID-19 PERSONS aged five to 11 years will soon be eligible for vaccination against COVID-19, according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

SPEAKING during Tuesday’s edition of the COVID-19 update, the Health Minister said local officials are still awaiting final documentation from the Center for Disease

Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States, but once those reports are public, a decision would be taken.

Dr Anthony noted, however, that his ministry has been training staff locally on administering doses to children which would be one/third of the dose applied to adults.

Even as the ministry prepares to extend the age of eligibility for vaccination, Dr. Anthony said that persons who received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine have not been returning for their second dose.

This is the case even though some 387,505 persons -- 75 per cent of the adult population – have been administered the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

With that said, there has been a spike in COVID-19 cases in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Dr. Anthony related.

While he noted a decline in COVID-19 cases across the country, he cautioned that the active cases across the country stand at 2,641 which is still a large number.

Explaining the number of cases according to regional distribution, Minister Anthony disclosed that Region Three accounts for 1,100 new cases with areas of interest including Tuschen, Parfaite Harmonie,

Pouderoyen, Crane, Parika, Cornelia Ida, Vreeden-Hoop, Zeelugt, Hague, Leonora, Westminster, Uitvlugt, Anna Catherina, Canal No. 2, La Grange, Goed Fortuin, Stewartville, and Sisters Village.

These villages, the Health Minister said, all account for relatively high clusters of cases.

Despite declining numbers, some communities in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) still remain areas of interest, Dr Anthony stated, adding that these include Kitty, Sophia, Campbellville, and Cummings Lodge.

Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) were also identified in the briefing by the Health Minister as areas of interest with new COVID-19 cases. It was Region 10, however, which Minister Anthony noted there was much concern.

With 72 cases in Wismar and 33 cases in Amelia’s Wards, Minister Anthony said the fact that the vaccination rate in the region remains low, these cases could easily spread.

He, however, assured citizens that there is no shortage of vaccines.

Through the COVAX mechanism, Dr Anthony stated, countries are provided with vaccines.

“We are on the fifth call. Not each of the rounds we receive vaccines, but you can schedule when you would like to receive,” he related.

The Health Minister said Guyana will receive more doses in January 2022 and thereafter, but donations are sometimes made by countries in the global north to countries in the global south.

“When vaccines are donated, they have a shorter expiry date, so COVAX would reach out to all countries and find out if we have immediate need for vaccines. If yes, they would send. We have benefitted from this in the past. There is a call right now, and we have to assess whether we should ask for additional vaccines,” the Health Minister said.

Dr Anthony remains confident that there are enough vaccines in Guy-

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

ana. He urged persons who have received their first dose to return at the recommended time to receive their second dose.

With many persons expected to travel and already concerned about changing vaccine rules globally, Dr Anthony cautioned that for persons who received any of the two-dose vaccines, a person only becomes fully vaccinated 14 days after they have received their second dose.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

US$32.2M Hyatt Place Hotel slated for 2024 opening

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–– expected to create 300 jobs, increase economic activities in Providence

THE East Bank Demerara corridor is slated for further transformation with the intended establishment of a spanking new four-star hotel along Red Road at Providence, just between Qualfon Guyana and Texila American University.

The 125-room Hyatt Place Hotel, according to a project summary issued on Tuesday, is estimated to cost some US$32.2 million (almost G$6.8 billion).

With a projected 36-month timeline, construction of the hotel is expected to commence shortly after today’s sod-turning ceremony, and is projected to be up and running by 2024.

The hotel will be targeting the needs of Guyana’s middle to upper-class corporate clientele and value-conscious business and leisure travellers.

Situated on a five-acre parcel of land, the hotel is poised to feature standard amenities such as different guest room options that are friendly to persons with disabilities; guest laundry and room services; meeting rooms, a restaurant, bar and social lounge, as well as a fitness centre and pool.

The project, from its designing stages right up to the pre-opening arrangements, will provide employment for approximately 300 persons, 95 per cent of whom will be Guyanese nations.

After the construction phase, the hotel will provide up to 80 permanent jobs for Guyanese, along with a number of part-time opportunities.

The developer of this project is SIR Investments Guyana Incorporated, which is a subsidiary of Universal Investments Limited, a company registered in 1976 in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Universal Investments Limited (UIL), according to the summary, is owned by the Ahamad family and is an investment holding company with subsidiaries in the au-

tomotive, financial and real estate sectors in Trinidad.

“UIL’s main operating subsidiaries are Southern Sales & Service Company Limited which is the local dealer for the Audi, Kia, Mazda and Isuzu Brands, and Caribbean Finance Company Limited, a prominent finance company in Trinidad. Through investments in Guardian Holdings Limited and Agostini’s Limited, the company also has a presence in the insurance, retail and pharmaceutical sectors in Trinidad and Tobago,” the

Even amid a global pandemic, Guyana’s stellar reputation as a growing investment hub continues to attract thousands from near and far.

And with the country preparing to host a number of world leaders along with their technical teams and private sector representatives, the need for more state-of-the-art accommodation facilities will increase exponentially.

Within just a month of being in office, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government issued Expressions of Interest for internationally branded hotels

with American ties, has already drafted its construction plans, promising the new hotel will have the backing of a globally-renowned brand.

While not naming the hotel chain, the local company, in its project scope submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, related: “We are going to introduce elevated amenities like the Bistro Bar (a fast, casual restaurant) and collaborative lobby spaces; a sophisticated yet comfortable environment with an enduring, classic sensibility.”

According to the project

experience which includes an optional porte cochère – a covered entrance which is large enough for vehicles to pass through– and enhanced lighting.

Added to that, sod-turning exercises have already been had for a number of new, additional hotels, with two earmarked for the environs of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The aim, according to local authorities, is to have at least 2,000 hotel rooms available for visitors and to accompany the anticipated

growth in the local economy. President Ali had said that moving forward and embracing this potential growth and development would require transition, not just physically, but also in the way people act, think, celebrate Guyana and conduct business.

Guyana, with its newfound oil wealth and thriving productive sectors, is on the cusp of economic transformation and has already received the title of “investment capital” of the Region and possibly the world.

The Hyatt Place Hotel will be strategically positioned along Red Road, Providence, East Bank Demerara project summary outlined.

The need for more accommodation facilities has existed for years, prompting the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government to pursue the establishment of the Marriott Hotel at Kingstown, Georgetown.

Although highly criticised and pegged as a “white elephant” by the then Parliamentary Opposition, the hotel constantly boasts of a “fully-booked” status; this will remain the case until January 2022.

to be built in the country, and many have since answered the call.

Only recently, the Guyana Chronicle reported the story of a Guyanese developer who plans to build a 150-room hotel in the Houston area, strategically positioned along the new four-lane Mandela-Eccles road which is being constructed.

Foreseeing the economic opportunities that will come from the completion of the road, Caribbean Green Building Inc., a Guyanese company

scope, in addition to luxurious rooms and other standard hotel features, the developer also plans to offer an arrival

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala ties the knot in Birmingham ceremony NOBEL Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has “tied the knot” with her partner during an Islamic ceremony in Birmingham.

She and Asser Malik took part in a nikkah ceremony, where bride and groom consent to be married.

The 24-year-old activist said it was “a precious day” in her life.

She Tweeted: “Asser and I tied the knot to be partners for life” and shared how they had taken part in a small ceremony with family.

“We are excited to walk together for the jour-

Malala Yousafzai tweeted that it was “a precious day” in her life (BBC/ MALIN FEZEHAI photo) ney ahead,” she added.

Malala moved to the West Midlands in 2012 at the age of 15. She was

Wednesday, 10 November 09:30hrs - 11:00hrs

treated at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital after being shot in the head

by Taliban in Pakistan.

She posted several photos from the ceremony (BBC/ MALIN FEZEHAI photo) She then attended school in the city, which she called “a second

home”, before going to Oxford University to read philosophy, politics and economics.

Although not a legally binding contract, a nikkah ceremony is the first step in an Islamic marriage.

A separate ceremony is often carried out privately, and the activist did not indicate whether the couple had a separate civil ceremony.

Since graduating, Malala has called

for better support for Afghan refugees, signed a contract with Apple TV+ to produce documentaries and appeared on the cover of British Vogue, all while continuing her work to improve girls’ access to education.

The news of the ceremony was liked tens of thousands of times by fans online with thousands wishing the couple well. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Global ‘tech’ company recruiting Caribbean software engineers

AUTOMATTIC, the company behind blogging platforms such as WordPress. com and Tumblr, has partnered with regional ‘tech’ ecosystem and workforce developer, Tech Beach Retreat, to recruit software engineers from across the Caribbean.

Having successfully ‘on-boarded’ two Jamaican software engineers to its team, both of whom are members of the Tech Beach community, Automattic is specifically searching for highly-qualified individuals in the Caribbean.

“This collaboration will allow the company to tap into Tech Beach’s substantial network to identify the best talent in the region for

several engineering roles,” the company said in a release announcing the recruitment drive.

With over 1,700 employees based in 90 countries around the world, Automattic, which is built upon the foundation of a globally distributed workforce, has described itself as “committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion”.

“At Automattic, we believe that diverse perspectives from different people, cultures, and countries make our company and our products stronger. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Tech Beach Retreat; their broad reach and deep roots in the region help us connect to the Caribbean’s amazing pool

of profoundly talented people across all sectors of ‘tech’,” Head of Talent at Automattic, Karen Arnold said.

As with all other Au-

tomattic team members, successful candidates will not be required to relocate in order to fulfil their obligations of employment. Tech Beach

(Loop Caribbean News) President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Mauricio Claver-Carone, has held talks with the executive officer of Telefónica, José María Álvarez-Pallete, aimed at strengthening the institutional alliance and to continue promoting inclusive digital transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

“The IDB will continue to advance inclusive digitalization in Latin America and the Caribbean because we recognize the importance of maximizing the use of and access to technology to create jobs and new opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and leaders of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

“We hope to strengthen our partnership with Telefónica to bring new solutions that help advance sustainable development in our region,” Claver-Carone said.

The IDB said that the collaboration covers different areas, such as education and training through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and

big data workshops, employability, migration, and the ethical and responsible use of technology.

Telefónica, one of the world’s leading suppliers of telecommunications services, is also a partner in key entrepreneurial initiatives with IDB Lab, the IDB Group’s innovation laboratory, and cutting-edge financing schemes with IDB Invest, the Group’s private sector arm.

“This partnership and collaboration enable us to maximize our contribution toward just socioeconomic development through a green and inclusive digitalization of the region that helps narrow the gaps and help entrepreneurs and corporations consolidate their place at the forefront of the digital world,” Álvarez-Pallete said.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the launch

of CIV-LAC, a regional corporate entrepreneurial platform. The initiative will help scale up an estimated 600 startups through open innovation processes and help to strengthen the digital ecosystem.

“This platform’s development is conducted by IDB Lab and Wayra, Telefónica’s innovation laboratory.

CIV-LAC will facilitate access to trading networks as well as resources and

Tech Beach cofounder Kirk-Anthony Hamilton

cofounder, Kirk-Anthony Hamilton sees this as a big plus for the region.

“Many of our people have always looked outwards to identify a better life, and the physical nature of traditional work has resulted in those people leaving our islands, once they find opportunities creating a significant brain drain for our market,” Hamilton said.

He added: “If we can create pathways for our people to access global opportunities and experience while at home, we create the space for an evolution of our ecosystem, where those who have benefitted are positioned to directly impact others on the ground.

“The pandemic has forced

entities all over the world to remove the physical barriers to work. Given the dynamics of the Caribbean, this could be one of the single greatest opportunities for our region in recent history.”

The recruitment collaboration between Automattic and Tech Beach Retreat will include a virtual event, “The Future of Work: Globally Distributed Teams” on December 2 at 10am ET, featuring Cavel Khan, Chief Revenue Officer at Tumblr, and Joel Dean, Senior Software Engineer at Automattic.

Qualified individuals are invited to apply Online at https://form.typeform. com/to/hQrBnKdv. (Loop Caribbean News)

knowledge to benefit technology-based startups and those with high socio-environmental business models. The initiative will also connect startups with companies that support these solutions through innovation and investment projects,”

the IDB said.

It said nearly 60 per cent of the technological solutions supported by this platform will target vulnerable communities, while the remaining 40 per cent will focus on improving environmental impact.

IDB seeking to promote digital transformation in LAC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Growth and the COVID-19 pandemic

ONE indication of development is when the country’s economy is getting bigger and bigger.

An increase in the economy is one indicator that the size of the national pie is getting bigger, which is an important prerequisite for rising levels of prosperity. Growth is a necessary condition for development, even though it is possible to have growth without development. Growth is quantitative, as opposed to development which is more qualitative, and refers to the extent to which the standard of living of the average citizen has improved. Thankfully, under the current PPP/C administration, the country is experiencing both growth and development.

For a significant period of our post-independence years, the Guyana economy registered negative growth. This was due mainly to the economic mismanagement, squandermania, extravagance and waste under the PNC regime. Whereas other economies in the region were registering

positive growth rates, Guyana’s economy retrogressed for several consecutive years to the point where we had to borrow in order to survive. Because of falling production and productivity, the PNC regime had to dip into the Bank of Guyana’s reserves, which at one time had reached unsustainable levels.

The regime was forced to resort to printing money, which at one time was not worth the paper it was printed on.

One consequence of such a situation was the rapid devaluation of the Guyana currency, and high levels of inflation. At one time, the Guyana currency was inconvertible; that is to say, it was almost useless outside of the country, quite unlike other countries in CARICOM, where their currencies were traded on the international financial markets.

The exchange value of the Guyana dollar was the weakest in the region, and remained so for quite some time.

Interestingly, during the early 1960s when the PPP was in office, the Guyana

currency was almost on par with the US dollar in terms of exchange value. How, then, did the Guyana dollar experience such a free fall to become, under the PNC regime, one of the weakest in terms of its purchasing power and its exchange rate, vis-a vis the US dollar?

The reasons are many, but one major cause was the precipitate decline in production and productivity levels, and a consequential decline in exports and export earnings. All the major sectors of the economy were on a downward spiral, including manufacturing, trade and commerce. The private sector was pushed into the backwater, and very little incentives were provided for private sector growth and development. In such an environment, there was neither growth nor development, and poverty stalked the land.

With the coming to office of the PPP/C in October 1992, the growth dynamic of the country has changed. The private sector is once again playing its role as the engine

of growth, and the manufacturing sector is again showing its resilience, even in the face of an economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data released by the Bank of Guyana, the sector recorded a 13.1 per cent increase in the first half of this year, compared to a 0.2 per cent contraction for the corresponding period last year.

This is, indeed, encouraging news, and is indicative that the economy may very well be on the road to recovery, after taking a beating from the COVID-19 measures taken by the administration to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The private sector and the manufacturing sector play a key and critical role in terms of job creation and foreign exchange earnings.

The PPP/C administration has done a commendable job in reversing the economic decline caused by the past regime, and laying a solid foundation for robust and sustainable growth and development.

Jordan did not consider fundamental variables in his analysis

Dear Editor,

REFERENCE is made to a letter to the editor appearing in the Kaieteur News dated November 8, 2021, in which the former Finance Minister has expressed grave concerns over Guyana’s borrowing spree.

The former learned minister said that “the 2021 Mid-Year Report records the stock of public debt as US$2.905 billion which can easily rise to $5.3 billion within a few years, if one were to factor in the $1.5 billion from China and the undrawn $0.9 billion from the Islamic Development Bank.”

The former Finance Minister’s statement is suggestive that Guyana will not be servicing its national debt for the next few years.

What do I mean by this statement?

The former minister adds the total level of national debt which is US$2.9B + the US$1.5B loan from China and the US$0.9B from the Islamic Development Bank to say that in a few years, total debt will reach (2.9+1.5+0.9 = 5.3B). Now, this is cause for worry indeed because 5.3B in a few years represents 96 per cent of today’s GDP. However, the former minister did not consider two fundamental variables in his analysis – that is (1) over the next few years govt will continue to service its national

debt annually, thereby reducing the principal balance, thus creating fiscal space to take on new borrowings, and (2) GDP will continue to grow, thus maintaining a low to moderate debt to GDP ratio which is sustainable. Currently, debt-to-GDP ratio is about 53 per cent, well below the 60 per cent benchmark.

Now, let’s make the analysis a bit more interesting. The former minister did not quantify how many years he considers to be “few years”. So, let’s quantify this and assume that he is referring to the next three years. What is the country’s projected growth in GDP over the next three years and what would be the total sum of principal and interest payment on the national stock of debt by then?

According to the Bank of Guyana report 2020, total debt service was significantly higher by 32.6 per cent to US$420 million and represented 38.5 per cent of government’s current revenue. For this purpose, it is safe to say that annual debt service is US$420 million so in three years, the country will have repaid US$420m X 3 = US$1.3 billion. This means if the govt borrow another US$1.5B + US$0.9B and add to today’s stock of debt, effectively only an additional US$1.1b will be added to the stock of debt which would bring the total to US$4B and not US$5.3B. At the same time, GDP is projected to

grow by 20 per cent in 2021, and according to IMF forecasts, GDP is projected to grow by 26 per cent and 30.6 per cent in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

If we are to be a bit more conservative and project year-on-year growth rates of 15 per cent instead of 20 per cent and 30 per cent as projected by IMF, GDP will move from US$5.5B to US$8.4B, which means, the debt-to-GDP ratio in three years, with the additional US$2.4B loan in the pipeline, will be about 48 per cent, well below the 60 per cent benchmark, and this is projecting growth of GDP at moderate levels.

It is worthwhile to mention that Guyana’s debt-to-GDP ratio is perhaps the lowest in the region, for example, Trinidad & Tobago’s debt-to-GDP ratio is about 83 per cent, Barbados is 133.6 per cent, Suriname is 111 per cent, and notably, projected GDP growth for these countries is in the lower single digits while Guyana will be experiencing double digit growth in the medium term.

CONCLUSION Altogether, the additional borrowings of some US$2.4 billion will virtually have minimal or zero impact on the country’s total stock of debt in three years’ time thus

resulting in the debt-to-GDP ratio remaining below 60 per cent.

Moreover, Guyana will continue to have double digit growth in GDP over the next three years, and current debt service is about 38 per cent of current revenue or US$420 million which will effectively reduce the stock of debt while the government continues to borrow moderately to facilitate the country’s development agenda.

Or put differently, with an additional US$2.4B in debt in three years will result in a movement of debt-to-GDP ratio from 53 per cent (where it is currently) to 48 per cent, reflecting a decline by five percentage points, based on the analysis presented herein.

Importantly to note, I did not factor in the projected oil revenues in this analysis as I opt to keep the discussion and analysis simple.

I do hope that this essay brings some needed clarity for your readers to understand the full context of the national debt and its growth trajectory in the full context of the development agenda that Guyana is embarking upon.

Yours faithfully, JC Bhagwandin Financial Analyst

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Agreement signed to train more persons for energy, oil and gas sector

THE University of Guyana has signed a tripartite agreement with the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) and CBMEX Energy Guyana, which would pave the way for more persons to be trained in the oil and gas sector.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will place Guyana in a better position to take advantage of opportunities in the budding sector, a release said.

It was signed during a simple ceremony at the GOGEC Head Office on Middle Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown and signing for the University of Guyana was Vice-Chancellor, XI, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin.

Manniram Prashad signed for the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber and Milton E. Chaves for CBMEX. The signing was also witnessed by Antonio Cruz-Diaz, Charge’d Affairs, Embassy of Mexico and Alex Armogan, founding Director of UG’s Institute for Energy Diplomacy (UGIED).

Vice-Chancellor Mohamed-Martin acknowledged that the university has recognised that the question of training in oil and gas is critical to the country.

From left to right: Charge D’affaires at the Embassy of Mexico, Antonio Cruz; President of GOGEC, Manniram Prashad; the University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor, XI, Professor, Paloma Mohamed-Martin; CBMEX Milton board member, E. Chaves; and Director of the Institute of Energy, UG, Alex Armogan “We have local-content targets that have to be met… we are behind the training curve because of how fast these oil and gas projects were developed.

There is a huge amount of training to be done, not only in oil and gas, but also in human resources, occupational health and safety, computing

and data analytics, financing and accounting, and legal areas,†the Vice-Chancellor explained.

Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber President, Manniram Prashad, noted that GOGEC is happy to collaborate with the University of Guyana and CBMEX to foster closer relations and

It’s not the burrowing but the squandering which hurts Dear Editor, I was highly bemused when I read an article in the media where the former Minister of Finance has expressed grave concerns over Guyana’s borrowing spree and he questioned the legality of a letter sent to the Chinese ambassador regarding a loan request of US$1.5B’.

According to him, the latter is ‘rumour’ but I will say that the former is just one of his outlandish assumptions.

Not so long ago, the Coalition, under his watch as the Finance Minister, went on real borrowing and squandering binge which depleted all the reserves and ran an excessive overdraft on the Consolidated Fund in excess of $90 billion. In addition, I have written exhaustively on the $30 billion bond which was not used for the purpose intended. Interest on this bond would have amounted to US$40 million ($8.4 billion GYD) in just five years to service it. According to an article in 2019, $7.4 billion was disbursed to GuySuCo

since 2018 but there were no records how the money was utilised. This government has, in January this year, paid a total of $606 million in just interest. This is wasteful spending!

On top of all of this they ‘negotiated’ an Oil Production Sharing Contract and a Royalty rate which they now want this government to correct. This is a so barefaced.

This government was placed with such a huge burden to right the wrongs done by the Coalition that borrowing at this point is a necessity. The devastating flood and the deadly pandemic must also be brought into this scenario. What I would like to see Mr Jordan do is to provide evidence that monies borrowed was squandered in a manner in which they did during their tenure in office. The list of squandering under the Coalition is endless.

It is not the borrowing ‘binge’ which hurts but the squandering binge which was the Coalition’s trade mark.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

cooperation in the training initiative.

According to Prashad, GOGEC aims to train over 1,000 students throughout the country from next year. “We will be working closely with the university and CBMEX to have this programme on track, which has proven to be very suc-

cessful,†Prashad said.

Chaves, a CBMEX board member, noted that this is a milestone for his organisation to partner with the University of Guyana and GOGEC in this initiative. “We bring the best training in international oil and gas training into countries that are entering into

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the energy field... our utmost goal is to enrich the lives of the Guyanese people through training in the oil and gas sector,†he said.

UG’s Institute for Energy Diplomacy, Director, Alex Armogan, who played a pivotal role in formulation of the MoU, posited that “UG’s IED is focused on capacity building geared towards meeting local-content requirements. We must optimise the local-content framework based on what is realistically achievable; capacity building is essential to developing our local capabilities. We welcome all public and private strategic partnerships to forward this initiative.†Armogan detailed that UG’s IED is offering courses in crude-oil trading, energy markets, energy transportation and shipping, and oil and gas value chain.

Also, soon to come on stream are energy project investment and finance, oil and gas negotiations, oil and gas law, and oil and gas project planning and management.

The University of Guyana offers over 20 programmes in energy, including oil and gas and petroleum engineering, the release said.

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500 visually impaired persons to be trained

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

–– to become independent, find employment

SOME 500 blind and visually impaired persons are receiving training to acquire the requisite skills to live independently.

This is owing to the Orientation and Mobility programme which was launched on Tuesday by First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali. According to the gov-

ernment’s Department of Public Information (DPI), an additional 10 persons will gain direct employment through the programme, as they will be certified as Orientation and Mobility officers by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

One such person is Ms. Schemona Sugrim, who

will be employed to train others in various skills, including the use of assistive technologies to gain employment. “It’s a great initiative, because persons like myself will be benefitting tremendously from it. I can say that in times past, I didn’t really have the opportunity that other persons will have, so I

Schemona Sugrim will be employed to train other persons with visual disabilities feel really good about it,” Sugrim said.

Another beneficiary of the programme is Ms. Lata Devie Jagmohan, who lauded the authorities for orchestrating an innovative initiative to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.

“I think it’s a benefit for a lot of people, especially those who are visually impaired and blind, to develop independent living skills,” Jagmohan noted.

Disability Rights advocate, Mr. Leroy Phillips told the DPI that he is hap-

py that young persons living with visual disabilities can have a better future, as they can now acquire mobility and orientation skills needed to make them independent. “I feel particularly excited; elated, happy, optimistic about the future of those young persons who are blind and visually impaired across the length and breadth of Guyana,” Phillips said.

He added, “For too many years we’ve heard stories, and had to deal with blind and visually impaired persons staying at home; [being] kept at home with no other option but to remain at home because they did not get the chance; the opportunity to acquire mobility and orientation skills.”

Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisation for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), Mr. Ganesh Singh said the programme will train persons from seven regions across the country.

“We will do this in an informal way, using volunteers, mostly persons who are blind and visually impaired… Through this programme, we aim, in the next year, to train and provide orientation and mobility services to ap-

Ms. Lata-Devie Jagmohan is a proud beneficiary of the programme proximately 500 persons who are blind and visually impaired, across Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice),” Singh said.

The skills developed via the programme will pave the way for more visually impaired Guyanese to seek employment and be gainfully employed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Barbados approaches Guyana for steady supply of rice

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–– local authorities assure island-nation there’s enough to satisfy its demand

By Rehana Ahamad WITH Guyana increasing its export prices for rice, largely owing to a series of flood-related circumstances, Barbados has reached out to local authorities seeking to ensure a steady, affordable and timely supply of this commodity.

This is according to Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who said that once a timetable for the deliv-

said that the arrangement is that Guyana will supply Barbados with rice from November 2021 to December 2022 at a slightly reduced cost.

The intervention, according to Ragnauth, allows for Barbados to not only receive a good and stable deal on rice prices, but it also ensures that the country has a continuous and reliable supply of rice.

“Some suppliers are supplying rice at a higher price, but I want to ensure

part of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s efforts to increase trade within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which will ultimately position Guyana to tap into and perhaps even reduce the region’s hefty food importation bill.

The government is already aiming to supply at least 25 per cent of the region’s imported products within the next four years.

In the circumstances, strategic positions have already been adopted by

Barbados has requested approximately 3,000 tonnes of Guyana’s rice eries has been confirmed, a formal agreement will be signed with the island-country.

“Barbados is requesting approximately 3,000 tonnes of rice; we are now tidying up the arrangement, and then we will sign a MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] to ensure we deliver to them,” Minister Mustapha said.

Head of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Kuldip Ragnauth

the people of Barbados that Guyana has enough rice to supply them,” Ragnauth related.

Although Guyana has been exporting rice to Barbados since 1996, Minister Mustapha said that the two countries have already committed to strengthening bilateral relations, and doing more business together.

He related that the new arrangement, which could possibly be replicated across other sectors, forms

President Ali and his Barbadian counterpart, Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

And, as a matter of fact, within the past couple of months, the two leaders have been able to “hammer out” a concrete, timebound framework for enhanced collaboration and trade between the two countries, particularly in the areas of food production and export.

At a recent press conference, President Ali made specific reference

to key areas on which the two countries have reached agreement, including increased production and removal of barriers to trade, more specifically, with the possibility of establishing a Guyana-Barbados

food terminal, as well as agro-processing facilities.

FOOD SUSTAINABILITY PLAN The two countries have also embarked

on the formulation of a Guyana-Barbados food sustainability plan, agreeing to facilitate an exchange of technicians between the countries’ Ministries of Agriculture, with the intention See page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Paramakatoi to benefit from Smart Hospital Initiative

RESIDENTS of Paramakatoi and surrounding communities in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), will soon benefit from an upgraded health facility, under the Smart Hospital Initiative.

A $44.4 million contract was on Tuesday awarded to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for the retrofitting of the medical institution.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said the government’s goal is to ensure Guyana has one of the

Representatives of the Ministry of Health, PAHO/WHO and the GDF after signing the contract (DPI photo) healthiest populations in the Caribbean.

“I think we are setting a new standard, and people are now going to look forward to all our facilities meeting this as the basic minimum standard,” Dr. Anthony said.

He said while the GDF is not traditionally known for such projects, its Engineering Corps has been working, especially in the interior locations.

The Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) is implementing and supervising the project, while the Government of the United Kingdom is providing funding.

Commander Vernon Burnett, who represented the Chief-of-Staff, said that the GDF is happy to be partnering with the people of Paramakatoi, and is confident about completing the project within the specified time.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller said that the ‘smart hospi-

PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Luis Felipe Codina (DPI photos) tal’ initiative exists in seven countries around the Caribbean. She said the idea is to retrofit those facilities to be adaptable to climate and different disasters that might occur.

She said that of the facilities seen so far, the transformation is mind-blowing and reflected in the positive response from patients and

From page 9 of accommodating a smooth and efficient transaction flow.

“So, what we have agreed on is that we will have a Guyanese in the Ministry of Agriculture in Barbados, and a ‘Bajan’ in the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana, so that Guyanese can deal directly with their counterpart in Barbados, and that Barbadians can deal directly with their counterpart here,” Dr. Ali said during a recent press

conference.

Similarly, the two countries have also agreed to the sharing of port spaces to facilitate trade, and reduce costs for the movement of goods between the two countries.

The Guyanese Head of State is hopeful that those initiatives will assist in removing the hassle, barriers and bureaucracy of doing business between the two countries.

“That is what we are trying to remove here,” Dr. Ali related.

healthcare workers who use them.

“One of the reasons for this initiative is to have ‘smart’ hospitals which are solar powered, which are rainwater shedding, which have better lighting, which have better flow of patients, better health facilities, and much more resilient to this new climate crisis in which we all live,” the High Commissioner noted.

The ‘smart’ healthcare facilities project in the Caribbean is being funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) to the tune of $835 million (US$4.175 million).

The local facilities that are listed as beneficiaries of the project are the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, the Leonora Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, and the Paramakatoi Health Centre.

The project is expected to be completed in four months. (DPI)

Barbados approaches Guyana ...

He highlighted, too, that Barbados and Guyana have also discussed opportunities for investments in quarry, feedstock, livestock, and limestone.

Even further, more extensive discussions were had in relation to the countries ‘twinning’ the tourism product of both countries.

So far, Barbados has agreed to facilitate the training of 6,000 Guyanese for the hospitality sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

More gas-fired power plants to drive down costs, emissions

THE government is implementing a plan for a gas-to-energy project which will deliver 250 megawatts (MW) of power from a Wales gas-fired plant to the grid, to save on costs and emissions associated with power generation.

However, its natural-gas programme extends beyond the Wales operation, as it is preparing more power plants to be fueled by natural gas. “[Guyana Power and Light Inc.] GPL plans to convert 106MW of their existing [heavy fuel oil]

HFO capacity to dual fuel engines (HFO/NG) by 2026,” the government outlined in the draft Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

This adds to new reciprocating 46MW dual fuel (HFO/NG) engines which were added to the grid in 2021, located at Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara.

The dual-fueled engines will build on Guyana’s firm capacity, adding to the gas-to-energy infrastructure.

“The government is currently undertaking the

detailed studies and the financing structuring of the [gas-to-energy] project,” the LCDS 2030 states, adding: “It is anticipated that a 250MW gas-fired power plant will be constructed, and in operation in 2024.”

For the Wales operation, investments are needed for the pipeline to transport the gas from the Liza field, a processing plant to separate the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and the Natural Gas, and a gasfired power plant.

The total capacity to generate electricity with

Food For The Poor donates furniture to Education Ministry THE Ministry of Education has received over 1,000 pieces of furniture from Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc. (FFTP) to be distributed to schools across Guyana to benefit students and teachers.

According to a release, in total, 41 bookcases, 762 chairs, 461 student desks, 12 teacher desks, 34 file cabinets, 61 tables and one storage cabinet were handed over to the ministry on Monday. Receiving the donation

on behalf of the ministry was Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

FFTP Chief Executive Officer Kent Vincent said he looks forward to continued collaboration between the organisation and the Ministry of Education to make the lives of both learners and teachers better.

Minister Manickchand expressed similar sentiments and noted that the two entities should highlight priority areas to make the established

partnership even more meaningful.

The items will be stored at the Ministry of Education’s Book Distribution Unit (BDU) until such time that they are distributed to the schools that need them most.

Also present at the handing over was Coordinator of the Book Distribution Unit, Darshini Balac and Jonelle DeViera, FFTP’s Public Relations Officer.

From left: Coordinator of the Book Distribution Unit, Darshini Balac; Education Minister, Priya Manickchand; CEO of Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc; Kent Vincent and the organisation's Public Relations Officer, Jonelle DeViera, with some of the donated pieces of furniture

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on a visit to the dual-fueled power plants at Garden of Eden in August natural gas from all of the plants will be 403MW. Multiple government-commissioned studies have confirmed that utilising natural gas would reduce the cost of power generation.

The studies have also confirmed that substituting HFOs for natural gas

will significantly reduce emissions.

The LCDS 2030 states that the implementation of this plan would reduce, by half, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with electricity generation.

While natural gas would provide all of those benefits, they will only serve

Guyana in the short term, while the country develops capacity for renewable energy options.

In the meantime, the government and the private sector will explore options for solar power, hydropower, wind power and biomass technologies. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Guyanese students in Cuba raise concerns with Ambassador Majeed

GUYANA’S Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, recently met with Guyanese students at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), to hear about their concerns and to explore ways and means of enhancing their welfare.

ELAM is an international public medical school operated by the Cuban government.

It was established in 1999 and its mission is to contribute to the training of primary health care physicians in diverse regions of the World.

This was the Ambassador’s first face-to-face meeting with the medical students in the wake of COVID-19, which prevented direct physical contact with them as a

group.

Ambassador Majeed told them that he was there to personally ensure their comfort and to encourage them to continue to study hard and get good grades. He inquired about the food situation on campus and explained that with the re-opening of the Cuban borders, it would be much easier to receive personal care items from abroad.

President of the student group, Asaph Ahmad, assured the Ambassador that they would excel in their studies, notwithstanding the present difficulties.

Prior to engaging the students, Ambassador Majeed met officially with ELAM’s Vice-Rector, Dr. Zusel

Salazar Duany; Dr. Heidy Cantillo Vento, Head of the International Relations Department; and Dr. Jaqueline Junco Arévalo, Director of Educational Training, and discussed, among other things, the grades of the students, issues relating to their general welfare, and the November 15 observance of the 22nd Anniversary of the founding of ELAM. Ambassador Majeed promised both the students and the ELAM administration that, later this week, he would be sending a Guyana flag and various tokens from Guyana to be placed at a ‘Guyana Corner’ in the university’s main administrative building.

Ambassador Halim Majeed (centre) flanked by medical students at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Join hands with the Government and People of Guyana –– for the new development of China-Guyana relations

By Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana HELLO, Guyanese friends! It was my great honour to be appointed as the new Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, and to present my Letter of Credence to H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, on October 29, 2021.

This is my first time working in the Latin America and Caribbean region. As the first female Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, I am proud of my mission, and fully aware of the weight of my responsibility.

Guyana is an important country in the Caribbean region, with a diversified culture, beautiful environment, and huge development opportunities and potential.

With the rapid development of the oiland-gas industry, Guyana has enjoyed robust economic and social development, and its people better lives. The Guyanese Government has piloted the people of the nation to respond to any challenges, including COVID-19 and flooding, and boost economic recovery. People’s welfare and the country’s development performance are improving. Guyana has also been actively participating in regional and international affairs, and is playing an increasingly important role in upholding multilateralism, and promoting equal and friendly international relations. As H.E. President Ali said, this is the “finest era” of Guyana. I feel lucky to be witnessing Guyana’s national transformation.

China and Guyana have a long history of friendship. The bilateral relations are founded on the basis of the One-China Principle that the Guyanese Government has long been adhering to. In 1971, Guyana resolutely voted in favour of Resolution No.2758 in the United Nations (UN), and contributed to the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the UN. In 1972, Guyana took the lead in the English-speaking Caribbean to establish diplomatic ties with China. In the following 49 years, the political mutual trust between China

to the people-centered philosophy of development; that is, “Development for the people, by the people, and to the benefit of all the people”. President Ali also repeatedly emphasises his governing idea of “serving all the people”, and sets “to create new and improved living conditions for every Guyanese” as the development goal.

We would like to enhance strategy coordination with the Guyanese side on this basis, and work together in the same direction.

Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana and Guyana had been continuously deepened, the pragmatic cooperation steadily advanced, and Guyana has become an important cooperation partner of China in the Caribbean.

In March this year, President Xi Jinping and President Ali talked over the phone, and reached important consensus, which has drawn a new blueprint for the development of the China-Guyana relations. Next year, the two countries will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the diplomatic ties in a significant manner, which is an ideal opportunity to promote greater development of the bilateral relations.

I will do my best to work handin-hand with my Guyanese friends to promote China and Guyana to become the “finest partners” in the “finest era”.

FIRST: DEEPEN POLICY COORDINATION The two Heads of State have a lot in common in the thinking of governing the country.

President Xi is always committed

SECOND: STRENGTHEN COOPERATION PLAN China and Guyana are both developing countries.

Development is our greatest common interest. Guyana is experiencing a stage of rapid economic development, while China has the advantages of market, technology and financial resources. We are opportunities for each other. There is big room for advancing cooperation in all fields.

We would like to take advantage of jointly building Belt and Road Initiative with Guyana, fully exploring the role of the existing cooperation mechanisms, actively mobilising the participation of all resources, making the cooperation plan on prioritised areas together, and implementing more cooperation projects that are highly qualified, sustainable, and people-centered.

THIRD: PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Over the years, China and Guyana have maintained close coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.

We respect each other, treat each other equally, and have actively contributed to safeguarding the multilateralism and the common interests of developing countries. Facing the common challenges of humankind, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate

change, we would like to advocate for the Global Development Initiative, stick to the common values of humanity for peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom with Guyana, enhance communication and coordination at the multilateral platforms, including the UN and Group 77 and China, and build a community with a shared future for Mankind.

FOURTH: INCREASE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES As the Guyanese Ambassador to China, Mme. Anyin Choo, said, “Diplomacy is based on the people.” It has been over 168 years since the first batch of Chinese people arrived in Guyana, and the Chinese community has become a part of the six peoples of Guyana. The understanding and friendship between Chinese and Guyanese have laid a solid foundation for the development of the bilateral relations. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, people from the two countries have joined hands and helped each other, which opened a new chapter in the annals of our friendship. We would like to encourage and assist our two peoples to increase mutual learning, deepen consensus through engagements, and commonly develop through cooperation.

A Chinese poet once wrote, “Knowing each other so well, we feel close, even though we are far apart.” Although China and Guyana are distant in terms of geography, our ties of friendship are quite close.

With the personal attention and guidance of the leaders, and the efforts of the governments and peoples of both sides, I am confident that I can make new contributions to the development of the China-Guyana relations, together with my Guyanese friends, and let the outcomes of the win-win cooperation between China and Guyana better benefit the two countries, and the two peoples.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Teens accused of murdering Dr. Roach remanded TWO teens, who allegedly bludgeoned well known Physician, Dr Colin Roach, to death in his Duke Street, Kingston office, made their first court appearance on Tuesday.

Hilton Oliver Junior Franklin, 19, of Best Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and Lenrick Mosai Byass,18, of Good Intent Village , WCD, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the George-

Hilton Oliver Junior Franklin town Magistrates’ Court.

The accused were not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that on November 2, at Duke Street in Georgetown, they murdered Dr. Roach during the furtherance or course of a robbery.

The teens were remanded to prison until November 30.

According to reports, Franklin was arrested last Friday in Berbice while attempting to escape through the ‘backtrack’ route to Suriname. Hours later, his co-accused was arrested in Georgetown.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Franklin, when arrested, told investigators that he was the person who inflicted the fatal injuries with a metal object that resulted in the damage to Dr. Roach’s face and skull.

This killing reportedly occurred after a drinking session at the victim’s office.

He allegedly hit the doctor to the face and head

Dead : Dr Colin Roach multiple times. An autopsy confirmed that Dr. Roach died from multiple blunt trauma to the head. The doctor’s bloody body was found sprawled on the floor of his office by his employees.

Franklin was reportedly identified as the prime suspect after CCTV video recordings from nearby buildings captured him leaving the doctor’s International Medical Clinic.

Byass allegedly claimed that he helped Franklin to rob Roach after he was killed. They relieved him of two gold rings, US$600 and two cellular phones.

Police recovered the two rings and US$200 in Franklin’s possession while Byass was found with $42,000 in cash.

Lenrick Mosai Byass One day before their arrest, investigators recovered Dr. Roach’s Audi Q5 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration PXX 4000 at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, which was stolen after he was killed.

The 49-year-old physician was one of two doctors authorised to conduct medical examinations in Guyana for US immigrant visas.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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Proposal for ExxonMobil’s Yellowtail project being reviewed

GUYANA has commenced its review of the Yellowtail field development plan (FDP), the fourth project proposed

by ExxonMobil’s Guyana affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The review began Monday with a virtual stakeholder forum led by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The ministry is tasked with ensuring that the FDP is diligently reviewed and assessed for alignment with the requirements of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act and regulations, good international oilfield practices, and all other applicable protocols, practices and methodologies.

The development plan includes up to three drill ships drilling up to 67 wells, the FPSO vessel and

SURF production system, with tankers taking the oil to global markets.

Yellowtail will be situated 126 miles offshore Guyana, where ExxonMobil made its 13th discovery in the Stabroek Block.

Its initial production phase is scheduled to commence in 2025, with optimum production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day, and would continue for 20 years. The FPSO is designed to have a storage capacity of two million barrels of oil.

The proposed development, according to joint public hearings into the project between EEPGL and the Environmental Protection Agency, could provide some 1,300 jobs across its four phases. The final of nine public hearings, which concerns the project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA), is

scheduled to occur virtually on November 11.

ExxonMobil has already received approval for three development projects in the Stabroek Block, where it has made discoveries surpassing 10 billion oil equivalent barrels.

Production began on December 1, 2019 with the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel at the Liza Phase One site. Production is scheduled to begin at the Liza Phase One operation in early 2022, with the Liza Unity having arrived in the block recently. The Prosperity FPSO is currently being outfitted in Singapore for the Payara project, scheduled for first oil in 2024.

ExxonMobil is the operator of the Stabroek Block. Its partners in the consortium are Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited. (DPI)

A map showing ExxonMobil’s operations offshore Guyana (ExxonMobil photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Bush Lot murder accused changes plea to guilty, sentencing set for Nov. 24

ONE day after pleading not guilty to the gruesome murder of a West Berbice couple, Nazameed Rafeek on Tuesday opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The 24-year-old man was at the time appearing before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court for the continuation of his trial. He indicated his desire to change his plea before throwing himself at the mercy of the court, after a number of witnesses had already testified.

The charge was re-read to him, and he confessed that he killed 81-year-old Doodnauth Arthur Rajkumar and his reputed wife, 49-year-old Dianne Chamanlall, also known as “Devi”, at School Dam, Bush Lot, between January 8 & 9, 2016.

The case has been adjourned to November 24, when a probation report in favour of Critchlow will be

presented before the sentence is handed down.

He is being represented

by Attorney-at-Law Mursaline Bacchus, while Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs is on record for the State.

During the plea hearing, Gibbs read Rafeek’s caution statement, which was taken the day after the couple’s murder. In that statement, Rafeek admitted the involvement of two of his friends, namely the co-accused Rooplall Abrahim, called ‘Vijai’, and Madanpaul Gocoul, called ‘Clown’.

In his caution statement, Rafeek said that on the afternoon of January 8, 2016, he, “Clown” and “Vijay” met at Bush Lot, and together they planned to rob “Uncle Arthur”.

“Abee smoke up some ‘ganja’ weh Vijay bring, and abee feel nice… Meh had wan kitchen knife, and Clown and Vijay had one, one cutlass,” Rafeek was

Nazameed Rafeek quoted as saying in his statement.

He told the police that after getting high, he and his two friends went “on de wuk”, by jumping the fence of “Uncle Arthur” home, and climbing onto his veranda.

According to reports, the couple was living together in the upper flat of a two-storeyed building.

Rafeek and his cohorts allegedly broke in through a

grilled door before opening a glass door.

While inside, the men went into the bedroom of the couple and woke them up. According to Rafeek, Vijay asked the couple for gold and money, but “Uncle Arthur” said they did not have any valuables.

“Clown and Vijay then start to chop up Uncle Arthur and he wife wid a cutlass, and me cut dem up wid meh knife,” the accused said in his caution statement.

After making a thorough search for money, all they found of value were a few items of foodstuff and some cigarettes. Apparently incensed by their paltry find, Rafeek and his buddies proceeded to chop the couple mercilessly, to the extent that each of them sustained no less than 20 deep incised wounds and multiple fractures.

“Uncle Arthur and he wife bin ah bleed plenty… like he and she ah guh dead.

While abee bin still deh-deh

in de house, ah drink Stag Beer weh abee get inside de freezer inside de shop,” Rafeek said.

The sudden arrival of the police at the scene cause them to try to make good their escape by jumping over Uncle Arthur’s back fence. It was during that post-haste escape bid that Rafeek dropped his hat, which was how the police

were able to pick him up a couple of hours later.

Rafeek was arrested at his Bush Lot home, and according to Prosecutor Gibbs, there were traces of blood inside his yard and home.

According to a post mortem report, Gibbs said, the couple died as a result of shock and haemorrhage due to their injuries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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Seven City Hall employees fired for embezzlement

A tax collection officer and six clerks attached to the Treasury Department of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) have been fired by the Local Government Commission (LGC) following an embezzlement probe.

Acting City Treasurer, John Douglas, has also been reverted back to his substantive position as Accounting Manager, for his failure to pick up the theft, while Edwana Miller will now assume the position of Acting City Treasurer.

Speaking with the

Acting Town Clerk, Candace Nelson Guyana Chronicle, Acting Town Clerk, Candace Nelson, confirmed the dismissals, which took effect from November 2.

However, she could not say how long the theft was occurring or how much money was involved.

“I wouldn’t be able to say how much money was involved in it because I was not the sitting Town Clerk at the time of the discovery and I was not a party to the initial investigation or informing the Local Government Commission,” Nelson related.

However, she did note that the issue involved a tax collection officer, Clerk II, and three Clerk III staff from the Treasury Department.

Nelson also could not say if police investigators were called in given the seriousness of the matter. She told this publication that some of the money may have been See page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Foreigners accused of illegal entry, ganja possession remanded

TWO foreigners, on Tuesday, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with entering Guyana illegally and having cannabis in their possession.

Juan David Caicedo Villa, a 32-year-old pilot of Villavicencio, Colombia, and Gustavo Adolfo Riascos Gomez, a 48-year-old pilot/ businessman of Tachira San Cristobal, Venezuela were remanded to prison until November 16.

The men pleaded not guilty to the first charge which alleged that they entered Guyana illegally on November 4, 2021. The men further denied that on the same day in question, they had two grammes of cannabis in their possession.

According to reports, the pilot and his co-pilot landed their foreign-registered aircraft without authorization at Mahdia, Region Eight.

As a result, a party of policemen immediately went

Juan David Caicedo Villa and Gustavo Adolfo Riascos Gomez. to the airstrip and found the six-seater Piper Aire aircraft -- blue, red and white in colour -- in front of Trans Guyana’s hangar. At the time, the two foreigners were standing in front of the said aircraft talking to the security and ramp attendant.

When confronted by the police, one of the men spoke in English saying, “We are lost, we came from Venezuela and going to look for gold.”

Apart from the cannabis, the aircraft contained

three 15-gallon drums, two of which contained fuel; one hammock with netting, one bag containing clothing and personal effects, a black bag with identification cards, documents, one Garmin GPS, one Iridium Phone, one Icom radio set, one spot trace device, two phone chargers, one earpiece, one lighter, one torchlight, one Motorola phone, one Samsung phone, one knife, two wristwatches, one wallet and bamboo wraps.

Seven City Hall employees fired ...

From page 17

repaid by some of those involved.

Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore, also confirmed the incident. He told the Guyana Chronicle that the theft was discovered some time ago, and the M&CC carried out its own investigation before handing the file over to the LGC with the recommendations.

“It was either late last year or early this year, but it was a while ago.

There were some issues in relation to one of the persons in the Treasury Department, pilfering and finding ways to siphon off money within the system and the individual had a person or two that he had a collaboration with,” Mentore explained.

Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore The LGC is tasked with dealing with human resource matters and other issues involving the local democratic organs,

including the hiring, firing and disciplining of the employees.

Mentore noted that the M&CC did take some initial action against the employees who were implicated, but the LGC subsequently ordered their dismissal.

“The council would have reached and deliberated on the matter and we would’ve sent the report to them [LGC] based on the various recommendations and we would’ve made various transfers but they reviewed the matter and took action to not only move people from different departments but they chose to fire them,” he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 10, 2021

U20 Golden Jaguars in must-win game today against Nicaragua GUYANA will face Nicaragua today in the Dominican Republic, in a must-win game in order to advance to the CONCACAF U20 Championship.

The U20 Golden Jaguars secured four points from their two matches played, having defeated the US Virgin Islands 5-1, after opening with a goalless stalemate against the Cayman Islands.

However, Nicaragua remain perfect, with a 7-0 win over the USVI to kick-off their campaign, as well as a 2-1 win over the Cayman Islands in their other en-

counter.

With nothing short of a victory needed today, coach Wayne Dover said Monday’s victory puts the Guyanese men in a solid position to play for a chance of advancing to the CONCACAF U20 Championships.

Omari Glasgow, the team’s captain, scored a hattrick and had a pair of assists in Guyana’s lone victory in the tournament, and will be Dover’s talisman today.

Following the conclusion of the Qualifiers, a total of 20 teams will participate at the CONCACAF Men’s Un-

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der-20 Championship in the summer of 2022. This will include: the top four teams from the Qualifiers and the region’s top 16 ranked teams (based on the CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Rankings) who receive a bye to the Championship.

The 2022 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship will qualify its semi-finalists (four teams) to the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023 and its finalists (two teams) to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. (Rawle Toney)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 10, 2021

Recent history is against New Zealand as they face England in first T20 World Cup semi-final ENGLAND play the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup when they come up against New Zealand today.The two teams face off in a rematch of the 50-over World Cup final – regarded as one of the greatest cricket matches of all time.

After losing their two warm-up matches to fellow semi-finalists England and Australia, the 2021 World Test champions got their T20 campaign off on the wrong foot with a five-wick-

et loss to Pakistan, but responded by thrashing India by eight wickets and with 33 balls remaining days later.

Since then, New Zealand have brushed aside Namibia, Scotland and Afghanistan to advance to the last four, just as they did in 2016 before losing out to England HEAD COACH Gary Stead represented New Zealand in five Test matches in 1999 and played over 100 first-class matches.

Before succeeding Mike Hesson as head coach, Stead was in charge of New Zealand’s women’s team and took them to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final in 2009.

Under his leadership, New Zealand have fought their way back to being among the best sides in the world and this was cemented by winning the inaugural World Test Championship earlier this year.

taken 57 wickets in 39 T20I matches and with 11 to his name in this tournament is joint second on the list of wicket-takers – five behind Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga.

England‘s (Eoin Morgan (left) and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson captain their respectine teams in today’s first semi-final of T20 World Cup 2021 in Abu Dhabi

KEY MEN Martin Guptill has rediscovered some of his best form in the UAE. The 35-yearold has a career strike-rate in Twenty20 internationals of 136.50 and scored 93 runs against Scotland – the third-highest score of the

World Cup so far.

Kane Williamson is looking to captain the Black Caps to two international titles in the same calendar year. He has 13 T20I half-centuries and is edging closer to 2000 career T20I runs.

Bowler Trent Boult has

RECORD AGAINST ENGLAND New Zealand’s record against England in recent years does not make for pretty reading, with two significant defeats coming in major tournaments.

The Black Caps lost out to England in the semi-finals of the 2016 T20 World Cup as well as the 50-over World Cup final in 2019.

Later that year, England were victorious in a fivematch T20I series in New Zealand, winning 3-2, and, just like the World Cup final several months earlier, the series was decided in a super over. (PA Sport)

Curry scores 50 as Golden State Warriors beat Atlanta Hawks STEPHEN Curry scored 50 points and had 10 assists to help Golden State Warriors beat Atlanta Hawks 127113 for their fifth straight win.

The Hawks led by 15 points in the second quarter before Warriors outscored them 41-20 in the third, 18 of which came from Curry.

The 33-year-old added 10 assists to give him his first double-double in a 50-point game.

Guard Trae Young scored a team-high 28 points for the Hawks.

Curry, who had been held to 20 or fewer points in four consecutive games, finished 14-for-28 from the field, nine-for-19 on three-point attempts and 13-for-13 at the foul line as the Western Conference leaders improved their record to 9-1.

The two-time MVP became just the third player in Warriors history to hit 50 points and 10 assists in the same game after Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry, while it was the 10th 50-point game of Curry's career.

DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points as Chicago Bulls

ended Brooklyn Nets' fivegame winning streak with an impressive 118-95 victory.

DeRozan hit 10 of 20 shots as he contributed at least 25 points for the fifth game in a row.

Los Angeles Lakers returned to winning ways as Anthony Davis scored six of his 32 points in overtime to secure a 126-123 win against Charlotte Hornets.

Carmelo Anthony netted 29 points off the bench while Russell Westbrook had a triple-double with 17 points 12 rebounds 14 assists as Lakers won for the first time since losing star player LeBron James to an abdominal injury.

Nikola Jokic had 25 points 15 rebounds 10 assists for his first triple-double of

the season but was ejected late in the game as Denver Nuggets saw off Miami Heat 113-96.

Nuggets centre Jokic reacted angrily to a foul by Markieff Morris and that led to both players being ejected.

Cameron Payne scored a joint career-best 24 points off the bench to help Phoenix Suns beat Sacramento Kings 109-104 for their fifth successive win.

Dallas Mavericks cruised past New Orleans Pelicans with a 108-92 win, while Ja Morant scored 33 as Memphis Grizzlies beat Minnesota Timberwolves 125-118 in overtime and Julius Randle hit 31 to lift New York Knicks to a 10396 win over Philadelphia 76ers. (BBC Sport)

MONDAY'S NBA RESULTS Philadelphia 76ers 96-103 New York Knicks Chicago Bulls 118-95 Brooklyn Nets Memphis Grizzlies 125-118 Minnesota Timberwolves (OT) Dallas Mavericks 108-92 New Orleans Pelicans Golden State Warriors 127-113 Atlanta Hawks Denver Nuggets 113-96 Miami Heat Sacramento Kings 104-109 Phoenix Suns Los Angeles Lakers 126-123 Charlotte Hornets (OT)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 10, 2021

I expected it – Faf du Plessis details his opinion on T20 World Cup snub FAF du Plessis is one of the most loved and celebrated players in world cricket.

Hence, when he was not picked for the South African squad which participated in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, there were a number of people who were disappointed. However, the former Proteas skipper has said that he had expected the move.

The right-handed batter had quit the red-ball cricket in early 2021 in order to keep his entire focus on T20 cricket. At the time of announcing his retirement from Tests, he had stated that he wants to play T20 franchise cricket around the globe in order to get himself prepared for the T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022.

However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not picked him even once in their whiteball teams since that announcement. The fact that he had at his best Indian Premier League (IPL) season this year

Faf du Plessis, who was not picked by SA in T20 WC despite a great IPL season, said he saw the snub coming

with the bat puts another question mark on why the CSA resisted bringing him back. He ended as the second-highest run-getter with 633 runs, which included a 86 run knock in the final.

However, in a recent interaction, the 37-year-old has expressed that he knew from before that he is not going to the World Cup in the UAE. “I expected it. When I wasn’t selected for the Sri Lankan tour, my expectations were that I wasn’t going to go to the World Cup, even though my performances in the IPL were exceptional,” du Plessis was quoted by Times Live.

Speaking on his IPL performance, he said, “I don’t think that mattered because they had already decided they would pick a team that was playing together in all the games leading up to the World Cup. There is a lot more to it but I knew that that I was not going to go to the World Cup.” The prolific run-getter further stated that he is focusing just on upcoming T20 leagues. He has featured in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL) and was due to feature in The Hun-

Brathwaite back at Birmingham Bears as T20 Blast captain EDGBASTON, England – West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has returned to Birmingham Bears as the team’s T20 overseas player and men’s team captain for the entire Vitality Blast campaign in 2022.

The Barbadian, who has helped the Bears to a first quarter-final in four years in his debut Blast season with the club, will be available for all group games and the knockout stages, should the Bears qualify for the quarter-finals and subsequently Finals Day at their home ground of Edgbaston.

Braithwaite was the leading wicket-taker for the Bears in the 2021 Vitality Blast, taking 18 scalps at an average of 17.61.

He scored 183 runs with the bat, including 52 in an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 104 with Sam Hain, to secure a home win over local rivals Worcestershire Rapids, and smashed 44 off 18 balls in the 18-run win

over Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge.

“I’ve loved being a Bear,” said Brathwaite. “There’s a lot of talent in the dressing room and we showed last year that we can beat any team in the competition on our day.

“Edgbaston is a very special place to play at and it was great to get a taste of the atmosphere last year.

Hopefully we can welcome thousands more fans to get the Eric Hollies Stand rocking next year and make Edgbaston the real fortress for the Bears which it’s renowned for.”

Warwickshire’s director of cricket Paul Farbrace said the management team believes that Brathwaite’s taking over as T20 skipper removes some pressure from Will Rhodes as club captain.

“Will can play with a lot more freedom as a result,” he said. “Carlos gets exactly what we are trying to achieve in T20 cricket. We want to play brave and entertaining

cricket. That gets the crowd excited, and there’s never a dull moment with Carlos with either bat or ball in his hand. He’s a match-winner.”

Farbrace added that since joining earlier this year, the all-rounder has been a great addition to the dressing room and he is popular with all of the squad.

Brathwaite has captained West Indies and the Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

“His experience of playing and winning some of the biggest, short form tournaments in the world has been invaluable in supporting the development of our young players,” the cricket director added.

Bears’ fixtures for the 2022 season are set to be released by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) later this year with all Vitality Blast group games being played between late May and early July, before Finals Day on July 16.

dred, which he missed due to an injury. He could also feature in the Big Bash League’s upcoming season.

Asked if he feels that he could feature in the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup in

Australia, du Plessis seemed less optimistic and more realistic about his answer. “For me, it is about doing what I like which is playing cricket and I have the opportunity to play around the world.

“It is a question that is very difficult for me to answer in terms of yes or no, but the fact that I wasn’t at the T20 World Cup suggests no,” he added. (Cric Tracker)

30

BCB hosts successful Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh mini cricket academy for youths in New Amsterdam/Canje area

The fifty youths at the BCB mini cricket academy pose with their coaches.

A TOTAL of fifty youth cricketers drawn from seven clubs in the New Amsterdam/Canje area last Sunday participated in a one-day mini cricket academy at Canje Ground as the vibrant Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) pushed ahead with its countywide coaching programme.

The mini academy is the first of four that would be held during the month of November and a total of about two hundred Under-19 players are expected to benefit from the extensive coaching sessions.

The one-day session was conducted by a panel of coaches, headed by Level Three coach Winston Smith.

Other coaches present were Leslie Solomon, Balram Samaroo and Gregory Crandon. The administrative aspect of the academy was taken care of by BCB executives Ameer Rahaman, Neil Rudder and Lyken

Edwards.

BCB president Hilbert Foster was also present for a part of the day and congratulated the coaches on a job well done.

Foster shared that the academy marked the start of the county’s preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board (BCB) intercounty junior tournaments.

Berbice, he stated, aims to win all the titles and produce the majority of players on the national teams.

Mini academies would be held over the next three Sundays in West Berbice, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne respectively with fifty youths in attendance at each.

The same set of youths from the Saturday before would also be involved in a one-day special social skills seminar, to improve them socially and to prepare them to represent the county as ambassadors.

Head coach Winston

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 10, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Josh Hazlewood (2) WI/SL/ENG Today’s Quiz: (1) How many dismissals wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin effected in T20 World Cup cricket?

(2) How many times Shiv Chanderpaul opened the batting with Chris Gayle in T20 World Cup matches?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Smith disclosed that the coaches placed special emphasis on physical fitness, ground fielding, wicket-keeping, spinning the ball, run-ups for fast bowlers, running between the wickets and hitting the ball along the ground.

The BCB, since the election of the Foster-led executive, has invested heavily into coaching and the educational aspects of their players. Hundreds of youths have directly benefitted from the countywide Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme and the hosting of academies.

The GCB had last month donated 10 coaching kits to BCB and they are being used at the sessions.

BCB Public Relations Officer, Simon Naidu, expressed confidence that all the sessions over the next three weeks would be successful and well attended.

He stated that a lot of hard work is being done behind the scenes to make sure that all of the board’s objectives are achieved.

He hailed the hard work and cooperation that existed among the executives of the board and its coaching staff.

The two days’ activities in each sub-association are been sponsored by BCB Patron Vickram Bharrat and overseas-based Guyanese medical doctor, Tulsi Dyal Singh.

All the sessions, Naidu stated, would be played under very strict COVID-19 guidelines and any player who fails to follow the rules would be subjected to disciplinary actions by the board.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 10, 2021

Yorkshire suspends head coach Andrew Gale for tweet he sent in 2010 … UK government ready to step in YORKSHIRE head coach Andrew Gale has been suspended as part of an investigation into a tweet he sent in 2010.

The Jewish News reported Gale, then club captain, sent a now-deleted tweet containing an anti-Semitic slur to former Leeds United head of media Paul Dews.

In a statement, the club said Gale, 37, is "currently suspended pending a disciplinary hearing" and "will make a further statement once this process has been completed".

Gale told Jewish News he was "completely unaware" of the offensive nature of the term and deleted the tweet as soon as he was made aware.

He made 156 first-class appearances for the club before giving up the club captaincy and ended his playing career at the age of 32 in order to take up the coaching role.

The club has also confirmed Martyn Moxon, their director of cricket, is absent from work because of a "stress-related illness" and "will be given the necessary

support".

It is the latest development in a string of racism allegations concerning the club.

Earlier yesterday, the UK government said it is ready to "step in" if Yorkshire and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) do not take "real action" following the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal.

A report found former Yorkshire player Rafiq was a victim of "racial harassment and bullying" but the county said it would not discipline anyone.

Rafiq detailed his experiences at Yorkshire, which left him close to taking his own life, for the first time in September 2020.

In September 2021, a year after the former player went public with his allegations, Yorkshire released its own summary findings of the report and subsequently said no-one would be disciplined.

But the investigation was widely criticised after it reportedly found a racist term about Rafiq's Pakistani heritage was regularly used towards him while at the club

Andrew Gale became Yorkshire's head coach in 2016

and concluded it was "friendly and good-natured banter".

Chairman Roger Hutton resigned last Friday, and on Monday, Lord Patel took over, apologising to Rafiq and praising his "bravery" as a whistleblower.

Also on Monday, ex academy player Irfan Amjad said he was racially abused by a member of staff as a 16-year-old, while Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has also alleged racism at Yorkshire, saying "saying "systematic taunting" occurred at the club. (BBC Sport)

ICC announces match officials for semi-finals of T20 World Cup 2021 AFTER finishing up the league stages of T20 World Cup 2021, the tournament has moved to the semi-finals round and the draws have already been decided for the games. While England and New Zealand will lock horns in the first semi, Pakistan will see Australia in the second semi-final of the T20 WC 2021.

Moving up with the preparations of the gala event, the match officials have been decided for both the events.

The first match will see Marais Erasmus and Kumar Dharmasena as the on-field umpires with Nitin Menon as the third umpire. Paul Reiffel will view the match as the fourth umpire and David Boon will be acting as the match referee.

The second semi-final of the T20 World Cup will see action between Pakistan and Australia which is set to be officiated by Richard

Umpire Marais Erasmus

Kettleborough and Chris Gaffaney. The third umpire will be Joel Wilson while Richard Illingworth will be the fourth umpire of the game. Jeff Crowe has been appointed as the match referee.

It has to be noted that the appointment of the final match officials will be taken a call on after the semi-fi-

nals. The final of the T20 World Cup is set to take place in Dubai on November 14. The two semi-finals have been decided for today and tomorrow.

The T20 World Cup 2021 was all set to take place in India before it moved to the UAE by BCCI due to the COVID-19 scare in the Asian nation. However, the hosting rights remained with the BCCI and they have remained so far successful in hosting the tournament with no scare of COVID-19 in the gulf nation. The tournament is being played under a strict bio-bubble wherein regular testing keeps taking place.

The next edition of T20 WC will see action in Australia and the eight teams have already qualified for the Super 12 stage. While Bangladesh have moved into the top eight, West Indies have slipped from the top eight slots as per the current performances.

(CricTracker)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 10, 2021

Construction of a ‘home for football’ earmarked for early 2022 THE aim of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is to begin construction of a facility of international standard by March 2022.

Such facility will house a pitch for international football along with practice facilities and mini-pitches for community usage on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

According to an article published by News Room on Monday, GFF president Wayne Forde estimated the cost of the facility to be no less than US$6 million and significant works can begin at the land, which is west of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall,, only when further works are completed at the National Training Centre at Providence, as approved by FIFA. “The actual construction of the facility is going to take place at the end of the first quarter of 2022 I believe because by then we will probably have the lighting up here

at Providence, the dorms will be fully functional, the gym will be activated and all the facilities that are considered necessary for the venue to be deemed a functioning technical centre will be in place,” Forde expressed in the News Room article.

The GFF president felt the facility might not be to the magnitude of modern football stadiums, but it will be a quality facility that can host international matches and have a capacity of approximately 10 000 to 12 000.

He added, “We want to use that space to develop the best possible international facility. Saying Football Stadium would be a stretch - but I think we can develop a venue that can easily put 10 to 12 thousand persons in the venue at any one time.”

The D’Urban Park Football Complex, which the Federation acquired on a 25-year lease, will house an interna-

GFF president Wayne Forde

tional-quality football-sized pitch, two mini-pitches, and new headquarters for the Guyana Football Federation.

While funding for the project will primarily come from FIFA, the GFF president is hoping for significant support from government and also commercial partners to aid in the maintenance of the facility.

The plot of land west of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, where the international football facility is expected to be built (Photo: News Room/Reaaz Mathura/November 2021)

Regional coaches build knowledge in face-to-face components of CWI High Performance Coach Programme ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has reported that the next stage of its High Performance Coach Programme has been successfully delivered as part of its development and investment strategy to upgrade and upskill coaches across the region.

Several coaches from across the region participated in the week-long event at the end of October at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua. It was delivered on the back of five online modules leading into the event.

The latest stage involved face-to-face practical components to build coaches’ knowledge. In addition to the technical basics of elite cricket, topics included Leadership, Programme Management, Communication, Skill Acquisition as well as Visual Technology and Data Analysis. One of the highlights was a bowling masterclass with iconic fast bowler Courtney Walsh, who is the head coach of the West Indies Women’s Team.

Legendary West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was among the participants and he was very positive about the programme.

“It is a lot of information being passed on. There are so many different and informative things, which we have gone through in this High Performance Level 3 coaching course and I am very

CWI Coach Development Manager, Chris Brabazon

happy to be participating. It is very beneficial for all of us; this is where coaching is going, and it is very necessary that we are aware and equipped to be able to share the knowledge to our players,” he said.

Several other former international players participated, including: Nikita Miller, Garey Mathurin, Vishal Singh, Ryan Austin, and Rayad Emrit.

This is the first-ever locally planned and delivered High-Performance Coach Programme (Level 3) CWI which forms a key part of the ‘Cricket First’ strategic plan, which includes investment in building coaching depth and quality across the region, especially considering the vital role coaches play in developing cricketers’ skills across all age groups and abilities both on and off the field.

The High-Performance (Level 3) programme has

Legendary West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was among the participants

been designed by CWI Coach Development Manager, Chris Brabazon, in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI).

It provides a number of the region’s best coaches with opportunities to further learn and develop contemporary coaching philosophies and techniques that will allow them to thrive in the high-performance environment of the West Indies Cricket Pathway.

The rigorous, holistic accreditation also consists of online discussions, tutorials, and ongoing mentoring.

The course was delivered by CWI’s High-Performance staff, in conjunction with UWI representatives, to provide participants with unprecedented access to best practice case studies and frameworks from the elite levels of West Indies cricket and beyond.

Thompson-Herah NACAC’s Athlete-of-the-Year KINGSTON, Jamaica – The North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Associations (NACAC) have named double-double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah as one of their Athletes-of-the-Year.

Thompson-Herah, 29, experienced historic moments during the 2021 global track and field season when she won two individual gold medals at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Her 100-metre victory came in an Olympic record time

of 10.61 seconds, while her 200-metre victory four days later set a national record time of 21.53 seconds.

She then won her third gold medal at the Games by winning the 4x100m relay for Jamaica.

Then Thompson-Herah turned her attention to the Wanda Diamond League.

At the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, she drove 10.54 seconds to win the women’s 100m, lowering the national record of 10.63 seconds set by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce earlier this

summer. Her time is the second fastest in history behind the late American Florence Griffith-Joyner (Flo Jo), whose 10.49 seconds is the world record since 1988.

Thompson-Herah followed suit, taking her seventh diamond in Zurich, Switzerland, winning the 100m final in 10.65 seconds.

HER LEGACY Only five women this century have finished a season with the fastest times over 100m and 200m. At the start of the season, four of

those five were Jamaicans.

And that season, Thompson-Herah became the first woman to repeat that feat after her success in 2016.

It fell below the 10.80 mark 15 times. Only Fraser-Pryce has more such runs.

But Thompson-Herah is the queen of runs under 10.70, with four of them, even more than Flo Jo Thompson Herah, Fraser-Pryce and bronze medallist Shericka Jackson completed the women’s 100m medal podium in Tokyo, and they have completed 34 runs

Jamaica's Elaine Thompson-Herah celebrates after winning the women's 100m event of the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting ‘Weltklasse’ in Zurich, Switzerland, in meet record 10.65 seconds in this September 9, 2021 file photo (Photo: AFP)

under 11 seconds this year.

American shot putter Ryan Crouser is the other NACAC Athlete-of-theYear.

He holds both world records and last season reset the standard in men’s shot put indoors and outdoors. The 28-year-old American champion also won the NACAC Indoor Male Athlete-of-the-Year, followed by gold at the Tokyo Olympics and the Diamond League trophy.

(Extracted from Jamaica Gleaner)

U20 Golden Jaguars in must-win game today against Nicaragua PAGE

27

Omari Glasgow #10 in action for Guyana against the USVI in Group D of the CONCACAF Men´s Under-20 qualifying at Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal

Holding tells discrimination victims 'now Jamaica given green light is your time to host 2022 CARIFTA Games to be heard' Jamaica last hosted the CARIFTA Games in 2011

WEST Indies great Michael Holding has urged individuals to "share your story" of discrimination in cricket as a wide-ranging inquiry begins.

It follows criticism of how Yorkshire handled racism and bullying allegations made by former player Azeem Rafiq.

The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) has opened a call for evidence from the elite and grassroots game.

"Now is your time to be heard," said Holding.

An online survey opened yesterday with submissions invited until December 21.

Written evidence can also be submitted to the commission, with more information on how to do so to be shared on its website next month.

Equality campaigner Holding said: "This is a game that I love and have dedicated my life to.

"I urge anyone who has experienced racism, sexism, elitism, or any kind of unfair treatment in cricket, anyone who has a story to share about being included, welcomed, or supported to respond to the commission's call for evidence.

"Now is your time to be heard, to share your story and be a part of the change the game so desperately needs."

Cindy Butts, chair of the ICEC, said the call for evidence came at "a timely moment" given the attention on Yorkshire's handling of the Rafiq investigation.

"We know he is not the only one. The commission is new but the issue is not new," she told BBC Sport.

"We will be absolutely unflinching in holding a mirror up to cricket and saying 'this is what it feels like for people who are involved', whether they are coaches, players, former players, fans, volunteers." (BBC Sport)

FOLLOWING the cancellation of the CARIFTA GAMES in Bermuda earlier this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica is in line to host the Games during the Easter weekend in 2022.

The development comes as Garth Gayle, president of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) announced at the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Special Congress on Saturday that Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange has given a green light to the Games.

According to Gayle, Minister Grange is of

the view that hosting the CARIFTA GAMES would be an ideal fit with the government’s plans for a year-long celebration of the country’s Diamond Jubilee as an independent nation.

The CARIFTA GAMES was scheduled to be held in Bermuda earlier this year but was eventually cancelled because of spikes in the spread of the COVID-19 virus in that country. Usually held during the Easter weekend, the Games was first moved to July 2-4 and then to August 13-15 before it was eventually cancelled in May. (Sportsmax)

Construction of a ‘home for football’ earmarked 31 for early 2022

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021